[Philmont]: Short Treks & Extra Adults

Couple of points that might be helpful, as I experienced some similar
situations.

Gary Black wrote:
Our crew is doing a short trek in August 7-17. Question is has anyone done
one of these and if so how are the treks adjusted for the 2 less days? This
will give us some more information to use in finalizing our trek selections.

Brian Gannon responded:
If things haven't changed from recent years, you will not actually
select one of the pre-numbered treks. Instead, you will work with a
Logistics staff member create your own itinerary upon your arrival at
Philmont. You will need to decide ahead of time what program features
you are interested in so you have some ideas in mind when you get there.

We had a short trek last August and I too was under the impression that you
created your own itinerary upon arrival. So, when I mailed back the post
card, I took a quick shot of the features I thought I heard the crew talking
about, but not what was fully discussed later (I didn't think it would
matter, since supposedly we developed the trek when we got there). To my
surprise, a logistics staff member handed me the trek he had put together
for us, before our arrival, and frankly, it was not what I had expected.
Fortunately, the staff member worked with us right there (somewhat
reluctantly at first) to put together what ended up being an excellent trek,
with most of the features the crew really wanted. Some observations and
lessons learned:

1. The logistics staff really did do an outstanding job working with us,
after (understandably) the initial concern that we didn't like what he had
put together for us. (I'll probably take some heat for this!)
2. That was my first trip to Philmont. I do believe now that there probably
are no "bad" treks, as Philmont is such an outstanding place and experience.
3. For your short trek, make sure your desired activities are carefully
selected on the post card, and maybe even include a letter as to what you
are interested in (post card and letter in an envelope to the same address).
4. Be prepared to have your trek handed to you. I can't blame the logistics
staff last year. They had so much to deal with regarding the fires and
what-not, they really did try to give us what we wanted.
5. No matter what you end up with, you will likely walk away saying "that
was great!".

Rob wrote:
The other thing I'd like to ask about is how do we select the 4 adults
to go with us? We have 5 adults on the list (I'm one of them) and the
committee decided I should be the head advisor, and am going. (Their
decision, not mine. Not that I'm complaining :)
we also have 4 other adults interested in going, and a maximum of
3 available adult advisor positions. Of the other 4 adults, one (A) is the
above migrane sufferer, one (B) is a slightly overweight/out of shape
individual, one (C) is a Naval Reserve Officer working a new job, and the
other (D) is in fair shape, and travels a lot with work.
A may drop depending on discussions with his Dr/philmont.
B, I have no doubt, can get into shape in the next 15months
C is in the best shape of all of us, but has mentioned vacation may be an
issue
D can also train up in time, and thinks he'll be able to get the vacation.
My initial plan is to get us all together over a couple of cold ones, and
try to come to a consensus. If that fails, I'm going to leave it up to the
troop committee (excepting the spouses of the involved adults).
any other ideas?

I would not worry too much, as more than likely at least one of your adults
will end up not being able to go for one reason or another, or will step
aside gracefully for the good of the group. It is actually good to have
people in reserve. If all 5 of you still seem to want in, I would suggest a
decision based on other factors, such as giving preference to fathers
attending with sons (for a nice father/son experience), or maybe just a
first-come, first-serve approach. Were any of the adults interested earlier
than others? Of course, if someone does have a real medical condition that
could affect the crew on the trail, that person should consider stepping
aside, at least to be the first alternate if someone else can't go. Another
possibility it to ask everyone to make the monetary commitment, if you
haven't done so already. The ones who are unsure (like someone who is
unsure if they can get the vacation) might not want to put up the money if
it ends up being nonrefundable (if others have to drop too). Good luck.

Jeff Dunckle
CC T-180
812-B '02

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Received on Wed Mar 12 16:54:45 2003