Silver On the Sage

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...

Jenna's three week Rayado experience as a participant, and learning to expect unexpected - set her up for career success as a travel nurse, especially in the ER.  We chat about nuanced topics such as the Philmont sibling relationship, imposter syndrome, the multifaceted dynamics of being a Camp Director, and the lore of El Jenkins - an obscure painting that was the catalyst for a summer long...

Today Jake Koch joins the show to chat about his experiences on seasonal and full-time staff at Philmont Scout Ranch.  Thank you for being here, and for partaking in this experience.  Cheers to our last episode of 2025!   Philmont Experience: 2005: 12-day Trek participant 2009: 12-day Trek participant 2010 PC - Apache Springs 2011 PC - Head of Dean 2012 TBA PC - Cimarroncito 2013 CD - Miners Park...

Warren trekked and worked on staff in the 1970s, returned in the 80s to manage PTC Family Programs, and has been a major contributor to the PSA including President, editor, author, and more.  Sponsorship This episode is proudly sponsored by the National Scouting Museum, whose mission is to showcase the history and stories of Scouting in interesting, educational, and inspirational ways, both in per...

In September of 2025 I had the privilege of participating in the second week of the PSA Beaubein Service Corps Project.  The construction of the new Staff Dining Hall was made possible thanks to the many service corps volunteers, the Philmont  maintenance team, and generous donors.   Throughout the week, I recorded bits and pieces of the physical work being accomplished and the stories being told....

Today’s guest, John Richardson, brings enthusiastic insights and an eagerness to share his experiences as a participant and coordinator of the Philmont Leadership Challenge.  PLC hones the skills taught in Wood badge and promotes the concepts of servant leadership in an outdoor experiential learning environment. Support the show

Carl worked on staff in the 1970s, in the Ranger department.  Notably, in 1976, he was assigned to be a Coordinator of the newly named “Rayado” program, alongside Ian Sutherland.   Today, he is excited to be a part of the planning committee for the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Rayado Program.  This event will take place at Philmont July 23-26, 2026.  There will also be a Rayado themed 7-day tr...

Today we share a special episode to celebrate Día de los Muertos. I want to thank everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to contribute and honor their loved ones. Día Muertos dates back centuries to pre-Hispanic cultures and blends indigenous, African, and catholic traditions - it has become one of the most significant and multicultural celebrations in Latin America.  Sponsorship This...

Honorary Philmont staff member, Sal Porto joins the show to share his insights and experiences from the past 10 years trekking as an adult leader.  Today he is a Philmont Ambassador, life long scouter, and skilled advisor.   Philmont Experience: 2013 - Trek Advisor 2014 - Trek Advisor 2015 - Trek Advisor 2016 - Trek Advisor 2019 - Trek Advisor 2021 - Trek Advisor 2022 - Trek Advisor 2023 - Trek Ad...