Philmont Training Center

The Philmont Training Center is one of Scouting's best secrets. Located on the grounds of the extraordinary Philmont Scout Ranch, in Cimarron, New Mexico, the Training Center offers approximately 96 courses to over 5,000 participants each summer. Participants can enroll in these conferences with the approval of their local Council.

The Philmont Training Center, the National Volunteer Training Center of the Boy Scouts of America, provides a unique environment for Scouting Conferences each summer and fall. In addition to hosting these Conferences, the Training Center also provides the opportunity for families to join their Scouters and enjoy a wide range of Family Programs—making the Philmont Training Center experience one of a kind. It can be the family vacation of a lifetime.

Attendance & Registration:

Any registered leader of BSA may attend a conference at Philmont Training Center.  Scouters are encouraged to bring immediate family members with them.  The 2010 Conference schedule is available for download at http://scouting.org/filestore/pdf/2010_PTC_Summer_Schedule.pdf.

To register, go to www.MyScouting.org and register under the Events Registration Tab.  To receive more information, go to the Philmont Training Center web site. 

A promotional PowerPoint presentation is available to show at your district or unit meetings, trainings, or events.  Contact your district training chair for details.

Conferences:

Over 96 separate weeklong conferences are scheduled. Conferences will cover almost every aspect of Scouting—from Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing to Council and District Operations. 

The Conferences are conducted by divisions and committees of the National Council and are led by a faculty of outstanding volunteer and professional Scouters. Each Conference is designed to discuss specific Scouting issues, share information from all over the B.S.A., and train using the “best methods” that will enhance the Scouting program for youth and adults.

While Conference time is important, ample opportunity for a Scouter to enjoy the majesty of Philmont with his or her family is part of the schedule of most Conferences.

Family Program:

The Philmont Training Center offers a full, organized program for every member of the family—from infants to spouses. Family members are joined by others in their age group and participate in carefully designed, age-appropriate programs under the leadership of trained and experienced Philmont staff.

Family Program Groups

Nursery (2 months to 2 year olds)—A fully equipped nursery is available for the youngest family members. Nursery children may be left for either an hour or two, or for the entire program session, as may be determined by your activity schedule. Care is provided according to your instructions.

Small Fry (3-5 year olds)—The Small Fry Center is located next to the Handicraft Lodge. Philmont staff provides activities, games, pony rides, and supervised play during each program session.

Cowgirls, Cowpokes (6-7 year olds)—These individual groups participate in nature hikes, pony rides, games, songs and skits, crafts, museum tours, and an all day hike. On weeks with smaller attendance, these two groups are combined to form the Bandits.

Ropers, Deputies (8-9 year olds)—Ropers and Deputies individual programs include hiking, Villa and Museum tours, archery and air rifles, pony rides, games, crafts and an all day hike.

Sidewinders (10 year old boys)—Sidewinders enjoy hiking, sports, crafts, archery and air rifles, Villa and Museum tours, and a Sidewinder/Parent overnighter.

Mustangs (11-13 year old girls)—Mustangs have fun enjoying horse rides, archery and air rifles, hiking, handicraft projects, nature activities, outdoor cooking, games, Villa and Museum tours, and an overnight camping trip in Philmont’s backcountry.

Trailblazers (11-13 year old boys)—This group participates in day hikes, nature activities and games, horse rides, archery and air rifles, handicrafts, and an overnight camping trip in Philmont’s backcountry.

Broncos (14-21 year olds)—The Broncos program is designed to accommodate those teenagers who choose not to participate in the mountain trek program. Broncos will stay at PTC with their families, but enjoy a week of activities built around participation in Philmont’s C.O.P.E. course, day hikes, and horse rides.

Mountain Trek (14-20 year olds)—Mountain Men and Mountain Women treks are backpacking expeditions that provide the opportunity to experience the rugged challenges of Philmont’s mountains. Mountain Trek crews travel approximately 20-30 miles in Philmont’s backcountry where each Mountain Trek crew will stay at several staff camps that offer a variety of exciting programs, from mountain biking and rock climbing, to gold panning and homesteading. Groups with less than 10 participants are combined to form a co-ed Venture crew. Please note, week one of Summer Conferences and Fall Conference will not offer a Mountain Trek program.

Silverados (spouses and other adults not attending Conference)—Silverados find that a wide-range of exciting activities are available throughout the week. Activities include museum visits, day hikes, a pottery-making demonstration, Villa tours, COPE, horse rides, and trips to nearby resort towns.

Please note that due to attendance, staffing, weather and other factors, Fall Conference family programs may be slightly different.

Facilities:

Tent cities accommodate Training Center participants and their families. Tents are large, two person wall tents with wooden or concrete floors, electric lights, an electrical outlet, wardrobe, and two twin sized beds with mattresses. Each tent city has restrooms and hot showers. Cots and cribs are available for use during the week.

Conferences are conducted in fully equipped conference rooms or at various locations in Philmont’s backcountry. Family Program facilities include the Small Fry Center, the Handicraft building, and our Pony Ring. However, most of the time family members will be enjoying the best facility of all—Philmont’s 137,493 acres of “Scouting Paradise.”

Download 2010 Course Schedule & Family Program Information