Just received this in the mail. I have a song on my Belmont Sessions album called "August Day". It was inspired by the summers in the early-mid 90's when I worked in the backcountry for Philmont Scout Ranch, in New Mexico. Where I also met and fell in love with my wife. I often introduce the song saying that everything truly good that has ever happened to me in the last thirty years, started in the Sangres. It's the truth. Several years ago some of the ranch staff alumni asked me to put it on a compilation record, and I guess it's become somewhat of an anthem for folks who want to return, or just can't get over what a magic place it is. Last fall I was contacted by the PSA (Philmont Staff Association) about using a lyric from the tune on some of their merch. I agreed, on the condition that all proceeds directly benefit the ranch in some way. This shirt is exclusively for PSA members, and all proceeds go directly to the PSA Scholarship fund. PSA scholarships pay out $2k per person, up to $50k a year in college tuition, for exceptional staff members who agree to return to work additional summer seasons while in school. I was so honored to be asked at all, being able to help with the proceeds is icing on the cake. When I write a song, I do it to get things out of my head and into the world. I never put any other expectations on them. Sometimes, they end up doing the damndest things...
What a great story. There's something that no one can ever take away from ya, Jakedog. I never made it to Philmont as a scout. By the time I made Star I discovered the guitar and Scouts got left by the wayside. But I've got a good friend who's been many times and as an adult he's taken his son many times. I'm sure he'd love to have one of those shirts. Do you have a link?
Not sure they're available to anybody who's not a PSA member... but they'd be available through the PSA website, which is philstaff.org Funny you mention discovering guitar. Playing and singing is the main thing that kept me employed there for four summers.
Whenever I hear a brilliant turn of phrase I have to admit that I sometimes just react like it came out of the "Amazing and Profound Phrase Machine".... Nope...they come out of Amazing and Profound People. Congrats! That is so cool!
Thanks for sharing the good news. My brother is heavy into scouting and Philmont is a yearly event for him and has been for some time. I bet he knows all those folks. It must be a magical place because he won't stop going there. Enjoy the ride Jake!
Awesome!!! I've been on 3 Philmont treks (2003, 2007, and 2015). Now my kids are grown, I won't get to return. But I want to go back to Philmont Where the old Rayado flows Where the rain comes a seepin' In the tent where you're a sleepin'. And the waters say hello. Maybe I can be an adult volunteer at Philmont someday. Congrats again GS on having part of a song live on there. Well done...
Let me be the first to say it. I knew the great Jakedog, the poet for the common man when he was just a regular guitar slinger in a band. Good for YOU!!