Cub Scout Pack 1776
30Dec/19

March Pack Meeting: It’s for the birds! POSTPONED

March 18, 2020

  • DATE: March 18, 2020
  • TIME: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  • LOCATION: Coyote Creek Elementary MPR
  • UNIFORM:  Class A

Join us for a presentation and break out stations hosted by the Mt. Diablo Audubon Society, a group committed to protecting birds and preserving their habitat, and to connecting people of all ages to the fascinating world of birds. During our March meeting, they will talk to us topics such as birds native to our area and avian flyovers.  Discussions during this Meeting will fulfill requirements for Tiger (Backyard Jungle #3) and Webelos Into the Wild.

30Dec/19

April 22, 2020 Virtual Pack Meeting: Campfire Program

  • DATE: April 22, 2020
  • TIME: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  • LOCATION: ZOOM Video Conference
  • UNIFORM:  Class A

Join us for an evening of great Cub Scout fun! Each den will take turns performing skits and songs during our April Virtual Pack Meeting. Your Den Leader will reach out to you with more information. Our Pack Meeting will take place via Zoom video conference, login details of which shall be sent to all pack members via email.

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30Dec/19

April Hike: Little Yosemite, Sunol Regional Wilderness – POSTPONED

April 19, 2020

Pack 1776 will take advantage of the milder weather to hike Little Yosemite in Sunol Regional Wilderness. The scenic trail runs parallel to a creek and offers some of the most impressive views in bay area. Frequent rain in winter may provide opportunity to view beautiful waterfall in Sunol.

Direction from I-680S (Bollinger Canyon Exit):

Follow I-680 S to CA-84 E in Sunol. Take exit 21A from I-680 S. 12 min (13.0 mi). Take Calaveras Rd and Geary Rd to Ohlone Rd, 19 min (7.8 mi). Merge onto CA-84 E, (0.1 mi). Turn left onto Calaveras Rd (signs for I-680 S) (4.3 mi). Turn left onto Geary Rd (2.3 mi), Geary Rd turns slightly right and becomes Ohlone Rd. Destination will be on the left.

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30Dec/19

Spring Campout: Old Borges Ranch

May 2nd - May 3rd WILL BE RESCHEDULED

  • Dates: Saturday, May 2, 2020 to Sunday, May 3, 2020
  • TimeMay 2nd at 2 pm to May 3rd at 10 am
  • Location: Old Borges Ranch1035 Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek. Bring a wagon to transport gear.
  • Cost: $5 per overnight person.
  • Attire: Class B under Class A uniform
  • Gear: See below
  • RSVPhere.
  • Volunteer: to come.

Come join us for outdoor camping fun at the Old Borges Ranch - a 1,035 acres Historic District containing four contributing buildings, in the Diablo Foothills of the northern Diablo Range, within the 2,600-acre Walnut Creek Open Space in Contra Costa County, California. The former ranch of early Walnut Creek pioneer Frank Borges is the home base for the surrounding Shell Ridge Open Space park's activities.

A pack hike and fun activities are scheduled! You do not need to sleep over.  Come join us for the day and campfire activities if you do not wish to spend the night.

Overnight camping will be open up to 75 persons, with priority to Bears and Webelos scouts who need to fulfill an overnight camp out requirement.

Everyone should bring a foil wrapped dinner, a refillable water bottle, flashlight, folding chair, and sun protection. Wear sturdy shoes for hiking. Bring warm clothes as it may get cold after dark. For those staying overnight, you must also bring your own tent and sleeping bag. The pack will supply snacks such as s’mores and drinks on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday morning

Further information and a sign up form will be circulated closer to the date!

For further information contact the Camping Chair, Sameer Shah.

30Dec/19

May Hike: Windemere Ridge Trail

  • Date: Sunday, May 17, 2020 DO THIS ON YOUR OWN TIMETABLE
  • Time: 
  • Location: Windemere Ridge Trail
  • Distance: 2.1 miles
  • Meeting Point: Dougherty Station Parking Lot, 17017 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon, CA 94582
  • Attire: Class B
  • RSVP: THIS IS NO LONGER A PACK EVENT DUE TO THE SHELTER IN PLACE RESTRICTIONS. PLEASE HAVE A GREAT TIME EXPLORING THIS NEARBY TRAIL AS A FAMILY!

