I’m aware that this is robotics forum, though I’m hoping that the overlap between BSA and robotics will generate some interest 
The Boy Scouts of America Great Lakes Council has one Philmont crew slot intended to be a unique provisional crew. We have worked to remove barriers to participation such that interested scouts should not be concerned by inability to pay, nor by lack of gear or experience. We are looking for any scout that deserves to go to Philmont, yet has never been. If anybody here is interested themselves, knows somebody that may be interested, or can spread the word among scoutmasters in the council I would much appreciate your help. PM me or reply to this thread and I can provide more detailed information as well as an application. Priority will be given to scouts in Great Lakes Council, though others willing to make the commitment may apply. Time is pressing. If we are unable to fill this crew we are unlikely to get the same number of slots in following years, which will negatively impact the high adventure program for years to come.
For those that have never been, Philmont Scout Ranch is Scouting’s premier High Adventure Base. In addition to the spectacular 137,000 acre wilderness of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico, Scouts also have the opportunity to participate in activities such as mountain biking, rock climbing, ecology, fishing, black powder rifle shooting, archeology, wilderness first aid, and many more. Each year there are almost 17,000 Scouts on a waiting list to attend Philmont. Don’t let an opportunity to go get away from you!
High Adventure and Robotics are the two biggest contributing factors to the person I am today, so I’m rather passionate about both
~Allison
Philmont is a **do not miss **opportunity. If you are in the Great Lakes Council, you should think seriously about going. Beautiful country, back country hiking, history galore, just outside Cimarron, NM with a view to Angelfire. My son worked there for two summers. Get in now and start training for a terrific experience.
I would just like to say I was there two years ago. It was one of the BEST times of my life. I can’t even describe how much fun it was. I really think anyone interested should go on this life-changing trip.
I believe that my I’m supposed to be going with Venture Crew in a few years (waitlist!). A few of my friends have gone, and they all said that they loved it. I’m excited :
A friend of mine went this summer and created this video to capture the experience. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPdTKRiquR0
This is my opinion on this matter:
Philmont. Is. Awesome.
Allow me to illustrate my point with an anecdote…
Two years ago, my crew was on the 10th-ish day of our epic trek. We were scheduled to hike up Mount Baldy, the highest peak in Philmont. It was one of the most adventurous hikes I have ever partaken in; the last half-mile to the top was straight up a 30 degree slope of loose gravel and rock. When we finally reached the top, we had a massive panoramic view of the surrounding area, thanks to a rare clear day on Baldy. We could see distant lakes and towns, and even other crews making their way along various trails at the base of the mountain. Most awe-inspiring of all, however, was a distant ridgeline, 50 miles away, where we had spent our second night on the trail. We knew that we had come a long way, but it was mind-boggling to see it put into perspective.
If anyone here is able to take advantage of this unique opportunity, by all means go for it! It will be an experience you will never forget.
The video brought back some fond memories. The burned trees are from the Great Ponil Fire of 2002. You can see pictures here…http://199.134.225.50/nwcc/t1_pnw2/2002/ponilcomplex/gallery1.html
My son was on staff that year and miraculously no Philmont structures were lost to the fire. Some of the pictures showing wide open areas were not that visible prior to the fire. In some of the great vista shots of the horizon you are actually seeing Texas in the distance. That is how great the view is from some of the higher peaks.