February 15, 2009 - Harlem Globetrotters

Troop 513 (Santa Clarita) invites you to the Harlem Globetrotters 2009

February 15, 2009
10:45 am
Staples Center

Group will meet at the 11th Street main entrance (by Magic Johnson statue)

You and your friends won't want to miss one magical moment of the Harlem Globetrotters legendary high-flying, non-stop fun and excitement!

The actual game starts at 1:00 pm. However, our group is invited to a very special and exclusive session of Globetrotter University at 11:15 am. This is an excellent opportunity to learn from some of the world-class athletes. It is interactive and they request some of the guests to go to the Court and play with them. There will also be picture-taking opportunities with the Globetrotters after the University session. This is not mandatory, but it will be fun for everyone to participate in.

I brought almost 300 guests with me last February 2008 and we all had a great time!

Scouts and their guests will also receive a commemorative Globetrotter Scout Patch.

Cost is only $26.00 per scout/adult. (Includes processing/handling fees charged by Staples Center for every ticket... Seats are priced between $40-$80) This does not include food or parking, please... Carpooling is the best way to go!

Great seats are available to my group on a first-come, first-served basis! (I have a very strong relationship with the Staples Center)

If you are going as a Troop/Pack group - you need to obtain a Tour Permit and email me a copy. No exceptions, please - or I will not issue tickets.

RSVP to Jocelyn Reyes (Scoutmaster - Troop 513)

Please make checks payable to Jocelyn Reyes and mail to:

Jocelyn Reyes - Harlem
23062 Conde Drive
Valencia, CA 91354

I will request and issue seats in batches of 50-100 guests. Remember - first-come, first-served basis on great seat assignments!

Tickets will be distributed on February 15th, 2009 by the Magic Johnson statue on 11th Street entrance between 10-10:30 am.

I will be sending more detailed info to all participants, including consent forms by January 31st, 2009.

Payments are non-refundable after tickets are purchased.

Don't wait until the last minute and avail of the great seats I have!

Cut-off date for ticket sales will be February 2nd, 2009. Payment has to be in my hand by this date.

And remember: The Globetrotter University and the Commemorative Patch are exclusive offers to my group.

New BSA Annual Health and Medical Record form

Boy Scouts of America has a new Annual Health and Medical Record. This form replaces the Class 1, 2, and 3 forms and should be used starting now! If you have the old forms you may use them until January 1st, 2010, but we highly suggest that you use the new form. After January 1st, 2010 only the NEW Annual Health and Medical Record will be allowed. This form is only good for one calendar year. The form is for both youth and adults. For more information you need to go here (scroll down the page to near the bottom to the Forms section) or here. You can download the new medical form and you can review the FAQ's. Be sure to look at this now before your unit has its summer camp and passes out the physical forms. Please share this with other Scouters.

June 28 - August 8, 2009 - BSA Camp Kern

Over the past few months we have formed a camp management company called CampWorks. We're proud to announce that CampWorks has partnered with the Southern Sierra Council in Bakersfield to bring to Camp Kern the same high quality program, staff, and food concepts that have been so successful at Camp Cherry Valley the last eight years.

Camp Kern is a High Sierra Mountain camp located on beautiful Huntington Lake, the best sailing lake west of the Colorado River. The camp rests just outside the boundaries of the Kaiser National Wilderness area which offers a variety of great outdoor activities for your older and younger Scouts alike. There are plenty of activities to keep your troop busy and lots of new skills to master! Enjoy swimming, sailing, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, rifle shooting and more! The program will include a variety of quality merit badge classes, a top notch Advanced Camper Experience (ACE) program, troop friends, and much more!

The leaders' guide for the 2009 season is now on the camp website. The cost for a week-long experience at Camp Kern is $330.00 per camper. Furthermore, each troop gets to bring two adults for the cost of food only, which is $125.00 per person. We invite you to attend one of the following weeks:

Week One: June 28 - July 4
Week Two: July 5 - July 11
Week Three: July 12 - July 18
Week Four: July 19 - July 25
Week Five: July 26 - August 1
Week Six: August 2 - August 8

We would love to have you and your boys as our guests this summer. Please contact either Dave or Jordan at the e-mail addresses below if you have any questions about the camp. If you are interested in attending Camp Kern and experiencing the adventure of the High Sierra's and Huntington Lake, contact Carolyn Zullo at the Southern Sierra Council by calling (661) 325-9036. Make your reservations now while there is still room!

Yours in Scouting,

Dave Hopkins
Jordan Holloman
Adam Christensen

April 18-19, 2009 - Wilderness First Aid with CPR Certification (meets Philmont requirements)

Getting away from the city?

Be prepared.

This intense 2-day course provides you with the knowledge and skills to handle Delayed Help situations while exploring the outdoors.

The American Red Cross WFAB Course is for those who work, live, or play in remote areas - away from your typical EMS service. Although these EMS agencies are trained for special situations, there may be a delay in the notification of EMS.

As a leader in your group, the guide, or part of a team enjoying remote areas, how will you respond to a situation, where you must wait for help?

Learn how and when to go and get help.

Develop a plan of action, stabilize the patient in your care, and manage the emergency with tact and efficiency.

Whether you're involved with your local scouting group, or other community organization, this course is a must for those situations in which simply dialing 9-1-1 is not an option.

Register for April 18 and 19, 2009

$180.00

Day 1: Location - Near West Van Nuys

Day 2: Location - Stoney Point

This is the full WFA course. 16-hour course includes CPR certification and meets Philmont
requirements. This is the full-course and includes rope work.

• Safety 101 courses

April 17-20, 2009 - RV rally

Get up and get away at the biggest RV event of 2009. Not only can you explore RV travel with the multitude of exhibits, displays, seminars, and activities, but you're also sure to get a kick from two special events planned for the tenth edition of the Greatest RV Rally in the World.

New for the 2009 event, a reception for current and former Boy Scouts will be held on April 19 from 1 - 4 p.m. Scouts and Boy Scouts of America (BSA) alumni as well as their families are invited to attend and are encouraged to bring old memorabilia (e.g., uniforms, badges, handbooks) for display and discussion. Contests and prizes will add to the festivities. Rally guests who are Boy Scouts or BSA alumni should call (877) 749-7122 to RSVP for the reception.

Guests of the Albuquerque Rally will also have the opportunity to experience first-hand just why the host city is touted as the "Ballooning Capital of the World." Conducted by Rainbow Ryders, Inc.^®, hot air balloon rides will be launched from Balloon Fiesta Park during the event with special pricing extended to Rally 2009 guests (use the promo code therally09). After a flight that includes breathtaking views of the Sandia Mountains and Rio Grande Valley, passengers will be treated to a light continental breakfast and champagne toast and receive a certificate and flight pin to commemorate their aeronautical experience. To register or for more information, contact Rainbow Ryders at www.rainbowryders.com or (800) 725-2477.

(Note: Register a minimum of two passengers prior to March 1, 2009, and save an additional $10 per person.)

There will be lots to see and do at this annual celebration of the RV lifestyle so plan to RV west in April for The Rally 2009. If you haven't already registered, sign up today to take advantage of special savings by visiting www.therally.com or calling (877) 749-7122.

Changes to requirements for Boy Scout advancement

When there is a conflict between two published lists of requirements, such as Boy Scout Requirements (BSA Publication No. 33215) and a Merit Badge Pamphlet, the requirements book should be considered to be the controlling document, until a newer edition of Boy Scout Requirements is issued.

