Preserve the Wilderness
Philmont is a magnificent wilderness camping area with an immense network of
trails and camps tied together by service roads designed for service and
protection of both campers and land.
Since 1938, thousands of young people have enjoyed the great scenic beauty of
Philmont's mountain terrain and experienced the unique and memorable programs of
its staffed camps. However, in the past, a number of inconsiderate and impolite
Scout campers employing improper camping methods have marred certain areas of
this magnificent land. Consequently, Philmont asks all campers and their
advisers to commit themselves to good Scout camping and genuine wilderness
understanding.
Each camper and adviser will be asked to sign the Philmont Wilderness Pledge,
which declares that he or she will do everything possible to preserve the beauty
and wonder of the Philmont wilderness and facilities through good Scout camping.
It is expected that Philmont campers will carry this pledge to all camping areas
that they might visit throughout America.
Wilderness Pledge
The major areas of emphasis involved in the Philmont Wilderness Pledge are:
Litter and Graffiti
Each camper should make sure that all trails and campsites are left neat and clean,
including Camping Headquarters shower and tent areas.
While litter can be picked up, graffiti often permanently defaces BSA property and
detracts from the Philmont experience. Do not contribute to this problem.
Wildlife
Respect Philmont's wildlife and livestock. Follow all guidelines regarding food
handling and trash disposal. Never feed or harass wild animals.
Water
You are in a land where water is scarce and very precious. Conservation and wise
use of water have been practiced since the first person entered this land. Use water
properly; never bathe or do laundry or dishes in or near a spring or stream. Do not
disturb or throw rocks in springs, or touch any solar pumps. They are easily damaged
and the flow of water can be disrupted. Everyone needs water, and you should leave
each spring and stream as clean as you found it.
Trails
Pledge to respect Philmont trails. Do not cut green boughs or trees, or mark on
them. Do not cut across switchbacks, and do not alter or change trail signs.
Campsites
Each crew is responsible for leaving a neat and orderly campsite, whether it
be in Camping Headquarters, staffed camps, or non-staffed camps. Your campsite
should be left litter-free with its latrine and sump clean. Fires, if permitted,
must be left DEAD OUT and then cleaned of debris before you leave. Do not trench
tents; pitch them on high ground. You should respect the feelings of those crews
camping near you and those that will come after you.
Philmont serves over 20,000 Scouts, Venturers, and leaders each year.
Consequently, some trails and camps are subjected to heavy use. Nevertheless, it
is not the wear of so many pairs of boots that mars Philmont. It is the
carelessness and thoughtlessness of inconsiderate campers. It is our sincere hope
that through your commitment to the Philmont Wilderness Pledge, Philmont will
always remain a beautiful and clean place to enjoy high adventure.
Artifacts
Philmont is a natural outdoor biological, geological, archaeological,
and historical laboratory and museum. Countless varieties of rocks,
plants, and animals are found here, as well as abundant evidence of past
human habitation from prehistoric Indians (arrowheads, pot shards,
grinding stones, etc.) to old mining camps (bottles, cans, equipment,
cabins, etc.).
Specimens of plants, animals, or artifacts, such as mentioned above,
are to be observed and left where you discover them, not collected and
removed from Philmont. Reports of discoveries are helpful in
reconstructing Philmont's archaeological and historical past. These
should be put in writing and left at the Philmont Museum.