Earn the Arrowhead—Leave Your Mark on Philmont!
Give back to the land and become part of Philmont’s legacy
To earn the coveted Arrowhead Award and patch, every participant—Scout, Venturer, or Advisor—gets the chance to roll up their sleeves and make a real difference through three hours of hands-on conservation work, guided by Philmont’s expert Conservation Staff.
Your crew’s itinerary will include a dedicated backcountry project site, where you might build trails through rugged terrain, battle erosion, clear forest fuels to prevent wildfires, or restore wildlife habitat. It’s not just service—it’s legacy-building, and a chance to give back to the land that gives so much in return.
Conservation projects are assigned by time slot
- 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM
- 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
- 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Get Your Hands Dirty—Conservation in Action
When your crew arrives at the conservation site for your scheduled three-hour project, you’ll be greeted by a member of Philmont’s Conservation Staff. They’ll kick things off with an overview of the project goals, tasks, and—most importantly—safety procedures and equipment. After the briefing, tools are distributed and it’s time to get to work alongside the staff.
What to Expect
The work is physically demanding but incredibly rewarding—and yes, it can be a lot of fun! You might be cutting trees, moving rocks, or building new trail through some of the most scenic areas on the Ranch. It’s a chance to experience land stewardship firsthand, learning how trails are built, how habitats are restored, and what it takes to keep the wilderness healthy for future generations.
Along the way, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Philmont’s ecology and infrastructure—and you’ll leave behind a legacy that might just outlast your boot prints.
Contact the Conservation Department about scheduling your project.
