Rayado Trek
"The Ultimate Wilderness Challenge"
Older Scouts and Venturers who have mastered basic outdoor skills should
consider applying for the challenging and selective Rayado Trek program.
Participants will take the most challenging trails, climb rock
faces, and stand on mountaintops. Each day holds new challenges and opportunities
that encourage participants to attain a high level of personal growth and
self-reliance, accomplishing more than they thought possible.
Rayado is designed specifically to challenge participants' mental and physical
abilities, and the program is unparalleled for developing outdoor leadership, group
dynamics, wilderness problem-solving, and advanced outdoor skills, including:
- Wilderness backpacking skills
- Navigation and travel techniques
- Expedition behavior and group dynamics
- Advanced cooking skills
- Wilderness stewardship (including Leave
No Trace skills and ethics)
- Wilderness first aid and backcountry emergency procedures
A Rayado Trek encourages personal growth, teamwork, and leadership
ability—desirable qualities for Philmont staff. The most qualified Rayado
participants are often encouraged to apply for the elite Philmont staff in
future seasons as rangers, backcountry staff, and headquarters staff.
Who May Participate?
To be able to participate in the Rayado Trek program, participants must meet
the following requirements:
- Be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America.
- Be 15 years of age by January 1 of the year they attend
or have completed ninth grade and be at least 15 before
participation but not yet 21.
- Be in excellent physical condition and able to hike 10
or more miles with a 40- to 50-pound backpack. (Philmont
height and weight guidelines will be strictly enforced.)
- Have mastered the skills of Leave No Trace camping and
backpacking; previous Philmont experience is not mandatory
but is strongly recommended.
- Have a letter of recommendation from an adult Scouter
detailing the participantOs backcountry experience and
character.
What Activities Does the Program Include?
Rayado participants will backpack with Scouts and Venturers from all over the
country, visiting parts of the backcountry that are never seen by expedition campers
and participating in activities that are not available to participants in any other
program.
Each crew will explore the unexplored and encounter the unexpected; to maintain
the elements of surprise and discovery, specific details about trek activities are
not disclosed in advance.
What Is the Cost?
The cost of $635 (2008 Season) for 20 days includes crew gear and staff leadership.
Rayado scholarships are available (information about scholarships will be sent along
with your application form).
How Do I Apply?
Each participant must complete an application form (approved by a parent or
guardian, a unit leader, and the local council Scout executive) and provide two
letters of recommendation that attest to the participant's backcountry experience
and ability to live under remote and primitive conditions.
Click here to download an application form.