Re: [Philmont]: Filling spots

At 12:35 PM 8/15/2005, David Ritter wrote:
>How have members of this list filled spots like this in the past? Have
>they worked out? This is considering the dynamics of a Troop that has
>backpacked together quite a bit before going, feeling comfortable with
>each others pace and then putting new face in with this.

David,
I have had one experience of adding an outside adult. In that case it
worked out fantastic.
However, human nature and personalities being what they are, it is a risky
business.
Philmont tends to place stress on people and some react better than others.
Even in a well-prepared crew, one that knows each other very well, you can
have some surprises. Sometimes people loose their cool. Working with a
stranger could increase the possibility of a negative outcome. It also
could mean the addition of a special person that makes the experience
better than imagined.

In your case, the earlier they can become involved with crew development
the better chance for success. I would recruit them and tell them that it
is conditional - that they have to prove themselves. Of course, this is the
same for every adult and youth that sign up. We each have to participate in
the training, show positive attitude in being part of the crew, and prepare
physically.

You may want to start with interviewing applicants and checking with people
who have worked with. It is not only fair, but important to decline people
with behavioral or attitude problems.

Our success was with an adult that was extremely experienced, not only with
high adventure, but also with the methods of Scouting. His most important
asset was that he was low key. He knew his role and knew the role of
advisors at Philmont - he did not assert himself. He let the kids get to
know him at their pace and on their terms. In the end, he was a great
addition, as I was sure he would be.

Hopefully you will find a great Scouter who welcomes the opportunity to go
to Philmont!

YiS,
Rick Neff
Advisor, Crew 31
State College, Pa.

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Received on Mon Aug 15 20:03:55 2005