Oct 14-15: OCTOBER OUTDOOR PACK MEETING + OPTIONAL FAMILY CAMPOUT
Get ready for an outdoor adventure! Join Pack 1776 at Sugarloaf Open Space in Walnut Creek for a thrilling pack meeting (overnight stay is optional). Don't miss this special outdoor meeting that will be extra special for our Tigers, and new Wolf, Bear, and Webelos scouts. They, alongside a proud parent, will take part in the awe-inspiring Bobcat ceremony!
Complete this RSVP form to let us know if you'll join us in the pack meeting, overnight camp, or both. Please also fill out the form to let us know if you are unable to join the pack meeting.
When:
Saturday, Oct 14, at noon to Sunday, Oct 15, at 10 am
Where: Sugarloaf Open Space — Orchard Campground
2161 Youngs Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
What to wear — arrive in Class A, with Class B underneath (if you have a Class B t-shirt):
- Class A uniform + approved face covering for Opening ceremony, Bobcat ceremony, and Closing ceremony
- Class B uniform or comfortable clothes
- Hiking shoes or sturdy closed-toe shoes
What to bring for each person:
- Drinking water in refillable water bottle
- Mess kit (or unbreakable washable plate, fork, cup, etc for dinner and breakfast). A dishwashing station will be available at dinner and breakfast.
- Sunscreen
- Day pack
- Hat
- Flashlight/headlamps
- Folding chair
- Layers of clothing as it may get cold after dark
For those staying overnight:
- Tent, tarp
- Sleeping bag and optional pad, per person
- Wagon (optional)
- + Refer to the pack's list of Outdoor essentials for overnight camping
Volunteers needed
We need your help to make this event fun and a great experience for everyone.
SIGN UP to volunteer.
Agenda
The weather should be great, and we have a fun, action-packed agenda! A short-pack hike will take place before dinner. The Pack will host a light dinner and s'mores for dessert. A vegetarian option is available. We'll watch den skits, play games, and tell stories during the evening campfire. A light breakfast will be provided for those staying overnight.
Tentative schedule:
Saturday
Noon to 12:45 — Arrive and set up camp (if staying overnight)
12:45 to 1:00 — Arrive (non-camping)
1:00 to 1:15 — Flag ceremony (Bears Den)
1:15 to 2:15 — Hike
2:15 to 3:00 — Free time
3:00 to 4:00 — Den activities
4:00 to 4:45 — Organized games / BBQ dinner prep
4:45 to 5:45 — Dinner & Clean-up
5:45 to 6:45 — Bobcat ceremony for Tigers and new Wolf, Bear and Webelos Scouts
6:45 to 7:00 — Closing ceremony
7:00 to 7:30 — S'mores dessert
7:30 to 8:30 — Campfire, skits, games
8:30 to 9:00 — Head home if not camping / Get ready for bed if camping
9:00 — Lights out
Sunday
7:15 to 8:00 — Prepare breakfast
8:00 to 9:00 — Breakfast provided by the Pack
9:00 to 10:00 — Break camp and Leave
Sep 11: Patriot Day Flag Ceremony
Date: September 11, 2023
Time: 7:45 am to assemble at sundial in Courtyard. Ceremony start 8 am
Location: Coyote Creek School - Sundial Courtyard
Uniform: Class A
Bring: regular clothes to change into afterward
Pack 1776, along with the Girl Scouts of Coyote Creek Elementary, will participate in the opening flag ceremony for Coyote Creek's 9/11 Memorial.
Scouts who want to participate must arrive at the Sundial area behind the office at 745 am in full Class A uniform.
After the flag ceremony, Scouts may take the opportunity to speak to their class about Cub Scouting, after first obtaining permission from their teacher.
Scouts who participate receive a patch!
Sep 9 – Sep 30: Popcorn Fundraiser
Pack 1776
It is the time for our annual popcorn fundraiser again! The funds we raise through popcorn helps cover registration fees, trips, and activities for the scouts. It is also a great learning opportunity for them to gain experiences in public speaking, math, salesmanship, perseverance, and teamwork. In addition to the valuable learnings, it also comes with tangible rewards. We highly encourage every scout, regardless of age or experience, to participate in the fundraiser!
