tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24930753832613537722024-02-19T22:07:34.689-08:00Balboa Oaks DistrictMiscellaneous Scouting announcements for the central San Fernando Valley and neighboring areasEd Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.comBlogger747125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-76013263293996002582015-03-01T15:55:00.002-08:002015-03-01T15:55:20.803-08:00Latest OA news: Elections, Camporee, duesTo all members of Achoicominga OA Chapter,<br />
<br />It's that time of the year, when we visit troops and teams to run OA elections for candidates of the OA. We will need you to volunteer to help run one or several of these elections. We have 21 units to visit in a 5 week time span, before the district camporee in April. Keep in mind that you can't run the election for your own unit. Come to our March 12th meeting to learn more about it and become part of an election team. Our Vice-Chief of Elections, Reed Potter, would appreciate it. A few of the units have already been scheduled. Contact Reed for details, (818) 737-8390, he would sure appreciate it.<br /><br />
Speaking of camporee, our district camporee is April 17-19, at Paramount Ranch. It has become tradition that members of our OA chapter get to sleep in the tepee and register for the camporee as OA. Those wishing to be part of the OA encampment must first get the OK from your Scoutmaster. If it's OA, then you need to bring the $19 registration fee to our March meeting. All camporee fees must be paid prior to the April 2nd Roundtable, as of that date the fee goes up. Then at our April chapter meeting you need to bring $20 for food for the camporee weekend.<br /><br />
Finally, all 2015 annual dues are now due. The dues are still only $14.00. You can pay by check, made out to 'BSA/OA' or cash, payable at our chapter meeting.<br /><br />
Frank Casias<br />
<a href="mailto:frankpapac@aol.com">frankpapac@aol.com</a><br />
Achoicominga Associate Chapter Advisor<br />
<br />Ed Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-44077760013356230612013-04-12T20:42:00.000-07:002013-04-13T10:17:15.490-07:00Donate board games and art suppliesMy name is Casey Mackay from Troop 22, Las Colinas. For my Life Rank Project I am collecting and donating board games and art supplies for about 150 kids at the Boys and Girls Club of West Valley. Please help me with donations, the board games don't have to be brand new, it has to be in good condition.<br />
<br />
Please call me at (818) 388-0584 so I can make arrangements to pick up your donations.<br />
<br />
Your donations are tax deductible by the Boys and Girls Club.<br />
<br />
Thank you so much for helping me.<br />
<br />Ed Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-70007301975215311092013-04-10T13:58:00.000-07:002013-04-13T10:12:16.094-07:00April 25 - Backpack clinicFind the Pack that Can Carry You through Every Adventure:<br />Be There April 25!<br /><br />Finding the backpack made for you means being able to identify the exact fit, features, and function you need. We can help!<br /><br />We are proud to host a Backpack Clinic at the Van Nuys Scout Shop on Thursday, April 25, from 5:00-6:30 p.m.<br /><br />So parents, leaders, and Scouts, plan to be there and learn the best ways to pack up for adventure. You'll get all your questions answered. Find optimum solutions to ensure proper fit, balance, comfort, stability, and adjustability with your backpack choice, along with your chance to have your backpack personally fitted. Plus, you'll save 10% when you make a backpack purchase during the event!<br /><br /><a href="mailto:cindy.noriega@scouting.org">Cindy Noriega</a><br />Sr. Store Manager<br /><a href="http://balboaoaks.bsa-la.org/shop.php">Valley Scout Shop</a><br />Ed Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-58039511795532090582013-04-02T22:59:00.000-07:002013-04-13T09:56:01.982-07:00Merit badge counselors neededWe're looking for a few good men/women!<br />
<br />
We have a serious need for merit badge counselors for 38 merit badges. Some of these have counselors, but they only do it for a given unit. We need counselors for the following, that are willing to do them for any unit/boy.<br />
<br />
<table><tr><td><ul><li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Animal_Science">Animal Science</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Archaeology">Archaeology</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Aviation">Aviation</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Bird Study">Bird Study</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Cinematography">Cinematography</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Composite Materials">Composite Materials</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Cycling">Cycling</a> (fulfills an Eagle requirement)</li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Farm_Mechanics">Farm Mechanics</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Fingerprinting">Fingerprinting</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Fish_and_Wildlife_Management">Fish and Wildlife Management</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Forestry">Forestry</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Horsemanship">Horsemanship</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Insect_Study">Insect Study</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Inventing">Inventing</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Kayaking">Kayaking</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Landscape_Architecture">Landscape Architecture</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Medicine">Medicine</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Model_Design_and_Building">Model Design and Building</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Motorboating">Motorboating</a></li>
