Tuesday, August 28, 2012

July 15-24, 2013 - National Scout Jamboree

Dear Parents and Scouters:

Why Jamboree?

Your son(s) in the short space of 10 years or so will be entering the work place and into the fabric of our society to be the next leaders in our community, nation and world. Each boy who sticks with the Scouting program will grow stronger in so many wonderful ways, including but not limited to their leadership skills, interpersonal relationship skills, confidence and problem solving skills.

The more a Scout participates in the Scouting program, the greater the growth.

The National Scout Jamboree is unequivocally one of the most developmental and impactful events in all of Scouting. Many refer to it as a mountain top experience. A Scout who attends a national Jamboree returns changed for the better! And next summer marks the inaugural use of Scouting's newest High Adventure Base, the Summit Bechtel Reserve, for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. It is going to be spectacular! History in the making!

The value of the Jamboree experience is priceless. It is as lasting as any of the best experiences you have had in your lifetime! This is something Scouts will never forget!

One of my biggest regrets in life is, when I was a Boy Scout, I was not able to attend a National Jamboree. I remember the stories my fellow Scouts brought back from the Jamboree, wishing so badly that I could have gone. I will never have those first hand Jamboree memories, the friendships and the learning experience, and there is no amount of money that can give me what I missed.

I wonder if you could purchase something, like a magic potion to make your son smarter, friendlier, kinder, more helpful, independent, and a quicker thinker on his feet, what would you pay? For sure, the cost to send a Scout to the Jamboree is not inexpensive, however, I simply feel the Jamboree is one of the best investments someone can make, period!

Jamborees are held only once every four years, and a Scout must not have reached his 18th birthday to attend as a Scout.  This means that usually a Scout only has the opportunity to attend one Jamboree before he turns 18. So this is really something you should not put off. If you haven't already helped your son(s) sign up for the 2013 Jamboree, then I strongly and most respectfully recommend you think about this and make it a priority and sign your Scouts up.

If you are a unit leader, please spread the word to the Scouts and parents in your units!


Please complete the application and forward it to Brenda Bradford at the Council Service Center.

If you have any questions, please contact Brenda Bradford at (818) 933-0121 or at bbradford@lfl-la.org or Jon Orlick at jorlick@alwaysvending.com

Thank you very much!

It's going to be big!

Jon Orlick
Vice President Program - WLACC
2013 National Jamboree Scoutmaster - Summit Bechtel Reserve

Thursday, August 23, 2012

November to December 2012 - Wood Badge training

Are you a Venture leader, Cub leader, Boy Scout leader, or a Scout leader looking for more adventure, training, and wanting to make a difference with your unit?

Help to make a impact with your unit.

I am looking for a few good leaders to make this year's Wood Badge course a reality.

The facts are that Wood Badge will have a positive impact on how you view Scouting and work with your units.

Wood Badge helps you to make life-long connections with other leaders.

Wood Badge teaches the aims and methods of Scouting.

Wood Badge also gives you the tools to connect, communicate and lead in all areas of life, not just Scouting.

Return the application today. Do not wait, the application deadline is October 9, 2012.

Course dates:
  • Saturday to Monday November 10-12, 2012
  • Friday to Sunday November 30 - December 2, 2012


October 2012 to March 2013 - Catholic religious emblem workshops

Calling all Catholic Boy Scouts!

Ad Altare Dei religious emblem workshops will begin in October. The purpose of the Ad Altare Dei (to the altar of God) program is to help Catholic Boy Scouts of the Roman Rite develop a fully Christian way of life in the faith community. The program is organized in chapters based on the seven Sacraments. The seven Sacraments are a primary means toward spiritual growth. This six month program will require a 6 month commitment. Scouts will participate in workshops every other week, read and do activities in the workbook, volunteer in the community, and also visit St. John's Seminary in Camarillo.

Also, the annual Catholic Scout retreat will take place October 5-7 at Veteran's Memorial Park in Sylmar.

