Sunday, July 29, 2012

Outing report: Pineknot camping / ziplining

Unit: Troop 415
Leader: Paul Brown

Date of outing: July 21, 2012
Name of camp / trail / waterway: Pineknot (near Snow Summit)

How did your unit's trip go?

Scouts and adults had a great time ziplining. The three-hour tour includes an off-road ride two miles into the forest in safari jeeps, with nine high-speed zipline runs that run down Big Bear Mountain with a beautiful suspension bridge with stunning views of Johnson Valley.


Only down side is that you cannot video or take pictures. You need to purchase their pictures for $45.00 a set.

Attended: 8 youth, 4 adults
Campsites used: 2
Max camping: 6
Max parking: 2

Type of outing: Other (Camping and Zip Lining)

Conditions

Weather: Warm during the day and cool at night

Facilities

Number of sites available: 47
Water: Piped
Toilet facilities: Flush
Tables: yes
Fire rings: yes
Type of fires allowed: campfire and stove
Permits/fees: $53 per site and "Action Zip Lines" costing $99 per person, or if 10 or more, $89.10

Recommend return visit?:  yes
Recommendations: Action Zip Lines is a professional company with safety a top priority. This is a great spring and summertime outing.
Scouts had fun?: yes
Scout's Own highlight: The Scouts had a great time ziplining

Outing report: Pyramid Lake

Unit: Troop 415
Leader: Paul Brown

Date of outing: June 22, 2012
Name of camp / trail / waterway: Pyramid Lake - Los Almos Campground

How did your unit's trip go?

The was a great outing for tubing, water skiing, amd wakeboarding.

We stayed at Yellowbar during the day on the lake. Boat Dock, Tables, bathrooms, lots of shade. Need to get there early (first open), Site fills early.

Attended: 10 youth, 5 adults
Campsites used: 2
Max camping: 6
Max parking: 2

Type of outing: Camp

Conditions

Weather: Warm during the day, cool at night
Site: 9 and 10
Waterway: Lake Pyramid

Facilities

Water: Piped
Toilet facilities: Flush
Tables: yes
Fire rings: yes
Type of fires allowed: all
Permits/fees: $20 per site/night - Free entry without boat to lake

Recommend return visit?: yes
Recommendations: Bring shade if staying in camp during day
Scouts had fun?: yes
Scout's Own highlight: The scouts enjoyed the lake activities

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

P.R.A.Y. update

Webinars

We are pleased to announce P.R.A.Y.'s first webinar series. Chip Turner will be presenting webinars on the new Religious Emblems Coordinator (R.E.C.) position. Please visit our Learning Center or view our schedule and description of upcoming webinars. Now is the time to learn about the R.E.C. and the resources that will enable you to make an impact in your Scouting community. Let's use the religious emblems programs to help Scouts learn what it means to be reverent.

Mid-year P.R.A.Y. Program Usage Totals

We have posted the P.R.A.Y. usage totals for the first six months of 2012. Please remember that these totals are for the Protestant Christian Program only. See how your council is doing! We have provided an alphabetical list of all councils as well as a list of the biggest users and the councils with the biggest increases.

Council spotlight

Capitol Area Council showed an increase of over 100 recipients (an 83% increase!) going from 127 to 232 recipients the first six months of 2012. Congratulations!

View a list of councils that had over 50 recipients and 10% growth the first six months of 2012.

Spotlight on P.R.A.Y. Recipient

The P.R.A.Y. website features a "Spotlight" section highlighting the accomplishments of P.R.A.Y. award recipients. Check the Spotlight section of our web site to meet Thomas (who was named "Scout of the Month" for earning the God and Me award) and other young people who are growing strong in faith through the religious emblems programs!

Announcements

July 31st will be the last day to order the Duty to God "Eagle" puzzle patch. It will available again in 3 years.

August 1st the Duty to God "Mountain" patch will come back into rotation. Plan to make a presentation on religious emblems and promote Duty to God in order to help Scouts earn their "Mountain" patch. Sample presentation materials are available.

