
	Home Page Our Lodge - About Us - Our History - Smoke Signals - Awards & Recognition - Executive Committee Lodge Resources - The Talking Leaf Library - Where to go Camping - Lodge Flap Library - Quick Links Lodge Programs About - Contact Us - Northeast Iowa Council - Privacy Policy

OA Trail Crew

The Order of the Arrow is offering you an opportunity to join other Arrowmen in cheerful service and the formation of lasting brotherhood on the trails of Philmont Scout Ranch. Under the direction of the Philmont Conservation Department, experienced Philmont staff members with strong Order of the Arrow backgrounds will lead participants on the two week trail crew and trek.

The program is a fourteen day experience. The first week focuses on trail construction and maintenance under the guidance of Philmont trail crew foremen. The second week is a seven day backpacking trek that is designed by the participants. The program is not simply building trail and hiking though, the OA Trail Crew is ultimately a journey that challenges Scouts mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Trail building is tough. The worksite experience is full of long, strenuous days requiring a great deal of physical effort. Participants are expected to work with great diligence as the trail that is being built is designed to last over 75 years and protect the beautiful landscape of Philmont Scout Ranch. Other than trail building techniques, Scouts will strengthen their leadership skills, learn advanced wilderness and low-impact camping skills, observe and participate in group wilderness safety, good judgment, and motivation activities, and receive special OA instruction.

The project's mission is to maintain, reinforce, and enhance the purpose of the Order of the Arrow by using Scout camping traditions. Participants are expected to use their experience to benefit their troop, chapter, lodge and council programs. Camping is a method of Scouting that enhances and builds stronger programs and people.

Requirements:

Be at least 16 years old the day your program begins, but not 21 by its conclusion.
Be physically fit, able to lift and handle materials up to 50 pounds. (Philmont height and weight guidelines will be strictly enforced.)
Be a registered member of both the BSA and a local OA lodge.
Scouts from the same unit, or otherwise acquainted, will be placed in separate crews. No Exceptions!
No exceptions can be made to these requirements. Selection for this program is competitive and is both an honor and a priviledge.

How to Apply

Complete the application, have it approved by both your Scout Executive and Lodge Adviser, and receive parental permission if you are under age 18. Mail your completed application and $50.00 deposit to:

The Order will begin notifying applicants of acceptance by March 14, 2005. Following receipt, a packet of materials will be sent to you to assist in preparing you for your experience at Philmont. Applications will be accepted after March 14 until all slots are filled.

The application is available below in Adobe PDF format. You'll need to print it out, get it filled in and signed, and then mail it to the National Office.

	OA Trail Crew Application
	National Trail Crew Website
	Philmont Scout Reservation Website

Have Adobe Acrobat Reader?

To view our online library, you must have a version of Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not, select the link below to download this free program.

Download Adobe Acrobat Reader

Site Updated 1 - 31 - 08

Contact Lodge Executive Committee · Contact Lodge Advisers · Contact Lodge WebTeam