If you are interested in the emblem or the retreat weekend, please contact Paulette Oculam at pvoculam@yahoo.com

Thank you!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

P.R.A.Y. update

P.R.A.Y. Awards for Display


P.R.A.Y. is once again offering a framed set of P.R.A.Y. awards for display - order your set today! The P.R.A.Y. awards will be showcased in an attractive display case frame. Awards will be placed on color felt with acid-free polyester cotton batting to cushion awards and hold them in place. Frame includes a hinged door for easy access for rearranging or straightening the awards.

The set of P.R.A.Y. awards includes all four levels (God and Me, God and Family, God and Church, and God and Life) and consists of the following items: medal, lapel pin, and patch for youth recipients; counselor and mentor pins for adults. You have the option of purchasing any or all of the 11 denomination specific 3/4" pins that are placed into the ribbon of the God and Church medal.

The cost of the framed display is $125 including FedEx Ground shipping/handling. Orders will be processed in the order they are received, so place your order today! This offer will be available as supplies last.

Print an order form or order online! Please note: To order denomination specific pins online, you will need to submit the order for the frame only and then send a note from your confirmation page to include the denomination pins that you would like. They are $4.00 each and will be added to your frame order.

Denominations include: A.M.E., Anglican Church in North America, Baptist, Disciples of Christ, Episcopal, Lutheran, Nazarene, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Presbyterian Church in America, Pentecostal and United Methodist.

Webinars

P.R.A.Y. is pleased to announce several webinars planned in response to a growing demand for information on religious emblems programs and partnering with the faith community.

The Webinars are free and open to the first 100 participants. You may sign up for as many webinars as you want. The topics are described in our Learning Center. Please review the descriptions carefully to make sure you sign up for the appropriate session(s).

Topics include:

  • Religious Emblems Coordinator (R.E.C.); Overviews and Best Practices
  • My Promise, My Faith and Faith-based awards for Girl Scouts; Overviews and Best Practices
  • The P.R.A.Y. Program for Protestant and Independent Christian Churches
  • Faith-Based Initiatives (F.B.I.)

Registration is open for some webinars now and some will be available soon. You can also view past webinars on a couple of the topics.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

September 16, 2012 - Ride to the Flags

Honoring the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Pepperdine University plans to once again erect the "Wave of Flags", which is a dramatic display of American flags on its expansive lawn beneath the Theme Tower - one flag for each of the nearly 3,000 lives lost on that tragic day.

The Ride to the Flags is a White Heart Foundation event that started back in 2008, when Wave of Flags was first erected. The purpose of the event is to raise money for the heroes of Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

The Ride to the Flags is a celebration of freedom, and first and foremost is established to honor our heroes in the US Armed Forces, Fire Fighters and Law Enforcement Officers.

The Ride to the Flags begins with a Celebration of Freedom at Naval Base Ventura County at Pt. Mugu. After the celebration, motorcycles from all over the country will leave the base in formation for a 42 mile memorial ride through the Santa Monica Mountains to the Wave of Flags at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.

When: Sunday, September, 16th, 2012
Where: Pepperdine University, Malibu Campus (Great Lawn)
Who: Boy Scouts and Adult Leaders
What: The Boy Scouts have been invited to stand up a Flag Line for the Riders as they ride in to the Wave of Flags and to assist with the parking of over 1200 motorcycles.
Why: To provide an awesome level of community service.
Cost: Nothing. But you must provide your own transportation.

All Scouts and adult leaders must be in full BSA Field Uniform.

Those interested, please sign up with Rick West, Troop 412, Pacifica District, Orange County Council, (714) 721-1336, fishinmaster@yahoo.com

Questions may also be directed to Pat Kremer (818) 970-2670

Monday, August 13, 2012

October 20-21, 2012 - Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) and Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI)

Jamboree on the Air (JOTA)
Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI)

October 20-21
Wow! All of that and patches too!

Where is is located? It is here!
What does it cost? Nothing! (okay, you can buy the patches)

These Jamborees are annual worldwide Scouting events. It is estimated that more that 700,000 Scouts will participate with about 6,000 ham radio stations. Amateur radio stations are used to connect our local Scouts to Scouts across the United States and around the world. Scouts of all age can participate, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Venturers.

