[Philmont] Health, safety and "what's best for the boys"

Another recurring theme on the Philmont list is the battle between boys
and advisors, advisors and each other and list posters with other crews
regarding how much "help" adults should provide.

What I find interesting is that everyone agrees the Adults need to step
in for "Health and Safety" issues.

But many of the adults who want to have a boy led program declare
EVERYTHING that they want to see happen as a "health and safety issue".

I am naturally lazy. This works in my favor as a YOUTH LED leader.

If a scout wants to leave his tent a mess it is not my problem. His
momma can make him clean his room when he gets home or his PL or SPL can
worry about it if there is a camp inspection (not a Philmont problem)
If he wants to put food in that tent it becomes my problem. That is a
clear line.

If a boy decides he does not want to shower or brush his teeth then that
is not my problem. I may refuse to talk to him if he becomes to smelly
or disgusting to look at and I find that this normally solves the
problems. Calvin tells a wonderful story about a young man who planned
on a full trek without personal hygiene. He ended up bald as a result
of the event.

I don't give a fig what shoes the guys are wearing. I want them to have
two pair so if one fails they can use the other. If they can walk the
trail in sandals or Crocs then let them. Don't tell me it can't be
done. I saw a young lady outrun an entire crew from Miranda to the top
of Baldy and back in Sandals and she spent most of her summer in that
footwear.

If the guys at the front of the crew get lost, or the guys at the back
go a bit slower and fall behind then I am not worried either. As long
as someone in the front and back can read a map and the buddy system is
followed everyone should get to the same place by the end of that
segment. If someone gets lost with their buddy then it is up to them to
find their way back and either slow down next time or pick up the pace.
  I will not punish (and cause physical pain or risk running out of
water) to those with a faster pace or torture those who walk a bit
slower and want to "enjoy" the trail.

So, assuming the above does not stir the fire on this cool rainy
California day what other things do you see advisors getting into under
the umbrella of "health and safety"

Mark

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Received on Wed Oct 17 10:57:11 2007