Re: [Philmont] - philmont Digest - V01 #1094

 
In a message dated 8/23/2004 4:37:29 AM Alaskan Standard Time,
PARMLYD@pilottravelcenters.com writes:

Alex, because you were a Philmont ranger (with a lower case r)I can tell
that you loved your time at Philmont, but I have to say that when you
throw out terms like "Disneyland" when comparing outdoor experiences,
it's kind of insulting to the many thousands of people who made a trek
at Philmont. I know you didn't mean it that way but look at it from the
perspective of a 14 to 15 year old who looks up to Philmont rangers

Sorry that you did not share where you were writing from. I do have my
suspicions.
 
First, As mentioned in my post, no one has a deeper love and appreciation
for the ranch than me. It has done tremendous good for Scouting and the
thousands of participants who have trekked across those hallowed trails. As I told
another poster, I would be the first in line to get on the plane, the bus,
van, etc to go to Philmont should the opportunity present itself.
 
I'm not sure what the Army Rangers had to do with your post. Attempts at
humor do not always go over well in emails.
 
There are currently 20-25,000 people on the waiting list to attend Philmont
every year. That is a lot of people who will miss out on a great adventure.
We have a lot of people who are able to go to Philmont multiple years
because they are in large councils that send multiple crews.
 
If youth have more opportunities to choose from, more people will get the
Philmont experience. Little Billy goes to Philmont in 2004 at age 15, has a
great time. Instead of going back to Philmont in 2005, he and and his buddies
go to Double H. 2006 they are ready for something new and he hears about
Alaska. Instead of taking up 3 spaces at Philmont, he takes one and allows 2
other people the opportunity.
 
The BSA has been trying to expand the scope of High Adventure bases in
recent years. The use of the Valle Vidal and now the creation of the new camp in
New Mexico are examples yet we still have waiting lists.
 
Local councils are adding High Adventure opportunities all the time. The
Western Alaska High Adventure program is filling the void.
 
There has been some discussion on other Scouting discussion groups about
what the BSA needs to do to attract and keep boys in Scouting. High Adventure
activities like Philmont, Double H, Sea Base, Ely, and opportunities in Alaska
do more for retaining youth than any other part of the Scouting program.
 
Alaska is not Philmont. Never will be. However, Alaska has something that
none of you folks in the "little state" have. It is Alaska. This state is
the best you could come up with short of inventing a time machine. There are
places that you cannot get to unless you hike in, boat in, or fly in. No
hearing the drone of highways. A true wilderness is out there and there are
kids who want that.
 
We had 8 full time guides employed in our High Adventure base this year.
All of them had served in advanced leadership roles in the Philmont Ranger
Department. All of them bleed Philmont. All of them are coming back this year
because they saw the value of the program and it's potential.
 
Yes, Alaska has bears. New York has muggers. Both can be potentially
deadly. Do we not take Scouts to New York because they could get mugger?
However, there are precautions to be taken against both to ensure a safe and
memorable experience.
 
Sorry for the long post, but it kind of got to me.
 
Based on the overwhelming positive repsonse I received, I will let the list
know when the site is up. Those of you who asked for immediate information
on 2005 treks have been passed along to the appropriate person.
 
BTW, as of 7:26 am, Alaskan Time it is 52, blue skies with a high of 68
called for today. Oh, and the Silvers are running!
 
Alex in AK

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Received on Mon Aug 23 10:42:18 2004