Some immediate thoughts:
A) Over the past 15 years of my Scoutmastership, I would say I've had
about half-a-dozen Scouts who would have been seriously interested in an
opportunity like this. This is not the number who would SAY they're
interested, but rather the ones who really WOULD be interested. To
place that number in context, I've had about 200 Scouts over that time
frame. There's a niche, but IMO it's not huge, and you'd be competing
with a number of organizations that provide very similar opportunities.
B) I would also say I have two ASM's who would be similarly interested.
One of them already does all sorts of neat stuff like this already, on
his own.
C) Expense will be an issue, I think. Foreign travel is (as you are
obviously well aware) rife with hidden expenses, and even minor trips
can get pricey in a hurry. Plus security concerns may be an issue for
many possible families, at least for the next couple of years. You may
want to start off close to home - U.S., Canada, some parts of Mexico,
some parts of Europe, to get this going on an easier footing. Remember,
"just" doing the Wind Rivers or the Sierras would already be a huge step
up for most Scouts.
Jim Moss wrote:
> As some of you know, I have done a lot of traveling around the world. I
> have guided from South America to Alaska on rivers, mountains and rocks.
> As I guide I see thousands of young people entering these sports, some
> with good skills some without.
>
> I am a big supporter of Scouting.
>
> The last couple of years, I have been thinking about creating a high
> adventure program. Not to compete with the BSA, but to take those
> Scouts, Venturers and Explorers who want to experience the next step and
> provide them with the opportunity. Mountain climbing, first 14,000 peaks
> and then Mexico (18000) Peru (19000) and Argentina, (20,000). Whitewater
> rafting, every class and single day to multi day trips. US, Canada,
> Mexico, Argentina. Skiing, back country, avalanche work etc.
> Canyoneering. Kayaking Rock Climbing. Leading, multi day pitches, high
> altitude pitches, etc. Backpacking: US, Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile
>
> I have the support from several people in the outdoor industry who
> understand Scouting and want to help.
>
> What do you guys think. Do you have youth in your program who want to
> experience tougher, bigger, better programs than Scouting now provides.
>
> The program cannot be a Scouting program because of the liability
> issues. It would be a program what uses the Scouting values and program
> in its program. It would not be made to compete, only to build upon the
> foundation you have created.
>
> Sort of thinking sort of ramblin, looking for advice from you guys.
>
> It probably would be open for units, but I doubt it would be a unit
> draw. But it would be for those youth who want a tougher, more skilled,
> etc high adventure program.
>
> I have also started another business of taking youth into foreign
> countries. This is not Scout related and based on a service them to very
> impoverished locations for cultural exchange and service projects with
> your from the US and the home country.
>
> Would love some feedback and advice.
>
> Thanks
>
>
> Jim Moss
> PO Box 2656
> Silverthorne, CO 80498-2656
> JHMoss@Earthlink.net <mailto:JHMoss@Earthlink.net>
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Received on Wed Mar 12 16:54:45 2003
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