112-708: Tidewater Council is a local council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). It serves the region of southeastern Virginia and north-eastern North Carolina . This region is often referred to as South Hampton Roads or the Tidewater or Tidewater Virginia area; hence the name of the council. Its Order of the Arrow counterpart is the Blue Heron Lodge; which was founded in 1946 when a team from Octoraro Lodge in Pennsylvania inducted
224-539: A Fujita scale F0 tornado swept through Philmont's base camp area, downing about 300 tents located on a flat near Ranch Headquarters and depositing camping gear over Tooth of Time Ridge. Four 1960 National Jamboree troops from New Mexico—Troops 78, 79, 80 and 82—had gathered at Philmont for a shakedown camp. Three other New Mexico troops had gone to Camp Zia for their shakedown. The troops each had 32 boys, two Assistant Scoutmasters and one Scoutmaster. Troops were camping in wall tents which they had decorated before going to
336-426: A 17th-century archaeological dig site and handicrafts. In October 2008, Pipsico celebrated its 50th anniversary and included staff members from 1958 to 2008 as part of the celebration. The James River Adventure Base at Pipsico Scout Reservation programs include a week-long scuba diving program, a week-long sailing program, and the ultimate experience of a week-long adventure program called PEX. Blue Heron Lodge #349
448-450: A Board of Review (with the exception of Scout Rank). To obtain a rank you must first acquire the rank previous to it, with the exception of Scout rank in which a Scout can earn at anytime once they have completed the requirements for it. The ranks are in the following order: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star Scout, Life Scout, and Eagle Scout. An increasing number of merit badges, as well as being in troop leadership positions,
560-571: A council-provided Kodiak leadership training program Order of the Arrow members may attend the National Leadership Seminar, run multiple times each year by each region. The Boy Scouts of America operates a National Camping School program which trains people how to run various departments or areas at the Scouts BSA summer camps . Some online training is offered, but most areas require an in-person week-long training program at one of
672-399: A large part of the old land grant in the 1920s, totaling over 300,000 acres (1,200 km ). Phillips built a large residence in the lowlands of Philmont. He turned the ranch into a private game reserve for himself and friends, and built a number of hunting lodges and day-use camps. He chose not to provide electricity at the remote camps. A few of these original camps, including Fish Camp and
784-403: A new Council of Chiefs model. In this new model, the chiefs from each of the lodge's six chapters have equal powers and responsibilities. The Council of Chiefs retain their chapter advisors but also have three Council of Chief Advisor's which replaced the traditional Lodge advisor position. Boy Scouts of America The Boy Scouts of America ( BSA , colloquially the Boy Scouts ) is one of
896-571: A participant's spiritual welfare to the individual Unitarian Universalist congregation. The MOU also specifically includes within Unitarian Universalist chartered troops humanism as an acceptable form of spirituality as well as Earth-centered religions. In 2000, the Supreme Court ruled in Boy Scouts of America v. Dale that Boy Scouts and all similar, private voluntary organizations have
1008-566: A person's sexuality. Gay rights groups hailed the decision, but vowed to press on until all gay members were accepted. Some churches and conservative members threatened to quit the Boy Scouts in response. On June 12, 2013, the Southern Baptist Convention passed non-binding resolutions urging the BSA not to change their policy. In September 2013, a new scouting group called Trail Life USA
1120-431: A series of tests of strength, agility, coordination, and problem-solving, individually and within groups. Scouts see nature as an adventurous place, and it is expected that when they get older the experience from their youth will make them nature lovers. Scouts envisage nature as a heritage. "On breaking up camp leave two things behind you: 1. Nothing. 2. Your thanks." — Lord Baden-Powell in 1919. The National Council
1232-596: A staff camp. Philmont was mortgaged in March 2019, in order to support the BSA financially while it was settling sex abuse cases. An oversight committee member claimed that this was in violation of the 1938 donation that gave the organization the land, but the BSA disagreed. The camp was initially named the "Philturn Rockymountain Scoutcamp". In its early days, Philmont had a half dozen "base camps" constructed at strategic locations. Visiting Scouts lived at one of these camps for
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#17330858100071344-542: A week and could take day hikes to surrounding locations. To visit a different area, the Scouts packed their gear onto burros and hiked to another base camp. Today, the program is based on backpacking, and Scouts carry all their gear, living in tents while on expedition. The standard and most popular Philmont program is the backpacking trek . A typical Philmont trek lasts 12 days and covers anywhere from 56 miles (90 km) to 106 miles (171 km). There are six divisions of
1456-521: Is Wood Badge , focused on helping participants develop leadership skills while participating in an outdoor program over five days. Some councils offer high-adventure training for adults using the Powder Horn program. Leaders can also take the Seabadge advanced leadership and management course. Scout youth leaders may attend the unit-level Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops. Local councils offer
1568-651: Is a gathering of Scouts and Venturers from across the US. It is usually held every four years, with some adjustment for special years such as the 2010 National Scout Jamboree that celebrated the BSA centennial. The first jamboree was held in 1937 at the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. There were 27,232 Scouts and Leaders present at the first National Jamboree. In 1950, the Boy Scouts of America hosted their second National Jamboree at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania . The event
