Back

So, I'm currently recovering from a slight back injury-- Ibuprofen and I are becoming friends. I jumped over a 4-foot fence Sunday and awkwardly landed. It didn't even look spectacular, but it jammed up my back.

My instructions from health lodge are to remain active and work it out. It feels better every day. I guess I should think before I start hurtling fences again...

Tent Mate

This is Jeremy, my tent mate. He lives with me under the only tree in Tent City. Jeremy's from San Diego, California and has the same job I had last summer-- snack bar specialist.

Gear Clinics

Gear clinics this week. It's when representatives from outdoor companies come to teach our staff members how to sell their products. Some give out free samples for us to try out, others don't. Yesterday, I met some members of the JanSport marketing team and today I won an outdoor water purification system. So far so good. More to come this week.

First Aid Training

Tuesday, I had the privilege to teach first aid to our nearly 40 staff members. I taught basic wilderness first aid with the help of two others-- all three of us attended a "train the trainer" first aid course a week ago.

It's good to be done-- we did well I think. They all passed and I think everyone learned something. We covered the material in 3.5 hours (it was supposed to be 8), but it all worked out.

The Impact of Philmont

Last week during training, Mark Anderson, Director of Program at Philmont (everyone's boss), shared a compelling story with the whole staff. It was a letter sent to him from a dad who is looking forward to his third trek. This is it. This is what Philmont can do and continually does to those who experience it. 

Human Knot

Most of our staff arrived this weekend. To get to know them better, we played a game called the "human knot". The staff gathered in two big circles, crowded in the middle, linked arms, and tried to untie themselves. It was entertaining to watch.

The Bird Flew

We tried to catch the Homie the pidgeon, but he wasn't falling for it. Jason spent the evening at the ready, but he didn't take the bait.  Eventually, Homie the pidgeon flew away. I guess he needed a five day vacation before he got to where he was going.

Joe

Joe made it to Philmont a couple of days ago. I met him and his dad on the trail last summer-- turns out he went to Mercyhurst University just like me. Crazy. This summer, he's on staff as a ranger-- a guide who takes campers through the backcountry for the first part of their trek. Definitely good to see him. 

Wal-Mart Run

When you're out of soap, shampoo, and need laundry detergent, it's time for a Wal-Mart run. It takes an hour to get to Trinidad, Colorado.-- the nearest Supercenter-- but it's worth the trip. The conversation to and from is entertaining enough with (from left) the Texans, Andrew and Melman, and the Californians, Nate and Jeremy.

Windy Tent City

Winds reached 50 miles per hour this week. It was dusty. Quite a few tents were damaged, but not mine. Luckily I did laundry before all Hell broke loose. Thank God for ear plugs-- that's the only reason I got sleep that night.

Sorry, More Training

Sorry I haven't updated lately. Between training and getting settled in here, it's been a quick first week. I'll continue to post when I can, but the internet's been hit or miss at base camp.

Pigeon

This is Homie the lost homing pigeon. He landed last week and has been hanging around the trading post for a while. We've tried to catch him, but to no avail. There is a band with a phone number on his leg. After taking 30 seperate photos, one of our staff, Jason, put the number together and we called the number. Stay tuned.

Nametag

It's my official 2012 nametag. 

Manager Training

Today was official manager training for the more than 130 managers on the ranch. Philmont program director Mark Anderson led the session, which included reviewing the 1966 edition of Philmont's "Camp Staff Management and Morale" booklet.

My favorite quote from the booklet reads:
"Above all, set the proper example. The staff will look to their director for their model."

Even though I don't have my own staff this year, I plan to lead through marketing-- living our mission, serving our customers, and bringing motivation to work everyday.

After training, we ate lunch as a team. More staffers are on their way. My tentmate, Jeremy showed up today with another assistant manager, Nate-- both from California. Manager training continues through the weekend. Most of the clerks will arrive Saturday and Sunday.

Flags

The flags over base camp on another spring day in New Mexico. We've had a little rain, but overall the temperature's been nice. Winds this week may break 60 miles per hour.

First Days

Back to work. I met the staff so far-- mostly managers, some returning from last season. There's about 10 of us here; the other 25-30 will arrive in the next week.

This is Andrew. He's an assistant manager. He's happy to see me. And he's crazier than ever. The managers seem to get along pretty well, but there's still training to do and work to be done. Though it's probably too close to call, I'm sure it will be an excellent summer.

Today, I did first aid training with Andrew. Now we're charged with the task of training our staff. We're trying to make it entertaining but informative. We'll finish our lesson plan tomorrow.

As for my job-- still trying to find out what an "Operations Specialist" is. From what I gather, I'll be helping the new Snack Bar Specialist (my position last year) get ready for the season. The bulk of my job will be marketing. But I have a feeling I'll be taking on other duties. We'll see.

Home

I finally made it. My flights were on time this year. And with the help of my friend Chad, I made it from Albuquerque to Philmont Scout Ranch (an over 3 hour drive one-way). That night Chad, the seasonal store manager, Casey, the seasonal warehouse manager, and I went to the St. James Hotel for dinner. It was good to be back. Almost like I never left.

One More Summer

I'm back at Philmont for 2012. This year, I'll be at the trading post, Tooth of Time Traders (surprise, surprise). I'm the marketing guy for the store. It's a new position, so I get to venture into uncharted territory. Stay tuned and check back.