Directions: The Windemere Ridge Trail begins at the intersection of Bollinger Canyon Rd and E. Branch Parkway. There is ample parking in Dougherty Station Library. Walk across intersection to access trail.

Trail: The Windemere Ridge Trail is a 2.1 up and back course that begins across the street from the Windemere Ranch Middle School on East Branch Parkway near Bollinger Canyon Road. The trail is concrete and is a cattle grazing area. After an initial steep incline, the trail follows along the rolling hills of the Dougherty area with beautiful views of the valley. The Windemere Ridge Trail is great for walking, and running. The trail is great for young kids to acclimatize to hiking. Trail info on San Ramon

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30Dec/19

Meridian District Cub Scout Day Camp

Little Hills Ranch Park, San Ramon

Canceled due to Shelter in Place. Participate in the Virtual Cub Scout Day Camp!

Cub Scout Day Camp is an exciting summer adventure where a Scout can spend five days in an outdoor setting and enjoy a wide range of activities with a group of friends. Day Camp provides boys and girls fun challenges and new experiences with activities based on the Cub Scout and Webelos Scout advancement plan. Swimming! Hiking! Archery! Cooking, songs, skits and so much fun for kid and parent alike. Last year we had visits from the fire department, CHP Canine unit and East Bay Regional Parks Rescue Helicopter!

Cub Scout Day Camp is open to all registered cub scouts, both boys and girls, of ranks Tiger (1st grader) up to Webelos (5th grader), as of fall of 2020 (i.e. next school year).

Camp takes place July 13-17th at Little Hills Regional Recreation Area located at 18013 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon, CA 94583.

Expected times

  • Mon - Thu : 8:50 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Drop off at 8:30 AM
  • Pickup : 3:50 PM onwards
  • Friday : 9:00 AM - 2:30PM
  • Drop off at 8:40 PM
  • Pickup: 2:20 PM onwards

We understand that some, if not many, of you may not know for sure if you can participate in Cub Scout Day Camp in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Indeed, while the hope is the COVID-19 pandemic will be well over by July and groups may congregate, this too is an unknown.  The Council recognizes this, placing the safety and wellbeing of our scouts, parents, campers and volunteers at the forefront.  Day Camp will only go forward if it is safe and in compliance with local, state and Boy Scouts of America directives.

We ask that you consider registering now by enrolling the Campers and Volunteers that you would like to attend Day Camp.  Registering now is important for planning and purchasing purposes so that we may get a rough head count of the campers and volunteers who can go.

You’ll note that the website will ask you to place a $25 deposit per camper, rather than the full fee now.  This deposit is refundable should Day Camp need to be canceled.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!  Day Camp is 100% volunteer run.  Adult and Jr. Helper volunteers are needed to make this a great camp for all!  Adult volunteers are needed for small and big jobs – before, during, and after camp. Everything from prepping projects, unit binders and setting up stations before camp, assisting taking down stations after camp, to helping for a few hours or days at camp.  Let us know and we will be glad to work with you!  

While the regular price for a registered Scout to attend Day Camp is $295, Volunteers assisting two or more days receive substantial discounts.  Parents that volunteer the 5 days are able to send their registered Scout to camp for a week’s work of fun for only $120!

  • Regular Price $295
    • Discounted Prices if the parent volunteers 2 or more days.
2 Volunteer Days3 Volunteer Days4 Volunteer Days5 Volunteer Days
$255 cost$220 cost$175 cost$120 cost
  • Tags (Youth 2-5 years old*):                          Price $25
  • Jr. Helpers (Scouts BSA):                              Price $20
  • Adults:                                                                 Free             

Visit here to learn more about Day Camp and to register.

Be sure to see the really cool promotional video (keeping in mind the dates have now changed to July 13-17th).

Age

Open to boys and girls that will be in the 1st through 5th grade in the Fall of 2020. Those who have scouts who will be Tigers in June (i.e. Lions now who will be 1st graders as of Fall 2020) must have a parent registered to be with them at camp for the entire week.  

Girls

Girls are welcome!  For those girls who are not already a registered Cub Scout with Pack 1776, Cub Scout Day Camp is open to girls of parents volunteering at least 3 days, and who are in 1st through 5th grade in the Fall of 2020. These who wish to attend, will be registered as Cub Scouts with Pack 1776 at a reduced rate just so that they can attend camp. This fee can be applied to the 2020-2021 Pack 1776 registration fee should they later decide to remain in Cub Scouting with Pack 1776. The Girl's unit will participate in the same activities as the Cub Scouts.  While the requirement is that a parent volunteer for at least 3 days, the girl can attend all 5 days.