1680-498: Is a twenty-one day trek program that is open to males and females between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one. ROCS is an educational backpacking experience rooted in conservation and environmental science education. Throughout the trek participants have lessons rooted in environmental science, visits from guest speakers, and the opportunity to work on conservation projects with the Philmont Conservation Department and
1792-825: Is a working ranch, maintaining small herds of cattle, horses, burros , and bison . The only documented Tyrannosaurus rex track in the world was discovered within the camp's boundaries in 1993 in North Ponil Canyon by the Anasazi Trail Camp. It was formally identified in 1994. There are three other high adventure camps that the BSA owns and maintains: the Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases in Minnesota, as well as Manitoba and Ontario in Canada; Florida National High Adventure Sea Base in
1904-423: Is about 12 miles (19 km) across (east to west) at its widest point, and about 30 miles (48 km) long (north to south). There are no mountains to the south or east of Philmont. The interior of the ranch is mountainous but a small part of the eastern area is prairie . Philmont's lowest point is the southeast corner at 6,500 feet (2,000 m) and its highest point is the peak of Baldy Mountain , located on
2016-470: Is currently revegetating, some areas of which were reseeded while others began recovering naturally. On the morning of June 27, 2015, heavy rain occurred in a great portion of Philmont, causing a flash flood. The flood also affected some other nearby areas in Colfax County that morning, including highways and small towns around Philmont. One youth Scout, Alden Brock, who was situated in a campsite within
2128-557: Is held during six one-week sessions. Based at Philmont's Rayado Ridge Leadership Camp and taught at various locations across Philmont Scout Ranch, the program hones youth leadership skills through ethical decision making and participation in Philmont Ranger backcountry training. The Philbreak program ran from 2003 to 2009, and returned in 2019. It was an "alternative spring break" program started in 2003 to help restore Philmont Scout Ranch after devastating forest fires. From 2004 to 2007,
2240-625: Is required for the latter 3 ranks, plus other requirements. Certain ranks require specific merit badges and leadership positions. Eagle Scout is the highest rank one can receive in Scouts BSA. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than two million youth. Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit through the Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership, all before or by age 18. This includes an extensive service project that
2352-638: Is strongly encouraged to complete a general overview training called This is Scouting , and a Fast Start training specific to his/her program level. Position-specific training is required for all direct-contact leaders. Upon completion of basic training, a leader may wear the Trained emblem on his/her BSA uniform. Supplemental skill-specific training is also available to BSA volunteers to gain knowledge in outdoors skills including camping, hiking, first aid, Leave No Trace, swim safety, climbing safety, hazardous weather, and other skills. The highest level of BSA training
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#17330858100072464-696: Is the corporate membership of the Boy Scouts of America and consists of volunteer Scouters who meet annually. The day-to-day operations of the National Council are administered by the Chief Scout Executive and other national professional staff. National Council members include volunteers who are elected national officers and executive board members, regional presidents, the local council representatives, members at large, and honorary members. The national headquarters has been in Irving, Texas since 1979. Since
2576-468: Is the local chapter of the Order of the Arrow affiliated with Tidewater Council. In 1946, the council formed an Order of the Arrow lodge when ceremonialists from Octoraro Lodge #22 inducted the first members. In 1947, the totem of a blue heron was selected and the lodge was named Blue Heron Lodge #349. On October 1st, 2024, Blue Heron Lodge transitioned from the traditional Lodge Chief leadership model to
2688-472: The 2013 National Scout Jamboree . The Boy Scouts of America operates several high-adventure bases at the national level. Each offers a wide range of programs and training; a typical core program may include sailing, wilderness canoeing or wilderness backpacking and camping trips. These bases are administered by the High Adventure Division of the National Council. Current high-adventure bases of
2800-666: The Cimarron River to rise to extreme levels; up to 12.42 feet at the highest. After June 17, water levels gradually decreased over the course of several days. The impacts of the flood included the destruction of several campsites and the loss of many old photographs and documents kept at Philmont, however no injuries or deaths resulted from the flood. The flood occurred during an El Niño year. The Ponil Complex Fire started on June 2, 2002 and burned until June 17. The burn zone covered 92,000 acres (370 km ) total; 28,000 acres (110 km ) of Philmont, 4,000 acres (16 km ) of
2912-575: The Civil War . U.S. soldiers were stationed in the West after the war, as the U.S. Army was driving out the Native Americans . At Fort Union , some stationed soldiers traded with Native Americans for float copper . In 1866, the soldiers went up Baldy Mountain in search of this copper, but instead found gold. They could not stay to mine the gold due to the approaching winter, but by the time they returned in
3024-719: The Maxwell Land Grant , consisting of the Baldy Mountain mining area. In 2015, the Boy Scouts of America purchased 2,684 acres (10.86 km ) that was once operated as a camp called Cimarroncita Ranch. In 1989, the Boy Scouts obtained a renewable special use permit to the Valle Vidal Unit of the Carson National Forest from the United States Forest Service . This allowed Scouts to hike and camp in
3136-748: The National Scouting Museum , the Philmont Training Center and Villa Philmonte , fire response facilities, cattle headquarters, and an administration area. During the 2012 season there were 34 staffed camps and 77 unstaffed or "trail camps". Only some trail camps have a potable water source. Camps without water are referred to as "dry camps". Most of Philmont's camps are about 2 miles (3.2 km) apart. Old camps are closed or relocated and new camps are opened every few years. Some camp sites are closed due to changing safety protocols. For example, camps were once located on top of Urraca Mesa and in
