Silver On the Sage

Today Kara Noonan Stevens joins the show to share her experiences on staff in the 90s and on staff last summer at the Welcome Center.  She describes the Welcome Center as "Philmont's Front Porch."  It's where all crews begin their Philmont journey, and hence makes an important first impression.  It's also a place where Welcome center staff can work hard and be able to rela...

Dan and Karen Ashton met at Philmont in 1977, and recently celebrated 31 years of marriage.  Their story is untraditional and adventurous - much like the paths we traverse in the rugged backcountry hills.  The couple shares stories as though we were casually grouped around a campfire, like old friends do.   Philmont Experience Dan: 1973 & 1974 – Trek participant 1975 – Kit Carson Man Trek 1976...

Happy birthday Silver On the Sage Podcast!  Today the podcast begins it's fifth year of sharing stories and highlighting the immeasurable impact that Philmont has had on all of our lives. As of today, the show has totaled 95,000 downloads. We have aired 166 episodes, and reached audiences in over 13 countries, and 315 cities.  I'm so honored to continue to host and produce this podcast,...

David is currently the Director of Wilderness Adventures at Northern Tier, and was formerly a Senior Associate Director of Program at Philmont Scout Ranch.  During his thirteen year tenure at Philmont he implemented several new safety and risk management procedures, enhanced Philmont's shooting sports program, expanded backcountry instrument inventory, refined backcountry warehouse usage data...

Today we travel to 2012 when Jeremy Cunningham and I, along with several other phenomenal individuals, spent the summer at Beaubien - calling it our home.  This episode is special for me because it's the first interview I've done with a fellow staff member. Jeremy and I chat about his one and only summer on staff - the family bond amongst co-workers, working hard to delivery a world clas...

As we close out Season 8 of Silver On the Sage Podcast - I share with you an episode from the vault.  In late spring of 2021 I interviewed my sister Claire Ficke.  We had intentions to co-host the podcast that summer, but - had to delay the idea.  All the same - this episode still holds relevance, meaning, and nuggets of wisdom too good not to share.    Philmont Experience: 2013 - PC Beaubien 2014...

In today's episode I get to chat with the current Director of Program at the Philmont Training Center, Maddy Houk. In addition to discussing what this new era of PTC has to offer, we highlight the success of a special project that Maddy is very passionate about - the Zia Experience.  The Zia experience is a modified BSA Family Adventure Camp program focusing on giving Scouts with special need...

Eric Locklar, known to several of you as Lock, joins the show to share many a story and a heartfelt appreciation for all that Philmont Scout Ranch has given him. From the Ponil Rootbeer challenege to the 1996 Harlan Tornado radio call - Lock embodies the spirit of work hard, play hard.  He expresses his dedication to the Philmont scouting experience and to the late Doug Palmer as a mentor and life...

The next 90 minutes will showcase original songs, poems, and stories shared to celebrate the life and impact of Doug Palmer who served as Philmont's Associate Director of Program for over 23 years. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who submitted content to make this episode possible.  Be sure to read the show notes below for set list details. Set List 1) "The Phil-Sick Blues" - Mark...

Ever since his experience as a Kit Carson Trek participant in 1972 and working on staff as a Ranger, John has looked for ways to give back to Philmont Scout Ranch.  He's done so via his time and dedication to the Philmont Staff Association as the VP of Development and President.  John is also a current Ranch Committee member on the facilities task force.  Lastly - he remains an active member...

A bonus episode for this month to highlight the historic, spiritual, and otherworldly encounters that many of us have experienced at Philmont Scout Ranch.  I want to thank Kathy Schroder, Forky Rudin, and JJ Stevens for sharing their stories and time.   Photo Credit: Christopher Miller, 2019.  Support the show

Forrest, better known to some of you as Forky, shares his passion for the Ranger department - including in 1982 when he achieved the triple crown as a Roving Ranger, Rayado Ranger, and Mountain Trek Ranger. Among the more wild and adventurous stories - yes including the bear bite incident - Forky also highlights the deeper experiences he encountered at Philmont - which have shaped his entire life...

Reid Templeton - original Tobasco Donkeys member and co-author of BSA Topping Out Climbing/Rappelling Manual. Reid deems Philmont as "the gateway job" to careers in leadership and outdoor education.  His career today as a leadership, team, and organizational development consultant is rooted in the leadership opportunities he gained from Scouting.  *Please hike and climb in approved areas...