We need you to volunteer at least 2 Days

Given this is a volunteer driven camp, those families who wish to attend are asked to volunteer at least two days.  It does not have to be the same parent.  You can alternate days. There are many things to do. You can help do admin tasks days or weeks before camp starts (Pack Coordinator who collects the forms; helping the District organize forms; set up, etc.) You can also help in the morning by directing traffic before work or helping strike camp after camp is done. There is much that can be done behind the scenes if you cannot actually help out during the day camp day. Volunteering during the day during Day Camp is fun and rewarding as you accompany your child's group from station to station, joining in on some of the activities as well. Like to try archery? Shoot a sling shot? Now's your chance. Sing camp songs and spend time with your child before they become a teenager!

Pack 1776 will sign up to oversee an activity. Last year we ran the aquatics activity which means we will be checking in various scout groups into the pool and recording swim tests.  The District hired lifeguards, so we did not have anything to do with the actual supervision/life guarding of the kids in the pool.

Tag-Alongs (Tags)

TAGs are children of adult volunteers who are too young to be registered as Cub Scouts.  The TAG station essentially provides child care to Tags while their parents are assisting in the Camp operation. A child can be registered as a Tag only if one of the parents is assisting at the Camp for the at least three days. 

Junior Helper

Are you a Scouts BSA scout or Girl Scout? Teenager in middle or high school? Come join us. Help lead activities by acting as a Junior Helper.

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30Dec/19

June Hike: Angel Island

Sunday, June 14, 2020 POSTPONED

SUBJECT TO UPDATE IN THE SUMMER TIME: Blue & Gold Ferry Service. “www.blueandgoldfleet.com” Oakland Jack London Square to Angel Island. See the Blue and Gold website for depart times and current costs. Parking in Oakland riders are eligible for up to 12 hours of free validated parking in the 7-story garage at 101 Washington St. be sure to bring your garage parking ticket to the Ferry Terminal for validation. Garage hours are Saturday 8 AM to 2 AM. Oakland Terminal is located at the Oakland Terminal is located at the west end of Jack London Square near 10 Clay St, Oakland CA, 94607.

When you disembark from the Ferry, pick up a park map and walk uphill on the road to the left of the visitor center. You’ll intersect Perimeter Road and the Sunset trailhead at the top of the hill. From here we will hike the paved Perimeter Road hike, an easy 5.4 mile hike around the island. The Perimeter road is full of historical sights worth seeing.

Island History

Angel Island has an extremely diverse history. Over the last two centuries, the island has seen use as a Mexican land grant, an Army artillery post, and an immigration station. Now it’s a state park. A hundred years of U.S. military occupation began in 1863 when the first gun batteries were installed. The military used the island until 1962, when its Nike Missile Station was deactivated. During wartime periods, particularly during the Spanish-American War, Angel Island was one of the busiest outposts in America. The island served as a processing center for men about to be dispatched to the Philippines, and as a reception/quarantine center for soldiers who returned with tropical diseases. Go west on Perimeter Road, you’ll soon overlook Camp Reynolds (West Garrison). A side road leads down to the island’s first military fortifications.

You can walk the parade ground and see the brick hospital built in 1908. Still standing are the chapel, mule barn, officers quarters, and several more structures. Perimeter Road turns eastward, contouring around chaparral-covered slopes and offering a view down to Point Blunt. You may hear and see the harbor seals gathered around the point.

The road curves north and soon arrives at East Garrison, where a collection of utilitarian looking buildings are a reminder of the many thousands of men who were processed here. East Garrison trained about 30,000 men a year for overseas duty. The hospital, barracks, mess hall, and officers’ homes still stand.

Continue north. You’ll soon come to the Immigration Station, the so called “Ellis Island of the West.” From 1910 to 1940, 175,000 immigrants, mostly Asians, were detained and processed.

During World War II, German, Italian, and Japanese prisoners of war were confined here. Not all of the island’s attractions are historical. Rocky coves and sandy beaches, grassy slopes and forested ridges, plus a fine trail network, add up to a walker’s delight. Perimeter Road takes the walker on a five mile tour of the island and offers a different bay view from every turn.

