A Story
I believe it was in the summer of 1956 that the Conestoga District of the Valley Forge Council in southeast Pennsylvania organized a group to travel to Cimarron, New Mexico to the Philmont Scout Ranch for a great adventure. Our troop split into two groups, one hiked from the south and one from the north. Our group started in the south. Our patrol decided that with what looked like a good weather forecast, we would sleep under the stars so we ditched our tents to lighten our load. It was a great decision, until the night that it poured and we tried to make a (horizontal) shelter covered with our ponchos. The water pooled on the ponchos, and then poured down on to us in our sleeping bags. Of course, if that hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t have this fond memory. We also experienced a few inches of hail on the 4th of July at the peak of a 12,000+ ft. mountain that we climbed. It was an amazing adventure.
The Artifacts, then and now
| Item Type | 1950s Description | Modern |
|---|---|---|
| Neckerchief (Red/Yellow cloth) | A red neckerchief with a broad yellow border. The central emblem is a large yellow circle featuring a detailed illustration of a red and black bull. The text reads “PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH” and “CIMARRON, N. MEX.” flanked by Zia sun symbols. | Today’s Philmont neckerchief is typically green, not red, and features a simplified logo (often a silver steer head) or the general Philmont logo. The red neckerchief is highly prized and represents a unique color scheme from the ranch’s early decades. |
| Neckerchief Slide (White arrowhead) | A detailed, molded white object shaped like an arrowhead. It appears to be made of ceramic or resin and is chipped and cracked on the back. The /Ƨ brand and the word “PHILMONT” are stamped or painted on it. | Modern slides are commonly metal, leather, or wooden steer heads, which is the current iconic Philmont emblem. The arrowhead design is a vintage icon, but still available. |
| Leather Patch (Chief’s Head} | A teardrop-shaped piece of light-colored leather cut to resemble a chief’s head profile. It has “/Ƨ Philmont” embossed or branded on it. | Leather patches today usually feature the modern steer head logo or a map of the ranch. The Chief’s Head leather patch is a clear sign of an item produced in the ranch’s earlier years. |
| Woven Patch (Arrowhead shape) | A large, intricately woven patch shaped like an arrowhead with a pocket attachment. It features Baldy Mountain at the base and the text “PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH CIMARRON N.M.” | The shape of today’s patches is typically oval, round, or rectangular. |
| Round Stickers | A round sticker or small patch showing a stylized green mountain landscape with a red “P” for Philmont | The modern Philmont logo, often called the “P-logo,” is still widely used, though the design has been slightly modernized. This older version is similar but has a slightly different color palette and texture . |
50 Miler Award
Receiving the 50 Miler Award at Philmont in 1956 was a significant achievement, as the award was actually established that very year. It is not a Philmont badge, but many a scout has earned it hiking there.
more detail
An example of the original version of the Boy Scouts of America 50-Miler Award emblem –
- Material and Shape: A rectangular patch with rounded corners, made of a light-colored material, likely leather or a durable leather-like material, consistent with the older style of BSA awards not intended for uniform wear.
- Design: The surface is embossed or stamped with the award’s design.
- At the top center is the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Universal Emblem (the Fleur-de-lis).
- The words “Boy Scouts of America” arch over the top border.
- The main design features a crossed boot (representing hiking) and a canoe paddle (representing water travel), both lying over what appears to be two crossed staves or staffs.
- The text “50 MILER” is prominently displayed above the crossed implements.
- The words “Afoot” and “Afloat” are positioned beneath the main design, acknowledging the two primary modes of travel.
- The word “AWARD” is stamped in large letters across the bottom.
This patch, which was and still is traditionally not worn on the uniform, was often affixed to equipment like backpacks, patch blankets, or even a paddle (for water treks).
🏞️ Original Requirements for the 50-Miler Award (Established April 1956)
The requirements for the 50-Miler Award have remained remarkably consistent over the decades, focused on fitness, self-reliance, conservation, and outdoor experience. Earning it at Philmont meant our group fulfilled these criteria as part of our trek.
To qualify for the award, the group of which the individual was a member had to fulfill all of the following:
Application: The unit or tour leader had to file a 50-Miler Award application with the local council service center.
Planning: Make complete and satisfactory plans for the trip, including the possibilities of advancement, conservation, leadership, and service.
Distance and Time:
Cover a wilderness trail or canoe or boat route of not less than 50 consecutive miles.
Take a minimum of five consecutive days to complete the trip.
The travel must be completed without the aid of motors (travel could be on foot, by canoe/boat, or with pack animals).
Service Project:
During the time on the trail or waterway, complete a minimum of 10 hours each of group work on projects to improve the trail, springs, campsite, portage, or area.
Note on Philmont: For groups completing the award at a High Adventure base like Philmont, which often had specific service requirements (usually 3 hours on the trail), an additional seven hours could be completed in the unit’s home area if the full 10 hours were not feasible on the trek.
Disposition
January 13, 2026 – This Philmont Collection donated to an Eagle Scout who will be working at Philmont this summer.
Last Updated: January 13, 2026