Philmont Grace

When I was a kid, through my teen years my Dad took the family to Philmont Scout Ranch for many summers in a row.  I think five or six times.  This was our family vacation; we all loved it and cried when we had to leave. One of my most fond memories was at every meal time we would all say Grace (as a group), and the same prayer at every meal.  I loved it because it was a prayer different than any other prayer our family said. Here it is.

PHILMONT GRACE

For food, for raiment (meaning clothing),

For life, for opportunity,

For friendship and fellowship,

We thank thee, O Lord. Amen.

Coincidentally, I also found this article below just today that mentions the origin of the prayer came from another Scout camp I used to attend, Worth Ranch.  How cool is that!

The Philmont Grace is a simple prayer recited before meals at many Scout Camps around the country.  This prayer actually did not start in Philmont. It was originally known as Worth Ranch Grace.  Written in 1929 by A.J. Fulkerson (Camp Director at Worth Ranch Scout Camp).  In 1943, the prayer was brought over to Philmont by Clarence Dunn who developed the Ranger Program. Another name for this simple prayer is The Wilderness Grace.

No matter the origin, or the name, this prayer has been one that has been recited by many scouts. And has invited great reflection throughout the years from coast to coast. Thank you to all those early Scouters who had a hand in its creation. From Scouterlife.org

This past weekend, I taught a group of Scout leaders some of our 4-H activities.  During lunch, the facilitator asked if anyone would be willing to say Grace, and I offered.  I said the Philmont Grace, and some of the more experienced Scouters recognized it and thanked me.  How nice it was to recollect something so meaningful.