[Philmont] Ranger 2008

Matt,

I envy your opportunity. I was hired as a ranger way back in '87, but
didn't get to go due to family responsibilities...

I just have a few comments:

Philmont has its way of doing things and that way changes from year to year.
Be patient with the advisors who are Phil-vets and learned the earlier
Phil-way of doing things. We really aren't trying to kill you.

Be aware that not all crews are newbies. Sure, you will get the crew that
has never hiked together before their Philmont Day 2, but you will also get
the crew that really doesn't even require the assistance of a ranger. Be
flexible with your approach. Provide what is required, but don't be heavy
handed when that approach is not warranted.

Be teachable. Every day and every crew will provide you with a learning
experience if you are open to the opportunities. You will have crews that
will do things in ways you haven't even imagined yet. Don't' be quick to
judge until you have seen the method and have seen how the crew works using
that method.

Learn the Day 1 base camp stuff well. Meet and make friends with the base
camp staffers in logistics, admin, the med shack, and the news/photo office.
These people will help you make Philmont Day 1 smooth for your crews. If I
may be so bold, hold off on crew photos until early morning of Day 2 (before
the bus out to the trail). I would have said "no way" before we did this in
2005. This worked out beautifully for the crews and the photos are better
in the early morning light.

Maintain the ranger image. Be good at what you do. Have fun at all times,
no matter the situation. Be sure of yourself and be a leader by example.

Take notes of what works and what doesn't. Remember what you did as a
ranger when you take crews later on.

Enjoy every single moment at Philmont. The summer will go by so fast.

We are 618-B1. I'd love to meet you when we get out there this summer.
Look me up.

Shane Hoffman
Advisor - Crew 445 - www.crew445.org
Committee Member - Troop 445 - www.troop445.org
Webmaster - www.philmontforum.com
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose" ~
Jim Elliot

-----Original Message-----
From: Philmont@troop47.com [mailto:Philmont@troop47.com] On Behalf Of Matt
B.
Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2007 8:36 PM
To: Philmont List Member
Subject: [Philmont] Ranger 2008

Hey all,

I have been watching this list for a while but have never had a chance
to ask anything until now.

I just got word that I am going to be a Ranger this summer. What, in
your opinion makes a good Ranger and what advice would you give to
someone going out as Ranger staff?

IWGBTP! Soon but not soon enough.

Matt

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As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
Scouts and Scouters, do your best to be trustworthy,
loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
-------------------------------------------------------

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Scouting E-mail Discussion Lists @ usscouts.org
Listserv Commands at http://usscouts.org/lists/lc.asp
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Send listserv commands to: listserv@troop47.com
Send postings to: philmont@troop47.com
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To Unsubscribe send text email to:

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     Subject: unsubscribe
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-------------------------------------------------------

As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
Scouts and Scouters, do your best to be trustworthy,
loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
-------------------------------------------------------

 
Received on Thu Nov 22 11:56:31 2007