Location
Philmont Scout Ranch
17 Deer Run Rd, Cimarron, NM 87714
OA Trail Crew Program
The Order of the Arrow invites you to join fellow Arrowmen in cheerful service and lasting brotherhood on the trails of Philmont Scout Ranch. Led by experienced Philmont staff members with strong OA backgrounds and under the direction of the Philmont Conservation Department, this two-week program offers a unique and challenging trail crew and trek experience.
This fourteen-day program is divided into two parts: the first week is dedicated to trail construction and maintenance under the guidance of Philmont Trail Crew Foremen, while the second week is a seven-day backpacking trek inspired by participant requests and created with your Trail Crew Foremen. This journey is not just about building trails and hiking; it challenges Scouts mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Trail building is tough work, involving long and strenuous days requiring significant physical effort. Participants are expected to work diligently, as the trails are designed to last over 75 years and protect the beautiful landscape of Philmont Scout Ranch. Beyond trail-building techniques, Scouts will strengthen their leadership skills, learn advanced wilderness and low-impact camping skills, practice group wilderness safety, and engage in motivational activities while also receiving special OA instruction. The program’s mission is to maintain, reinforce, and enhance the purpose of the Order of the Arrow through scouting camping traditions, service to the outdoors, and service to others. Participants are expected to use their experience to benefit their troop, chapter, lodge, and council programs.
Cost: $525 per participant. Travel to and from Philmont is not included in this fee. Commercial shuttles are available from Albuquerque, Raton, Denver, and Colorado Springs. For the latest shuttle information, visit Philmont's website. Participants arriving by plane or train via shuttle should plan to arrive the day before the program starts and depart on the final day. Please wait to book travel until you receive your participant packet. The Order of the Arrow is not responsible for travel costs or changes.
Link to Philmont Shuttle Information - Click Here
Link to Philmont Staff Association Scholarships Information - Click Here
The $50 deposit is nonrefundable. Do not book travel until you receive your participant packet. The Order of the Arrow is not responsible for any travel-related costs or changes.
OA Trail Crew Requirements
To participate in the OA Trail Crew program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old by the start of the program but not yet 21 by its conclusion.
- Be physically fit and able to lift and handle materials up to 50 lbs. (Philmont height and weight guidelines will be strictly enforced. Individuals weighing more than 295 pounds will not be permitted to participate in backcountry programs regardless of height, body mass index, or body fat percentage due to rescue equipment and safe evacuation protocol restrictions. Philmont’s Height & Weight Guidelines - Additional Info Click Here)
- Be a registered member of Scouting America and an Order of the Arrow Lodge.
- Complete a physical examination (Annual Health and Medical Record). Medical records will be electronically submitted through the Philmont Gateway System.
Please note: After initial registration, participants will receive a special Philmont link to continue the registration process. It is critical that all registered participants complete this additional Philmont registration, which includes answering several basic medical questions.
It is strongly recommended that participants who do not meet Philmont’s height and weight guidelines contact Philmont to confirm their eligibility before booking travel.
There are no exceptions to these rules. Selection for the Trail Crew program is both an honor and a privilege.
Each session must adhere to Scouting America Safeguarding Youth (SYT) requirements. In the event of an unforeseen SYT concern, participants may be asked to choose an alternate session that complies with SYT standards.
Scouts from the same unit are welcome to attend the same session.
Participants will receive an email when their registration is submitted and a second email when the application has been approved by the Lodge and Council. These emails are automated and may be flagged as junk/spam. Please add no-reply@registration.oa-bsa.org to your safe sender list and check your junk folder if you do not see the emails.