Friday, June 26, 2009

Merit Badge Counselors needed

We are looking for moms and dads to become Merit Badge Counselors. We would like you to consider this. A boy can't become an Eagle Scout without earning at least 21 Merit Badges. Our Scouts need your help and involvement.

Before you say, "I can't teach", consider this. Everyone of you works or has a hobby or passion in life. There is a Merit Badge that fits you. This is an opportunity to spark the interest of a young boy to your job, hobby or passion. Who knows, it may become his.

One of the goals of the Merit Badge program is to open the eyes of our Scouts that there is a big world out there and there is bound to be something to spark his interest. Many, many Scouts go on to careers and hobbies based on Merit Badges they have taken.

Teaching is not difficult, and how often you teach is up to you and your schedule. The requirements are outlined very simply in the Merit Badge Book. There are well over 100 Merit Badges.

If you are interested, fill out a Merit Badge Counselor Application and mail to:

Balboa Oaks District
c/o Paul Oliver
265 W. Tujunga Ave. #201
Burbank, CA 91502

If you are not currently registered as a Merit Badge Counselor you must also fill out a Boy Scout Adult Application. You can pick up that application at the Anna Ruggieri Service Center at 16525 Sherman Way #C-8, Van Nuys, CA 91406, or from your Unit.

If you are currently registered as a Merit Badge Counselor and you would like to add to the Merit Badges your are currently teaching, you only need to mail in the Merit Badge Counselor Application.

Please help us out and forward this on to every parent in your Unit and thank you all for considering to be part of this great service to your children.

Paul Oliver
Balboa Oaks District Chairman

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

July 4th holiday schedule

This year, the 4th of July falls on a Saturday. In observance of this holiday, the following schedule will be followed:

LocationFriday
July 3rd
Saturday
July 4th
Anna Ruggieri Service CenterClosed
Van Nuys Scout ShopOpenClosed
Westside Service CenterClosed
Westside Bay Scout StoreClosedClosed
Santa Clarita Service CenterClosed
Santa Clarita Scout StoreClosedClosed
Antelope Valley Service CenterClosed
Antelope Valley Scout ShopOpenClosed

Looking for Emerald Bay summer camp opening

Do you know of any troops that are going to Emerald Bay in late July or August and have an opening for a Scout?

Thanks,

Alan Burman
(818) 994-2048
(818) 231-0688 mobile
burmanlaw@att.net

Sunday, June 21, 2009

July 5, 2009 - Coast Guard Cutters tour

Navy Days LA presents

A Salute to Our Coast Guard
Kids in Uniform Tours

July 5th, 2009 - 9 am to 3 pm - San Pedro, CA
RSVP before June 28

Learn About / Tour

  • Reliance Class Coast Guard Cutter WMEC 618 Active, from Washington
  • Juniper Class Coastal Buoy Tender WLM 564 George Cobb
  • USCG 45-Foot Medium Response Boat
  • USCG 23-Foot Cutter Boat "Over the Horizon" Mk III
  • US Coast Guard displays and a possible appearance and tour of a Marine Protector Class WPB 87317 Blackfin from S.B.

Kids in Uniform

  • Ages 7 to 18 years
  • Sea Cadets, NJROTC, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Sea Scouts, Devil Pups, Youth Sailing groups, LAMI groups, Explorer Scouts and Boys and Girls Clubs
  • Must be wearing uniform for identification (this is not a general public touring day)

Making a tour time reservation

Tours start at 9 am and are about 45+ minutes to visit all Cutters and displays. To provide an even flow of visitors, please call Grant at (310) 392-1275 with your Troop or Unit's name, total number (including adults), your name and cell number and you will be assigned a tour time.

Frequently asked questions

  • Yes, all should wear toed and rubber soled shoes – no sandals.
  • Cameras and video are permitted.
  • Yes, if a sibling is not in a troop and wants to tour, it is OK - over 7.
  • There will be port-a-potties in parking lot.
  • Adults should bring picture ID.
  • Tours are free. Bring cash, there may be items to purchase.
  • Space is limited so RSVP sooner than later.