Popcorn team for 2023
We are here to provide logistical support to all participating scouts and parents to make it a success!
Storefront sales
Getting ready
- Download Trail’s End App. (Text “APP” to 62771 to download, or download from Appstore/GooglePlay). One account per scout, so Mom or Dad will have to set up the account and share the login information with the other parent. Select “Golden Gate Area Council” for council, "Meridian" for the district and "Pack 1776" for the unit.
- Siblings can share one account and combine their proceeds and donations toward the pack rankings.
- After activation and sign-in, go to “Storefront Sales” and find shifts available for sign-up on the calendar (calendar icon).
- Signing up for 2 or more shifts is recommended. This ensures the scout gets a chance to start a positive feedback loop in which he/she gets to apply what he/she learned from the previous storefront experience. This also likely allows the scout enough opportunity to sell enough popcorn to qualify for Trail’s End’s Amazon gift card reward.
Selling popcorn
- !! IMPORTANT !! If you have the first shift of the day, please pick up inventory and supplies the night before your shift.
- Set up—set up table and tablecloth with banner secured in front of the table. Set up display products with price labels affixed. Set up Pack Donation Bin and Square Credit Card reader.
- Start of shift—please arrive 10 minutes before your shift begins. Verify inventory and proceeds with previous shift scout/parent. Make sure there’s $60 in small bills in cashbox for change.
- Sales—Be friendly, smile and greet everyone. Show gratitude even if someone does not show interest. Always say “thank you”.
- Record each sale in Trail’s End App with the appropriate payment type and also write it down on the tracking form.
- End of shift—count inventory and proceeds with the next shift scout/parent. Put all proceeds and donations from the shift, along with the tracking form, in a new envelope, then label, seal, and hand it to the next shift scout/parent.
- End of day (last shift of the day)—return remaining inventory, all supplies, and all proceeds in envelopes.
Donation
Some folks prefer to give a cash donation than buying popcorn. We appreciate and welcome any amount. If the customer is not sure about buying popcorn, go ahead and ask if he’s willing to donate a small amount. This is the amount we get to keep 100%.
Credit card donations are available on Trail’s End app as “Heroes and Helpers Donation”, however, the amount does not go to Pack 1776.
Pack volunteer credit
Every shift gives you 1 hour toward the pack volunteer credit. For shifts that require pick-up/drop-off of the inventory at Chris’ place, you get 1 more hour for the extra time needed. If we change location mid-day, the scout/parent of the starting shift of the new location needs to tear-down and set up the table, and will get 1 more hour of credit.
Tips and things to remember
- All cub scouts wear Class A Uniform when selling popcorn.
- Be courteous and respectful.
- Cubs may ask “Would you like to support local cub scouts?” to approach customers.
- Customers are delighted when cubs talk to them. Cubs can tell them which popcorn is their favorite.
- If customers are not sure if they are willing to buy popcorn, encourage them to donate any amount to the donation bin and thank them.
- Make sure customers know we take credit cards. Some customers may not have enough cash with them.
- Please mark it down on your calendar when you sign up for a shift and make sure you do not miss it.
- If you need additional popcorn or have any questions, please call or text Chris/Ravi/Charlie. We will have someone on standby during popcorn sales hours.
- Always smile and say thank you.
- Congratulate your cubs for their results!
For additional information about online selling and additional selling tips, please visit www.trails-end.com
Other ways to sell popcorn
Besides storefronts, there are other ways available to sell popcorn.
- Show and Deliver (wagon sales)—parents and scouts take products in wagons and sell door-to-door in the neighborhood.
- Take Order—parents and scouts go door-to-door and collect orders, return them to the popcorn team and deliver at a later date.
