From: Jim Whitcomb (Jwhitcomb@RochesterMidland.com)
Date: Mon Jul 22 2002 - 10:48:01 CDT
Glenn-
Having been council contingent advisor for seven trips in as many years, I have had my share of the exact problem you indicate - some youths want to wear the uniform out, but not on the return. Our solution came from an attitude adjustment experience with, of all things - pack lines!
One year in the training prior to Philmont we either neglected or didn't emphasize that the first thing you do when you pull into a program/camp area is form a pack line - as in "crew before personal" It was five or six days of "me first - crew next". So in the following year's training we made certain everyone got the required "pack line" message out BEFORE Philmont.
>From that, we extended the "must" do to uniforms. At our fall kick-off nights in front of all their parents we now say: "Required is - wearing of the uniform while traveling to and from Philmont - especially on the plane, and when arriving at Philmont; does anyone have a problem with it?" We've never had anyone say "no". We repeat the message at everyone of our subsequent meetings. We've had amazing success with "priming the pump." Its worked every year since, for that and a number of other "must dos."
I also explain how important a uniform is to their leaders when making flight connections. Its very easy to spot a uniform from fifty feet away as in "its two minutes before boarding time - where is Johnny - we told everyone to be back here ten minutes ago ... oh he went to get a drink, there he is over at the beverage stand - go get him"
As with you, we've had our share of compliments and people at the airports coming up to ask "Are you headed to Philmont, I went when I was a boy" . . . or "We were out there just last week." etc.
As to the person who just won't wear the uniform on the trip back - just let it be. Confrontation make them dig their heals in deeper. Same thing with those few crew members who haven't caught onto the "crew first" concept by day nine - if they haven't got it by then, they never will.
Jim Whitcomb
Otetiana Council
My question is: Does anyone have a method of handling this type of "problem"? Withholding the Arrowhead Patch is not a solution. But ...............?
Wondering,
Glenn Garrett
Occoneechee Council Contingent Leader
Raleigh, NC
'00, '01, '02, '03
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