</ul></td><td><ul><li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Nature">Nature</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Nuclear_Science">Nuclear Science</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Oceanography">Oceanography</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Orienteering">Orienteering</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Plant_Science">Plant Science</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Pottery">Pottery</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Reptile_and_Amphibian_Study">Reptile and Amphibian Study</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Robotics">Robotics</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Rowing">Rowing</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Sculpture">Sculpture</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Skating">Skating</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Small-Boat_Sailing">Small-Boat Sailing</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Surveying">Surveying</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Textile">Textile</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Veterinary_Medicine">Veterinary Medicine</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Water_Sports">Water Sports</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Welding">Welding</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Whitewater">Whitewater</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Wood_Carving">Wood Carving</a></li>
</ul></td></tr>
</table><br />
If you think you would be interested in doing any of these, please contact <a href="mailto:frankpapac@aol.com">Frank Casias</a> or <a href="mailto:Rward4wb@yahoo.com">Ralph Ward</a>.<br />
Ed Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-47158417238701372962013-03-13T22:13:00.000-07:002013-04-13T09:31:10.809-07:00In memory: Herb ApuzzoTo all Scouters,<br />
<br />
It is with great sadness that I share the news about Herb Apuzzo, he passed away Feb. 10th. Herb was a long time member of the Cahuenga District. He had been in declining health for a while now. He fell twice and was taken to the hospital with some signs of paralysis. After surgery, he apparently was still suffering from paralysis, he was on a respirator. It was decided to remove the respirator and he passed away 26 hours later.<br />
<br />
Many of you may remember him as a long time Scoutmaster, for cooking at many Scout events, Camporee staff and training, just to list a few things he did in Scouting.<br />
<br />
His wife, Judy, a Scouter's wife, Scout mom, then later an active member of the district in her own right and still later an employee of the council is in a home and is suffering from dementia. She is doing as well as can be expected.<br />
<br />
The district heard the news about Herb last week at its monthly district meeting. <br />
<br />
Yours in Scouting,<br />
<br />
Kevin BryanEd Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-14151380372988295232013-02-28T14:08:00.000-08:002013-03-10T12:42:18.560-07:00March 18, 2013 - Troop 431 Webelos Open HouseTroop 431 Webelos Open House<br /><br />Come see all the great things about Troop 431 and have some root beer floats at our Webelos Open House!<br /><br />When: Monday, March 18th at 7pm<br /><br />Where: St. Bridget’s of Sweden - 7100 Whitaker Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406<br /><br />Our Webelos Open House is designed for Webelos on the verge of joining Boy Scouts and their parents.<br /><br />Come get to know our Troop and our Scouts. We will show you all the fun things that Scouting has to offer, and what’s so great about Troop 431.<br /><br />Scouts will enjoy root beer floats as they get to know Troop 431 and the Boy Scout program.<br /><br />Questions? Please call Scoutmaster Ponch Corona (818) 681-7430 or e-mail at <a href="mailto:ponch1006@aol.com">ponch1006@aol.com</a><br />Ed Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-4350430807567701952013-02-20T17:50:00.000-08:002013-03-10T12:40:17.719-07:00April 5, 2013 - Anaheim Ducks Scouts NightCome and join me for:<br />
Jocelyn Reyes Anaheim Ducks Group / Scouts Night<br />
<br />
Ducks vs. Dallas<br />
Friday, April 5, 2013<br />
Honda Center<br />
<br />
Ticket distribution time: 3:00 - 3:30 pm (please do not be late!)<br />
Meeting place TBA<br />
<br />
Cost: $37 - includes hot dog and soda.<br />
Additional hot dog and soda is only $5 (regular $10)<br />
<br />
Seat locations: Terrace Main East - corners - Ducks shoot twice<br />
<br />
I had reserved the Color Guard experience for Troop 3179.<br />
<br />
I am in progress of negotiating and requesting almost the same things I do for the Kings:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Photo on Ice</li>
<li>Player Meet and Greet</li>
<li>Zamboni Ride</li>
<li>Penalty Boxes</li>
<li>Ice Broomball</li>
</ul>
<br />
They are reviewing availability and will let me know soon.<br />
<br />
Please do not request experiences.<br />
I will assign accordingly (in order of payment received).<br />
Experiences can be revised/canceled by Anaheim Ducks without notice.<br />
<br />
Spaces for this game are limited - so pay as soon as possible.<br />