3248-549: The Red Cross , Little League Baseball , and the National Academy of Sciences . The federal incorporation was originally construed primarily as an honor; however, it does grant the chartered organization some special privileges and rights, including freedom from antitrust and monopoly regulation and complete control over the organization's symbols and insignia, though it neither implies nor accords Congress any special control over
3360-572: The Sangre de Cristo Mountains on the east side of the Cimarron Range of the Rocky Mountains. Donated by oil baron Waite Phillips , the ranch is owned and operated by the Boy Scouts of America . It is a National High Adventure Base where crews of Scouts and Venturers take part in backpacking treks and other outdoor activities . By land area, it is one of the largest youth camps in the world. During
3472-1044: The Scout method is part of the program to instill typical Scouting values such as trustworthiness, good citizenship, and outdoors skills, through a variety of activities such as camping, aquatics, and hiking. To further these outdoor activities, the BSA has four high-adventure bases : Northern Tier ( Minnesota , Manitoba , and Ontario ), Philmont Scout Ranch ( New Mexico ), Sea Base ( Florida Keys , US Virgin Islands , and Bahamas ), and Summit Bechtel Reserve ( West Virginia ), as well as nearly 100 camps and reservations dedicated to scouts. The main Scouting divisions are Cub Scouting for ages 5 to 11 years, Scouts BSA for ages 10 to 18, Venturing for ages 14 through 21, and Sea Scouts for ages 14 through 21. The BSA operates Scouting by chartering local organizations, such as churches, clubs, civic associations, or educational organizations, to implement
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3584-409: The Scout method , with variations that are designed to be appropriate for the age and maturity of each membership division. Cub Scouts wear a uniform that gives each Scout a level of identity within the den, the pack and the community. The Scouts learn teamwork by meeting and working together in a den of four to ten boys or girls under adult leadership. They learn and apply the ideals codified in
3696-804: The Woodcraft Indians started by Ernest Thompson Seton in 1902 in Cos Cob, Connecticut , and the Sons of Daniel Boone founded by Daniel Carter Beard in 1905 in Cincinnati , Ohio. , two notable independent scouting predecessors of BSA within the United States. In 1907, Robert Baden-Powell founded the Scouting movement in England using elements of Seton's works among other influences. In 1909, Chicago publisher W. D. Boyce
3808-423: The 1,400-member BSA National Council voted to remove the restriction denying membership to youth on the basis of sexual orientation while emphasizing that any sexual conduct, whether heterosexual or homosexual, is not allowed. The resolution went into effect on January 1, 2014, but Scout leaders who were "open and avowed homosexuals" were still prohibited. The policy specifically states that BSA does not inquire into
3920-559: The 2019 season, between June 8 and August 22, an estimated 24,000 Scouts and adult leaders backpacked through the Ranch's extensive backcountry. That same year 1,302 staff were responsible for the Ranch's summer operations. Philmont is also home to the Philmont Training Center, the National Scouting Museum and the Seton Memorial Library. The Training Center is the primary location for BSA's national volunteer training programs. Philmont
4032-473: The BSA announced that girls would be allowed to become Cub Scouts, starting in 2018, and be a part of the Scouts BSA Program, starting on February 1, 2019. BSA's religious requirements of its members have been controversial and inconsistent. Many volunteers within the BSA organization believe that atheists and agnostics are welcome, and because of this, in many troops they are. However, in 2018,
4144-472: The BSA's Learning for Life, membership in the regular BSA programs had been more restricted and controversial. Until the late 2010s, Cub Scouting or the program then-named Boy Scouting was open to boys only, but girls were permitted to join the Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Explorers programs in 1970. Women could also serve as adult volunteers in all programs in approximately the same time frame. On October 11, 2017,
4256-542: The BSA's mission: "Each generation as it comes to maturity has no more important duty than that of teaching high ideals and proper behavior to the generation which follows." The current mission statement of the BSA is "to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law." At its peak, Boy Scouts had an active membership of over 4 million youth in 1973. Today, popularity in outdoor events has waned and membership has dropped. However, BSA remains
4368-595: The BSA, which remains free to function independently. Boy Scouts of America uses four primary programs to achieve its aims in Scouting: There are about 100,000 physically or mentally disabled Scouts throughout the United States. Anyone certified as disabled "may enroll in Scouting and remain in its program beyond the regulation age limits. This provision allows all members to advance in Scouting as far as they wish." The Boy Scouts of America offers several other programs and subprograms beyond regular membership: Unlike
4480-467: The Baldy Saddle but these are unlikely to reopen because the locations are at risk for lightning strikes. The "Philmont Hymn" is the ranch's official song and was written by John Benton Westfall (1928-May 9, 2009) in 1947 when he was 19. Westfall was the lone staffer at Visto Grande (then called Cimarron Bench Camp) at the time. Westfall, who at the time was a student at Pittsburg State University wrote
4592-406: The Boy Scouts of America include Philmont Scout Ranch , Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases , Florida National High Adventure Sea Base , and The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve . The BSA offers a wide variety of mandatory and optional training programs in youth protection, outdoor skills and leadership. Every adult leader must complete Youth Protection Training , and then
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4704-454: The Boy Scouts of America National Executive Board "reaffirm[ed] its unequivocal commitment to the Declaration of Religious Principle as a fundamental component of the mission of the Boy Scouts of America". At the same meeting, it also stated that "[t]he recognition of God as the ruling and leading power in the universe and the grateful acknowledgement of His favors and blessings are necessary to