BSA issued new editions of ALL of the merit badge pamphlets on August 1, 2008. The primary change to most of the pamphlets was the introduction of color photographs and diagrams, and new covers. The actual text and requirements, in most cases did not change from the previous editions. In some cases, however, the new editions do contain new information, and new requirements. If the copyright date in the new pamphlet is not 2008, the text in the pamphlet, including the requirements, did not change, only the cover and illustrations. In addition, two of the old pamphlets, for the Architecture and Landscape Architecture Merit Badges were combined into a single pamphlet, although the Merit Badges remain separate and distinct from each other. Also, one Merit Badge, Auto Mechanics, was renamed to Automotive Maintenance, (and the emblem on the badge was changed). Although a new edition of the Lifesaving merit badge pamphlet was issued, the requirements did not change. However, the footnote relative to alternative requirements for the Second Class and First Class rank swimming requirements was deleted.

The Merit Badges listed below had new merit badge pamphlets issued on August 1, 2008, and have totally new or modified requirements listed in the new pamphlets. The requirements below will become official on January 1, 2009, but with their counselor's approval, Scouts may use these new requirements instead of the old ones until that date.

Those Scouts working on any badges using the old requirements and who started before the new books were issued may complete the badge using the old requirements. Those starting work on a badge after the new books were issued, may, until December 31, 2008, use either the old or new requirements, at their option. If they use the old requirements, they may still complete the badge using the old requirements, even after January 1, 2009.

• List of changes
  

Philmont 2009 - Wilderness Aid required, HAT course available

National Council has implemented rules for its national High Adventure bases (including Philmont) which in 2009 required one member who has taken Wilderness First Aid Basic. The simple version:

1. Staff members working in High Adventure Camps who go on treks with units must be trained in Wilderness First Aid.
2. Any unit going on a trek from a High Adventure Camp must have one person trained in Wilderness First Aid. You need to schedule a course for a crew member ASAP to avoid the crisis that some crews faced when the courses were not available in summer.
   

Besides the Red Cross, the HAT teams for several councils have offered Wilderness First Aid Basic for many years.

Make sure the course you are taking is a sixteen-hour course. Be careful because there are other courses offered by the Red Cross and HAT teams with a similar name (Wilderness Aid versus Wilderness First Aid) which do not qualify and do not fulfill the requirement. When you speak to or e-mail the course director or the inspector, make sure that you are taking the 16-hour course.

Verdugo Hills HAT will offer the course on January 31 and February 7, 2009. Contact Marlene Lugg, (818) 413-1578 (pager), (818) 375-3078 or (818) 882-4526. (Note: As of this writing, the Verdugo Hills Council website still lists the 2008 course dates.)

The Wilderness Aid course offered by San Gabriel HAT in March does not qualify for Philmont.

When the WLACC HAT team learns about other HAT courses, we will get the word out.

Be Prepared!

LAPD Youth Programs

The Los Angeles Police Department is dedicated to promoting and ensuring the safety, education, and welfare of all young people throughout the city. Specifically, the LAPD is committed to a number of programs that encourage young people to avoid drugs and gangs, stay in school, and contribute positively to society. For more information on how you can participate in, or volunteer for, any of these programs, please contact your local community police station.

• List of programs
  

Need 14 patches from Granada Hills Holiday Parade

Does anyone have extra Granada Hills parade patches? We need to buy fourteen more. Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce ran out very early.

Thanks,

Wendy

(818) 776-0884

wjsd@jps.net

January 3, 2009 - Malibu Lodge Leadership Development and Banquet

Be sure to attend this amazing once-a-year event!

When:
Saturday, January 3, 2009
1 to 4:30 pm - Lodge Leadership Development
5:30 to 8:30 pm - Lodge Banquet

Where:
Church of Jesus Christ of LDS
15555 Saticoy St. (near the 405)
Van Nuys, CA, 91406

What:
Lodge Leadership Development - An educational learning experience for all Arrowmen!
Lodge Banquet - A fun-filled night for the whole family! including shows, awards, and Vigil Call-out

Cost:
Lodge Leadership Development - free
Lodge Banquet - $15 (catered by Caveretta's Italian Deli)

• Registration form

Edit and print your own certificates and awards

This website has pre-designed certificates and awards at the pack and troop levels.

These are not BSA-approved certificates; they are geared more toward special recognition for Scout occasions such as birthdays, accomplishing a special task, or attending a special event.

Be creative (this would be great for day camp attendees).

They are great for fun things to reward your Scouts within your pack or troop.

Have fun with it ... It's free!

New Unit Organizers and Lifesavers Award - Virtual Plaque

This virtual award is presented by the U.S. Scouting Service Project to the following named Scouters for helping to deliver the promise of Scouting by starting a new Scouting unit or by rescuing a Scouting unit that was in danger of folding.

• 2008 - 2009 awards
  

To add a name to this virtual plaque recognizing the efforts of dedicated Scouters to give youth the opportunity to enjoy Scouting, send an e-mail with the following information:

• Scouter's Name
• Council Name
• District Name
• Type of Unit - Pack, Troop, Crew, etc.
• Unit Number
• Whether the unit was newly started or rescued
  

It's okay to nominate yourself too! We are always happy to add names to this online recognition award plaque.

Hospice Bereavement / Grief Support Volunteer

TrinityCare Hospice is a non-profit agency assisting terminally ill patients and their supportive loved ones through the final journey of life.

Following the loss of a loved one, the Hospice team provides bereavement care for the family for up to 13 months.

Bereavement volunteers assist the Bereavement Team by providing a friendly and compassionate ear to listen to the surviving family or friend share memories and feelings about their loss through periodic telephone calls.

Volunteers help to normalize the feelings the bereaved individuals may experience, provide resources to support groups or alert the hospice bereavement staff if there are signs of more complicated grief issues.

There is also a special need for bilingual Spanish/English volunteers to provide outreach to the Hispanic community.

Volunteer training provided by TrinityCare Hospice at one of our centralized hospice offices (Cerritos, Torrance or Van Nuys) must be completed with special emphasis on compassionate communication and empathetic listening skills for bereavement support.

Phone calls are then conducted from the hospice office or independently after a period of direct supervision by the Bereavement Team.

Contact Ida Vernay, Volunteer Coordinator via email or visit the TrinityCare Hospice website.

Popcorn close-out sale - 40% off

Calling all top sellers! Popcorn was returned to the Council, and we need your help to move it out... the Council cannot return this leftover product to Trail’s End.

40% off on popcorn! Re-sell it at full price and keep the money... no waiting for a commission check!

Take advantage of this limited opportunity and make last-minute sales to holiday shoppers and repeat customers.

Earn a few dollars more for next year's program.

The following products are currently available at the Van Nuys Scout Office:

Number of cases	Product	Purchase at (per case)	Earn (per case)*
101	9.5 oz. Caramel	$72	$48
13	15-Pack Butter Light	$54	$36
15	15-Pack Butter	$54	$36
22	18 oz. Caramel Light	$72	$48
4	24 oz. Chocolate	$72	$48
11	20 oz. Trail Mix	$90	$60
3	5-Way Chocolate	$30	$20

^*when re-sold at recommended retail value

Product will be made available at other offices by special arrangement only.

Terms and Conditions

• This sale is open to individuals or units.
• This sale is limited to stock on hand (first come, first served)
• Popcorn is to be paid for at the time of receipt.
• No additional prizes or commissions are offered.
• The individual or unit keeps all of the resale money.
• No refunds - no returns (take a few cases, then come back for more after it has been sold)
  

To pre-arrange for purchasing larger quantities, or if you have any questions, please reply to David Melton at dmelton@bsa-la.org.

Thank you for your participation in completing the 2008 Popcorn Campaign.

Yours in Scouting,
David Melton

Western Los Angeles County Council
16525 Sherman Way, Unit C-8
Van Nuys, CA 91406

Troop 921 Wish List

(excerpt from the Chatsworth Roundup, the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council newsletter)

As a result of our house burning down in the Sesnon fires, all of our Scout Troop's camping gear was destroyed.

I personally paid for the majority of the gear so that no child would be left behind due to financial hardship of the families.

Both the Councilman and the Mayor have offered to help us replace some of the items, and this is the best way for us to continue our outdoor learning program for the kids.

I have set up a "Wish List" in partnership with the Wal-Mart store in Porter Ranch. Your continued support of the Boy Scouts of America is truly appreciated.

On behalf of the kids of Troop 921, I send you my advance thanks for all you could do to help.

To buy a gift from this Wish List:

1. View the Wish List.
2. Choose an item from the Wish List.
3. Add the item to your cart.
4. Check out, and have the item shipped to the recipient, or to yourself for in-person events.
   

Respectfully Yours,
Les Salay
Scoutmaster
Troop 921

Silver Beaver Class of 2008

It is with great pride we announce the Silver Beaver Award winners for the Western Los Angeles County Council for 2008. These folks have demonstrated outstanding and wonderful service to Scouting and the WLACC. We dearly appreciate their service.

Please make a point to celebrate their awards with them at the Council Silver Beaver Banquet on Thursday evening January 29, 2009. More info on that soon.

Antelope Valley

• Kenneth Broda
• Joseph Pizzo
  

Balboa Oaks

• Tanadet Itsarpakdetam
• Jonathon Orlick
• Thomas Wood
  

Bill Hart

• Mark Renner

Cahuenga

• Francisco Ramirez
• Wynnewood Ritch

Crescent Bay

• Eric Singer

Las Colinas

• Gary Bishop
• Eliot Brown
• Thomas Cantarine
• Brian Compton

January 31, 2009 - Pow Wow / University of Scouting / College of Commissioner Science

To: All Scout leaders

From: Janice Druez, VP Program (volunteer!)

Re: An exciting, fun day of Scout training

For Cub Scout leaders - it's Pow Wow!

For Boy Scout and Venturing leaders - it's University of Scouting!

For Commissioners - it's College of Commissioner Science!

For all - it's a day where you get to choose what to attend. Pick what you want!

Great 50-minute sessions! 3 in the morning - 3 in the afternoon!

Fantastic lunch!

A CD full of resource material - some covered in the classes - some not!

A commemorative patch!

And the result: You will save yourself time! You will have more tools to provide a great program for the Scouts!

You will get to talk with others who share your passions! and who encounter the same challenges!

The training is for adults only! Come join us for a fun day!

The specifics:

• Date: Saturday, January 31, 2009
• Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Location: Pinecrest School, 5975 Shoup Ave., Woodland Hills, CA (corner of Shoup Ave. and Oxnard Ave.)
• Cost: $15 - includes lunch, snacks, Resource CD, commemorative patch, and a day of fun and information
• How to register: Register online at www.bsa-la.org
• What to wear: Wear your uniform if you have one - come anyway if you don't!
• What to bring: notepad, pen, tote bag, your enthusiasm and Scout spirit

• General information - Please distribute this to all the leaders in your unit / district
• Course descriptions
• College of Commissioner Science registration form
  

Some frequently given answers:

1. Yes, the event will happen, rain or shine! Come prepared!
2. No, you don't have to register for specific sessions - just for the day. On the day of the event, you go where you want to go!
3. No, we don't send out confirmation of your registration (but we'll have it!)
4. Yes, you should pre-register, as early as possible! Those who have pre-registered will completely bypass any registration line!
5. No, we generally don't give refunds if you have to cancel - but we will mail you the CD and patch if something comes up and you can't make it!
6. Yes, this event is for adults only. Please make other arrangements for your children that day.

See you on January 31, 2009!

January 27 - March 12, 2009 - Crisis Response Team volunteers

Make a difference in the community at the times of greatest need.

Some of the most inspiring acts of heroism during the recent Chatsworth train disaster and the wildfires that shook the San Fernando Valley were performed by the volunteers of the city's Crisis Response Team (CRT).

The city is recruiting community members to volunteer for the CRT.

At the request of police and fire departments, CRT members provide immediate on-scene crisis intervention, attend to survival and comfort needs, act as liaisons between victims and emergency personnel, and give referrals to victims and their families affected by a death, a serious injury, a violent crime or other traumatic incidents.

New member training will take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Jan. 27 through March 12, 2009 at the L.A. Police Academy in Westchester.

Bilingual volunteers who speak Spanish or Korean are especially needed.

For more information or to register for the training, call (213) 978-0697 or email LACRT@lacity.org.

Free Child Safety Package

This free child safety package includes:

1. Ebook "The 4 Biggest Mistakes Parents Make That Put Their Children at Risk".
2. "Child Identification Kit" that could save your child's life.
3. "Child Safety Tips" Newsletter.
4. "Just Yell Fire!" DVD to prevent abduction and teenage date rape.
5. "Child Safety Blog" entry updates as they happen.

How to Tie Outdoor and Camping Knots

In this free video series learn how to tie knots from our knot tying expert and outdoor enthusiast. He will demonstrate how to tie the bowline knot, double bowline knot and the bowline on a bight, as well as how to tie the trucker's hitch; how to tie the marlin spike hitch; how to tie the constrictor knot; how to tie the pile hitch; how to tie the icicle hitch, the clove hitch, and the slippery hitch; how to tie the jug knot and create an eye splice; as well as how to tie square lashing.

Operation Gratitude to send 400,000th care package

Operation Gratitude Hits Unprecedented Milestone December 13
Will Send Last Batch of Packages to Reach Troops in Time for Christmas

Van Nuys, CA - December 3, 2008 - Following the assembly of over 50,000 care packages in just seven days, Operation Gratitude Director of Operations, Charlie Othold, announced today that the organization will reach a major milestone on Saturday, December 13, 2008: The shipment of its 400,000th care package!

• Full article
  

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recognition Certificates

This Web site is for formal and non-formal educators. It includes links to Boy Scout and Girl Scout recognition certificates, curriculum resources and activities, community service projects, professional development opportunities, and background information.

Boy Scout and Girl Scout recognition certificates available online (This is VERY cool!)

A new procedure allows Boy Scout and Girl Scout recognition certificates to be downloaded in PDF format and printed on-line. This procedure replaces the necessity of requesting recognition letters or certificates from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Washington, DC and Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

These certificates are meant to honor Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who completed all the work required along their journey to achieve these awards. Only adult advisors or council staff are to complete these certificates for presentation ceremonies recognizing the accomplishments of these individuals.

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Educating for Conservation

All the instruction on the prerequisites are on that page and also include directions and links to several "Scouting Approved" programs available to earn the Certificate, which can be downloaded and printed Online.

First Aid and CPR Instructors Needed

I am checking to see if there is a First Aid and CPR instructor that could help 10th grade students at my high school. The high school is in northeast Los Angeles, Woodrow Wilson High School. I need an instructor who can come in several days to teach, and maybe even certify the students. Please ask anyone who can help to contact me at kbryan@wilsonmules.org

Thanks,

Kevin Bryan

Shofar Award nominations

• Original post

Two changes:

1. The period for submissions of nominations has been extended to December 31, 2008.
2. You may send your submissions as an attachment (.wpd, .doc, .pdf) via email addressed to me at david@karpmediation.com

Want to be a Santa's Helper?

For those of you looking for a great program to get involved with this holiday time for your Scouts and you, it is Santa's Helpers. The post office gets hundreds of letters addressed to Santa written by children. Many are from very needy homes. Often their requests of Santa are for food and clothes for their family. You can pick up a letter or 2 and answer it by purchasing gifts/gift cards, clothes, food etc. for the family and delivering it. You would be one of Santa's Helpers. This is an activity that your Scouts and you will never forget. The looks of amazement and joy on the kids and parents faces are indescribable. Your presents could likely be all these families receive this holiday season. Plus it teaches a life-long lesson of generosity and gratitude to your Scouts.

If you wish to find out more about the program call Glenn "Santa" Sartain at (818) 681-8999. Or call Tina at (661) 775-6688. You will be overjoyed you did. HO HO HO

Troop 104 Christmas trees

Boy Scout Troop 104, Mission Hills

We are continuing our 50 year tradition of selling fresh Christmas trees!

