On Saturday, February 1, 2014, the gates of the Phillips mausoleum in Los Angeles will be opened and you will stand in awe before the crypts of the two persons who made Philmont possible, and who profoundly changed your life: Genevieve and Waite Phillips.

Your Philmont Staff Association, with the support of the Phillips family, is honored to announce the Celebration of the Lives of Genevieve and Waite Phillips on February 1, 2014, in Los Angeles at the Westwood Village Memorial Park, the cemetery where both the Phillips rest.

You’ve wanted to honor and celebrate the Phillipses for a long time, and now the time has come.

Why is now the time? January 27, 2014, marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Waite Phillips, and February 1, 2014 is the first Saturday after that. It’s that simple.

You will never, ever, have a better opportunity to honor and celebrate their selfless generosity of the gift of Philmont.

[Editor's note: I accidentally indicated in the May newsletter that this celebration would take place in 2104 rather than 2014. This particular event is just next year. My apologies. ~Douglas]

Program

The program is as follows:

Friday, January 31:

• 8 p.m., mixer

Saturday, February 1:

• 9:30 a.m., begin gathering at Westwood Village Memorial Park in west Los Angeles. (Near UCLA)
• 10:00 a.m., ceremony celebrating the lives of Genevieve and Waite Phillips in the Westwood Chapel, the very same chapel where their funerals were conducted. Among those participating is John Clark as the moderator, Ed Pease as the keynote speaker, and Rod Taylor is in charge of music. There will also be an audio-visual offering by PSA film-maker Larry McLaughlin.
• 11:00 a.m., visit the Phillips mausoleum, where the doors will be opened and you will be able to see the Phillips crypts, pay respects, take photos, and leave private notes of appreciation.
• 11:30 a.m., self guided tour of Westwood Village Memorial Park – the “Cemetery to the Stars” – where notables such as Marilyn Monroe, Natalie Wood, Farah Fawcett, Dean Martin, Merv Griffin and many others rest. You will understand why Westwood Village Memorial Park is a bright, happy place.
• 1:00 p.m., gather for celebratory luncheon at nearby restaurant.
• 3:30 p.m., optional side trip to 10659 Bellagio Road (the nearby last address of the Phillipses), hike on Wilshire Boulevard to locate addresses of Waite Phillips’s offices, or drive to Waite Phillips Hall on the University of Southern California campus.

Cost and reservations

Your cost for this event is $55. Attendance is limited to 140 persons – the fire code limits for the chapel and the restaurant. This number is a hard ceiling. It cannot be raised. Don’t be left out.

Reservations are available on a first-to-pay basis. You can register by sending your check payable to the PSA at 17 Deer Run Road, Cimarron, NM 87714, or register now.

Cancellations received prior to December 1, 2013, will receive a full refund. Cancellations after that date will not be eligible for a refund unless we are able to fill your place.

All of the events – excepting side trips to Bellagio Road or Waite Phillips Hall – and the hotels described below are within very easy walking distance of each other. Once you arrive and park your car, you are not likely to need it again. Taking a taxi to and from the airport and not renting a car is a very practical option. You can car-pool to Bellagio Road or Waite Phillips Hall.

Hotels

We have secured preferred rates at the following nearby hotels. Space limitations prevent us from describing all the terms and conditions of each hotel. You are responsible for obtaining the cancellation policy and other terms at the time you make your reservation. If you have any special needs, please specify those needs when making your reservation. The tax rate in Los Angeles varies by type and size of hotel.

W Hotel

At the top of the price list and at the top in luxury is the W-Hotel Los Angeles. Situated at 930 Hilgard Avenue, this hotel is everything you would expect of a W-Hotel. The W offers a block of ten Spectacular Queen Suites at the rate of $239. Applicable taxes are added. The suite consists of a completely separate bedroom with queen bed. The living room includes a sofa, mini-bar, television, etc. This rate is for one or two persons.

This is a full service hotel with restaurant and bar. Breakfast, parking, internet, and other incidentals are in addition to the room rate.

You can reserve by calling 877-946-8357 and ask for the Philmont Staff Association group block rate. A credit card will be required to secure your reservation.

Alternatively, you can reserve using the following link: https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/res?id=1304020735&key=917F1

Please note that there is a 31 day advance cancellation requirement. Cancellations received 31 days or more before the event will receive a full refund. Cancellations received 30 days or less in advance of the event will have their credit card charged for the length of the original stay.

The cut-off date for this rate is January 3, 2014.

