Before even signing up for Philmont, I had imagined that it was just pure backpacking. I thought we would be hiking several miles everyday, and camping out in the back country every night for 10 days. I never actually thought about what would actually make it fun, seeing how everybody who came back loved it. It wasn’t until I had joined my crew that I realized that Philmont was about much more than backpacking. In fact, backpacking was a not a very important element of Philmont. Philmont turned out to be completely different from anything I had every imagined.

Philmont was not at all about the many days of backpacking. It was more about being with your crew and getting to know them very well. The many days filled with activities and hiking allowed us to bond as a crew and that bond will last forever. The many staff members at various camps were kind, and encouraged us forward. The other crews we met on the way were also kind and supporting. But most of all, my own crew members were the best ever. I think everybody in our crew can agree we had a much better time than most other crews would.

The hiking at Philmont actually was not at all that hard. We always had enough energy left to do the afternoon activities, which were great. I think the best one was spar pole climbing. The scenery was extraordinary. I don’t think I have ever seen such blue skies in any other place before. Philmont has made me appreciate the beauty of nature. I wish that the beauty of Philmont may stay forever.

Our ranger, Paul, was probably the most important person we met on the trek. He gave us all the skills we needed to survive at Philmont. He taught us how to do bear bags and how to cook. It was a great experience cooking for the whole crew for most of the trip. I highly admire Paul’s ability to constantly meet new groups of people and start leading them. I wish to become a ranger a Philmont too someday.

Philmont is the greatest experience I ever had within Boy Scouts. Philmont has a way of reinforcing scouting values by having plenty of great role models(rangers, staff members) and giving many opportunities to improve(being with your crew). I think going to Philmont has made me a better person. Even though I forgot to look back at the Tooth of Time before we left, I know I’m definitely going back.