Silver On the Sage

Join in on this care-free episode as Zac “Moose” Tuggle discusses all things Logger Camps. From humble beginnings working in the Services department at base camp, to recruiting his buddies to form the ultimate logger staff in 2007 at Crater Lake, Zac embodied the backcountry interpretive energy and spirit of fun. Discussing backcountry traditions and larger than life legends, Zac reminds us of those fateful and perfect moments we’ll never forget as young-adult staffers at Philmont Scout Ranch. Although the traditions of “Logger Children” and Logger Ball at Pulebano and Crater Lake have encountered controversy from time to time, they rank high in the storytelling department of Philmont lore. In this episode, Zac also shines a light on the challenges of managing your peers and de-escalating situations with advisors, and how those interactions helped build his confidence and prepare for his career in the United States Marine Corps. 

Remembering that he spent his first staff paycheck on the purchase of a coveted silver Philmont belt buckle, Zac still yearns to go back to Philmont, like us all. Thanks Zac!  IWGBTP.

Staff Experience:
2004 - Services
2005 - PC Crater Lake
2006 - PC Pueblano
2007 - CD Crater Lake
2009 - CD Clear Creek (half summer)

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Devyn Hanselmann - Coming at ya from “the arm” of Massachusetts aka Provincetown! 

Devyn, with her laughter that glows, discusses her initial apprehension about applying to work at “some Boy Scout camp” in the mountains of New Mexico. Of course, the magic of Philmont Scout Ranch crept in, and Devyn excelled for a total of three summers on staff. From the dust and wildflowers of Ponil, to the logistics and operations of the Tooth of Time Traders - Devyn credits her time at Philmont to her current career success working for the National Park Service. With laughter and slight terror, Devyn recounts the treachery of backcountry driving, burro rescues, and other stories along the way. Pausing to consider how much she misses the simple things, such as the sound of boots crunching through the gravel in base camp tent city, Devyn brings to life the nostalgia and the true feeling of summer at Philmont Scount Ranch. Thank you Dev!

Anyone interested in pursuing a career with the National Park Service, please reach out to Devyn: [email protected]

Staff Experience

2014 - PC Ponil

2015 - Order Fulfillment Specialist ToTT (half summer)

2016 - Backcountry Trading Post Operations Coordinator

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Todd’s passion to teach and pursue a career in education, was significantly influenced by his seasonal staff experience in the conservation department. Feeling restricted by the limitations of the formal classroom, Todd aspired to an education of higher purpose, hence he set out to become a Jewish Rabbi. Returning for four summers as a Jewish Chaplain at Philmont Scout Ranch, Todd discusses the Ministry of Presence, the role of mediation, and the logistical and historical challenges of faith representations within the Philmont Chaplaincy.  As a previous trek participant, backcountry seasonal staffer, and Chaplain - Todd has a multifaceted perspective to share. He joyfully reflects on fellow alumni, who embodied and brought to life the child-like attributes of Philmont culture, all the while being professional and prepared to assist at a moments notice. 

Todd speaks of cohesiveness and connection amongst Philmont staff and participants. He examines how the type of people who work and trek at Philmont, uphold and produce a great amount of respect for one another. Todd reminds listeners that the core of religion is to help one find meaning in life, find a connection to something greater than oneself, and to make an impact in this lifetime. Thank you Todd! 

This episode was recorded on Saturday, March 27, 2021.

*Correction, the flood that Todd discusses in this episode occurred in the Summer of 2015, (not 2016).

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On a particularly fateful day - May 17, 2006 to be exact - Elizabeth “Slim” Uribe-Goertz was hired to work at the Villa, and the rest is history. Today (as I type this to be exact) she is driving to Cimarron, NM - where the Rockies meet the Plains - for good.  In this episode Slim shares the many impacts that Philmont had on her life, which ultimately lead her to pursue and accept a full-time HR position at the Ranch. Whitehouse, TX native, Slim is best known for her smooth harmonies and laissez-faire, empowering leadership style. Slim met her husband Eli Page-Goertz at the ranch, as well as her many friends, whom she lovingly claims as her most precious Philmont mementos. In this evening episode, Slim and I chat about backcountry fashion, mental health considerations, Viking feasts, siblings, and of course - music. A carefree spirit and beloved backcountry “mom,” Slim embodies what it means to love a place and give back to it. If you happen to be trekking, on staff, or just in the area - visit CHQ Registration and ask for Slim.  She’ll be there for you! Wishing you all the best in your journeys ahead and many thanks for sharing your heart and your stories with us - cheers friend.