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30Dec/19

July Hike: Wildcat Peak, Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley

Sunday, July 19, 2020 DO ON YOUR OWN. NOTE PARKING AREAS MAY BE CLOSED SO CHECK THE TILDEN PARK WEBSITE

Details:
A view of Mount Tamalpais rising from San Francisco Bay will be the reward for hiking to the top of Wildcat Peak in Tilden Park. This trail loops through eucalyptus and oak forests, up moderately steep hills, then back to one of the best nature study areas in the Bay Area. The hike should take about 2 hours.

This trail affords an excellent opportunity to compare different biomes. The first part of the hike is a gentle climb through pungent eucalyptus, abruptly yielding to oak woodland as you near Peak Trail. Then hikers climb moderately steep switchbacks through grassy hills (covered with wildflowers in spring) and chaparral slopes to Wildcat Peak at the top of the loop.

Here there is a spur (.10 mile) which leads to the top of Wildcat Peak high above the tops of the eucalyptus trees. You will find a circular stone observation plaza at the top. On a clear day hikers can view San Francisco Bay with Mt..Tamalpais rising above the bridges in the west, and Mt.. Diablo looming above rural Contra Costa County to the east.

To descend and complete the loop, retrace your steps on the spur back to Peak Trail. At this point continue on towards Nimitz Way. About 30 yards before the paved road the trail makes a right turn and begins to weave through a lush canyon.

When you come to the fire road (Laurel Canyon Road) follow it to the right until you come to the marker for Laurel Canyon Trail. Going left, you'll follow switch backs and cross tiny streams in the shade of large oaks and laurels. The trail continues on the other side of the next fire road, but about 10 yards to the left.

The last leg of your trek takes you out of the oaks, back into the eucalyptus grove, across one more fire road and finally deposits you back in the meadow behind the Environmental Education Center.

Getting there:
From Highway 24 take the Fish Ranch Road Exit (just east of the Caldecott Tunnel); go north about 1 mile to Grizzly Peak Blvd., turn right; stay on Grizzly Peak about 12.5 miles; turn right on Canon Drive, go about .10 mile and veer left on Central Drive, following signs to the Little Farm and Nature Study Area

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8Dec/19

Monterey Bay Adventure Weekend

February 1-2, 2020

Come join Pack 1776 for a weekend of fun in the Monterey Bay Area. Choose from these fun activities:

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium Overnight - Saturday, February 1st - Sunday February 2nd (Registration is closed)
  • Pt. Lobos State Park Monterey Bay Trekkers Patch Hike - Saturday, February 1st
  • The Forest of the Nisene Marks  Monterey Bay Trekkers Patch Hike - Sunday, February 2nd


Monterey Bay Aquarium Overnight

Click here for more information on the overnight; where to park and what to bring.

Pt. Lobos State Park Monterey Bay Trekkers Hike - Saturday, February 1st

  • Date: February 1st (Saturday)
  • Meet: 1:00 p.m. or do on your own.
  • Location: Point Lobos State Reserve
  • Hike Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
  • Time: Allow 2.5 - 3 hours for the hike

Click here for more information on the Point Lobos hike.

The Forest of the Nisene Marks Monterey Bay Trekkers Hike - Sunday, February 2nd

  • Date: February 2nd (Sunday)
  • Meet: Do this hike on the way back from the Aquarium - on your own timetable
  • Location: The Forest of Nisene Marks, Aptos, CA.
  • Hike Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
  • Time: Allow 2.5 - 3 hours for the hike

Click here for more information on The Forest of the Nisene Marks hike.

Scouts that complete both Monterey hikes also earn the Monterey Bay Trekker Center Patch

8Dec/19

Monterey Bay Trekkers Hikes

February 1st and 2nd

Given Pack 1776 Scouts will be overnight at the Monterey Bay Aquarium on February 1st - 2nd, we thought it would be fun to work on two Monterey Bay Trekkers hikes. As with Trailtrekkers or Highlander, this hiking program is an opportunity for Cub Scouts and their families to explore local hiking trails and parks in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties.

We've selected two hikes. For Saturday, before the start of the Overnight, come join us a 1:00 p.m. for the Pt. Lobos hike. This is a 3.5 mile loop hike that will showcase the ocean, cliffs and marine mammals such as sea lions! We estimate this hike will take 2.5 - 3 hours, so there should be ample time to finish and grab dinner before the 6:30 p.m. check in at the Aquarium. The hike is about 20 minutes from the Aquarium. We intend this to be a group hike, but you can do it on your own.

