Friday, October 28, 2011

Religious Emblem Award Bulletin

The Balboa Oaks District is very proud of all adult leaders and youth who have participated in the Religious Emblem Award program for 2011. We are asking  you to share your stories and photographs by sending them to melaniehammock@aol.com

2011 Scholarships Awarded

The National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS) is pleased to announce the winners of the Emmett J. Doerr Memorial Distinguished Scout Scholarships for 2011. These scholarships were established eight years ago by the family of the late Emmett J. Doerr, a dedicated Catholic Scouter who was an active member of the NCCS. Each of the five $2000 scholarships recognizes outstanding Eagle Scouts who are registered in a program of the Boy Scouts of America. This year's winners were chosen from over 150 applicants from across the country based on a number of criteria including service to their home parish, leadership in their Scout units and other school or community organizations, letters of recommendation and their scholastic record. The recipients are:

  • Cameron Hamilton of Sugar Land, TX, Diocese of Galveston/Houston
  • Jared Linney of Fresno, CA, Diocese of Fresno
  • Antonio (Tony) G. Messina-Doerning of Pasadena, CA, Archdiocese of Los Angeles
  • Benjamin J. Moeller of Cincinnati, OH, Archdiocese of Cincinnati
  • Thomas "Tucker" White of New Rochelle, NY, Archdiocese of New York

http://www.nccs-bsa.org/national/EJDoerrScholarship.php

Scholarships Chairman Jay Schnapp announces the following recipients of 2011 National Jewish Committee on Scouting (NJCoS) Eagle Scout Scholarships:

  • Chester M. Vernon Memorial Eagle Scout Scholarship ($1,000/year for 4 years) - Andrew L. Klock of Nanuet, NY
  • Rick Arkans Eagle Scout Scholarship ($1,000) - Brian M. Ginell of Thousand Oaks, CA
  • Frank L. Weil Memorial Eagle Scout Scholarship - First Place ($1,000) - Max L. Olender of West Bloomfield, MI
  • Frank L. Weil Memorial Eagle Scout Scholarship - Second Place ($500) - Ryan M. Alexander of Bellaire, TX and Adam J. Goldman of Dallas, TX

http://www.jewishscouting.org/

Our Lady of the Angels

One hundred sixty five Scouts were honored at the 85th Annual Archdiocese of Los Angeles Presentation Mass held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. The Catholic Committee on Scouting presented 144 Ad Altare Dei and 21 Pope Pius XII Religious Emblems. Additionally, six Scouts received the coveted local Chi Rho Award by earning all four of the Religious Emblems.

Program Anchors Instruction at Philmont Conference

The annual LDS leadership conference at eastern New Mexico's Philmont Scout Ranch is, at once, an intensive training seminar and a spiritual gathering of like-minded youth leaders and their families. Many come to the Scout training perhaps second-guessing their decision to burn a week of vacation time to sleep in tents and spend hours each day sitting in classroom instruction. Many more leave the storied ranch with spirits soaring after having known "a Zion's experience."

http://ldsbsa.org/

Religious Emblems

"A Scout is reverent." All Scouts show this by being faithful in their duty to God. Some go further and give special service. This can qualify them for a religious emblem. Such an emblem is not a Scouting award. It is conferred on a Scout by his religious leader. Each faith has its own requirements for earning its emblem.

Listed below are the emblems and where to find out about them. Before writing or visiting your local council service center, check with your religious leader.

http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Template:Religious_Emblems/req

Friday, October 21, 2011

December 2-4, 2011 - Troop 911 Webelos Weekend

Troop 911's Webelos Weekend is an adventure designed to introduce Webelos Scouts and their parents to the thrilling Scouting adventures ahead, and to help them make the transition into Boy Scouting exciting. The weekend is filled with fun activities, intriguing demonstrations, and plenty of outdoor excitement.

Our theme this year is Cooking!

Troop 911 is inviting all 1st and 2nd Year Webelos to attend. Troop 911 is a boy-led troop. Unlike Cub Scouts, the boys make the decisions and provide the leadership. Adults are there to give advice and to assure safety. The Webelos Scouts will be assigned to Patrols for the weekend, so that they can experience a model Boy Scout Troop campout led by experienced Boy Scouts. Parents will be given an orientation on Boy Scouting, and will have a relaxing weekend campout plus a chance to meet many of Troop 911's adult leaders (while their Webelos participate in troop activities).

When: November 11th, 12th, 13th December 2nd, 3rd, 4th

Where:
Castaic Lake Recreation area
32132 Castaic Lake Drive
Castaic, CA 91384

We will meet to depart for this trip on Friday Evening at 6 pm at Northridge United Methodist Church, 9650 Reseda Blvd, Northridge, CA 91324. The cross streets are Reseda and Superior.

