2023 National Outdoor Conference
- Philmont Training Center
When
National Outdoor Conference
Preconference Workshops
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 27th.
Preconference Sessions:
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 BSA’s National Outdoor Conference features elective sessions, outstanding keynote speakers, vendor exhibits, and fellowship with Scouting’s top outdoor leaders.
And in 2023 its back IN PERSON! 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 the BSA.
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:
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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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 the BSA.
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.
Event Schedule
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
- Philmont Training Center
Elective Sessions
Speakers
Michael Brandwein
Kim Aycock
Tom Rosenberg
Michael Brandwein
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 $300-$465 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 25, 2023. A $100 cancellation fee will apply if conference reservations are canceled after August 25, 2023.
NOC 2023 Registration & Housing Options
Dates: 9/27 – 10/1
Tent Housing
Best Choice
Tent Housing
$325
- 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
$300
- 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
$395
- 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
$465
- 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 Registration & Housing Options
Dates: 9/24 – 9/27
Autumn Adventure Trek
Best Choice
Autumn Adventure Trek
$250
- Includes all backcountry trek supplies and program.
Offsite Housing
Best Choice
Offsite Housing
$120
- 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
$160
- 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
$250
- 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
$200
- 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.