Noble and Douglas Fir Trees delivered fresh on December 4th and 11th

All profits help support the activities of our local Boy Scout Troop 104 and Cub Scout Packs 104 and 77.

We offer flocking, fire retardant, tree stands and buckets. We will also be selling survival kits and first aid kits. Cash, checks, credit and debit cards accepted.

Our tree lot is located at:
15305 Devonshire St., Mission Hills
next to the Post Office near Sepulveda and Devonshire

We open Friday, December 5th at 4pm
Weekends: 10am - 10pm
Weekdays: 4pm - 9pm

Two big weekends!

Print this out and show it when purchasing your fresh Christmas Tree and receive a $3 discount

Thank you for supporting Boy Scout Troop 104

A Great Way to Say Thanks

Pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services. Then check the rest of the website for their responses.

How amazing it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one! It is free and it only takes a second.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them. This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you. Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do.

We can never say enough thank you's.

Thanks for taking to time to support our military!

Interesting Eagle Scout Awards from the military

Greetings all,

Amongst the many awards available for those reaching the level of either Eagle Scout (boys) or Gold Award (Girls) there are a number of cool awards presented by our nation's Armed Forces. (Marine Corps, Sons of the American Revolution, United States Army and United States Navy)

I hope, as a past Eagle and military veteran myself, that some of you may want to explore these National Recognition Awards.

Not to mention how great the certificates look ..LOL

• Eagle Recognition Information
  

Be Well,

Les Salay

Veteran - United States Navy

Astronomy merit badge / belt loop web site

Hello fellow space cadets :)

I found a very informative web site that may be of value to those of you working towards your Astronomy merit badge or Cub Scout belt loop.

Visit the web site below ... I hope this will help you in your quest towards earning your merit badge / belt loop goals.

May the Force be with you!

SpaceWeather.com - News and information about meteor showers, solar flares, auroras, and near-Earth asteroids


"Forever a Scout",
Les Salay
Cubmaster / Scoutmaster / Unit Commissioner
Unit 921 - Northridge
Primary: scoutingus@aol.com (Mass E-Mail list)
Secondary: scoutingusa@yahoo.com (Back up)

Operation Gratitude update

Operation Gratitude is facing its most challenging year since its inception in 2003. Right now, 75% of the 70,000 Care Packages we will assemble for our troops will not reach them without your help.

While our Corporate Product Donors have generously provided all the items we need for our care packages, our financial donations have dwindled to a trickle. Yet, our shipping expenses are higher than ever before at $9.30 for postage alone and more than $10 per package overall.

All donated funds are used for production and shipping expenses.

We do not expend funds on overhead, fundraising campaigns, direct mail or advertising.

We take no salaries. Every dollar donated directly supports our troops.

Operation Gratitude sends a care package personally addressed to every deployed service member whose name we receive.

We send 100,000 - 120,000 packages per year, which requires a cash budget of $1.2 Million/year.

This Holiday Drive, we will assemble 70,000 care packages.

Right now, we only have the funds to ship one-quarter of them.

"We had a tip from an Iraqi child that we gave one of your beanie babies to, who let us know that bad people were making bombs in his neighborhood. The information he gave us led to a major terrorist cell being captured and countless lives being saved. You may not realize this, but we utilize everything you send - we do not waste a thing. Thanks again for what you do." -Captain D.A., US Air Force

Nothing would be sadder than to have more than 50,000 fabulously full and completed care packages still sitting in our warehouse on Christmas Day. Fifty thousand Care Packages lovingly assembled by our dedicated volunteers that could not be shipped to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan solely because we did not have the funds for postage.

We need your help to raise $500,000.00 this month to ship the care packages in time for the Holidays.

$10 will send another package
$100 will let 10 service members know you are thinking of them
$500 will tell 50 troops in harm's way that you care.

If you can afford even more, you can touch the hearts and say "Thank You" to even more of our nation's finest. All donations to Operation Gratitude are tax deductible.

Donations can be made by Credit Card through the Operation Gratitude website or by check payable to Operation Gratitude and mailed to:

Operation Gratitude
16444 Refugio Road
Encino, CA 91436

We know budgets are limited this year--we are not asking you to spend more than you planned, but perhaps you can take $10 from each designated gift and send that to a Service member in honor of your friend or family member. We will send your loved one a beautiful tribute letter telling them about your thoughtful gift in their honor--letting them know that they too just sent a package of love to a Soldier or Marine on a battle field.

Kiwanis of Chatsworth events

Saturday, December 13, 2008 - Warm blankets/coats collection ends - bring all donations to club meetings

Sunday, December 14, 2008 - Chatsworth Holiday Parade and Festival - setup begins at 8 am, festival at 12 pm, parade at 1 pm

Saturday, December 20, 2008 - Christmas Lunch and Toy Give-Away - San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission - Bring donations to our meeting, used clothes, new toys, canned food, turkeys - for volunteer opportunities, call Chris Mazza at the Rescue Mission (818) 474-1297

For more information on these events, please contact:
Robin Monick, Club Secretary
Kiwanis Club of Chatsworth
(818) 632-5486

Thank you for your help in distributing this to all the Scouts, to give them an opportunity to serve our community.

Rachel Garcia
Pack 226, Las Colinas District
(818) 515-0774 cell

Childrens Day - A great day for WLACC

• Parade presence.
• Pinewood Derby Display.
• OA Indian Village.
• Cub Crafts Booth.
• Membership/Relationships Booth.
• About 60 Scouting Volunteers overall who helped -including Cubs and Webelos Scouts, Boy Scouts/Arrowmen, Unit District and Council volunteers, and Council Professionals.
• Maybe 700 children hosted at Crafts
• Lots of interest at the Pinewood Derby
• Photo opportunities galore with Arrowmen in their Regalia.
• At least 100 leads (with names and contact information) for potential new scouts
• Much good will and positive community impact.
• Terrific visibility for Scouting in general and our Council in particular.
  

Not bad for a Saturday in the Park....

Thanks to all who helped.

David I. Karp
Relationships Chair
Western Los Angeles County Council
Boy Scouts of America

February 27 - March 1, 2009 - Cub Scouting National Camping School

Attention All Interested Cub Scout Adults!

If you have an interest in serving on a Cub Day Camp Staff and would like to receive training, the 2009 Cub Day Camp School Schedule is out. This year we are fortunate to have one of the Camp Schools at Camp Josepho, February 27 - March 1, 2009. Camp School Certifications are good for 5 years!

All completed registrations must be turned into Christine Demmitt no later than January 9, 2009. All registrations must be approved by the Council.

For more information - contact Christine Demmitt (818) 933-0123

• Brochure
• Registration form
  

Wildlands Conservancy - Wind Wolves Preserve

In the late 1980s, Los Angeles development trends extended into the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley when Dale Poe Development bought the historic San Emigdio Ranch. During the downturn in development in the mid-1990s, the property was put up for sale to avoid bank foreclosure. The Wildlands Conservancy purchased more than 93,000 acres to create the largest nonprofit preserve on the West Coast. Acquisition of adjacent lands has increased the preserve to more than 97,000 acres.

The preserve is an ecologically unique region where the Transverse Ranges, Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada, western Mojave Desert and San Joaquin Valley converge. Due to this singular geographic location and an elevation range from 640 to 6,005 feet, the preserve has an impressive array of landforms and habitats. The preserve is a critical landscape linkage and wildlife corridor between the Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada.

Tule elk were reintroduced to Wind Wolves Preserve, the southernmost extension of their historic range. The elk herd has grown to more than 200 animals and the California Department of Fish and Game estimates the preserve can support up to 2,000 tule elk.

At 97,000 acres, Wind Wolves is the largest nonprofit preserve on the West Coast.

