Wally Wolanin

Published: May 17, 2021, 9 a.m.

Wally Wolanin, tenured Philmont Training Center staff member, shares a lively interview that begins with a young man’s disbelief that such a place as Philmont Scout Ranch could really be that cool. Turns out it was that cool, and so much more. Wally walks us through the inner workings of a summer experience at the Philmont Training Center (PTC). Discussing that although sometimes thought of as an autonomous place “across the road,” the Philmont Training Center’s programs are extensively intertwined with the rest of the Ranch as a whole. Wally talks about PTC’s rich history of legacy, service, and comradery.  Wally credits PTC for helping him break out of his shell and jump-start his professional career trajectory. Sharing the importance of “being there” for participants and stories of happenstance paranormal activity, this episode will surely keep you smiling. Thanks Wally! 

Philmont Experience: 

  • 2008: Trek participant
  • 2011: PTC Group Leader
  • 2012: PTC Group Leader
  • Fall 2012: PTC Autumn Staff Coordinator 
  • Winter 2013: PTC Staff
  • 2013: PTC Group Leader Coordinator 
  • Fall 2013: PTC Autumn Staff Coordinator 
  • 2014: PTC Family Program Manager
  • LDS Week 2015: Volunteered as Staff for one week to help 
  • 2016: PTC Participant 
  • 2019: Represented Philmont at the 2019 World Scout Jamboree
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