- Online Sales—share fundraising page (or scout code) via email or social media. Supporters visit and transact on-line at www.trails-end.com. Makes it easy to get support from friends and family who do not live close-by. A good way to generate extra sales without additional time from parents and scouts.
Prizes
We offer multiple prizes as rewards to the participation, as well as outstanding contribution to the pack.
- Every scout who sells at least $1 will get a Popcorn Patch, a Pack 1776 multi-color pen, and a Pack 1776 Carabiner Keychain.
- Every scout who sells $500 or more (popcorn proceeds) will receive an Amazon gift card from Trail’s End reward program.
- Top 3 scouts (sales + donation) will receive special prizes.
Top 3 (sales + donation) prizes:
1st place: ~$250 value Potensic Drone with Camera 4K EIS, portable and foldable for beginners
2nd place: ~$100-150 value Nikon Aculon A211 10x42 Binoculars
3rd place: ~$75-100 value Outside Inside Pop-up Badminton Set for camping or outing
Popcorn raffle
This year, we are making $1,250 available for a raffle with drawings taking place at the 9/20 and 11/15 pack meetings. The more shifts completed, the higher the chance to win a $50 gift card.
Raffle prizes
- 25 x $50 gift cards (Amazon & Lego)
- 10 to be drawn at the 9/20 Pack meeting
- 15 to be drawn at the 11/15 Pack meeting
Raffle rules:
- Each completed shift earns one raffle ticket. The more shifts completed, the higher the chance to win.
- If you complete 2 shifts before 9/20, your chance of winning is greater than 23%.
- If you complete 4 shifts before 9/20, your chance of winning is greater than 41%
- Scouts can only win once per drawing. If a scout wins again at the same drawing, the drawn ticket is set aside to be entered again for the next drawing.
- All undrawn raffle tickets remain in the pool to be drawn again. For example, raffle tickets not won at the 9/20 Pack meeting automatically enter the 11/15 drawing.
Sep 10: Pack Hike – Black Diamond
Date: Sunday, 10 Sep
Time: 9:30 AM PT - 12:00 PM PT
[ RSVP ]
Location: Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve (Frederickson Lane and Contra Loma Blvd, Antioch, CA) // Stewartville, Contra Loma, North Portal, and Old Homestead Loop Trail
Meeting Point: Stewartville Trailhead — south west corner of parking lot at cross streets Frederickson Lane and Contra Loma Blvd, Antioch, CA
Distance / elevation / duration: 3.3-mile loop / 561 ft / 1 hour 32 mins average
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with elevation Recommended for: All, with close parental supervision for younger ones
Hike info + trail map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/stewartville-contra-loma-north-portal-and-old-homestead-loop-trail?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map
Awards: Trail Trekkers program / Highlander program progressive patch / Black Diamond rocker patches —https://ggacbsa.org/hiking-programs/
Attire: Class B t-shirt and comfortable pants, layers, hiking boots/shoes
Bring: Sunscreen, cap/wide brimmed hat, plenty of water and snacks, optional hiking poles, camera
Hike Chair: Zhen Zhou (925-997-4889)
The hike - Discover this 3.3-mile loop trail near Antioch, California. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 32 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Directions:
https://goo.gl/maps/gCL2jaebvW1PBehNA
Take I-680 N. Keep right to continue on CA-242 N for 3.2 miles. Use left lanes to merge onto CA-4 E (13.2 miles). Take exit 28 / Lone Tree Way / A street in Antioch from CA-4 E. Turn right onto Lone Tree Way (1.5 miles), right onto Gold Course Rd (0.7 miles), then right onto Frederickson Lane (1 mile — partial restricted usage road). Frederickson Lane becomes Contra Loma Blvd (restricted usage road). Parking lot is at the corner on left.
For all in-person pack or den events and activities, please follow the SRVUSD COVID guidelines. If you are sick or are experiencing symptoms, please stay home and stay safe.
