[Philmont] Water

Among other things, Jim Moss wrote:

What is the difference between marines and 14 year olds? I say nothing.

________________________

Well, I've never worked with marines, although at least three of our Eagle
Scouts are currently serving in that branch of the military, but I have
worked with several hundred 14 year old young people during the past 26+
years. I have no idea how many Jim has worked with but I'll put my
experience in this area up against his any day. And I'm of the opinion
there is a huge difference between a trained marine and a 14 year old
Scout or Venturer going to Philmont for the first time.

If you've been on this list for any length of time, you've found out that
Jim's way of doing things takes on a "my way or the highway" attitude much
of the time. We're seeing that now. I'm sure Jim has more backpacking
experience that most of us (maybe even more than any of us) on this list
but I sometimes wonder how much experience he has actually working with
and camping with Scouts. Maybe he'll elaborate on that.

What does Philmont recommend?

The current "Guidebook to Adventure" recommends that each crew member take
3 or 4 one qt. water bottles. The current "Cavalcade Guidebook to
Adventure" recommends 2 one qt. water bottles.

Bottom line: Hydration systems can work well at Philmont but so can water
bottles. This is not a "my way or the highway" issue.

When John joins us for Autumn Adventure, I'm sure he will see lots of
hydration systems. My wife and I have Camelbacks which we use while
hiking at Philmont. John will also see water bottles as several crew
members will be using them too. In fact, while John is cooking that Cajun
food, I'll watching him while sippin' from my Nalgene.

YiS,

--
Calvin H. Gray
Scoutmaster, Troop 405
Associate Advisor, Venturing Crew 405
Georgetown, Texas
I used to be an Owl (WM-62-2-98 @ Philmont)
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