Re: Venture Crew
Calvin H. Gray (405geezer@IGG-TX.NET)
Tue, 7 Jan 1997 11:54:03 -0600
CzarCasm wrote:
>
> I very much like the idea of forming up a Venture Crew for a specific
> (major) event. As we are going to Philmont in July of 1999, deposit
> went in this week, when is too early to form up the crew? And in
> specific when to start gving credit to the Crew Chief..
>
My suggestion is to form the crew when you begin your preparations for
Philmont...usually 6-12 months prior to your arrival date. The Crew
Chief should begin receiving credit as soon as the crew is formed and
the 'ultimate adventure' defined.
Over the past 9 years, we've had 11 Philmont crews (12 if you count an
all-adult Autumn Adventure). We encourage our younger crews to spend
quite a bit of effort getting ready. Others (older boys) have spent
hardly any time getting ready. Overall, not much difference in success
between the two concepts but the younger boys (13-14 year olds)
certainly need more up front work. One thing that really helps is
having Scouts (and adults) who are able to work well together. This is
where the Venture crew can be helpful in getting ready for a Philmont
trek as Philmont can be very challenging from both a physical and mental
standpoint, especially if the weather is bad (the rainy season usually
begins in mid-July). If the Philmont crew has worked together as a
'crew/team' for several months prior to the trip, their experience will
be much more enjoyable than if they are just 'thrown together' a few
months prior to the trip.
Our biggest challenge in preparing for Philmont has been preparing for
the altitude. We live at 200-400 ft. and there is no place within
driving distance to have a weekend campout in the mountins. So we
(especially our adults) have to make sure we are in the best possible
shape as Philmont starts out at 6,000+ ft. Our troop will have 4 crews
in '99 with a June 12 arrival date.
> Also, in reading up on Venture Crews I found out about the "V" that goes
> on the sash..... in the Handbook in outlining how to earn it it reads
> "While a crew/team member, actively participate in or accomplish at least
> one ultimate adventure...." so.. can the Scout waer this while
> preparing for the trip (actively particiapte in) or does this only
> refer to varsity.... and instead the Scout must Accomplish?
>
> opinions welcome ... as i know that everyone will not agree...
>
Normally, the "V" should be awarded after the 'ultimate adventure' which
would be your Philmont trek. But I guess you could define your
'ultimate adventure' as a weekend backpacking trip of 'X' number of
miles and award the "V" letters after this. Then, keep the crew
together for Philmont.
YiS,
--
Calvin H. Gray
Scoutmaster, Troop 405
Georgetown, Texas
mailto:405geezer@igg-tx.net
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