Hike On

Marking the final episode of Season 2 of Hike On, this episode explores the power that challenging work in Philmont's backcountry holds for participants. Along trails and streams, through forests and pastures countless Scouts over the years have been deeply impacted through their work with the Conservation Department. We explore this theme with a participant from an Order of the Arrow Trail Crew trek this past summer, learning what these lasting, positive impacts are and examining what benefits a special trek holds for its participants.

This past summer Philmont hosted its first ever trail race. Featuring four races, a 50-miler, marathon, heavy half (18-miles) and Tooth Ridge sprint, participants from across the country came to the Ranch to race. Today on Hike On we explore what it meant to the participants to be a part of this new direction for Philmont and what it meant to them to experience the backcountry in this unique way.

Did you know that you could adventure through Philmont's mountains on horseback? During a weeklong Cavalcade you'll ride along streams, through meadows and through our forests as you travel from camp to camp while experiencing Philmont in a special way. This week on Hike On we explore what a Cavalcade trek is like, what it means to its participants and how the West is brought to life through this unique lens.

2022 marks two important anniversaries: the 50th anniversary of women in the Ranger Department and the 50th anniversary of the Service Academy program. For 50 years, women have shaped the Ranger Department for the better and the United States' military academies have sent students to serve as rangers, providing a valuable resource for Philmont and life-changing leadership experience for the students. Today we explore both of these anniversaries through stories from rangers who have seen Philmont in all its forms across these past five decades.

For countless Scouts, backcountry music has taught them the land's history and inspired a deeper Philmont experience. This vital aspect of a Philmont trek is one cherished by participants and staff alike. Today we explore music's role in changing the lives of all who pass along these trails.

Return to the laughter and good times found at Philmont by stepping into the camper dining hall. The basecamp dining hall is where Scouts heading out onto the trail and returning from trek anxiously await departure and swap stories. Today we explore those stories by joining crews at their table as they tell us of their hopes for the trail and regale us with tales of triumph and challenge from trek.

Learn more:

Once you return home from Philmont, it can be difficult to share the magic that you felt on the Ranch. A big part of this comes from the indescribable beauty of the land, but an even greater part comes from the relationships forged by the adversity overcome on trek or the lessons learned as a member of the Philmont staff. Today we talk to scouts, staff and advisors about how their Philmont experience changed them and who made that possible.

Learn more:

An important Philmont Scout Ranch motto is "Change Lives." The phrase has often been held up as the pinnacle of Philmont's mission. However, can we more critically examine whether or not Philmont really changes lives? For the completion of her Master's degree at the University of Utah, former Ranger Mary Godwin set out to answer this question. Listen today as she explores what she found and how the research can help Philmont change even more lives.

Learn more:

The story of Philmont begins long before Waite Phillips or the Scouting movement. The land that today is known as Philmont Scout Ranch has been inhabited for thousands of years, had many different owners, played a role in our nation's history, and has been shaped by human society for far longer than we may think. Listen in today as we are joined by Eric Smallwood, a historian well-versed in Philmont's history, to explore the history of the land that we now call Philmont and the many people who have called it home over the ages.

Learn more:

After two closed summers, in 2018 and 2020, Philmont returned again in 2021 ready and eager to provide participants the opportunity to summit mountains and overcome challenges. After a summer unlike any that had come before, participants and staff alike learned what it means to trust those around you to reach that peak. Listen today as some of those who were shaped by this past summer’s adventures on the Ranch share what “Change Lives” means to them.

Learn more at: