Secure your spot for a summer session at Philmont Training Center

It’s still January, but if you’re already thinking about your summer vacation, you’re not alone. We hear ya!

Now’s the time to start planning your family’s summer getaway, and many Scouters are heading to Philmont for a week at the Philmont Training Center, the BSA’s national training facility since 1950.

There are 10 weeks of conferences for you, whether you’re a new Scouter, veteran, or somewhere in between. More than 80 weeklong courses are available, and courses like “Connecting Children and Nature,” “Working With Scouts With Special Needs,” and “Putting More Outing in Scouting” will educate and inspire you.

Conferences are coordinated by the Volunteer Development Team and feature a faculty of experienced Scouters from across the country.

So you’ll attend one of these exceptional courses, but what will the rest of the fam be up to?

Plenty. There is literally something for everyone. So bring your infant, your tween, your teen, and/or your spouse because they’ll enjoy a variety of activities that include horse rides, hikes, crafts, games, nature walks, archery, and much more. In addition to scheduled activities, there is plenty of time for families to spend time together and enjoy the beauty of the area.

When you consider all that you’re getting for this family vacation and the training center’s location in the foothills of the gorgeous Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northeastern New Mexico, the fees are more than reasonable:

Conference attendees, $470; spouses, $340; kids, $180-$285; mountain trek, $345; and NAYLE, $355. Those amounts include conference materials, meals, and lodging.

Ready to sign up? There is still space available in most conferences, the first of which begins June 5. Participants must register at least a week before their conference, assuming space is still available.

To register, go to MyScouting and click on the “Events Reservation” tab. For more information check out the PTC Web site or give them a call at 575-376-2281.


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.