Silver On the Sage

Grant Willis stumbled upon Philmont by happenstance and ended up spending two summers on staff, and one summer on staff at Sea Base.   Philmont Experience: 2014 - CHQ Dining Hall  2015 - Winter/Spring: Trail Meal Packing 2018 - Sea Base: Maintenance  2022 - CHQ Dining Hall Support the show

Software engineer, Tom Hjellming discusses all things related to the Philmont Gateway system.  From it's origin, through many evolutions, and how it continues to streamline and manage online requests for both staff and participants of Philmont Scout Ranch.   Support the show

"Here’s to the close of a long good era for the history of Philmont. That era included Boss Sanchez, Leo Martinez, Chope Phillips, and Bob Knox.  Each of these men had huge influences on the history of Philmont, and upon Rod Taylor, Chuck Enloe, Bob Ricklefs, and Ben Vargas. All 8 of those men were honored by the Philmont Wrangler family at the Wrangler Reunion Red River 2023. Let’s hope the...

The year 2018 brought about several impactful events to Philmont and the Philmont landscape. One of those events was the Ute Park Fire that devastated the middle part of the Ranch, ultimately causing a closure of the 2018 summer program. Another one of those events occurred on August 18, 2018 with the retirement of tenured Philmont employees Ben and Marilyn Vargas. Ben’s retirement in 2018 was the...

Keith is a skilled artist, storyteller, and connoisseur of western culture. His artwork reflects his passion for the American West and its history, people, and animals. He spent several years cowboying on ranches in New Mexico, Nevada, and Wyoming.  Keith has dedicated over 35 years to the motion picture industry as a prop master.  He's worked on numerous films including No Country for Old Me...

Via numerous field recordings, Ellyn Washubrne Rager has dedicated her own musical talents and time to creating a catalog of Philmont music for all to enjoy.  You can access those tunes on Bandcamp and the Phamily Recordings website. Ellyn is a current student at the Univ of Kentucky, pursing a PhD in Musicology.  The title of her research is - Philsongs: A Study of Campfire Music Performed at Sco...

Mark joins the show today, sharing a multitude of stories and tangents. If you're lamenting that summer is nearing an end, this episode will give you a good dose of nostalgia, adventure, and authenticity to carry you through.  Support the show

Growing up at the Double Z Bar Ranch with Philmont as his backyard - Parker's love for the cowboy way of life, his love for burros, and love for the people came easy.  Parker shares stories from his two summers on seasonal staff, and praises the Ranch Department for it's dedication to teaching skilled horsemanship, mental fortitude, and how to read the play.  Philmont Experience: 2010 -...

Dr. Luke Arnold joins the show to discuss Philmont's mental health program.  Luke helped pilot the program, and it is now in year 4 of progressive success. From leadership training, walk-in sessions and telehealth to crisis consultations, weekly mental health submissions to the PhilNews, and more. What began as a program for staff quickly transitioned to include participants.  Philmont Experi...

Kate shares insights from her time on seasonal and full-time staff as the current Marketing Manager.  From crew photos, website design, and social media to event coverage, graphics, PhilNews publications and more - Kate's days are never one in the same.   Support the show

Yvonne's unique background in Polish Scouting, alongside her attitude to eagerly jump in when opportunity knocks - allowed her to flourish in the Ranch Department.  Today she is a Certified Journeyman Farrier, with the American Farriers Association. Support the show

Enjoy a special compilation episode to highlight the impact of the Philmont Rayado Trek Program - celebrating 50 years this summer, 2026.  Support the show

Wrapping up our Rayado Trek Series with Sam DeFrees and Piper Niehaus. Rayado Trek Coordinators in 2010, the duo shares an insightful, behind the scenes understanding of the work it takes to logistically and intentionally execute the Rayado program each summer.  This summer, July 23-26, Philmont is celebrating 50 years of Rayado.  I hope to see you there! Support the show

Mark Anderson delivers a meaningful interview discussing all things Rayado - history, philosophy, and the program's evolution over the last 50 years.  Mark has dedicated 43 years of his career to professional Scouting, 19 of which he spent as the Director of Program at Philmont Scout Ranch.  He continues to volunteer his time to Scouting, and has been an immeasurable asset to the movement as...

