Re: [Philmont]: Help

My thoughts exactly. Any Scout who is that ill-prepared and has parents who aren't interested in preparing him properly, should be staying home.

I agree with the person who said that Scouting is all about learning and the boy should be allowed to go with the gear he has as along as it's not a safety issue. However, if this situation is as it sounds, the boy and the parents don't have a clue and aren't interested in getting one.

After all attempts to get him "geared up" have failed, I'd cut him and invite him to go next time - after he understands the importance of being properly equipped.

Pete Swiggum
Troop 1173
Green Bay, WI
Peter.Swiggum@sbcglobal.net
2005 Philmont 724-M2
 
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Joe Tavares
  To: Multiple recipients of list philmont
  Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2005 12:36 PM
  Subject: RE: [Philmont]: help

  I assume you are the lead advisor. You need to explain to the *scout* that if he is not adequately prepared, based on the list of equipment that you have provided (you did provide the list?), then he can't go and his fees will not be refunded.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  From: owner-philmont@troop47.com [mailto:owner-philmont@troop47.com] On Behalf Of Magnevolt@aol.com
  Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2005 6:27 AM
  To: Multiple recipients of list philmont
  Subject: 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

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Received on Sat Jun 4 13:21:07 2005