Re: 50 miler versus monthly camps

Bob,

You wrote: "If this is indeed the case, then do we need to make an effort
to see that
our program treats monthly campouts as a preparation for the 50 miler? your
thoughts would be appreciated."

Absolutely. Some events require several "practice" weekends leading up to
them, with the meetings leading up to each weekend. Besides teaching the
required skills, this preparation should be tough enough to weed out those
Scouts that just are not ready for the challenge.

Your other question: "Do you impose lower age limits and/or other
qualifying requirements for 50 miler hikes/high adventure type trips?"

Absolutely. It's sometimes tough to tell a Scout he can't go on "the big
one", especially if all his friends are going, but this must be done.
Although your trip was successful, the addition stress that the younger
Scout placed on the crew could have been critical had several other things
gone wrong, as they are apt to do.

BSA has some rather clear policies and guidance in this area. The Guide to
Safe Scouting (p. 15 as a BOLD policy) states: "Boy Scouts and Varsity
Scouts 13 through 17 are also eligible to participate in world jamborees and
high adventure programs." High adventure is not explicitly defined, but
from my reading of the Class 1, 2, & 3 medical form specifications, I infer
that it is longer than 72 hours and has higher than normal activity level or
where medical care is not readily available.

For guidance, I recommend the new BSA Passport to High Adventure. I haven't
fully read my copy yet (just broke it open to respond), but the 1st
paragraph in the 1st section "Who Will Go?" reads: "Council high-adventure
programs are for older Scouts and Explorers. Every participant must be at
least age 13 by January of the year of attendance, or have completed the
seventh grade. <snip> Units should use these same standards when determining
which members are eligible to participate in high-adventure experiences.
Younger Scouts frequently lack sufficient mental and emotional maturity to
deal with the challenges of a high-adventure trek. Scout camp is designed
for those younger Scouts."

Hope this helps.
YiS,
Bob Myers, Cincinnati, Ohio focus@fuse.net

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