Philmont Scout Ranch is a high adventure camp operated by the Boy Scouts of America near Cimarron, New Mexico, in the northwest corner of the state. It is the largest and best-known Boy Scout camp in the world. Scouts from all states, Europe, and Japan backpack its rugged and beautiful terrain. It is the “crown jewel” of Boy Scout High Adventure.  Philmont is comprised of 137,493 acres or about 215 square miles of mountain wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo range of the Rockies. There are about 32 staffed camps and 50 unstaffed camps operated by the ranch. The terrain is challenging for all backpackers with base camp at 6500 ft. and mountain peaks rising to 12,441 ft.  Every day about 350 Scouts and leaders begin their adventure and 350 return to the base after competing their trek.  Philmont offers rock climbing, survival, horseback riding, mountain biking, archaeology, gold panning, 30.06 rifle shooting, trout fishing, interpretive programs such as homesteading and buckskinning, and backpacking along miles of scenic trails to campsites in remote valleys and skyhigh meadows.  Since Philmont’s first camping season in 1939, more than 650,000 Scouts, Venturers and their leaders have participated in the rugged challenge of its backpacking program. Crews hike Philmont’s mountains for twelve days, spending nights at various backcountry camps.  This year's crew met up with our own Troop 373 Eagle Scout Kalin Puent who again worked as a staff member at Philmont as the Blacksmith and mining tour guide.  Next trek to Philmont is in July 2011.