Perks or no perks - this game is of great value!<br />
<br />
Everyone is welcome to join my group, so invite all your families and friends!<br />
<br />
These games are not exclusive to Scouts only.<br />
However, Scouts and youth in my group will receive a special edition Ducks Scout patch.<br />
<br />
Payment via Chase QuickPay (only if you have a Chase account)<br />
or cash deposit to my Chase account if you do not have a Chase account.<br />
Troop/group checks will also be accepted for groups of 20 or more.<br />
<br />
Thanks and see you soon!<br />
Go Ducks!Ed Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-29183737710386445912013-02-11T18:29:00.000-08:002013-03-10T11:01:56.621-07:00May 25, 2013 - Memorial Day flag placementScouts will be placing flags again this year on the graves of our veterans at the Los Angeles National Cemetery in West Los Angeles, 950 S. Sepulveda Blvd.<br />
<br />
Parking is located in the Veterans Administration Facilities located through a tunnel on Constitution Avenue. This is the same location as last year.<br />
<br />
We will start at 8:00 am. You must be there by 7:30am in order to get signed in and receive your location map. Sign-in starts at 7:00 am. <br />
<br />
Rules of conduct are the same as <a href="http://balboaoaksdistrict.blogspot.com/2010/02/may-29-2010-memorial-day-flag-placement.html">before</a>.<br />
<br />Ed Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-16412557017917365422013-01-29T18:22:00.000-08:002013-02-09T10:31:16.721-08:00Salvation Army shoe drive fundraisersRaise Funds!<br />Host a Shoe Drive!<br /><br />The Salvation Army can help facilitate a shoe drive fundraiser for your school, church, organization, or team.<br /><br />You collect shoes, tie pairs together, and get a check for 75% of the proceeds. 25% will go back into Salvation Army services.<br /><br />We drop off and collect shoe boxes at your location.<br /><br />Tips to maximize your drive:<br /><br />
<ul>
<li>Start letting people know early!</li>
<li>Offer an incentive like an iPod, pizza party, or celebration for the top donors of the drive.</li>
<li>Make it a competition!</li>
<li>Flyers and banners are highly encouraged.</li>
<li>Ask families, neighborhoods, and friends to support your drive by donating shoes.</li>
<li>Be creative and plan for success!</li>
</ul>
<br />Start organizing your shoe drive today! Call Glen Kovacs (818) 449-4616<br /><br />The Salvation Army<br />Canoga Park ARC<br /><br />21375 Roscoe Blvd.<br />Canoga Park, CA 91304<br />(818) 449-4616<br />(818) 883-3136 fax<br />(818) 414-1256 cell<br /><br />The Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARCs) form the largest network of rehabilitation programs in the nation.<br /><br /><a href="mailto:glen.kovacs@usw.SalvationArmy.org">glen.kovacs@usw.SalvationArmy.org</a><br />Ed Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-80054432242757683472013-01-07T22:41:00.000-08:002013-01-20T11:25:25.808-08:00In memory: Bernie MailletMany of you will remember Bernie Maillet as the Shooting Sports Director at Camp Whitsett. He would run the rifle range while making sure that the archery range and the shotgun range were in good hands. Bernie wasn't at Camp Whitsett last summer so he could spend his vacation with family. It would turn out to be Bernie's last summer. Bernie died on New Year's Eve.<br />
<br />Ed Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-27402478165067455492013-01-07T20:36:00.000-08:002013-01-20T11:03:47.060-08:00July 2-16, 2013 - Troop 22 Philmont trek crewsTroop 22 in Woodland Hills has two trek crews going to Philmont from July 2-16, 2013. One crew is comprised of 14-15 year old Scouts and will do a 50-60 mile trek and the other crew is comprised of 16-17 year old Scouts and will do a 60-75 mile trek.<br /><br />We have a couple of youth spaces available in each crew. The older Scout crew has an opening for an adult, which would be ideal if a troop had an adult with a couple of Scouts who would like to join in.<br /><br />We are beginning our training this month. We would like to add additional Scouts now so that they can integrate into the crew from the beginning. If you have a Scout or Scouts who would like to go on a trek this summer, they can call Jeff Feldman at (818) 535-9494 for more information.<br />Ed Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-13167359929353609332013-01-04T19:43:00.000-08:002013-01-20T10:53:23.810-08:00Spread the Good News BulletinAttention Balboa Oaks Scouters,<br />
<br />
Scouting provides great life learning skills and experiences for our youth and volunteers such as you. The one thing we don't do well is letting others know the achievement of our youth such as receiving the Arrow of Light as a Cub Scout, Eagle projects and Eagle Court of Honors, community service, special awards for life saved or bravery, etc. Even as volunteers, we do things of valor based on what we have learned as a Scouter.<br />
<br />
Let's change this for 2013. Below is a “Spread the Good News Bulletin” from Bob Levey who is an Eagle Scout and district volunteer who is willing to help with this endeavor. Bob and I have recently been working with the council in upping the exposure of the positive side of Scouting. I will be sending additional information regarding how each unit and volunteer can submit Scouting newsworthy stories to be provided to news organizations for publishing.<br />
<br />
