Roving Outdoor Conservation School
The Roving Outdoor Conservation School (R.O.C.S.) is an exciting program
for Scouts and Venturers who have an interest in conservation and natural resource
management. Participants will enjoy a 21-day trek throughout Philmont's 137,493
acres of rugged mountain wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky
Mountains of northeast New Mexico.
As the crew hikes the ranch, the participants will camp in many of the different
forest types and participate in activities in some of the following areas: forestry,
fire ecology, fisheries management, wildlife management, geology, watershed
management, and range management. A crew will spend six days building new trails
and rebuilding some existing trails.
The program is not limited to working on various conservation projects and hiking.
R.O.C.S. is ultimately a journey that challenges Scouts and Venturers in education,
service, and adventure.
Who May Participate?
To be able to participate in the R.O.C.S. program, participants must meet the
following requirements:
- Be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America.
- Be at least 16 years old by the date the program begins
and not yet 21 by the date it ends.
- Be in excellent physical condition, able to hike 10 or
more miles with a 40- to 50-pound backpack and able to
lift and handle materials up to 50 pounds. (Philmont
height and weight guidelines will be strictly
enforced.)
- Have mastered the skills of Leave No Trace camping and
backpacking; previous Philmont experience is not mandatory
but is strongly recommended.
- Have two letters of recommendation: one from an adult
Scouter detailing the participantOs backcountry experience
and another from someone of your choice who can attest to
your character.
- Complete a physical examination.
What Activities Does the Program Include?
R.O.C.S. will offer each participant in-depth experience in conservation and
environmental science. As the crew hikes the ranch, they will camp in many of
the different forest types and participate in activities in the following areas:
forestry, fire ecology, insects, fisheries management, wildlife management,
geology, plant identification and dendrology, watershed management and range
management. In addition, part of the trek will practice Leave No Trace and
Tread Lightly techniques.
During the R.O.C.S. trek, each crew will spend six days building new trails and
rebuilding some of the existing trails. The crew will also practice recreation
management by improving trail and staff camps in the backcountry. The experience
of trail construction and campsite improvement will provide some great skills that
will be useful in projects at local council camps or recreation areas throughout
the United States when the participants return home.
What Is the Cost?
Participant cost is $410 (2009 season) for this 21-day experience. A $50
nonrefundable deposit is required with your application. The balance of the fee
is due at the time of acceptance into the program.
Those applicants not accepted as youth participants in the program will have their
deposit returned. Participants canceling acceptance may be eligible for a refund if
notification is received at Philmont by May 1. No-shows are not eligible for a
refund.
What Equipment Will I Need?
R.O.C.S. participants should bring clothing and personal effects for a 21-day
excursion. All crew equipment such as tents, cooking gear, and tools will be
provided by Philmont, and all participants will be covered by campers' insurance.
How Do I Apply?
Each participant must complete an application form (approved by a parent or
guardian, a unit leader, and the local council Scout executive) and provide two
letters of recommendation that attest to the participant's backcountry experience
and ability to live under remote and primitive conditions.
Click here to download an application form.