September 24-26, 2010 - OA Section W4N Conclave

Good Day Arrowman,

My name is Charles Pickering and I am your W4N Section Chief. I am happy to inform you that your Lodge Chiefs, selected Arrowmen from your Lodge and myself have been planning our upcoming Section W4N Conclave since last September and registration is now open! The 2010 W4N Section Conclave will be held on September 24-26 at Oak View Recreation Center (555 Mahoney Avenue, Oak View, CA 93022). The theme of our Conclave is "Living the Legacy..."

• Online registration

Your First Conclave?

If you have never been to a Conclave, it is very similar to a Lodge Fellowship or a Council Camporee. Our Section has six different Lodges, and the areas they serve range from above Bakersfield all the way to the bottom of Long Beach. Our section gathers only once a year at our annual Conclave, so this is a special event! Conclave is a learning opportunity; in the morning, there are classes ranging from ceremonies to effective communicating to tipi setup. There are classes for Scouts and Arrowmen with much experience or very little experience. Classes, however, aren’t the only way to learn! In the afternoon, the fun and games kick off. Different sports games, Native American Dance education, fellowship with your lodge and other lodges. A dunk tank will be on site and you can try to soak myself or the Order of the Arrow’s National Chief, Brad Lichota. You get this for only $35 for new Ordeal members (less than one year of OA membership).

Been to a few Conclaves already?

Some of the classes you may have seen before, but we have definitely added some new ones, such as "Working with the LDS" and "Working with Disabled", or if you feel you have enough knowledge to be a Trainer, attend the "Could I be a Conclave Trainer" class.

Conclave is not the same every year. Take a new class, or take a class with a new Arrowman. Represent your Lodge in one of the sports tournaments. Participate in your ceremonies team (more on that further down). This year, take the time to build bonds with Arrowmen within and outside your Lodge. Enjoy the shows with your new ordeal members or first year conclave participants; they look to you to make it fun. And did I mention the Dunk Tank?

Ceremonialists

If you are a ceremonialist, I have the utmost respect for you. If you want to become a ceremonialist or you are a new ceremonialist, Conclave is a good start. There will be opportunities for your team to compete for the Pre-Ordeal, Brotherhood and Vigil Ceremony Awards. However, don’t just view them as an opportunity to compete against other lodges to discover the best in the Section, it is also a time to practice in a safe environment under constructive criticism. Every lodge conducts Ordeal, Brotherhood and Vigil Ceremonies, so every lodge should have their teams compete. We are all striving to become better, and these competitions are meant to help you improve, not just simply pick out the best in the Section. So whether you are a first timer, or you could do it in your sleep, represent your lodge this year and learn something, because there is always room for improvement.

There will also be training sessions where you can break down the ceremony and really analyze it as a class so everyone can either share or deepen their own knowledge of our ceremonies.

Dancers

Dancers, if you are out there, we need you. We as in your section, your lodge, your chapter; dancing isn’t as popular as it used to be in our section, and it’s because we are passing the passion on to the next generation. So if you are an old dancer, come out and participate in the Native American Seminar on dancing. If you are interested, come to the seminar, learn how to dance, then share your passion with the new Arrowmen to come.

Not only do I hope to see you at Conclave, but I want to see you having a good time. Remember, September 24-26, Oak View Recreation Center, $35 for new ordeal members, $47 for everyone else before August 22 and online registration is open now. Sign up today!

In Service,

Charles Pickering
W4N Section Chief

July 16, 2010 - Barnum's Funundrum!

This is a great event for Boy/Cub/Girl Scouts and other youth groups!

July 16th, 2010 (Friday)
5:30 pm Ticket Distribution
Staples Center

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

You and your friends won't want to miss The Greatest Show on earth!

And why on a Friday night?  Because this is the best value for the price and seats for everyone to enjoy the show!

The actual show starts at 7:30 pm.  However, our group is invited to a very special and exclusive session of pre-show Clown College at 6:30 pm.  The group will go in together at 6:00 pm.  This is an excellent opportunity to meet some of the world-class performers.  It is interactive and they request some of the guests to go to the center and do fun stuff with them.  There will also be picture-taking opportunities with the stars after the College session.  This is not mandatory, but it will be fun for everyone to participate in.

