Empowering Scout Leaders: Philmont Training Center Cub Scout Day Camp Administrator Course

Mar 28, 2025

3 min read

Elevating Scouting Through Expert Training

This March, a dedicated group of six Scouting America leaders from Conquistador Council converged at the scenic Philmont Training Center in Cimarron, New Mexico, for a pivotal part of their journey in Scouting leadership. From March 14th to 16th, four registered adult volunteers and two professional staff members attended the Cub Scout Day Camp Administrator In-Person training, a crucial milestone in the National Camping School (NCS) certification process.

In attendance from Conquistador Council was:

Larry Akin: Scoutmaster for Troop 2 and Committee Chair for Pack 26 in Rio Hondo
Kristina Ganaway: Committee Chair for Pack 89 and District Member at Large in Oil Patch
Wesley Ganaway: Committee Member for Pack 89 in Oil Patch
John Carr – Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 411 and District Member at Large in El Llano Grande
AJ Soliz-Chaves: District Executive in El Llano Grande
Patrick Smith: Assistant Scout Executive for Conquistador Council

A Three-Part Journey to Certification

Becoming a certified Cub Scout Day Camp Administrator, Program Director, or Staff Advisor is no small feat. It requires completion of a rigorous three-part training curriculum designed to ensure that leaders are well-equipped to host high-quality day camps that are both educational and engaging for young scouts.

Part 1: Online Training Module

The journey begins with an online training module that lays the foundational knowledge necessary for effective day camp management. This segment allows participants to familiarize themselves with basic concepts and preparations at their own pace before advancing to more hands-on training.

Part 2: Council-Led In-Person Training

Next, participants attend a council-led in-person training session. This part of the curriculum is designed to provide practical experience and foster networking opportunities within the council. It's a chance for prospective camp administrators to learn from seasoned leaders and share insights on overcoming common challenges in camp management.

Part 3: National Camping School In-Person

The culmination of this educational trifecta takes place at the Philmont Training Center. Over the course of two days, participants dive deep into the nuances of day camp administration, covering everything from program scheduling and resource management to staff organization, recruitment, and training. The course also emphasizes the importance of health and safety practices, ensuring that every camp operates under the highest standards of care and precaution.

New Experiences

Our attendees practiced new gathering games like ‘Woosh Ball’, ‘A Dog – A What?’ and ‘Flying Squirrel Baseball.’ They learned how to make lemonade slushies in 5 minutes, a robot out f a solo cup and markers, and how to prepare for emergencies. Our new Day Camp Director team is excited to present this summer our Cub Scout Day Camps – Invention Convention.

The Philmont Adventure

Philmont Scout Ranch is not just a backdrop; it's a beacon of scouting tradition and leadership training. Known for its extensive facilities and beautiful landscapes, Philmont provides an ideal setting for learning and development. The immersive environment helps leaders visualize and plan the best possible experiences for their scouts.

Our group braved the windy trail throughout Southeast New Mexico to travel to Philmont Training Center on Friday, March 14. They survived the wind and snow fall at Philmont Training Center to meet with leaders from all over New Mexico, southern Colorado and Long Beach, California. Proving every Scout trip is an adventure.

The Impact of Training

By completing this comprehensive training, these six leaders are now certified to administer Cub Scout Day Camps across the council. This certification, valid for five years, empowers them to provide opportunities for youth that enhance the scouting experience, making it more accessible and frequent. The training ensures that leaders not only understand the logistical aspects of day camp management but also embrace the spirit of scouting, which is to enrich the lives of young individuals through adventurous, fun, and formative experiences.

Looking Ahead

The ripple effect of this training will be seen in the quality and frequency of Cub Scout Day Camps throughout the council. By equipping leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge, Scouting America is fulfilling its promise to offer more than just activities; it's creating pathways for growth, leadership, and lifelong learning.

We congratulate these six leaders on their achievement and look forward to the positive impact they will make in the lives of countless young scouts. Their dedication and commitment to the scouting movement continue to inspire and uphold the core values of Scouting America.