There will be an orientation Troop meeting on Tuesday November 8th at the same address. Come visit us even if you can't make it to this trip!

Thank you.

Questions: Contact our Scoutmaster, Jon Orlick (818) 987-9840 Email: Jorlick@alwaysvending.com


Thursday, October 20, 2011

WLACC October 2011 camping newsletter

Spring camping and summer 2012

Many units ask if there is a way to get work done on merit badges before summer camp. Camp Emerald Bay, Camp Whitsett, and Camp Josepho are all available during the spring and fall for use by troops. We have many troops that design weekend camps where Scouts can earn merit badges and prepare for summer camp. To learn more, please visit:

NRA partnership

Camp Emerald Bay, Camp Whitsett, and Camp Josepho have partnered with the NRA to help increase the quality and volume of field sports instruction delivered at the camps. The NRA gave each camp a grant allowing the purchase of new rifles, shotguns, bows, and equipment. This equipment helped Scouts earn over 400 Shotgun merit badges, 520 Rifle merit badges, and 350 Archery merit badges this summer.

Whitsett whitewater rafting

Fodor's travel guide calls the Kern River's rapids the most exciting in the state, and Scouts at Camp Whitsett have the chance to brave those rapids next summer! Partnering with Sierra South, Camp Whitsett is offering Scouts the opportunity to try their hand at Class 2 and 3 rapids on the Kern River.  Experienced guides will lead Scouts on this exciting and memorable adventure. To see a video of the rafting experience at Whitsett, visit www.campwhitsett.org

Scuba merit badge at Emerald Bay

Since the Scuba merit badge was introduced in 2010, the program has become one of Emerald Bay's most popular. Scouts aged twelve and up can earn their open water certification as well as a merit badge. Scouts spend the week exploring one of the world's top diving spots around the coasts of beautiful Catalina Island while earning a merit badge for their efforts. For more information or to sign up for the Scuba merit badge, visit www.campemeraldbay.org

Apply now for camp staff

For many Scouts, working on camp staff is a great way to give back.  Camp Emerald Bay and Camp Whitsett welcome applications from all Scouts aged 14 and up. Scouts can apply to Whitsett staff until February 1st, but the Emerald Bay staff application period closes on November 1st, 2011! Don't miss out.

Be sure to visit www.campemeraldbay.org/emerald-bay/jobs or www.campwhitsett.org/about/employment-opportunities for more information on how to apply.

Questions or comments? E-mail us at camping@bsa-la.org or call (818) 933-0130

Friday, October 14, 2011

November 5, 2011 - Evan Engelking's Eagle project

WHO: Evan Engelking

WHEN: Saturday, Nov 5, 2011 8:00am - 2:00pm

WHERE: Cerebral Palsy Center, 11051 Old Santa Susanna Road, Chatsworth, CA 91311
From the 118 freeway, exit at Topanga Canyon and head south. The Center will be on the west side of Topanga Canyon Blvd.

Please join Evan and Troop 92 for this very worthy cause. Evan will be building 100 feet of fencing adjacent to the residence quarters at the Center.

A light breakfast, snacks, and lunch will be provided.

Please bring gloves, goggles, and shovels if you have them. Wear your work clothes and boots, and don't forget your sunscreen!

Evan is also looking for sponsors to off-set the cost of this project. A monetary donation in any amount would be greatly appreciated. Please make your checks out to BSA Troop 92.

Monday, October 10, 2011

October 19, 2011 - Internet rechartering training

It is almost that time to get your unit rechartered for the 2012 season. Join us for a formal training on how this process works and to pick up your unit's recharter packet!

Time: 7 pm
Date: October 19th

Anna Ruggieri Service Center
16525 Sherman Way, Unit C-8
Van Nuys, CA 91406

We will go over changes from last year's system, what is required for the recharter, when the online system will open, and other very important practices on how to make this process run smoothly.

Please contact Stephen Snowden at ssnowden@bsa-la.org or (818) 933-0129 to confirm whether your unit will be sending an adult representative to the training.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

November 5, 2011 - Troop 431 silent auction fundraiser

Date: Saturday, November 5th - Saturday
Time: 4-6 PM
Place: St. Bridget of Sweden School
7120 Whitaker Ave, Lake Balboa, CA 91406

Great silent auction items!

  • UltraZone birthday party
  • Museum tickets
  • Restaurants
  • Comedy clubs
  • Dodger tickets
  • Baskets
  • And more...

Refreshments will also be provided.

Hope to see you all there!

Thanks,
Troop 431 Fundraising Committee

Questions? Call Angela Estany (818) 681-7232