Individual Programs

In addition to regular expeditions for crews of seven to 12 members, Philmont offers several special programs that are available to individuals and smaller groups:

Trail Crew Trek: The Trail Crew Trek Program (TCT) is an exciting new program at Philmont Scout Ranch. This 14-day experience will help prepare participants to develop a path that will help them achieve the William T. Hornaday Silver Award upon return to their homes.

Rayado Trek: Older Scouts and Venturers who have mastered basic outdoor skills should consider applying for the challenging and selective Rayado Trek program. Rayado is unparalleled for developing outdoor leadership, group dynamics, wilderness problem-solving, and advanced outdoor skills. Participants will experience more of Philmont's backcountry and will have program opportunities not available to expedition campers.

R.O.C.S. (Roving Outdoor Conservation School): The Roving Outdoor Conservation School is an exciting program for Scouts and Venturers who have an interest in conservation and natural resource management. Each crew will participate in activities in some of the following areas: forestry, fire ecology, fisheries management, wildlife management, geology, watershed management, and range management.

Mountain Treks: Mountain Treks are six-day hiking expeditions through Philmont's wilderness backcountry. Groups of five to 10 young people (male or female crews) are led by experienced rangers into the backcountry wilderness. Treks begin each Sunday and coincide with the Philmont Training Center conference schedule.

National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience: The National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) is the ultimate in training experiences for youth leaders. It is conducted for older Scouts who have the potential for being on the staff of the council junior leader training or youth leader training conference.

Order of the Arrow Trail Crew: This program is a 14-day experience for Arrowmen to join together in cheerful service and the formation of lasting brotherhood on the trails at Philmont. Under the direction of the Philmont conservation department, experienced Philmont staff members with strong Order of the Arrow backgrounds will lead participants.

Ranch Hands: Ranch Hands is a program for Scouts and Venturers who have knowledge of horsemanship and horse care and want to expand their skills and experience. After an eight-day work session, the Ranch Hands crew embarks on an eight-day Cavalcade under the leadership of a horseman and wrangler.

PhilBreak: Under the direction of experienced Philmont staff members, participants will take part in a weeklong service-based program. Participants will work eight or nine hours each day in all conditions; the work is strenuous but fun. Everyone will appreciate the opportunity to give meaningful service to the ranch, form lasting friendships, and develop leadership skills.

For additional information about any of these special individual Philmont experiences, please contact Philmont Scout Ranch at 505-376-2281 or camping@philmontscoutranch.org. (For information about Mountain Treks, contact the Training Center at 505-376-2281 or trainingcenter@philmontscoutranch.org.)