When I worked the Chief back in the late 70's early 80's as a waiter and/or LSA, we DEFINITELY got our share of
Philmont Scouts at the Raton, NM station. It was quite a sight to see, sometimes, several hundred Boy Scouts, in uniform, waiting at the platform in this small town.
Having been a scout myself, I was always very envious of the kids who got to make these treks. In general they were well behaved, a 'lil stinky, but just glad to be on an air-conditioned train, and glad to have to only walk a few cars for a meal, instead of five, six, or seven miles!
On occasion I had to simply remind them of what the other poster mentioned, the tenets of the
Scout Law. Only had to talk to a scoutmaster once, (this was all in the SSL car btw) and within
seconds that scout was not a problem. I doubt anyone in the sleepers will even notice them, unless you are hanging out in the SSL...........
This summer,
I get to go to Philmont with my 14 year old soon. We are only hiking 63 miles, as it is a younger crew (all the kids are 14) but that's enuff for this fat-ole' 53 year old, besides, we
start hiking at 8,000 feet-plus, elevation.
Sadly, we are not taking Amtrak either direction, although
I think Ryan in a long-previous post mentioned that when he went, ".........all he wanted to do when he got off the trail was rest.........." Even a sleeper might be little too much activity when I get off the trail,
if they don't
carry me off the trail!
However, depending upon how this summer's trek goes, (12 days starting July 1st) I've got plans for both of my twins (who are now only 11) to go in a couple of years. By then my twin daughter will be old enough to join
BSA's co-ed Venture Crew. She's already saving her money for this trek!
And, (Again depending upon how I feel this summer) both my twins want to take the train!
As to the OP's question, staff is just now arriving at Philmont to get prepared for the thousands and thousands of boys/girls who attend each summer. If you are leaving next week, you might see a few, but nothing like it will be weeks from now.
Just another Slice of Americana, 
