FROM: rangers.philstaff.org/ (This PhilStaff webpage is still under construction.)
Nominally, a Ranger is an outfitter, a guide, a teacher, and a mentor—a person who takes on a crew of
young adventurers, leads them into the Philmont mountains, and points the way until they are ready to
function on their own. The Ranger welcomes and orients crews, helps them pare down personal and
crew gear until each person has a manageable load. Once on the trail, the Ranger introduces the crew
to local conditions and methods of low-impact camping, and reviews essentials of camping, hiking, first
aid and safety. The Ranger may point out the trail the first day or so, but the real objective is to ensure
that the crew can find its own way.
The Ranger may also convey something of the "magic of Philmont" — of the beauty and wonder of the
mountains, the varied flora and fauna, and the history that lies strewn about in the form of old mines,
overgrown railroad beds, and the tumbledown ruins of logging camps.
In reality, the experience of being a Ranger is more than the job description. Rangers are known for their
high spirit and a can-do, will-do attitude. In the face of hardship or challenge, they are more likely to be
energized than discouraged or defeated. If needed to clear trail after a blowdown, fight a wildfire, search
for a lost camper, or carry a litter off a mountain, they are ready.
The shared experience of being a Ranger has a way of creating lifelong friendships and forging bonds of
understanding, even among Rangers of different eras. The experience can produce a syndrome —
probably incurable — characterized by feelings of pride, exhilaration, nostalgia, and longing, lasting
years or even decades. It is a phenomenon that can prove baffling to spouses and acquaintances who
haven't been there, but it mostly leaves old Rangers remembering cherished friends and places, and
thinking,
"I wanta go back to Philmont — where the old Rayado flows . . ."
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Philmont Rangers History
The flat plains form the eastern edge of a unique preserve of towering mountains in the west belonging to the Sangre de
Christo range in northeastern New Mexico. This place is called Philmont Scout Ranch. It is the largest private camping
operation in the world accompanied by 800 seasonal personnel, serving over 20,000 campers. Philmont staff value
learning, personal growth, self-reliance, and professionalism. The staff member with the longest tenure in the company of
crews seeking a quest is the Ranger. Groups plan a year ahead for ten special days; which become a captive audience.
By default, the Ranger has the opportunity to make or break an experience.
Rangers provide a hardy welcome, maneuver through check-in procedures, lead into the wild, train camping methods,
and provide stewardship the first four days. Through the course of the summer, the Ranger develops into a specialist
establishing youth leadership, backpacking, wilderness affairs, group dynamics, human relations, emergency
procedures. The role requires the Ranger to cultivate learning through a positive atmosphere strengthened by the outdoor
classroom. There is an unparalleled opportunity to be creative and use methods "outside the box." Rangering is a high
demand responsibility, a 24-hour job.
The beginning of each summer, Rangers are provided a framework consisting of a fieldbook, training, and methods.
But these tools are not everything needed for the camping season. Rangers have to add life through their own personality
and experience. Rangers defined are budding adults with variety and distinctiveness. The department exudes group
spirit. The opportunity to serve as a Ranger is a small window, though abides throughout life. Their impact reaches
thousands.
Philmont's mountains have drawn young people seeking adventure since the end of the Great Depression. The old
West—the West of untrammeled forests, rugged canyonlands, expansive skies, and exposure to weather and wild
creatures—becomes real in this place called Philmont. The experience is the outdoors, the program, and the people.
The outdoors is our classroom, the program is the method. People are integral, bringing to life values and relationships to
be cherished for a lifetime.
In the Beginning
Opened in 1939, Philmont was initially known as Philturn Rocky Mountain Scout Camp, in honor of benefactor, Waite
Phillips, and his "good turn" to Scouting. For the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the vision for the
camping operation was to develop self-reliance in a western setting where wildlife abounds and nature's wonders
challenge the imagination. Phillips foresaw that participants would have the same experiences as "the pioneer forefathers
who established the traditions and historical background of this high country."
A dusty road lined with sagebrush and Ponderosa pine leads to Five Points Base Camp in Ponil Canyon—a place
known today simply as "Ponil." Philturn offered two camping options. The first was a general wilderness camping
experience. Senior troops chose a location to serve as their encampment. Participants used their own canvas tents and
gear and developed their personal programs. Once established in a campsite, the group was encouraged to engage in
service projects to further benefit the development of Philturn. Projects included trail improvement and the building of
overlooks. A promotional brochure from the period promoted one-day hikes to the old logging camp on Wilson Mesa, a
hike to North Ponil Canyon to view the Indian petroglyphs on the canyon wall, or an overnight hike to the top of any of the
many ridges from which sunset and sunrise would provide real inspiration.
A second option was a special twelve-day exploration trip. The program included formal instruction in burro packing and
backpacking, horseback riding, and cooking. Two days of provisions were issued for a trip up to a canyon camp where a
special horseback trip took participants to the top of a ridge. The following day, Scouts learned about the Indian
petroglyphs. On the fifth day crews returned to Five Points to load a chuck wagon with enough provisions for a four-day
trip to another part of the camp. In the evening, the wagon master cooked a cowboy chuckwagon meal. The following
days were spent exploring the vacant structures on Wilson Mesa or panning for gold in the South Ponil Creek. Returning
to Five Points, forest and animal life exploration completed the program.
Philturn Becomes Philmont
Due to the proven stewardship during the first three summers, Phillips graciously donated a larger tract of land to the
south. In 1942 the name was changed to Philmont, appropriately acknowledging "all the mountains" he gave Scouting.
In the years that followed a trail system was created, connecting outlying camps scattered over the property. Staffed
outposts were developed to offer uncommon Western programs. Unstaffed camps offered solitude under the Rocky
Mountain sky. Starting in the late 1940s, staff members known as guides accompanied groups during their entire time on
the trail. Most were high school students who served without pay. Groups visiting the ranch during this era typically were
from neighboring states, and attendance numbers were generally low.
By the mid-1950s, the ranch offered six standard programs. The wagon train was a "deluxe" experience offering a chuck
wagon trip, horseback riding, hiking, burro packing, fly-fishing, geology, forestry, and even hunting with a rifle. Northbound
and Southbound treks lasted three weeks, with burros carrying bedding and food over well-traveled routes. Cavalcades
were 6-day excursions on horseback. The Kit Carson trek was promoted as "A real Explorer experience, rugged all the
way." The objective was to summit five mountain peaks in 8 days. The Lucien Maxwell trek was a 10-day trip named for
the "Baron of the Old West," who owned the vast Maxwell Land Grant encompassing present-day Philmont and the
surrounding region. The program revolved around game management and offered participants the opportunity to study
wild animals. The Ranch Pioneering Trek was a 21-day experience based on service to Philmont; groups performed
tasks related to ranch, farm, and livestock management.
In 1955, groups started from three base camps—Ponil in the north, Cimarroncito in the center, and Carson-Maxwell in the
south. Here meals were served in a dining hall, and each crew received training from an assigned staff member. Trail
skills taught to participants included axemanship, fire-building, cooking, camp-making, backpacking, foot care, camp
sanitation, and baking with Dutch ovens and reflector ovens. On the fourth day, crews learned what each section of the
ranch had to offer in order to layout an itinerary. Each crew had the option to camp in one spot all week or hike to a
different camp each day.
Trial and error were integral to the growing program. Ranch administration experimented with another idea in 1956,
allowing groups to hike in the backcountry without much formal training. The thought was that Scouts who came to
Philmont were typically older and should be seasoned campers. A small number of roving rangers patrolled the
backcountry, giving direction and assistance to the groups they encountered.
The outcome was largely chaotic with crews often separated, disoriented, and prone to negligent accidents. The
backcountry at this time more closely resembled a wilderness area, in the sense that it lacked the physical improvements,
staffing, and programs that crews encounter today. Clearly a new plan was needed before the next camping season.
Beginnings of the Ranger Staff
Part of the challenge to Philmont's managers stemmed from a steady increase in participation.
During the off-season, Philmont professionals toured the nation, visiting local councils to convey
the Philmont story and promote attendance. By this time, travel to the remote location was easier
and attendance increased significantly. Stays of three weeks or more were no longer practical,
and the ranch could hardly afford to have a staff member remain with each crew for the duration
of its visit.
In the fall of 1956, the Director of Camping Jack Rhea tackled the challenge of developing a program to properly train
crews. He created a committee of senior staff members to brainstorm a solution. A key volunteer selected was Clarence
E. Dunn, an elementary school principal from Arlington, Texas, who had served on staff since 1945. For the last several
seasons, Dunn had served as personnel administrator for seasonal staff, selecting applicants to work at the ranch. The
committee spent extensive time studying available camping areas, crew needs, and other challenges. One conclusion of
the committee was to develop expeditions, in which crews could continue to plan their own itineraries, but with better
guidance and organization from the staff.
According to Rhea, "As numbers grew the need for more staff increased. We could not find enough qualified applicants
from areas we had been using. Philmont became better known all over the Scouting movement and we began to get
applications from many places. The major problem now was that many of the better qualified Scouts could not afford the
cost of transportation to the ranch. So we decided to start paying our staff members. When this happened we began to
find older, more experienced Scouts and some adults applying for positions."
Retired attorney Bill Dailey from Moline, Illinois, remembered being encouraged by his Scout executive to apply for the
1957 staff. "I had been on the local council camp staff for five summers and after encouragement was elated to be
accepted as a Ranger. I had been a camper in 1952 and was familiar with the organized trek routine. The ranch wanted
to develop a concept that allowed flexibility and a quicker entry into the backcountry. Of course the theory of it all and the
long range objective were not all that certain or understood when we began the summer."
E. O. "Buzz" Clemmons joined the ranch administration as the Director of Program and took on the task of screening
applications and hiring staff. Dunn understood the ranch operation and the importance of properly led and equipped
expeditions. As an educator, he also understood the needs of youth. A second conclusion by the committee was that
young men with strong Scouting backgrounds would be able to relate well to participants and had an opportunity to be
positive role models. "It was decided to call this new department Rangers. I know of no special reason why this name was
chosen," remarked Rhea.
Clarence Dunn was selected to lead the new department and was given the title Chief Ranger, a position he held through
1970. Dunn selected, trained, and supervised the Rangers. He selected Assistant Chief Rangers to help administer the
department. As he observed the results, the positive impact of the Ranger program was evident.
Much was expected of Philmont's Rangers. Training in the backcountry emphasized outdoor camping methods, Dutch
oven cooking, use of map and compass, emergency response and treatment of simple medical problems, and general
camp procedures. Dailey recalled, "We were told to help crews plan their trip, get them to the backcountry, conduct
prescribed training procedures on cooking, hiking, axemanship, and move out to the training camps. We usually planned
for a horseback ride the first day before hitting the trail."
The preferred backpack was the "Bearpaw." "The front folded down and the sides opened from the middle to each side,"
Dailey explained. "The sleeping bag was folded and placed against the back of the pack. The sides of the pack were
then strapped across the bag. The bottom front of the pack then was folded up and over and strapped to the top part of
the frame using a diamond hitch. A top flap then folded over the top. There were loops to store an axe along the side.
We didn't use hip belts or even pads on the shoulder straps. Eventually I scrounged some sponge rubber and sewed
some pads to the straps."
Another charter Ranger was the late David Jung, who reminisced about that first summer: "As Rangers we were told we
would be responsible for everything that happened to an expedition for the first 4-5 days, starting the moment crews
arrived. We would see to registration, completion of health re-checks, tent city assignments, camping gear rentals and
when necessary mail delivery. Itinerary planning was to be completed with the trip planners before leaving headquarters.
I had prior staff experience and was designated as a Training Ranger. We were responsible for the special training that
involved Ranger responsibilities."
Ranger training was conducted in the Ponil Canyon. In addition to Dunn and Rhea, the training staff included ranch
legends Doc Loomis and Ray Bryan. Doc Higgins and Wes Klusman from the national office also participated. Klusman
was the Director of Camping for the Boy Scouts of America, a gregarious campfire leader, and a legend of sorts in
Scouting. According to collected archives, the first day's training consisted of a shakedown and a conditioning hike.
The second day the entourage hiked to Pueblano, followed by a cross-country hike to Dan Beard on the third day.
Camping skills training continued, and on the fourth day the group hiked back to old Five Points for a buffalo banquet
preceding a return to Camping Headquarters.
Recalled Jung, "Everyone recognized that the new Ranger program was important, probably the most important activity
going on at the ranch that year. Close attention was paid by all involved."
Dailey recalled that after camp opened someone went to Raton and returned with a cowboy hat. "Soon most all of us got
one and it became the symbol of the Ranger along with our axes. One of the Rangers from Texas ran across a tin star
with Texas Ranger on it. He filed the word Texas off, leaving the word Ranger. We then did the same and ended up
wearing the cowboy hat with the "Ranger" star on the front. The star I wore is at the Seton Museum." Based on
recollection of original Rangers, many traditions familiar to Rangers are traceable to those early years.
Dailey reminisced about trail meals, consisting mostly of dehydrated items. "The trail menu was the same and not
rotated. Consequently we had to eat the same food all summer. It wasn't long before we couldn't take it anymore.
We began to carry canned food, peaches, and even meat. Later in the summer we would supervise the preparation of
the meal, have a taste to be sociable, then sneak off and eat some ‘real food.' At the end of the season I carried cans
of hamburgers and onions. I would open the hamburger can and put it on the fire and dice up the onion into the can.
I lived on the combination for the last three weeks."
From the outset, Rangers became motivators, preparing campers for the rugged experience ahead, both physically and
mentally. Over the course of that first summer, Rangers began tracking their crews and took pride in the ability of "their"
crews to finish what they had started with no loss of crew members.
Renowned artist Norman Rockwell's painting, "High Country", was rendered during a visit to Philmont Scout Ranch.
The canvas shows six young men prepared for the great outdoors and headed towards the Tooth of Time. The painting
was presented in 1957, the year the ranger department was organized.
Here's to the greatest summertime job in the world!
. The Philmont Rangers!
Nominally, a Ranger is an outfitter, a guide, a teacher, and a mentor—a person who takes on a crew of
young adventurers, leads them into the Philmont mountains, and points the way until they are ready to
function on their own. The Ranger welcomes and orients crews, helps them pare down personal and
crew gear until each person has a manageable load. Once on the trail, the Ranger introduces the crew
to local conditions and methods of low-impact camping, and reviews essentials of camping, hiking, first
aid and safety. The Ranger may point out the trail the first day or so, but the real objective is to ensure
that the crew can find its own way.
The Ranger may also convey something of the "magic of Philmont" — of the beauty and wonder of the
mountains, the varied flora and fauna, and the history that lies strewn about in the form of old mines,
overgrown railroad beds, and the tumbledown ruins of logging camps.
In reality, the experience of being a Ranger is more than the job description. Rangers are known for their
high spirit and a can-do, will-do attitude. In the face of hardship or challenge, they are more likely to be
energized than discouraged or defeated. If needed to clear trail after a blowdown, fight a wildfire, search
for a lost camper, or carry a litter off a mountain, they are ready.
The shared experience of being a Ranger has a way of creating lifelong friendships and forging bonds of
understanding, even among Rangers of different eras. The experience can produce a syndrome —
probably incurable — characterized by feelings of pride, exhilaration, nostalgia, and longing, lasting
years or even decades. It is a phenomenon that can prove baffling to spouses and acquaintances who
haven't been there, but it mostly leaves old Rangers remembering cherished friends and places, and
thinking,
"I wanta go back to Philmont — where the old Rayado flows . . ."
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Philmont Rangers History
The flat plains form the eastern edge of a unique preserve of towering mountains in the west belonging to the Sangre de
Christo range in northeastern New Mexico. This place is called Philmont Scout Ranch. It is the largest private camping
operation in the world accompanied by 800 seasonal personnel, serving over 20,000 campers. Philmont staff value
learning, personal growth, self-reliance, and professionalism. The staff member with the longest tenure in the company of
crews seeking a quest is the Ranger. Groups plan a year ahead for ten special days; which become a captive audience.
By default, the Ranger has the opportunity to make or break an experience.
Rangers provide a hardy welcome, maneuver through check-in procedures, lead into the wild, train camping methods,
and provide stewardship the first four days. Through the course of the summer, the Ranger develops into a specialist
establishing youth leadership, backpacking, wilderness affairs, group dynamics, human relations, emergency
procedures. The role requires the Ranger to cultivate learning through a positive atmosphere strengthened by the outdoor
classroom. There is an unparalleled opportunity to be creative and use methods "outside the box." Rangering is a high
demand responsibility, a 24-hour job.
