Beginning in 1950, the facilities surrounding the Villa Philmonte were built, and it became the National Training Center of the Boy Scouts of America - known today as the Philmont Training Center or PTC.

Today, Andrea Watson joins the show as an authority on the Philmont Training Center.  She first arrived at Philmont in 1986 as a 7 year old, on a trip to PTC with her family. 

Andrea describes PTC as a subset of the larger Philmont culture, where a melting pot of dynamic positions and departments unite to make the magic happen.   After working seasonally at PTC, Andrea became a District Executive for the BSA with the goal of some day returning as the PTC Associate Director of Program.  Andrea achieved her goal much quicker than anticipated and in 2011 was offered, and accepted the position. 

Today, Andrea continues to work for the BSA as the Director of Outdoor Programs and Properties.  She shares a brief update on new initiatives for PTC programs as the BSA continues to evolve.  These include, goals towards reaching more diverse families as well as families without a legacy or tradition of engaging in the outdoors.

Lastly, Andrea shares stories and love for the Philmont full-time community and the incredible hard work and sacrifice that they do, to enable Philmont to succeed year after year.  She challenges us all to recognize the importance of getting families outdoors - whether that be your immediate family, work family, or a family of friends.

Philmont Experience
Participant
’86, ’87, ’92: PTC Program
’95, ’96, ’97: Trek

Seasonal Staff
2000-2001: PTC Group Leader
2002: PTC Silverados Coordinator
2003: PTC Asst Program Director
2004: PTC Program Director
2002-2004: Fall/Winter Seasonal Staff at PTC

Full-Time Staff
2011-2015: Associate Director of Program – PTC

Notable Mentions:
Mark and Linda Anderson
Diane and John Clark
Shelley O'Neill
Amy Ray Hall
Coralie Graham

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