From: mnep@att.net
Date: Tue Jan 28 2003 - 20:22:31 CST
I want to give a big thank you to the list for the various topics discussed
over the last year as I work to get my troop ready for their Philmont Trek
(June 21 - July 3). As I have never been to Philmont, nor been backpacking,
the advice has been valuable, in particular, with a discussion that I had last
night with one of the Dads that want to accompany the trip as an advisor, but
is seriously overweight and out of shape.
I recommended to him that we not send in payment for his spot with the rest in
February, but rather wait and see if he is able to get into proper physical
condition before the trek date. That would save him from losing the trek fee
if I saw that he was not properly prepared and couldn't let him go. He took it
as a personal affront that I would even consider that he might not be in shape
by the time that the troop left for Philmont. The discussion went through that
he has missed all of the early shakedown hikes that we have had so far (he
believes this is not his fault because he had to work), nor will he be able to
go on any in February, March, or April, again because of work.
He is convinced that he will be in condition for Philmont, because he is
walking on a treadmill for 1 - 2 miles per day, and this is a strenous workout
for him. He was upset that I would require him to prove that he would be in
shape before I would let him go. Because he is convinced that he will be in
shape, he expects me to have the same conviction, even if he does not
participate in any of the crew preparations. I have had numerous conversations
with him encouraging him, inviting him to hikes, and telling him that he needed
to be serious about getting in shape, though I believe he has been relying a
bit too much on wishful thinking.
He pretty much used all of the excuses that have been discussed on this list in
the past, so I was prepared for the discussion. It would have been easier if
he wasn't a nice guy. My biggest hope is that I have upset him enough to
motivate him to step up his training and prove that he can get in shape.
Though I have serious doubts that given the minimal progress in the last 12
months.
Just needed to get that off my chest by sharing with those who have helped me
from making a mistake by ignoring what could become an even stickier situation.
Paul Nepermann
Troop 43 advisor
Batavia, IL
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