Palomar

The Palomar, part of the unique Kimpton collection, is a few blocks out of the way at 10740 Wilshire Boulevard, but is the best value. The Palomar offers a block of ten rooms at the rates of $189 for a single or double, $209 for a triple, and $229 for a quad rate. Applicable taxes are added.

This is a full service hotel with restaurant and bar. Breakfast, parking, internet, and other incidentals are in addition to the room rate.

You can reserve by calling 424-901-7270 or 1-800-KIMPTON. Ask for the Philmont Staff Association rate. A credit card is required to secure your reservation.

The cut-off date for this rate is January 1, 2014.

Hilgard House

The Hilgard House, 927 Hilgard Avenue, offers singles for $164 and doubles for $169 . Applicable taxes are added. You can select a room with a king, queen or two double beds. Rates include free parking for one regular sized vehicle and complimentary continental breakfast and wi-fi. This hotel does not have a restaurant or bar, but there are many nearby, including the W-Hotel across the street.

You can reserve by calling 800-826-3943. Ask for the PSA Group rate. A credit card is required to secure your reservation.

The cut-off date for this rate is December 31, 2014.

Royal Palace Hotel

The Royal Palace Hotel, 1052 Tiverton Avenue, is our budget offering. Don’t be put off by the dowdy exterior appearance and the lobby. The rooms are quite nice and this location is the best of our hotel offerings. This hotel has very competitive offerings:

Queen (2 guests max) $139.00.
King (2 guests max) $149.00.
2 Queen (4 guests max) $159.
Mini Suite (5 guests max) $164.
Full Suite (5 guests max) $169.

Applicable taxes are added.

Rates include free parking for one regular sized vehicle and complimentary continental breakfast and wi-fi. This hotel does not have a restaurant or bar, but there are many nearby.

You can reserve by calling 310-208-6677. Ask for the Philmont Staff Association rate. A credit card is required to secure your reservation.

The cut-off date for these rates is December 31, 2014.

You need to be there

As your Philmont Staff Association enters its 41st year, take time to be a part of this shining moment when your Association honors and celebrates the two people who made it all possible: Genevieve and Waite Phillips. This opportunity may never come again.

Questions? Contact:

Randy Saunders at randy.saunders@scouting.org Lee Huckstep at lee.huckstep@kbr.com

Register now.

By Steven and Cynthia Truemper

Register now.

See Philmont from a different perspective than the hustle and bustle of the summer that you experience while being on staff, enjoy the stillness and serenity of the Philmont backcountry, backpack through the golden aspens and listen for bugling elk.

Join the PSA this October for the Eighth Annual PSA Autumn Adventure Trek. The backcountry camps have already gathered, so the program will consist of hiking, sightseeing and fellowship.

Autumn Adventure is open to crews of six to twelve participants accompanied by an Autumn Adventure guide. Know some friends you would like to share the Philmont experience with? Form your own crew and create your custom itinerary. Don’t know anyone you can get to come with you? Sign up and you will be placed in a crew of other PSA members.

Dates
The Autumn Adventure Trek is October 13 – 18.

Cost and Eligibility
The cost is $275 per person. Eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Be a member of the PSA or Trek-eligible family member.
• Be a member of the BSA.
• Have a completed Philmont medical form.
• Be 14 years old OR completed 8th grade and be at least 13 years of age prior to participation.
• Be in good physical shape.

Special Award Patch
Persons completing the Autumn Adventure Trek will receive a special award patch. It must be earned; it cannot be purchased.

Trek Eligible Members
You can bring your family or friends who meets the eligibility requirements above.

Registration Cut-off
Registration cut-off is September 15, 2013. Use the printable form or purchase online.

Cancellation Policy

1. Cancellations prior to the registration deadline of September 15, 2012 will receive a full refund.
2. Cancellation after the registration deadlines will not receive a refund. Monies paid can be used for another PSA or Exchange Program event (prior to the end of 2014) or can be contributed to the General Fund.
3. In exceptional cases, the Executive Director and Vice President of Service can authorize full refunds for cancellation after the registration deadline.

The Schedule

• Saturday, October 12, meet and greet at the St. James Hotel, 7pm.
• Sunday, October 13, report to the Welcome Center at 9 a.m, basecamp checkout and hit the trail.
• Friday, October 18, return from trail. Dinner.
• Saturday, October 19, depart Philmont.

Basecamp tents are available for the night before and the night after.

