Philmont Scout Ranch facts for kids
Philmont Scout Ranch is a huge outdoor adventure camp located in Cimarron, New Mexico. It is owned by the Boy Scouts of America. Philmont is famous for its challenging hiking trips and exciting activities. These activities are often called "high adventure." Thousands of Scouts and Venturers visit Philmont every summer. They explore its mountains, forests, and hundreds of miles of trails. Philmont is also the home of Pedro, a friendly burro who is the mascot for Boys' Life magazine.
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What is Philmont Scout Ranch?
Philmont Scout Ranch is one of the largest youth camps in the world. It covers more than 140,000 acres of rugged wilderness. This is about the size of two large cities! The ranch offers many programs. The most popular one is the long backpacking trek. Scouts and Venturers spend many days hiking through the beautiful New Mexico mountains. They carry all their gear on their backs.
Your Philmont Adventure
A Philmont adventure is a unique experience. Crews of 7 to 12 people, including adults, hike together. They follow a planned route, called an itinerary. Each itinerary is different. It includes various activities and challenges. These trips teach teamwork, leadership, and self-reliance.
Getting Ready for Your Trek
Before going to Philmont, crews spend months getting ready. They train by hiking with heavy packs. They also learn about first aid and outdoor skills. Planning meals and packing the right gear are also very important. Being prepared helps everyone have a safe and fun trip.
Life on the Trail
Life on a Philmont trek starts early. Crews wake up with the sun. They cook breakfast over a camp stove. Then, they pack up their tents and gear. Each day involves hiking several miles. The trails can be steep and rocky. Along the way, crews stop at different backcountry camps. These camps offer unique activities and programs.
Cool Activities You Can Do
Philmont offers many exciting activities. These are spread out across the ranch. You might try rock climbing or rappelling down a cliff. Some camps offer shooting sports like rifle or shotgun. You can also learn how to throw a tomahawk. Other activities include blacksmithing, gold panning, or even burro packing. You learn to lead a burro carrying some of your gear. Many historical sites are also part of the adventure. You can explore old mining towns or Native American ruins.
The Amazing Scenery
Philmont is known for its stunning natural beauty. The ranch is home to tall mountains, deep canyons, and thick forests. The highest point is Baldy Mountain. It stands over 12,400 feet tall. Another famous landmark is the Tooth of Time. It is a sharp, rocky peak that looks like a giant tooth.
Wildlife at Philmont
Many different animals live at Philmont. You might see deer, elk, or even black bears. Smaller animals like squirrels and chipmunks are common. There are also many types of birds. Learning about the local wildlife is part of the adventure. Crews are taught how to safely share the wilderness with animals.
Philmont's History
Philmont has a rich history. It was once a large working ranch. It was owned by a man named Waite Phillips. He was a wealthy oilman. In the 1930s, Phillips donated much of his ranch land to the Boy Scouts of America. He wanted young people to experience the outdoors. He hoped they would learn important life skills there.
Pedro the Burro
Pedro is the famous mascot of Philmont. He is a cartoon burro. He appears in Boys' Life magazine. Pedro often gets into funny situations. He helps teach Scouts about outdoor safety and adventure. He is a beloved symbol of the Philmont experience. Many Scouts look forward to seeing Pedro's image around the ranch.
Images for kids
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Mount Baldy, from the peak of Mount Phillips
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The Tooth of Time, an icon of Philmont Scout Ranch
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Entrance sign at Philmont
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A sign on the way to the closing campfire
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Trek crew hiking to the summit of Mount Baldy
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The Rayado Program patch
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A Ranger helping Scouts on their first day at Philmont
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Service Academy Rangers undergoing training
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Base camp's "Tent City" where departing and returning treks are staged
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National Scouting Museum - Philmont Scout Ranch
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Arrowhead Award patch
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Philmont Duty to God patch
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"Silver dollar" patch used in the 1950s
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Staffmembers clear a trail after the 2015 flash flood
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Astronaut Training at Philmont in June 1964
