Cub Scout Pack 1776
30Oct/12

December Hike to Sycamore Grove, Livermore

Sycamore Grove is a great place to hike/bike and is stroller friendly. The last part of the hike will be a ‘quiet’ stroll during dusk.

Date: Sunday, Dec 9, 2012
Time: 1:30 pm – 4.45 pm
Location: Sycamore Grove (Wetmore Road Entrance), Livermore
Meeting Point: Corner of parking lot right by the trailhead.
Attire: Class B
Awards: Trail Trekkers Cub Scout Patch/Progressive Hike Award.
Fees: Park Entrance Fees - $5.00
Must read: Hike info
Contact: Hiking Chair Sachin Sheth (Email: [email protected] Tel: 925.968.9940)

Details

Distance, category, and difficulty:
Easy, 5.8 miles
Hiking time:
~3 hours
Exposure:
Exposed
Trail surfaces:
Paved and dirt trails (stroller friendly)
What to bring:

  • Flash light
  • Binoculars
  • Long pants
  • Dress in layers – please wear weather appropriate attire.
  • Snacks
  • Water

Getting there: (Locator map)
• From the north: Interstate 680 S to 580 E, exit Portola (exit 52a). Drive south on Portola about 0.5 mile, then turn right onto North L Street. Continue south (North L becomes South L, then Arroyo Road), altogether about 2.2 miles, then turn right onto Wetmore. Drive about 0.7 mile, then turn left into the park.
• From the south: Interstate 680 in Alameda County, exit CA 84 east. Drive about 6.5 miles east on CA 84, then turn right onto Holmes. Drive just 0.2 mile, and shortly after the road turns sharply left (becoming Wetmore), turn right into the park.

GPS Coordinates* for Trailhead:
Latitude 37°38'41.64"N
Longitude 121°46'55.33"W

Sycamore Grove Trail Map

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30Oct/12

Scouting for Food Maps

Pack 1776,

We are going to collect food for the Contra Costa food bank again this year. I will leave the door hangers at John's house so the den leaders can pick them up at the committee meeting this Thursday. The den leaders are responsible for coordinating and communicating their den's participation in this event.

Here's the area assignment for each den:

View Scouting for Food 2012 in a larger map

The area assigned is roughly proportional to the number of scouts in each den. Note that a few of the assignments are different from last year's. As per feedback received last year, we will not be distributing flyers in apartment buildings.

General Reminders:

Wear Scout uniform
Drivers should have all scouts in view at all times
Scouts are NOT to enter a donor's residence
Bring a friend! A great way to introduce what Scouting is about

Bag Distribution - November 10

You may distribute door hangers on a different day than November 10
Door hangers should be placed on the door or partially under the door mat
(make sure it is visible and will not blow away)
Do not put hangers in mailboxes

Bag Pickup - November 17

Food must be picked up from the same area you distributed door hangers
Food pickup is to begin no earlier than 9:00 am
Food must be dropped off in front of Coyote Creek MPR between 9:30 am and 11:00 am
(a bit later is okay too, call me if you are delayed).

Thanks!

Anil Thomas
Scouting for Food Chair

16Oct/12

October Hike and Enrichment Programs

Date: Sunday, Oct 28, 2012
Time: 10:30 am (please see other meeting times/locations below).
Location: Multiple locations in Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Marin and vicinity
Attire: Class B
Awards: Wildlife conservation belt loop, Trail Trekkers Cub Scout Patch/Progressive Hike Award. Scouts can also choose to become Junior Rangers.
Fees: None (only bridge tolls)
Sign up: Evite (Check your spam/junk mail folder if you haven't received it)
Must read: Hike info
Important Notes: Rain/Heavy Fog cancels the event. Parking can be an issue on Hawk hill so arrival by 11.30 am is recommended to avoid the walk uphill.
Contact: Hiking Chair Sachin Sheth

Destinations
(1) Marin Headlands Visitor Center (2) Hawk Hill (3) Rodeo Lagoon

Meeting Point (s)
Marin Headlands Visitor Center (10.30 AM)
Hawk Hill (11.30 AM)
Rodeo Beach Picnic Area (2.30 PM)

Details
At the Marin headlands visitor center we will review the exhibits and get a Junior Ranger booklet for the kids. The visitor center opens by 9.30 AM, so feel free to arrive early. At 11.15 AM we will head out to Hawk hill for the hawk talk. After the talk ~1.15 PM participants can head to the picnic area on Rodeo Beach by the trail head or choose to get a bite to eat in Sausalito. Hike will begin at 2.30 PM.

Marin Headlands Visitor Center
The Center's exhibits introduce the Headland's natural history and trace the area's human history from the days of the Miwoks through modern times. You can see how a hawk flies and look through a microscope at the hidden life of local ponds. A Miwok shelter invites you inside to listen as present-day Coast Miwok people talk about their lives. A shop carries a good selection of books and field guides about the area. You can choose to become a Junior Ranger.

Halk Talk
The Hawk Talk and Banding Demonstration begins at noon - a GGRO volunteer speaks about hawk migration and identification, and what they do at the GGRO.  Then at 1pm, a banding volunteer brings up a newly banded hawk, talks about the banding program, shows everyone the hawk, and lets it go in front of the crowd.  It is a great way to learn about hawks and see one up close.