4816-505: The Boy Scouts of America announced that girls would be welcomed into Cub Scouts beginning in late 2018, with an early adopter program beginning on January 15, 2018, in councils that wished to participate early. The announcement included the statement that girls in Cub Scouting will simply be called "Cub Scouts". The flagship program of Boy Scouts of America, previously known as "Boy Scouting", became known as Scouts BSA on February 1, 2019, when
4928-456: The Boy Scouts of America is to "prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law." Youth are trained in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs, and, at older age levels, career-oriented programs in partnership with community organizations. For younger members,
5040-572: The Boy Scouts, but only that portion of the property that provided the most recreational value. The total donation comprised about 40% of the ranch. To help fund maintenance of Philmont, he also donated the Philtower office building in Tulsa, Oklahoma . In 1963, vice-president of the National Council Norton Clapp contributed funds to purchase another 10,098 acres (40.87 km ) of land within
5152-568: The Conservation Department in the summer, each led by an Associate Director of Conservation - Work Crew, Forestry Crew, Conservationists, GIS, Environmental Education (ROCS, Trail Crew Trek), and Order of the Arrow Trail Crew. Work Crews are staff groups who are responsible for maintaining and creating campsites and trails. Trail Crews and other staff known as Advanced Teams are the first Conservation staffers to begin hiking and clearing
5264-458: The Conservation Department use the data to create enhanced maps and improve conservation efforts throughout the ranch. The Division of Forestry's priority is forest fuels reduction. Using chainsaws, a masticator, a skidder, and a portable sawmill, these crews create defensible space around staff camps and strategic shaded fuel breaks to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and improve the health and productivity of Philmont's forests while utilizing
5376-720: The Elliott Barker Wildlife Area, 25,000 acres (100 km ) of the Valle Vidal, 20,000 acres (81 km ) of the WS Ranch and 15,000 acres (61 km ) of the UU Bar Ranch. One third of the burn zone was totally burned while another third was only lightly to moderately burned. About one third of the burn zone escaped relatively unharmed, due to being sections of valleys that the fire jumped over or being not as dried out and likely to burn because of nearby water. The burn zone
5488-593: The Florida Keys; and Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in southern West Virginia. Philmont is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of the Rocky Mountains of New Mexico . The closest village is Cimarron, New Mexico. The address of the ranch is usually given as 17 Deer Run Rd., Cimarron, New Mexico, 87714. It is also about 20 miles (32 km) west-northwest of Springer, New Mexico , and 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Raton, New Mexico . Philmont
5600-529: The Horse Department staff taking care of Philmont's 250 head of horses and 80 head of burros. Participants help by hauling hay and feed, saddling horses, helping keep the horses shod, and assisting on Philmont trail rides. The work can be strenuous and requires top physical and mental conditioning. After the eight-day work session, the Ranch Hands crew gathers together and embarks on an eight-day Cavalcade under
5712-555: The Hunting Lodge, have been preserved, complete with wood-burning stoves , oil lamps , and unique design features indicative of Phillips's often eccentric taste. Phillips sometimes allowed others, including a few Boy Scout troops, to visit his ranch. He was so impressed with the Scouts that in 1938, during the Great Depression , he donated 35,857 acres (145.11 km ) of his land to the Boy Scouts of America . His only condition
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#17330858100075824-461: The Jamboree. Each wall tent had a wooden frame with a thick wooden roof pole for support. The boys were learning how to cook over charcoal fires and the fires had just been started for the evening meal. The twister arrived without warning. As the wind suddenly increased, boys ran to secure the tents, but to no avail. The winds swept up tents, fires, men and boys, rolling nearby automobiles and leveling
5936-538: The National Camping Schools. After successfully completing a week-long program, a person is entitled to wear the National Camping School patch. The regular-size patch may be worn on the right breast shirt pocket, in the temporary patch spot. National Camping School certification is valid for five years. COPE, which stands for Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience, is a program that consists of
6048-701: The Northeast presented a resolution that "would allow individual units to accept gays as adult leaders". However, in July 2012, at the culmination of a review started in 2010, an 11-person committee convened by the BSA reached a "unanimous consensus" recommending retaining the current policy. Intel , UPS , and Merck cut financial ties with the BSA over the policy decision. Within the BSA National Executive Board, members James Turley, CEO of Ernst & Young , and Randall Stephenson , CEO of AT&T and who
6160-497: The Philmont Training Center. Ranger Trainers, experienced staff who have finished one or more seasons as a Ranger, train and supervise Rangers. Each trainer oversees from 8-10 Rangers in a Ranger Training Crew and are expected to lead two backpacking crews per summer. In the summer of 2013 there were roughly 240 people in the Ranger Department, organized into 25 training crews. Upper ranger leadership consists of coordinators for
6272-675: The Rayado, Mountain Trek, Service Academy, and scheduling programs, four Associate Chief Rangers, and the Chief Ranger. During the summer of 2007, the Philmont Staff Association coordinated a 50th Anniversary Ranger Reunion at the ranch. Over 300 former Rangers attended this event. A program in which young men and women can earn a discounted eight-day Cavalcade trek at Philmont by participating in an eight-day work session. Participants work with
