From: JWFLAIG@aol.com
Date: Wed Jan 22 2003 - 08:44:03 CST
Lots of good discussion. Coop's and Wally's Advisors' Guide addresses this
issue; it is worth rereading. Remember that for safety (lightning avoidance,
hypothermia, for example) the crew must be able to move at a reasonable
speed.
To me the key is that advisors need to know the capabilities and attitudes of
all of the crew members, both youth and adult. I may be that a marginal
youth can be helped along to the benefit of all involved. On the other hand,
if he/she is notably less capable than the rest of the crew you are likely
setting up a situation where all involved have a bad trip. There is nothing
wrong with having requirements that must be met for a person to participate;
publish them up front some everyone knows what they are.
Shakedowns are crucial in helping determine where everybody stands; they
should help everyone decide whether they are prepared for the Philmont
experience. On a previous trek we had to tell one scout and his family that
he was not ready to go to Philmont. Although it was painful to deal with
then, he went back last summer and did fine. I believe it was a better
situation for both crews and in the end a positive experience for him. His
whoops of sheer exhilaration when we broke out of the trees as we approached
the summit of Mt. Phillips said volumes.
In the end, the advisor needs to assess the situation, apply his/her best
judgment as to what is best for the whole crew and go with it.
Joe Flaig
Advisor, Crew 1865
Fairfax, VA
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As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
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cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
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