But until then, please take Bob up on his offer to get your Scouts' or volunteers' stories published and in the news. The spreading of Good News will support our goal of having more boys join Scouting and adult volunteers to help our quest of developing academic skills, self-confidence, ethics, leadership skills, and citizenship skills that influence their adult lives.<br />
<br />
Yours in Scouting,<br />
<br />
Paul Brown<br />
Balboa Oaks District Chairman<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
Spread the Good News<br />
News Bulletin<br />
<br />
Balboa Oaks District - Western Los Angeles Council<br />
Boy Scouts of America<br />
<br />
Story line: Develop stories about activities in your unit that have a positive impact on the communities you represent. Feature stories about outstanding Scouts - how they perform in school, athletics, Scouting, etc. Make certain media attention is given to Scouts in your units who attain the rank of Eagle.<br />
<br />
Make contact with journalists at the newspapers serving your area, including the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Daily News (covering the San Fernando Valley), and other newspapers exclusively for your particular area. Continue to submit positive newsworthy items to these journalists, if possible every month.<br />
<br />
If you are unable to make contact, or if you are pressed for time, please feel free to e-mail the newsworthy information to <a href="mailto:boblevey@pacbell.net">boblevey@pacbell.net</a>, and I will do the submissions for you.<br />
<br />
Other options: Channel 7 ABC features a "Cool Kid" spot every Thursday evening at 6:30 (check the station for the exact time in your area). Consider nominating one of your outstanding Scouts as a Cool Kid. Other events may be interesting to the visual news media. Be sure to make contact as often as you have special events worthy of publicity.<br />
<br />
Expectations: To spread the Good News that occurs day in and day out, every day of every year, that Boy Scouts do for their communities, and for the leadership training it offers to young men between the ages of 11 and 18.<br />
<br />
Bob Levey<br />
Unit Commissioner, Troop 431 and Troop 328<br />
Balboa Oaks District<br />
Boy Scouts of America<br />
<a href="mailto:boblevey@pacbell.net">boblevey@pacbell.net</a><br />
(818) 986-4547<br />
(818) 970-7233 cellEd Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-56524462801425206702012-12-28T14:16:00.000-08:002013-01-06T13:32:10.391-08:00January 27, 2013 - Computer Merit Badge class<a href="http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Computers">Computer Merit Badge</a> Class<br />Sunday, January 27th, 4 pm to about 6 pm<br />at the <a href="http://www.westfield.com/shop/stores/microsoft/centurycity?retailer=44263">Microsoft Store in Century City</a><br /><br />This class will be taught by Microsoft store personnel along with Hal Schloss, Scoutmaster of Troop 360.<br /><br />Limited space is available, so one must sign up in advance.<br /><br />The presentation and discussion will cover the "discuss/explain" aspects of the merit badge. Scouts are expected to complete the merit badge that day and will need to bring the files required to fulfill requirements 6 and 7, and will have researched requirement 9 ahead of time.<br /><br />While prerequisite files can be prepared on any computer, only those that are compatible with Microsoft Windows can be displayed using the equipment provided by the store. So if using a Macintosh or other non-Windows computer, please either convert the files to a Windows compatible format prior to the class, or bring a laptop/notebook to the class that can be used to display the files. Files compatible with Windows systems can be brought on a thumb drive for use with the store's computers or displayed on the Scout's laptop/notebook.<br /><br />All Scouts should be in Class A uniform.<br /><br />All Scouts will need to bring Blue Cards signed by their Scoutmaster.<br /><br />To sign up, or if you have any questions, please send e-mail to <a href="mailto:scoutmaster@bhtroop360.org">scoutmaster@bhtroop360.org</a> or call (310) 559-9638<br /><br />Yours in Scouting,<br /><br />Faith Denis<br />Registrar / Customer Service Manager<br />Ed Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-69858654829204292922012-12-04T19:45:00.000-08:002013-01-06T13:15:30.854-08:00January 26, 2013 - Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow / University of Scouting - Instructors neededDo you have a special way of running your meetings or events?<br />Are you really good at managing boy behavior?<br />Does your unit have special events that are not usually promoted in the Scouting world?<br />Does your unit committee run exceptionally well?<br />Do you like to do really fun and amazing things with your Scouts?<br />Do you have a special skill?<br /><br />If you have said yes to any of these questions and you would like to share your knowledge with others for the benefit of Scouting, then we want to hear from you!<br /><br />The <a href="http://balboaoaksdistrict.blogspot.com/2012/10/january-26-2013-pow-wow-university-of.html">2013 Pow Wow / University of Scouting</a> Team is looking for instructors. Please email us at <a href="mailto:wlaccpowwow2013@gmail.com">wlaccpowwow2013@gmail.com</a><br /><br />The event will take place on Saturday January 26, 2013. We look forward to hearing from you!<br /><br />Laurel Lofland<br />Co-Committee Chair<br />Ed Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-3832939048895893682012-12-01T12:55:00.000-08:002012-12-02T10:36:29.355-08:00In memory: Neil FergusonIt is with great sadness I share the news of the passing of Neil Ferguson. Neil had served as a District Chairman and a District Commissioner for the old Stony Point and West Valley Districts as well as a Commissioner for Balboa Oaks District.<br /><br />The memorial service will be Sunday, December 2, 2012 at 2:00 pm at the<br />First Baptist Church of Canoga Park<br />20553 Sherman Way<br />Canoga Park, CA 91306<br /><br />Thank you,<br /><br />Christine Demmitt<br />Ed Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-82576503251241745662012-11-30T23:13:00.000-08:002012-12-02T10:20:36.339-08:00December 7-8, 2012 - Order of the Arrow Winter OrdealTo all members of Achoicominga OA,<br />
