Sunday, January 29, 2012

March 3-4, 2012 - Scout leader fishing trip

Hey anglers, time to hit the water again for our annual fishing charter trip. This trip, we leave the little Scouts home and us big Scouts go out and play. Once again, we will be going on the Pacific Islander sportfishing boat. It's a big vessel that can sleep and fish up to 30 people very comfortably. But Glenn and I only take 22 on this trip, so there is lots of room. Spaces are limited, so get your money in soon to reserve your spot. For those of you new to fishing, this is the perfect trip to go on, because we have a group of great guys who are happy to share their knowledge with you. It's just like teaching the Scouts. That's what we do, isn't it?

We are in luck this year because the fishing restrictions have been changed in our favor. Rock Cod season opens March 1st, but in the past we have been doing this trip the beginning of April because that is when Ling Cod season opens. We got tired of throwing back all those huge Lings. This year, Ling Cod Season opens on March 1st also, so we can be first out of the blocks to get the season opener big Lings and Rock Cod.

We will be fishing Sunday March 4th, 2012. Boat leaves Saturday evening March 3rd at 10PM from Channel Islands Sportfishing. Cost for the trip is only $135 per person. This is normally a $145 trip. Rods and reels are available at the landing for those needing rentals. Hooks, weights and fishing licenses are available there too. Good idea though to get your license before you go, in case they are out of stock. The boat has a full galley for breakfast, lunch and snacks and adult beverages.

Please forward this on to all you know that may be interested. For more information or how to pay, please send me an email. First paid, first fishing. See you on the water. Paul

Friday, January 27, 2012

January 2012 camping newsletter

Whitsett First Year Pathfinders

The Pathfinder program is one of the highlights of the Camp Whitsett program. Designed for those new to Scouting, a veteran Whitsett staff member becomes patrol leader for the week and leads the Scouts through many of the Tenderfoot, Second, and First Class requirements. Scouts bond as a patrol and learn skills that will last a lifetime. To learn more, visit www.campwhitsett.org.

Staff available for troop visits

Emerald Bay and Whitsett are both filling fast, with several weeks already near capacity! If you have Scouts still on the fence about attending camp this summer, we are happy to have a representative from Emerald Bay or Whitsett come and speak at a troop meeting. To learn more or register for camp, please visit us at www.campwhitsett.org or www.campemeraldbay.org.

Emerald Bay adds "Rugged R"

With the introduction of the Scuba Merit badge, we have seen interest in our basic Scuba certification program Rugged S and our advanced certification program Rugged O soar. A number of troops expressed interest in another program for Scouts and Scouters who completed Rugged O. Emerald Bay is proud to introduce Rugged R, a Rescue Diver course offered at Emerald Bay this summer. Details and dates will be released at www.campemeraldbay.org.

Leader's meetings and registration

Summer grows closer by the day; we are weeks away from the first leader's meetings. Emerald Bay will be holding leader's meetings on March 3rd and 24th, and Whitsett will be holding theirs on April 14th. These meetings offer an opportunity for Scoutmasters to come together and learn all about visiting Emerald Bay and Whitsett and what they need to do to make sure that their unit is prepared for camp. If your unit has not yet registered for this summer, there is still time to sign your troop up before the leader's meeting. Even if your troop is going somewhere else this year, use this month to make sure that all Scouts have registered to go to camp somewhere. Remember, Emerald Bay and Whitsett also accept provisional Scouts and patrols!

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

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

February 5, 2012 - Troop 431 Lulu's fundraiser

Please come to support Troop 431 and enjoy some great food at the same time.

Lulu's Restaurant Fundraiser

Place: Lulu's, 16900 Roscoe Blvd., Van Nuys (in front of Home Depot)

Date: Sunday Feb 5th

Time: All day, anytime

Must bring in flyer and give to cashier.

Lulu's will donate a portion of the bill to our troop.

In memory: Cathy Coyle-Thompson, 1959 - 2012

I regret to inform you that Cathy Thompson, Advisor to Crew 550 and former Assistant Scoutmaster to Troop 550, passed away this morning due to complications following surgery. Services to be announced.

YIS, Steve Engstrom

Friday, January 20, 2012

March 3, 2012 - USA Archery Level 1 Instructor certification class

USA Archery
Level 1 Instructor Certification Class
March 3, 2012

This is the class you want to complete to qualify as a USA Archery instructor for your youth camp programs.

This is a full USAA Level 1 Archery Instructor certification.
(This is not just BSA's archery instructor training.)

The class is limited to 8 participants, so sign up early.

Priority registration will be given in this order:
  1. Cub/Parent Weekend staff
  2. Other Cub and Boy Scout camp staff
  3. Merit badge counselors

Date: Saturday, March 3, 2012
Time: 8 am - 5 pm
Location: Valley Trails Ranch, 30910 Sloan Canyon Road, Castaic, CA 91384
Lunch: Lunch will not be provided. Bring your lunch with you! There are no restaurants nearby. Water will be available.
Cost: $80 $30 (this is a one-time reduced price that will never be offered again)

What to bring:
  • Leave your archery equipment home. All equipment will be provided.
  • Sun block, lip balm (chapstick), wide brim hat, camp chair, water

What you get:
  • Instruction on how to set up and run a safe and fun archery program
  • Hands-on instruction and workshops
  • Instruction given in a non-threatening environment
  • Level 1 Archery Certification handbook
  • Level 1 Archery Instructor certificate - given at the end of the day

Payment must be received before your seat is saved.
Reservations and payment must be received by February 18, 2012.
(There is no registration form. Please include name, address, phone # and e-mail address.)

