[Philmont]: 2006/2007 reservations - crew size and adult leadership

Good morning.

What if Philmont changed its lottery procedure to where you not only applied
for a date but a crew size? For example, you could apply for a 10 person
crew on August 2. If you won, you would pay for 10 people, regardless of
whether you brought 7, 8, 9, or 10. I suspect the unit winning this slot
would work hard to get 10 people.

Up side for Philmont. They know almost 2 years beforehand how many people
will be using their facility on any given day, and can plan accordingly.
They also can maximize the Ranch's use.

Up side for Scouts: All slots would be filled and more Scouts could go to
Philmont.

Down side for small units: If you only have 7 people willing to go, and you
win a 10-person slot, you must fill the 3 remaining spaces from outside your
unit, or pay extra.

Second subject: I don't see multiple appearances at Philmont as a problem. I
doubt many Scouts go as Scouts multiple times. The age window is too small
and the cost is too high.

I suspect most multi-time users are adults. In my bias opinion, I do not see
a problem with it.

On one hand, it may prevent some parents from sharing the Philmont
experience with their child. One of my favorite pictures is the one of my
son and me on top of Baldy.

On the other hand, you need experienced hands for some Philmont trips. When
I went to Philmont in 2003, I met Alan Thomson, a frequent contributor to
this list. He was the council advisor for a group of disadvantaged Scouts on
a short trek. We want to encourage experienced Scouters / Advisors like Alan
to lead these kinds of trips.

Also, if I am sending my child to Philmont and I am not going, I want an
experienced Advisor. I want an Advisor who knows why you spend months
preparing physically. I want an Advisor who knows what to expect when you
arrive at the Ranch. I want an advisor who knows what Philmont looks like
and can help the Scouts plan their trip.

David K. Palmer
Scoutmaster - Olympia (Wash.) Troop 266
Every Scout Absolutely Matters
www.olympiatroop266.com

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Received on Tue Jan 25 17:23:31 2005