RememberSchiff

@Rob441 welcome to scouter.com

"Philmont Scout Ranch has been awarded a $99,999 Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant from the New Mexico Economic Development’s Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD). This funding will support the revitalization of the historic 3.5-mile Philmont Santa Fe Trail – Cimarron Heritage Trail, enhancing connectivity between Philmont and Old Town Cimarron. The project aims to repair and widen the existing footpath and add clear trail markings for improved navigation. The upgrades will create a more accessible and enjoyable experience for campers, local residents, and visitors alike. The improved trail will invite leisurely strolls, offer opportunities for historical exploration, and enhance wildlife viewing along the route. Restoration efforts will involve the local community, with staff and volunteers from various organizations working from fall 2025 through spring 2026..." More at source: https://krtnradio.com/2025/05/11/philmont-scout-ranch-awarded-99999-grant-to-revitalize-historic-trail/ "The Santa Fe Trail crossed the plains southwest of Philmont in the mid-1800s. The Tooth of Time owes its name to this trail; travelers knew that once they passed it, they had only one week to go until they reached Santa Fe, New Mexico. Philmont's strategic location along the trail spurred some interest in it..." More at source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philmont_Scout_Ranch More at source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_Trail

05/13/2025 Update: Sand Hill Boy Scout Reservation zoning change proposed: A proposal is in motion to Establish a “Public Service Overlay District” at the Sandhill Boy Scout Reservation...Join us Wednesday, May 21st at 5:30 PM at the Sandhill Scout Reservation Dining Hall. Let’s show Withlacoochee River Electric Co-op and our County leaders that this community pays attention and protects its green spaces. More at source (with comments): https://www.facebook.com/people/Save-Sand-Hill-Scout-Reservation/61564826926765/

Don't know. As I understand bolos came out of the Southwest; Philmont is in the Southwest, so sounds possible. Back in the day as I prepared for Philmont, I heard various alumni state one could only wear Philmont belts, bulls, arrowhead patches, neckers, etc. if one completed a Philmont Expedition. It must be earned. Then my beloved Troop Scoutmaster who had never nor would visit Philmont requested I purchase a Philmont belt & buckle for him. A dilemma to test of Scouting values? Where is it written? Confident that I wasn't officially doing a wrong thing, I bought him the Philmont belt and buckle.

I felt the same about Bolos. I thought neckers were uniform... worldwide.

I did find the World Scout Foundation 2024 Annual Report which was PUBLICLY released a couple of weeks ago. https://annualreport.worldscoutfoundation.org/2024/ As for Scouting America's complete 2024 Annual Report aka Report to the Nation, I have not found the complete report online. Maybe it will be available in its entirety at the National Annual Meeting or some time after.

Perhaps an adventure trip with your son who snaps photos on his cell and shows to his fellow scouts. Bottom-up, scout-led changes to troop outdoor program. Are you an adult leader in Troop?

@MrGumby welcome to scouter.com.

Back in the day, I remember the old merit badge pamphlets were always red.

Or perhaps merit badge pamphlets are printed outside the US?

Free is Great but maybe this technology is 10-15yrs too late to attract current teen eyeballs and attention spans. Youtube? TikTok? My $0.02,

"Take a trip like no other with Philmont's Hut-to-Hut. Join us for a luxury trek with a five-night stay in the backcountry and base camp locations. As you hike between locations with just a daypack, our staff will transport your belongings to the next site and set up your accommodations, ensuring everything is ready for you upon your arrival. Guests will enjoy delicious meals and have plenty of opportunities to socialize, relax, and explore Philmont's.." Source with photos: https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/ptc/hut-2-hut/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DJO_WGFINa0/?img_index=5

Update April 29, 2025: LA County Supervisors approved settlement which become the largest abuse settlement in US. https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/la-county-unanimously-approves-4-billion-sexual-abuse-settlement/

Here's a 3 minute video of scouts and adult leaders biking. My question how did they get the changing camera angles?

The Hill Country Amateur Radio Club (HCARC) invited members of Troop 111 to take part in building a radio beacon. “One of our members is an executive in scouting, so when we do something that’s STEM oriented, we invite them. If they can find two or three scouts who are interested, then we support them and we present projects to them at their meetings,” said Hank Ortega, a local HAM operator and member of the HCARC. More at source, very interesting: https://www.hccommunityjournal.com/article_ddbf679f-1255-4f6e-92c9-34ad8e79ff48.html