Local ham radio station operators will manage the technical aspects, including the equipment and communications. Participants do not need training in ham radio or other technical training. Each participant gets to speak into a microphone for a few minutes, and typically they exchange name and Scout rank along with a little chit chat. What is your favorite thing or activity, etc.

Most participants drop by and participate during a short visit sometime during the day or evening. Sometimes they drop by at several different times during the weekend, as the time of day or night changes which country is able to be reached by air waves. The official hours are from midnight Friday to midnight Sunday evening. Participation can be a part of Communications, Citizenship in the World, Computers, as well as Radio Merit Badges. The Jamboree on the Internet JOTI is a separate event which can be run alongside of the JOTA. This is done using computers instead of radios.

We are looking for additional ham radio operators or amateur radio clubs.

We plan to have stations at several locations in all parts of our great council. Operators who plan to participate only for your unit only, we want to coordinate with you also.

Western Los Angeles County Council, International Representative, Harlan Hogue at harlan@hoguemet.com for additional information.


Saturday, August 11, 2012

August 18 - Popcorn tasting and information event

To all Packs and Troops,

One of our top notch support team members will be contacting you and providing you with information about the upcoming popcorn tasting and information event. This year, each unit will have their own dedicated popcorn go-to person. If you haven't been contacted by them already, you will be shortly. If you are sooooo excited about your Scouts earning a big bunch of money and can't wait for the call, the contact info is below. Find your assigned contact person and e-mail them.

We have seen what's on tap and it is much improved over last year. Prizes and incentives are much improved and your percentage of profit is up to 38%! Plus there is a new flavor that is out of this world!

Make your arrangements to send a rep from your Unit, and any parent who is interested in finding out the info - or wants to taste that out-of-this-world flavor. Don't delay on any of this, deadlines are close.

-Paul Oliver



Francine Conte
Troops 356, 371, 400, 406, 415, 431, 549, 550, 601, 712, 911 / Pack 564

Linda Singer
Packs 49, 118, 148, 208, 229, 307, 349, 400, 406, 415, 431, 441, 549, 601 / Troop 307

Carlos Luna
Pack 550, 712, 911

Donna Demetrius
Troops 10, 25, 49, 92, 148, 208, 328, 349



Balboa Oaks Popcorn Team

You're invited to our popcorn tasting and information event
Saturday, August 18th at 1 pm

This invitation is for every Cub Pack and Scout Troop adult who is interested in finding out what the Boy Scout popcorn program is about!

There will be popcorn samples, product information, and prizes!

Does your Cub Scout Pack never have enough funds to go out and do some really fun things like spend the night at the museum, have bowling/miniature golf pack meetings, or have a waterslide/bouncer at your annual picnic, or rent Camp Josepho for a weekend as a pack - and you would like to? Then you need to attend!

Does only half of your Scout Troop attend Scout camp or your Troop monthly outings/events because they cost too much? Then you need to attend!

Learn how to let the Scouts earn their way to a fun and memorable Scouting experience - all part of helping Scouts be thrifty!

Come taste for yourself some of the new popcorn products we are selling this year, and hear how easy it is to support Scouting at both the Pack/Troop level and at the District/Council level.

We are asking adults only, please leave the kids at home.

Please RSVP to Paul Oliver or your Unit's personal popcorn go-to person so we have enough materials for everyone! And we can tell you where!

I look forward to seeing you there!

Jeff Prata
Balboa Oaks District Executive
(818) 785-8700
(818) 901-4888 fax
(661) 212.1095 cell
jprata@bsa-la.org



Q. Can I attend if I'm not the leader?
A. Yes! Your Pack/Troop leader has too much on their plate already! If everyone helps out, your Pack/Troop is going to be that much more fun and successful.

Q. Can a few adults from our Unit attend?
A. Yes! This is much more fun when you have fellow adults working together! But I need to know how many by Wednesday so we have enough room and supplies.

