July 13, 2022 — Staff at Carson Meadows can often be overheard saying “Carson Meadows has arguably one of the best views on the Ranch,” while giving their introductory porch talk to crews, pointing out the expansive grassy meadows around them that perfectly aligns with a view of the Tooth of Time.
Scouts from Troop 925 participate in SAR programming by pretending to treat camp director Mike Choromanski at Carson Meadows on June 30, 2022, in Cimarron, N.M. Photo by Ryan Ash.
In years past, Carson Meadows only housed a Search and Rescue (SAR) program, teaching Scouts the basics of wilderness first aid and how to respond in emergencies. Unbeknownst to this season’s staff, the lofty and open skies of Carson Meadows would come to house an additional program.
During April of this year, the Cooks Peak Fire broke out, threatening several south country camps and their programming in the 2022 summer season.
When he arrived at Philmont in early May, Mike Choromanski was approached by David O’Neill, Senior Associate Director of Camping, with concerns about the fire. Choromanski had already been hired as this season’s Ring Place Camp Director, whose program is traditionally home to astronomy and stargazing, but soon had to scramble to find a new home due to the closure of the Valle Vidal Unit of Carson National Forest.
“Carson Meadows was picked up as the new location because at the time it had no Camp Director, and the location lends itself to astronomy and weather programming,” Choromanski said.
Instead of trying to pick between the two programs, Philmont decided to continue both harmoniously, running SARs in the day and astronomy at night.
Carson Meadows staff members light up the dark meadow with a powerful laser as the sun sets on June 30, 2022, in Cimarron, N.M. Photo by Ryan Ash.
“The program is working out surprisingly well. I was scared it would be awkward or forced, but both programs are able to connect through themes of science, allowing me to tap into my STEM and educational background,” Choromanski said. “It’s been less about making it happen and more allowing it to happen.”
Choromanski said letting his previous experience with conservation educational treks and teaching guide him to a successful season.
Ring Place program counselor, now Carson Meadows program counselor, Stuart Campbell is enjoying the combined programming so far.
“I actually really enjoyed the change because Ring Place had a smaller daytime program that a lot of crews opt-out of, so Search and Rescue allows us to do more in the daytime and establish connections with crews before astronomy even starts,” Campbell said.
Many of the program counselors were surprised when they learned about the location change. However, they used their individual interests and expertise to aid in the cross-training and integration of the camps.
Many Ring Place staff had little to no experience doing SARs before this summer. Similarly, Carson Meadows staff had to adjust to the learning curve of weather and astronomy, all on the fly.
“It was a daunting task- combining two camps that have never been put together, and with all first-year staff… I really lucked out with my staff, there is no guidebook for this,” Choromanski said.
Scouts participate in arm wrestling contests on the porch at Carson Meadows during a bout of rain on June 30, 2022, in Cimarron, N.M. Photo by Leslie Peterson.
As the Ranch heads into the peak of the summer season, Carson Meadows has hit a stride in its routine: welcoming incoming scouts, running various rescue scenarios during the day and then gathering in the meadow to stargaze at night with the camp’s professional-grade telescope.
“I honestly want to lobby for astronomy to become a permanent program here because I think it fits really well, and the crews love it,” Choromanski said.