Questions about the Autumn Adventure Trek?
Contact:
Steven & Cynthia Truemper at struemper@earthlink.net

or call Randy Saunders at 575-376-1138

All PSA members and Philmont staff, past and present, along with friends and guests, are invited to come together, share their experiences and make new acquaintances on Thursday, May 23, 2013, from 5:00pm to 6:30pm, at the Gaylord Texan Resort, host of the BSA Meeting, in Grapevine, TX.

Our reception/reunion will be at the 19th Hole at Texan Station, located in the hotel.

The Gaylord Texan Resort is located in Grapevine, TX, at 1501 Gaylord Trail.

Thursday May 9th, 2013

3:30 – 8:00 PM

Refreshments served

Gene began his Philmont career as the Director of the Philmont Training Center (the last volunteer to hold hat post) and later served multiple years as Director of Headquarters Services. He is best known, however, for his nearly two decades of service as a Backcountry Manager and his current role in Backcountry Support. In those roles, the legendary “Unit 41” directly inspired several generations of backcountry staff and is revered by current staff for his ability to hike far younger staffers into the dirt, his insistence on quality in program and service to Philmont participants, and his unceasing work ethic. Gene is regarded by Philmont management as the de facto quality improvement director for the backcountry operation.

A long-time member of the national Order of the Arrow Committee, Gene has also been instrumental in the creation, development, and continued success of the OA Trail Crew Trek program at Philmont. For more than 15 years, he has served as staff advisor for the program and has really been the primary “shaper” of the program and its objectives. Gene is a recipient of the Order of the Arrow’s Distinguished Service Award.

Details and more information in this PDF.

Support Seasonal Staff Scholarships!

Friday, July 19.

At the PSA reunion, we hold a silent auction to raise money in support of Seasonal Staff Scholarships. It’s a lot of fun and we get to send you home with some wonderful mementos of your time spent at Philmont.

We’re asking each PSA reunion and trek participant (or family) to bring something for the auction. In fact, all members are invited to donate something to our auction even if you are not attending the summer activities at Philmont. It doesn’t have to be anything big. Just bring something if you can! Below are some general guidelines, but don’t let these stifle your creativity.

1. It can be new or used, as long as it’s in good condition. For example, if your “friend” doesn’t ever get around to using that perfectly good backpack he has, donate it! Or, if you’re still a gear geek who has to have the newest stuff, even though the old stuff it still perfectly usable, donate the old stuff and you’ll finally be able to rationalize buying the new.
2. It can be worth 50 cents, $5.00 or $500.00, and anything over, under and in-between.
3. You can ask for donations from area merchants and organizations. Please feel free to show them this letter and have the merchant or organization contact Randy Saunders at 575-376-1138 if they want more information about the organization. Also, have them call Randy if they want the PSA’s charitable organization tax ID number or a copy of the letter.
4. Many people have the best luck asking for donations from their place of employment. Many of you probably work for companies that produce some sort of product. Employers are often willing to make donations to organizations close to the hearts of their employees.
5. Show us your talent! If you’re an artist, bring or send a piece of your work. Few things are as special as something you’ve created. It’s wonderful to see how talented our Philmont alumni are!

If you have an item to donate, please send it as soon as possible to:

Philmont Staff Association
17 Deer Run Road
Cimarron NM 87714

It would be great to have it ahead of time so we can prepare a silent auction bid sheet for the item, but if you can’t please bring it with you when you check in for the reunion.

The Silent Auction will take place on Friday, July 19th.

The 2013 North Texas PSA Reunion is a fund raiser to provide PSA Staff Scholarship Funds so our finest Scouts can help bring that treasured Philmont experience to every 2013 attendee.

Updated 20130426: Please RSVP to the PSA office at psadirector@philstaff.com or (575) 376-1138

Date: June 1st
Location: St Francis Church Family Life Center
Address: 861 Wildwood Lane (Grapevine, TX)
http://sfatx.org/index.cfm?load=page&page=150

• To give you an idea about our plans June 1st, we are designing a fun event for Philmont Staffers, their families, members of 2013 Philmont contingents or anyone who has ever dreamed Philmont.
• Philmont 75th Anniversary – If you can’t make it to Philmont during the 75th, Philmont is coming to YOU! Randy Saunders/PSA will also be on hand for up-to-date news on Philmont activities and progress on 4 major undertakings at the ranch.
• Philmont Memorabilia and Philmont Contingent Patch Displays.
• PSA Reunion Luncheon 11:30am (Benefiting PSA Staff Scholarships).
• A FREE Collectible patch for every Scout under 18 attending June 1st
• Youth Auction FREE Patch giveaway: Your Scout (under 18) can learn about our shared heritage, learn about value and learn about patch trading rules … and then we giveaway 500 + patches in a game.
• Scouts only (18 and under) 1 For 1 Trading Table: All Scouts can bring their own patches, and if they see something on the table they want, they can put one of their patches on the table for one patch they want from the table.
• Patch Golf: A Putt-Putt one-hole golf game to be monitored by adult volunteers.
• Reunion Groups: We have a few side rooms we can dedicate to specific Philmont Alumni who would like to meet as a group: Please contact John Ryan for availability.

