Silver On the Sage

Follow along as we hike from Hunting Lodge to Cypher’s mine by way of the Middle Fork Trail. Our crew of three - Cormac, Dave, and I - banter as we pause along the stream, discussing Philmont past, present, and future.  Arriving at Cypher’s main cabin, we’re welcomed by the bustling energy of crews, porch talks, and the staff prepping for dinner.  We jump at the chance to go on a tour of the Conte...

Dinner is over and we help clean dishes as the evening itinerary read out begins.  A thunderstorm rolls, lanterns are lit, and the staff take pause to enjoy the satisfaction of a day’s work done. We make the brief trek up the hill to Charlie’s Cabin where Stomp is about to begin. The show kicks off with a resounding chorus and the energy of a talented performance.  All staff members - past and pre...

Wrapping up our Advisors of Philmont mini-series with Barry Bray.  Barry has been on numerous treks, and has participated in PTC programs. Today he focuses the conversation on the three Cavalcades he’s been an Advisor for. Philmont Experience: 1972 - Trek 1991 - Trek 2008 - Trek 2012 - Trek 2014 - Cavalcade 2016 - Trek and Autumn Adventure 2017  - Cavalcade and PTC 2018 - PTC and QAC Retreat 2021...

Emily Smith joins the show as part of our Advisors of Philmont mini-series.  She shares her unique perspective of being an Advisor on two treks in the summer of 2023 - first with her home troop and second with a troop she’d never met.  She also discusses the challenging transition going from a youth participant with her peers to an adult advisor. Emily credits her Scouting leadership experiences t...

I’ve known of Ellie Nickens Turner for quite some time - she’s friends with my friends, she's a Tobasco Donkeys member, and in the evenings, her fiddle and vocals fill my kitchen as I sweep. I was able to spend quality time with her in 2023 at Philmont, and felt that instant, familiar connection as a fellow staffer, mom, and adventure seeker. Philmont Experience: 2003 - Mountain Trek particip...

Today we continue our Advisors of Philmont mini-series with Steve Chase.  To prepare for his role as a first time lead Advisor, Steve participated in the Philmont Advisor Skills School also known as the PASS program.  Steve shares his insights including the importance of nominating a crew leader prior to arriving at Philmont, preparing the crew for potential disappointments consequential to inclem...

Kicking off our next mini-series: Advisors of Philmont Scout Ranch.    Chris Ford has been continuously registered with BSA since 1962 when he joined cub scouts.  In 1973 he was offered a late contract to be a Ranger, but had to decline.  Since then he’s been on 9 treks, 7 of which have been co-ed.  He estimates that he's hiked over 700 miles at Philmont.  Representing Venturing, he shares hi...

For today’s guest, Pete Scifres, immersing himself in the wonderous and simple rhythms of nature while on staff at Philmont Scout Ranch, freed him from the ramifications of years as a combat engineer in the US army.  Pete discusses the challenges of going from military style leadership to Philmont leadership, the fulfilling opportunity to work on the heavy equipment crew after the Ute Park fire in...

I was inspired by today’s guests, Liz and Bob Bush, in their accomplishment of operating and owning a business that they refer to as “they’re own backcountry camp.”  At Buckley’s Mountainside Canoes , you’ll find Liz the logistics coordinator and Bob the Porch Director, there to ensure all enjoy the Chippawa River in Isabella county, Michigan. Philmont Experience: Bob 1991 - Trek participant 1994...

My personal favorite version of Peggy-O is that sung by Ben Hoffman at the Crater Lake campfire bowl in 2011.  My second favorite version is by Nicholas Edward Williams, on his album titled Folk Songs For Old Times' Sake. Third favorite is a reggae version by Goose on The Summit . For the rest of the story - check out today’s episode with special guest host Jo Bob of Camp Kids Podcast ! Philm...

Donnie discusses summiting the peaks of life - once you've conquered one, chase another.  Don't stay put, keep moving, creating, and growing.  Find people who support that in your life. Philmont Experience: 1996 - OATC Participant 2002 - Work crew / Fire Rehab  2003 - Miranda 2004 - CD Clear 2005 - CD Pueblano  2006 & 2007 - Fire Ecology Specialist, Unit 98  Notable Mentions: John Cl...

Silver On the Sage podcast’s largest group interview yet - thee original 1997 staff who wrote and performed Trail the Rock Opera at Cyphers Mine on this very day - August 9th - 26 years ago.  In addition, PJ Parmar joins the conversation - not only was he in the audience on the night of the original performance, but he also led the remake of Trail the rock opera in 2003.  In this interview we disc...

To wrap up Season 6, Jon and Kim Copeland share their stories and highlight the work they’re doing to maintain and encourage the Duty to God aspect of Scouting. Today, Jon and Kim are active participants in Philmont’s Chapel Refurbishment project, led by Chaplain Chip Turner and the Association of Baptists for Scouting . Philmont Experience Jon: 1988 & 90 - Trek participant 1991 - Rayado Parti...