Monday, July 16, 2012

In memory: John Bell

Pack 564 and Troop 431 sadly announce the passing of John Bell. John was currently serving as a Webelos II Den Leader and as an Assistant Scoutmaster. The family has three boys in Scouting (Johnny and Justin of Troop 431, and Jacob of Pack 564). John has been with Pack 564 for about 8 years, serving in all Den Leader capacities, and has also been an integral part of Troop 431. He was a dedicated husband, father, and Scouter. His presence and contribution to Scouting will truly be missed.

At this time, the service for John Bell is scheduled for:

Saturday, July 28th at 2 pm
Utter-Mckinley San Fernando Mission Mortuary
11071 Columbus Avenue
Mission Hills, CA 91345

Further details will be forthcoming.

Thank you,
Joe Maggio

Friday, July 13, 2012

July 28-29, 2012 - Jacob Kramer's Eagle project

My name is Jacob Kramer and my Eagle project will be taking place on July 28th and 29th from 8 am - 5 pm.

The project will be at:
Dearborn Elementary School
9240 Wish Ave.
Northridge, CA 91325

We will be removing grass and putting in paths, benches, and planting flowers.

Bring work gloves, shovels, pick axes, hoes, and wheelbarrows if you have them. Remember a hat and sunscreen!

Breakfast and lunch will be served!

RSVP: firetrucklover@earthlink.net or (818) 438-8161

Thursday, July 12, 2012

September 9-11, 2012 - Fishing trip

To all Scouts and Parents, we have a very adventurous opportunity for your older Scout to earn the Fishing merit badge.  I regularly put together yearly 3, 4 and 5 day ocean fishing charters going out of San Diego.  This year I am putting together a shorter 2 day trip.  It will be on "Old Glory", formerly the Cherokee Geisha.  The boat is an 85' sportfisher owned and run by Joe Phillips, the captain I regularly fish with.

This trip is an opportunity for you to fish for exotic big game fish some anglers may never catch in their lives - Dorado, Yellow Fin Tuna, Blue Fin Tuna, Albacore Tuna and Yellowtail.  Last year at the same time we are going they were catching 4 of these 5 big game fish in our area.  This trip is for teenagers on up, first priority will be given to Scouts.  If you have a younger Scout who has experience we can talk.  The Scout must be accompanied by an adult/guardian.  Dads - if you've always wanted to stretch out and get in 2 full days of fishing for big game fish, but have been hesitant, this is your perfect opportunity.  This trip is geared to the Scouts and those who are not seasoned big game fishermen.  Captain Joe has an outstanding crew to guide the experienced angler and the newbies.  If spots are still open after the beginning of August the trip will open up to parents without Scouts.

There are not many guarantees in life, but I guarantee your Scout will catch fish (ranging from 5 to 45 pounds) and earn his Fishing merit badge on the boat if he has completed the pre-requisites.

We will be leaving on Sunday September 9th and return Tuesday evening the 11th.  Old Glory is a very large ship but we will only be taking 22 anglers.  This is considered an "Ultra Limited Load" and there will be a ton of room for everyone to fish.  Captain Joe is a friend of the Scouts and is giving us this trip for about $175 less per person than the going rate.  The cost will be $440 per person.  Details are in the flyer.  There are currently 6 spots still available, don't hesitate if you are interested.   Please forward on to others who have Scouts or teenagers that may be interested.  Contact me via e-mail and I can answer all your questions.

-Paul


Monday, July 9, 2012

August 12, 2012 - Scout Night with Chivas USA and Los Angeles Galaxy

Hi everyone:

Please help us promote this Scoutreach fundraiser event!

Scout Night with Chivas USA and Los Angeles Galaxy

When: Sunday, August 12, 2012

Where:
The Home Depot Center
18400 Avalon Blvd.
Carson, CA 90746

Time: Doors open at 6 pm, game starts at 8 pm

Ticket price: $24 each for the end zone section! Strictly reserved for all Scouts and their families! (10 tickets or more, group discount: $22 each)

For tickets and more information please contact me at (818) 933-0128 or e-mail lhernandez@bsa-la.org

Liz Hernandez
Hispanic Initiatives Executive
Western Los Angeles County Council
Boy Scouts of America
Soccer and Scouting
16525 Sherman Way C-8
Van Nuys, CA 91406
(818) 933-0128