RE: [Philmont]: help

Stick by your guns! The Contingent Leader should back you up! I have seen
hundreds of problems listed on this list because of problems like this -
improper equipment. You have to have the equipment, and the proper
equipment, to make this "once in a life time experience" is enjoyable and
happy! The family spend about $1000 plus to get the scout to this point and
on the Philmont EXPERIENCE! Spend a few more (there a numerous ways to get
good and cheaper equipment that will work)! But the scout must have the
equipment especially at Philmont due to changing weather, and other
conditions! It is BACK COUNTRY (extreme conditions). Bottom line go or no go
it is the scout/parent choice - but only with the proper required equipment
- that you require of each and every scout based upon legal and rational
reasoning - you need it! If that scout does not have all proper required
equipment and something happens because of it - you will be the first one
held legally responsible.

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-philmont@troop47.com [mailto:owner-philmont@troop47.com] On
Behalf Of Magnevolt@aol.com
Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2005 4:27 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

-------------------------------------------------------
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 Mon Jun 6 12:43:14 2005