The beginning of each summer, Rangers are provided a framework consisting of a fieldbook, training, and methods.
But these tools are not everything needed for the camping season. Rangers have to add life through their own personality
and experience. Rangers defined are budding adults with variety and distinctiveness. The department exudes group
spirit. The opportunity to serve as a Ranger is a small window, though abides throughout life. Their impact reaches
thousands.
Philmont's mountains have drawn young people seeking adventure since the end of the Great Depression. The old
West—the West of untrammeled forests, rugged canyonlands, expansive skies, and exposure to weather and wild
creatures—becomes real in this place called Philmont. The experience is the outdoors, the program, and the people.
The outdoors is our classroom, the program is the method. People are integral, bringing to life values and relationships to
be cherished for a lifetime.
In the Beginning
Opened in 1939, Philmont was initially known as Philturn Rocky Mountain Scout Camp, in honor of benefactor, Waite
Phillips, and his "good turn" to Scouting. For the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the vision for the
camping operation was to develop self-reliance in a western setting where wildlife abounds and nature's wonders
challenge the imagination. Phillips foresaw that participants would have the same experiences as "the pioneer forefathers
who established the traditions and historical background of this high country."
A dusty road lined with sagebrush and Ponderosa pine leads to Five Points Base Camp in Ponil Canyon—a place
known today simply as "Ponil." Philturn offered two camping options. The first was a general wilderness camping
experience. Senior troops chose a location to serve as their encampment. Participants used their own canvas tents and
gear and developed their personal programs. Once established in a campsite, the group was encouraged to engage in
service projects to further benefit the development of Philturn. Projects included trail improvement and the building of
overlooks. A promotional brochure from the period promoted one-day hikes to the old logging camp on Wilson Mesa, a
hike to North Ponil Canyon to view the Indian petroglyphs on the canyon wall, or an overnight hike to the top of any of the
many ridges from which sunset and sunrise would provide real inspiration.
A second option was a special twelve-day exploration trip. The program included formal instruction in burro packing and
backpacking, horseback riding, and cooking. Two days of provisions were issued for a trip up to a canyon camp where a
special horseback trip took participants to the top of a ridge. The following day, Scouts learned about the Indian
petroglyphs. On the fifth day crews returned to Five Points to load a chuck wagon with enough provisions for a four-day
trip to another part of the camp. In the evening, the wagon master cooked a cowboy chuckwagon meal. The following
days were spent exploring the vacant structures on Wilson Mesa or panning for gold in the South Ponil Creek. Returning
to Five Points, forest and animal life exploration completed the program.
Philturn Becomes Philmont
Due to the proven stewardship during the first three summers, Phillips graciously donated a larger tract of land to the
south. In 1942 the name was changed to Philmont, appropriately acknowledging "all the mountains" he gave Scouting.
In the years that followed a trail system was created, connecting outlying camps scattered over the property. Staffed
outposts were developed to offer uncommon Western programs. Unstaffed camps offered solitude under the Rocky
Mountain sky. Starting in the late 1940s, staff members known as guides accompanied groups during their entire time on
the trail. Most were high school students who served without pay. Groups visiting the ranch during this era typically were
from neighboring states, and attendance numbers were generally low.
By the mid-1950s, the ranch offered six standard programs. The wagon train was a "deluxe" experience offering a chuck
wagon trip, horseback riding, hiking, burro packing, fly-fishing, geology, forestry, and even hunting with a rifle. Northbound
and Southbound treks lasted three weeks, with burros carrying bedding and food over well-traveled routes. Cavalcades
were 6-day excursions on horseback. The Kit Carson trek was promoted as "A real Explorer experience, rugged all the
way." The objective was to summit five mountain peaks in 8 days. The Lucien Maxwell trek was a 10-day trip named for
the "Baron of the Old West," who owned the vast Maxwell Land Grant encompassing present-day Philmont and the
surrounding region. The program revolved around game management and offered participants the opportunity to study
wild animals. The Ranch Pioneering Trek was a 21-day experience based on service to Philmont; groups performed
tasks related to ranch, farm, and livestock management.
