The Watchu Mountain Adventure arrowhead patch is
awarded to those Scouts and advisors who complete the Watchu Mountain
Adventure weekend as part of their Philmont training.
The Watchu Mountain Adventure is held at Camp Wheeler in the Allamuchy Scout
Reservation. The camp is located in the mountains of western New Jersey.
This is the land of the Lenni Lenape Indians. The Lenni Lenape Indians of
New Jersey were divided into three main tribes. The Munsee - (People of the
Stony Country) Totem -The Wolf - lived in the north. The Unami (People Down
River) Totem -The Turtle - lived in the central part of the state. The
Unalachtigo (People Who Live near the Ocean) Totem -The Turkey - inhabited
the southern part of the state in an area extending from just north of
Camden, across the state to the Delaware Bay. The Unami tribe inhabited the
central area of N.J. where Allamuchy Scout Reservation is today.
The turtle was chosen as the central symbol of the patch representing the
totem of the Unami Tribe. It is also a reminder of Chief Watchu and the
importance of his role in the training of youth. The turtle is surrounded by
three symbols in yellow. First is an outline of the fleur-de-lis, which
represents the universal Scout symbol and reminds us that Philmont is a
unique destination for scouts from all around the world. Second is the New
Mexico Zia. The Zia sun symbol is from the Indians of the Zia Pueblo. This
helps to tie the eastern woodland Indians to those of the southwest. Third
is the cattle brand of the Philmont Scout Ranch. This is a reminder that
Philmont is a working cattle ranch and of the colorful and varied history of
the Scouts destination.
The Watchu Mountain Patch was designed by Tim Avis and Al Metauro. Al was
responsible for the initial arrow head design along with fleur-de-lis and
the Zia. Tim refined the arrowhead and designed a variation of the Unami
turtle.
