| |
| Dan Beard Camp | |
| Geographical information | |
| Elevation |
7,900' |
| Latitude |
36º 40' 41" N |
| Longitude |
105º 5' 18" W |
| Water |
spigot, potable |
| Program description | |
| Program |
Leave No Trace, Challenge events |
| Type |
staff camp |
| Additional information | |
| [Source] | |
Dan Beard is located on the border of North Country and the Valle Vidal.
It is located right on the border of the Valle Vidal and is the Northern most camp on Philmont's property.
Location and geography[]
The camp consists of a large meadow and a cabin with a smaller cabin to the side of that. In the heart of the meadow is the challenge course wall. To the west of the camp is a road that is very steep and crews often take several breaks on the way up to the challenge course. The road has even been nicknamed "The Calf Blaster" by rangers. The views are breathtaking once up there however.
History[]
First used as a staff camp in 1969, the program was Dutch oven cooking. The camp in named in honor of Daniel Carter Beard, an early pioneer in scouting.
The camp closed and used as a trail camp until 1989, when the current program was started. The program is designed to teach teamwork and critical thinking skills within a group.
It is the location of a large 2002 fire that burned many parts of the Carson National Forest. The program is challenge events at Dan Beard.
In 2006, Dan Beard received a new challenge course wall and new campsites to replace those lost in the fire. Three sites are located a short hike up a hill in the canyon, while the rest of the camp sites are nestled in the hills behind the challenge course. During the summer 2011 season, the Dan Beard staff also included a nightly yoga program.
Program[]
Crew are taken up this strenuous hike to get to the bulk of the challenge course activities which include: a tire ring, a rope swing, the box challenge and others. Crews generally participate in any number of activities depending on the size of the group, weather on top of the course, and time available.
The reason for the challenge course is for crews to bond, build trust, learn to communicate better and work together as a team which is especially critical in the wild. Getting along and laughter is encouraged and almost all crews report the challenge activities as being positive for them and their group.
After this, there is a group talk that is offered in the Valle Vidal every evening as one staff member takes them over the border and discusses conservation and it's importance. Most crews travel onward to Rich Cabins or further into the Valle Vidal from Dan Beard.
Dan Beard also gets the pleasure to host many rangers each summer because it is the beginning spot of what is known infamously as the Ranger Challenge. The Ranger Challenge is a non-stop hike from the Northern most point of Philmont to the Southern most point in the ranch without stopping. Staff members attempt this every year and the origin point is Dan Beard.