6384-580: The Scout Law, to help other people at all times, to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight." -Scout Oath "A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent." -Scout Law The objectives of the BSA are referred to as the Aims and Methods of Scouting : Character, Citizenship, Personal Fitness, Leadership. The BSA pursues these aims through an informal education system called
6496-565: The Scout Oath and the Scout Law through an advancement system using age-based ranks earned by completing required and elective adventures. Some advancement is done in the home and is intended to involve the entire family and many Cub Scout activities include family members. In the Scouts BSA program, Scouts learn to use the ideals spelled out in the Scout Oath , the Scout Law , the Outdoor Code ,
6608-543: The Scout motto ("Be prepared"), and the Scout slogan ("Do a good turn daily"). They wear a uniform and work together in patrols of four to ten Scouts with an elected patrol leader, who then appoints an assistant patrol leader. Scouts share responsibilities, apply skills learned at meetings and live together in the outdoors. The advancement system provides opportunities for personal growth and self-reliance. Scouts interact with adult leaders who act as role models and mentors, but they are expected to plan their own activities within
6720-414: The Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout. Additional recognition can be earned through Eagle Palms, awarded for completing additional tenure, leadership, and merit badge requirements. Upon the introduction of girls into Scouts BSA in February 2019, a temporary time extension for Eagle rank
6832-697: The Scouting program for youth within their communities. Units are led by volunteers appointed by the chartering organization, who are supported by local councils using both paid professional Scouters and volunteers. Additionally, Learning for Life is an affiliate that provides in-school and career education. In 2019, the Boy Scouts of America renamed its flagship program, Boy Scouts, to Scouts BSA to reflect its policy change allowing girls to join separate, gender-specific troops. In 2023, BSA agreed to pay $ 2.46 billion to settle claims by some 82,000 former Boy Scouts who said they had been sexually abused by BSA officials and volunteers. On May 7, 2024, BSA announced that
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#17330858100076944-557: The U.S. Forest Service in the Valle Vidal Unit of the Carson National Forest . While on the trail participants learn about ecology, botany, dendrology, geology, hydrology, forestry, soil science, fire ecology, environmental policy, leave no trace principles, environmental ethics , conservation techniques, and wildlife, range, and land management practices. Participants tackle conservation projects ranging from trailbuilding to meadow encroachment to timber stand improvement to erosion control to streambed restoration. Participants are exposed to
7056-451: The US, Boyce was inspired by his experience and incorporated the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910. Edgar M. Robinson and Lee F. Hanmer became interested in the nascent BSA and convinced Boyce to turn the program over to the YMCA for development in April 1910. Robinson enlisted Seton, Beard, Charles Eastman , and other prominent leaders in the early youth movements. Former president Theodore Roosevelt , who had long complained of
7168-422: The Venturer to teach what they have learned to others, thereby returning the skill and knowledge back to the community and enabling the Venturer to master those skills. In October 2012, the National Council announced that, as a result of the findings and recommendations of a select committee made up of volunteer Scouters, the Cub Scout and Venturing programs would transition to use of the Scout Oath and Law, and in
7280-462: The Worth Ranch Grace or simply the Wilderness Grace ) is a prayer recited before meals at many Boy Scout camps and events around the U.S. It was originally written in 1929 by A. J. Fulkerson, Camp Director at Worth Ranch Scout Camp in Palo Pinto County , Texas. The version of the grace, as it is used at Philmont, is: For food, for raiment, For life, for opportunity, For friendship and fellowship, We thank Thee, O Lord. Amen. On June 25, 1960,
7392-533: The advanced National Youth Leadership Training and the National Council offers the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience conducted at Philmont Training Center. The Boy Scouts of America also offers the NYLT Leadership Academy which trains youth staff members from across the country for council-level NYLT courses. Venturers and Sea Scouts may attend the unit-level Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews or Introduction to Leadership Skills for Ships. Crew officers can attend Crew Officer Orientation, and then
7504-410: The area. Philmont operates three staffed camps—Whiteman Vega, Seally Canyon, and Ring Place—and two trail camps in that area. Those camps serve around 3,000 Scouts each summer. In return, each camper is asked to contribute three hours of conservation work in the Valle on projects approved by the Forest Service. Rich Cabins, a historical farming cabin on Ted Turner 's Vermejo Park Ranch , is operated as
7616-403: The banks of the James River . Pipsico is subdivided into four camps: Camp Lions, Camp Kiwanis, Camp Rotary and Camp Powhatan. Pipsico offers year-round Scouting opportunities in one of our four Scout camps as well as a summer camp and high adventure experience during the summer. Summer camp activities include: Scoutcraft , climbing and rappelling tower, shooting sports, aquatics, hiking trails,
7728-437: The best type of citizenship and are wholesome precepts in the education of the growing members" . This position is inconsistent with the fact that the BSA has had Buddhist troops since 1920, and Buddhism is a nontheistic religion which does not assert belief in a creator God . The BSA also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Unitarian Universalist Association in 2016 which specifically gives ultimate authority over
7840-408: The camp. Injuries included broken bones, blunt force injuries from flying debris—including shattered roof poles—and burns from charcoal fires and equipment ignited by the fires. The twister also leveled a nearly completed cinder block chapel. After the passage of the storm, gear and equipment could be seen in the funnel cloud as it left the area. Camping equipment was found as far as 14 miles away from