On the San Joaquin Valley floor, the preserve is a 30-square-mile veritable sea of grasslands with remnant stands of saltbush. These grasslands are home to the endangered San Joaquin kit fox and blunt-nosed leopard lizard, and one of the largest stands of the endangered Bakersfield cactus. Rolling grasslands rise from the valley floor and transition into classic California blue oak and valley oak savanna with extensive riparian wetlands. Pinyon-juniper woodland and chaparral can be found at medium and upper elevations along with pockets of big-cone spruce and ponderosa pine.

Through its spectacular and scenic beauty and rich diversity of life, Wind Wolves Preserve has the power to inspire people to preserve their natural and cultural heritage. At Wind Wolves, The Wildlands Conservancy offers free outdoor education programs in which over 100,000 children have participated. Programs focus on ecology, Native American life ways and local history, which complement the State’s science curriculum.

Wind Wolves Preserve is open to the public on weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for hiking and picnicking. Camping hours are Friday 2:30 p.m. through Sunday 5:00 p.m. by advanced reservation only. For more information, call (661) 858-1115.

December 1, 2008 - Deadline for Toy Collection Drive

Toy collections have begun for children whose homes burned during the recent San Fernando Valley wildfires. Please bring new (or like-new) unwrapped gifts such as books, toys, dolls and sports equipment during business hours through Dec. 1. For more information call (818) 885-7655.

Skateland
18140 Parthenia St., Northridge

December 12, 2008 - Deadline for Letters to Our Troops contest

The Rogers Family Company - Operation Gratitude "Letters to Our Troops" contest is heading into its 3rd week and going strong! You still have time to enter and encourage everyone you know to write letters to our deployed service members for the holidays and at the same time earn fun prizes for yourselves and much-needed money for your favorite schools!

During our Holiday Drive, Operation Gratitude plans to send 70,000 care packages to troops deployed in combat zones overseas - we want to receive enough submissions from the contest to include at least one letter in every box. To meet this goal, we need everyone - students, parents, teachers, and all caring American citizens - to enter the contest and write letters. Students 12 years and under can write letters to be entered by their parents.

Rogers Family Company is offering 3 prize packages in a random drawing - all you need to do is enter! Win the Grand Prize and:

• Your letter will be included in the 400,000th Operation Gratitude package
• $2000 will be donated to the k-12 school of your choice
• $250 gift certificate (good for a year's supply of Rogers Coffee) for you
• $100 iTunes Gift card for you
  

• More information on prizes

To enter the contest, go here and click on the "Write a Letter" button. Upon registration and submission of your letter, you will be entered to win one of three prize packages, all of which include money for your chosen school and gift cards for you provided by the Rogers Family Company.

Write a letter, enter to win, and make a difference!

The impact of a personal letter is incalculable:

"My husband was stationed in Iraq and I signed him up for Operation Gratitude. While there he received a letter from a lady in New York. This letter touched him dearly. She had lost her son, an EMT, in 9-11. This letter still means a lot to him. My husband has suffered some physical and mental issues resulting from his service in Iraq. When he starts to feel regret from serving his Country and the strain it put on him and his family, he takes out that letter and it makes him feel better. One person and one letter can make a difference."

Help us reach our goal of 70,000 letters!

Share this with your family, friends and colleagues.

Teachers and parents: Tell every family in your school about this great opportunity to win $2000 for your school!

Share this with friends in your social networks like Facebook or MySpace.

The contest, designed and hosted by Strutta Media Inc., is open to all U.S. residents and runs through December 12, 2008. All appropriate letters submitted in the contest will be sent to service members via Operation Gratitude care packages.

Three youth spaces still left for 2009 Philmont expedition

Only three youth spaces are left for the 2009 WLACC Philmont Expedition. Sign up now!

30 days free phone service for fire victims

In response to recent fires in Southern California, AT&T is making available a number of services to support displaced customers.

AT&T is making voice mail, call forwarding services and installation of a phone line available free of charge for 30 days for displaced customers, as many fire victims find themselves without an established means for sending and receiving calls to family members, insurance agencies and other important contacts:

• Call Forwarding automatically forward calls to any phone number customers choose.
• Remote Call Forwarding allows customers to dial in and direct normal home phone calls to another number from any phone.
• Message Center allows users to retrieve messages left at their home phone line from any location as well leave a greeting telling callers their status.
  

Customers displaced by the fires can call 1-888-338-3291 Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to set up the free phone services. Customers needing assistance should leave their contact information so an AT&T service representative can call them back within 24 hours.

"The necessity to communicate with family, friends and loved ones becomes even more vital during a crisis," said Melba Muscarolas, vice president and general manager, AT&T West. "The voice mail equipment is located inside the AT&T core network and facilities which are outside of the fire damaged area. With call forwarding, fire victims can direct incoming calls to their home to the telephone number of their choice to ensure they are receiving their phone calls."

Again, customers displaced from their homes by the fire can call AT&T at 1-888-338-3291 for information regarding these services.

Pack 490 fire loss

The Palmer family from Pack 490 family lost everything in the Sylmar fire. I would be happy to be a contact for people who would like to help this family out. There is an 8 year old scout who needs size 12 shoes and size 8 clothes and his brother who is 4 years old who needs 4/5 clothes and size 2 shoes.

For more information on how to help, you may e-mail Bill Roberts. Thanks.

Scout Uniform Sale

This pertains to all service centers in our Council.

Old uniforms are now on sale. The retail price will be 25% off while supplies last.

Help for fire victims

I just got back from the Sylmar Evacuation Center. They have had approx 400 fire victims sign in for assistance with about 40 people spending the night in the High School gymnasium this evening.

All donated supplies are being inventoried and distributed from Saint Didacus Church which is located a few blocks away.

At the church, I met several exceptional youth group volunteers who are manning the distribution center.

I asked everyone I talked to how we could best help those in need. Discussions with Red Cross volunteers, firemen, church volunteers, the Sylmar Neighborhood Council public relations coordinator, and a 90 year old woman who left her home in only her underwear, lead to the following needs list:

The Basics - These People Now Have No Possessions

A. Personal Survival Kit:

1. Tooth Brush
2. Tooth Paste (all regular size items)
3. Mouthwash
4. Hand Soap
5. Shampoo
6. Deodorant
7. Hand Wipes and/or Liquid Hand Sanitizer
8. Shaving Cream
9. Razor & Blades

B. Diapers (As many as possible)

C. Donated Clothing and Shoes (remember many people escaped with only the clothing they were wearing at the time - some barefoot)

D. Blankets

E. Protective Face Mask (To use when going back to their houses)

I'm going to contact some manufactures and suppliers (e.g.. Johnson & Johnson, Colgate-Palmolive, Costco) to see if they will donate some of these products directly.

I also discussed with the youth group at St. Didacus the possibility of having their membership putting on a pot-luck-dinner this week end for the fire victims. The Salay family told me how much it meant to them when people brought them home cooked meals after their home was lost in the fire last month.

Let me know what ideas you have - I know that with our collective thoughts, we can do amazing things.

"To Help other People at all Times"

Gary
Troop 175

Moving animals away from fire

Does someone need help moving animals away from fire?

I have a Suburban and an open trailer if needed, or I can help pull a horse trailer too.

Please don't hesitate to call if you need help or know someone that does!

(661) 252-3769
James and Sonia

December 13, 2008 - Las Colinas District Training

Saturday, December 13, 2008
8 am - 4:30 pm

WLACC Office
16525 Sherman Way, C-8
Van Nuys, CA 91406
(Sherman Way and Hayvenhurst - behind Denny's)

Who should attend: Scout Leaders, Troop/Pack Committee Members, Cub Scout Leaders

Courses offered:

• New Leader Essentials (8 - 11:30 am)
• Cub Leader Specific (1 - 4:30 pm)
• Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Specific (1 - 4:30 pm)
• Troop Committee Challenge (8 - 11:30 am)

Cost: $5 donation per course

Wear your Class A uniform if you have one - Come anyway if you don't

Please pre-register no later than Wednesday, December 10!
If not, register at the training.

