[Philmont]: Philmont - High adventure participant contracts

We don't use a contract per se but we do attempt to clearly set
expectations. Expectations about money are set with parents with our
RESERVATION FORM (maybe this is a contract, maybe semantics) -- here's the
key item:

"Anticipated trip cost is around $xxx. A deposit of $50 is required now.
Deposits (and future payments) are non-refundable unless a substitute
crewmember is located by you and approved by the Scoutmaster."

FYI, this has worked well. Crews have been full, drop-outs have been few,
substitutes have almost always been available, this clause has actually
never been invoked and would never be invoked unless we've committed monies
we can't recover.

We also set expectations with the crew. It takes the form of a discussion at
the last training hike called HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR HIGH ADVENTURE.
Candidly, I owe much of this to ideas picked up surfing this forum over the
last few years.

... some intro verbiage goes here ...

"My (crew advisor) expectations for this high adventure Crew are simple:
have adventure and fun while being safe and all of us complete the trip.
Three principles are necessary to accomplish these goals.

1) On a high adventure we are not individuals. We are a 12-person crew.
Everyone (all Scouts, all adults), regardless of age, rank or title is
expected to cheerfully do more than their fair share. In short, the crew
comes first.

2) All Crewmembers (all Scouts, all adults) are expected to cheerfully take
direction from the Crew Leader. The Crew Leader is expected not to bark out
orders but to 'lead by example'.

3) On a high adventure we will conduct ourselves according to the Scout Oath
and Law at all times. This includes no ridicule, no name-calling, no
swearing, and no fighting. The Crew Leader is expected to take
responsibility for the conduct of the Crewmembers."

... some closing verbiage goes here, asking Eagle and OA Scouts to use their
skills & experiences to mentor and guide the crew leader in ways that will
stop any small problems before they become big ones ...

FYI, this discussion has worked well too. Issues have been few/low
intensity, esprit de corps has been very good.

YiS

Steve Lagreca
slagrec1@comcast.net

ASM, Troop 1701
High Adventure Chairman, DAC
Migisi Opawgan 162
Eagle/Antelope
Philmont '70, '03

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Received on Wed Dec 3 10:06:05 2003