Get National Advanced Youth Leader Experience - Philmontscoutranch

It's been more than two weeks since the Boy Scouts of America reached an agreement to pay $850 million to over 60,000 sexual abuse victims, and the BSA finally has some clarity on what will become of its crown jewel, the 147,000-acre Philmont Ranch. In short, it's here to stay.

Philmont and the Boy Scouts of America prohibit language or behavior that belittles or puts down members of the opposite sex, unwelcome advances, racial slurs, chastisement for religious or other beliefs, or any other actions or comments that are derogatory of people.

Donated by oil baron Waite Phillips, the ranch is owned and operated by the Boy Scouts of America.

All Philmont activities are physically demanding. Steep, rocky trails with 1,000-foot climbs are typical. Also, there is 20 to 35 percent less oxygen at Philmont elevations than at sea level. Remember, you will be carrying a pack weighing up to 1/3 of your body weight.

Philmont classifies treks as Challenging (called Typical prior to 2006), Rugged, Strenuous, and Super Strenuous. In general, the higher classifications are longer and have more elevation change. Being longer, they pass through more staffed camps and so offer more opportunity for programs.

Participants must be at least 14 years old (or 13 and have completed the eighth grade). All participants must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America. Many Philmont crews are formed in advance by members of a single Boy Scout troop or Venturing crew.

Every Philmont trek involves hiking with a 35 to 50-pound backpack at elevations of 6,500 to 12,500 feet. Philmont recommends that participants carry a pack weighing no more than 25% to 30% of their body weight.

A Philmont trek is physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Each person will carry a 35 to 50-pound pack while hiking 5 to 12 miles per day in an isolated mountain wilderness ranging from 6,500 to 12,500 feet in elevation.

Youth must be registered members of the Boy Scouts of America, and may participate in a Philmont expedition in one of the following ways: As members of a chartered unit (Scout troop, Varsity team, Sea Scout Ship, or Venturing crew) As members of a council contingent or district contingent with required leadership.

The ranch is currently listed as an asset with the organization in the Chapter 11 restructuring plan and has a listed value of around $40 million. Of the “high adventure” facilities listed, Philmont Scout Ranch is the most valuable of the three properties.

In short, it's here to stay. "As an essential facet of the BSA's legacy and programming, we are committed to ensuring that Philmont, and each of the BSA's unique National High Adventure Bases, will continue to serve and benefit the Scouting community and beyond for years to come," said the BSA in a written statement.

New Mexico State Police said 13-year-old Alden Brock of Sacramento, California, was one of eight Boy Scouts participating in a 12-day trek at the Philmont Scout Ranch when the flooding hit before dawn Saturday. Floodwaters came through North Ponil Canyon around 4:30 a.m., State Police spokesman Chad Pierce said.