In 1955, groups started from three base camps—Ponil in the north, Cimarroncito in the center, and Carson-Maxwell in the
south. Here meals were served in a dining hall, and each crew received training from an assigned staff member. Trail
skills taught to participants included axemanship, fire-building, cooking, camp-making, backpacking, foot care, camp
sanitation, and baking with Dutch ovens and reflector ovens. On the fourth day, crews learned what each section of the
ranch had to offer in order to layout an itinerary. Each crew had the option to camp in one spot all week or hike to a
different camp each day.
Trial and error were integral to the growing program. Ranch administration experimented with another idea in 1956,
allowing groups to hike in the backcountry without much formal training. The thought was that Scouts who came to
Philmont were typically older and should be seasoned campers. A small number of roving rangers patrolled the
backcountry, giving direction and assistance to the groups they encountered.
The outcome was largely chaotic with crews often separated, disoriented, and prone to negligent accidents. The
backcountry at this time more closely resembled a wilderness area, in the sense that it lacked the physical improvements,
staffing, and programs that crews encounter today. Clearly a new plan was needed before the next camping season.
Beginnings of the Ranger Staff
Part of the challenge to Philmont's managers stemmed from a steady increase in participation.
During the off-season, Philmont professionals toured the nation, visiting local councils to convey
the Philmont story and promote attendance. By this time, travel to the remote location was easier
and attendance increased significantly. Stays of three weeks or more were no longer practical,
and the ranch could hardly afford to have a staff member remain with each crew for the duration
of its visit.
In the fall of 1956, the Director of Camping Jack Rhea tackled the challenge of developing a program to properly train
crews. He created a committee of senior staff members to brainstorm a solution. A key volunteer selected was Clarence
E. Dunn, an elementary school principal from Arlington, Texas, who had served on staff since 1945. For the last several
seasons, Dunn had served as personnel administrator for seasonal staff, selecting applicants to work at the ranch. The
committee spent extensive time studying available camping areas, crew needs, and other challenges. One conclusion of
the committee was to develop expeditions, in which crews could continue to plan their own itineraries, but with better
guidance and organization from the staff.
According to Rhea, "As numbers grew the need for more staff increased. We could not find enough qualified applicants
from areas we had been using. Philmont became better known all over the Scouting movement and we began to get
applications from many places. The major problem now was that many of the better qualified Scouts could not afford the
cost of transportation to the ranch. So we decided to start paying our staff members. When this happened we began to
find older, more experienced Scouts and some adults applying for positions."
Retired attorney Bill Dailey from Moline, Illinois, remembered being encouraged by his Scout executive to apply for the
1957 staff. "I had been on the local council camp staff for five summers and after encouragement was elated to be
accepted as a Ranger. I had been a camper in 1952 and was familiar with the organized trek routine. The ranch wanted
to develop a concept that allowed flexibility and a quicker entry into the backcountry. Of course the theory of it all and the
long range objective were not all that certain or understood when we began the summer."
E. O. "Buzz" Clemmons joined the ranch administration as the Director of Program and took on the task of screening
applications and hiring staff. Dunn understood the ranch operation and the importance of properly led and equipped
expeditions. As an educator, he also understood the needs of youth. A second conclusion by the committee was that
young men with strong Scouting backgrounds would be able to relate well to participants and had an opportunity to be
positive role models. "It was decided to call this new department Rangers. I know of no special reason why this name was
chosen," remarked Rhea.
Clarence Dunn was selected to lead the new department and was given the title Chief Ranger, a position he held through
1970. Dunn selected, trained, and supervised the Rangers. He selected Assistant Chief Rangers to help administer the
department. As he observed the results, the positive impact of the Ranger program was evident.
Much was expected of Philmont's Rangers. Training in the backcountry emphasized outdoor camping methods, Dutch
oven cooking, use of map and compass, emergency response and treatment of simple medical problems, and general
camp procedures. Dailey recalled, "We were told to help crews plan their trip, get them to the backcountry, conduct
prescribed training procedures on cooking, hiking, axemanship, and move out to the training camps. We usually planned
for a horseback ride the first day before hitting the trail."
