Arrival!

 


Saturday, June 8

Arrived yesterday at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico for a scouting commissioners conference.  Met the gang who arrive early for all things last night.  These are particularly extraverted people, so I fit right in.  Snuck away for a great cigar after dinner last night in the only tiny area in which it is tolerated, but well worth it. 

The Training Center, which is somewhat distinct from the area where the backcountry hikers gather, is designed for adults and their families.  This year the Commissioner week is very well attended with over 298 registrations.  Much higher than previous years and there is some excitement and a bit of stress about this from the staff.

Learnings:  

  • Value of “North Star Award” which is a prestigious medal for non-scouters who make big contributions to the program in some way.  

  • Vast differences in how councils do training for commissioners. 

Saw Scott Sorrels, the national commissioner, and his wife in the dining hall.  I have meals with other council commissioners and we share tales of drama and best practices that make this whole thing worth while. 

Even though the dress for event is supposed to be “field uniform,” there is now clearly some diversity of opinion about what that is, including staff outfits, classy informal scout wear, and other things.  Even with the field uniforms, there are mixed feelings about how many badges to wear. 

I can imagine a time when I bring my wife and 3 year old daughter to the place since they have such a great art and craft center and activities for kids.  Perhaps not until Valerie is about 6 though. 

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