RE: [Philmont] Parent Rally info

I have a very important suggestion, let's just call it a lesson learned.

When you put your crew(s) together, REQUIRE a certain minimum number or
Practice/Training Hikes by ALL crew members, INCLUDING Advisors. As a
matter of fact, put together a rather difficult backpacking hike and require
that all crew members participate and complete that particular hike. It has
to incorporate as many of the "Philmont Phactors" as possible (elevation
changes, mileage, altitude if you can get it, etc.). All participants need
to carry packs that weigh between 35-50 pounds, hopefully replicating a
normal pack weight at Philmont. If they fail, inform them kindly but firmly
that they will not be participating on the Philmont trek and thank them for
their interest. If they have physical ailments, make sure they have the
appropriate medications to enable them to be at 7500-12000 feet for 12 days,
backpacking, not just standing around. Carry all the water you will need
for the entire hike, as if there was no water available at the camp, and
camp overnight.

If this seems harsh, then consider what it will be like when you are
carrying part of someone else's gear every day because their ego will not
let the medical guys take them out of the backcountry. Don't let them tell
you how active "I play soccer every week!" they are. Make them prove it.

Also, REQUIRE an equipment review in plenty of time that changes can be
made. TELL them when equipment is not acceptable. The worst case scenario
is when you have an Advisor that should not be there, and cannot seem to
carry her 9 pound sleeping bag, 6 pound sleeping pad, 2 man tent for one
person, and so on and so forth, like she expected, especially at a hiking
pace necessary to get to the next program.

Oh yeah, remember, phlat terrain at Philmont is actually an average of the
terrain for that day. It just happens on the phlat days that the downs
balance the ups, it doesn't mean there are no ups.

Last, make sure you can break camp quickly, less than an hour from crew
wake-up until asking "anyone not ready?".

I will say this: Even though we had our challenges on the trek, the
experience was worth the problems. Our Scouts want to go back to Philmont
and so do most of our Advisors. Everyone was sad at the end and smiling
when we got home. The stories and the pictures, the experience and the
experiences are priceless.

Good luck,

Joe T. ('00 (Wood Badge), '04)
IWTGBTP
I used to be a Bob White.

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-philmont@troop47.com [mailto:owner-philmont@troop47.com] On
Behalf Of R Fisher
Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2004 8:15 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list philmont
Subject: 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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Send postings to: philmont@troop47.com
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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 Tue Sep 14 23:01:51 2004