From: David M Lock (kikape@JUNO.COM)
Date: Fri Nov 05 1999 - 22:52:19 CST
Dan:
First let me say your response certainly wasn't flaming. It was
specific and direct .
One thing I consider a top issue in responses to the list are that the
couple thousand subscribers are looking to this list to receive ideas and
input in their decision making for todays situation.
The average troop is not capable of maintaining property, vehicles and
the like . As in anything there are the exceptions. In Scouting there
are also situations like yours which have little to do with the real
world of Scouting in the new millennium. It's great that your troop has
survived since the 30's; that's rare. Had it not survived there surely
would have been a property fight. Most of the properties I was aware of
like your site were too close to civilization and the real estate booms
and greed ended up destroying the troops. I'm glad it has worked out for
y'all.
I hope you never have to test your clear risk management plan. It sounds
flawed. I carry all the normal insurance and I recommend anyone who
works with children in any relationship pick up an umbrella policy
($1,000,000) to supplement their standard basic. I don't trust blindly
in the structure. I have been in court (state and federal) all I care to
through the businesses I have been involved with. I had to defend a
wrongful death suit after the loss of my son to an automobile accident
more recently. The test for negligence and prudency begin at the
standards and norms for an event.
Scoutings structure is a good one for the people who are operating within
its guidelines. When a tragedy does occur I can assure you everyone
will be there. If you have followed BSA policy then the CO will be the
most likely weak sister in the crowd. Remember BSA provides a $1,000,000
additional umbrella policy for all adults but it has it's requirements
and limitations spelled out in clearly and specifically in BSA policy.
Even the failure to file a tour permit can void this coverage.
To my way of thinking, the fact that you have a truly unusual situation
that has survived when most others failed does not mean it is something
to be held up as an example for others, to the contrary it is something
to be very proud of and appreciative for but also something that you
should recognize for its uniqueness.
YiS
David Lock - kikape@juno.com
Georgia-Carolina Council #93