Seasonal Staff Experience:
2006- Villa Philmonte tour guide (Villa babe)
2007- PC at Cypher’s Mine
2008- PC at Beaubien/promoted to ACD at Beaubien/battlefield promoted to CD at Abreu
Spring 2009- PTC maintenance
2009- CD at Cypher’s Mine
2010- CD at Urraca
2011- CD at Baldy Town
2013- Infirmary support staff for two weeks
2019- Associate Manager of Communication for Logistics

Notable mentions:
http://www.steelwindmusic.com/home.html

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There is a good chance you know and admire Sarah Burgess, and if you don’t, this episode will catch you up to speed. Sarah Burgess, also known as “Sustaina-Burgess,” has improved and spearheaded several positive changes at Philmont - namely the STEM program and Sustainability efforts done via the Philmont Conservation Department. Sarah credits her brother (also a Philmont alumni) Paul Burgess, as being the catalyst that led her to Philmont. Lovingly reflecting on her time on staff, Sarah shares stories of Search and Rescue efforts, banquet preparations at Ranger Rendezvous, “All Cons” chainsaw alarm clocks, and sunrise chapel services.

Sarah is currently on the Board of Directors for the Philmont Staff Association, giving back to the place that helped concrete her passions for environmental change and sustainability. Sarah reminds us to intentionally strive to live free of ego, to be always curious, and to be inclusive in our conversations and the impacts we have on our precious and beautiful planet. Thank you friend!

All PSA members and their families are invited to the 2021 PSA Annual Reunion.  Check out more info here: Celebrating 50+ Years of Conservation

"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught." -Baba Dioum, 1968

Participant Experience:

2001- ROCS

2002 - Rayado

Staff Experience: 

2003-2004 Ranger

2005- Ranger trainer 

2006- Rayado trek coordinator

2007-2009 Associate Chief Ranger 

2010- 2011 Sustainability Specialist 

2013-2014 STEM Coordinator 

2015-2016 Associate Director of Conservation - Environmental Education

2008 - Autumn Adventure Guide

2014-2015 Fall Conservation

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Recounting the profound, yet tiny moments and details of everyday life in the backcountry, Justin joins us to discuss his time at Philmont Scout Ranch. As a participant and on staff, Justin spent a decade growing and giving in the High Country. Justin shares how he aspired to leadership positions in order to give back and share what he had learned in previous summers. On the tough days, Justin reminds us of the power of spending time with crews, and of the Ranch-wide aim of changing lives.

Justin, who has published two photography books related to Philmont - Wild and Untamed and Last Summer at Camp - dives into the phases of the creative process.  From the seemingly easy “cotton candy” images such as sunrise or sunset, to the quiet images that tell an unseen story, Justin brings us behind the scenes (the lens rather) of his photo narrative journeys. Leaving us with an encouraging note to “Go make the thing and inspire someone else to do the same,” listeners are reminded to resist silencing the creative abilities that lie within each of us. Thank you Justin for your words, images, and bursts of laughter.  Happy trails! 

Notable mentions:

• In 2002, Bob Mosher was the Roving Prospector.  Then in 2008, Ross Robinson held the position.  Were there others? Email [email protected] to let us know!
• Crooked Creek 2009 staff mentions: Rebekah "Boots" Uribe-Senter and Graham Nelson. 

Books mentioned:

Anthropocene by Edward Burtynsky

https://www.edwardburtynsky.com/projects/the-anthropocene-project

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield

https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Steven-Pressfield-ebook/dp/B007A4SDCG

Wild & Untamed and Last Summer at Camp by Justin Kernes
https://www.justinkernes.com/

Participant Experience

2003, 2006, 2009 - Regular Treks

Staff Experience

2010 - PC Apache Springs

2011 - PC French Henry

2012 - PC Rich Cabins

2013 - PC Sawmill 

2014 - CD Zastrow

2015 - CD Harlan

2015 - Autumn, Villa Gardener 

2016 - CD Clarks Fork

2017 - CD Head of Dean 

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Tom Munch, who first summited Baldy at age six, (with the help of his grandfather's army surplus Willys Jeep) has familial ties to New Mexico. In 1977 at the age of sixteen, Tom was challenged and grew as a Rayado participant.  In 1978 and 1979 as a Ranger, Tom hiked with a guitar strapped to the back of his Kelty backpack, and immersed himself in the solitude of hike-in days and the can-do spirit of the Philmont community. In 1980 as a Program Counselor at Beaubien, Tom learned great music from his peers and via the music scenes of Red River and Taos, NM. In this episode, Tom shares stories of gumption and spirituality, as he encounters momentary blindness and hustles to help a hypothermic participant off of Mt. Phillips. Today Tom is a professional musician, playing gigs, recording albums, and continuing to give back to the Philmont community in numerous ways.  Tom, thank you so much for sharing your stories and your insights, it was a pleasure. 

