Adult Positions
Reservation Contact – The adult who books the initial Philmont reservation for one or more crews; is responsible for sending timely reservation payments to Philmont and often plays a major role in helping the crew(s) plan and prepare for a successful Philmont trek. Sometimes the reservation contact is one of the crew Advisors but other times the reservation contact coordinates the entire reservation but never plans to participate. The reservation contact should share updates received from Philmont with other expedition Advisors.
Lead Advisor – Each Philmont crew has one designated Lead Advisor. This adult organizes their crew and enters information for each crew member into the online “Philmont Camping Gateway” prior to arriving at Philmont. In addition to participant information, the Lead Advisor also submits their planned Philmont arrival and departure travel information online.
Advisors – Main responsibility is crew safety. They positively support the Crew Leader and let the Crew Leader lead the crew. They provide motivation to the crew and help settle disputes.
Philmont Camping Gateway - Youth Crew Roles
When your crew’s Lead Advisor is adding youth to your crew roster in the online Philmont Camping Gateway, one of the requirements is that one youth crew member be designated for each of the 3 leadership roles listed below.
Youth Positions
Crew Leader – Responsible for organizing the crew, assigning duties, making decisions, and recognizing the capabilities of each crew member. He/she leads by example and practices servant leadership to allow the crew to have an enjoyable and successful trek. The Crew Leader should have leadership capabilities that are respected by everyone and should be selected prior to the first shakedown hike. Successful Crew Leaders exhibit the following traits: positive attitude, attentiveness to all crew members’ needs, and the ability to identify and resolve conflicts before they develop into larger issues.
Chaplain’s Aide – Leads the crew in following the 12th point of the Scout Law. Helps the crew earn the Duty To God Award and leads daily devotionals from the Eagles Soaring High Booklet. Leads the crew in Thorns and Roses each night. The Chaplain’s Aide should be selected by the crew prior to the first shakedown hike. On the shakedown hikes, it is a great time to start Thorns and Roses with the crew. During Thorns and Roses, each crew member will say their rose (something they liked about the day), thorn (something they disliked about the day), and bud (what they are looking forward to tomorrow or in the near future). Each crew member should be allowed to talk uninterrupted to allow this exercise to facilitate crew bonding.
Wilderness Pledge Guia (Guide) – Helps the crew understand and follow the principles of the Philmont Wilderness Pledge and Leave No Trace. Helps the crew earn the Wilderness Pledge Achievement Award with the help of the Ranger. The Philmont Wilderness Pledge reads as follows:
Through good Scout camping, I pledge to preserve the beauty and splendor of the Philmont wilderness.
I commit myself to:
- An absence of litter and graffiti
- Respect for wildlife
- Conservation and proper use of water
- Respect for trails and trail signs
- Proper use of campsites
The seven principles of Leave No Trace are:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
The Wilderness Pledge Guia should be selected by the crew prior to the first shakedown hike and should help the crew follow these two wilderness ethics both at home and at Philmont.