Our Philmont expeditions are often composed of Scouts and Scouters from several different councils. However, the contingents are sponsored by Patriots’ Path Council, BSA, National #358, of Cedar Knolls, NJ. Hence, Philmont will recognize all Scouts and Scouters in our contingents as being from Patriots’ Path Council, BSA.
All members of the contingents are entitled to wear the Patriots’ Path Philmont shoulder emblem (patch). Two patches for each member of your crew will be issued at the January Advisor Briefing. We encourage all to sew them on their uniforms as soon as received. We know your crew will be proud to wear this historic design throughout the Watchu Experience, during travel to and within Colorado, and when at Philmont.
The patch design has historic New Mexican and Philmont significance. First, the colors are Philmont colors as well as the colors of the state of New Mexico; red, yellow, and black. Philmont appears in bold red block letters across the black background of the emblem (patch). The “O” in Philmont is replaced by a “Zia” in yellow. This graphic is typical of designs used in the early years of Philmont, the late 1930s through the 1960s. The Zia is an ancient Native New Mexican icon which represents all those things in nature that come in fours; the four winds, the four seasons, the four directions (north, east, south, west), etc. The Zia is also the singular graphic on the prize-winning design of the state flag of New Mexico, which has been voted the nation’s best flag design. Our council, state, and the current year are shown in bright New Mexican yellow.
Everyone needs a bunch for collecting and trading – you can be certain it will be a very hot trading item at Philmont. The 2010 and 2011 editions had a silver border in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts, and the 2013 edition had a yellow border in honor of the 75th anniversary of Philmont Scout Ranch. Additional patches (and other items) may be purchased at the Watchu Mountain Outfitters Trading Post, using the online Order Form. Patches and all items are eligible for the Hikers’ Dozen discount – buy 11 and get 1 free! The deadline for ordering a Hikers’ Dozen is the evening of the January Advisor Briefing; but don’t wait until then – you can get your order in anytime before the deadline. Our Watchu Administrator, Warrior Wickham, will be happy to help should you have any questions.
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Tip: Watchu Grams will be signed by historical figures connected to Philmont or the Cimarron area. Their connection will be explained in “Phil Facts” with the messages. You are encouraged to learn more about them to enhance your experience.
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Phil Fact: Waite Phillips was a Tulsa, Oklahoma oilman who acquired what ultimately was a 300,000 acre ranch, including extensive mountain backcountry for the hunting and fishing he loved. He shared it with friends and acquaintances, and between 1939 and 1941 he gave a large portion of it to the Boy Scouts of America so that the youth of America could enjoy it as well. In 1959, Clear Creek Mountain was re-named Mount Phillips in his honor and in recognition of his contribution.
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The only things we keep are those we give away,
Waite Phillips
Hawkeye (later Philmont) Ranch, Cimarron, New Mexico