Spend the day

Since you will be driving to San Pedro anyway, there are a few other venues of interest before or after your USCG tours:

  • LA Maritime Museum
  • Cabrillo Beach Aquarium
  • LAFD Fire Boat House
  • SS Lane Victory

Directions to Berth 46, San Pedro

Thomas Bros. map page 854 D-1

Take the San Diego Freeway (405), North or South, to the Harbor Freeway (110) to San Pedro. Near the end of the Harbor Freeway (110) you need to be in the right hand lanes. Exit to Harbor Blvd. Do not go over the bridge. Turn right onto Harbor Blvd. Go past Cruise Terminal, Ports of Call and @ 22nd St. Harbor changes names to Miner St. (if you even see this) pass a warehouse and a boat marina and you'll end up at Berth 46.

In memory: Vernon A. Fagin, 1949 - 2009


Graveside Service
Thursday, July 2, 2009, 1 pm
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
6300 Forest Lawn Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90068


Donations in memory of Vern can be made to The UCLA Wooden Athletic Fund




Dear Scouting Family,

Troop 139 is very sad to announce we have suffered a heartbreaking loss of our beloved friend and dedicated Assistant Scoutmaster, Mr. Vern Fagin.

Vern was a talented and enthusiastic Scouter who loved talking about Scouting every chance he could get. Just recently he wowed the audience at Wolfie Shapiro's Eagle Court of Honor, speaking on the Scout Oath and Law. Vern served Troop 139 as its Training Chair. He was also active in the WLAC Council, working on the Wood Badge training staff, teaching Scoutmaster Fundamentals training, and was active on the WLAC Council's High Adventure Team and served as High Adventure Chair for Cahuenga District. He was an Attorney at Law and held a Ph.D. in History. He is survived by a brother and sister and his son, Matt Michelson-Fagin, who earned his Eagle Scout Rank in Troop 139 in 2004. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them. Vern will be sorely missed.

Max Goldberg
Chairman, Cahuenga District




Hello fellow Scouters and High-Adventure members,

It is with immense sadness that I send you this email. My right hand man has passed away. As I have heard second hand he died at home Monday night. It is so hard for me to even type this right now.

I would hope, with all of my heart... that you will all be there... no matter how many miles you have to travel... to pay your respects to Vern and his family. Vern was one of the greatest Scouters I have known, he helped us to do our best as a team in everything he was involved with, and he was always fun to be with while doing what he did.

I wish I could say even more eloquent things about him right now but my tears are hitting the keyboard.

Please keep him and his son in your mind today and remember all the fun times you spent with him, that is what he would want!

Tamber Lynn Johnson
HAT Chair, WLACC
Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 10, Reseda

Thursday, June 18, 2009

July 20, 2009 - Scout Troops helping Troops

Dear Scout Leaders,

The Blue Star Mothers of the Canyons are getting ready to send packages to our deployed troops on July 20th. It’s our Christmas in July mailing. We could use lots of help in collecting items to send. We have a sample list of supplies of what could be donated. We are asking troops, packs and individuals to help by donating some needed items. Supplies could be dropped off at the Scout Service Center in Newhall. Any questions please call or email me. Thanks,

Kymmer Crookston
(661) 259-6306
kymmer.crookston@gmail.com

Summer care package suggestions:

  • Alka Seltzer
  • Anything patriotic - small
  • Baby powder
  • Bandaids - regular, blister, butterfly
  • Baseballs, gloves
  • Beef jerky
  • CDs
  • Candy, individually wrapped
  • Chapstick
  • Cookies (no chocolate after April or May)
  • Cough drops
  • Crackers and cheese or peanut butter individual packets
  • Crossword puzzle books
  • Deck of cards - regular, mini
  • Disposable cameras
  • Dried fruit
  • DVDs (comedies, action movies, TV shows)
  • Flash drives (for computer backup)
  • Foot powder
  • Frisbees
  • Gatorade / Propel / Kool Aid drink mix powder (individual servings)
  • Greeting cards - All occasions
  • Gum
  • Hacky Sacks
  • Hand held fans
  • Handy wipes, Wet Ones in small (purse) packs
  • Kleenex pocket packs
  • Lifesavers
  • Listerine Sheets
  • Magazines
  • Microwave popcorn
  • Mole Skin
  • Nerf balls (small)
  • Notepads
  • Nuts in tins with lids, or re-sealable bags - individual sized
  • Pads of Avon Skin So Soft for bugs
  • Pain reliever (Tylenol, Advil, etc) - small bottles, sealed or sample packets
  • Phone calling cards (AT&T)
  • Pringles - small cans
  • Razors (disposable)
  • Refrigerator magnet of American flag
  • Shampoo, conditioner (travel size)
  • Slim Jims
  • Small packages of sugar and powdered creamer
  • Socks
  • Squirt guns
  • Stationery, envelopes
  • Tape
  • Tea bags
  • Tic tacs
  • Tins of Altoids
  • Toothbrush (travel size)
  • Travel games (small checkers, chess, etc)
  • Travel size Q-tips
  • Travelpak of wipes
  • Tuna in foil pouches
  • Twinkies in individual packs
  • Vitamin C drops
  • Water blaster squirt guns - small
  • Whoopie cushion
  • Wooden airplanes
  • Word search books
  • Ziploc bags, assorted sizes

June 26-28, 2009 - Chris Germann (Troop 499, Bill Hart) Eagle project

Where:
William S. Hart Baseball Field
23437 Valencia Blvd., Valencia

Project:
Repainting bleachers and installing backstops on the fields

When:
Friday, June 26th, 4 - 8 pm
Saturday, June 27th, 8 am - 1 pm
Sunday, June 28th, if needed

All volunteers please bring gloves

Food and drinks will be provided

Call or email to let me know if you are available
(661) 644-0681 cell
(661) 253-2010 house
shgermann@aol.com

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

July 11, 2009 - Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey

Troop 513 (Santa Clarita) invites you to:

Zing Zang Zoom 2009
July 11th, 2009
10:00 am
Staples Center

Group will meet at the 11th Street main entrance (by Magic Johnson statue)

You and your friends won't want to miss The Greatest Show on Earth!

Through the mystery of magic and the mastery of skill, audiences will be spellbound as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Zing Zang Zoom, a thrill-filled, mind-blowing circus spectacular where family fun is no illusion. Magical Zingmaster Alex and his assistant, Levitytia, lead audience members through an extraordinary world of fantasy that celebrates the uplifting spirit of the circus and also wards off the cynical Mr. Gravity and his team of Heavies who try to bring everyone down.

The actual show starts at 11:30 am. However, just like the arrangements that we have for the Globetrotters every year, our group is invited to a very special and exclusive session of Clown College at 10:30 am. This is an excellent opportunity to meet some of the world-class performers. It is interactive and they request some of the guests to go to the center and do fun stuff with them. There will also be picture-taking opportunities with the stars after the College session. This is not mandatory, but it will be fun for everyone to participate in.

I have brought guests with me in the past to this event and we all had a great time! Scouts and their guests will also receive a commemorative Circus Scout Patch.

Great seats are available to my group on a first-come, first-served basis! (As most of you know, I have a very strong relationship with the Staples Center :)

Right now, I have floor seats and most of the Premium Level seats reserved under my name. Regular ticket prices for these seats are $35 - $90, + $5.15 convenience charge per ticket. However, if you join my group, the cost is only $18.00 per scout/adult. (This already includes processing/handling fees charged by Staples Center for every ticket.) This does not include food or parking, please… Carpooling is the best way to go!

Families and friends of scouts are welcome to come!

If you are going as a Troop/Pack group - you need to obtain a Tour Permit and email me a copy. No exceptions, please - or I will not issue tickets.

RSVP to Jocelyn Reyes at jreyes98@aol.com

Please make checks payable to Jocelyn Reyes and mail to:
Jocelyn Reyes - Circus
23062 Conde Drive
Valencia, CA 91354

Remember - first-come, first-served basis on great seat assignments!

Tickets will be distributed on July 11th, 2009 by the Magic Johnson statue by the 11th Street entrance from 10 - 10:30 am.

I will be sending more detailed info to all participants, including consent forms, by July 7th, 2009.

Payments are non-refundable after tickets are purchased.

Don't wait until the last minute to take advantage of the great seats I have!

