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

Mark

I see 3 areas for advisor overwatch based on Health and Safety.? The first is required by G2SS and that is filling and lighting stoves.? The next two are really my preference based on watching youth who may be tired and can easily skimp on what needs to be done.? They are sterilizing water (especially my canteens) and sterilizing dishes before the supper meal and clean up after.? Notice, I said overwatch, not directing, not doing.? It means that I have the water and clean up crews on my radar.? Most of the times things go very smoothly.?

Cooper Wright
Co-editor of the Philmont Advisor's Guide

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Liechty <mlaccs@mlaccs.com>
To: Philmont List Member <Philmont@troop47.com>
Sent: Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:16 am
Subject: [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.?
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What I find interesting is that everyone agrees the Adults need to step in for "Health and Safety" issues.?
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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".?
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I am naturally lazy. This works in my favor as a YOUTH LED leader.?
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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.?
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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.?
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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.?
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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.?
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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"?
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Mark?
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Received on Wed Oct 17 11:46:40 2007