Skip to Content

How does the Philmont lottery work?

The Philmont lottery works by allowing participants to rate the trails they would prefer, rank the crews they would like to be in, and the preferred dates they would like to do their trek. At the end of the lottery application period, a random selection process is conducted and crews and dates are automatically generated.

The lottery is managed by a computer system and each crew has an equal chance of being selected. Participants are required to provide basic information such as emergency contact, hometown location, and number of members in their crew.

A $50 lottery fee is paid when registering and must be paid by credit card.

Once the application period is over, those selected in the lottery will receive an email notification with the details of their crew, dates, and further information.

If crews are not selected in the lottery, they can still reserve a trip through the Philmont reservations office. The reservation list is a priority system and will fill up quickly, so be sure to make your reservation as soon as possible.

How much do Philmont rangers get paid?

Philmont rangers typically get paid around $7. 50 – $11 per hour. However, wages vary due to the position and location. For instance, a basecamp ranger may be paid slightly more than a backcountry ranger, due to additional responsibilities and different certifications required of each position.

The location of the ranger’s assignment may also affect the hourly rate. Some Philmont locations have a higher cost of living, so the rate may be higher to compensate for that. Many rangers also receive housing or meals, which can help offset the cost of living and add to the overall compensation for their position.

How strict is Philmont about weight?

Philmont works hard to make sure its hikers are safe, which is why the organization strictly enforces its weight limits for backpacking trips. The total weight of each backpack–including food, water, and all equipment–should not exceed 65 pounds for men or 55 pounds for women.

Philmont staff perform inspections at the beginning and end of each backpacking trek, making sure that all participants are carrying acceptable weights. They also run a weight station on the trail, at which hikers can weigh their packs with a calibrated scale.

If a pack is too heavy, then Philmont staff can provide information and assistance to lighten the load. The limits are in place to minimize the risk of overexertion and injury to individuals and crews, and Philmont takes these weight restrictions very seriously.

All hikers should be aware of the weight limits and take steps to ensure they are not exceeding them before embarking on their backpacking trips.

Is BSA selling Philmont?

No, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is not selling Philmont Scout Ranch. Philmont is one of the BSA’s premier High Adventure bases, located in the rugged Sangre de Cristo mountains of northern New Mexico.

Philmont was established in 1938, and since that time it has served as a premier destination for Boy Scouts, Venturers, and other participants to experience adventure, challenge, and fun. In addition, Philmont offers unique educational programs to supplement and enhance the camping experience.

Each year, thousands of Scouts and Venturers visit Philmont, and they carry with them memories and experiences they will never forget. The BSA has no plans to sell this beloved and treasured High Adventure base.

Can you go to Philmont without being a scout?

No, you cannot go to Philmont without being a scout. Philmont Scout Ranch is the Boy Scouts of America’s premier High Adventure™ base. It is located in the Sangre de Cristo mountains of northern New Mexico and is well-known as one of the most iconic and premier scouting locations in the world.

In order to go to Philmont, a minimum requirement is that the individual must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America. Further requirements include land navigation skills and passing a physical exam.

If a participant is not a registered Boy Scout, they will not be allowed on the property and could be subject to criminal charges.

Do adults have to share a tent at Philmont?

No, adults do not have to share a tent at Philmont. Camping crews typically consist of eight to twelve participants and at least two adults. Crews are typically assigned two crew tents, one for the boys and one for the girls.

Each tent may accommodate four persons in two sleeping compartments, each with two people sleeping in bunks. When larger tents are not available, adults may share a tent with the crew. Also, adults can bring their own tents and camp separately from the crew.

It’s important for adults to maintain their own separate sleeping space from the crew in order to practice safe social distancing as recommended by health organizations.

Are phones allowed at Philmont?

Phones are allowed at Philmont Scout Ranch, however, the Scouts must be made aware that they are to be used responsibly and within the parameters set by their crew. Phones can be used to contact family in case of emergency, but other than that, their use should be limited.

Texting and cell phones should not be used while in camp or on the trail, as it is important to stay focused on a quality Scouting experience. The use of phones while in camp must be discreet and intentional.

If a Scout chooses to use their phone, they should be respectful of the people around them and take steps to minimize distraction. Additionally, phones should not be used as a distraction during program activities.

Can girls go to Philmont?

Yes, girls can go to Philmont Scout Ranch to participate in the programs offered there. Philmont is the Boy Scouts of America’s premier high-adventure base and serves as a national training center for its programs and activities.

While Philmont Scout Ranch is owned and operated by the Boy Scouts of America, it is open to youth, adult leaders, and families of all backgrounds and is designed to create leadership experiences and build character development opportunities for all.

Girls may participate in any of the programs offered at Philmont, including backpacking, horseback riding, conservation work, interpretation and more. Philmont is an equal opportunity program, and Scouts and leaders of all genders, races, and cultural backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to take part.

Who can hike Philmont?

Philmont Scout Ranch is a Boy Scouts of America facility that offers exceptional high adventure experiences for Scouts, Venturers, and Scout leaders of all ages. To ensure that all participants have a safe and positive experience, Philmont only allows those who are members of the BSA to hike their trails.

