It’s no secret that we love Philmont and its people. Many of us work seven, eight, or nine summers or seasons in a row. We even consider and some of us achieve - the dream of returning on staff full-time. In November of 2021, Nancy Coleman Stickelman and her husband Kevin made that happen for their family as Kevin was offered the Director of Facilities position.
For Nancy, Scouting and Philmont have been a part of her life for quite some time. Today she resides on property with her family in the Upper Heck House, previously occupied by Bob and Rachel Ricklefs. She recalls her first experience on trek, during a backcountry rainstorm, basking in a moment of the world feeling limitless, with infinite possibilities to experience love and success.
Nancy worked seven summers in the backcountry, including in 2000 - she was CD at Fish Camp the first summer that it became interpretive, and in 2002 - she was first female CD at Cyphers Mine. In 2003 she worked alongside Doug Palmer and Deborah Blanche developing and deepening accurate roots for the interpretive program - collecting historical guidelines, first person characters, and music to reflect the correct era being portrayed.
For Nancy, Philmont has always been about interacting with its people and developing those meaningful connections. Nancy is working to carve out a place for herself at the ranch, and she has enjoyed substitute teaching in the Cimarron Schools. She aims to replicate the welcoming nature of backcountry camps, by sharing food and conversation at her home or in the dining hall, amongst a crowded table.
Philmont Experience:
1996 Regular Trek with my Explorer Post from Decatur, GA.
1997 HOD PC
1998 Fish Camp PC
1999 HOD CD
2000 Fish Camp CD (first year interp)
2001 French Henry CD
2002 Cypher’s Mine CD (first year women were at Cyphers)
2003 BCM
2002 Autumn Adventure Guide
2003 Autumn Adventure Guide, Interp Camps historical research
2013-2016 PSA Western Region Board Member
2023 PSA Mountain Region Board Member
2021- November Kevin became the Director of Facilities
Notable Mentions:
Andrea Nuccio Watson
Mark Anderson
Kevin Stickelman
Allison Vinson Defrees
Christine Krupa
Sam Sorken
Theresa Barns
Bill Spice
Sharon
Mark Anderson
Keith Galloway
Deborah Blanch
Dave Kissell
Jennifer Cummings
Derek Gotlieb
Bob & Rachel Ricklefs
Doug Palmer
Amy Long Hanks
Linda Anderson
RW Hampton
Dave Werhane
Eric Locklar
Donnie Lundsford
Joey Martinez
Fran Romero
Betty Pecheo
Jim and Louise Johnson
Barbara Garcia
Holly Demouth
Kevin Ferdinand
