Walter M. Buster Brown III

Selected for Inaugural Philmont Trailblazers Recognition

Longtime Scouting leader honored for transformative contributions to Philmont Training Center

In a momentous tribute celebrating 75 years of leadership development, the Philmont Scout Ranch has announced Walter M. “Buster” Brown III as a member of the inaugural class of Philmont Training Center Trailblazers. This prestigious recognition honors Scouters who have made significant impacts on the iconic training facility throughout its storied 75-year history.

Pioneer for Special Needs Scouting

Brown, who passed away in July 2014, left an indelible mark on the Scouting community through his unwavering advocacy for Scouts with special needs. His visionary leadership led to the establishment of specialized conferences and family programs at the Training Center specifically designed to make Scouting more accessible and inclusive.
Buster’s commitment to ensuring every young person could experience the benefits of Scouting, regardless of ability, truly transformed our approach to inclusive programming. His legacy continues to shape how we serve all youth in Scouting today.

Dedicated Service to Philmont and Scouting

Brown’s contributions extended far beyond his advocacy work. He served as a member of the Ranch Committee and the Philmont Training Center subcommittee for many years, helping to guide the facility’s development and programming. In recognition of his exceptional service and devotion to the Training Center, his family helped establish a new conference room at Philmont, which proudly bears his name.

His leadership extended throughout the Scouting movement, where he served in numerous capacities including:

  • Scoutmaster in Burlington
  • Alamance District Chair
  • Council President

National Recognition
Brown’s lifetime of service to Scouting earned him two of the organization’s highest honors: the Silver Antelope and the Silver Buffalo awards. These prestigious recognitions are bestowed upon those who have made exceptional contributions to youth and Scouting at the regional and national levels.

A Lasting Legacy
The establishment of the Philmont Training Center Trailblazers program coincides with the 75th-anniversary celebration of the facility, which has trained generations of Scouting leaders since its founding in 1950. Brown’s inclusion in this inaugural class ensures his contributions will be remembered alongside other pioneering figures who helped shape the Training Center’s impact.

For more information about the Philmont Training Center and the Trailblazers program, visit https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/ptc/.

Royce Reynolds Family Scout Center

1405 Westover Terrace, Greensboro, North Carolina 27408

Scout Office

Office 336 378-9166
Fax 336-617-9196

Mon – Fri 8:30am – 5pm

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(336) 235-0977

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Sat 10am – 2pm

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