I can’t encourage troops and crews enough to know what your neighboring units have in the way of trained leadership. If you make contacts outside your own group, you stand to be able to provide a more diverse experience to your scouts.
Troop 747 also believes in this philosophy. They invited us to come and assist them on a climbing / rappelling trip this weekend. We couldn’t have asked for nicer weather. Before I show you any pictures, I want to say just how incredibly impressed we were with the manners of these young men. It was our privilege to get to help them out.
While Gary and Robin rigged the top of the rock, I organized the adult leaders to be sure that they would be able to carry this experience forward with their troop. Brian and I picked who would work with each of us so they could learn the different aspects of this trip.
Robin was the first contact the boys had with the rock as she and Mr. Troy worked to get them into their harnesses. She would review the climbing safety with them one last time before they went up.
I hung out on top with Mr. Larry. He eagerly soaked in everything I told him about securing the scouts while they waited their turns, coaching those who had never rappelled how to start their descent, checking their gear one last time, and then coaxing them over the edge. About half way through, he took over hooking the boys up and sending them down. He was a natural at it and did an amazing job. It’s odd how those of us who have a fear of falling are truly the best at talking others into taking the fall. 🙂
Down at the bottom was Gary who was working with Mr. Brian. He worked with him on the techniques and even got to show him how to tie the boys off when they would get tired or in a bind. Brian was a good student and worked the ropes like a champ.
We all had a great time working with this troop and look forward to getting to spend time with them all again.
Thanks for having us out and our compliments to the chef!
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