OA VOYAGE-Boundary waters
JFitzge164@AOL.COM
Fri, 9 Jul 1999 13:08:59 EDT
I received an e-mail to my post about my son's OA Voayage and the fact that
they were hungry even after taking extra food. The response dealt with
sending his son with extra food for hemself. The OA Voyage and OA Trail at
Philmont are not only service projects (working on the trails) but also
leadership experiences.
My son has been to both the OA Trail and OA Voyage treks. The working
together as a group is the highlight for him. And the scouts that do not buy
into this idea of putting the group before self do not get the full benefit
of the treks and also take away from the overall group.
For those who have not sent anyone or spoken to a participant. The treks end
with a banquet. My son was so hungry that he had two steaks, chicken, and
two baked potatoes that he talked about. He is 163 pounds, and is not one to
overeat, but he was so hungry.
The age requirements are a pain. My son could not work at Philmont this
summer since he is still 17. So instead he is going to the Air Force
Academy. He soo loves Philmont that if he had gotten a job I do not think he
would have gone to a military academy.
Suggestions for the kids that under 14. If one of the adults is a
participant in the Philmont training Center, they can enroll 4 scouts (girls
also have a program) in a Mountain Trek. Or find someone going to the
Traiining Center while you are on a trek and use their allowance. The
Mountain Trek is led by Philmont Rangers, which the kids love. believe it
has something to do about trusting anyone over 30.
YIS
Jim Fitzgerald
Unit Commissioner
Louisville, KY