7952-409: The campsite and was recovered by ranch hands. Boys were housed for the night in other facilities, and the next day boys passed among piles of recovered equipment to reclaim what they could. Although there were no fatalities, 33 Boy Scouts and a Scout leader received injuries. On June 17, 1965, a large flash flood occurred at Philmont. Heavy rain throughout the area caused waters in Rayado Canyon and
8064-604: The case of the Venturers, the Boy Scout three-finger salute and sign as well. The Venturing change occurred in May 2014; and the Cub Scout change in mid-2015. There are seven ranks that a Scout in the Scouts BSA program may attain (note that Eagle Palms are not considered ranks ). To obtain a rank, a Scout must complete the requirements for that rank, as well as have a Scoutmaster Conference and
8176-552: The central and southern sections of Philmont. The boundary between the central and northern sections is around U.S. Route 64 , which runs just south of the narrowest part of the 'I'-shape, which is only a few miles across. Other prominent landmarks on the ranch include Grizzly Tooth, Window Rock, Deer Lake Mesa, Wilson Mesa and Urraca Mesa . Native Americans of the Jicarilla Apache tribe and Ute tribe once inhabited Philmont. A few Native American archaeological sites exist in
8288-511: The constitutionally protected right under the First Amendment of freedom of association to set membership standards. In 2004, the BSA adopted a new policy statement, including a "Youth Leadership" policy that disallowed members to continue in leadership positions in the event they were to hold themselves out as "open and avowed homosexuals. At the Scouts annual meeting in April 2012, a leader from
8400-703: The decline in American manhood, became an ardent supporter. In January 1911, Robinson turned the movement over to James E. West who became the first Chief Scout Executive and Scouting began to expand in the US Among other programs in the US, the Woodcraft Indians and Sons of Daniel Boone, eventually merged with the BSA. The BSA's stated purpose at its incorporation in 1910 was "to teach [boys] patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred values." Later, in 1937, Deputy Chief Scout Executive George J. Fisher expressed
8512-422: The early 20th century. With the migration of families from farms to cities, there were concerns among some people that young men were no longer learning patriotism, self-reliance, and individualism. Several groups attempted to fill this void. The YMCA was an early promoter of reforms for young men with a focus on social welfare and programs of mental, physical, social and religious development. Others, included
8624-627: The entire 2018 summer season were cancelled, though PTC courses—including the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience —remained in session. The fire burned a total of 26,000 acres at Philmont, damaging 200 campsites. On April 17, 2022, a wildfire started 10 miles south of the Kit Carson Museum at Rayado . Heavily impacted areas of the fire include northern Mora County and southern Colfax County. The cause still remains under investigation. Zastrow Cabin, which
8736-713: The first members of Blue Heron Lodge . Tidewater Council is divided into four districts: The Tidewater Council was founded in 1911 as the Norfolk Council, changing its name in 1935 to its current name. In 1916, the Portsmouth Council (#597) was founded, changing its name to the Portsmouth Area Council in 1924. Portsmouth merged with the Norfolk Council in 1930. Pipsico Scout Reservation is located in Surry County, Virginia between Surry and Spring Grove on
8848-535: The founding of the BSA in 1910, the President of the United States has served as the organization's honorary chair during his term in office, former presidents serve as honorary vice chairs for their lifetimes. Philmont Scout Ranch Philmont Scout Ranch is a ranch located in Colfax County, New Mexico , United States, near the village of Cimarron ; it covers 140,177 acres (56,728 ha) of wilderness in
8960-506: The land management challenges facing the West, as well as the rest of America. The program focuses on empowering participants so that they may transfer what they learn on the trail to their lives back home. The Ranger Department was founded in 1957 by Clarence E. Dunn, Jack Rhea and Dr. Ray Loomis, the former of which served as chief ranger for 14 years. Rangers are responsible for ensuring that all participants know all required skills and procedures needed for backcountry treks, and for coaching
9072-485: The largest scouting organization and one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with about 1.2 million youth participants and about one million adult volunteers as of 2021 . The purposes of the corporation are to promote, through organization, and cooperation with other agencies, the ability of boys to do things for themselves and others, to train them in scoutcraft , and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues, using
9184-556: The largest scouting organizations and one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 1 million youth, including 176,000 female participants. The BSA was founded in 1910; about 130 million Americans have participated in its programs, which are served by 477,000 adult volunteers. BSA became a founding member organization of the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1922. The stated mission of
9296-490: The leadership of a Horseman and Wrangler. National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) is a high-intensity Boy Scout leadership course taught at Philmont Scout Ranch. It is based on backcountry high adventure skills and began in the summer of 2006 replacing the previous National Junior Leader Instructor Course. The course is available to Boy Scouts and Venturers aged 14 through 20 who have completed their local council National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) course and
9408-612: The matter to the National Executive Board. On July 27, 2015, the Boy Scouts of America National Executive Board voted to lift the organization's blanket ban on openly gay leaders and employees. Local chartering organizations are still permitted to set their own standards based on religious principle for selecting the adult volunteers for their unit. On January 30, 2017, the Boy Scouts of America announced that transgender children who identify as boys would be allowed to enroll in boys-only programs, effective immediately. Previously,
