These Legends Went to Space But First Landed in Philmont

This week marks 46 years since the Apollo 11 first landed on the moon. But before that, NASA sent a team of astronauts to Philmont to study the geology in preparation for the launch. 

In this picture is James Lovell (Apollo 8 &13), Neil Armstrong (Apollo 11), Alan Bean (Apollo 12), and Roger Chaffee (Apollo 1) at Philmont.

And sure, Philmont is no moon, but ask any Scout who’s trekked there – it’s a pretty stellar spot for Scouting. If astronaut heroes like Neil Armstrong and Jim Lovell headed to the ranch for research, the High-Adventure Base proves to offer a wealth of learning possibilities to minds from young Scouts to seasoned space explorers.

Astronauts at Philmont Scout Ranch in June 1964 (left to right): Pete Conrad, Buzz Aldrin, Dick Gordon, Ted Freeman, Charlie Bassett, Walt Cunningham, Neil Armstrong, Donn Eisele, Rusty Schweikhart, Jim Lovell, Mike Collins, Elliot See, Gene Cernan (behind See), Ed White, Roger Chaffee, Gordon Cooper, C.C. Williams (behind Cooper), Bill Anders, Dave Scott, Al Bean.

Philmont Scout Ranch is iconic to Scouters. It was founded in 1938 and has been a spot revered by Scouts, including the destined-to-be astronaut Scouts, ever since. With the knowledge that Distinguished Eagle Scouts Neil Armstrong and Jim Lovell made small steps towards giant leaps for mankind at Philmont, Scouts who get to explore the site should feel extra responsibility to have fun, work hard, and achieve the impossible.

Have you ever been to Philmont? Let us know what you gained from your experience there in the comments below.