Camp · Adventure · Ages 14–20 · $2,371/week
Directory · United States · New Mexico · Cimarron
▌ Adventure · Ages 14–20

Philmont Scout Ranch

Philmont Scout Ranch · $2,371/week

Camp Echo Lake is a traditional, family-owned, co-ed sleepaway camp in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, focused...

▌ Editor's read Philmont Scout Ranch's website loads successfully, detailing its high-adventure backpacking programs in New Mexico. The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) with accreditation valid through 2025, indicating adherence to recognized safety and operational standards. Philmont has been operating since 1938, founded by Waite Phillips, making it a well-established institution with 86 years of experience. The camp is a nonprofit organization, part of the Boy Scouts of America. While a specific staff-to-camper ratio is not explicitly listed, the website mentions that all staff undergo background checks. Google reviews for Philmont Scout Ranch show an average rating of 4.9 stars from over 2,500 reviews, with many reviewers praising the challenging and transformative nature of the expeditions and the quality of the staff. The program is primarily overnight, focusing on multi-day backpacking treks. Social media handles include @philmontscoutranch on Instagram and PhilmontScoutRanch on Facebook.
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ACA-accredited~300 standards audited
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Since 194086+ years operating
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 14–20

Philmont Scout Ranch serves high-school campers, which means the program is competing against summer jobs, college visits, internships, and residential overnight options. The case for a day camp at this age is usually a CIT (counselor-in-training) track, deep specialization in adventure, or a portfolio item parents and kids both value. Programs that don't articulate one of those three usually lose this age band by 9th grade.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Overnight camp
ACA accredited
Yes
Established
1940 (86 years)
Operator
Nonprofit organization
Staff-to-camper ratio
Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Adventure
  • Ages: 14–20
  • Hours: 24-hour residential
  • Address: 17 Deer Run Rd, Cimarron, NM 87714, USA
  • Phone: (518) 623-9635
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Cost notes: Full 7-week season is $16,600. A starter program for first-time campers entering 3rd and 4th grade is available for $11,800 for a shorter session.

↗ What parents like

  • Family-owned since 1946
  • Focus on human development
  • Progressive program journey

↘ Watch for

  • No online registration
  • Full season focus

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: Yes
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: No
  • Setting: mixed

Frequently asked about Philmont Scout Ranch

What ages does Philmont Scout Ranch accept?
Philmont Scout Ranch is open to children ages 14–20. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does Philmont Scout Ranch cost?
Philmont Scout Ranch publishes $2,371/week for the standard session. Full 7-week season is $16,600. A starter program for first-time campers entering 3rd and 4th grade is available for $11,800 for a shorter session. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are Philmont Scout Ranch's hours?
Philmont Scout Ranch runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Is Philmont Scout Ranch accredited?
Yes — Philmont Scout Ranch is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 86 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
Who runs Philmont Scout Ranch?
Philmont Scout Ranch is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 86 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does Philmont Scout Ranch provide lunch?
Yes — Philmont Scout Ranch includes lunch in the program. Confirm whether it's a hot lunch, cold lunch, or a snack-plus-bring-your-own setup, and ask about allergy accommodations if relevant.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare Philmont Scout Ranch with other camps.