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OA Trail Crew Program

The Order of the Arrow is offering you an opportunity to join other Arrowmen in cheerful service 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 a two-week trail crew and trek.

The program is a fourteen-day experience. The first week focuses on trail construction and maintenance under the guidance of Philmont trail crew foremen. The second week is a seven-day backpacking trek that is designed by the participants. The program is not simply building trail and hiking as it is ultimately a journey that challenges Scouts mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Trail building is tough. The worksite experience is full of long and 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 judgment, and motivation 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 by using Scouting camping traditions. Participants are expected to use their experience to benefit their troop, chapter, lodge, and council programs.

OA Trail Crew Requirements

• Be a registered member of both the Boy Scouts of America and a local Order of the Arrow lodge.
• Be at least 16 years old the day the program begins and not yet 21 by the time it ends.
• Be physically fit, able to lift and handle materials up to 50 pounds (Philmont height and weight guidelines will be strictly enforced).
• Complete a BSA Annual Health and Medical Record.

There are no exceptions to these rules. Selection for the Trail Crew program is both an honor and a privilege.

Scouts from the same unit, or otherwise acquainted, will be placed in separate crews.