[Philmont]: Troop vs Council Crews

I must disagree with those who feel that troop contingents should get a
priority over council contingents. Small troops may never get a full
crew. The ranch was donated for the benefit of scouts, not troops. If a
troop does not win a lottery, each scout can still apply to the council.

Troops should be running a high adventure program that includes multiple
opportunities for each scout. Philmont can be a once in a life time
opportunity and the council contingents can be that program for scouts from
small troops and for scouts from troops that could not get a slot.

Yes, troops should have a chance to go as a group. Yes, it is shame that
the program is so successful that everyone wants to go and then go back
multiple times, but can not. That is not Philmont's fault, but a credit to
their program.

I am sure that all of those leaders on this list are only looking out for
the scouts in their troop. But I am sure that there are many scoutmasters
not on this list who just apply as often as they can, beat the bushes for
scouts from ANY troop they can find just so the leaders can go back again
and again, and then sell their high adventure program. A better high
adventure program will give scouts a wider variety of opportunities then
just the same backpacking venue.

I also understand that there are troops of 100+ scouts who could send a
crew to Philmont every year and never repeat a crew member. That does not
change my mind about the process of allowing councils to get first choice.

Troops can find many places to go and many things to do. Lets save
Philmont for scouts as a special place. If your troop gets in, then that
is the best way for a scout to get there. If your scouts need to go with
scouts from other troop in a council contingent, then that is also a great
experience for your scouts.

Roman Smith
CR
St. Joseph Church
South Bend, IN

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Received on Tue Nov 2 08:22:21 2004