Our troop went to NT in 2002. It was a great trip from the standpoint of
the adventure, scenery, fishing and the challenges. However, our experience
with NT was not good. We took two crews. Picking our routes in logistics,
we were shocked to find out that one of the guides had NEVER held a paddle
before being hired as a guide at NT. HUH? Next, we were raked over the
coals for a shuttle ride to our putin. Along the way we found our two
guides engaging in a little extra curricular activity. Not much of an
example to our kids. As soon as we camped- guides were gone- that is until
the "dinner bell" rang and they were first in line.The last straw was a
difficult lake paddle against the wind and waves. I noticed one of the
canoes drifting back and knowing it contained the two smallest guys, but
also a guide, I was shocked to find the guide duffing as the two boys
struggled to paddle. The explanation- "I have a headache". Really. And yes,
we reported all this on our return and asked for a summary of the actions
taken. Never received any word. On the way back, we toured several of the
private operators in Ely. You get better food, better equipment, for less
price. Is the patch really worth it?
John Sucher
Original Message:
-----------------
From: Pete Swiggum peter.swiggum@sbcglobal.net
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 2004 09:40:54 -0500
To: philmont@troop47.com
Subject: [Philmont]: Regarding Northern Tier dates for Philmont waiting
list
Calvin Gray wrote:
"This indicates to me that Northern Tier is having trouble, especially
during the first month of their season. Probably due to competition from
the commercial outfitters which operate in Ely and provide an excellent
alternative to Northern Tier. Hopefully, the situation will improve as
"competition" tends to do that over time."
**************
I don't claim to have insider information, but I don't think Northern Tier
is having troubles. They're just trying to fill their schedule in the
earlier part of the summer. If you look at commercial outfitters in the
Boundary Waters and Quetico, as well as any regular family resort, July and
August are always the most filled. You'll occasionally see family resorts
offering discounts during certain slower times of the year, too. Schools
don't get out until sometime in June (usually) and it takes a while to get
things set to go. Hence, July and August always look good for planning
purposes. I'm sure Philmont isn't too much different.
Along the lines of competition for Boy Scout Troops outfitting through
private outfitters instead of going through Northern Tier, I've always
wondered why Troops do that, especially when it comes to taking younger
Scouts on their first or second trips. Is there a significant cost factor?
Granted, there are several adult leaders (myself included) who are capable
of leading a group of Scouts into the BW or Q, but the experience of having
staff interpreters on each crew as well as the format of canoe tripping
through a national Boy Scout base is priceless, in my humble opinion.
Our Troop's experience was so positive at Northern Tier, I couldn't imagine
leading boys through a private outfitter, no matter how much they say they
cater to the Scouts. If anyone has any information to share from the
opposite point of view, I'd love to hear it.
My apologies for steering the conversation off of the topic at hand -
Philmont.
Pete Swiggum
Troop 1173
Green Bay, WI
Peter.Swiggum@sbcglobal.net
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loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
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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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Received on Wed Sep 29 14:54:25 2004
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