1982 Troop 253 2^nd Annual

Fifty Miler to Desolation Wilderness

Evaluation by Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Denise Duca

MEETINGS: This year, the only meeting that accomplished anything was at my house, when Kim and Denise were on their 50. I think it was a success because almost everyone was there. In the future, I would suggest at least 2 days notice before a meeting, not a phone call asking if you can come over immediately. A schedule of everyone's vacation could be helpful in planning meetings and prep hikes.

COMMITTEE’S: Next year I think every girl who is going on the 50 should be part of the planning committee. Any decision made could then be voted upon by the committee and adults. This also keeps everyone in touch with what the different jobs entail for future trips.

ADVISOR: The idea of an advisor is very important and the SPL can benefit from her if she chooses to do so. I know that this year's advisor tried very hard to do her job but found it hard to do so when working with people who wouldn't cooperate or listen.

EQUIPMENT: I think that equipment went very well. I would like to comment though that communication caused many problems in this area. It could have been misunderstandings or people not listening, but the issue about the tarps was talked about several times. There was also some problems concerning the freeze-dried food.

FOOD: I don't think that the food was handled properly but I am glad to say it turned out all right. I thought it was a little too heavy and that there was too much granola type food. The home cooked ideas should have been tried before being put on the menu.

PREP HIKES/TRANSPORTATION: The prep hikes did not turn out well. Two were cancelled (20 mi.) maybe that's why most people didn't get their miles in. This could have been prevented by scheduling them at times when some adults could drive.

SPL: I would just like to say that the advisor suggested a schedule this year but, the idea didn't get much attention by the SPL. Also, if something fails it is not only the SPL's fault. It is a shared failure by the committee, just like planning the 50 is supposed to be a shared responsibility.

PACK INSPECTION: Pack inspection was a hassle and a considerable amount of valuable time was wasted. My patrol's food was divided up very evenly, thanks to Marlene. It was almost exact while still rotating days at the same time. The equipment was even too, until some members of our patrol gave their items away because their pack was too heavy. I find it very unrealistic to say each person can bring what they want if their pack weighs under 31 pounds. Why cause more controversy and confusion?

Please don't misunderstand this. I had a great time but it is beyond me how such a mess came together. I disagree where Kim said things went well or excellently. Nothing is ever perfect and there is always something that can be done to improve it. I'm also sorry that Kim regarded the action of the 11 people involved with the 50 as threats to her position and as an insult to her capability. I know that they were only meant to improve the trip.