Silver On the Sage

Wrapping up our Rayado Trek Series with Sam DeFrees and Piper Niehaus. Rayado Trek Coordinators in 2010, the duo shares an insightful, behind the scenes understanding of the work it takes to logistically and intentionally execute the Rayado program each summer. 

This summer, July 23-26, Philmont is celebrating 50 years of Rayado.  I hope to see you there!

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Mark Anderson delivers a meaningful interview discussing all things Rayado - history, philosophy, and the program's evolution over the last 50 years.  Mark has dedicated 43 years of his career to professional Scouting, 19 of which he spent as the Director of Program at Philmont Scout Ranch.  He continues to volunteer his time to Scouting, and has been an immeasurable asset to the movement as a whole. 

This summer, July 23-26, Philmont is celebrating 50 years of Rayado.  I hope to see you there!

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As the chief Ranger from 1974 through 1977, Dave was an integral part of implementing several positive changes in the ranger department under the leadership of Joe Davis.  Author of several books, Caffey has dedicated his talents to preserving the legacy and impact of Philmont and her people.

This summer, from July 23-26, Philmont is celebrating 50 years of the Philmont Rayado program. Rayado alumni, friends of Rayado and the PSA are making scholarships available to help Rayado family - young and old - join the gathering! 

Photo credit: Jonathan A. Meyers

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As a young Ranger, Steph was breaking gender role barriers, and proving to herself and to others, just how capable young adults are when given the opportunity to lead.

Today's episode kicks off our Rayado Trek Series.  This series will highlight the history and impact of Rayado in anticipation for Rayado's 50th Anniversary Reunion, happening this summer at Philmont Scout Ranch. 

Philmont Experience:

1984 & 1985: Trek participant 

1986: Ranger 

1989: 2nd year Ranger - Mountain trek and Rayado 

1990 & 1991: Training Ranger 

1992: Assistant Chief Ranger (ACR)

1993: Rayado Trek Coordinator

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Dave is the current Director of Ranching and Conservation at Philmont Scout Ranch.  He shares that Philmont aims to be a leader in land management, stewardship, and conservation.  Philmont is raising the bar, and doing so in large part thanks to the dedicated and driven staff - both seasonal and full time. 

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Friar chats about his love for the more remote backcountry camps, his fondness for burros and llamas, and the entertaining nature of telling yarns.

Philmont Experience

1983 & 1985 - Trek Participant
1986 - CHQ food service 
1987 - PC Clark’s Fork
1988 - PC Clear creek
1989 - PC Clear creek
1990 - CD French Henry
1991 - CD Clear Creek 
1992 - CD French Henry
1993 - CD Clear Creek 
1994 - CD Miranda

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Today we are celebrating our 200th episode with Chris Werhane.  Chris works with the Disabilities & Special Needs community, including the Philmont Zia trek program. 

Philmont Experience: 

1982 Maintenance – Base Camp 
1983 Pueblano PC
1984 Kit Carson PC
1985 French Henry PC
1986 Clear Creek PC
1987 Pueblano (CD)
1988 Clear Creek (CD)
1989 Miranda (CD) 
1990 Clear Creek (CD)

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Celebrating Chuck Enloe's 31 years of Service - January 9, 2026.  May an end of an era give birth to the continuation of a legacy so rooted in the reverence of work worth doing - that all who went before and all who are yet to come honor it as deep as blood, as family. 

Philmont Experience

1968-1970 - Trek participant
1971 - Dining Hall Staff
1972 & 1975 - Wrangler
1976 - 1980 - Horseman
1983 & 1992 - Horseman
1992 - 1993 - Kanik Season
1995 - 1998 - Full time Fence Crew
1999 - 2001 - Fence Crew / Ponil Horseman
2002 - 2019 - Cowboy
2019 - 2026 - Livestock Foreman

Notable Mentions
Dave Kenneke
Andrea Watson
Dr. John Alexander
Miller Adams
Don Connealy  
Degus Wright
Dawson Enloe

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Hey listeners - welcome back to Silver On the Sage Podcast. Today I get to chat with Russ Walliser. We discuss everything from how the podcast prompted Russ to apply to work at the ranch, to the upcoming Rayado Reunion, and more.

Philmont Experience:

2017 - Trek participant

2019 - Trek participant

2023 - Ranger

2024 - Ranger on Rayado

2025 - Ranger Trainer, Autumn Guide

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Snow Day episode!  In honor of the precipitation - please enjoy this month's extra episode, with Ryan Jackson, current Associate Director of Camping at Philmont Scout Ranch. 

Today's episode is sponsored by the National Scouting Museum. The NSM exists to preserve and present the history and stories of Scouting in interesting, educational, and inspirational ways to visitors, both in person and virtually.

Scouting Experience:

Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation, Whiteford, MD
-Counselor In Training - 2011
-Scoutcraft Staff - 2012
-Council Camping Director/Camp Director - 2021-2024

Summit Bechtel Reserve, Glen Jean, WV
-Camp Commissioner (High Adventure) - 2014
-Camp Commissioner (Scout Camp) - 2015-2016
-Base Camp Manager - 2017-2019
-Program Operations & Logistics Support (POLS) Director - 2020

Philmont Scout Ranch 
-Winter Base Camp Manager - 2021
-Associate Director of Camping - 2024-Present

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