August 23: August Pack Meeting
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 23 at 6:30-8:00pm
Location: Coyote Creek Elementary School MPR
Attire: Class A uniform
Bring: Refillable water bottle
Join us at our first Cub Scout pack meeting, where we'll embark on a fun-filled journey that not only introduces our scouts and parents to the exciting activities planned for the school year, but also unveils the adventure of popcorn fundraising. This gathering provides a glimpse into the heart of what scouting truly represents – fostering friendships, learning valuable skills, and creating unforgettable memories together. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience the spirit of our vibrant Cub Scout community!
Agenda
- Opening flag ceremony by AOLs
- Scout Law lantern ceremony by Bears
- New Den Chief induction
- Pack year preview
- Activities:
- Scout and Den Leader photos; scouts and leaders wear Class A uniform for the photos. Those who do not have their uniforms yet will get another photo op at a later date.
- Popcorn university for Scouts and for parents
- Closing flag ceremony by AOLs
Aug 13: August Pack Hike!
Date/Time: Sunday, August 13, 2023, at 9am
Location: Little Yosemite — Sunol Regional Wilderness
Meeting Point: Parking lot immediately to the left after the entrance kiosk - 1895 Geary Road, Sunol, CA 94586
https://www.ebparks.org/parks/sunol
[ RSVP ]
Fee: $5 parking fee / $2 per dog
Distance / elevation: 4.8-mile loop / 524 ft
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate / Recommended for Tigers to Webelos
Trail map: https://b846b6.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/little-yosemite-map.jpg
Awards: Trail Trekkers Cub Scout Patch // Progressive Hike Award https://ggacbsa.org/hiking-programs/
Contact: Hiking Co-Chair Murali Kattimani / 408-250-0542
What to wear - Class B and dress in layers, incl. windbreaker - Approved face covering - Sturdy closed toe shoes - Hat + sunscreen
What to bring - binoculars, camera - plenty of water and snacks - map
Directions
Drive south on I-680 and exit at Calaveras Road/Highway 84, just south of Pleasanton. Turn left onto Calaveras Road and proceed to Geary Road, which leads directly into the park.
Important
Trails can be quite steep
Watch for poison oak on narrow sections of trail
Rattlesnakes may be in rocky areas — careful where you place hands and feet
No swimming allowed in Alameda Creek in the Little Yosemite area
There will be cattle at Sunol -- give them plenty of distance
The hike
Little Yosemite is located in Sunol Regional Wilderness Park in Sunol, CA. Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek about two miles upstream from park headquarters. It is an especially attractive portion of this creek. See gorgeous waterfalls and pools after series of rain storms or season.
The trail
The Canyon View Trail is an excellent hike for Cub Scouts and a great way to get to Little Yosemite. The trail begins near the Visitor Center, at the bridge that crosses the creek. After crossing the bridge, turn right and head upstream. The Canyon View trail is well marked. The trail goes up a ridge or two, and along the hillsides that border the creek. Along the way, you'll see some nice views of the creek and canyon. About halfway, the trail drops down into Jacobs’s Valley. Stay on the trail until you get to Cerro Este Road and turn right (toward the creek) and follow the road to Little Yosemite. When you get to the outhouse on Camp Ohlone Road, cross the road where you will find a path that will take you down the very steep sides of the creek's banks, to the ancient piles of boulders called Little Yosemite. This is a perfect place for scouts to study rocks and have lunch. Remember collecting specimens is not allowed. Watch for poison oak. Hikers can return the same way, or via the Ohlone Road for a different view of the park. To return via Ohlone Road, simply climb back up the bank to the road (stay on the trail), downhill. Notice how different the vegetation is here by Alameda Creek, compared to the Canyon View Trail. Eventually you will cross a bridge, pass a gate and find yourself in a remote parking area. Stay on the paved road all the way back to the Visitor Center.
The history
The original inhabitants in the Sunol Valley were the Ohlone Indians and reminders of them can be seen in the acorn pounding bedrock mortars found in the park. For the past half century, the land known today as Sunol Regional Wilderness was used almost exclusively as ranch land. Alameda Creek is the county's largest stream and hosts an attractive community of trees including alder, willow, sycamore and bay laurel. The nearby valleys abound with coastal live oak, blue and valley oak, elderberry, madrone, and California buckeye. During spring, the hills come alive with a variety of colorful wildflowers. A wildflower identification kit may be checked out at the visitor center.
