The Mason-Dixon Council recently sent a contingent to the Philmont Boy Scout Ranch in Cimmaron, N.M. The group left Martinsburg, W.Va., by train.

The crew hiked many trails in the western state including Sioux Trail, Santa Claus Trail, hike to Baldy Town, Ewells Park, Clarks Fork, climbed Cyphers Mind, Mount Phillips, Comanche Peak, Bear Mountain and Black Mountain. The crew experienced different altitudes, temperatures and weather conditions.

The Scouts and leaders participated in rock climbing, practiced river rescues and several program features as blacksmithing, gold mining and chuck wagon meals. A conservation project was also completed to preserve the local wildlife.

The trip concluded with a hike to the "Tooth of Time" a 9,003-foot high Philmont molar, rising abruptly 2,500 feet from the valley floor. A landmark along the old Santa Fe Trail gives a view of Philmont Ranch.

Philmont Ranch was a gift to the Boys Scouts of America by Waite Phillips in 1941. The ranch is maintained as a high adventure experience for Scouts and leaders. A training center is on the property for leaders to learn and develop more skills regarding their various positions in Scouting.