<br />
Just a reminder that the Winter Ordeal is coming up on December 7th weekend. Our chapter is co-hosting it. We do need members to show up and help. We do have a couple of candidates from our chapter going through their Ordeal. We need to show our support of them. This is a Friday to Saturday night event.<br />
<br />
There will also be a Brotherhood ceremony for those that are eligible for Brotherhood. It will take place on Saturday around 4 to 6 pm. If you've been a member more than 10 months, then you have fulfilled the tenure part of the qualifications. You should read your OA handbook on the topic of Brotherhood to learn about the other items to know. Some of you have paid, but never went through your Brotherhood ceremony. Well, this is your opportunity. Hope to see you there.<br />
<br />
Frank Casias<br />
<a href="mailto:frankpapac@aol.com">frankpapac@aol.com</a><br />
Achoicominga Associate AdvisorEd Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-67761558764953761802012-11-29T20:09:00.000-08:002012-12-02T10:14:08.576-08:00December 8, 2012 - Troop 10 Family Ice SkatingAll Webelos are invited to join our Troop for a fun afternoon!<br /><br />Saturday, December 8<br />2 pm - 4 pm<br /><br />Iceoplex<br />Easy Street Arena<br />Simi Valley<br /><br />$9.00<br /><br />Please RSVP by Monday Dec 3rd.<br /><br />RSVP: <a href="mailto:TeriMJones@earthlink.net">TeriMJones@earthlink.net</a> or <a href="mailto:Kimberlyryu@yahoo.com">Kimberlyryu@yahoo.com</a><br />Ed Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-41947402698187815212012-11-29T19:44:00.000-08:002012-12-02T10:10:33.805-08:00December 1 and 8, 2012 - Ken Leonard Aquino's Eagle Scout ProjectI will be leading my Eagle Scout Service Project on:<br /><br />Saturday 12/1/2012 and the next Saturday 12/8/12<br />from 8 am to 1 pm<br /><br />The Eagle Scout Service Project will take place at:<br /><br />Cleveland High School<br />8140 Vanalden Avenue<br />Reseda, CA 91335<br /><br />I will be leading a beautification project which is upgrading of the outdoor lounge and garden of the Special Education Office for the students and staff of Cleveland High School. Specifically, we will excavate/remove the dirt and transport it to other campus location. Put concrete in the place of the dirt. We will remove and salvage the old wooden bench. We will also remove the weeds, dead plants and dried leaves. We will be installing a new metal bench, as well as putting edging stone near the garden. This Eagle Project will require a lot of work and manpower if my project is to be complete in two days. That is why I'm asking all who would like to assist me in completing this part of my project. If you would like more information you can reach me at these sources.<br /><br />Please bring tools for gardening and concreting.<br /><br />Thank you in advance for coming, each person who helps can truly make a difference for the students at Cleveland High School.<br /><br />Ken Leonard Aquino<br /><a href="mailto:aquinoblf@yahoo.com">aquinoblf@yahoo.com</a><br />cell (818) 644-5360 or (818) 422-1343<br />Ed Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-27844048329036494202012-11-08T18:00:00.000-08:002012-11-25T11:14:59.015-08:00P.R.A.Y. update<b>Find out how your council is doing!</b><br /><br />
Hey R.E.C.'s! If you haven't noticed already, PRAY's Third Quarter Usage Reports are <a href="http://www.praypub.org/god_country/boy_scout_usage.htm">posted online</a>. We provide your council's YTD totals, usage by quarter, also a listing by rank, and the honor roll recognizing those councils who have 50 or more recipients and a 10% or greater increase in usage. We would like to highlight the Chattahoochee Council in Columbus, GA which is one of our honor roll councils which had a 79% growth and passed the 100 recipient milestone for the very first time! Congratulations!<br /><br />Please note that the usage reports on the PRAY website contain only the data for the Protestant Christian program.<br /><br />
<b>Membership in Faith Based Units Increased 16 out of 17 Months</b><br /><br />BSA membership in Faith Based Units has shown growth in 16 out of the last 17 months. Research shows that units have greater retention and advancement in faith based units, which led to the <a href="http://www.praypub.org/fbi">Faith Based Initiative</a>.<br /><br />
<b>Recognize Your Adult Leaders</b><br /><br />Boy Scout Sunday is coming up quickly. Plan now to recognize your adult leaders with an Adult Religious Recognition. The adult recognitions are by <a href="http://www.praypub.org/promotional_adultnomination.htm">nomination</a> only. Encourage your adult volunteers with one of these prestigious recognitions!<br />
