Crew Leadership Roles

[The Morans]

Each crew needs to select a scout for the following:

CREW LEADER

A well-qualified Scout, Venturer or Explorer should be elected as Crew Leader before training begins. The Crew Leader is responsible for organizing the crew, assigning duties, making decisions and recognizing the capabilities of each crew member. He or she leads by example and discusses ideas and alternatives with the entire crew to arrive at a consensus before taking action. This responsibility requires someone with leadership ability who is respected by everyone. The adult Advisors will work closely with this individual. 

The Crew Leader’s responsibilities include: 

• Incorporate the principles of the Scout Oath and Law into the trek experience. 
• Follow the assigned itinerary. 
• Complete a crew duty roster. 
• Adhere to all Philmont bear and wildlife procedures. 

CHAPLAIN’S AIDE 

Each crew should also select a Chaplain’s Aide, perhaps a member of the crew who has received a religious award in Scouting. The Chaplain’s Aide is responsible for assisting the crew in being reverent during their time in the backcountry, as well as working with the Crew Leader and Lead Advisor to ensure the smooth operation of the crew. The Chaplain’s Aide will be asked to lead daily devotionals from the Eagles Soaring High booklet, lead grace before meals and encourage participation in religious services. A packet of worship resources (including the Eagles Soaring High booklet) will be provided for use along the trail during a training session on the day of your crew’s arrival at Philmont. The Chaplain’s Aide will guide the crew’s participation in the Duty to God program and will certify completion of the Duty to God Award requirements for each crew member. (Awards will be available to purchase at the Tooth of Time Traders at the conclusion of the trek; proceeds support the Chaplain Program at Philmont). 

The Chaplain’s Aide’s responsibilities include:

• Set a good example by living the principles of the Scout Oath and Law.
• Teach the Philmont Grace to crew and use it before meals.
• Lead Roses, Thorns and Buds each night.
• Assist the Crew Leaders and Advisors in conflict resolution.
• Provide support to fellow crew members that are having difficulties.
• Encourage fellow crew members in their own personal walk with God.
• Lead crew in daily reflections from Eagles Soaring High booklet.
• Encourage the crew to attend chapel services in Base Camp and in the backcountry if services are available on the crew’s itinerary. 

WILDERNESS PLEDGE GUIA 

Each crew will select a Wilderness Pledge Guia. This individual will help the crew understand the principles of the Philmont Wilderness Pledge and Leave No Trace principles. This person helps the crew focus on camping practices that adhere to wilderness ethics outlined in the two approaches and ensures that the crew follows all Philmont camping practices. With more than 22,000 participants camping each summer at Philmont, it is important that each person do their share to ensure that we protect Philmont and our neighbors’ properties for generations to come. The Wilderness Pledge Guia will certify completion of the Wilderness Pledge Achievement Award requirements for each crew member. (Awards will be available to purchase at the Tooth of Time Traders at the conclusion of the trek; proceeds support the Sustainability Program at Philmont). 

The Wilderness Pledge Guia’s responsibilities include: 

• Learn the principles of the Wilderness Pledge and Leave No Trace 
• Assist the crew in implementing Wilderness Pledge and Leave No Trace principles throughout your trek. 
• Guide the crew in discussions about wilderness ethics by focusing on a different principle of Leave No Trace for seven days on the trail. 
• Help the crew follow all camping practices as outlined by their Ranger and strictly follow Philmont’s bear and wildlife procedures. 
• Help crew members earn the Wilderness Pledge Achievement Award with the help of the Ranger/Horseman/Wrangler. 
• Lead the crew in preparation and completion of the scheduled conservation project while on the trail.

Each crew also needs an adult in the role of Lead Advisor.

LEAD ADVISORS

The Lead Advisor is the principle Advisor responsible for coordinating a successful Philmont experience for each member of the crew. All adults support the Lead Advisor in accomplishing the duties of an Advisor. Advisors’ main role is to coach, mentor and support the Crew Leader, Chaplain’s Aide and Wilderness Pledge Guia. By doing this, the youth leaders will gain leadership experience throughout the trek and will be able to help all members of the crew develop into a strong team. 

Advisors should ensure the safety and well-being of each crew member through: 

• First aid treatment. 
• Administration of required medications. 
• Proper water purification. 
• Supervision any time a stove is in use. 
• Guidance and support in emergency situations. 

Advisors also help foster positive crew dynamics, help settle disputes between members of the crew, assist with administering proper discipline if required and ensure that the crew operates following all Youth Protection guidelines.