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2025 National Outdoor Conference

  • Philmont Training Center
Join fellow Scouters and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country to learn new methods, share ideas, and check out the latest in outdoor gear and programs

National Outdoor Conference

September 17-21, 2025 (Conference)

The National Outdoor Conference is a biennial event that features speaker sessions, keynote events led by distinguished industry experts, peer-to-peer informal discussion groups, and many other learning opportunities.  All participants will enjoy the chance to experience a small part of the outdoor adventures Philmont offers. 

The 2025 National Outdoor Conference will be held September 17-21, 2025. Sign up for email alerts above to be informed when more details are shared.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!  SEE BELOW.

Details of the Event

The National Outdoor Conference is Scouting’s largest biennial conference for volunteers and professionals charged with delivering the world’s greatest outdoor program for youth! The National Outdoor Conference features elective sessions, keynote speakers, vendor exhibits, and fellowship with Scouting’s top outdoor leaders.

Join fellow Scouters and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country to learn new methods, share ideas, and check out the latest in outdoor gear and programs. This is the conference to take part in if you are involved in any way with outdoor programs and property management in Scouting America.

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, range & target activities or COPE/climbing 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 five key areas. These include:

  1. Leading Youth Safety Forward
    This track equips camp leaders with the knowledge and tools to make safety a top priority in all aspects of camp operations. Sessions will focus on best practices for safeguarding youth, enhancing staff training, and fostering a culture of physical, emotional, and mental safety at camp.

  2. Change and Improve the Way We Work Together
    Focusing on collaboration, this track offers strategies to improving collaboration across all levels of the organization, including between local councils and camp operations.

  3. Make Our Programs Highly Relevant to Today’s Youth
    This track will explore ways to refresh camp programs to better align with the interests, values, and expectations of today’s youth. Sessions will provide actionable ideas for incorporating modern technology, innovative activities, and youth-driven programming into the outdoor experience.

  4. Broaden Our Appeal and Revitalize Our Brand
    This track helps camp leaders enhance outreach efforts and boost Scouting America camping and outdoor image within their communities, both internal and external. Participants will learn strategies for attracting a more diverse group of campers, engaging new audiences, and positioning their camp as a must-attend experience for youth.

  5. Strengthen Our Financial Position
    Designed for council and camp leadership looking to build financial sustainability, this track covers topics like increasing camp attendance, improving fundraising efforts, and maximizing resource efficiency. Leaders will leave with practical tools to secure their camp’s financial future.

Educational Sessions

  • Attend sessions on all things camping and outdoors.
  • Learn practical skills that you can take back to your local council and apply IMMEDIATELY.
  • Expand your reach in Scouting and learn some proven practices from across Scouting America.

Exhibit Area

Take advantage of the exhibit hall to meet with camping vendors and other event sponsors from across the country. See products from outdoor equipment vendors, outdoor agencies, and many of Scouting America’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 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 20th, 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 17th and conclude with breakfast on September 21st (11 meals total). Please indicate any special dietary needs you may have in the dietary needs section of your online registration.

Preconference Workshops

September 14-17, 2025

Preconference workshops will be held Sunday evening-Wednesday leading up to the start of the National Outdoor Conference. National Outdoor Conference registration is required to attend a preconference. Additional fees apply and include program supplies, lodging and meals.  Preconference courses will conclude no later than lunch on Wednesday, September 17th. 

Preconference Workshops Offered:

Speakers

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Michael Brandwein

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Kim Aycock

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Tom Rosenberg

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Michael Brandwein

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The National Camp Accreditation Program is one of the most important tools available to ensure a positive and safe outdoor experience for our Scouts and Scouters. Join the national NCAP committee for sessions throughout the preconference on every element on the NCAP process. All Council NCAP Chairs, Council NCAP Committees, Council members responsible for NCAP Authorizations, Assessors, Zone Coordinators, Camp Leadership are encourage to participate.

Join fellow Scouters and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country to learn new methods, share ideas, and check out the latest in outdoor gear and programs. This is the conference to take part in if you are involved in any way with outdoor programs and property management in Scouting America.

