Silver On the Sage

As a youth, Jessica was eager to join BSA Venturing and her Philmont story began as a family affair, pioneered by her father, who is also a Philmont alumni (1976).  As a seasonal wrangler, Jess enjoyed participating in both ranch and backcountry activities, broadening her understanding of program and her circle of friends.  Today Jess works full-time for the Ranch Department.  She talks about the solitude and "God" moments of living and working on horseback, alongside the sacrifice and long-days dedicated to the livelihood of livestock.  Jessica is the first full-time female employee of the Ranch Department at Philmont Scout Ranch.

Participant
2006 and 2008 treks

Seasonal Staff
2011 - Wrangler
2012 - Wrangler
2014 - Wrangler (summer and fall)

*Correction to the recorded intro:
 Jessica and her husband Curtis moved to Cimarron in August, 2017.
Jessica began her full-time career with the Philmont Ranch Department in 2019.

Notable Mentions:
Katharina Stoll
Parker Zimmer
Bob Rickliffs
Christine Orrs
Dom Alesandrini
Ian Bagley (Bags)
Tim Collver
Bev Hargrove
Slim Uribe-Goertz
Ben Vargas

Jive Bookkeeping - Virtual bookkeeping for small businesses.  Philmont-alumni, Carly McDermott is eager to connect.  

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In 1972 Kathy Leach and Nancy Wells became the first two female Rangers on staff at Philmont Scout Ranch.  Kathy shares her reflections of the experience, how it was both a moment of apprehensive change for Philmont and the Boy Scouts of America as well as positive empowerment for her. Kathy also co-led the first Kit Carson Women's trek - today known as Rayado Women - in August of 1973.  Kathy gives heartfelt credit the many women and men alongside her, helping to shape Philmont into a human experience, welcome to all.

Philmont Years:
1972 - Ranger
1973 - Ranger

Philmont Staff Association Women Ranger History

Notable Mentions:
Joe Davis
Nancy Wells
Rusty Wells
Diana Loomis
Paul Mathern
Cassler
Margie Rockenfield
Carol Munch
Jane Munch
Pat Black
Jan Nelson
Alden Barber
John Clearhought
Chope Phillips
Alec Fryerson

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Little did she know, when Karyl Yeston's mom filled out an application for her daughter to work at Philmont Scout Ranch, that she would end up being the first female manager of the Trading Post - today known as the Tooth of Time Traders.  In this episode we chat about generational differences and the humble pioneering that Karyl was a part of for women at Philmont.  Karyl credits the leadership skills she gained while working in a management role at the Trading Post, to her successful career as a Park Ranger for the National Park Service.  

Philmont Years: 
1984-1990
Trading Post Clerk
Trading Post Assistant Manager/Supervisor
Trading Post Manager

Notable Mentions:
Craig Painter
Susan Hamlet
Dawn Chandler
Todd Conklin

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Dawn Chandler - Philmont's first ever female Camp Director and first Executive Director of the Philmont Staff Association, joins the show.  With humble reflection and the passionate heart of a true creator, Dawn credits her rich Philmont experiences to family, peers, and her art.  From the rewarding struggles of a Rayado participant to the successes of a full-time artist, Dawn is relatable, wise, and unguarded.

dawnchandler.com  and/or  taosdawn.com

Click on the "shop" link on the website to find Dawn's Etsy store:  etsy.com/shop/dawnchandlerstudio

PHILMONT YEARS
1980, 1981 - Trek Participant
1982 - Rayado Participant
1983, 1984 - Ranger
1985, 1987 - Training Ranger/Ranger Trainer
1988, 1989 - CD Abreu
1997 - 2002 - Executive Director, PSA

The chosen photos:
— Douglas Fasching took the one of me painting the Tooth. It was just a few weeks after the worst of the 2018 Ute Park fire... I wanted to be there and create a painting that I could auction off to raise money for the Fire Fund.

— The other photo captures my expression during the last few minutes of the eBay auction of said painting. Between the auction and the sale of my limited edition prints, Philmont art lovers and I raised over $8000 for the Fire Fund.  Incidentally, prints are still available, with proceeds still going to the Fire Fund: etsy.com/listing/625976292/a-philmont-morning-is-the-best-kind-of 

Notable mentions:
The Hitzel Family
Peter Crook
Dean Tooley
Mariah Hughes
Kate Griffin
Anne Kadayna
Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg
Ned Gold
Bill Spice
Mark Stinnett
Warren Smith
Julie Smith
Karyl Sears
Jackie McDonald

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Kicking off our first ever mini-series, Women of Philmont, Katrina Moon joins the show!  Katrina was the first female Ranger from the Naval Academy to work at Philmont.  Although she was only there for a short time, Katrina praises Philmont for it's leadership style and ability to challenge participants and staff to grow in unfamiliar and uncomfortable situations.  Today Katrina lives in North Pole, Alaska with her husband (also a Philmont alumni, Academy Ranger) and their four children, embracing adventure and remaining as tourists in their own home! 

Philmont Experience:
June and July of 2008 - Academy Ranger

Notable Mentions:
Collin Crest
Christy Wise

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A man of many names and many incredible stories - Karl J.P. Smith, Karl Sparks, Doctor Sparks - joins the show!  Karl draws a direct connection between his storytelling days at Philmont campfires to what he does today - working as a traveling professional storyteller.  From accidental and somewhat haphazard vison quests and backcountry  musical performances, to moments of humble reflection and growth, Karl's heart and love for Philmont is evident and contagious. 

