Additional Policies
The policies that follow are important for you to understand as a member of
the Philmont seasonal staff. During your staff training period, these and others
will be discussed in varying detail.
Harassment
Every staff member has the right to his or her dignity and to be respected
by other people. Each of us wants to be treated with respect as we do our job
as well as during time off. Each of us needs to increase our sensitivity toward
what may be perceived as offensive or unwelcome to other people with whom we
come in contact. Everyone on the Philmont staff is expected to strive to ensure
that our interaction with other people is positive in every respect.
The Boy Scouts of America and Philmont Scout Ranch prohibit language or
behavior that belittles members of the opposite sex, unwanted advances, racial
slurs, chastisement for religious or other beliefs, or other actions or comments
that are derogatory of any people. Each supervisor has the responsibility to
maintain a work atmosphere free of any form of harassment.
All offenses should be reported directly to the director of program, associate
director of program, or the director of the Training Center. Each complaint will
be investigated promptly and in an impartial and confidential manner. Repeated or
serious offenses will result in disciplinary action or termination of employment.
No staff member who reports a complaint in an appropriate manner will be subjected
to reprisal or retaliation in any form.
Sexual harassment is particularly offensive. Actions that constitute sexual
harassment include profane, degrading, or suggestive language; touching a person
when that person does not wish to be touched; making unusual requests, propositions,
or advances; using pornography; or gestures that disturb others. Sexual harassment
is any form of inappropriate, abusive, threatening, or mean words or actions of
a sexual nature that are unwanted, unwelcome, and/or personally offensive to the
recipient and/or other people present.
Good Public Relations
Your "PR" with your fellow staff members and with participants is important.
Teamwork is a key to success at Philmont. When all staff talents and efforts
are blended together, a successful summer is ensured.
Good PR is important to our customers - the Scouts, Scouters, and families
who make Philmont possible. We should always keep in mind that they make our
jobs possible and that this is their camp.
Always make them feel welcome. For example, a smile and a "Welcome to
Philmont" go a long way to a guest, or where it is necessary to designate a
staff facility the sign should read "Staff" rather than "Staff Only."
As a staff member this summer, you will also have opportunities to strengthen
Philmont's friendship with neighboring towns. Every community, large or small,
has community pride, and this is true of our neighbors in Cimarron, Raton, and
the surrounding area. We can do much to show our consideration for the local
communities and make them proud that Philmont is a neighbor. When you are
friendly and considerate to Philmont's neighbors, you generate the same
spirit in them.
Be aware that, in a small town such as Cimarron, Philmont staff members
are easily identified. When you wear the BSA or Philmont uniform in town,
your behavior reflects on the BSA and Philmont.
Trespassing on property surrounding Philmont, including Coyote Mesa,
private property in the Ute Park area, or the west side of Baldy Mountain,
hurts Philmont's relationships with its neighbors. Violators are subject to
prosecution by property owners.
Know and respect the laws and regulations governing the use of the Vale
Vidal. New Mexico state fishing regulations are in effect on all public
and private lands.
Gratuities and Commercial Enterprise
Staff members are prohibited from accepting gifts, gratuities, money, or
favors in return for service rendered as a member of the Philmont staff.
Under no circumstances should staff members solicit or accept any of the
above considerations.
Contact or negotiations with purveyors or companies must be cleared in
advance with the director of program or the Training Center director.
Philmont logos, insignia, and letterhead must not be used without
permission.
If seasonal staff orders to outside companies are desired, they must be
approved by the director of program or the Training Center director and be
processed through the Business Department.
Wildlife
According to New Mexico Law, it is illegal for anyone to care for or
destroy a wild animal regardless of its condition. Staff must be aware of
the New Mexico Game and Fish Department policies. Staff must
be sure that participants understand and adhere to the policy.
Should a wild animal be observed that is trapped, sick, injured, etc.,
it should be reported to the ranch superintendent through Logistics.
Collection of wild animals requires a state permit and approval of
Philmont management.
Procedures Governing Backcountry Hiking and Camping
Staff members not normally assigned to backcountry camps may hike
and/or camp at Philmont within the following guidelines:
- The rule of two applies: there must always be at least two
in a group. Coed groups must have at least three persons.
- Supervisors' approval is required.
- An itinerary must be filed with your supervisor. When you
return, you must check in with your supervisor.
- Hiking at night is not allowed.
- Every staff member who plans to hike or backpack in the
backcountry must have a prior orientation by a member of
the ranger staff.
- A proper uniform is to be worn in an acceptable manner. It
is your responsibility to set a proper example in the
backcountry as well as at base.
- Staff members may camp within the confines of staffed camps
provided an established area is available as determined by
the camp director. Male and female staff must sleep in
separate quarters in each camp. Established trail camps
may be used. Philmont requires the use of tents as part
of our bear procedures.
- Staff members going into the backcountry on a day off may
draw food from CHQ services. Do not plan or expect to be
invited to join the backcountry camp staff for meals.
- Each staff member is expected to comply with the provisions,
spirit, and intent of the Philmont Wilderness Pledge.
- Staff camping groups are permitted, but they should maintain
a non-demanding low profile. Do not interfere with
participants' program.
- Rock climbing is permitted only under the supervision of
trained rock climbing camp staff members at approved rock
climbing backcountry camps, using Philmont equipment only.
- Staff is not permitted to explore abandoned mines.
- Only current staff members and registered participants are
allowed in the backcountry.
Violation of this procedure may result in disciplinary action and
documentation in the violator's personnel file.
Collecting Policy
Philmont is rich in natural, historical, and archaeological resources.
These are for the enjoyment and edification of all who visit the ranch. As
such, they should be protected and left undisturbed. Any information
regarding unusual discoveries should be reported to the director of museums,
but no specimens may be collected or kept. As a Philmont staff member, you
should make campers aware of this policy. By taking only photographs and by
leaving only footprints, Philmont's cultural and historical heritage will
be enjoyed by future generations.
Materials
You have some responsibility for material supplies and equipment purchased
for use in the Philmont program. Your diligent care and use of such materials
is expected, as well as your honesty in seeing that all materials are used for
their intended purposes. Pilferage of trail foods or any other materials is
cause for immediate dismissal.
Internet Connections
Philmont maintains a number of computer station in the Staff Activities
Center and limited wireless access for your personal use. Users are expected to
be courteous to other users and not abuse this privilege by engaging in illegal
or inappropriate activity (e.g. downloading pornography).
Philmont's official web site is at old.scouting.org/philmont. Only Philmont
management is authorized to speak on behalf of Philmont. Staff members maintaining
their own Philmont-related site are expected to clearly communicate that images,
information and opinions expressed on their site are neither authorized nor
approved by Philmont Scout Ranch and/or the Boy Scouts of America.
All workstation computers are to be used for Ranch business only.
Crisis Communications
In the event of an emergency, all external communications (with affected
family members, home council, media, etc.) are handled by Philmont's management.
Staff members receiving requests for information should direct inquiries to the
management spokesperson and, under no circumstances, initiate contact with family
or media. However we intended, incorrect or incomplete information further
complicates situations and is a dis-service to our campers and their families.