<br /><b>New "Unit Religious Emblems Coordinator" Position</b><br /><br />PRAY <a href="https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/51468485307722752">hosted</a> the first training opportunities last month for the new "Unit R.E.C." position. Chip Turner was the presenter and covered the resources, responsibilities, and strategies for the Unit R.E.C.<br />
<br /><b>PRAY Learning Center Announces New Webinars</b><br /><br />Upcoming Webinars include:<br /><br />
<ul>
<li>REC's Leading Religious Emblems/ Duty to God Courses for University of Scouting / Pow Wow, etc. - The How To's and Content for Leading an Hour-Long Session at Council and District Training Events</li>
<li>Planning and Conducting a Duty to God Encampment (Including On-line Planning Tools and Templates) - Presentation by John Lyons, Council REC and Experienced Leader of Atlanta Area Council Duty to God Encampment </li>
</ul>
<br />Visit the <a href="http://www.praypub.org/LearningCenter/">Learning Center</a> to sign up!<br />
<br /><b>Support P.R.A.Y.'s Mission</b><br /><br />P.R.A.Y. is known for "Building Faith in Youth." We promote religious emblems and collaborations between the Scouting program and the faith community. If you have benefited from P.R.A.Y. and our free resources online, please consider becoming a Friend of P.R.A.Y. by <a href="http://www.praypub.org/store/Friends-of-PRAY-C27.aspx">making a financial gift</a>. P.R.A.Y. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and your gifts are tax deductible.<br /><br />Please note that our secure website will ask you to create an account with your email and password of your choice. You may use MasterCard, Visa, or Discover. If you prefer, donations payable to "P.R.A.Y." may be mailed to 11123 S. Towne Square, Ste. B, St. Louis, MO 63123.<br /><br />Thank you for your support!<br /><br />
<b>New President of PRAY Board is BSA Volunteer</b><br /><br />Rev. Dr. William Kenneth Lyons, Jr. was elected President of the PRAY National Board of Directors at the PRAY Annual Meeting held September 2012. Ken is a retired pastor with the United Methodist Church and has extensive experience with the PRAY program. He is a member of the Baltimore Area Council, BSA and is active on the Interfaith Committee. Ken has served on the PRAY Board since 2009. We look forward to his leadership!<br /><br />
<b>American Heritage Girls</b><br /><br />Did you notice the article on page 12 in the November/December issue of Scouting Magazine? It featured the AHG and the <a href="http://ahgonline.org/boyscouts">Memorandum of Mutual Support it has with the BSA</a>.<br /><br />
<b>Other Resources from PRAY</b><br /><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.praypub.org/REC/Click&GoREC.pdf">"Click and Go" Resource Sheet for REC's</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.praypub.org/partnerships/BSDisplay.htm">Sample tabletop display</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.praypub.org/pdf_docs/SpanishBrochure.pdf">P.R.A.Y. Brochure in Spanish</a></li>
<li>Framed set of P.R.A.Y. medals for display purposes (available for purchase from the P.R.A.Y. <a href="http://www.praypub.org/store/PRAY-Awards-Display-Case-includes-SH-P226.aspx">online store</a>).</li>
<li>Duty to God t-shirts are available to order from the P.R.A.Y. <a href="http://www.praypub.org/store/Other-C9.aspx">online store</a>. Limited sizes and quantities are available. </li>
</ul>
<br />
P.R.A.Y.<br />11123 S. Towne Sq. Ste B, St. Louis, MO, 63123<br /><br /><a href="http://www.praypub.org/">www.praypub.org</a><br /><a href="mailto:jenniferh@praypub.org">jenniferh@praypub.org</a><br />
<br />Ed Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-79929092849041515372012-11-05T19:15:00.000-08:002012-11-11T08:50:15.609-08:00Vinnie Ruggieri Annual Toy DriveDear Scouting Leaders,<br />
<br />
I hope this message finds you well!<br />
<br />
Many of you knew our good friend Vinnie Ruggieri. For those of you who didn't have the pleasure, allow me to share a little about this exceptional human being.<br />
<br />
Vinnie was a man who was devoted to his family, his friends, his belief in God and to the Scouting movement. He was a generous individual who gave of himself and of his wealth to help make a difference in people's lives.<br />
<br />
Vinnie passed away suddenly in August of 2011. He continues to be missed.<br />
<br />
The holiday season was Vinnie's favorite time of the year. Each December, Vinnie would call his friends and take them on a shopping spree purchasing toys for disadvantaged children. He was the generous Secret Santa who made the season bright for hundreds of children.<br />
<br />
Earlier this year, we decided to try to keep the Vinnie Ruggieri holiday spirit alive. With that in mind, we are announcing the 1st Annual Vinnie Ruggieri Holiday Toy Drive.<br />
<br />
Here are the details:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>We ask all Scouting units to ask their members to donate an unwrapped toy to the drive during November.</li>
<li>We ask that these toys be dropped off at one of our four service center locations: Antelope Valley, Bill Hart, Westside, or Van Nuys. We ask that the gifts be dropped off between December 5-7, 2012.</li>
<li>These gifts will be picked up by our own Law Enforcement and Fire Explorers and delivered to the various Law Enforcement and Fire Stations to support their overall toy drive.</li>
<li>If your unit wishes to support a different toy drive in your community, that's okay.</li>
<li>We ask participating units to e-mail the following information to the toy advisor Brenda Bradford at <a href="mailto:brenda.bradford@scouting.org">brenda.bradford@scouting.org</a>.<br />