As the chief Ranger from 1974 through 1977, Dave was an integral part of implementing several positive changes in the ranger department under the leadership of Joe Davis.  Author of several books, Caffey has dedicated his talents to preserving the legacy and impact of Philmont and her people. This summer, from July 23-26, Philmont is celebrating 50 years of the Philmont Rayado program. Rayado alum...

As a young Ranger, Steph was breaking gender role barriers, and proving to herself and to others, just how capable young adults are when given the opportunity to lead. Today's episode kicks off our Rayado Trek Series.  This series will highlight the history and impact of Rayado in anticipation for Rayado's 50th Anniversary Reunion , happening this summer at Philmont Scout Ranch.  Philmon...

Dave is the current Director of Ranching and Conservation at Philmont Scout Ranch.  He shares that Philmont aims to be a leader in land management, stewardship, and conservation.  Philmont is raising the bar, and doing so in large part thanks to the dedicated and driven staff - both seasonal and full time.  Support the show

Friar chats about his love for the more remote backcountry camps, his fondness for burros and llamas, and the entertaining nature of telling yarns. Philmont Experience 1983 & 1985 - Trek Participant 1986 - CHQ food service  1987 - PC Clark’s Fork 1988 - PC Clear creek 1989 - PC Clear creek 1990 - CD French Henry 1991 - CD Clear Creek  1992 - CD French Henry 1993 - CD Clear Creek  1994 - CD Mir...

Today we are celebrating our 200th episode with Chris Werhane.  Chris works with the Disabilities & Special Needs community, including the Philmont Zia trek program.  Philmont Experience:  1982 Maintenance – Base Camp  1983 Pueblano PC 1984 Kit Carson PC 1985 French Henry PC 1986 Clear Creek PC 1987 Pueblano (CD) 1988 Clear Creek (CD) 1989 Miranda (CD)  1990 Clear Creek (CD) Support the show

Celebrating Chuck Enloe's 31 years of Service - January 9, 2026.  May an end of an era give birth to the continuation of a legacy so rooted in the reverence of work worth doing - that all who went before and all who are yet to come honor it as deep as blood, as family.  Philmont Experience 1968-1970 - Trek participant 1971 - Dining Hall Staff 1972 & 1975 - Wrangler 1976 - 1980 - Horseman...

Hey listeners - welcome back to Silver On the Sage Podcast. Today I get to chat with Russ Walliser. We discuss everything from how the podcast prompted Russ to apply to work at the ranch, to the upcoming Rayado Reunion, and more. Philmont Experience: 2017 - Trek participant 2019 - Trek participant 2023 - Ranger 2024 - Ranger on Rayado 2025 - Ranger Trainer, Autumn Guide Support the show

Snow Day episode!  In honor of the precipitation - please enjoy this month's extra episode, with Ryan Jackson, current Associate Director of Camping at Philmont Scout Ranch.  Today's episode is sponsored by the National Scouting Museum . The NSM exists to preserve and present the history and stories of Scouting in interesting, educational, and inspirational ways to visitors, both in pers...

Today's episode celebrates the special bonds that we create with the people we meet on staff and on the trail.  Kat and Ryan share their story of growing up and finding each other among those special hills.   Check out Dawn Chandler's weekly emails: TuesdayDawnings .  They are a free, weekly tonic of contemplation, curiosity & creativity.   Support the show

To help us celebrate the podcast's birthday and kick off our 6th year highlighting the impact of Philmont Scout Ranch - my kiddos Gillian, Louise, and Dawson join the show.  They candidly share the little and grand moments that sparked magic during their first visit to those special hills we call home. Support the show

What is a Riding Counselor?  Stick around to find out.  Kip shares stories of his experience in the Ranch Department in the early 1970s - including an exchange with Boss Sanchez, an encounter with the Grey Rider, and the task of learning each horse by its unique name.  He's volunteered for his local council for over 50 years, and is an avid supporter of time well spent in the outdoors. Philmo...