Re: [Philmont]: help

For what it's worth:

The only time I was faced with this sort of recalcitrance, which in my
case involved two brothers from a neighboring Troop, I typed up a formal
termination letter, enclosed a full refund check for all payments made
to date, and mailed it off.

As expected, major attitude adjustment occurred immediately upon receipt
two days later. The family was extremely attentive to all future
directives, and both Scouts attended Philmont well trained and well
prepared.

Gee how about that?

Sometimes you need a 2x4 to get someone's attention.

YMMV.

- Dr. Bob

Magnevolt@aol.com wrote:
> 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 Mon Jun 6 16:59:23 2005