Sunday's hike is in Aptos. We figured people can leave the Aquarium on their own timetable and should they choose, do the Forest of Nisene Marks hike on the way home. This hike is near Highway 17/Highway 1. The Nisene Marks hike will NOT be a group hike. Each hike earns a patch (below). Scouts that complete both Monterey hikes also earn the Monterey Bay Trekker Center Patch (above). Take a photo during the Nisene Marks hike and forward to [email protected].

Pt. Lobos State Park Monterey Bay Trekkers Hike - Saturday, February 1st

Park outside the Point Lobos State Reserve on Cabrillo Highway and walk to the meeting point near the intersection of the Lace Lichen trail and Carmelo Meadow trail.  This is just inside the entrance of the park entrance.  We will start of the Lace Lichen trail and hike about a mile to the intersection of the Cypress Grove Trail.  Restrooms are located here.

The Cypress Grove Trail loops around the Allen Memorial Grove and offers beautiful vistas of the Cypress Cove, Pinnacle Cove, and South Point. This loop is .8 miles.   As you finish the loop, go left at the trailhead for the North Shore Trail. Continue for a short distance until you reach the Whaler's Knoll Trail trailhead. Turn right at the trailhead and go up to the top of the Whaler's Knoll - don't worry it's only 180 feet of elevation gain. From there you will see beautiful vistas of the Carmel Bay.

Continue down the Whaler's Knoll trail and bear left back towards the North Shore Trail.

Follow the North Shore Trail until you reach Whaler's Cove. Whaler's Cove is a great place to rest and take a break. There is also a cultural history museum with docents who will tell you about the whaling that used to occur here. Be on the look out for the giant whale bones in front of the Whaler's Cabin.

When you are done at Whaler's Cove, turn around and head back along the North Shore Trail to the Cabin Trail, making a left.  Follow the Cabin trail for about .2 miles and cross over the access road and continue on the trail.  The trail changes names to the Granite Point trail.  Turn right at the intersection of the Carmelo Meadow Trail and follow it to where we started (.4 miles).

The Forest of the Nisene Marks Monterey Bay Trekkers Hike - Sunday, February 2nd

About the park:

Off the beaten path, The Forest of Nisene Marks’ dense second- and third-growth redwood forest rises from near sea level to steep coastal mountains.  The park’s land has a bittersweet beauty. Almost all of today’s redwood forest was clear-cut in a 40-year logging frenzy from 1883 to 1923. When the loggers left the Aptos Canyon, the forest began to heal itself; now, the scars grow fainter with each passing year. The Forest of Nisene Marks is a monument to forest regeneration and the future—it is a forest in a perpetual state of becoming.

The park's name honors Nisene Marks, the nature-loving mother of the Salinas farm family that bought the land in the 1950s. Her children donated approximately 9,700 acres to the state in 1963 with the provision that the land never be developed. Today, the park showcases a forest in recovery, with rugged canyons and remnants of its once-bustling railroad and logging industry.

Hike Details:

Park at George’s Picnic Area and begin the hike on the dirt road leading through the park, heading north. Immediately as you begin your hike you will cross over the Aptos Creek. Continue north on the dirt road past the Mary Easton Picnic Area and the Porter Family Picnic Area.

As you are hiking, be on the look out for the local inhabitant, the Banana Slug, and a small red and yellow mushroom.

Slightly past the Porter Family Picnic Area you will find a trailhead for the Loma Prieta Grade Trail on your left, follow the Loma Prieta Grade Trail. Hiking along the Loma Prieta Grade Trail you will cross a tributary on a bridge built by the Youth Conservation Corps in the early 1990’s.

As you continue along the Loma Prieta Grade trail be on the lookout for old railroad ties and other historical artifacts left over from the Loma Prieta Logging Company.

Stop and read the interpretive sign detailing the history or the Porter House. At the sign, continue on the trail directly to your right for approximately 20 yards until you see the small ‘Porter House Site’ sign. Look around the site for old bricks and other historical artifacts; however, do not remove anything from its location or from the park!

Continue on the trail that goes down the hill, directly in front of the sign; this is the Mill Pond Trail.

While on the Mill Pond Trail you will cross the Aptos Creek by bridge. When you reach the dirt road, make a right and continue along the road. Not far from here you will find the Loma Prieta Mill Site.

Enjoy the interpretive sign and the old foundation and archaeology of the mill site before you return back to your vehicle.

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