Questions: John Overton (818) 620-1001

• Pre-registration form

Vista del Lago Visitors Center Water Exploration Badge

Dear Program Coordinator:

We are, once again, submitting information for possible distribution throughout your Districts, on our free Water Exploration Badge Program that is available to all youth groups.

Take the plunge, earn a badge… Overlooking Pyramid Lake off Interstate 5 in Gorman, California, is the California Department of Water Resources' premiere water information center "Vista del Lago." We are a non-profit water education resource center dedicated to educating the public about the role of water in our environment within California. We are excited to offer our water education and conservation badge program entitled "The Water Wise Kid H20 Exploration Badge Program." The goal of our program, through a guided tour, movies and interactive exhibits, is to create a greater awareness of water in our environment, and its contribution to the quality of our lives. The program takes approximately two hours to complete, including the questionnaire, that is done on the honor system.

Our program is free-of-charge to all youth groups with children 6 years or older. For more information on how your kids can earn a badge, please call (661) 294-0219. We are open daily 9 am to 5 pm, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

Thank you for considering our submission.

Kathy M. Simmons
Vista del Lago Visitors Center
Outreach & Water Education Coordinator
(661) 294-0219

Have You Forgotten?

Last year I sent you a letter regarding a soldier who planned to commit suicide on Christmas Day, but changed his mind when he received our Operation Gratitude care package on Christmas Eve. Please help us make sure that every deployed service member knows someone cares about him or her this holiday season. Your $10 donation could send the care package that saves a life.

Today I urge you to partner with us once again to serve the courageous members of the United States military, who risk life and limb to serve us. Your tax-deductible contribution during the holidays will allow us to put smiles on the faces of our bravest Americans during a very difficult time away from home and loved ones. They and we will be forever grateful.

Love,

Carolyn Blashek

• Full article
  

January 31, 2009 - College of Commissioner Science

Presented by the Western Los Angeles County Council in conjunction
with Cub Scout Leader POW WOW and University of Scouting

Saturday, January 31, 2009
8 am - 4 pm

Pinecrest School
5975 Shoup Ave.
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(corner of Shoup Ave. and Oxnard St.)

A "Must Attend" for All Commissioners and Interested Scouters

Dress is Scout Uniform
Cost is $15 (includes lunch)

• Become a better Commissioner!
• Don't have your Bachelor of Commissioner Science degree? Get it!
• Started your Bachelor of Commissioner Science degree? Finish it!
• Started your Master of Commissioner Science degree? Finish it!

• Registration Form (submit by December 22) and Curriculum
  

For additional information, contact your District Commissioner or:

Mike Henderson
Day Phone: (818) 874-8831
Cell: (714) 330-2986

Gold Award project

Hello Scouts, Parents, and Troop and Pack Leaders,

My name is Kristal Brown and I just overboarded (graduated 2008) Senior Girl Scout. I am writing to the Boy Scouts to ask them to help me take my Gold Award (Eagle Rank for Girl Scouts) Project to a new level. My Gold Award Project was to raise money to purchase special designed oxygen masks for pets and donate them to the local fire stations of the Los Angeles City Fire Department. There are 106 city fire stations that need the masks. I was able to raise enough money to purchase 50 masks.

Now technically my Gold Award Project is officially over, but I want to see it all the way through and exceed my Gold Award Goal and raise the remaining money for the other 53 masks. I don't know of any Gold Award Project that went beyond the Gold Award requirements, but it's a project I feel strongly about.

• Flyer
• Donation letter
  

I hope this will help me reach my new goal of providing all city fire stations with the pet oxygen masks.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at kristalsgoldaward@yahoo.com

Yours in Scouting,

Kristal Brown

November 8-16, 2008 - Operation Gratitude update

Dear Volunteers,

Due to last minute Military Operations, our plans for the next 4 days have changed. Please read this update carefully!

We will still hold the Recycling Event on Saturday, November 8 from 9 - 4 pm. The drop off will take place in the large lot to the east of the Armory (where we held the Yard Sale). We will accept Wish List Item Donation drop-offs in the lot as well.

17330 Victory Blvd.
corner of Victory and Louise

There will be no volunteer work inside the Armory this Saturday or Sunday, November 8-9. We welcome volunteers to assist with the Recycle donations - we do need help with that!

The Armory will now be open this Monday and Tuesday, November 10-11 from 8 am to 4 pm (an hour earlier than usual). We need your help on these days!

The regular schedule for the remainder of the week will be in effect:

Wednesday and Thursday, November 12-13 @ 12 - 4 pm
Friday, November 14 @ 9 am - 4 pm
Saturday, November 15 @ 9 am - 4 pm (Assembly Day)
Sunday, November 16 @ 9 am - 4 pm (Assembly Day)

We apologize for any inconvenience these changes may cause. As we repeatedly caution, the Operation Gratitude schedule is always subject to the priorities of the Military's needs in the facility.

Thank you for your understanding.

Fondly,

Carolyn Blashek
Operation Gratitude

November 18, 2008 - McDonald's Night Fundraiser

McDonald's Night Fundraiser

Cub Scout Pack 328 and Boy Scout Troop 328

Tuesday, November 18 @ 4 - 7 pm

6830 Balboa Blvd., West Van Nuys (Vanowen St. and Balboa Blvd.)

20% of all sales between 4 and 7 pm go to our group!

See you there! Thank you for your support!

November 21-23, 2008 - 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 Fishing and Fish & Wildlife Management.

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, have a relaxing weekend campout, and have a chance to meet many of Troop 911's adult leaders, while their Webelos participate in troop activities.

When: November 21-23

Where: Castaic Lake recreation area, 32132 Castaic Lake Dr., Castaic, CA 91384

We will meet on Friday evening at 6 pm at Northridge United Methodist Church, 9650 Reseda Blvd., Northridge, CA 91324. The cross streets are Reseda and Superior.

Questions? Contact Scoutmaster Jon Orlick (818) 987-9840

• Flyer
  

Shofar Award nominations

To the Western Los Angeles County Council Scouting Community:

Nominations are now being sought, and will be accepted in writing only until December 15, 2008, for the Shofar Award of the National Jewish Committee on Scouting.

The National Jewish Committee on Scouting established the Shofar Award to recognize outstanding service by adults in the promotion of Scouting among Jewish youth. Just as the Shofar (Ram's Horn) calls people to the service of G-d, so the Shofar Award is a recognition of the individual who has answered the call to serve Jewish youth in Scouting.

All information and forms for the nomination are available online. (Please note that the Western Los Angeles County Council Jewish Committee on Scouting obtains and pays for the award. You will not need to send money with the application. )

Send your written nominations by US Mail for receipt by December 15, 2008 to:

David I. Karp
Shofar Award Subcommittee Chairman, Council JCOS
13818 Cumpston Street
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401-5818

After December 15, 2008, a committee comprised of Shofar Award recipients in Western Los Angeles County Council will meet and decide on the next class of Shofar Award recipients. After private letters of congratulations are sent to the awardees, the new recipients' names will be publicized. The awards will be presented at the recipient's synagogue or at an appropriate Scouting function.

Yours in Scouting,

David I. Karp
Shofar Award Subcommittee Chairman, Council JCOS

May 16, 2009 - Cub Scout Cup

The 4th Annual Cup Scout Cup will happen Saturday, May 16th at Valley Trails in Castaic. Mark it on your calendars, plan ahead and don't miss this one of a kind special Cub Scout event.

• Save the Date flyer
• Entry form for patch design contest
  

November 15, 2008 - Eagle Advisor Workshop

We have put together a workshop for mentors, adult leaders wanting to become Eagle advisors, and parents that have sons that will become Eagle candidates. This class has a little something for every adult.

