Outdoor Scouting adventures can’t happen without dedicated volunteers and professionals who are trained and prepared to deliver Scouting America’s values and skills to our country’s youth.
You can find that training at the National Outdoor Conference.
Every other year, Scouting America volunteers and professionals meet in the fall to learn new methods, share ideas, and check out the latest in outdoor gear and programs. Registration for the upcoming conference, which will be at Philmont Scout Ranch, is now open.
What is the National Outdoor Conference?
It’s Scouting’s largest gathering of volunteers and professionals charged with delivering the world’s greatest outdoor program for youth. There will be elective sessions, keynote speakers, outdoor vendor exhibits, backcountry excursions, special program opportunities and great fellowship with Scouting’s top outdoor leaders.
When is it?
Sept. 17-21, 2025.
Online registration is now open. There are also preconference workshops Sept. 14-17 that that focus on the National Camp Accreditation Program, range and target activities, marketing, and Certified Angling Instructor Training. Plus, there’s a provisional backpacking trek planned.
The main conference will concentrate on youth safety, collaboration, outreach, financial sustainability and delivering Scouting outdoor programs to today’s youth.
Where is it?
Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, N.M.
Who should attend?
Anyone involved in outdoor program delivery at the national, territorial, council and/or district level.
That means Scout executives, directors of support services, program directors, rangers, camp directors, council presidents and council program vice presidents. Anyone who chairs a committee on council and district camping, conservation, aquatics, or COPE/climbing should also plan to be there, as should properties chairpersons and other volunteers or professionals responsible for delivery of outdoor programs.
What will I do?
The conference will have educational sessions where you will learn about all things camping and the outdoors. You will gain practical skills that you can take home and apply immediately.
You will hear from guest speakers, check out vendors in the exhibit area and network with colleagues.
On Saturday afternoon, you can explore Philmont and sightsee around northeastern New Mexico. You can go on a day hike to one of the Philmont landmarks, cast your line for trout in a mountain stream or saddle up for a high-altitude horseback ride.
You could go one on of several backcountry drives through the mountains to see some of Philmont’s historic camps and scenery. You can check out Philmont’s base camp facilities or take a tour with maintenance experts to learn what goes into keeping the world’s largest camp running.
How much does it cost?
There are several options for fees and housing. Costs range from $325 to $505 depending on your housing choice. If you want roofed housing or a “deluxe tent,” then register early because those options are limited.
Preconference workshop costs vary. Those who register before July 1 will receive a special custom National Outdoor Conference gift.
To see the pricing options and what’s included in each, visit the conference website.
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