Cut-off date for ticket sales will be July 3rd, 2009. Payment has to be in my hand by this date.

And remember: The Circus College and the Commemorative Patch are exclusive offers to my group.

See you all there!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Layout help for recruitment mailer

We are working long and hard on preparing the recruitment mailer. We are currently in need of a person who can layout the copy for the printer. Is there anyone out there who would be willing and able to give a couple hours and do this important task? You can handle it at home or work electronically. If so please get back to me ASAP via email or phone (818) 321-2699... thanks... Paul

Monday, June 15, 2009

Wants/needs for Law Explorer Post events

Law and Government Explorer Post 1926 (coed), sponsored by the San Fernando Valley Bar Association, has a camping reservation for Camp Josepho, for August 7-9, 2009.

The Post does not have, at the moment, and wants/needs:

  1. An adult female leader to attend (youth protection rules);
  2. An archery Rangemaster.

If you can help with either or both of the above, please let me know at david@karpmediation.com

Also, the Law and Government Explorer Post has a field trip planned, to visit Pepperdine Law School, including having a tour and attending a summer Constitutional Law class, on July 6, 2009. If you have or know a teen interested in a career in law that would like to attend this event with us, please also let me know at david@karpmediation.com

I will be away to the Philmont Training Center, June 17-30, and will respond further when I return.

Thanks.

David I. Karp
Co-Advisor
Law and Government Post 1926
Sponsored by the San Fernando Valley Bar Association

New Sea Scout ship

Sea Scouts is a co-educational program offered to young adults between the ages of 14 to 21. Like you, they love boats and the water, want to learn the skills of the sailor, can work on a team but set personal goals, too - and they have fun doing it.

Whether it is on a bay, a river, a lake, or the ocean, Sea Scout groups - called "Ships" - have been established all across the country. Ships provide opportunities for adventure and offer exciting challenges that you won’t find anywhere else.

The Valley Sail and Power Squadron, a unit of the United States Power Squadrons, is working to start a Sea Scout Ship. The ship will meet at the First United Methodist Church of Reseda on Tuesday nights once it has qualified for a charter. To start the ship requires a minimum of five (5) youth to qualify for a charter.

It will cost a new Sea Scout $40.00 to join the Ship. This fee includes membership in the Ship, a USPS boating course, membership in the Power Squadron, a Sea Scout manual and a Sea Scout polo shirt (this package would cost $105.00).

If you are interested, please email cscout01@earthlink.net.

Raymond Paul
Educational Officer,
The Valley Sail and Power Squadron

Sunday, June 14, 2009

June 27, 2009 - Brush clearance at Aliso Canyon

The Boy Scouts of America, community leaders and volunteers are invited to participate in a brush clearance project in Aliso Canyon Park in Granada Hills on Saturday, June 27th from 8:00 am 11:00 am as part of the Citywide Day of Service.

Aliso Canyon Park was one of the areas that was heavily affected by the wildfires last fall.

As we head into summer, the brush that has built up in Aliso Canyon needs to be cleared out.

It's a great way to teach kids about community service, and get some fresh air and outdoor exercise while helping keep our community safe and beautiful. Scouts of all ranks can earn service hours, or they can work on a specific merit badge or Cub Scout belt loop.

Brush Clearance
Saturday, June 27
8:00 am to 11:00 am
Aliso Canyon Park
(north side of Rinaldi St. - 1 block west of Zelzah Ave.)

All ages welcome, but kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring sturdy shoes, water and sunscreen.

Need more information? Call:
Les Salay
Project Coordinator
(818) 581-8865 (Cell)

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

June 13 and 27, 2009 - Aviation merit badge

You know the look your son has when you drive by an airport and he sees those magnificent planes? Turn that curiosity and wonder into a great experience with the BSA Aviation merit badge! Who knows? Maybe this experience could be the beginning of an avid interest in engineering.

Troop 246 needs one or two more Scouts to satisfy a four Scout minimum for the Aviation merit badge. It's offered in two parts. The first part is on the ground at Van Nuys airport. We'll get a tour of the control tower and go over the fundamentals of small plane flight. That's on this coming Saturday the 13th. Then, on Saturday the 27th there will be an optional flight. This is a great opportunity! There are prerequisites.