For all in-person pack or den events and activities, please follow the SRVUSD COVID guidelines. If you or your Scout are sick, are experiencing COVID-like or flu symptoms, or may have been exposed to COVID-19, please stay home and stay safe.
Aug 20: Rocket Day!
Calling all adventurous young scouts and their families!
Join us for an exhilarating Rocket Day, the thrilling kick-off event of the cub scout calendar! Witness the wonder in your cub scout's eyes as they learn to build their very own rockets from scratch, tapping into their creativity and problem-solving skills. The anticipation mounts as the countdown begins, and together, we'll watch these mini-engineering marvels soar across the open field, filling the air with laughter and excitement.
Not only is Rocket Day an absolute blast, but it's also an excellent opportunity to meet new friends and welcome fresh faces into our scouting community.
Don't miss this chance for fun-filled family bonding and an unforgettable day of high-flying adventure!
BRING YOUR FRIENDS. BOYS & GIRLS WELCOME!
LAUNCH DATE: Sunday, August 20, 2023
LAUNCH TIME: 1-3pm
LAUNCH PAD: Coyote Creek School Blacktop (behind the school, to the right, past the basketball courts)
[ RSVP ]
WEAR: Class B uniform or comfortable attire for those who are not scouts/new scouts. Class A for Leaders.
BRING: refillable water bottle full of water, sunscreen, hat and if desired, folding chair.
VOLUNTEER: Parents, we need your help! You can now sign up online for Cub Scouting and invite friends to join too! If your friend joins, you earn a Recruiter strip that you can display on your Class A uniform!
https://pack1776.com/join/registration/
NEW scouts: Fill out the online BSA Youth Application Form. https://my.scouting.org/VES/OnlineReg/1.0.0/?&tu=UF-MB-023paa1776
All scouts must:
1. Complete the online Pack 1776 Registration Form https://forms.gle/7s8Q9rqH2ijgPT4p8
2. Complete the Medical Form Parts A & B https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-001_AB.pdf
3. Make a copy of the front & back of your scout’s medical insurance card.
4. Registration check written to Pack 1776. Write your Scout's name in the memo line.
$285 for Tiger, Wolf, Bear or Webelos scouts (First through Fifth grades in 2023-2024). Prices are even lower if you served as a leader or certain chair positions last year. We only accept Fifth graders if they have completed and earned the Webelos I rank.
$200 per new Lion scouts (those who will be in Kindergarten in 2023-2024).
NOTE NEW SCOUTS: Pay the national fees online using your credit card and then deduct that amount from the $285 (or if a new Lion, $200) pack registration fee when preparing your check.
5. A separate $200 volunteer deposit check per family, post-dated to 4/30/2024. Write your youngest Scout's name in the memo line. We will hold onto your check and shred it after you have completed 10 service hours.
Bring your completed paperwork to Rocket Day or to the August pack meeting, or drop it off at the Scout Box inside the Coyote Creek School Office.
Family Scouting: Girls Welcome!
Our Pack is open to boys and girls. By welcoming girls into the program, even more youth will have access to the character development and values-based leadership that Scouting promises.
For more information: https://pack1776.com/join/
Pack 1776's annual membership fee includes the cost to register with the Boys Scouts of America, the Council Program Fee, a one year subscription to Scout's Life magazine, a Pack 1776 Class B uniform t-shirt, award belt loops, pins and patches and expenses in events like Halloween Party, Pinewood Derby, campouts, etc.
May 27: Flag Planting at the Presidio in SF – GGAC Event
When: Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 8:45am
Where: San Francisco National Cemetery in the Presidio 1 Lincoln Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94129 Parking: There is free street parking near the cemetery entrance. You may need to walk a bit.
