Mark Stinnett

Mark Stinnett joins the show to discuss his extensive involvement with and dedication to Philmont Scout Ranch and Scouting alike.  We chat about his role as the Editor of the award winning PSA High Country magazine, his experiences on Ranch Committee, several wild backcountry bear encounters, and more.  We also highlight the PTC Course that Mark Stinnett and Mark Anderson have led each summer since 2022, called "Philmont History - The Land, The People, The Saga."

Philmont Experience:
Ranger (1975)
Program Counselor (Western Lore), Beaubien (1976)
Camp Director, Clarks Fork (1977)
Camp Director, Harlan (1978)

Trek Advisor (1979 and 2013)
Kanik Trek Advisor (2011)
Member, National Camp Inspection and Assessment Teams (various, 2000-2018)
Member, Rayado Restoration Task Force (2010-2014)
Member, Valle Vidal Task Force (2004-2006)
Conference Chair and Faculty Member, PTC Fall Conference – Outdoor Programs (2010)

Philmont Staff Association (Life Member):
President (1994-1997)
National Director (1990-1993)
Editor, High Country Magazine (1998-2008; 2016-present)
Chair, Awards & Recognition Committee (2017-present)
Chair, Presidents Committee (2004-2016)
Chair, PSA Staff Dining Hall Capital Campaign (1997-2000)
Chair, Valle Vidal Task Force (2004-2006)
Ex Officio Member, Board of Directors (1998-2008 and 2017-present)

Philmont Ranch Committee (1998-2019)
Chair, Program & Camping Task Forces (2003-2019)
Co-Chair, Strategic Planning Task Force (2017-2019)
Member, Risk Management Task Force (1998-2002)
Member (Legal Advisor), Infirmary Task Force (2000-present)
Instructor, Risk Management Training for Backcountry Camp Directors (2005-2021) and
Seasonal Staff Leadership (2022-2023)
Faculty for PTC Course: Philmont History: The Land, The People, The Saga (2022-present)

Distinguished Service Award, Philmont Staff Association (first ever awarded, 2009)
Silver Sage Award for service to Philmont (2011)
National Outdoor Book Awards “Work of Significance” Recognition for Fieldbook: Scouting’s
Manual of Basic and Advanced Skills for Outdoor Adventure, Fifth Edition (2014)
Apex Awards for Publication Excellence for High Country Magazine (2018, 2020, 2022)
Apex Grand Award for Publication Excellence for High Country Magazine (2024)

Notable Mentions:
Dave Caffey
Chope Phillips
Dave Bates
Glenn Fowler
Carole Fowler Stinnett
Bill Spice
Dawn Chandler
Mark Anderson
Danny Tucker
Dave Werhane
Julie Puckett
Lela Murphy 
Chuck Pilmoore
Neil Armstrong
Buzz Aldrin
Eugene Sermon
Gordan Cooper
Bill Fanning
Warren Smith
Frank Reigleman
Bob Burkbee
Rod Taylor