PhilBreak was re-established in 2019 as a response to the 2018 Ute Park fire. Assisting with recovery and improvement efforts, PSA members have returned to the ranch in March of each year to perform forest fuel reduction, slash pile burning, and general debris clearing. The weekly schedules are greatly determined by the weather. Last year, when access to the work site was difficult, participants assisted in the Backcountry Warehouse assembling trail meals. Each week is exciting, rewarding, and exhausting; the best way to give back and contribute to Philmont.

Each session will consist of up to 30 PSA, OA, and general Scouting members. The cost is only $160. This ultra-low fee will cover all meals and roofed, nightly housing at Philmont. Participants will be transported to the worksite every day. During the week, evening educational lectures, Villa & Scouting Museum tours, and special hours at the Tooth of Time Traders will be offered. On Friday of each session, participants will relax and finish the week with a day hike to a Philmont backcountry location.

Register for 2025 PhilBreak Here

PhilBreak Details:

Who Can Attend?

This program is available to PSA members and their eligible family members. The minimum age is 16 years by date of participation and accompanied by a PSA member adult. Eligible family members include your spouse, child or stepchild, sibling, parent, grandparent, grandchild, niece, nephew or in-law of the PSA member. Please do not register anyone who does not meet these requirements. Additionally, members of the Order of the Arrow and general Scouting America members may participate.

All participants must be registered as an adult volunteer with a local unit or an adult program participant with a local or national council. Philmont does not offer Scouting America registration for participants in Philmont programs. If you are not currently a member of Scouting America, we recommend you begin the process immediately after you register for Philbreak. Head to BeAScout.org to find a unit in your area and talk to them about becoming an adult volunteer.

Two Weeks to Choose From

You can register for either of the 2 weeks offered. Each week can accommodate up to 30 participants. If your chosen week does not obtain the minimum number, we will contact you directly and see if you’re willing to switch to another week. If you can’t switch, a refund will be issued.

Dates:  

Week 1: March 8-15

Week 2: March 15-22

Investment: $160 per session

Slots Available: 20 slots per session

Registration Deadline: February 15, 2025

Register for 2025 PhilBreak Here

Participant Requirements:

Be at least 18 years old by the date the program begins or 16 years old by the date the program begins if the child is a PSA member. 

Be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America and have completed all required trainings.

Be in good physical condition, able to hike 3 or more miles with a 20-pound backpack and able to lift and handle materials up to 50 pounds. (Philmont height and weight guidelines will be strictly enforced.)

Complete a Philmont Medical Form.

Getting Here:

Raton, NM Shuttle: $20 round trip. Shuttle will run in time with Amtrak schedules.

Albuquerque Airport Shuttle: $100 round trip. Flights must arrive at the airport by noon on the first day and depart after 1 pm on the last day.

Tentative Schedule:

Reminders:

This program is available to PSA members and their eligible family members. The minimum age is 16 years by date of participation. Please do not register anyone who does not meet these requirements. All participants must be members of the Boy Scouts of America.

If females under the age of 21 years are registered, we will attempt to make accommodation for Youth Protection requirements. If we cannot meet Youth Protection requirements (having a female over 21 participate) we will return the entire registration fee.

The full Philmont medical form is required – the same 7-page form required for summer Trekkers. Please note, just because your doctor certifies you, it does not mean this program is for you. Volunteer Vacation requires hard work, long hours, a good crew spirit, backpacking ability and a sense of humor. This program is not leisurely and is not for those who are afraid of sore muscles, getting dirty, and who cannot maintain a great attitude when the going gets tough. The PSA reserves the right to return the entire registration fee of any person who would be inappropriate for this program.

Payments & Refunds:  Please review the Cancellation Policy page before coming to Philmont. 

The PSA reserves the right to deny or revoke registration where appropriate.

Register for 2025 PhilBreak Here