Re: Philmont Crew Leaders - Age restrictions??
Robert S Nix (bnix@JUNO.COM)
Fri, 16 May 1997 23:39:26 EDT
James & ScoutsL:
We went to Philmont last summer.. From North Carolina, our Troop sent
six Scouts, Two Scouters, plus one Scout from another Troop. Trip of a
lifetime.
This is a youth trip; the adults are just along for the ride, and should
minimize their desire for control. Our youth voted, secret ballot, to
the Scoutmaster (one of the adults on the trip) to elect their crew
leader. We had several 14-year-lods on our crew; the youth selected a
14-year-old as a crew leader. He did a great job, but was stressed
pretty badly for most of the trip due to a number of factors: being only
14; wishing his dad had made the trip (health problems); and altitude
sickness - low-grade headache and nausea for the entire trip.
Note that upon arrival at Philmont, the crew leader has a series of
responsibilities related to trip planning and gear management. This is
not a terrible job, but the job requires a responsible youth, or the crew
might have a less than optimal experience.
Recommendations:
1. secret ballot, managed by senior adult going on the trip
2. pick a assistant crew leader as backup. This individual must direct
the efforts of the crew at times when the crew leader is unavailable. It
will happen.
By the way, be prepared for the unexpected in your election. The two
sixteen-year-olds were not elected; both VERY responsible, but very
quiet. Every Scout except one voted for himself as crew leader; so the
winner won by earning 2 votes.
By the way, altitude sickness is very possible at Philmont; can wreck the
trip for the sick one; can strike anyone; is not predictable. You
generally get plenty of warning; but be warned that you could lose one of
your two-deep adult coverage. (Philmont is prepared for such an event
and will most likely provide a staffer as a replacement.)
YIS,
Bob Nix ..ustaBabeaver.. bnix@juno.com
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On Thu, 15 May 1997 21:33:59 EDT James E Lade <jlade@JUNO.COM> writes:
>I have a real quick question for anyone who is or did go to Philmont.
>How old does your crew leader have to be? I thought it had to be one
>of the boys going, but while consulting the "Philmont Guide <snip>
>YiS,
> James
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
