2023 National Outdoor Conference

Anyone and everyone involved in national, territory, council, district, and unit outdoor program delivery. That means Scout Executives, directors of support services, program directors, rangers, camp directors, council presidents, council board members, district committee members and council program vice presidents. Anyone who chairs a committee on council and district camping, properties, conservation, aquatics, COPE/climbing, or shooting sports should also plan to attend, as should properties chairpersons and other volunteers or professionals responsible for delivery of outdoor programs and property management.

This year’s conference will focus on three key areas. These include:

1. Properties 2.0: Property utilization, maintenance and short and long range planning. Building exceptional experiences requires exceptional properties and a look toward the future. Sessions on this track will provide councils with a look at the future of BSA camping and what is currently happening in the property management industry.

2. Growing the BSA Culture of Safety in the Outdoors. Safety is a value in the BSA. How do you manifest this in your outdoor programs? Sessions on this track will help councils identify, analyze, and mitigate risks to prevent harm in their outdoor programs.  
3. Delivering Relevant and Exceptional Outdoor Programs – Intentional camp and outdoor programming lead to exceptional outdoor experiences. Sessions on this track will share proven practices from across the BSA in all outdoor programs: Long-term camp, Short-term camp, Day Camp, Aquatics, COPE & Climbing, Outdoor Ethics and Conservation, Treks, and Range and Target Sports.

Exhibit Area

Take advantage of the exhibit tent to meet with camping vendors and other event sponsors from across the country. The exhibit venue will open on Wednesday at 2 p.m. and remain open through dinner, giving participants ample time to investigate all of the products and services showcased by a wide variety of companies. The exhibit area will also be open on Thursday from midmorning through an extended lunch period. See products from outdoor equipment vendors, outdoor agencies, and many of the BSA’s national volunteer outdoor program committees. Many exhibits will include a hands-on opportunity to test gear and equipment.

Networking

Set up meeting with your friends and colleagues from across the country in the BSA camping community.

Guest Speakers

Guest speakers will offer keynote style address in addition to some great elective sessions. 

Enjoy Philmont

Many exciting and informative adventures are available on Saturday afternoon, September 30, to see and experience Philmont and New Mexico. Participants may take advantage of a variety of options at Philmont, visit local museums, or sightsee around northeastern New Mexico. You will sign up officially on-site during the event. You can take a day hike to one of the Philmont landmarks, cast your line for trout in a swift-flowing mountain stream, or saddle up for a high-altitude horseback ride. Perhaps you’d like to take one of several backcountry drives through the mountains to see some of Philmont’s historic camps and spectacular scenery. Or, closer to civilization, you can tour Philmont’s base camp facilities and the famous Villa Philmonte, which was the summer home of Waite Phillips. Or take an  operational tour with maintenance experts to learn what goes into keeping the world’s largest camp running. A whole smorgasbord of interesting events will be available for your selection. 

Conference Attire

Casual dress and western wear are perfect for this conference. Denim is always welcome at Philmont!

Climate

September in New Mexico offers crisp nights and warm days. An early season snowfall is not out of the question, but is rare. Bring layered clothing that will allow you to  adjust for daytime temperatures in the 60s or 70s and nighttime temperatures in the 20s or 30s.

Transportation

Philmont Scout Ranch is located near Cimarron in northeastern New Mexico. Major airports serving the region are located in Albuquerque (220 miles), Colorado Springs (190 miles), and Denver (270 miles).

There are Amtrak and Greyhound stations located in Raton, New Mexico (45 miles). Ample parking is available for private or rental vehicles. Shuttle service will be provided from the Raton, New Mexico, Amtrak or Greyhound stations for $50 round-trip. Click here to sign up for the Philmont Raton Shuttle. 

For those wanting to share rides, we will provide contact information of anyone who can take riders or who also wants to share rides from and to the Denver and Albuquerque airports. Please indicate on your online registration if you are  interested in carpooling opportunities.

Facilities and Meals

Most conference activities and meals will be held at the Philmont Training Center (PTC). Meals begin with dinner on September 27 and conclude with breakfast on October 1 (11 meals total). Please indicate any special dietary needs you may have in the dietary needs section of your online registration.

Present at the Conference! Would you like to present at the National Outdoor Conference? Fill out the Request for Proposals here. Sessions must focus on one of the above topics. See the RFP link for complete details. 

A list of elective sessions will be provided in advance of the conference.