Crew Positions

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Crew Leader

Chaplains Aide

Wilderness Pledge Guia

Crew leadership positions should be determined well in advance of your trip to Philmont. Each role plays a critical element in helping the crew to succeed. You may want to hold a meeting to determine who in the crew will be the best fit for each position. Those who are selected will receive an additional element of training the night before they hit the trail.  

Crew Leader

Responsible for organizing the crew, assigning duties, making decisions, and recognizing the capabilities of each crew member. He/she leads by example and practices servant leadership to allow the crew to have an enjoyable and successful trek. The Crew Leader should have leadership capabilities that are respected by everyone and should be selected prior to the first shakedown hike. Successful Crew Leaders exhibit the following traits: positive attitude, attentiveness to all crew members’ needs, and the ability to identify and resolve conflicts before they develop into larger issues. 

 
Wilderness Pledge Guia: Champion of Conservation and Crew Responsibility 

The Wilderness Pledge Guia plays a key leadership role in promoting responsible outdoor ethics within the crew. They help ensure that all members understand and uphold the Philmont Wilderness Pledge and Leave No Trace principles throughout the trek. 

With guidance from the Ranger, the Wilderness Pledge Guia helps the crew complete the requirements for the Wilderness Pledge Achievement Award. They also assist in enforcing Philmont’s bear safety procedures, helping the crew stay safe while minimizing impact on the environment. Through their example and leadership, the Wilderness Pledge Guia inspires the crew to be thoughtful stewards of the backcountry. 

The Philmont Wilderness Pledge reads as follows: 

• Through good Scout camping, I pledge to preserve the beauty
  and splendor of the Philmont wilderness. I commit myself to:
  1. An absence of litter and graffiti
  2. Respect for wildlife
  3. Conservation and proper use of water
  4. Respect for trails and trail signs
  5. Proper use of campsites 

The seven principles of Leave No Trace are: 

• 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors 

The Wilderness Pledge Guia should be selected by the crew prior to the first shakedown hike and should help the crew follow these two wilderness ethics both at home and at Philmont. 

Lead Advisor: Guiding the Trek, Supporting the Team

The Lead Advisor plays a vital role in creating a successful and safe Philmont experience for the entire crew. As the primary adult leader, the Lead Advisor coordinates preparation efforts and works closely with the Crew Leader, Chaplain’s Aide, and Wilderness Pledge Guia to mentor and empower them in their leadership roles. 

Advisors are not there to lead the trek—but to coach, guide, and support youth leadership, helping them grow in confidence and responsibility. Equally important, Advisors ensure the safety and well-being of every crew member by overseeing: 

• First aid and medical needs 
• Proper water purification 
• Stove use and campfire safety 
• Emergency response and decision-making 

In addition, Advisors help maintain positive crew dynamics, mediate conflicts when needed, and uphold youth protection policies. Together, Advisors form a support system that allows Scouts to lead, grow, and thrive on the trail.