Philmont Second Season Programs
High Adventure Opportunities During the Fall and Winter
Jul 17, 2008
Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM typically offers a 12-day expedition backpacking trek during the summer, but it has a lot more to offer Boy Scouts and Scout Leaders throughout the year. There are several second-season programs that allow participants to hike in the backcountry or participate at the Philmont Training Center.
Autumn Adventure
Autumn Adventure is a backpacking program offered in September and October. Crews of Boy Scouts and their adult leaders can hike in the Philmont backcountry as a group. Although there are no formal backcountry programs, participants get to experience Philmont in a more natural state, with spectacular views and changing aspen leaves of Fall. Treks can be as long as the group wants, with most groups hiking for an extended three or four-day weekend. A guide hikes with the group for their entire trek. Autumn Adventure is one of the few times when an entire group of adults may hike at Philmont.
Kanik
Kanik is Philmont’s winter camping program, which runs between late December through March, and offers participants the opportunity to learn how to make snow shelters, cross-country ski, and winter camping. Like Autumn Adventure, groups typically spend an extended weekend in the backcountry, and are provided a Philmont staffer as their guide. Groups may also check out winter camping clothing and equipment, such as warm layers, insulated boots, sleds for carrying group equipment, and cross-country skis. For some Scouts, this is their first opportunity to camp in winter conditions.
Philbreak
Offered as an alternative spring break experience, Philbreak is intended for former Philmont staff to return in March and participate in conservation service projects. Those who wish to attend must be in their late teens or early twenties, and must have already been a member of the Philmont summer staff.
PhilmontTrainingCenter
The Philmont Training Center is a national training facility for adult leaders who belong to the Boy Scouts of America. Adults attend for a week to participate in conferences that focus on a particular topic. Most of the courses are offered during the summer months, but there are some courses that are offered in the off-season. For instance, in the Fall there is a course that trains adult leaders to manage rock climbing sites, and includes opportunities to climb at Philmont’s rock climbing camps.
More Information
For more information about second season programs, contact Philmont at (575) 376-2281 or visit the official Philmont website.
Note: The author is a 2008 member of the Philmont staff.
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