MessageI firmly believe the answer is to increase the number of years to every three or perhaps four years. More and more people want to go, and it gets more and more difficult to get in. My troop has gone every 4 years -- 1992, 1996, 2000. In 2004 we had close to 30 calling, could not get a reservation and were 354 on the waiting list. I took the council contingent and worked in all of the boys from my troop and every other boy I became aware of with getting permission to bump my crew up to 14 (12 boys and 2 adults), but had to leave out most of the adults. I really just can't see some troops going every other year while others can't get in at all. The solution seems so simple.
Charles Goodwin, MD, Scoutmaster Troop 236, Kettering, OH
----- Original Message -----
From: Tom Lindtveit
To: Multiple recipients of list philmont
Sent: Monday, November 01, 2004 5:36 PM
Subject: RE: [Philmont]: New Reservation System
I agree Phil,
However, there is a slight problem with the math. If they give everyone who doesn't get a slot this year, a 'chit' for next year, then next year will be filled up with this years applicants, so no new units will get to go next year, that will make twice as many units with a chit for the following year, each year it get worse and worse. (I'm over simplifying here, but you get the point.) In spirit I fully agree, but kicking everyone up the priority ladder will only cause problems down the line. There should be some way that can work. I wonder how many would complain if they said you could only have a trek every 3 years (excepting council contingents)? I continue to be baffled by the Advisors I ran into who referred to their trek "last year", and wondered how so many seem to do that.
Perhaps they could take 300 units each year that have the most chits, or something like that?
I attended this year as a fill-in for another local unit. I am now applying to bring my own boys in '06. My unit has never had a Philmont trek in it's 48 year history, I just hope I can score one in the next 2 years, so that my current 'crop' doesn't miss out.
For the time being, I guess all I can do is sit and wait. Some will win and some will lose. The waiting is the tough part, then the fun starts, I hope.
Tom
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-Philmont@troop47.com [mailto:owner-Philmont@troop47.com] On Behalf Of Phil Brown
Sent: Monday, November 01, 2004 7:33 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list Philmont
Subject: RE: [Philmont]: New Reservation System
I really like the new system. Of course we were winners and are preparing for our trip next summer (701M).
I still believe there needs to be some weighting based on the number of consecutive years a Troop has attempted to get a trek and failed. Somehow, they should move up the list.
Phil Brown
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From: owner-Philmont@troop47.com [mailto:owner-Philmont@troop47.com] On Behalf Of Dunckle, Jeffrey B (US SSA)
Sent: Monday, November 01, 2004 4:33 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list Philmont
Subject: [Philmont]: New Reservation System
I have a question about the new system. I have caught bits and pieces of discussion on this but do not remember this item specifically. The question is, does the system keep track of a troop's failure rate and increase your "weight" or chance of being selected the longer you go without getting a reservation? With Philmont being in such high demand, a system like this would seem like the only fair way to approach it. When I called in the fall of 2000, I guess I was very lucky as I got through in about 15 minutes and got the reservation we wanted. At least that was proactive in that I was physically doing something to try to get in. Now, other than following the every-other-year rule, what are the chances of being selected if it is a random drawing each year? If it is not already in place, having your unit's chances improve the longer you go without getting a reservation would be a way to improve the system and help ensure that everyone eventually gets their chance, say within 2-3 years of initially trying.
Jeff Dunckle
Troop 180
Philmont '02
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Received on Mon Nov 1 19:41:18 2004
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