An orientation meeting will be held on December 4 for the entire contingent, and after that, crews will hold monthly meetings to get to know each other, pick their itinerary, and prepare for the trek.

What is an itinerary? Philmont Scout Ranch covers 250,000 acres and it is impossible to see it all in one trip. Each crew chooses a specific itinerary that includes your route, campsites, and activities along the way. You will have a chance to explore the wonderful back country of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Cimarron, New Mexico. You will also have a chance to experience living history at the original lodges and homesteads on the property with staff in period dress. You will participate in scouting activities beyond the confines of summer camp such as rock climbing in the mountains, horseback riding through meadows, blacksmithing before exploring a gold mine, or climbing high mountain peaks (up to 12,441 feet), and the list goes on.

When is it? The contingent will depart July 2, 2022, to travel by coach bus, Amtrak train, and shuttle bus to base camp. You will spend 11 days and 10 nights at Philmont, then arrive back home on July 16, 2022.

The council contingent is open to registered male and female youth and adults. Youth must be at least 14 years of age or 13 and have completed 8th grade by the time their trek begins.

The contingent budget is $1,768 which includes all travel, the Philmont fee, and (2) contingent class B quick dry B t-shirts. A $250 deposit will secure your spot in the contingent, with payments to be made in October, December, February and April.

Why sign up now? Spaces are currently available, but you will want to sign up soon in order to meet the rest of the contingent at the orientation meeting on December 4. All spots will be filled on a first come basis, but unused spots may have to be turned in for other councils to use. Philmont is truly “Scouting Paradise”, an adventure you will not want to miss.

To sign up, click on this link: www.baylakesbsa.org/philmont. Fill out the registration, mail your $250 deposit to the council office, and our council coordinator will be in touch with further details.

Adult leaders, please pass this on to youth and parents in your unit. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Alberts or Jerry Dold.