Re: [Philmont]: help

We are going to Philmont in July.
I have a parent who is driving me to drink.
First she wanted to let her son hike in tennis shoes.
I explained why that was not a good idea.
We have had a pack inspection before each of the last two hikes.
On the last two practice hikes her son brought Deodorant, Hair gel, and
shampoo even though there was no place to take a shower, and we had told them not
to bring things like this on the trail.
He brought flip flops on the last hike. His rain gear consisted of a thin
poncho that had holes in it. Some of the holes were patched with duct tape.
Others were left not patched. He did not bring a cold weather layer.
I have explained the reasons (in a nice way) for having the items in the
guidebook on the trail to him and the parent. I have tried to explain that the
parent does not have to go out and buy the most expensive, lightest weight,
newest item just get some equipment to protect her son on the trail. I have also
explained that if money is an issue please let me know and I would lend the
scout some equipment. They have the Guidebook, and I have Emailed a personal list
of equipment just like the guidebook to all the crew.
The parent is now calling the Contingent leader and complaining to him that I
am being a stickler about the equipment. She is also calling other parents
and complaining about me and the equipment needs. This is having a negative
affect on crew harmony.
I consider this a straight safety issue. I have been to Philmont, HH and know
what can happen if you do not have rain gear, cold weather clothes layer,
boots, etc.,etc.

Back ground info: The crew is made up of 7 scouts and two adults from this
parents troop. Two scouts and myself are making up the balance of the crew. We
are from a different troop. This parents troop has had very little backpacking
experience (three of them have been on one hike, ever, That is their
backpacking experience.).

Have any of you have a similar problem. I have not.

Thanks for your help.
Name withheld because I do not need any more trouble

-------------------------------------------------------
Scouting E-mail Discussion Lists @ usscouts.org
Subscribe/Unsubscribe at http://usscouts.org/lists/
Listserv Commands at http://usscouts.org/lists/lc.asp
-------------------------------------------------------
Send listserv commands to: listserv@troop47.com
Send postings to: philmont@troop47.com
List FAQ found at: http://usscouts.org/lists/faq.asp
List Administrator: philmont_owner@troop47.com
-------------------------------------------------------
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.
-------------------------------------------------------

 
Received on Sat Jun 4 06:40:59 2005