9520-467: The methods that were in common use by boy scouts on June 15, 1916. The BSA holds one of the comparatively rare congressional charters under Title 36 of the United States Code . On behalf of the BSA, Paul Sleman, Colin H. Livingstone, Ernest S. Martin, and James E. West successfully lobbied Congress for a federal charter for the BSA which President Woodrow Wilson signed on June 15, 1916. One of
9632-580: The mid-1800s. The Tooth of Time owes its name to this trail; travelers knew that once they passed it, they had only one week to go until they reached Santa Fe, New Mexico . Philmont's strategic location along the trail spurred some interest in it. In 1841, Carlos Beaubien and Guadalupe Miranda obtained a large land grant from the Mexican government, including the present ranch. Soon the grant passed on to Beaubien's son-in-law Lucien Maxwell , who played an important role in developing and settling it. Maxwell sold
9744-426: The northern section nearby the 'Indian Writings' camp, and various camps seek to preserve Philmont's Native American heritage. On April 22, 1942, a B-24 Liberator crashed into the side of Trail Peak. Some of the wreckage still remains, including a wing and propeller, and because of its location, it is the world's most visited airplane crash site. The Santa Fe Trail crossed the plains just southwest of Philmont in
9856-420: The organization will change its name to Scouting America . While the name change will officially go into effect on February 8, 2025, on its 115th anniversary, all are encouraged to use the name immediately. The Scout Oath, Law and program will remain unchanged. The uniforms will also remain the same but will be embroidered with the new name. The progressive movement in the United States was at its height during
9968-456: The participants worked on the Urraca Trail, which is intended as a day hike for those attending the Philmont Training Center. Participants in the seven-day program were expected to work eight- or nine-hour days in all types of conditions. The program took place during three separate weeks during March. Participants also had an opportunity to take a ski break at Angel Fire . In 2008, the design of
10080-638: The principal reasons for seeking a congressional charter was to deal with competition from other Scout organizations including the United States Boy Scouts and the Lone Scouts of America . The 1916 statute of incorporation established this institution among a small number of similarly chartered patriotic and national organizations, such as the Girl Scouts , Civil Air Patrol , the American Legion ,
10192-461: The program opened to girls. Members of Scouts BSA are known as "Scouts BSA" or "Scouts". On November 6, 2018, the GSUSA filed a federal trademark lawsuit seeking to block the BSA from rebranding itself simply as "Scouts"; this is not the first time the two organizations have legally contested the use of the term scout . "On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty, to God and my country, and to obey
10304-517: The program switched to mirror that of Philmont's Kanik. Participants spent three days and two nights in Philmont's backcountry as well as provided service on the final day. The program ended in 2010. In 2019, after the Ute Park Fire in 2018, Philbreak returned with four week-long sessions in March to help with fire mitigation. Philmont operates from one large base camp, including Camping Headquarters,
10416-588: The ranch to the Maxwell Land Grant and Railroad Company , which gave up and handed it on to a Dutch development company, which decided to parcel it out to ranchers. One of the most prominent ranchers was Jesus Gil Abreu , who ran the Abreu Rayado Ranch from the 1870s till his death in 1901. Operating from the Rayado Settlement , he raised cattle, goats, and sheep and grew crops. The family owned this property until 1911, when they sold most of it off. One of
10528-441: The ranch's northwest boundary, at 12,441 feet (3,792 m). Aside from Baldy, the ranch contains a number of prominent peaks. The South Country is home to a series of six difficult peaks, namely Mount Phillips , Comanche Peak, Big Red, Bear Mountain, Black Mountain, and Schaefers Peak, as well as Trail Peak, which is popular for its nearness to Beaubien , and the wreckage of the crash of a B-24 bomber in 1942 near its summit. Of
10640-449: The ranch's various peaks with trail access, Black Mountain is widely considered the most difficult, followed closely by Baldy and Big Red. The most recognizable landmark is the Tooth of Time at 9,003 feet (2,744 m), a dacite monolith protruding 500 feet (150 m) vertically from an east-west ridge. Tooth of Time Ridge, and the latitude line on which it sits, marks the boundary between
10752-456: The sex listed on an applicant's birth certificate determined eligibility for these programs; going forward, the decision would be based on the gender listed on the application. Joe Maldonado became the first openly transgender child identifying as a boy to join the Scouts on February 7, 2017. In 2016, he was rejected from the Boy Scouts for being transgender, but the policy was changed after his story became nationally known. On October 11, 2017,
10864-741: The song on a trip home to Kansas on a train from Philmont influenced by the "click-click, click-click" of the tracks. He later became a professional Scouter in Iowa, Kansas, and Oklahoma and worked as a salesman for Phillips Petroleum. Silver on the sage, Starlit skies above, Aspen-covered hills, Country that I love. Philmont, here's to thee, Scouting paradise, Out in God's country, Tonight. Wind in whispering pines, Eagle soaring high, Purple mountains rise, Against an azure sky. Philmont, here's to thee, Scouting paradise, Out in God's country, Tonight. The "Philmont Grace" (also known as
10976-473: The sons remained on the ranch near the site of Abreu , a present staffed camp, and his homestead was preserved for years. Eventually, the adobe structure was abandoned, and it collapsed. The foundation of this building now serves as the foundation for the Abreu cantina. The house was reconstructed in 1998 about 100 feet (30 m) uphill. The history of mining at Philmont dates back to the years immediately after
11088-575: The spring, the area was overrun with prospectors. Scores of gold mines were excavated and operated into the early 20th century on what was once the Baldy Mining District , now modern day Philmont. Today, the Contention Mine, located at Cyphers Mine, and the Aztec Mine, located above French Henry, are open to guided tours. Wealthy oil magnate and wilderness enthusiast Waite Phillips amassed