All guests in my group only will also receive the 2010 Circus Commemorative Patch.

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

I am able to reserve the seats before it goes on sale to the public on June 13th!  On June 13th, I will share a live inventory with Ticketmaster... So, reserve your tickets now!

Cost is only $20.00 per child/adult.
(includes processing/handling fees charged by Staples Center for every ticket...)
This does not include food or parking, please... Carpooling is the best way to go!

RSVP to Jocelyn Reyes at jreyes98@aol.com

Payment via PayPal... Instructions to be be provided once reservation is confirmed.

Seats will be assigned as per payment received!

Tickets will be distributed on July 16th, 2010 by the Magic Johnson statue on 11th Street entrance between 5:00 - 5:30 pm.

I will be sending more detailed info to all participants by July 11th, 2010.

Payments are non-refundable after tickets are purchased.

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

And remember:  The Clown College and the Commemorative Patch are exclusive offers to my group.

An hour before show time, audiences can join Ringling Bros. talented performers and learn new circus skills at the Clown College Pre-show, free with your ticket!

• At the Free All Access Pre-show, Ringling Bros. acrobats, clowns and other accomplished athletic performers show young and old alike an awe-inspiring and action-packed approach to daily health and fitness.
• Audience members can get up close and personal with Ringling Bros. performers to take photos, get autographs and learn circus skills at the All Access Pre-show.
• Circus-goers can meet some of Ringling Bros. majestic animals, see a pachyderm paint a portrait and learn more about Ringling Bros. commitment to elephant conservation at the All Access Pre-show.
• The All Access Pre-show is the only place where you can register for a chance to win a masterpiece created by one of Ringling Bros. artistic Asian elephants.

October 1-3, 2010 - Catholic Scout retreat

Put on your unit's 2010 calendar now!

Catholic Scout Retreat XIX - 2010

When:

• 5 pm Friday, October 1, 2010 to 11 am Sunday, October 3, 2010
• Program starts promptly at 8 am Saturday morning.
• Late arrivals should check in by 7:30 am Saturday morning.

Where:
Veteran's Memorial Park
Sylmar, California

Cost:

• $25 per Scout
• $20 for registrations postmarked by September 19

Registration and unit leader guide:
See our website

Questions:
Contact Council's Catholic Committee Chair (see web site for Chair names) or Maureen Brown at (323) 257-0067

Spiritual High Adventure!

• The theme of our 2010 Retreat is "Commitment" and our patron is the Blessed Virgin Mary.
• The annual Scout Retreat is for boys and girls of all ages, grades 1 to 12 in the Boy Scout, Girl Scout and Camp Fire programs, and for youth aged 14 to 20 in Venture Crew, Explorer and Sea Scout programs.
• Visitors from all dioceses are always welcome.

• More information

June 12, 2010 - The Karate Kid Experience (special Scout offer)

Come down to L.A. Live with your troop, pack, friends and family and enjoy an afternoon of Karate!  Participate in a Karate session on Nokia Plaza, and then enjoy the new Sony Pictures movie The Karate Kid!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
10:30 am - Karate demonstration
Noon - The Karate Kid movie at Regal Cinemas L.A. Live

The first 200 Scouts to sign up receive a special limited edition Karate Kid Scout patch!

Only $18!
(includes Karate session, movie ticket, hot dog and soda)

For more information or to order, please contact Nicole Musso at (213) 742-7396 or nmusso@aegworldwide.com

May 31, 2010 - Jewish War Veterans Memorial Day ceremony

Post 603
Jewish War Veterans, USA
will honor our fallen friends and brethren on
Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, 2010
11 am

Eden Cemetery
corner of Rinaldi and Sepulveda, North Hills, CA
(off 405 freeway at Rinaldi and Sepulveda)

Well-known speakers will exclusively address our group - an honor guard will perform - and many of our heroes will be in attendance.

Boy Scouts will place flags at all veteran graves.  We need volunteers.  Please come in uniform.

