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As of the end of the 2009 summer season, 905,000 Scouts have participated in the Philmont summer program since its inception in 1939. The daily population of Philmont S.R.in the summer season is 5,000, with a 2009 summer total of 22,231 Scouters.
In addition to Philmont's 137,493 acres of property, Philmont also has agreement with the New Mexico Game and Fish for "day use" in the 5,000 acres of the Elliott Barker Wilderness, as well as 12,000 acres of Ted Turner's Vermejo Park Ranch, 45,000 acres of the USFS Valle Vidal Unit, and 10,000 acres of John Kimberland's Ponil Ranch.
Total land usage by Scouts in 2009 = 209,500 acres. Philmont is currently negotiating use of 2 more properties in 2010.
In 2009, 50% of crews had a bear sighting. There were no bear injuries.
Leave No Trace, or "LNT" which is already required for use agreements outside of Philmont's boundaries will be required on Philmont property in 2010. Philmont Treks for 2010 and beyond will be required to have a "Leave No Trace Ghia"...(guide) in addition to a Crew Chef, and Chaplains Aide. Beginning 2010, Philmont will employ 25 LNT Master Educators on summer staff.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation...(aka the Double H Ranch) has ended it's agreement with Philmont for Scouting High adventure. The NRA's Whittington Center had stepped up and offered Philmont use of its 30,000+ acres of backcountry, but an 8-day survey of the proposed area could not support the needs of a Scouting High Adventure program due to lack of trails and water sources.
2010 also brings a new pilot program of 7-day treks during the summer season. Two of these treks will be offered for each day, in addition to the 10 day treks.
In 2010, shooting camps will include muzzle-loading rifles.
In 2011, Philmont will be bring the railroad back for the first time since 1912. The new concept camp will be Metcalf Station, a railroad work camp featuring 1+ mile of railroad track and telegraph lines. Crews will use a handcart to transport themselves and gear to campsites. The Burlington Northern Railroad has pledged $500,000 to the project.
Philmont Training Center, or PTC has programs for all family members from their nursery to 21 yrs of age. I have the 2010 PTC Course offerings now before their official publication. Here is a link to a video describing the program. Contact me for more information at: StCarpenter@juno.com
Stephen Carpenter
UC North Trail District
LNT Master Educator