-E. Urner Goodman

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The National Order of the Arrow is offering you an opportunity to join together with other Arrowmen in cheerful serivce and the formation of lasting brotherhood on the trails of Philmont Scout Ranch. Under the direction of the Philmont Conservation Department, experienced Philmont staff members with strong Order of the Arrow backgrounds will lead participants on the two week trail crew and trek.

The program is a fourteen day experience. The first week focuses on the rebuilding of the Tooth Ridge Trail, under the guidance of Philmont trail crew foremen. The second week is spent on a seven day backpacking trek that is completely planned and chosen by the participants in the program. Each crew plans their own trek! The program is not simply building trail and hiking though, the OA Trail Crew is ultimately a journey that challenges Scouts mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Trail building is tough. The worksite experience is full of long, strenuous days requiring a great deal of physical effort. Participants are expected to work with great diligence as the trail that is being built is designed to last over 75 years and protect the beautiful landscape of Philmont Scout Ranch. Other than trail building techniques, Scouts will strengthen their leadership skills, learn advanced wilderness and low-impact camping skills, observe and participate in group wilderness safety, good judgement, and motivation activities, and receive special OA instruction. The project's mission is to maintain, reinforce, and enhance the purpose of the Order of the Arrow by using Scout camping traditions. Participants are expected to use their experience to benefit their troop, chapter, lodge and council programs. Camping is a method of Scouting that enhances and builds stronger programs and people

REQUIREMENTS

* Be at least 16 years old the day that your program begins, but not 21 by its conclusion.

* Be strong and robust (Philmont height and weight guidelines will be strictly enforced.)

* Be a registered member of both the BSA and a local OA lodge.

No exceptions can be made to these requirements. Selection for this program is voluntary and is both an honor and a privilege.

HOW TO APPLY

Complete an application, have it approved by both your Scout Executive and Lodge Adviser, and receive parental permission if you are uner age 18. Mail your completed application and $25.00 deposit to the Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America, P O Box 152079, Irving, Texas, 75015-2079. The Order will notify you of your acceptance by March 10. Following receipt, a packet of materials will be sent to you to assist in preparing you for your experience at Philmont.

LODGE AND COUNCIL RESPONSIBILITIES

Lodges and councils should only approve those youth Arrowmen who meet all of the qualifications for this program. Philmont is not an easy experience and is risk for those not physically prepared for the rigors of the New Mexico mountains.

PROGRAM COST

A shuttle van is available from the Albuquerque, New Mexico airport to Philmont. The shuttle leaves the airport at 4:00 pm the day before your scheduled starting date, arriving at Philmont at 8:00 pm (four hour trip). The return trip leaves at 6:00 am on your last scheduled day, arriving at Albuquerque Airport at 10:00 am. Busses and trains arrive at Raton, New Mexico (40 miles from Philmont). A shuttle is available. Plan to be at Philmont by noon of your starting date.

Those applicants not accepted as participants in the program will have their deposit returned. Participants canceling accepatance will be eligible for a refund if notification is received to the national office by May 10, 1998. No shows are not eligible for a refund.

Only 6 sessions are being offered to allow all Arrowmen (especially the OATC foremen and advisers) the chance to attend NOAC 1998!

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