The Range & Target Activities Preconference is designed to empower local council Range & Target Activities operating committees with tools to elevate their programs. This immersive preconference offers a balanced blend of classroom sessions, engaging panel discussions, and hands-on practical experiences to help participants develop new skills and strategies for enriching range and target programming. Whether you are an experienced committee member or just getting your committee started, this event is tailored to provide insights and resources to enhance your impact.

 

Under the guidance of knowledgeable instructors, attendees will participate in some of Scouting America’s newer program offerings such as Sporting Arrows, Cowboy Action, Multi-gun Airsoft and Chalk Ball as well as trying new experiences that will expand existing program beyond merit badge instruction and open shots. These sessions are designed to build confidence and proficiency, ensuring participants leave ready to apply their knowledge back home.

Come to marketing boot camp and design and launch your camp’s marketing plan! A combination of smart branding and grassroot techniques will help you boost your camp attendance and reach potential staff. We will share tools and tricks that you can go back and put into action right away. For all staff and volunteers responsible for camp promotion.

This preconference program is designed as the primary fishing and fly-fishing training course to develop a national cadre of Certified Angling Instructors to bring quality fishing and fly-fishing instruction and programs to all Scouting America youth. The course includes comprehensive skills development, resource awareness and improvement, merit badge counselor instruction, fly-fishing instruction with focus on teaching others, information on how to improve the council camp fishing programs, plus opportunities for councils to offer fishing opportunities year-round and is ideal for those wishing to enhance the fishing program within their Scouting world and lead Scouts into the wonderful world of fishing and fly-fishing.

This provisional backpacking trek will combine a multiday backcountry adventure with guided discussions along the trail about Scouting America outdoor programs. This will be a great opportunity to connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. The route will not be strenuous; however, it will be remote, require walking and lifting, and have the potential for widely varying temperatures. Participants must have a current Annual Health and Medical Record, No. 680-001 (Parts A, B, and C), and meet Philmont’s backcountry requirements, including the height/weight restrictions—no exceptions. Prior physical conditioning is mandatory.

 

Participants must arrive on Saturday, September 13, for a shakedown, and provisioning. The trek will depart base camp on Sunday, September 14, and return after breakfast on September 17, just in time for the National Outdoor Conference.

Fee: $350 

The Safe Scouting Summit brings together national safety leaders, camp professionals, and risk management experts for three days of focused learning and collaboration. As the official SAFEty/Safeguarding pre-conference to the National Outdoor Conference, this event offers a unique opportunity to:

  • Deepen your understanding of program safety frameworks
  • Explore proven best practices in youth and adult risk management
  • Engage directly with Scouting’s top health & safety officers
  • Collaborate with peers to design safer Scouting experiences

Whether you oversee Council Service Territory (CST) or council-wide safety initiatives or manage health protocols at a local camp, you will leave prepared with new strategies, tools, and professional connections.

Pre-Conference Overview

Location: Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron, NM

Dates: September 14–17, 2025

Check-In: Sunday, September 14

Adjournment: Wednesday, September 17

Please Note: A separate registration is required for the National Outdoor Conference (NOC), which takes place immediately after the Safe Scouting Summit. 

Why Attend?

  1. Insights from National Leaders

Gain firsthand perspectives on emerging safety trends, insurance best practices, and incident-prevention strategies.

  1. Hands-On Workshops

Participate in interactive Safety Moment labs, PHA exercises, and Injury and Illness Prevention Program (I2P2) development sessions.

  1. Collaborative Networking

Engage in roundtable discussions with SAFE/Safeguarding CSTs, council ERM leads, camp directors, and health supervisors.

  1. Real-World Case Studies

Analyze past incidents, identify root causes, and develop prevention plans you can apply immediately.

  1. Ready-to-Use Tools

Leave with customizable checklists, hazard-analysis templates, and policy outlines aligned with Scouting America standards.

Breakout Session Topics

  • Culture of Safety in Scouting
  • Scouting America’s Insurance Program
  • Incident Reporting Procedures
  • Roles of CST, Council ERM & Health Supervisors
  • SAFE Checklist & Program Hazard Analysis (PHA)
  • NCAP, OSHA Standards & Camp Safety Protocols
  • I2P2 Planning and Implementation
  • Guide to Safe Scouting Deep Dive
  • Mental, Emotional & Social Health (MESH) in Youth Programs
  • Special Topics: Aquatics, Cub Scouts & High Adventure

Who Should Attend?

