Boy Scout Troop 509 Hikes at Philmont Ranch

A bright flash of lightning, loud rolling thunder, then came pelting hail.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 509 crouched on the ground counting the time between bolts of lightning and rolls of thunder, and realized a storm was coming right for them.

There was only one thing to do, make a run for the Red Roof Inn. But this Red Roof Inn, unlike ones with fresh sheets and clean towels, was actually a latrine at Philmont with a red roof where everyone huddled until the storm subsided. That was just one of the many unforgettable experiences on this 10-day high adventure outing.

The Philmont Boy Scout Ranch, in the Sangre de Cristo range of the Rocky Mountains in New Mexico, is 215 square miles of mountain-filled sky-high wilderness ranging in elevation from 6,500 to 12,441 feet.

“Philmont is all about personal challenge,” said Scoutmaster Richard Key. “Hiking and camping in a high altitude wilderness environment is a big change from everyday life. Carrying heavy backpacks up steep trails tests physical strength and mental courage to keep going despite feeling like you can go no further. Sharing tents, group cooking and other crew duties, is an experience in living together and cooperating with others under sometimes difficult circumstances. Overcoming these challenges builds self confidence that we can triumph over all of life’s challenges and live in harmony with the world around us. There is a great sense of accomplishment at the end.”

“I am very proud of the Scouts,” said former Scoutmaster Ken Broomfield. “They did a great job of working together and earning the Philmont arrowhead patch, signifying the completion of a 50 mile wilderness trek and service hours on a conservation project. Our conservation work was clearing the forest at 10,000-foot elevation for a new trial over Bonito peak.”

Although it rained most days, which is normal at Philmont, it added to the drama and beauty of the backcountry. Rugged mountain trails provided breathtaking panoramic vistas, rich in natural beauty from soaring peaks to sweeping plains and abundant wildlife, interwoven with tranquil scenes like sunlight filtering through shimmering aspen along the gently flowing Urraca Creek.

On the trail Scouts practiced “leave no trace” camping. They found out what an ‘OOPS’ bag is and learned about ‘floaties’ in their cooking pot. Staffed camps provided fun activities like goat milking, chicken racing, trail rides on horseback, blacksmithing, teamwork challenge events, muzzle loading black powder rifle shooting, branding, fish fly making, fishing, as well as tours of a historic fishing lodge, a 1912 homestead, the Kit Carson Museum, and Villa Philmonte, the summer home of Waite Phillips. His donation of Philmont to the Boy Scouts in 1941 made it possible for Scouts to experience a deeper connection to nature. The last day of the trek was a strenuous hike over Philmont’s most prominent landmark, the “Tooth of Time.” In the photo it is the rock that resembles a lone tooth sticking up in the air.

Ken Chafin, the expedition leader said, “Philmont is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is the Mecca of American Boy Scouting. We met people from distant parts of America, but all felt connected as Boy Scouts.”

At the end of their grand adventure, the Scouts left Philmont with new found inner strength and memories that will last for a lifetime.