Silver On the Sage

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...

In this episode, we chat about Mike's seasonal experiences in logistics, Baldy lightning strikes, and the happy chaos of running big camps like Cito.   Mike arrives with prompt intention, as we sip coffee, and discuss life goals - like how to take a leap into a new career or a new creative outlet.   Mike has published his first novel, The Long Walk Home .  Check it out in the link below, pre-...

Kicking off Season 10 of Silver On The Sage Podcast!  To celebrate, the legendary Eric Voss joins the show. Voss and I chat about the precious solitude of the remote backcountry in the 90s, 4th of July mishaps, cold beer, and more.  Voss made a substantial impact while at the ranch, through his positive energy and epic harmonica skills showcased on the Tobasco Donkeys albums. Philmont Experience:...

Scott discusses his work with the Philmont Ambassador Program. He also shares stories of burros and bears - and log rolling at Crater lake during his time on trek as a participant in the 70s.    Interested in becoming a Philmont Ambassador? Check out the Ambassador Resources here . Philmont Experience: 1975 - Trek Participant 2006 - Trek Advisor 2013 - Trek Advisor 2018 & 2021 - Wood Badge Sta...

In this episode, we chat about Tim's experience as a scout and USAFA Ranger.  Tim is the current Vice President of Service for the Philmont Staff Association.  From Phil-break and Volunteer Vacation to Service Corps and Special projects, if you're looking for a way to give back and go back to the ranch - this episode is for you! Philmont Experience: 1983 - Trek participant 1984 - Trek pa...

Inviting you to help us celebrate Dia De Los Muertos on the podcast! Please send in a audio recording of a story, a memory, or a lasting impact of a deceased loved one from Philmont Scout Ranch or surrounding New Mexico area.  Many of us have been touched by those larger than life figures - such as Gene Schenll, Doug Palmer, Joe Davis, Bob Funk, and more - but please feel free to include family me...

Dan Edwards, ironically hated backpacking until his first Philmont trek, where he learned to love it.  Specifically he learned to be comfortable being uncomfortable - because morale was so high and the backcountry camp camaraderie and activities were so impactful.   Philmont Experience: 2006 - Trek Participant 2012 - Ranger / Assistant Cook Beaubien 2013 - PC Crater Lake  2014 - PC Clarks Fork 201...

Thirty-five summers ago Gretchen followed her cousin out to Philmont Scout Ranch hoping to be offered a job.  Fate rewarded her, and she spent four  summers working at Camping headquarters dining hall.  Rather than bagging peaks and hiking expansive distances, Gretchen valued making connections with staff and campers daily in the dining hall. She fell in love with Philmont Scout Ranch, where learn...

Brian Hobrock is Philmont's current Ranch Department Livestock Technician and Chase Ranch cowboy.  As a young wrangler in the 80's, Brian encountered challenging moments that resulted in resilience and commitment to the cowboy way of life.  He shares stories as Bucky the Burro wrangler at Miranda, and how after 20 years away from the ranch, the mountains were still calling.   Philmont Ex...

Harold is a National Scouting Professional and museum specialist at the National Scouting Muesum.  He wears many hats, tending to exhibits, collections, electronic displays, virtual tours, and more.  He is also the creator of the popular Artifact of the Week video series, which highlights the history, culture, and influences of Philmont Scout Ranch and surrounding New Mexico areas.  Philmont Exper...

Troy credits Philmont for diversity exposure, alongside an environment of staff camaraderie and solidarity.  He shares numerous stories including the Flip SAR incident, the Cypher's Mine Dirty Boys,  and a tobasco donkey spa day gone wrong.   Philmont Experience: 1986 - NJLIC (the National Junior Leader Instructor Camp) 1987 - Rayado participant  1988 - Trail Crew participant 1989 - CHQ Tradi...

Today I chat with third generation Philmonter, Will Kemple-Taylor.  Both his grandparents and parents worked at the ranch.  And He grew up creek stomping in the Uracca, building forts in scrub oak, and embodying the notion of wild and untamed.   In this special episode to kick off summer, Will chats about youthful pranks gone wrong, the good vibes of backcountry shows, award winning Camp Directors...

Max Wang is a life long-Scouter and Eagle Scout.  His scouting journey has taken him from one cost to another, and today he continues to be active in Sea Scouts in Arlington, VA.  Max recounts impactful stories from his time on trek as a participant, and highlights the various transferable skills he learned while working in Logistics in 2017 - including emergency management and incident command. ...

Mark joins the show to highlight the sustainable impact and dedicated work that the Philmont Service Corps has accomplished throughout the last year and a half.  In the second portion of our conversation, Mark shares a collection of stories from his many, many experiences at Philmont Scout Ranch. Philmont Experience:  Trek - 1978 1979 1991 2022 Rayado Trek - 1980 1981 Food Service 1982 83 Ranger 1...

Today I want to highlight a parent perspective of the impact that Scouting can have on ones family.  Specifically the family of Tom and Georgia Stoeber. Tom is a 60 year veteran of the BSA, including 25 years working as a Scouting professional.  The values of Scouting and, in particular participating in Philmont treks - gave their children leadership skills, a can do attitude, confidence to engage...

Molly Gatewood joins the show to highlight the important work of the Philmont Training Center Housekeeping department.  From bathrooms and luxury tents to the mailroom and Villa Philmonte, the housekeeping staff at Philmont is integral in delivering quality experiences for participants and staff alike.  As an avid Scouter - Molly praises the organization for creating opportunities for  youth to bu...

Today Arizona Duff joins the show.  She discusses her first experience on trek, navigating the fundamental challenges and shifts that occur while on the trail.  Namely - several moments at Cypher's Mine where she began to feel the love of the Philmont staff family, as they invited her onto the stomp stage to play a tune.   Fast forward to 2018 - Arizona examines her journey in Timber Stand Im...

This year, 2025, the Philmont Training Center will celebrate 75 years of service as the National Volunteer Training center for Scouting America.  To commemorate this milestone, PTC staff and volunteers are planning a summer long celebration including a special anniversary week from June 29 - July 5.  Today, Dennis Kampa and Nancy Farrell share details, schedules, history and more. Dennis Kampa ema...