| Ponil Camp | |
| Geographical information | |
| Elevation |
7,200' |
| Latitude |
36º37' N |
| Longitude |
104º59' W |
| Water |
Purified water |
| Program description | |
| Program |
Cantina, western lore, commissary, and trading post |
| Facilities |
Showers |
| Type |
staff camp |
| Additional information | |
| [Source] | |
Ponil is one of the largest hubs in Philmont. When Philmont was known as Philturn Rocky Mountain Scout Camp from 1938 to 1941, it was the base camp. During that time it was known as the Five Points base camp due to it's location at the intersection of five canyons that led further into North Country. The location for the camp itself was suggested by Waite Phillips in a meeting with BSA representatives when they came to inspect the property in 1938.
There are many facilities located here, and many different programs that are provided. There is a chuckwagon dinner and in the morning there is a pancake breakfast. The western style cantina allows for crew members to purchase root beer.
Burro packing methods are explained and demonstrated at Ponil, burros can be used to burro pack across the northern part of Philmont. There is a stream which offers excellent trout fishing.
The western lore program includes horse riding, campfires, cowboy action shooting (rifle, pistol, and shotgun), and branding. The history of cattle in New Mexico is taught, and a demonstration of western tools is preformed.