Within days of finishing up the school year at Saint Viator High School — where he supports young people through Campus Ministry — Fr. John Eustice, CSV, left for northern New Mexico to work with more young people. Only this time, he’s supporting Boy Scouts attending Philmont Scout Ranch, the high-adventure camp set in the rugged mountains of Northern New Mexico.
“It’s always been one of my dreams,” says Fr. Eustice, who grew up in suburban Las Vegas and was active in Scouting, eventually earning the rank of Eagle Scout. “But my troop never had the opportunity to go. At the time there was a three-year waiting list.”
It turns out that the waiting list to serve as a chaplain wasn’t as long. In fact, when a friend in the clergy had to pull out after he was assigned to a parish, Fr. Eustice gladly accepted to fill his role. This is his second summer at Philmont, and he’s taking it all in.
That is, when he has free time. For the first 10 days, Fr. Eustice is helping with logistics, driving equipment — and other staff members — to set up staffed and trail camps along the rugged terrain in the Sangre de Cristo range of the Rocky Mountains in Northeastern New Mexico.
A buffalo roams the mountain range in Northern New Mexico.
He is one of 1,100 staff members that run the camp, which includes a team of chaplains from several faith denominations. Every day of the camp, chaplains lead outdoor religious services at 7 p.m. When the Scouts arrive June 9, they will average between 1,500 and 2,000 per week. Last year, Philmont drew 18,500 Scouts and their leaders to what they call, “the experience of a lifetime.”
Fr. Eustice describes the Scouting culture as “unique” and one that resonates with him on many levels.
“Scouting is a service organization,” he says, “so I get to serve young people who are serving. I help them make connections between their service, the incredible beauty of the mountain range, and God. It really aligns with the Viatorian charism, and of walking with young people.”
Outdoor pavilion at Philmont where Fr. Eustice says Mass every night.
When he’s not supporting young people, Fr. Eustice is a veteran marathon runner, most recently running the Starved Rock Country Half-Marathon. In October, he once again ran the Chicago Marathon, helping to raise money for injured military veterans served by Salute, Inc.
He finds great inspiration in running long distances — and hiking rugged trails, describing them as good for the soul. Consequently, volunteering to support young people and their leaders, as they prepare for treks throughout the rugged terrain, brings him full circle.
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