<ul>
<li>Unit #</li>
<li>Unit type (Troop, Pack, Team, Crew)</li>
<li>Number of youth participating from your unit</li>
<li>Number of toys collected</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>All participating members will receive a commemorative patch. In addition, each unit will receive a participation ribbon and certificate.</li>
</ol>
<br />
Scouting has helped other people at all times for over 100 years. This is yet one more way to make a difference while honoring a great individual, Vinnie Ruggieri.<br />
<br />
Many thanks!<br />
<br />
Jim Rushton,<br />
Scout Executive<br />
Western Los Angeles County Council<br />
Boy Scouts of AmericaEd Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-24797829588422622612012-10-30T21:09:00.000-07:002012-11-25T09:05:03.873-08:00March 9, 2013 - Bear Mountain annual Snow Sports Merit Badge DayBear Mountain's annual Scout Merit Badge Day will take place at Bear Mountain, Saturday, March 9, 2013. If you have any Scouts working toward their Snow Sports Merit Badge, this is an opportunity to demonstrate their skiing or snowboarding abilities to a Snow Sports Merit Badge Counselor at our lowest rates of the season! <br /><br />If you have any Scouts working towards earning their Snow Sports Merit Badge, then this would be the perfect time to participate. There is no minimum amount of participants to qualify for this event. Parents and siblings are welcome to take advantage of the discounted rates.<br /><br />Your troop will receive discounts on lift tickets, rental equipment and lessons. Plus, with each block of twenty lift tickets purchased, your group receives the 21st free. Also, we offer a way to help easily coordinate a lunch for your troop with Value Priced Food Vouchers which can be purchased with your order for $10.00 (redeemable for $13.00) or $12.00 per person (redeemable for $16.00). Your troop can still enjoy a lunch together or have the opportunity to choose where and when they eat.<br /><br />We understand the amount of time and effort that is involved in planning a group outing, and appreciate all of your hard work. Getting an early start can be extremely helpful to your efforts. Here are the forms you will need to set up your group trip. Please take the time to read the Group Sales Guidelines as this will explain the Group procedures to assist in your trip planning and will provide answers to some questions you might have.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://balboaoaks.bsa-la.org/download/blog/Bear%20Mountain%20Order%20Form.pdf">Order form</a></li>
<li><a href="http://balboaoaks.bsa-la.org/download/blog/Bear%20Mountain%20Guidelines.pdf">Guidelines </a></li>
</ul>
<br />New this season: Electronic Waivers. The online system will make gathering waivers for the members of your group easier. You will be assigned a login number /name for your group. This will allow you to manage (add/edit/email/text) the members of your party; see who has completed their waiver and those who need some prompting. This new system makes it more convenient for parents/guardian to sign liability waivers in advance for their children 17 and under. And it will be less hectic for the leader and streamline your group check in.<br /><br />We are still in the process of getting the Electronic waivers implemented. Once it is up and running, someone from the sales department will contact you with the login.<br /><br />We are excited to have you visit us this upcoming season. The Sales Department will make our best efforts to help you plan a successful and fun-filled day at the slopes. <br /><br />Please let me know if you have questions. I look forward to working with you.<br /><br />Have a nice day.<br /><br />Karri McDonald<br />Sales Coordinator<br />Big Bear Mountain Resorts<br />Snow Summit/Bear Mountain<br />P. O. Box 77<br />43101 Goldmine Dr<br />Big Bear Lake, CA 92315<br />(909) 584-0220<br />(909) 584-0286 fax<br />Ed Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-37460366165677494012012-10-27T14:57:00.000-07:002012-11-25T11:26:21.124-08:00Outing report: Sage RanchUnit: Troop 415<br />Leader: <a href="mailto:pbrown@pacbell.net">Paul Brown</a><br /><br />Date of outing: Oct. 12 - 14<br />Name of camp / trail / waterway: Sage Ranch<br /><br /><b>How did your unit's trip go?</b><br />
<br />
Great Weekend for Webelos invitational, skills and water rockets activities, and good day hikes trails. This campground can only be used by groups.<br /><br />Attended: 30 youth, 15 adults<br />Campsites used: 12<br />Max camping: 60<br />Max parking: 25<br /><br />Type of outing: Camp <br /><br />Distance to start: .03<br />Distance hiked: 2.6<br /><br /><b>Conditions</b><br /><br />Weather: Great Weather, does get fog during the winter months<br />Site: BBQ are locked, so you need to get the code. Also only one port-a-potty in camp. They have water. No open fires.<br />Trail: A 2.6 mile loop trail takes you through some of Sage Ranch’s most spectacular scenery. Easy to moderate in difficulty.<br /><br /><b>Facilities</b><br /><br />Number of sites available: 10<br />Water: Piped<br />Toilet facilities: Kybo<br />Tables: yes<br />Fire rings: no<br />Type of fires allowed: Gas Stoves, charcoal<br />Permits/fees: Available by advance reservation for organized groups. For reservation information, call the Sage Ranch ranger station: (818) 999-3753.<br /><br />Recommend return visit?: Yes<br />Recommendations: Great place for Webelos Invitational, Troop Annual Planning, Leadership Youth Training, Outdoor Skills, and day hiking.<br />Scouts had fun?: Yes<br />Scout's Own?: Yes<br />Scout's Own highlight: Clean campground, unusual rock formations, great view of Simi and San Fernando Valley, water rockets launching, and close to home.<br />Ed Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-56349725102313153062012-10-23T19:08:00.000-07:002013-01-20T09:37:04.303-08:00January 26, 2013 - Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow / University of Scouting / College of Commissioner ScienceSave the date<br />
