very good point john there is nothing any of us can do to change what is going on out there.
ive only been once but they bent over backwards to do whatever was nessessary to make our trek a wonderful and memorable experience
im going back in july and have no plans of complaining whatever changes they make
chuck rishel
snjc 709d7 trek23
From: Johnlebl@aol.com
Reply-To: philmont@troop47.com
To: Multiple recipients of list philmont
Subject: [Philmont]: Naturally occuring phenomena
Date: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 14:41:48 EDT
Wildfires are naturally occuring phenomena just like rain, hail, floods,
tornadoes and hurricanes. Any of these can be a tragedy if we let them.
None need be.
The fires at Philmont have been referred to by various sources as a "tragedy"
and a "disaster". I disagree with this. Neither of this terms fits. The
fires are a natural phenomena. To make them a tragedy or disaster would
require a much greater loss in terms of life and/or property.
Nobody wanted them, but they were expected to occur given the conditions
present.
Loosing family in the World Trade building was a tragedy, the collapse of the
building was a disaster, changing the trek you are on at Philmont is simply
more of the adventure you signed up for in the first place.
Although a few buildings have been lost and other items I am sure, it still
is a long ways from being a disaster.
If the fire burned like most all fires burn in that part of the country, it
burned in fingers, leaving strips of green in it's midst. I'd be really
surprised if it burned everything in it's path.
The fact that the Philmont administration has assessed the situation and have
announced they can handle all crews scheduled should tell us it is an
inconvenience at worst, not a tragedy or disaster.
The fact that the North country is closed indefinately does not mean it will
not open this summer. Similar closures have occurred. Monsoonal air flows
will start in late June or early July and with them we hope more moisture.
The fact that fire did rage over many campgrounds is simply a rubber stamp of
approval that closing an area because of hazardous dry conditions was the
prudent and wise thing to do. Philmont administrative personnel are very
wise and very professional people. In short Philmont don't use junk
administrators. They know what they are doing and aren't afraid to do it 24
X 7. All of this adds to the enjoyment of the experience to the youth and
adults attending. For that we should all be thankful.
With that having been said, as Mr. Berra so rightfully once stated "it ain't
over 'til it's over" we all need to keep in mind that the season is just
starting, not finishing. Today is day one of a whole summer.
So how can we help.
First, asking guidance from the Almighty.
Second, trust the PhilAdministration to do what is right.
Third, be patient and flexable.
Fourth, wait until arrival to see what you got.
Fifth, take it like a true Scout and enjoy it.
Sixth, don't call them, it just overloads the already weak local phone system
and some Scout might need emergency assistance that depends on that phone
line working. Remember that when the first call in reservation was held, the
incoming calls shut down the entire Cimarron phone system for hours.
To do our part, simply have faith in the system and the trust that you teach
every Scout to have. In short, follow the Scout oath and law.
Now is the time to spend some extra time with your crew in adapting to
changes. Take them on a hike using a trail that you know a bridge has been
washed out on and let them sift through the posibilities of options they
have. Give them guidance when needed, but let them lead. They will surprise
you.
Sincerely,
John LeBlanc
Eagle Class of 1959
Phirst Phil Ptrek 1959
PhilTrek 2002 630H2 Trek 16
My latest adventure was yesterday,
Today is not over yet!