11200-672: The staff camp Indian Writings, drowned while being swept away by the flood and died. Brock's death received nationwide attention, especially from the Scouting community. On May 31, 2018, a wildfire started one mile east of the community Ute Park, New Mexico . The cause remains under investigation. By the morning of June 1, the Ute Park Fire had almost doubled in size to 8,000 acres (32 km ), burning entirely on private land, including Philmont Scout Ranch. Twelve structures at Philmont, all unoccupied and non-residential, were reported as burned. All backcountry treks at Philmont Scout Ranch for
11312-477: The trails, one month prior to the first participants' arrival. Conservationists live in staff camps or spike camps and lead conservation projects for treks passing through their camp. The GIS staff map trails, campsites, and other features of the Philmont Backcountry. In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the BSA, Northrop Grumman donated high-resolution geospatial data of the ranch to Philmont. GIS and
11424-715: The troop and to participate in community service. Venturers are expected to know and live by the Scout Oath and Law. Before May 2014, members of the Venturing program followed the now discontinued Venturing Oath and Venturing Code . Venturers associate and work directly with adults advisors, but the crew is led by elected youth officers who are given opportunities to learn and apply leadership skills. Venturers plan and participate in interdependent group experiences dependent on cooperation. An emphasis on high adventure provides opportunities for team-building and practical leadership applications. A series of awards provide opportunities for recognition and personal growth. Each award requires
11536-429: The wood in construction projects around the Ranch. Slash from the thinning projects is piled and burned and a prescribed fire program is being developed to maintain desired forest condition. The Forestry crews work year-round, and each staff member receives detailed training in chainsaw operations, as well as an overview of forest management and fire ecology. The Roving Outdoor Conservation School (ROCS), started in 2000,
11648-496: The words of Phinney, the site was "...probably more like lunar geology." Training included recognizing "both igneous and sedimentary rocks, orientation with geologic maps , measuring and describing stratigraphic sections, strike and dip measurements, recording of field notes ... and geophysical traverses that included taking measurements with magnetometers , gravimeters and seismometers in an attempt to determine subsurface structure." Astronauts who would use this training on
11760-547: The youth leadership to help them develop their skills and confidence and have a successful trek. They hike along with crews on the 12-day treks for the first two days on the trail, during which time they teach and observe the crew. They are also responsible for Search and rescue on Philmont property and in surrounding areas. The Ranger Department also includes Mountain Trek Rangers who lead the week-long Mountain Treks that originate in
11872-753: Was allowed for up to 2 years for all scouts who were older than 16 but not yet 18 years of age on February 1, 2019. Of the 21 merit badges Eagle Scouts are required to earn, 14 of the badges must include: First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Citizenship in Society, Communication, Cooking, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, Environmental Science OR Sustainability, Personal Management, Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling, Camping, and Family Life. The National Scout Jamboree
11984-457: Was created, in support of what founders call "traditional, Christian" scouting. Subsequently, some Christian denomination congregations replaced their Boy Scouts of America troops with those of Trail Life USA. In May 2015, Boy Scouts of America President Robert Gates said it was time to end the ban on gay leaders. Gates said it "cannot be sustained" any longer. On July 10, 2015, the Boy Scouts of America Executive Committee agreed, and referred
12096-611: Was located in Philmont's south country, was destroyed. Philmont staff along with wildland firefighter personnel have wrapped the Fish camp Cabin, as well as other buildings within the south country. The fire was largely contained before the season began, allowing crews to proceed with their treks as normal. NASA and the USGS used the site to geologically train the Apollo Astronauts in June 1964. In
12208-548: Was that the property be used "for the benefit of the members of the Boy Scout organization". He donated a second, larger section of land later in the 1930s, requiring only that this section pay its fair share of taxes on any portion devoted to competitive commercial operations. In 1941, Phillips added more Philmont property, including the Villa Philmonte, bringing the total to 127,395 acres (515.55 km ). Contrary to popular belief, Phillips did not donate his entire ranch to
12320-550: Was then "on track to become president of the Scout's national board in 2014" and later was, publicly opposed the policy and stated their intention "to work from within the BSA Board to actively encourage dialogue and sustainable progress" in changing the policy. On January 28, 2013, the BSA announced it was considering rescinding the ban on homosexuals, allowing chartered organizations to determine local policy. On May 23, 2013, over 60% of
12432-432: Was to commemorate the organization's 40th anniversary. Since then, jamborees have been held in varying locations. From 1981 until 2010, the jamboree was held at Fort A.P. Hill , Virginia . A permanent location owned by the BSA was sought in 2008 for future jamborees, high adventure programs and training. The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve near Beckley, West Virginia , is now the permanent site beginning with
12544-567: Was visiting London, where he encountered a boy who came to be known as the Unknown Scout . Boyce was lost on a foggy street when an unknown Scout came to his aid, guiding him to his destination. The boy then refused Boyce's tip, explaining that he was a Boy Scout and was merely doing his daily good turn. Interested in the Boy Scouts, Boyce met with staff at the Boy Scouts Headquarters and, by some accounts, Baden-Powell. Upon his return to
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