Q. Am I going to be tricked into having to do something?
A. No! If you decide that this is something beneficial to your Pack/Troop, then you are going to have to decide what to do. All we are going to do is give you the facts and the flavors.

Q. How much does it cost to participate in the popcorn program?
A. Nothing! If your Pack/Troop decides they want to participate, all we need is the contact info of the person who will be in charge at your Unit and you are set. You pay for everything you sell, return what you don't sell (except for any chocolate product), and we pay you a commission for what you sell.

Q. What is the commission?
A. Up to 38% if you pay and return on time! The top selling Packs/Troops are receiving $5,000 to $9,000 commission checks.

Q. What's the catch?
A. Commitment. To be successful, each Unit needs 1 adult to step up (more than 1 is even better) and commit to organizing and running this program for their boys.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

October 14, 2012 - Sport Chalet M3 iTRYathlon Castaic and Magic Mountain Man Triathlon (volunteers needed)

We are in dire need of volunteers for the Sport Chalet M3 iTRYathlon Castaic and Magic Mountain Man Triathlon on Sunday, October 14, 2012. This is a wonderful opportunity for Scouts to come out and help the community, support the Challenged Athletes Foundation, and get those much needed community service hours all in one day. Volunteers will receive lunch, a volunteer t-shirt and a service hour voucher.

M3 iTRYathlon Castaic is a sprint triathlon for all fitness level and abilities. The Magic Mountain Man Triathlon challenges seasoned triathletes to take on the mass start swim, a bike ride that travels over rough mountain roads with epic climbs only to finish with a run on hot and dusty roads. Renegade Racing is producing the Sport Chalet M3 iTRYathlon Castaic and Magic Mountain Man Triathlon on Sunday, October 14, 2012.

It is the mission of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) to provide opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. The Challenged Athletes Foundation believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.

We are reaching out to schools and groups who might be interested in volunteering for the event on race day (10/14/12), as well as for the registration and packet pick-up on Saturday (10/13).

If your school or organization is interested in volunteering for this event, please fill out the volunteer registration form and fax or e-mail it back to me. For groups, it may be easier to fill out the "Blank Volunteer Group" form with volunteers' names and e-mails. Then volunteers can turn in their registration forms on the day of the event.

Please feel free to share this information with friends, family, and co-workers. Every volunteer makes a difference.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly.


Best Regards,
Stacie Smith, Volunteer Coordinator
Renegade Racing: Running, Triathlon and Adventure Sports
17835 Sky Park Circle, suite F
Irvine, CA 92614
(949) 975-1812
(949) 975-1814 fax
(805) 570-5166 cell
E-mail: Stacie@Renegaderaceseries.com

August 18, 2012 - Scouting Awards Midway

The Valley Scout Shop is holding a Scouting Awards Midway on Saturday, August 18th from 10:30 am - 2:30 pm.

The following awards will be discussed:

  • NOVA
  • PALA
  • Scout Surge 911
  • Hometown USA
  • Donor Awareness
  • Conservation Good Turn
  • Cyber Chip
  • Messenger of Peace

Come on over and learn about these awards and visit the store!

Monday, August 6, 2012

September 14-16, 2012 - Section W-4N Conclave

Coming this fall to a Section near you!

Section W-4N Conclave
"United in Excellence"

  • Fellowship
  • Training
  • Games
  • Competitions
  • Ceremonies
  • Dance education
  • Elections
  • Shows
  • Patch trading
  • And much, much more!

Whether you are new to the Order of the Arrow or have been a member longer than your Chief has been alive, the Section W-4N Conclave has something for you! Unite with us to bring even greater excellence to Section W-4N!

When: September 14-16, 2012
Where: Camp Three Falls, 12260 Boy Scout Camp Road, Frazier Park, CA 93225
Who: Arrowmen of all ages from all over!
Why: To experience great fellowship, training, and tons of fun!
How: Register online

Keith Avery, W-4N Section Chief