Send a check payable to "Greg Bassé" to 27765 Kristin Lane, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

Questions? E-mail me at greg@bassehome.com

Greg Bassé
Vice Chairman, Bill Hart District
(661) 510-3380
(661) 775-3939 fax

Thursday, January 19, 2012

In memory: Mike Walker, 1947 - 2012

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I tell you Mike Walker passed away this afternoon. Mike was extremely dedicated to both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

We are sad for our loss and so grateful he is no longer suffering. Let us draw on His strength and gentle soul to offer us support while we are grieving.

This wonderful friend, father and husband will be missed. He will always be in our hearts.

A special remembrance service will be planned and we will notify you as soon as possible.

On behalf of the Walker Family,
Michele Smith



We will be celebrating the life of a wonderful man and a great friend who gave all he had to our youth in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. The memorial service for Mike Walker will be on Saturday, February 4th at 11 am at Northridge United Methodist Church at 9640 Reseda Blvd., Northridge 91324.

Immediately following will be a celebration as we remember all the wonderful years Mike has given to all of us and our children. Here, the family welcomes you to share your favorite memories and how he has effected you and your Scouting experience. Show your support by wearing your Scout uniform.

A memorial fund in Mike's name has been established to provide money for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts from groups sponsored by the Northridge UMC to assist with registration fees and attend camps. To contribute to this fund, send checks to the Northridge United Methodist Church, 9650 Reseda Blvd., Northridge, CA 91324 (write in the Memo: Walker Memorial.)

For any further information, contact Michele Smith:
(818) 830-6958 - Home
(818) 319-7510 - Cell
michele.smith@munchkin.com
kmjjsmith@hotmail.com

Monday, January 9, 2012

June 1-3, 2012 - The Big Ride

Antelope Valley District - Boy Scouts of America present

The Big Ride 2012
3rd great year
More fun than ever!

The biggest Scout cycling event in the west!
Staged again this year from the beautiful Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area!
All units are invited from all councils - Scouts, Webelos, Crew!

High Adventure Boy Scout cycling
Wilderness campout and three fantastic rides: 25, 50, or 100 miles

Or ride 25 or 50 miles towards your Cycling merit badge!

Don't forget your Webelos!
25 km Webelos Cycling Award Ride

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
June 1, 2, and 3

Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area
15501 East Arrow Highway - Irwindale (Next to 210 & 605 Fwys.)

Camping right next to the San Gabriel River bike path!

$20 gets you:

  • Overnight camping
  • Refreshment stops during the ride
  • Saturday night campfire
  • The best event patch in the world
  • Maps and more!

For registration info - Contact:
Vance Pomeroy
ASM, Crew Advisor
WLACC High Adventure Approval Counselor
(661) 361-5619
vance@juniperpacific.com

Hurry! Space is limited - first paid, first reserved

March 10, 2012 - Aviation Merit Badge Day

Troop 67 Santa Monica is excited to once again host our Aviation Merit Badge Day, along with a number of other sponsors for the gathering on Saturday, March 10th to promote aviation.

It appears we will only be allowed 100 Scouts and will have to turn away any Scouts beyond out limit.  We will start registration on Feb 1st.


YIS,
Michael Kent
Troop 67 Santa Monica
(310) 293-7041

Religious Emblems Coordinator position patches

Persons serving as Council or District Religious Emblems Coordinators now have position patches available to them. Councils may secure these patches through BSA Supply.




Council REC Position Patch
BSA Supply #614660

District REC Position Patch
BSA Supply #614645

For a complete explanation of Religious Emblems Coordinators and to view a narrated PowerPoint presentation, go to http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Awards/ReligiousAwards/Coordinator.aspx

To get job descriptions, REC recruiting suggestions, handouts, bulletins, newsletters, and more, visit http://www.praypub.org/rec/

Friday, January 6, 2012

January 21-22, 2012 - Troop 10 Webelos Overnighter

Troop 10 Reseda
Webelos Overnighter at Camp Josepho

Webelos II come and join us for a day of fun!

Saturday Jan 21, 9:00 am to Sunday Jan 22, 10:00 am

Archery, hiking, camping, Scoutcraft, Arrow of Light requirements

Cub Scouts and Cub parents come and visit us at our Monday January 16th Troop meeting 7:00 pm

First United Methodist Church of Reseda
18120 Saticoy Street
Reseda, CA 91335
Southwest corner of Lindley and Saticoy. Entrance on Lindley.

For more information contact
Bruce McDonald
bruce.mcdonald@csun.edu
(818) 808-5351

This event is $15 per person

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

April 28, 2012 - Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center open house

Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center
2012 Open House
Discovering Nature
Saturday, April 28, 10 am to 2 pm

Wildlife, wildlife exhibits, gem and mineral displays, nature walks and more.

Free admission and free parking

Two nature walks repeated at 10:30 am and 1:00 pm

  1. Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail
    Wear hiking shoes. Steep areas in the chaparral.
  2. Wheeler Gorge Campground Plant Walk
    Wear comfortable shoes. An easy stroll.

Bring a lunch and enjoy the day!

Have your child work on earning a Los Padres National Forest Junior Ranger badge. Attend three programs sponsored by our center. Our open house counts as one program.

Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center
17017 Maricopa Highway (33)
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 640-9060