The preferred backpack was the "Bearpaw." "The front folded down and the sides opened from the middle to each side,"
Dailey explained. "The sleeping bag was folded and placed against the back of the pack. The sides of the pack were
then strapped across the bag. The bottom front of the pack then was folded up and over and strapped to the top part of
the frame using a diamond hitch. A top flap then folded over the top. There were loops to store an axe along the side.
We didn't use hip belts or even pads on the shoulder straps. Eventually I scrounged some sponge rubber and sewed
some pads to the straps."
Another charter Ranger was the late David Jung, who reminisced about that first summer: "As Rangers we were told we
would be responsible for everything that happened to an expedition for the first 4-5 days, starting the moment crews
arrived. We would see to registration, completion of health re-checks, tent city assignments, camping gear rentals and
when necessary mail delivery. Itinerary planning was to be completed with the trip planners before leaving headquarters.
I had prior staff experience and was designated as a Training Ranger. We were responsible for the special training that
involved Ranger responsibilities."
Ranger training was conducted in the Ponil Canyon. In addition to Dunn and Rhea, the training staff included ranch
legends Doc Loomis and Ray Bryan. Doc Higgins and Wes Klusman from the national office also participated. Klusman
was the Director of Camping for the Boy Scouts of America, a gregarious campfire leader, and a legend of sorts in
Scouting. According to collected archives, the first day's training consisted of a shakedown and a conditioning hike.
The second day the entourage hiked to Pueblano, followed by a cross-country hike to Dan Beard on the third day.
Camping skills training continued, and on the fourth day the group hiked back to old Five Points for a buffalo banquet
preceding a return to Camping Headquarters.
Recalled Jung, "Everyone recognized that the new Ranger program was important, probably the most important activity
going on at the ranch that year. Close attention was paid by all involved."
Dailey recalled that after camp opened someone went to Raton and returned with a cowboy hat. "Soon most all of us got
one and it became the symbol of the Ranger along with our axes. One of the Rangers from Texas ran across a tin star
with Texas Ranger on it. He filed the word Texas off, leaving the word Ranger. We then did the same and ended up
wearing the cowboy hat with the "Ranger" star on the front. The star I wore is at the Seton Museum." Based on
recollection of original Rangers, many traditions familiar to Rangers are traceable to those early years.
Dailey reminisced about trail meals, consisting mostly of dehydrated items. "The trail menu was the same and not
rotated. Consequently we had to eat the same food all summer. It wasn't long before we couldn't take it anymore.
We began to carry canned food, peaches, and even meat. Later in the summer we would supervise the preparation of
the meal, have a taste to be sociable, then sneak off and eat some ‘real food.' At the end of the season I carried cans
of hamburgers and onions. I would open the hamburger can and put it on the fire and dice up the onion into the can.
I lived on the combination for the last three weeks."
From the outset, Rangers became motivators, preparing campers for the rugged experience ahead, both physically and
mentally. Over the course of that first summer, Rangers began tracking their crews and took pride in the ability of "their"
crews to finish what they had started with no loss of crew members.
Renowned artist Norman Rockwell's painting, "High Country", was rendered during a visit to Philmont Scout Ranch.
The canvas shows six young men prepared for the great outdoors and headed towards the Tooth of Time. The painting
was presented in 1957, the year the ranger department was organized.
Here's to the greatest summertime job in the world!
. The Philmont Rangers!
| www.pineapplefish56.net PHILMONT RANGER |
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I am looking for various photos of
DIFFERENT Philmont Ranger -
Ranger Stars to use on this site.
Please E-mail them to me.
DIFFERENT Philmont Ranger -
Ranger Stars to use on this site.
Please E-mail them to me.
This Star was provided by Mark Wray, ASM-167,
Arlington, VA, and dates from the mid- to late
1970's. The photo was taken by Dennis Young.
Cropping and detail enhancement was done by Dr.
Bob Klein Note that the star is about 1 1/4 inches
across.
Arlington, VA, and dates from the mid- to late
1970's. The photo was taken by Dennis Young.
Cropping and detail enhancement was done by Dr.
Bob Klein Note that the star is about 1 1/4 inches
across.
| Original "Ranger Star" |