Carol Munch & Piper Niehaus

Published: Nov. 8, 2022, 10 a.m.

Mother-Daughter duo, Carol Munch and Piper Niehaus join today to discuss their experiences as Women Rangers at Philmont.  They examine the different hurdles they overcame, from Carol dealing with logistical and geographical constraints placed on Women Rangers in the '70s - to Piper recognizing the need for female specific backpacking guidelines in the mid '2000s.

They celebrate the traits of the Ranger experience, including empowerment and confidence, and discuss just what it is that makes Philmont so special.  Lastly, we chat about their three week trek on the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal, and how they continue to actively backpack and adventure to this day. 

Consider donating to the Philmont Staff Association Rayado Women Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Philmont Experience:
Carol Munch
1973-1976 Ranger 
1976 - First Rayado Women Crew 

Piper Niehaus
2002 - PSA trek
2004 - Rayado participant
2005 - ROCS participant

2006 & 2007 - Ranger
2008 - Rayado Ranger  (with Katie Nuessly)
2009 - Ranger Trainer
2010 - Rayado Trek Coordinator (with Sam DeFrees)

Notable Mentions:
Jim Munch
Kathy Leach
Nancy Wells
Joe Davis
Gary Richards
Allison King
Dave Caffe
Heather Wilson
Betsy Roof
Ward Breneger
Sam and Logan

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