Join Tom on Saturday, March 13th at 7pm Mountain, 8pm Central for his Spring Philmont Songs Concert. You can listen and participate live on Facebook, or via Tom’s website: tommunch.com/online-concerts.

In this episode Tom mentions:

Solano’s Boot and Western Wear store in Raton, NM 

The song that Tom recites at the end is Mist Covered Mountains, by Mark Knopfler.

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Amidst the challenges of the Texas winter storm of February 2021, Tanner Shaw chats with us about his experiences working as a wrangler in the Ranch Department at Philmont Scout Ranch.  Texas native, Tanner shares his appreciation for fulfilling work, life-long learning, and the simple joys of riding horseback.  He speaks about the Ranch Department’s culture of respect for ranch leadership, “the bosses”, the tradition of morning coffee stare, and respect for a strong work ethic.  From the ghosts of the morning, jingling ponies, and the Cimarron 4th of July Maverick Rodeo, to mountain lion stories and poetry, Tanner embodies what it means to be a true Philmont cowboy.  With humble respect for the way of life and the land, Tanner leaves us wishing we could go back for one more summer and experience the ranch as a wrangler.  This episode was especially important to me, and I thank you friend.

The poem Tanner recited was “The Heritage” by Buster McLaury

The artist Tanner mentions is Elisabeth Zimmerman: http://www.westernrosestudios.com/

Staff Experience:

2009 - Wrangler

2010 - Horseman

2011 - Horseman

2013 - Horseman

2013 - 2014, Off-Season Wrangler 

Participant Experience:

2006 - Regular Trek

2008 - Regular Trek Advisor

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Buckle up for a wild ride with Kyle Knoll and Robyn (Knoll) Newton - brother and sister duo who have a combined 18+ years working in the ranger department at Philmont Scout Ranch. As a "leadership laboratory," Kyle and Robyn discuss the "scramble, be flexible" challenges and wide scope of projects that the ranger department embraces each season. They discuss their involvement in the June 2018 Whites Peak Fire evacuation (South Country) and coinciding Search and Rescue. Robyn puts into perspective the influence that rangers have on the participant experience.  Kyle shares details about his role as Service Academy Coordinator and how the dedication to "serving others" continues on after one leaves Philmont. With welcomed interruptions, stories of heroism and legacy, and intentions to improve the system for future staff and participants - this hour long episode hits home.

To learn more about the Service Academy: PSA-Academy-USAFA-Rangers

To read more about the Ranger Axe: PhilNews-2019-Ranger-Axe

I want to thank Kyle and Robyn for being willing to do a duo-interview with candid enthusiasm and fun. Cheers friends!

Robyn (Knoll) Newton

Participant Experience
Mountain Trek (2002, 2003)
Regular Trek (2002, 2004)
Rayado (2004)

Staff Experience
2006 - Ranger
2007 - PTC Group Leader
2008 - Ranger
2009 - Mountain Trek Ranger
2012 - Ranger Trainer
2013 - Scheduler for Ranger Department
2014 - Logistics

Kyle Knoll

Participant Experience
Mountain Trek (2003, 2004)
Regular Trek (2002, 2004, 2006)
Rayado (2005)

Staff Experience
2008 - Ranger
2009 - Ranger, Rayado Ranger
2010 - Ranger Trainer
2011 - Ranger Trainer
2012 - 2018 - Service Academy Coordinator
2019 - Assistant Chief Ranger
2020 - The Chief Ranger that never was 

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Kicking off a new type of interactive episode - Virtual I-Camp dedications!  I invited all listeners to send in virtual i-camp submissions, which I then read on air.  Submissions include dedications to friends, messages to our past selves, future children, Philmont lovers, and the like!  This episode was especially fun as it aired on Valentine's Day 2021, and also included a live video component, so listeners could comment and watch while I recorded.  Thank you to everyone who submitted I-camp content.  It is my hope to do more interactive episodes like this in the future.  Cheers! -Caitlin Lowe 

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