fall volunteer vacation
Lasting memories & fellowship
Come work and live in the backcountry for a week!
The Trail to Cito Peak—Year 6
The Philmont Staff Association and Philmont Scout Ranch are pleased to again offer this opportunity in 2021 – not once , but twice! This will be the 6th year for the very exciting and tremendously rewarding Volunteer Vacation. Past participants have experienced a fantastic week in the backcountry, hard physical work, and the ultimate satisfaction of giving back to Philmont.
Fall Volunteer Vacation Basics
Details
Dates: September 11th-18th, 2021
Cost: $115+$50 Covid Surcharge
*All events subject to a $50 Covid surcharge fee, but it will only apply to a single event per summer so if you register for multiple events you will only pay once.
Slots Available: 24
Registration Deadline: August 31st, 2021
Who Can Attend?
This program is available to PSA members and their eligible family members. The minimum age is 16 years by date of participation. Trek-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.
Trail Construction
Both sessions in 2021 will focus on trails to Cito Peak – either the on-going construction of the new trail from the Sawmill side of the mountain, or the beginning of a new trail starting from the Webster Parks area. There has never been a trail to Cito Peak and now, hopefully, it can be added to Scout treks in 2022. Your work will be instrumental in making this happen.
Participant Requirements
Be at least 18 years old by the date the program begins or 16 years old by the date the program begins if the child is a PSA member.
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.
Tentative Schedule
Saturday: Arrive at Philmont during the day. First meal will be dinner in the PTC Dining Hall. In the evening, the Conservation Department will begin the program with introductions and specific plans, gear & packing advice, and general Q&A.
Sunday: Breakfast at PTC and then depart for the drop-off point just above Sawmill. Next, a very short hike to Whistle Punk trail camp, set up camp, and have lunch. Following lunch, you will receive Philmont tools and trail construction instruction, start trail construction work, and have fun.
Monday-Wednesday: Trail construction work (and more fun). There should be time to climb Cito Peak! We’re close to the summit.
Thursday: Final wrap-up of trail construction work, break camp, clean up the Whistle Punk campsite, and then hike or ride to another campsite. The final campsite will depend on the number of participants, availability of transportation vehicles, weather, etc. Volunteers will spend the night at this new location, relaxing and enjoying traditional Philmont camping.
Friday: In the morning, possible side-hikes based on the location. By midday or early afternoon, Volunteers will be transported back to Base Camp. Friday evening’s dinner will be a celebration of the week and recognition for what you have given back to Philmont. Participants will be awarded the coveted Volunteer Vacation patch.
Saturday: Depart Philmont after breakfast. Take a proud and satisfying look back at Cimarroncito Peak!
Please note: this entire schedule could change dramatically based on Philmont’s needs. We’ll keep everyone informed as the year progresses.
Reminders
This program is available to PSA members and their eligible family members. The minimum age is 16 years by date of participation. Trek-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. All participants must be members of the Boy Scouts of America.
If females under the age of 21 years are registered, we will attempt to make accommodation for Youth Protection requirements. If we cannot meet Youth Protection requirements (having a female over 21 participate) we will return the entire registration fee.
The full Philmont medical form is required – the same 7 page form required for summer Trekkers. Please note, just because your doctor certifies you, it does not mean this program is for you. Volunteer Vacation requires hard work, long hours, a good crew spirit, backpacking ability and a sense of humor. This program is not leisurely and is not for those who are afraid of sore muscles, getting dirty, and who cannot maintain a great attitude when the going gets tough. The PSA reserves the right to return the entire registration fee of any person who would be inappropriate for this program.
Questions?
Visit our FAQ page for more details! Click here!
Packing List
Are you wondering what to pack on your trip out to Philmont? We have a great resource click here for more information.
Registration Checklist
*Fill out PSA Fall VV Form below
*Send your check to Philmont Scout Ranch with memo “Fall Volunteer Vacation”
Please Note: The PSA reserves the right to deny or revoke registration where appropriate.
Fall Volunteer Vacation Form
Payment & Refunds
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: “Fall Volunteer Vacation”
Mail check: 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.