Interested? Contact Troop 246 Scoutmaster Jeff Burman at jeffrey.burman@nbcuni.com or call at (818) 777-1209.

June 20, 2009 - Troop 92's 60th anniversary celebration

As Boy Scout Troops nationwide begin preparations to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Scouting, we here in Los Angeles have a special celebration of our own. On Saturday, June 20, 2009, Boy Scout Troop 92 of Northridge will celebrate its 60th Anniversary. Troop 92 has served the Northridge community for these 60 years producing leaders in every segment of the community. In fact, Troop 92 has produced 65 Eagle Scouts and continues to prepare our boys to be the leaders of tomorrow!

It is our hope that you will lend your support to our celebration by forwarding this invitation to your Scout email list so that we can share our excitement with our fellow Scouts from throughout the area.

As always, thank you for your continued support of Scouting!


Sincerely,

Cindy G. Martin

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

June 26, 2009 - Genealogy merit badge

Hello, my name is Michael Melendez, and I am sending this message out to try to get the word out to all Boy Scouts that on June 26th at 9:00 a.m. at the Burbank Convention Center, there will be a special free youth program at the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree. This will be a three hour program for Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and other youth.

Boy Scouts will be able to earn their Genealogy Merit Badge if they complete certain pre-requisites before coming. All information is contained in the flyer. Please post this flyer in your scout shops and trading posts, as well as forwarding this message to all your local units and scoutmasters. We will have merit badge counselors there as well as other fun during our family history program.

This program has been specifically designed by the Southern California Genealogy Society and the Youth Genealogists Association with Scouts in mind so please come. Have I forgot to mention that it is free!

I know this message may have reached some people who may not necessarily be the ones that should be contacted about this event, so please forward this to whomever can get the information out to all the leaders and their boys. Thank you.


Michael Melendez
Member of the Youth Genealogists Association

Camporee - Lost and found

Lost - One brand new blue and white soccer ball. Belongs to Conrad in Pack 550.

Found - One (1) black camp chair, imprinted with "Soccer" on it. If this is yours, please email me at Scoutabout307@msn.com to make arrangements for pick-up.

Found - One (1) Thomas the Tank Engine blue sweatshirt that was borrowed during the Cub Scout Campfire on Saturday. I have it and would like to return it. (It is toddler/infant size) Thanks! Sunday Moore sundaynmoore@aol.com

Thursday, June 4, 2009

June 13, 2009 - Emergency Preparedness Expo

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Chatsworth is holding an emergency preparedness expo on Saturday, June 13.

There will be more than 20 booths with emergency preparedness information and products from exhibitors including the Gas Company, the Red Cross, a mobile hospital, California Emergency Mobile Patrol (C.E.M.P.) and more.

Saturday, June 13
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Church of Jesus Christ of LDS
10123 Oakdale Ave.
Chatsworth, CA 91311

For more information, call (818) 885-9996.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

June 16, 2009 - Jamboree 2010 open house

This flyer invites Scouts and their parents from around the council to an upcoming National Jamboree troop open house in North Hollywood. Please print it and share it with your scouts. This is possibly a once in a lifetime experience - celebrating the 100th anniversary of Scouting with 40,000 scouts at Fort AP Hill outside of Washington, D.C. in August of 2010. Please join us Tuesday June 16th at 7 pm at the LDS Church at 11022 Riverside Drive to hear more. See the flyer for all the details! Representatives of Jamboree troops 827 and 829 with open spots will be available but spots are limited. Come learn about this wonderful Scouting opportunity!

Steven Jacobs
NSJ Troop 827

Monday, June 1, 2009

January 15-18, 2010 - Scouting Family Camp at Sea

Reservations:
Help Me Rhonda Travel
10042-A Old Depot Plaza Road
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(818) 886-9967
rmaroney@juno.com

3 Day Baja Mexico Cruise
Carnival Cruise Line - Paradise

January 15-18, 2010 (Martin Luther King Weekend)
Sponsored by Malibu Lodge, Order of the Arrow
Available to all Scouting families and friends

Valid passport required. This three day cruise to Ensenada leaves Long Beach at 5:30 pm. You will spend Saturday in Ensenada, leaving port at 5:30 pm. Saturday night dinner is formal wear. The rest of the time is cruise casual dress. Sunday will be a "fun day" at sea. We will arrive back in Long Beach Monday at 8:00 am.