Today I bring you an interview with current Philmont staffer, Paul French.  We kick it off by chatting about Paul’s experiences as a participant on Rayado.  We go on to discuss Paul’s passion for Philmont’s interpretive backcountry program, and how it’s a gateway to spark curiosity and humanize history.  Paul also shares his thoughts on current restraints on seasonal staffing including compensatio...

An informative and thoughtful interview with current Associate Director of Camping, Phillip Ferrier.   We discuss the dynamic aspects of Human Resources - from staff training and discipline to cultural diversity and inclusiveness.  We also consider the recruitment needs for future staff and participants. Notable Links: Sherry Hamilton, Cimarron High School art teacher, organizes international trip...

Philmont staff trail hire, Cameron Loechl joins the show.  Cameron was hired off the trail in 2004 to be a cook at Beaubien. We have fun discussing that transition from participant to staff, and the immense amount of responsibility Philmont entrusts in its seasonal staff each summer. He shares stories of impromptu Tobasco Donkeys concerts at Cypher’s mine, Fourth of July mud wrestling, The 2006 Ca...

Today's episode features two seasonal staffers who are currently at the ranch for the 2023 summer season: Kiley Conner - Base Camp Manager and Chase Anderson - Chief Ranger.  They speak of their goals to impact lives in the same fashion that their own lives were changed for the better by the Philmont experience. Keith Walters 100th Maverick Rodeo posters and prints   Philmont Experience: Kile...

Allison (Vinson) DeFrees joins the show to chat about our connection to Philmont via the concept of Sense of Place.    Philmont Experience: 2006 - ROCS participant 2007 - PC Dan Beard 2008 - PC Rich Cabins 2009 - CD Urracca 2010 - Invasive Species Specialist, Autumn Guide 2012 - Trek participant 2013 - Logistics / Jamboree 2018 - 2019 - Full time PSR resident Notable Mentions Chris Reed Robert Ree...

Louise (Lopez) Mesaric was born in Santa Fe in 1941 and grew up in Cimarron, NM.  In this episode she shares fond memories of living at Philmont with her late husband, Larry Mesaric who worked full-time for the ranch as a horseman and cattle foreman from the early 1960s to early 1970s.  Notable Mentions: Leo Martinez Aunt Rosie Rudolph Schwartz McDaniels Ranch Boss Sanchez Bengie Vargas Mike Varga...

Rod Taylor, Eagle Scout and Texas native, worked full-time as a Philmont cowboy and Cattle Foreman for 34 years. Before that he trekked twice as a participant and worked seasonally for 5 summers.  Today he enjoys retirement and resides in Cimarron, NM. 2023 Philmont Wrangler Reunion website Closing song by Jessica Seifert, Slim Uribe-Goertz, and Rod Taylor. Philmont Experience: 1972 - Participant...

Christine (Salisbury) Sammons joins the show to discuss her nine summers working in the Ranger department, three of which she served as Philmont’s Chief Ranger.  Show notes link: 2023 Wrangler Reunion Philmont Experience: 2004 - Trek participant 2005 & 06 - Ranger 2007 & 08 - Ranger Trainer 2009 &10 - Associate Chief Ranger 2009 - Fall autumn guide 2010 - Fall autumn coordinator 2011 -...

Today Jason Maz joins the show.  We discuss everything from neurodivergence, native bee populations, and canoe portaging at Wilson Mesa to the challenges of the Rayado Trek Coordinator role and the operational processes that take place during a Philmont Search and Rescue.  Jason lives in the mountains of Vermont and works as a contracted ecologist, University educator, and economic pollination res...

As a city kid, Jack was initially apprehensive about trekking at Philmont and taking on true High Adventure. But in 2017, as an 18 year old on trek, they had the time of their life. Jack was deeply inspired by the music and the people, and simply could not believe a place like Philmont existed.    Today’s episode closes with Train song by the Metcalf 2022 staff, from their album titled “Sally No....

Zak shares his love for Zastrow and contends that the role of Camp Director is the best job on the ranch.  And that Philmont is the perfect environment for growing young adults - where problem solving and self-sufficiency is demanded of you.   YouTube link to The Agitators - backcountry musical from Crater Lake 2011 Note: The drawing of Zak climbing a tree and pulling lightning from the sky - The...

Seth discusses the Bonito Creek restoration project.  As the project lead and doctoral candidate , he explains the valley morphology of bonito creek and the timing and impacts of arroyo erosion in a wet meadow system. Check out the official Philmont Wrangler Reunion website - where you can browse auction items, share photos, consider sponsorship contributions, and RSVP.  All Philmont staff are wel...