Trail Crew Trek
The Trail Crew Trek Program (TCT) is an exciting new program at Philmont Scout Ranch for Scouts and
Venturers who have an interest in the environment and are committed to good stewardship of our natural
world. Participants will enjoy a fourteen-day trek through a part of Philmont's 136,493 acres of rugged
mountain wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains of Northeastern New Mexico.
The TCT Program will emphasize the William T. Hornaday Award. This award was initiated in 1914 to inspire
Scouts to work constructively for conservation. The Trail Crew Trek will help prepare participants to develop a
path that will help them achieve the William T. Hornaday Silver Award upon return to their homes. This multiyear
path will include advancement requirements and planning, leading and carrying out four significant
projects that should contribute to sound conservation and environmental improvements in the local community,
the region or the nation. Only about 1,000 individuals have achieved the William T. Hornaday Silver Award
since it began. By participating in the Philmont Trail Crew Trek, we hope we can encourage you along with
others to achieve this important award, the oldest conservation award in America. Each participant will
prepare a detailed plan to achieve the award.
During the 14-day Trail Crew Trek, in addition to the William T. Hornaday Award, participants will:
- Learn about trail construction. You will experience both new trail construction as well as trail maintenance techniques in a variety of locations on the Ranch. These skills will prepare participants to help with trail projects in their home area.
- Leave No Trace Principles will be covered during the trek. Each participant will have the opportunity to earn the Leave No Trace Trainer recognition. This level of training will prepare the participant to lead LNT training in their local area.
- Leadership techniques will be taught and practiced throughout the trek. A wilderness setting is a wonderful environment to learn and practice skills of being a member of a team as well as leading the team.
- Advanced outdoor skills will not only be taught but experienced as the group shares a unique experience in a wilderness setting in all types of weather conditions.
Philmont Scout Ranch covers 215 square miles, with more than 350 miles of trails. Philmont ranges from
6,500 feet to 12,441 feet in elevation above sea level. Because of the remote settings and elevation,
participants need to be prepared, both physically and mentally, to handle the challenges of the trek. Philmont
experiences a wide variety of weather conditions. Participants should be prepared for possible 100 degree
days, 40 degree nights as well as days of rain and even snow. All this adds to the Trail Crew Trek Philmont
experience.
Who May Participate?
Hornaday Award Emblem |
To be able to participate in the Trail Crew Trek program,
participants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old the day your program begins, but not 21
by its conclusion
- Be physically fit, able to lift and handle materials up to 50 lbs.
(Philmont height and weight guidelines will be strictly enforced.)
- Be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America (Boy Scout,
Varsity Scout or Venturer).
- A complete physical examination is required. (Philmont's Health and
Medical Form will be sent to those who are accepted.)
What Is the Cost?
Participant cost is $275 for the two week experience (2009 season).
How Do I Apply?
Each participant must complete an application form (approved by a parent or
guardian, a unit leader, and the Scout executive).
Click here to download an application form.