Saturday, January 26, 2013<br />
<br />
Pinecrest School<br />
5975 Shoup Ave.<br />
Woodland Hills, CA 91367<br />
(corner of Shoup Avenue and Oxnard Street)<br />
<br />
Dress is Scout Field Uniform<br />
<br />
<b>Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow and University of Scouting</b><br />
<br />
A day of fun-filled, action-packed, hands-on supplemental training sessions for adult leaders to help us better deliver a fun and exciting program to our youth!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://balboaoaks.bsa-la.org/download/blog/Pow%20Wow%202013%20Schedule.pdf">General training</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.wlacchat.org/documents/2012-13HAT.pdf">High Adventure training</a> </li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>College of Commissioner Science</b><br />
<br />
Become a better Commissioner!<br />
Need Basic Training!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Don't have your Bachelor of Commissioner Science degree? Get it!</li>
<li>Started your Bachelor of Commissioner Science degree? Finish it!</li>
<li>Started your Master of Commissioner Science degree? Finish it!</li>
<li>Don't have your Doctor of Commissioner Science degree? Start it!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
All unit leaders welcome<br />
<br />
Presented by the Western Los Angeles County Council <br />
<br />
For more information, contact:<br />
<ul>
<li>Mike Henderson <a href="mailto:mkhende@aol.com">mkhende@aol.com</a></li>
<li>Vicky Goldberg <a href="mailto:vfgoldberg@yahoo.com">vfgoldberg@yahoo.com</a></li>
</ul>
Ed Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-55808835970045445422012-10-20T21:30:00.000-07:002012-10-28T09:48:33.964-07:00Stoney Point 2012 - Thank you for your serviceI am humbled by the number of Scouts, community members and friends of friends that came out to Stoney Point today and made a huge difference in our landmark hiking and bouldering park.<br />
<br />
We had an estimated 130 volunteers who collected a mass amount of rubbish and cleared many pathways. Anyone walking through Stoney Point will now have a safe and clean path because of all your dedicated efforts.<br />
<br />
Special thanks to the <a href="http://www.chatsworthcouncil.org/">Chatsworth Neighborhood Council</a> and their representative Jelena Csany for supplying the great coffee, bagels and those awesome hot dogs.<br />
<br />
This was our 7th year, and each time we host this event, the number of volunteers keeps on growing. What more can a community member ask for?<br />
<br />
The number of Scout volunteers was up this year, and that in itself was great to see, being I am a seasoned Scout myself.<br />
<br />
I just love those little Cub Scouts. Everything they saw and did will have a monumental impact in their lives because of what they learned from watching the older Scouts do. They learned that, as a Scout, the meaning of "Do a Good Turn Daily" is what our nation will expect of them as they grow to be the next generation of our country's citizens.<br />
<br />
We had over 50 tall trash bags full of anything from old beer bottles to a folding chair. A folding chair? What was that person thinking?<br />
<br />
Kudos to REI for all the cool Stoney Point shirts, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's office for the energy drinks and the United Methodist Church for allowing us to use their parking facilities.<br />
<br />
Yup, it was sprinkling a bit of rain but we only got a little bit wet. But what impressed me the most is that, even though it was overcast and sprinkling for a while, you all stayed without any hesitation whatsoever. What more can I say about the outpouring of environmental Stewardship and your time and commitment to make this event rock?<br />
<br />
Thank you all again. I'm sure I will see you all again next year!<br />
<br />
Some photos by staff photographer Julian Francis Salay (more to come):<br />
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Ed Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2493075383261353772.post-1756222349525116822012-10-19T20:28:00.000-07:002012-10-28T11:15:22.756-07:00November 15, 2012 - Eagle Scout Reconnect event<a href="http://eaglealumni.org/">Eagle Scout Alumni Association</a> announces our first Eagle Scout Reconnect event<br /><br />November 15<br />6 pm - 9 pm<br />Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks<br /><br />You must be 21 or over to attend the event.<br />The event is free and includes drinks and dinner.<br />Dress is business casual.<br /><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://eaglealumni.kintera.org/">Sign up</a></li>
</ul>
<br />Questions: Contact Erik Godfrey <a href="mailto:egodfrey@bsamail.org">egodfrey@bsamail.org</a><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://bit.ly/WLACCeagles">Facebook</a></li>
<li><a href="http://twitter.com/EagleAlumni">Twitter</a></li>
</ul>
<br />Ed Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00333502107003050706noreply@blogger.com0