RE: [Philmont] Parent Rally info

> BTW, to the rest of the group, our crew is planning it's
> first crew/parent meeting in October. <snip>
> If anyone has something to offer, I'll gladly accept it.

I don't know where you are in the preparation phase, but in addition to
the other good information you've received, you might also want to
consider the following:

Remind/advise the group that Philmont is *not* summer camp!

Review and *Stress the Importance* of the Philmont Risk Advisory, not to
scare anyone off, but to make sure it is an "informed decision".

Review and discuss in detail your Crew Expectations - number of required
outings and other training events, crew gear vs. personal gear,
conditioning, certification requirements (CPR, First Aid, Youth
Protection for all adults, etc.) behavior issues (shouldn't be needed
but it doesn't hurt), what's covered in the contingent fee and what the
individual will be responsible for in-route, payment schedules etc.

Make sure everyone knows that they are making a commitment *to the crew*
to do their part - physically and financially - and that the fee,
especially the Philmont fee, is not refundable. (Or explain the part
that is and the substitution process etc.)

No Financial Interest - There are several companies who offer Scout
discounts - Coleman, Campmor, Alps Mountaineering (DBA Scoutsdirect) to
name a few. This could help participants and/or their parents with some
of the major purchases.

I would recommend caution with any participant who is not personally
committed to the contingent. Even if Mom and Dad think Johnny will get
a lot from the experience, if Johnny isn't "on board" there could be
problems later. I would also recommend caution with any adult
participant who can't "let go" and let the youth run the program. This
type of person can kill a crew's spirit and enjoyment of Philmont faster
than just about anything, even the weather. You might not be able to
tell this yet, but you can watch for clues at the meeting.

I know these items lean toward creating a "negative atmosphere" but you
want to be sure and cover the things that can jump up and bite you
later, and you probably have a list of your own. There may still be
some, and you probably should cover a "conflict resolution procedure" as
well.

Happy Trails,

Roy Fisher

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Received on Tue Sep 14 20:28:12 2004