Philmont Experience:
Trek 2004
Rayado 2005
Dining Hall 2007
PC Urraca Mesa 2008
PC Pueblano 2009
PC Crater Lake 2011

Notable Mentions:
John Ramsey
Clark Chapman
Pueblano Staff 2009
Dom Alesandrini
Stuart Babcock
Lucky at Pueblano 2012
Tim Collver

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At 10,000+ downloads and 30 episodes - this is a quick celebratory episode with some fun stats and facts about how the podcast as grown, info about what's to come, and how you can support the podcast!  A big thank you to the listeners and interviewees for making the podcast possible.

Ways to support Silver On the Sage Podcast:

To support via a one-time contribution, please click the link below.

https://pod.fan/silveronthesagepodcast

To become a monthly patron and enjoy member benefits, click the link below.

https://www.patreon.com/silveronthesagepodcast

Thank you!

“The only things we keep permanently are those we give away.”  -Waite Phillips

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As a previous seasonal and full-time Maintenance employee, Bryan Spink discusses the learning and teaching aspects of the Camping Headquarters Maintenance Department at Philmont Scout Ranch.  Bryan also shares his love for the spirit of Philmont friendships and stories of the "good old days."  Thanks Bryan! 

Philmont Experience:

• 2011- Camping Headquarters (CHQ) Maintenance 
• 2011 Fall- CHQ Maintenance 
• 2012 Spring- CHQ Maintenance 
• 2012 Summer- CHQ Maintenance Foreman 
• 2012-2014- Associate Electrician 

Notable Mentions:
Ben and Mike Lonergan
Wayne Baker
Ross Robinson
Ben Herman
Rick Archuleta
Mike George
Gary Richards
Paul Bearenson
Tristan Wagner
Sean Murphy
Jimmy Fritz
Austin St. George 
Jimmy Lowe
Josh Standard
Evan Lawrence
Nathan Tritt
Coralie Graham
Jeff Ostandorff
Wiggs Martinez
Lee Bass
Mark Anderson
Steve Nelson
Bryan Hutsler
Mike Crockett
Marylin Vargas
Graham Nelson
Slim Uribe-Goertz
Amy Carlisle
Karl & Matt Hubbard
(Some names may be misspelled due to oral nature of the podcast)

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From an enthusiastic to-be assigned seasonal staff hire to a full-time employee at Philmont Scout Ranch, Eric Martinez joins the show to share stories and insights.  Eric was a co-creator and active facilitator of the PASS (Philmont Advisor Skills School) and PAW (Philmont Advisor Workshop) programs, and also played an integral role in improving the Ranger hiring process and enhancing the Winter Adventure program at Philmont. 

Eric is also an avid photographer, you can view his work at photomartinez.com.   

Philmont Experience
2008 - Ranger

2009 - Ranger

2010 - Ranger Trainer

2011 - Mountain Trek Coordinator

Autumn Adventure Guide 

Winter - Musher at Northern Tier

2012 - Associate Chief Ranger

Autumn Adventure Guide

Winter Adventure Coordinator

2013 - Associate Chief Ranger

Okpik Program Director at Northern Tier

2014 - Chief Ranger

Autumn Staff Coordinator

Chief Ranger

2015 - Chief Ranger

2015 Fall-Spring 2016 - Chief Ranger/PASS Instructor

2016-2019 - Associate Director of Program - Seasonal Personnel/Basecamp Operations

Notable Mentions (Some spellings may be incorrect) 
Andrea Watson
Kyle Knoll
Barbara Garcia
Mike Lonergan
Eric Niehaus
FISH and Ripples
Mark Anderson
Austin St. George
PASS and PAW programs
John Sully
Mike Crocket
Robert Fudge
Zach Seeger
Nate Lay
Christine Salisbury Sammons
Chris Sawyer
Ranger-Backcountry Baseball Game, 2012 origins 
Evan Lawrence
Tim Borden
Jada Day McGirt
Jason Maz
Caleb Burns
Colin Bowser
Matt Hart 
Owen McCulloch
Steve Nelson
John Van Dreese
2018 Ute Park Fire
Bryan Hayek

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An episode where tangents and tall tales are always welcome.  Jada "Day" McGirt, a loving extrovert, avid rock climber, passionate servant leader, and relationship builder joins the show.  Jada embraces tough love and the many challenges that Philmont allows us to grow from.  Today she and her Philmont mate, Michael Serio, are farmers in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Philmont Experience
2008 - PC Cimarroncito

2009 - Head Rock at Miners Park
Fall, Autumn Adventure Guide
Winter, Kanik Guide 

2010 - CD Harlan
Fall, PTC Staff
Winter, Okpik guide at Northern Tier

2011 - CD Whiteman Vega
Due to fire danger - CD Harlan, SSSAC Assistant Manager manning the Rock Wall, ACD Baldy Town, Return to Whiteman Vega

2012 - CD Cito
Fall, PTC Staff

2013 - Backcountry Manager, Unit 45
Fall SSSAC Manager

Notable Mentions: (Spellings may be incorrect)
Chip Clardy
Barbara Garcia 
Rock Rohrbacher
Nick Verbansic
Zac Crawford
Jeff Goynes
Dave ____ Abreu?
Stephen "Razerhawk" Albauch
Mike and KJ Ritterhouse
Stephen Tennis
Slim Uribe-Goertz
Chris "Topher" Schaller
Christine Salisbury Sammons
Troop 777 - JoAnn Bellknap 
Tristan Wagner, Uncle Wagner
Mark Anderson
Coralie Graham 

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