When on a Swamp Base trek, within your crew there are several roles that need to be filled. We call these "crew positions." There are six different crew positions (Trek Advisor, Crew Leader, Chaplain’s Aide, Swamp Steward, e-Scribe, and Trek Participant) and making sure the right person is chosen to fill the role is vital for a successful experience. Maximizing the effort and attention you give to your crew responsibilities can in turn, maximize the benefits and rewards you gain from your experience.
This short blog series will feature the different crew positions and outline how you can make the most of your role in the crew. Let’s start with the role of Trek Advisor.
The Trek Advisor is the adult leader who oversees the crew. They play a major role in helping the crew plan and prepare for a successful trek, are the main point of contact for Swamp Base, and are responsible for sending payments. Decisions during the trek will often be made by the “Key Three,” which includes the Trek Advisor, Crew Leader (youth position), and the Swamp Base Trek Guide. The Trek Advisor is responsible for sharing pre-trek planning and updates received from Swamp Base with their crew members.
There is no one way to be a great Trek Advisor, but here are five Preaux Tips that we think can help you maximize your role:
Be organized: Know what forms, training, and payments you will need. Be familiar with the deadlines, and have them written in your Crew, Ship, or Troop calendar. Many Trek Advisors create and bring a crew binder that has everything they need easily found and ready for their Swamp Base Orientation. www.swampbasebsa.org/required-forms
Be a good communicator: It is your responsibility to share the information you receive from Swamp Base with your crew, and share questions or concerns your crew may have with Swamp Base. You will also be a part of the “Key Three,” which will help make decisions while on trail. Practicing good communication skills can help keep everyone on the same page and more comfortable before and during your trek.
Practice your mentoring skills: High adventure should be youth led. Becoming a good mentor can help empower your youth to practice their skills, develop character, and challenge themselves. Helping to facilitate a high adventure trek, and watching your unit grow can be one of the most rewarding experiences Scouting can offer.
Know your crew: Understanding your crew, their likes and dislikes, and the challenges they face, can help you not only keep them safer during your trek, but can also help to avoid pitfalls in communication, make smart buddy pairs, and make the journey more memorable for everyone. Plus, it will help you fill out the roster form more easily.
Be an ambassador: Be an ambassador for your crew, for high adventure, for Swamp Base, and for Scouting America. You have first-hand knowledge of what your Scouts need, how high adventure can positively shape youth development, and how involvement in programs like Swamp Base can play a role in cultivating a future of prepared and capable young men and women.
Those who have filled the role of a Swamp Base Trek Advisor, what other advice would you give to those considering the role?