Come and be with your friends, comrades in arms, relatives, neighbors and Post members to participate in this important event.

Paul Cohen, Commander (818) 883-6051
Allen Hoffman, Sr. Vice Commander (818) 914-5805

Members please wear your caps.

Please RSVP by May 25 to Paul Cohen at (818) 883-6051 or April Bender at (818) 888-9700.

June 17-18, 2010 - Alice in Wonderland Jr.

A few of the boys in our pack are performing in a local production of Alice In Wonderland.  The production company would like to extend a special offer to all Scouts in the area (boys and girls).  Please help them get the word out.

Thanks
Ben Hope
ACM Pack 499

---

D.E.E. Studio Productions
Performing Arts Academy and Talent Network

Please join us for special matinee performances of...

Alice in Wonderland Jr.
based on the 1951 Disney film and the Lewis Carroll novels

Thursday, June 17 and Friday, June 18
Curtain: 2:00 pm
Presented especially for all Scout troops!

Reduced ticket pricing
Scouts - only $5.00 each
Adults - $8.00
Children 5 and under - free

Contact: (661) 254-4543
by June 4th to reserve your tickets

Location: Valencia High School Auditorium

100th anniversary Malibu Lodge patch

All members of the Malibu Lodge:

If you are interested in getting the special 100th anniversary Malibu Lodge patch in time for Jamboree, you need to get an order in right away.

You must have your dues paid up to date to make an order. There is a place to pay the dues on the form.

Please contact me with questions about this flap.

Yours in Brotherhood,

Tom Cantarine
Malibu Lodge Advisor for Anniversary Flap order

May 15-16 and 27, 2010 - Pack 564 fundraisers

We need your support!

Pack 564 Garage Sale

Sat. May 15 and Sun. May 16
8 am - 5 pm

7603 Oak Park Street
Van Nuys 91406

Donations accepted

For details, donation information, or big item pick-up, call John Bell (818) 757-1889 or Joe Maggio (818) 782-2075

Pack 564 "Anything Goes" Auction

May 27th
7 pm

St. Bridget Hall
7120 Whitaker St.
Van Nuys 91406

May 29, 2010 - Memorial Day Flag Placement (Venturing assistance needed)

Attention all Venturing Crews or Patrols

I am Robin Stekkinger, with Troop/Crew 1, from Crescent Bay District.  I was asked to assist with this very special event and I am honored to do so.

I am in need of your assistance on Saturday, May 29, 2010, at the Memorial Day Flag Placement ceremony.  I am in need of youth wearing the green Venturing shirts.  I will need Venturing youth as Ambassadors, assisting in the front of the Cemetery, for special inside parking enforcement, and then when the flag placement begins, walking throughout the grounds as Ambassadors, assisting with the volunteers and Cub Scouts.

We well be meeting in front of the Cemetery at 6:45 a.m, since sign up starts at 7:00 a.m.

If you are a Crew or Patrol who can assist me with these responsibilities, I would like for you to please e-mail me at venturing4life@yahoo.com or call me at (310) 339-1977.

This is a very special day and event.  I would like to thank you in advance for any and all assistance that I can be given.

Yours In Scouting and Venturing For Life,

Robin Stekkinger
Troop/Crew 1
Crescent Bay District

May 13, 2010 - Safe Swim / Safety Afloat

Safe Swim / Safety Afloat
Thursday, May 13

All Leaders (not to mention all Swabbies, Scalawags, and Scurvy Dogs) --

Holler it from the yardarms --

Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat trainings
will be offered live and in person a week from Thursday night, at...

The Cahuenga Roundtable
Thursday, May 13th
First United Methodist Church, Social Hall
4832 Tujunga Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91601
(between Magnolia Blvd. & Riverside Drive)
7 p.m.

Summer is right around the corner, and for any activity involving swimming at least 1 leader must be trained in Safe Swim Defense (yes, even in the backyard pool for Aquanaut!).

And for every activity involving boating, 1 Cub Scout Leader must be trained in Safety Afloat for every 5 Cub Scouts, and 1 Boy Scout Leader must be trained in Safety Afloat for every 10 Boy Scouts.

