Jim Thompson writes...
Philmont isn't really set up for Merit Badges. They don't tailor their programs to meet requirements nor do they deliberately put Merit Badge counselors on staff ... The Philmont experience just isn't about advancement.
<snip> One final note wrt activities in general. Just because your trek abstract says you will be climbing (or horseback riding, or shooting Black Powder ...) doesn't mean you will. There are a myrid of things that might cause you not to get program at any particiular camp. For climbing it might be weather (it was for us in '04); for the others in might be that there isn't a time slot available for you when you sign into the camp. So, be flexible, roll with it, and remember that its really about the journey, not the destination and that any activity you miss at the ranch can probably be had at home.
Comment...
While I agree in general with Jim's comments, I'm not sure I'd go as far as to say "any" activity can probably be had at home. Horse riding and rock climbing (which probably are the two most prone to cancellation), yes. But spar pole climbing or climbing Baldy? I don't think so!
But things might conspire against you, and his comment to "be flexible" is right on. While missing any particular activity might be a disappointment, it is only one thing in 12 days of things. And more often than not, the thing that a crew is most excited about having done AFTER their trek is often NOT what they were most looking forward to doing BEFORE hitting the trail.
-- Al Thomson, Troop 236, Schooley's Mountain, NJ
Treks 1999, 2001, 2003
Autumn Adventures 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006
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Received on Tue Jun 21 09:02:50 2005
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