And finally, your chance to purchase a PSA Staff Scholarship Fund collectible patch in support of our fund raising efforts and also gain a commemorative “patch portrait” featuring the image of the Philmont Seton Library. Contact John Ryan, thetexaswebguy@yahoo.com, for how to obtain this special issue patch.

There are still a few activities we are working on to make this an enjoyable time for you so we hope you mark it on your calendars to swing by and help us celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Philmont Scout Ranch. Proceeds from our PSA Reunion activities Saturday June 1st benefit PSA Staff Scholarship Funds!

For more information on the PSA Reunion schedule, availability for the PSA Staff Scholarship Patches, or the activities available for PSA members, Contact PSA Reunion Co-host John Corpany, jwcorpany@verizon.net, or overall event host John Ryan, thetexaswebguy@yahoo.com.

Note: The 2013 North Texas PSA Reunion is part of a weekend event called the Lone Star Trade-O-Ree. This fund raiser event began in 1988 as a fund raiser to help OA Scouts, who would not normally be able to go to Philmont, see their dream become reality. Through the years, our annual fund raising event has helped Scouts from 20 Troops, 3 Scout Councils and 2 Countries experience Philmont on a Trek, Cavalcade, Kanik adventure or provide a program for the NCCS Conference at the Philmont Training Center. The Staff of the annual Lone Star Trade-O-Ree are proud to join efforts with the Philmont Staff Association to provide Staff Scholarship Funds.

If you or any student age people you know are interested check out these job opportunities from the Student Conservation Association:

The Student Conservation Association (SCA), America’s #1 conservation service organization, seeks a Program Manager, Program Assistants, Crew Leaders and Conservation Interns for their Sandy Recovery Programs based out of their New York, NY location.

Program Manager, Sandy Recovery Program

NYC Program Assistant (2-4 positions)

Crew Leaders- Hurricane Sandy Recovery Program (50+ positions)

Conservation Internships 12+ weeks (positions added weekly)

Learn more about the SCA and their youth community programs at their website: http://thesca.org/serve/

Main | First Aid | Itinerary Planning | Crew Leadership | Conservation Sites | Register

Philmont has given the PSA 102 slots for the Celebration Trek—July 13 to 20—and a few of those slots are unfilled. Even when we hit 102 registrations, because we know there will be some cancellations, we can “stretch” those slots to accommodate a few more persons with confirmed registrations.

If you have not given consideration to the Celebration Trek, please do. There will never be another 75th Anniversary of Philmont and this is your only opportunity to earn the special 75th Anniversary Arrowhead.

For those of you young enough to return in 2038 for the 100th Anniversary Trek, you will want bragging rights for having hiked the 75th Anniversary Trek.

For some of us this is, well, uh, our last chance to lay claim to a big anniversary Trek. Don’t miss out.

Stop drooling over this patch. Register now to lay claim to your 75th Anniversary Arrowhead. Read the full details or just register now.

Full Celebration Trek details here.

Questions? Not yet have a crew? Contact your facilitators:

Doug Latimer at latimerdk@verizon.net
Chris Manheim at chris@manheimsolutions.com
Lee Huckstep at lee.huckstep@kbr.com

Our standard terms and conditions apply:

• Eligibility requirements: (1) Be a member of the PSA or Trek-eligible family member (2) Be a member of the BSA (3) Have a completed Philmont medical form (4) Be 14 years old OR completed 8th grade and be at least 13 years of age prior to participation.
• Trek-eligible family members: Spouse, child or step child, sibling, parent, grandparent, grandchild, niece, nephew or in-law of PSA member who meets eligibility requirements above. The PSA member must accompany Trek-eligible family members on the Trek.
• Cancellation policy: (1) Cancellation prior to the registration deadline of June 1, 2013 will receive a full refund. (2) Cancellation after the registration deadline will not receive a refund. Monies paid can be used for another PSA or Exchange Program event prior to the end of 2013 or can be contributed to the General Fund. (3) In exceptional cases, the Executive Director AND Vice President of Service can authorize full refunds for cancellation after the registration deadline.