John-in-KC Posted June 4, 2018 Share Posted June 4, 2018 (edited) I received word via my professional mentor in the army... ALL PHILMONT TREKS FROM JUNE 9 TO JULY 14 ARE CANCELLED Edited June 4, 2018 by John-in-KC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John-in-KC Posted June 4, 2018 Author Share Posted June 4, 2018 From the website: PHILMONT PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT - UTE PARK FIRE 6/4/18 4:00 MDT The safety of our youth participants, volunteers and staff is a priority for everybody at Philmont Scout Ranch and the Boy Scouts of America. While efforts continue to extinguish the fire currently burning in the back-country, the anticipated damage and inability to access the affected areas makes it currently impossible to host back country programs. Until the fire is extinguished, the areas are inspected and the damage assessed, it is impossible to definitively state when those programs will resume. At this time, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all backcountry treks that were scheduled to take place in the Philmont backcountry from June 8 – July 14, 2018. We hope that back country treks may resume after July 14, 2018 with altered itineraries, assuming the back country is safe and infrastructure is restored. Additionally, programs scheduled to take place at Philmont Training Center will also be canceled through June 23, 2018. The Philmont Training Center expects to welcome back participants beginning with Philmont Family Adventure on June 24, 2018. The NAYLE program, which takes place at Rayado Ridge Leadership Camp seven miles south of the Philmont Base Camp and is unaffected by the Ute Park Fire, will go on as scheduled. Over the next few days, we will be contacting the lead advisor or contingent leader of all crews that are impacted by this decision, starting with those that are scheduled to arrive first, as well as affected PTC coordinators. Thank you in advance for allowing the Philmont team to contact your crew – your assistance will help make sure that Philmont phone lines remain open. We will continue to work with local, state and federal authorities to continuously evaluate the fire and air quality to ensure that we can safely deliver outstanding program. Thank you for your support and patience. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jameson76 Posted June 5, 2018 Share Posted June 5, 2018 We have (had) 2 crews that were to leave on Sunday. Not sure what the options are for them down the road. BSA has an opportunity to really make something positive out of this negative OR they can fumble the ball and alienate their most dedicated and involved youth. I hope they refund all fees AND / OR give them priority for 2019 slots, which may involve adding more slots and trek opportunities For our troop with PSR Fees, ground tours, flights, equipment the 2 crew are in this for $50,000 + Come on BSA National High Adventure bases, the ball is in your court, you did not ask for this, but you can WIN this one 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mashmaster Posted June 5, 2018 Share Posted June 5, 2018 Major bummer, I feel bad for all the crews affected. Obviously, safety is primary, not much else they can do for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qwazse Posted June 5, 2018 Share Posted June 5, 2018 @Jameson76, did you all get trip cancellation insurance? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jameson76 Posted June 5, 2018 Share Posted June 5, 2018 Just now, qwazse said: @Jameson76, did you all get trip cancellation insurance? Airline (Delta) has been responsive, they will have a credit for a year from purchase. Not sure on PSR fees (assume they will be refunded or credited), calls out to the ground transportation. Everything was fine until last Thursday.... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desertrat77 Posted June 5, 2018 Share Posted June 5, 2018 Our trek was cancelled as well. One benefit about living in Oklahoma--Philmont is within driving distance. Travel arrangements are pretty straightforward. A convoy of trucks and minivans and we're set. We cancelled some hotel and campground reservations. No problems there. So now we'll wait and see. I have flexibility with my job to go later in the summer, if we get the opportunity. But I imagine those last weeks are going to be pretty darn crowded. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mashmaster Posted June 5, 2018 Share Posted June 5, 2018 Saw this posted: The dedicated staff at Philmont calling participants with available options. Sounds like they are trying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desertrat77 Posted June 5, 2018 Share Posted June 5, 2018 6 minutes ago, mashmaster said: Saw this posted: The dedicated staff at Philmont calling participants with available options. Sounds like they are trying. I agree. It had to be a tough decision for them to make. Many plans, dreams, and dollars at stake. But that fire is still too darn big to risk pressing forward with the original schedule. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mashmaster Posted June 5, 2018 Share Posted June 5, 2018 16 minutes ago, mashmaster said: Saw this posted: The dedicated staff at Philmont calling participants with available options. Sounds like they are trying. Just saw this: Obviously, the situation is still very fluid, but Northern Tier is working hard to put together a plan to assist with the crews displaced by the fires near Philmont Scout Ranch. We want to be able to work with as many crews as possible, however we are limited by permit, facility and program capacity. As we assess what we can accommodate over the next few days, information from you will be helpful. Please use the below link to provide us with the details of your Philmont Crew and we will reach out to you once we have more details on what options may be available. maybe some crews will get to go to Northern Tier. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAKWIB Posted June 5, 2018 Share Posted June 5, 2018 In short, the fire is 25% contained and has affected 36,664 acres. Rains on Sunday slowed it down a bit and gave the firefighters an advantage. However, "fire-weather" is back in play and may cause this thing to continue for a while. People have returned to Cimarron and Philmont, so that is an encouraging sign. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
69RoadRunner Posted June 5, 2018 Share Posted June 5, 2018 Hoping for lots of rain and very little wind. Greatest concern is with the local residents who risk losing everything. If Philmont provides quick refunds, that could allow crews that can't cancel their travel arrangements to possibly find another backpacking option in the area. I'm just not sure what that might be and if it would be possible to arrange on such short notice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjlash Posted June 5, 2018 Share Posted June 5, 2018 Spoke to a neighboring SM last night - he called to get suggestions for where else they could go on such short notice. I gave him some suggestions of places Ive been (and thus can provide info/research Ive already done) but they are not ideal. Big challenges that are outside of his control are weather and permits. In the west - northern locations and higher altitudes are still snowed in and permits may be very tough to get for places that are more open. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John-in-KC Posted June 6, 2018 Author Share Posted June 6, 2018 (edited) Moderator Note The BSA Museum at PSR now has its own thread. Please reserve this for discussion of trek cancellations, reschedules, and alternate plans. Thank you Edited June 6, 2018 by John-in-KC 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John-in-KC Posted June 7, 2018 Author Share Posted June 7, 2018 For Venturing Crews with impacted treks, Venturing Fest 2018 at the Summit has reopened its registration portal. BSA will transfer fees paid to PSR to the Summit if you opt to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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