When: Saturday, November 15, 2008 - Class will start at 9 am (about 4 hours)

Where: Northridge United Methodist Church, 9650 Reseda Blvd. (around back in the big parking lot near the classroom used for Camporee meetings)

There will be handouts and more information to take away with you. Hope to see all of you there. This training is very important for our Scouts.

Please RSVP by November 12 (I need a good head count)

Any questions, please call or e-mail Roy Powell (818) 349-0235

December 5-21, 2008 - Christmas tree sale

Troop 2379 welcomes everyone to the first annual Christmas tree parking lot sales event, located at 17766 Sierra Highway in Canyon Country, in the Elks Lodge parking area.

Sales event starts Friday, December 5, and ends Sunday, December 21, or until all our inventory is gone.

• All weekdays 4 - 9 pm
• Saturday 10 am - 9 pm
• Sunday 12 - 5 pm
  

Large inventories of freshly cut Douglas and Noble Fir trees available in a large array of assorted shapes and sizes to choose from.

Tree prices vary depending on size and type purchased.

All stands and other various holiday accessories available are sold separately for an additional charge.

All holiday items for sale are competitively priced to match our local competitors and priced affordably to fit within everyone's budget.

Troop 2379 is a non-profit 501(3)c charitable organization. Part or all of your holiday purchases are tax-deductible on your 2008 income tax returns.

All sales event net proceeds are used for the sole benefit of Troop 2379's camping events and equipment requirement needs.

Troop 2379 is proudly sponsored by the Elks Lodge #2379, and would like to extend their sincere appreciation to everyone for their help and support in 2008 for their troop, and wish everyone a very safe and happy holiday season.

Upcoming Local Events and Celebrations

Great California ShakeOut Drill (Thursday, November 13, 2008): More than 3.4 million people in earthquake-endangered Southern California, including 1.8 million from Los Angeles County, are currently registered to participate. Register online.

Special Olympics Tri-Valley Bowl-A-Thon and raffle (Saturday, November 15, 2008, 10 am - 12 pm and 1 - 3 pm): AMF Rocket Bowl, 9171 De Soto Ave., Chatsworth. The entry fee is $20 per person, with proceeds benefiting the Special Olympics. You can register as a 3-person team or sign up and be placed on an existing team. One Special Olympics Athlete will join each team as Team Captain. You can also sponsor a Special Olympics Athlete. Call (818) 342-0017 for details.

Child Car Seat Safety Workshop (Saturday, November 15, 2008, 10 am - 12 pm): 7006 Alabama Ave., Canoga Park. RSVP with David Flores at dflores@neworg.us or call (818) 887-3877. Eligible participants will get a free child car seat.

Safety Fair (Sunday, November 16, 2008, 2 - 5 pm): Be prepared for earthquakes, wildfires, floods and other disasters. Fire Station 87, 10124 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills. Call (818) 756-8501 for details.

Children's Day celebration (Saturday, November 22, 2008, 9 am - 4 pm): More than 30,000 kids from across the San Fernando Valley are expected for this first-time event at Woodley Park, between Victory Blvd. and Burbank Blvd., Van Nuys. Radio Disney, NBC's Fritz Coleman, David Beckham Soccer Academy, Laker Greats, L.A. Kings, Elmo, the voice of Bart Simpson, music, rides, sports and more.

Holiday Toy Express (Sunday, November 23, 2008): Arrives at the Chatsworth Depot at 6 pm, with a festive gathering beginning at 5 pm.

Chatsworth Holiday Parade (Sunday, December 14, 2008, 1 pm): Devonshire Street.

LAPD Devonshire PALS are collecting new and unwrapped toys, games and books for underprivileged youth through Friday, December 19, 2008. Bring items to the Devonshire police station, 10250 Etiwanda Ave., Northridge. For details, call Elizabeth Sandoval at (818) 772-1717 or Dan Slater at (818) 756-8270.

November 9, 2008 - BB and possible archery training

We will be offering a BB Certification Course on Sunday, November 9 at Camp Josepho from 9am - 1 pm. If you have interested people, have them email me to reserve a space. The cost is $6 per person.

I am working on an archery certification too and will contact you ASAP, if I secure a trainer.

Thanks,

Chris

November 16, 2008 - North Valley Disaster Preparedness Event

Join us for a free disaster preparedness event and learn how you and your family can become better prepared for earthquakes, wildfires, floods and other disasters, on Sunday, Nov. 16, at Fire Station 87 in Granada Hills.

The booths, displays and demonstrations offer free information from emergency planning experts on the best ways to prepare yourself, your family and your workplace in the event of a disaster. Kids can ride on the Yogi Bear Earthquake Simulator. The event is co-sponsored by area Neighborhood Councils.

Sunday, Nov. 16
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Fire Station 87
10124 Balboa Blvd.
Granada Hills
(just south of Devonshire St.)

For more information, call (818) 756-8501.

Volunteers needed - Support Our Troops

Would you like to write a letter of encouragement, support and thanks to one or more of our brave men and women deployed overseas?

Come to our website and find out how you can help to support our troops.

This organization is run worldwide by volunteers working to ensure deployed U.S. Service members in all branches of the military, and their families, are not forgotten.

Military-Space.org Group Mission Statement:

To ensure that deployed United States Service members in all branches of the military, and their families left behind are not forgotten.

We will provide morale-lifting mail support to service members of all branches of the U.S. military and their families serving their Nation around the world.

Additionally, we encourage patriotism in schools and communities.

We are committed to creating projects that meet the needs of soldiers, sailors, marines and their families based on their requests.

Military-Space.org Group does not claim to provide the basic necessities of comfort to the soldiers and sailors deployed in combat.

However, we do augment those necessities by providing extra items that are requested by the military personnel.

November through December 2008 - Rose Parade Float Decorating

Every year my mother and I organize Rose Parade Float Decorating volunteers for one of the float building companies, Fiesta Parade Floats. We try to get about 3,000 volunteers to turn out the week after Christmas and for 6 weekend dates through November and December. We organize this through Girl Scouts, but it's open to Boy Scouts, youth groups, high school bands, etc, etc. We especially like having the Boy Scouts out there and thought we'd try to do some more recruiting for their participation this year. Participating troops have the option to get paid (not a lot, around 50 cents and hour per person) for their time. Some troops are able to raise a few hundred dollars each year. So this can be a great fundraiser in addition to a great experience.

1. All the info, including the registration form, is on the website.
2. We highly recommend and request that every troop come down for one "dry decorating" day - prep days that take place on 6 weekend days in Nov. and Dec, if they wish to come for the days after Christmas.
3. Age requirements: Dry Days in Nov. and Dec. - 4th grade Boy Scouts and older. After Christmas (Dec 26-30th) 6th grade Boy Scouts and older. 1 adult per group minimum. (We love having plenty of adults though!) Friends and siblings who fall within those ages are welcome to come along.
4. Shifts are 8 hours. 8am - 4pm or 4pm - 11pm or Midnight. No leaving early. 4th and 5th grade groups who come for Dry Days have the option of 4 hour shifts.
5. To register, download the registration form off the website, fill it out in Word, save it, e-mail it to Coyote1980@aol.com as an attachment.
6. After visiting the website, if you have more questions call (818) 887-9015, ask for Candy or Erin.
7. Do not come in uniform! Wear grubby clothes fit for the dumpster when you're done.
   

Thank you for your consideration, and I wish you and your family all the best.

Erin Tomanek
co-leader, Sea Scout Ship 1351

Order of the Arrow update

Dear fellow Achoicominga Arrowman:

For all of you that missed the OA fellowship this weekend, all had a great time. The theme was OA Olympics and our chapter brought home several gold medals and a silver in the competition. The food was great and so was the fellowship!