Wear: Full Class A uniform with shirt tucked in, comfortable shoes for walking, sunscreen
[ RSVP ] ASAP to get included in the pack's headcount.
Bring: Water in reusable water bottle, a jacket as the weather can be unpredictable A light snack and patch will be provided at the end.
Event Leaders: Archana Singh (952-250-1212) and Rakesh Dama (315-251-5928)
Please join Golden Gate Area Council's annual flag planting event at the SF National Cemetery in the Presidio. Hundreds of Scouts of all ages and their families will help plant thousands of flags at the National Cemetery in preparation for the Memorial Day event. It's been the pack's annual tradition to participate. This is typically one of the most meaningful service events of the year, reminding our Scouts of the ultimate sacrifice many have made to make our country what it is today.
Scouts and Uniformed Leaders must be in full Class A Uniform. Friends and family are welcome. The ceremony will begin promptly at 9:00am. The event will likely be completed with the flag planting by 11:30am. Following the flag planting, the Council typically offers some light snacks. Scouts who participate earn a patch.
May 23: May Pack Meeting – Advancement Day!
May 23, Tuesday, 6:00pm to 8:00pm // DIFFERENT DAY OF WEEK
Updated Location: Gale Ranch Middle School MPR, 6400 Main Branch Rd, San Ramon, CA 94582 // DIFFERENT SCHOOL
Attire: Full CLASS A uniform, with shirt tucked in, for Scouts and uniformed leaders
// optional cultural attire for parents and siblings
Theme: Multicultural Potluck – Bring your family’s favorite dish to share!
Please [ RSVP ] here.
Bring: refillable water bottle + a multicultural dish to share with 10-20 people
Please use the link to [ SIGN-UP ] for the following 2 items:
1. Please indicate the type of dish you plan to bring for 10-20 people. If possible, please also bring any serving utensils needed for your dish.
2. Please help make this event go smoothly by volunteering and meet your minimum parent volunteer hours to save your volunteer deposit check. Volunteer before, during, or after the event
CONGRATULATIONS, Pack 1776 scouts and families!
Let's celebrate good times with good company and a multicultural potluck! We'll celebrate our cubs, parents, and our amazing volunteers for a wonderful year of learning new things and inspiring all of us to incorporate the scout law into our daily lives. On Advancement Day, we will cheer all scouts and those who have earned their den rank through completed den adventures. We will also recognize the amazing volunteers and our Den Chiefs whom we couldn’t do without. Join us for this celebration!
For all in-person pack or den events and activities, please follow the SRVUSD COVID guidelines. If you are sick or are experiencing symptoms, please stay home and stay safe.
Golden Gate Area Council family camp events
Get the outing back into scouting! Council-organized camp events are now open for registration. More information can be found at https://ggacbsa.org/cub-scout-camping/. The following is a list of camp opportunities available.
Tiger Cub Safari
April 22-23 or April 29-30 at Wente Scout Reservation, Willits, CA
Info & Registration [ link ]
Tiger Cub Safari an exciting overnight adventure full of fun for Tigers and their Adult Partners to enjoy, where the Tigers Rule, Others Drool!
Mom and Cub camp
May 5-7 or May 19-21 at Camp Royaneh, Cazadero, CA
Info & Registration [ link ]
Moms and their Cub (Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos). The staff will guide you through a weekend of fun and adventure. A great escape for Cub Scouts and their moms (or another adult female partner like grandmothers, aunts).
Wolf & Bear
July 21-23 at Rancho Los Mochos, Livermore, CA
Info & Registration [ link ]
A weekend adventure that you don’t want to miss!
Webelos Adventure Camp
August 1-5 at Camp Royaneh, Cazadero, CA
Info & Registration [ link ]
For all Scouts who have completed the 3rd or 4th grade by Spring of 2023. This is THE summer experience for every Webelos. Come and get a taste of what the future in Scouting looks like.
For all in-person pack or den events and activities, please follow the SRVUSD COVID guidelines. If you are sick or are experiencing symptoms, please stay home and stay safe.
