Philmont camp teaches the value of every soul
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Folks who participate in the Church's annual leadership training at Philmont Scout Ranch frequently categorize their week of learning and fellowship as a "Zion's Camp"-like experience.
President Robert Homer said he enjoyed his own glimpse of the Philmont version of Zion's Camp this year. Yes, there were hundreds of tents and communal meals and a sunburn or two. And, like that edifying camp led by Joseph Smith, "Philmont was filled with so many good people," said President Homer, who presides over the South Jordan Utah Highland Stake. People from various backgrounds and home towns gathered together to instruct, learn, worship and bless the lives of others.
More than 300 stake leaders and their families participated in one of this year's two weeklong training sessions at the massive Scout-owned ranch in eastern New Mexico. During the first two weeks of July, participants traveled to Philmont "from California to Maine," said David Pack, director of Scouting's LDS Relations Office.
The hundreds of priesthood leaders who sat in the many training sessions represented a diversity of professions. But each arrived at Philmont wearing Scout uniforms, unified in an effort to strengthen LDS boys and their families.
"The greatest part of Philmont was the feeling that everyone felt while they were there," said Brother Pack, who was participating in the LDS encampment for the first time.
For local priesthood leaders, weekdays at Philmont were passed in training sessions, learning the ins-and-outs of Scouting's supportive role as the activity arm of the Aaronic Priesthood. While the classes covered a wide range of subjects, "it was priesthood all the time," President Homer said.
Training sessions were taught by members of the Young Men and Primary general presidencies and boards, along with Brother Pack. Young Men General President Charles W. Dahlquist II presided at both weeklong sessions. He was joined at one or the other session by his two counselors, Brother Dean R. Burgess and Brother Michael A. Neider, along with Primary General President Cheryl C. Lant and her first counselor, Sister Margaret S. Lifferth.
Training focused on how to fortifying those areas of the Aaronic Priesthood that can sometimes be wobbly. Priesthood leaders were taught to "Rise up, O men of God," Brother Dahlquist said.
"Each (participant) leaves with a greater testimony of the importance of saving the one," he added.
While the men were involved in their daily training sessions, their wives kept busy with a plethora of activities, workshops and spiritual devotionals. Meanwhile, their children were divided by age and led on hikes and other fun excursions by members of the Philmont staff.
Older youth at Philmont once again were encouraged to join in the weeklong trek through the New Mexican backcountry to sharpen their outdoor skills, strengthen testimonies and make new friends from across the country.
While many at Philmont are dedicated to instruction and training, participants say the camp is fueled by its ward-like camaraderie. In fact, the Philmont student body functions as a ward during each session. Most of the adults are given a "calling" weeks before arriving in camp.
Sunday was dedicated to Sabbath services and gospel instruction as participants gathered for a traditional three-hour meeting block.
"I was called to be the first counselor in the ward Young Women presidency, so I taught the Mia Maids," said Sister Rhonda Homer, who traveled to Philmont with her husband and twin teenage sons, Ryan and Regan. President Homer served in the ward Sunday School presidency.
Sister Homer said she soon forgot about the Spartan accommodations found at Philmont's tent cities and instead found pleasure in personal scripture study and observing her "neighbors" gather for family home evening and sing hymns before retiring for the night. "It felt good being surrounded by the Church."
For the encampment to be called a true success, local leaders will return home to their respective stakes eager to pass along Philmont's spirit and eternal lessons. Brother Pack said each priesthood leader was asked to set five "Philmont goals" that would improve the priesthood and Scouting programs in their home stakes.
President Homer is eager to sit down with his counselors and begin implementing what he learned in New Mexico.
"We want to strengthen our Varsity and Venturing programs," he said. "In six months, things will look different than they do today."
Brother Dahlquist is already looking forward to next year's Philmont training sessions.
E-mail to: jswensen@desnews.com
