CREW SIZE

For group expeditions, Philmont requires a crew of seven (minimum) to 12 (maximum) members, including all youth and adult participants and adult advisers. Our experience has proven that this is the best size for a Philmont crew. You will find handling crew chores more efficient, food distribution best, and program opportunities greater. Also, keeping the crew together on the trail will be easier. Campsites are designed to comfortably accommodate a maximum of 12 persons.

Council contingents and other large groups should organize their crews according to hiking and camping abilities. Each crew can then choose an itinerary that corresponds to its ability, and travel at its own pace. Philmont reserves the right to combine smaller crews within contingents or multi-crew groups to maximize staff resources.

Also, please note the following restrictions:

• Coed groups must be Venturing crews with both male and female leadership.
• Unregistered guests or family members are not permitted.
• A majority of the crew members must be under age 21.

YOUTH PARTICIPANTS

Youth must be 14 years of age by the time they arrive at Philmont, OR have completed the 8th grade AND be at least 13. 

To avoid disappointment, please do not request or expect exceptions! Requirements for Philmont participation cannot be relaxed.

ADULT LEADERSHIP

The best available adult leadership should be recruited to accompany each crew. In keeping with the policy of the Boy Scouts of America, there are no gender restrictions for adult leadership at Philmont except that each coed Venturing crew must have coed adult leaders. Each adult must be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America.

Each Philmont expedition or group must have at least two BSA registered adult advisers for Scout groups. One adviser must be at least 21 years of age; the second adviser must be at least 18. Each crew is required to have a majority of youth participants, and the maximum number of adults (over 21) is four per crew. Participants 18 through 20 years of age may be counted as youth or adult crew members.

Coed Venturing crews are required to provide coed leadership while en route to and from Philmont and while hiking the trails of Philmont. A coed Venturing crew must have at least one male adviser and at least one female adviser, each of whom must be at least 21 years of age. Male and female youth participants will not share the same sleeping facility. Male and female advisers are required to have separate sleeping facilities. Married couples serving as adult advisers may share the same quarters if appropriate facilities are available. Female advisers must be responsible for female participants; male advisers must be responsible for the male participants.

When staying in tents, no youth will stay in the tent of another adult other than his or her parent or guardian.