From: Dr. Bob Klein (drbob@troop111.org)
Date: Sat Jun 29 2002 - 20:50:24 CDT
Hello All. Just back from summer camp, so I'm a bit late on this, but a
few ideas: In addition to the Crew T-Shirt and dinner in town the day
we get off the trail, I always get the Ranger's home address and send
him/her a dozen or so photos that include them. I also get their email
address, and give them the URL of the Crew diaries that I write (and
BTW, I still every-once-in-a-great-while converse with my 1998 and 2000
Rangers, via email).
Last but not least, if you really want to say thanks in a more concrete
way, ASK THE RANGER what he or she needs. As we all know, most of these
kids are not exactly wealthy, and they sure aren't going to get rich on
a Ranger stipend. In fact, most are giving up considerably better
paying jobs to be at Philmont. You might be surprised at what they
need. You can pick something up in a day at home, and he/she can have
it in their hands a week later by snail-mail.
I do the same for backcountry staff that have linked up particularly
well with my Crews. Some examples are: copies of my song sheet music,
guitar strings and picks, a couple of "fat" magic markers for writing
directional signs to a conservation project (the staff guy had been
reduced to writing with charcoal bits on commissary boxes), a critical
piece of climbing gear (about a 30 dollar item, if memory serves, and
some tapes and CD's of particular artists (Mike Cross being a popular
request)).
I have made a suggestion several times to Philmont to allow a
Ranger/Staff "petty cash slush fund" to be set up, that Advisors could
contribute to if they so wished, and that Rangers and Backcountry Staff
members could use to acquire needed items outside of the usual
tight-fisted BSA budget process. To be administered by the PSA (who
would know better than anyone what's a genuine need and what's just
wishing for fishes). As usual, that one floated like a lead brick.
Sigh. But you can still make an impact along these lines on a personal
level, if you so desire. I hope you will consider doing so.
- Dr. Bob
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As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
Scouts and Scouters, do your best to be trustworthy,
loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
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