Silver On the Sage

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...

Donna kicks it off reminiscing back to 1986 when she gathered with friends to celebrate New Years at the ranch.  From her experiences as a rent-a-ranger and mountain trek mom to encounters with wildlife and full moon pranks, Donna embodies that special connection we all feel while sitting around a fire, gathering and reconnecting with Philmont friends.    Girls and Women, Equity and Inclusion (GWE...

Today I chat with the creator of the Instagram account "Cons Meme Cache."  Some of you may follow this social media account - where common Philmont staff experiences are presented with humor and jest.  The content creator wished to remain anonymous - but he shares the history and making of the account, as well as his experiences on staff and more.  Philmont Experience: 2017 - Trek Partic...

Bob and I chat about recording Tobasco Donkeys album “Sawin On The Strings,” black mountain bog wars, PSA cavalcade, New Years at the Ranch, and more.  A big thanks to Jeremy Spivey, Bob, his wife Val, and their daughter Mattie, for hosting a mini Philmont reunion and of course the chance to sing some tunes together. Bob is a bass player for the Blood Brothers - check out their music! Philmont Exp...

Conservation veteran, Crockett joins the show to share his experience and expertise in trail and campsite infrastructure, installation, and sustainability at Philmont Scout Ranch.  Philmont Experience: Summer '12 - Sustainability Summer '13 - Environmental Educator, TCT & ROCS Summer '14 - Conservation Site Foreman - Whiteman Vega Summer '15 - Conservation Field Coordinator...

Between sips of coffee and contemplative grins - Ben and Marilyn Vargas share stories of love, dedication, and incredible hard work during their time living at Philmont Scout Ranch.  As second parents to many seasonal wranglers, Ben and Marilyn are humble celebrities among the Ranch Department, and I want to thank them for inviting me into their home and sharing just a small portion of the immeasu...

Today we celebrate not only amazing Philmont friendships, but also the relationships that summit the highest peak of life - that of love and commitment. Mike and Katie Nyhart share their story, which began in 2015 on the Baldy Town porch. Their wedding day was truly a work of art - surrounded by over 30 Philmont friends, and etched into every intentional detail - memories from those special hills....

Father-daughter duo, discusses the generational similarities and differences of working as Wranglers in the Philmont Ranch Department. Chris began on seasonal staff in 1990, and Anna in 2023.  They express gratitude to the Ranch Department for its close-knit culture and dedicated work ethic – which prepared them for future careers and successful relationships. Celebrate and support Silver On the S...

Current General Manager of Philmont Scout Ranch, Roger Hoyt, joins the show.  We discuss everything from operational aspects of the ranch to strategic goals for the Ute Park burn scar and the 2024 summer season.  Throughout his tenure, Roger has seen the ranch overcome several challenges. He shares his gratitude to both full-time and seasonal staff, for their commitment and dedication to the missi...