PhilBreak was re-established in 2019 as a response to the 2018 Ute Park fire. Assisting with recovery and improvement efforts, PSA members have returned to the ranch in March of each year to perform forest fuel reduction, slash pile burning, and general debris clearing. The weekly schedules are greatly determined by the weather. Last year, when access to the work site was difficult, participants assisted in the Backcountry Warehouse assembling trail meals. Each week is exciting, rewarding, and exhausting; the best way to give back and contribute to Philmont.
Each session will consist of up to 30 PSA, OA, and general Scouting members. The cost is only $160. This ultra-low fee will cover all meals and roofed, nightly housing at Philmont. Participants will be transported to the worksite every day. During the week, evening educational lectures, Villa & Scouting Museum tours, and special hours at the Tooth of Time Traders will be offered. On Friday of each session, participants will relax and finish the week with a day hike to a Philmont backcountry location.
This program is available to PSA members and their eligible family members. The minimum age is 16 years by date of participation and accompanied by a PSA member adult. Eligible family members include your spouse, child or stepchild, sibling, parent, grandparent, grandchild, niece, nephew or in-law of the PSA member. Please do not register anyone who does not meet these requirements.
You can register for either of the 2 weeks offered. Each week can accommodate up to 30 participants. If your chosen week does not obtain the minimum number, we will contact you directly and see if you’re willing to switch to another week. If you can’t switch, a refund will be issued.
Week 1 is FULL!
Week 2: March 16th-23rd
Be at least 18 years old by the date the program begins unless accompanied by a PSA member adult, then they can be 16 and older.
You MUST be a registered adult member of the Boy Scouts of America, and have completed all required trainings
Be in good physical condition, able to hike 3 or more miles with a 20-pound backpack and able to lift and handle materials up to 50 pounds. (Philmont height and weight guidelines will be strictly enforced.)
Complete a Philmont Medical Form. Parts A, B, C with doctor’s signature.
Raton, NM Shuttle: $20 round trip. Shuttle will run in time with Amtrak schedules.
Albuquerque Airport Shuttle: $100 round trip. Flights must arrive at the airport by noon on the first day and depart after 1 pm on the last day.
Saturday:
Arrive at Philmont during the day. You must arrive by 5 PM MST. No late arrivals will be allowed. If you cannot arrive by 5PM, then you should plan on arriving on the Friday before and stay in Cimarron, Taos, Raton, etc. The first Philmont provided meal will be Saturday dinner in the PTC Dining Hall. In the evening, the Conservation Department will begin the program with introductions and specific plans, gear info, advice, and general Q&A.
Sunday-Thursday:
Daily transport to the fire area / worksite. Crews will work on various forestry projects. Breakfast and dinner at the PTC. Sack lunch in the field.
Friday Day:
Day Off! Optional, organized day-hike in Philmont backcountry. Possible day of skiing in Red River (participants provide their own transportation and fees).
Friday Evening:
Recognition Dinner and final gathering.
Saturday:
Depart Philmont after breakfast
Registration Deadline March 1st, 2024!
*Fill out PSA PhilBreak form below
*Wait for confirmation email
*Send your $160 check to Philmont Scout Ranch with memo “PSA PhilBreak 2024” Payment is due within 30 days of registration.
Please Note: The PSA reserves the right to deny or revoke registration where appropriate.
Register here on the PSA website, but…
Payment is made directly to Philmont , not the PSA
Make check payable to: “Philmont Scout Ranch”
In the memo, please write: “PSA PhilBreak 2024”
Mail check: Philmont Scout Ranch 17 Deer Run Road Cimarron, NM
Philmont’s refund policy: ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. THEY CANNOT BE APPLIED TO FUTURE PSA TREKS OR EVENTS. Emergency situations will be handled by Philmont on an individual basis.