Also, we have a lot to be proud of as the Achoicominga Chapter is now home of the 2009 Malibu Lodge Chief, Jordan Orlick. Jordan was elected Lodge Chief by his fellow arrowmen at fellowship. In addition, Jordan also serves as Section W4A (now WC1) Section Secretary! A big congratulations to Jordan. He will need some support from his Chapter and District. Let us be there for him and follow his leadership. Go Achoicominga!

David Seifert

November 8, 2008 - Troop 622 (Ventura County) Free Recycling of Electronic Items

All California residents and businesses welcome

Where: Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 4191 Cochran St., Simi Valley, CA 93063
When: Saturday, November 8, 2008, 9 am - 1 pm

Sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 622 and Neuwaste Business Recycling

• Flyer with more information
  

November 2, 2008 - Public Safety and Community Appreciation Picnic

From the Office of Councilman Greig Smith

Oct. 24, 2008

Dear Friends:

Instead of our Weekly Briefing newsletter this week, I would like to invite you to a very special community picnic to show our appreciation to the public safety officers, community members, businesses and neighborhood groups that came together during recent disasters.

The San Fernando Valley experienced two disasters recently - the Chatsworth Metrolink crash that killed 25 people and injured over 130, and the wildfires that charred nearly 20,000 acres, destroyed dozens of homes and killed two people. We have not had a shock this painful to our community since the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

We never want to experience this kind of tragedy. But when disaster strikes, one can only hope to see the kind of response we had from public safety officers, community members, Neighborhood Councils, local businesses and community groups during these disasters.

Their speed, skill, selflessness, bravery, generosity and ability to work together showed the true character of our community. The word "hero" is used too casually in society today. A hero is a person who drops everything and puts themselves in harm's way to help a complete stranger. In addition to our police officers and firefighters, hundreds of local community heroes gave aid to the injured and comforted families without hesitation.

Please join us, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Councilmembers Greig Smith and Richard Alarcón, for our "Public Safety and Community Appreciation Picnic" to show our gratitude to the public safety officers, community members, businesses and neighborhood groups that came together during recent disasters.

Public Safety and Community Appreciation Picnic
Sunday, Nov. 2, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Holleigh Bernson Park, located at 20500 Sesnon Blvd. in Porter Ranch.

This event will include free food for all, entertainment, children's activities, police and fire vehicles, helicopter flyovers, public safety booths and more.

• Flyer
• Map and directions
  

For more information call (213) 473-7012 or email Megan.Cottier@lacity.org.

Sincerely,

Greig Smith
Councilman, Twelfth District

Community comes to aid of family that helped Metrolink crash workers

It's a tragedy when any family loses its home to fire, but what happened to the Salay family during the Sesnon blaze last week just makes you shake your head and wonder about fairness in life.

Read the full Daily News story

November 9, 2008 - Volunteering at Lakers games

Well, the Lakers Season is on again!

And as it has been for the past two years, the Lakers Foundation has always come to me for volunteers for their giveaway games.

In return, they give us free tickets to the games and we get to keep a giveaway souvenir also.

The first giveaway game that I am hosting is on Sunday, November 9th, 2008 (Lakers v. Houston Rockets).

Volunteers have to be at Staples Center no later than 3:30pm.

I am in need of 45 volunteers - scouts 15 years old and older.

Please contact me at jreyes98@aol.com to let me know if you are interested in volunteering.

Thanks!

-Jocelyn Reyes

Scoutmaster-Troop 513

Sea Kayaking at Santa Cruz Island

I have a doctor friend who is organizing and fundraising for an international medical relief mission. They plan on sailing around the world and stopping at poor and impoverished islands/countries to provide free health care. Anyway, as part of their fundraising effort, they have arranged a Sea Kayaking Adventure around Santa Cruz Island. They already held one trip for students at our former high school, and it was a tremendous success. My friend, Ben Labrot, thought this would also be perfect for Scouting, since it combines outdoor activities with service. The idea is that troops can independently schedule a trip, and each scout who attends will raise a minimum of $300. The funds will go towards equipping the sail boat for the medical mission and other direct costs related to the mission.

• Invitation
• Directions and FAQs
• Who are the Floating Doctors?
  

Please let me know if there is anything else you need, or if you have any questions.

Warmest Regards,
James Ramsey
Troop 2002 in Highland Park

June 21-27, 2009 - Relationships Week at Philmont

(Please note that the dates from the Boy Scout Bulletin, Third Quarter 2008 have been corrected.)

TREAT YOUR FAMILY TO A GREAT VACATION IN NEW MEXICO
and get some BSA training on the side!)

Picture this … your young children riding ponies and going on day outings, your older kids doing the high ropes course or going on a trek in the back country, your spouse enjoying ceramics, horseback riding or a sunrise hike, while you – the lucky one – sit in a classroom and soak up the experience and expertise of outstanding faculty on a specific conference topic of your choice. We would propose Relationships Week June 21-27, 2009 and highlight the Religious Emblems course as well as other courses with a religious emphasis (i.e. Baptist, Catholic, Jewish, United Methodist). Please add these dates to your calendar and start making your vacation plans now.

Wanted: 10 Target Councils for 2009

P.R.A.Y. is accepting applications for Target Councils. Target councils receive 2 scholarships to the Religious Emblems Course taught at the Philmont Training Center (at least one of the scholarships must be used by a professional Scouter). Target Councils also receive follow-up onsite training from P.R.A.Y. for council staff and volunteers. Target Councils must be interested in growing their membership through the religious community. If interested, please submit an application form.

January 31, 2009 - Cabrillo Whale Watch

Representatives from the Cabrillo Whale Watch program will again participate in our January 31 Pow Wow/University of Scouting (Pinecrest School, Woodland Hills) to provide detailed information, but have discovered that many scout groups plan their winter activities more in advance.

Note that there's a really cool award that can be earned through our High Adventure team in conjunction with this exciting activity.

Stoney Point clean-up canceled by Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works has stated that, because Stoney Point is burned in totality, there is nothing that anyone can do at this time to clean up.

Next year's clean-up will be earlier in the year. By agreement with the Department of Public Works, we will not only be cleaning up, but also replanting to restore Stoney Point to its natural habitat.

Thanks in advance to all of you that were gearing up for this project. We will have an opportunity to give back to the community in the future.

Be well, keep up your Scouting and environmental spirit, and remember to Leave No Trace wherever you go!

Forever a Scout,

Les Salay
Troop/Pack 921

November 15, 2008 - High Adventure Basic Backpacking Alumni Campfire and Campout

If you have successfully completed Basic Backpacking anytime since 1985 to the present, you are invited to the Circle X Ranch Group Campground in the Santa Monica Mountains on Saturday November 15 2008 to gather round the campfire with the HAT staff.

Sing, laugh and remember good times.

But wait, there’s more. If you want, you can stay overnight in the campground (at NO charge, yes HAT picks up your overnight fee*). Come show your spouse or significant other** what made the HAT course so memorable.

So grab your tent, your sleeping bag, dinner, breakfast and warm clothing*** and say howdy again to that outdoor Scouting spirit.****

RSVP to Tamber Johnson @ (818) 343-6578 or Vern Fagin @ (818) 766-4486 or EMAIL vernfagin@roadrunner.com.


*Offer void in Canada.
**Must be eighteen years or older to apply (no kids)
***No cotton, if you know what’s good for you.
****You won’t be on staff but an incredible simulation.

Silver Beaver information

Does anyone have copies of Silver Beaver or Silver Fawn programs prior to 1995 dinner (excluding SFVC 1963 and 1972)? I am still looking for information about recipients from the Crescent Bay Council, San Fernando Valley Council, Great Western Council and the Western Los Angeles County Council. If you do, please send me a copy. Thanks.

Yours in Scouting,

Art Hammarlund
18593 Brymer St.
Porter Ranch, CA 91326-1960

E-mail: Art.Hammarlund@ngc.com