Silver On the Sage

Today's episode celebrates the special bonds that we create with the people we meet on staff and on the trail.  Kat and Ryan share their story of growing up and finding each other among those special hills.  

Check out Dawn Chandler's weekly emails: TuesdayDawnings.  They are a free, weekly tonic of contemplation, curiosity & creativity.  

Support the show

To help us celebrate the podcast's birthday and kick off our 6th year highlighting the impact of Philmont Scout Ranch - my kiddos Gillian, Louise, and Dawson join the show.  They candidly share the little and grand moments that sparked magic during their first visit to those special hills we call home.

Support the show

What is a Riding Counselor?  Stick around to find out.  Kip shares stories of his experience in the Ranch Department in the early 1970s - including an exchange with Boss Sanchez, an encounter with the Grey Rider, and the task of learning each horse by its unique name.  He's volunteered for his local council for over 50 years, and is an avid supporter of time well spent in the outdoors.

Philmont Experience:

1970 - Riding Counselor

1971 - Wrangler

1994 - Trek Advisor

1999 - Trek Advisor

2014 - Autumn Trek

2017 - Autumn Trek

Support the show

Jenna's three week Rayado experience as a participant, and learning to expect unexpected - set her up for career success as a travel nurse, especially in the ER.  We chat about nuanced topics such as the Philmont sibling relationship, imposter syndrome, the multifaceted dynamics of being a Camp Director, and the lore of El Jenkins - an obscure painting that was the catalyst for a summer long prank.  

Philmont Experience

2013 - 12 day trek
2015 - Rayado 
2017 - PC Cimarroncito
2018 - PC French Henry / TSI
2019 - PC Cyphers Mine
2021 - CD Cyphers Mine
Fall 2021 - Infirmary
2022 & 2023 - Volunteer Infirmary
2024 - Infirmary Driver & Nurse
2025 - CD Pueblano
2026 - BCM

Support the show

Today Jake Koch joins the show to chat about his experiences on seasonal and full-time staff at Philmont Scout Ranch.  Thank you for being here, and for partaking in this experience.  Cheers to our last episode of 2025!  

Philmont Experience:

2005: 12-day Trek participant
2009: 12-day Trek participant
2010 PC - Apache Springs
2011 PC - Head of Dean
2012 TBA PC - Cimarroncito
2013 CD - Miners Park
2014 CD - Clarks Fork / Autumn Adventure Guide
2015 CD - Cimarroncito / Winter Adventure Guide
2015 PTC Autumn Staff
2016:PSA Office Staff
Full-Time - 2016-2021: Assistant Manager Tooth of Time Traders

Support the show

Warren trekked and worked on staff in the 1970s, returned in the 80s to manage PTC Family Programs, and has been a major contributor to the PSA including President, editor, author, and more. 

Sponsorship

This episode is proudly sponsored by the National Scouting Museum, whose mission is to showcase the history and stories of Scouting in interesting, educational, and inspirational ways, both in person and virtual. 

Philmont Experience

1974 - Trek participant

1975 - Kit Carson Men (now Rayado) participant

1975 - Trail hire: Ponil barkeeper

1976 - Ranger / USAFA Training Ranger

1977 - Training Ranger (now Ranger Trainer)

1978 - Rayado Trek Coordinator

1979 - Camp Director – Crater Lake

1981-1983 - Manager – Brooks Lodge – Katmai National Park, Alaska

1984-1985 - PTC Manager of Family Programs

1985 - Editor - Philmont Fieldguide

1985-1990 - Editor – High Country

1994-1998 - PSA Vice President of Membership

1998-2002 - President – Philmont Staff Association

2003 - Editor and Contributor – Tales from the High Country (Best of…collection)

2007 - Editor and Contributor – More Tales From The High Country

2011 - Author - I Wanna Go Back – Stories from the First 50 Years of the Philmont Rangers – First Edition

2013 - Author - I Wanna Go Back – Stories from the First 50 Years of the Philmont Rangers – Second Printing

2017 - Author - Print The Legend – Novel set in Philmont country

1985-2025 - Various roles with High Country. Contributing Writer

Support the show

In September of 2025 I had the privilege of participating in the second week of the PSA Beaubein Service Corps Project.  The construction of the new Staff Dining Hall was made possible thanks to the many service corps volunteers, the Philmont  maintenance team, and generous donors.
 
Throughout the week, I recorded bits and pieces of the physical work being accomplished and the stories being told.  I hope you enjoy these highlights I’ve curated in an attempt to capture the immeasurable impact that Philmont Scout Ranch continues to have on my life, and the lives of many others.

Notable Mentions:

Jeff Wallick

Elizabeth Morgan

Liv Cunningham

Badger Caster / Colin Potluri

Jack on porch swing

Christening meal - Colin Potluri

Tim Greminger

Campfire - Jeremy, Liv, Ron and Cunningham, Caitlin Lowe, Colin Potluri

Closing - Curtis Seifert

Dedication - Chris Vahlkamp

Support the show

Today’s guest, John Richardson, brings enthusiastic insights and an eagerness to share his experiences as a participant and coordinator of the Philmont Leadership Challenge.  PLC hones the skills taught in Wood badge and promotes the concepts of servant leadership in an outdoor experiential learning environment.

Support the show

Carl worked on staff in the 1970s, in the Ranger department.  Notably, in 1976, he was assigned to be a Coordinator of the newly named “Rayado” program, alongside Ian Sutherland.  

Today, he is excited to be a part of the planning committee for the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Rayado Program.  This event will take place at Philmont July 23-26, 2026.  There will also be a Rayado themed 7-day trek option from July 19-26.  

Philmont Experience:

1973 - Overnight visit to Philmont

1974 - Ranger

1975 - Training Ranger

1976 - Rayado Coordinator of new Rayado Program

2010 - Fly Fishing seminar

2004, 2006, 2010 - Trek advisor

Support the show

Today we share a special episode to celebrate Día de los Muertos. I want to thank everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to contribute and honor their loved ones.

Día Muertos dates back centuries to pre-Hispanic cultures and blends indigenous, African, and catholic traditions - it has become one of the most significant and multicultural celebrations in Latin America. 

Sponsorship

This episode is proudly sponsored by the National Scouting Museum, whose mission is to showcase the history and stories of Scouting in interesting, educational, and inspirational ways, both in person and virtual.  

Notes:

Emily Dickinson interpretation Source: Leanne With Purpose

Support the show