Therefore, only Scouts, Venturers, and Scout leaders who are deemed fit by the BSA may hike Philmont.

Scouts must be 14 years of age (or 13 and have completed the eighth grade) and be under 21 to take advantage of the hiking opportunities at Philmont. Venturers must be between the ages of 14 and 20, and Scout leaders must be at least 21.

It is important to remember that Philmont also has requirements for physical fitness. All participants must be physically fit with the ability to hike long distances during the course of their trip. This includes being able to travel at least 2-5 miles per day, carrying a pack that weighs between 25-55 pounds, and maintaining a sensible pace.

Those accepted for a Philmont experience must adhere to their rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. All participants must be willing to follow the Backcountry Code of Conduct, fill out a backcountry permit, ensure that their team is properly equipped and outfitted, and receive proper training prior to their hike.

Overall, anyone who is a member of the BSA, is between the ages of 14 and 21, and is physically fit with the ability to hike long distances has the opportunity to take part in a life-changing experience at Philmont Scout Ranch.

Is there a rank requirement for Philmont?

Yes, Philmont does have rank requirements in order to attend the camp. The Boy Scouts of America states that each participant must be at least 12 years old and must also be a First Class Scout or higher before applying for a Philmont trek.

For Venturing Crews, each member must have completed the crew’s Oriented Leader Training. Additionally, all participants must meet Philmont’s height and weight requirements, which are based on Body Mass Index (BMI).

Adults aged 21 or older must also complete Philmont’s Youth Protection Training and have a valid Driver’s License (for those over 21).

What does a Philmont Ranger do?

A Philmont Ranger is a highly trained and knowledgeable staff member who works at Philmont Scout Ranch, a 140,000-acre wilderness in the Rocky Mountains of northeastern New Mexico. Their primary objective is to ensure the safety and success of all backpackers, day hikers, and other participants at Philmont.

Rangers at Philmont are responsible for a variety of tasks essential to creating a safe, enjoyable experience for visitors to the Scout Ranch. They patrol the trails and backcountry areas, providing advice, answering questions, and educating visitors on wilderness safety, Leave No Trace principles, and wildlife safety.

They provide emergency medical care and respond to emergency requests from other rangers or camp staff. Rangers also assist camp staff in setting up and tearing down campsites, constructing trail markers, and conducting campfire group programs.

Rangers are also involved in search and rescue operations and providing security for staff and visitors in the backcountry. In addition, they are responsible for documenting incidents and transporting equipment.

Rangers often carry out hazardous fuels reduction projects, such as thinning of vegetation and removing fallen trees from trails.

In addition to providing safety and protection, Philmont Rangers are instrumental in promoting the outdoor philosophy among the many participants who visit Philmont each year. Through classes, activities, and interactions, Philmont rangers provide invaluable wilderness experience and instill the importance of sustainability and responsible backcountry travel.

How much is Philmont Scout Ranch worth?

Philmont Scout Ranch is an extensive outdoor adventure experience for youth and adults run by the Boy Scouts of America. Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico, Philmont spans over 137,000 acres and is considered to be one of the most valuable and unique scouting sites in the world.

The exact value of Philmont Scout Ranch is hard to measure – it is impossible to place a monetary value on the experiences, skills, and memories gained from sending tens of thousands of scouts each year through the stunning landscape.

Recognizing this, the organization valued the ranch at $237 million in 2018, a significant jump from the estimated $65 million they placed on the ranch in 2006.

In addition to the land, the ranch owns various buildings, historic structures, and infrastructure including villages, lodges, staff resource centers, and a large campground. Even though the actual worth of these buildings has been estimated at $2.

15 million, each one holds significant emotional and historical value to the many scouts who visit the ranch and the Boy Scouts of America as a whole.

At the end of the day, Philmont Scout Ranch is priceless and invaluable to the scouts who visit and the organization as a whole.

What is the hardest Boy Scout rank?

The hardest Boy Scout rank to achieve is the rank of Eagle Scout. The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest rank that a Boy Scout can achieve and is known to be a symbol of excellence. To achieve this rank a Scout must prove that he is physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for the rank of Eagle Scout.

It includes earning at least 21 merit badges and completing a lengthy service project. Additionally, the Scout will need to demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and spirituality as they pass a series of tests and meet all of the requirements.

Earning the rank of Eagle Scout requires dedication, determination, and discipline and is considered one of the highest honors among all scouting organizations.

What’s the highest honor for a Boy Scout?

The highest honor a Boy Scout can achieve is the rank of Eagle Scout. This honor has been in existence since 1912 and is conferred upon Boy Scouts who have demonstrated outstanding citizenship, service and leadership in their Troop and community.

The process of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout includes earning at least 21 merit badges, demonstrating leadership through a service project and passing a board of review. Becoming an Eagle Scout is a significant milestone in a youth’s life and is often used as evidence of character in college and job applications.

There are also many benefits available to Eagle Scouts, including participation in the National Eagle Scout Association and access to scholarships, internships and job opportunities.