So, whether you need to be re-certified (the trainings are both good for 2 years) or are getting trained for the 1st time, come on down to The Cahuenga Roundtable this Thursday and get it done!

And bring a bunch of other leaders from your unit so you know you'll be covered for the next two years for all your water activities.

• Flier with more information

See you a week from Thursday!
Greg Small
Cahuenga District Training Chair
gdsmall@yahoo. com

May through December 2010 - BSA / NRA / Panorama Youth Shooting Days

2010 BSA / NRA / Panorama Youth Shooting Days

May 15th, Aug 21st, Dec 18th

Space is limited for all BSA Youth Shooting Days - please reserve your space in advance

May 15th, 2010 has space remaining - make your reservation now.
Update (July 12): August 21st has space remaining - make your reservation now.  There will be a special demonstration from the Junior Clay Busters championship trap team on August 21st after lunch. All the Clay Busters are between the ages of 12-16.

Panorama Sportsmans Club and the NRA is pleased to again offer a shooting sports program for Boy Scout troops and their leaders

A day of fun and safe firearms instruction at a local privately owned and operated 90 acre shooting facility located in Los Angeles County

The cost for the event will be $25.00 and will include:

• Your day will start at 9:15 am with a mandatory firearms safety class taught by NRA certified range safety officers
• One on one instruction in riflery by certified NRA and BSA approved instructors
• One on one instruction in shotgun by certified NRA and BSA approved instructors
• T-shirts and certificates for all participants
• Merit badge training, counseling, and qualifying is available and encouraged
• All firearms and ammunition will be supplied for both .22 caliber rifle and shotguns
• A meal for lunch will be included as well, including main course, drink, and dessert, in addition to liquid refreshments
• You may also inquire about making it an overnight activity as the facility has camping areas available for use too

Contact Mark Cohen, the youth coordinator for Panorama Sportsmans Club, at mfcohen@sbcglobal.net - all inquiries will be returned within 24 hours.

Panorama Sportsman's Club is located in Lopez Canyon, Sylmar, California, close to where the 118 and 210 freeways meet. Exact directions will be provided when reservations are made.

June through August 2010 - Sierra Expeditions at Camp Whitsett

How a Troop Leader can register their Scouts for our Sierra Expeditions program

If your Scout is not yet registered for our summer camp program and is interested in Sierra Expeditions:

• Register online at www.sierraexpeditions.bsa-la.org 
• Once the initial payment is received (either by electronic check or mail), your Scout(s) will now be registered in the program
• An email receipt will be sent to the Primary Registrant as indicated on the payment screen (last page) of the application

If your Scout is already registered in the merit badge camp (Camp Whitsett) and would like to transfer to Sierra:

• Register online at www.sierraexpeditions.bsa-la.org 
• On the online payment screen (last page) of the application, click the “mailbox” icon to complete the registration without making a payment.
• If the Scout has paid dues to the Camp Whitsett reservation, please contact the Camping Department at (818) 933-0130 or Camping@bsa-la.org. Please inform us of the following:

1. What Troop the scout is currently registered with
2. How much the Troop would like to transfer for the scout from their Camp Whitsett registration to their new Sierra reservation.

• Any further payments can be made online with your username/password or mailed to the Council address below.

If you need to make changes or additions to your existing Sierra Expeditions registration, submit an online reservation change request.

Please note that space is limited so sign up soon!

Stephen Snowden
Camping Department
(818) 933-0130
(818) 901-4887 (Fax)
Camping@bsa-la.org
16525 Sherman Way, #C-8
Van Nuys, CA 91406

Camping! It's in tents!

May 15, 2010 - Den chief training

For those Boy Scouts who are, or are planning to become, den chiefs...

Den Chief Training

Saturday, May 15, 2010
1:00PM - 3:00PM

Training will be held at:
LDS Stake Center
3400 Sawtelle Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066

Cost: free!

Register... no later than Wednesday, May 12th

To register:  Send an email to Ron Fitzgerald: ronfitzgerald@verizon.net

Wear your Class A uniform, please