Fred has been a Philmont trek participant, seasonal staff member, full time employee, and dedicated PSA volunteer.  In our conversation today Fred shares a myriad of stories and insights - from the infamous 1996 Tornado to interacting with crews at Commissary camps, the long gone tradition of backcountry Philmont cats, getting involved with the Community of Cimarron, and many other seemingly accid...

Seventy years ago in 1954, Joe spent his first year on staff as a wrangler at base camp headquarters.  Dr. Armstrong went on to have an extremely successful career in the horse and cattle industry as an international judge, educator, breeder, consultant, coach and competitor.  He is also a published author of the book titled: The Horseman's Handbook: Horse Ownership, Care & Enjoyment. Whe...

Tim Rosseisen spent 11 summers on staff throughout the 80s and 90s, only to return again as Special Projects Manager in 22, 23, and 24.  He shares a lighthearted mix of stories from back in the day, to meaningful experiences since returning to the ranch in recent years.  Tim has also been served as the PSA National Director and Vice President of Service for several terms.  Lastly, he chats about h...

Today Charley Charlie shares her story as a young Explorer trekking at Philmont to a Rayado Ranger, Conservation Forman, and more.  After Philmont, she founded two Facebook groups committed to women of high adventure - the groups are the Phemale Alumni and the Phemale Forum.  She is a proponent for improved training and preparedness for future Philmont staff, and aspires to build a career in outdo...

Mark Stinnett joins the show to discuss his extensive involvement with and dedication to Philmont Scout Ranch and Scouting alike.  We chat about his role as the Editor of the award winning PSA High Country magazine, his experiences on Ranch Committee, several wild backcountry bear encounters, and more.  We also highlight the PTC Course that Mark Stinnett and Mark Anderson have led each summer sinc...

Ed Dolensky joins the show to chat about the Philmont Scout Ranch Food Service Department.  Ed discusses the numerous angles of food service from backcountry commissary deliveries and trail meal packaging - to camper, staff, and PTC dining hall operations. We all love to eat so let's give the dining hall some love and celebrate the hard work they do to keep staff and participants fueled for a...

For 16 summers Steve Nelson witnessed staff and participants experience influential moments time and time again.  And not just in the summertime, but year round - from 2008 to 2023 Steve worked full-time as the Associate Director of Camping, Comptroller, and Director of Camping. Steve prides Philmont on recruiting the best of the best seasonal staff members.  And how when they arrive, they explode...

Dr. John Alexander - esteemed Veterinarian, Texas native, Eagle Scout, Philmont Wrangler and Horsemen, Philmont Ranch Committee member, and one of the more generous people I've met to date.  Philmont Experience: June 1984 - Trek participant June 2013 - Advisor 1988 - Wrangler, Beaubien & Ponil 1989-1991 - Horseman, Ponil 2016-2021 - Ranch Committee: Ranch/Conservation Task Force 2021- Ran...

Jack Chinn and I discuss the magical moments of the Philmont staff experience, alongside the maturity moments and interpersonal growth that happens when you toss a bunch of 20 year-olds together in the mountains of New Mexico.  Chatting with Jack also reminded me of how much stronger our memories are when gathered with friends. Philmont Experience: 2004 - Trek participant 2008 - OA trail crew trek...

Today I share an interview with Grace Wall, also known as Nolly.  Nolly is a current Philmont staffer and a long time scouter.  This interview embodies those moments when you meet a fellow alumni and feel instantly at ease and eager to chat about all things Philmont.    Philmont Experience: 2019 - 12-day trek participant 2021 - PC Rich Cabins 2022 - PC Crater Lake 2023 - PC Cypher's Mine 2024...

Today's guest will soon begin his  27th summer on seasonal staff at Philmont Scout Ranch.  He's hiked the Appalachian Trail, the Long Trail, and summited over 40 state highpoints and 40 Colorado fourteeners.  But you may know him best from his published book - The Philmanac, and his famous Philmont cookies and desserts.  Philmont Experience: 1978 - Trek Participant 1982 - Ranger 1983 - S...

Kicking off Season 8 with the current Director of Camping, Unit 2 - Matt Hart.  Matt shares an enthusiastic commitment to Philmont’s exemplary levels of service and professionalism, from the first bus of the season to the last - and beyond. We discuss everything from recruitment, participant numbers, and BSA policy updates to Philmont capital projects, pilot programs, NM sunsets and more.  Support...