This cruise features a 24 hour ice cream and pizza bar, and soda and juice packages are available. The Camp Carnival Program (Circle C for children and 02 Club for teens) will keep the kids energized and entertained. You'll see spectacular stage shows. There is a late-night lounge for music and comedy shows. Also, your onshore excursion in Ensenada can be a relaxing day at the beach, duty-free bargain shopping, a trip to a natural geyser at La Bufadora, or many other exciting choices.

For additional information and special Unaccompanied Youth Arrowman program: Contact Derek Fortin at dfortin@bsa-la.org or (D) 818 933-0129

Price based on double occupancy (3rd and 4th person rates available):
  • Inside Cabin - $310 / person
  • Outside Cabin - $350 / person

2010 National Scout Jamboree - More information

The Western Los Angeles County Council is currently finalizing our roster for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. Even if you have already been to a Jamboree, this will be a unique experience, as it celebrates 100 years of scouting. If you have never been to a Jamboree, ask someone who has, and the words you most likely hear over and over are "experience of a lifetime!"

So what happens at a Jamboree?



The Western Los Angeles County Council is sending 5 troops, which are being formed specifically for the Jamboree. Every participant is a member of one of these troops. Of these 5 troops, 3 are now full, and we have some openings in 2 troops, Troop 827 and Troop 829. Each of our troops will also be doing a "tour" in addition to the Jamboree. The tours are all different, which is the reason that the prices vary between troops. If you have questions, you can contact:


If you are interested, now is the time to act! These troops have been forming for several months now, and we need to finalize our rosters very soon. If you delay, you may get left out.

Yours in Scouting,
John Noonan, NSJ Troop 829

2010 National Scout Jamboree

Today's Boy Scouts are in the unique opportunity to experience a once in a lifetime event - the 100th Anniversary Centennial National Jamboree. Held at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, the 76,000 acre facility has hosted the Jamboree since 1981. The Jamboree program reflects the skills of Scouting - physical fitness, environmental conservation, our national heritage, and the true spirit of Scouting. There you can discover rappelling, scuba, kayaking, rafting, and sailing. Experience trap shooting, archery, bike-a-thons, buckskin games, confidence courses, conservation trail, and more! There is not enough time in the day for all the exciting activities that are there waiting for you to try. Daily activities include an incredible merit badge midway, arts and sciences, a re-creation of Baden-Powell's original Scout camp on Brownsea Island, an American Indian village, regional entertainment stages, and many other activities. The arena shows are a highlight for all participants. The jamboree is Scouting at its very best!

Troop 829 is a new troop of scouts assembled just for this tour from troops across the Los Angeles area. The Scoutmaster of this troop, Geoff Gunn, is greatly respected and awarded as an exemplary leader, and is joined by two amazing Assistant Scoutmasters, Mr. Noonan and Mr. Wells. As the leader of this Troop, Mr. Gunn is inviting Scouts who will be first class and above, and 12 years of age by the date of departure to join him in the fun and adventure of the National Jamboree, as well as a tour of this country's capitol. There you will see all of our country's national monuments as well as get a taste of college life. The troop will be staying at George Washington University dorms for four nights! There are only a few spots left, so sign up soon!

While times are economically tough, this tour is one of the least expensive of all of the tours going to the National Jamboree, with some costing more than $5,000. Plus, the Troop is doing fundraising to offset some of the costs.

Troop 829: The "National Capitol Tour"

  • Departs Los Angeles: July 22, 2010 (morning)
  • Flies to: Washington D.C.
  • 14-Day Tour
  • Visits: Our nation's capitol
  • Returns to Los Angeles: Wednesday, August 4, 2010
  • Cost: $3,750.00


Contact Mr. Gunn, the Scoutmaster, if you have any questions about the details of the tour at gunnboat4@aol.com or at (818) 746-6944. Don't miss this exciting trip! It's one that will highlight your Scouting experience and one that you will never forget!