  • Ideal for those responsible for safety and risk in Scouting:
  • Council Service Territory, Council Risk Management, ERM & Health & Safety Officers
  • Camp Health Officers & High Adventure Leaders
  • Council Key 3, Vice Presidents & Professional Staff
  • Anyone committed to enhancing Scout safety

If safeguarding youth and adults in Scouting is your mission, the Safe Scouting Summit is for you.

Need Assistance?

Registration inquiries: ollie.burks@scouting.org

We look forward to seeing you at Philmont and working together to make Scouting safer for all!

 

Costs and Event Fees

Attendees can choose from several options for conference fees and housing. Roofed housing and “deluxe tent” options are limited. Register early if you are interested in these options. Housing is multiple person occupancy. Costs range from $325-$505 for the National Outdoor Conference depending on your housing choice. Preconference workshop costs vary. Individuals who register before July 1st will receive a special custom National Outdoor Conference gift.

Late Registrations and Cancellations:

A late fee of $50 will be added in each category for those registering after August 15, 2025. A $100 cancellation fee will apply if conference reservations are canceled after August 15, 2025.

CLICK HERE to register for National Outdoor Conference & Preconferences

Scouting America Safety Summit Registration:

This summit is held during the same dates as the National Outdoor Conference Preconferences (September 14-17) but requires a separate registration and fee.  If you wish to stay for the National Outdoor Conference after the Safety Summit, you must complete an additional NOC registration using the link above.

CLICK HERE to register for Scouting America Safety Summit

NOC 2025 Fees & Housing Options

Dates: 9/17/2025 – 9/21/2025

Tent Housing

Best Choice

Tent Housing

$385

  • Includes four nights lodging in a large two- person wall tent, single or double occupancy,  with electricity and camp-style bed and  mattress, plus meals, conference gift, and  supplies.
  • Sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels are available for $25 or you may bring your sleeping bag.
  • Modern shower houses are located nearby.

Offsite Housing

Best Choice

Offsite Housing

$325

  • Select your own off-site housing.
  • Includes all meals, conference gift, and supplies.
  • Visit www.cimarronnm.com for local lodging options.

Deluxe Tent

Best Choice

Deluxe Tent

$430

  • Includes four nights in a deluxe tent with up to three people, premium furnishings, meals,  conference gift, and supplies.
  • Sheets, blankets, pillow, and towels are provided.
  • Modern shower houses are located nearby.
  • You may also bring your own sleeping bag.

Roofed Housing

Best Choice

Roofed Housing

$505

  • Includes four nights lodging in a dormitory or duplex with up to four people per room, meals,  conference gift, and supplies.
  • Sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels are provided.

Preconference Fees & Housing Options

Dates: 9/14/2025 – 9/17/2025

Autumn Adventure Trek

Best Choice

Autumn Adventure Trek

$350

  • Includes all backcountry trek supplies and program.
  • Must arrive the afternoon of Saturday, September 13th for medical recheck and gear shake down.

Offsite Housing

Best Choice

Offsite Housing

$100

  • Select your own off-site housing.
  • Includes all meals, conference gift, and supplies.
  • Visit www.cimarronnm.com for local lodging options.

Tent

Best Choice

Tent

$150

  • Includes three nights lodging in a large two- person wall tent, single or double occupancy,  with electricity and camp-style bed and  mattress, plus meals, conference gift, and  supplies.
  • Sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels are available for $25 or you may bring your sleeping bag.
  • Modern shower houses are located nearby.

Roofed Housing

Best Choice

Roofed Housing

$230

  • Includes three nights lodging in a dormitory or duplex with up to four people per room, meals,  and supplies.
  • Sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels are provided.

Deluxe Tent

Best Choice

Deluxe Tent

$195

  • Includes three nights in a deluxe tent with up to three people, premium furnishings, meals,  conference gift, and supplies.
  • Sheets, blankets, pillow, and towels are provided.
  • Modern shower houses are located nearby.
  • You may also bring your own sleeping bag.

X

Best Choice

X

$

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Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.