Your Week at Philmont

Every week at Philmont is different. As conferences, the weather, and the needs of your family change, we do our best to help you have a fun-filled family adventure. Please understand that there is so much to see and do at Philmont, there is no way you can do it all in one visit.

What's a typical week like at the Philmont Training Center? Here is a brief overview.

Sunday

Sunday between 1 P.M. and 5 P.M. is check-in. As you leave the village of Cimarron on Hwy. 21, you soon enter Philmont property. Look for Philmont's herd of buffalo (bison) in the pasture on the right. If the buffalo aren't there, you can still enjoy the view of some of Philmont's mountains.

Continue along the highway until you pass the homes of Philmont's year-round employees and the Ranch Administration area. Then, watch for the sign that says "Philmont Training Center" and turn left. Catch a glimpse of the Villa Philmonte on your right as you head up Orchard Circle. At the Welcome Wagon, a member of Philmont's staff greets you and guides you to your assigned tent city. The Tent City staff can direct you then to the place where you meet the faculty, check into you conference, and turn in your medical forms.

The rest of the afternoon is family time. Get moved into your tent and relax, or enjoy Philmont's museums, go to the Trading Post, or head back into Cimarron and see the sights. After dinner, you are encouraged to attend a worship service at Camping Headquarters (services are offered there every night at 7), or a non-denominational service at the PTC Chapel. Then it is time for the Philmont staff to entertain you and introduce themselves at the opening program.

Monday

Your first full day at Philmont will be a busy one. After breakfast, your children meet with their Group Leaders on the Greensward and all adults gather in the Assembly Hall for a quick orientation meeting. Be sure to wear your Scout uniforms, as pictures are taken for family groups as well as conference groups. After the orientation, spouses meet to learn about their activities, while the conference participants head to their classrooms for the beginning of a great week.

Monday evening after dinner is time for family handicraft night, and a cracker barrel in the tent city offices.

Tuesday

After taking your children (and/or your spouse) to their Group Leaders on the Greensward, head back to your conference room for another great day of learning and discussions. Tuesday evening participants gather for a Buffalo Barbecue and an evening of Western games, branding, and Western dancing.

Wednesday

Wednesday is family day, and you can enjoy Philmont and the surrounding area. Most of the conferences are planned to give you all day off with your family; others meet only in the morning, giving you the afternoon off. Family Program is offered only if the conference is in session. Wednesday night is Movie Night.

Thursday

On Thursday it is back to conferences and group activities. Some of our program groups enjoy activities away from PTC and eat their lunch "on the trail." Thursday night is the second edition of family handicraft night so you can finish all those projects you started earlier in the week, along with other Tent City activities.

Friday

Friday is the last day for conferences and family program. All family program groups perform Friday evening at the closing program ... most folks get a tear in their eye when we sing the Philmont Hymn and realize it's time to leave Philmont in the morning..

Saturday

Saturday is time to pack up, say adios to your new Philmont friends, and head home.