The Philmont Training Center is the place for all of your training needs this summer

I like to say that the only people who can benefit from attending a conference at the Philmont Training Center are youth, adults, current Scout leaders, former Scout leaders, future Scout leaders, people who have been to Philmont before, people who haven’t been to Philmont before and even people who have yet to be involved in Scouting at all.

The Philmont Training Center (PTC), Scouting America’s national training center located at Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron, New Mexico, is currently taking reservations for this summer and beyond.

Just as Philmont Scout Ranch is known for its backpacking treks through one of the most pristine wilderness areas of North America, the PTC is known as one of the premier training locations our organization has to offer.

“We have something here for every one of every age,” says the PTC’s director, Amy Hutcherson. “This is a magical place for all types of people: Scouters, Scouts and their families, and also people who aren’t even familiar with Scouting.”

As if all of that wasn’t enough, the PTC turns 75 years old this year and will be celebrating the occasion with special events all summer long.

What courses are offered at the Philmont Training Center?

Simply put, there’s a course for everyone.

Among the few that caught my eye …

• June 15-21: Philmont Fly Fishing. Are you an avid fly fisher, or someone who just wants to learn how to fly fish? It’s a trick question, because both are welcome in this course. The course flyer describes it as the “fly-fishing trip of a lifetime,” and I agree.

The fly-fishing course is listed under the Conferences For All set of classes, which also includes Wilderness First Aid, Making Scouting Unforgettably Fun and Scouting the New Mexico Landscape with Your Camera.

• June 22-28: Psychology of Scouting: Your Mental Health. Mental health challenges are the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes in the young people of the United States today, and Scouting America gives adults a unique opportunity to help.

This course, presented under the Scouting Unit Essentials category, is designed for Scouting volunteers and professionals who would like to understand more about the mental health of today’s youth.

Other courses in this category are Mechanics of Advancement for Today’s Scouts, Scouting Relationships Advocate and Planning for the Future of Older Youth Programs.

• June 22-28: International Scouting Training. The Scouting America International Committee is launching a new course designed for Scouters eager to expand their knowledge of the Scouting movement across the world.

Participants will learn about the history, structure and mission of the World Organization of the Scout Movement then have the opportunity to choose among three afternoon classes depending on their desired outcome.

What does a week at the PTC look like?

For most courses, you’ll arrive and check in Sunday afternoon, attend classes throughout the week, and leave on the following Saturday.

Evenings are reserved for fun and games, which vary throughout the summer.

You’ll sleep in a tent, with the option of upgrading to Philmont’s luxury deluxe tents, which include linens, bedding and furniture.

And while you’re getting trained, your family members can participate in a variety of Scouting programs, including shooting sports, rock climbing, hiking and museum tours.

What about the 75^th anniversary celebration?

There will be 75^th anniversary-themed activities throughout the summer.

However, the big celebration will be June 29-July 5, a week dedicated to reunions of many groups that have been important to the development of the PTC.

There will be special entertainment and guests, historical presentations, tours, programs, sharing of great Scouting stories, songs, skits, and much more.

Click here to learn more.

How do I sign up for classes at the Philmont Training Center?

Step 1: Read over the PTC 2025 guidebook. It contains tons of useful information to help you plan your trip to Philmont.

Step 2: Click here to explore all the classes the PTC has to offer.

Step 3: Once you’ve found the course for you, click here to sign up!

Photos courtesy of Philmont Scout Ranch