Rodeo Lagoon Hike
This is an excellent hike for those just beginning to take nature hikes with scouts. Rodeo Lagoon in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a natural lagoon formed by beach buildup. It generally catches fresh water that flows down the valley from ridges above, but waves occasionally wash over the beach during winter storms, forming brackish water.

Distance, category, and difficulty:
Easy, 1.5 miles

Hiking time:
< 1 hour. The kids can play on the beach after.

Exposure:
Exposed

Trail surfaces:
Dirt fire roads and trails

What to bring:

  • Binoculars
  • Long pants
  • Dress in layers/Jacket – Please check weather forecast prior to hike.
  • Lunch/Snacks – Please note that there are NO food vendors in the marin headlands
  • Water

If it is not very cold, you may choose to wear sandals instead of shoes.

Getting there:

  • Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and take the second exit Alexander Avenue.
  • To Marin Headlands Visitor Center - Stay to the right on the exit ramp to get onto Alexander Ave. Turn left on Bunker Road (a brown sign saying "Marin Headlands Visitor Center" marks the intersection). Go through the one-way tunnel and drive approximately 2 miles. Turn left onto Field Road. The visitor center will be on the right side of the road.
  • To Hawk Hill - Get in the left lane following signs that read "101 San Francisco." Turn left at the stop sign and cross under the freeway. Turn right onto Conzelman Road and drive 1.8 miles to Hawk Hill. Park alongside the road at the top of the hill, just before the road becomes one way. Walk up the west side of Hawk Hill past the locked gate. It's just a few hundred feet to the summit.
  • To Rodeo Lagoon - After about 0.3 mile, turn left onto Bunker Road. There is a one-way tunnel which cuts under 101, and you may need to wait up to 5 minutes for your turn to travel through it (this is a great opportunity to put on sunscreen). From the other side of the tunnel, drive about 3 miles on Bunker Drive to the trailhead at the end of the road.

Get driving or public transit directions from Transit and Trails:
http://www.transitandtrails.org/trailheads/301

GPS coordinates* for trailhead:
Latitude 37°49'56.31"N
Longitude 122°32'19.83"W

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15Oct/12

November Hike – Briones Regional Park

Date: Sunday, November 11, 2012
Time: 1:30pm - 3:30pm (Meet in the parking lot straight past the entrance kiosk)
Location: Briones Regional Park
Attire: Class B
Award: Highlander patch and the Briones rocker patch
Fees: $5 Park entrance
Must read: Trail map, Printable info
Contact: Hiking Chair Sachin Sheth

Destination
Bear Creek Staging Area, Briones Regional Park, East Bay Regional Park District, Contra Costa County. This is a hike through the grassy hills north of Lafayette.

Meeting Point
Parking lot straight past the entrance kiosk

Details
Distance, category, and difficulty:
This 4.3 mile partial loop hike is easy. Trailhead elevation is about 735 feet. The featured hike climbs to about 1370 feet, and then descends back to the trailhead. There is one short steep downhill section. Total elevation change is about 830 feet.

Hiking time:
2 hours

What to bring:
• Long pants
• Cap or hat
• Dress in Layers (please check weather forecast prior to the hike).
• Snack
• Water

Exposure:
Mostly exposed, with some shade.

Trail surfaces:
Dirt fire roads and trails.

Getting there:
From CA 24 in Contra Costa County, exit Moraga/Orinda (exit 9). Drive north on Camino Pablo Road for about 2 miles, then turn right onto Bear Creek Road. Drive on Bear Creek about 4.4 miles, to the park entrance on the right side of the road. After passing the entrance kiosk, continue straight to the parking lot.

Get driving or public transit directions from Transit and Trails:
http://transitandtrails.org/trailheads/209

GPS Coordinates for Trailhead:
Latitude 37°55'37.65"N
Longitude 122° 9'21.01"W

Trailhead details:
Parking fee of $5 charged when entrance kiosk is staffed. $2 dog fee. Lots of parking. Pit toilets on site, but no drinking water. Maps available at the information signboard near the start of the trail. There is no direct public transportation to this trailhead, but you can walk (or cycle) into the park from BART: visit 511.org for details. There are no designated handicapped parking spots at this parking lot, but the initial stretch of Old Briones Road is wheelchair accessible.

Trail Route:
The highlighted path will be followed for this hike. For those that arrive late, you may choose to do the loop in the opposite direction and rendezvous with the rest of the pack.

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8Oct/12

Outdoor Pack Meeting Agenda & Location Directions

Urgent - Location Change - There has been a change in the area reserved at Lake Chabot. The new location is the Willow group site not the Elderberry group site.

Date/Time: Saturday, October 13, 2-6pm
Location: Lake Chabot Regional Park, Elderberry picnic area (lake chabot map) (directions)
Cost: $5 parking, or park outside the park for free
Attire: Class A
Bring: Personal canteen or water bottle and jacket.

Hello Pack 1776 Families!

Just a quick reminder and invitation to our Outdoor Pack Meeting, Saturday Oct 13, from 2:00 to 6:00 at Lake Chabot Regional Park in Castro Valley. We are at the Elderberry picnic area (entrance to the picnic area is towards the end of the parking lot). See detail map here.

Like our indoor MPR pack meetings, all cubs and leaders should wear their snappy Class A uniforms, and get ready for the an event full of fun, crafts and entertainment.

Here's what we have in store:

2:00 Activity: Outdoor Craft
The boy's will take part in an outdoor craft.
2:30 Pack Hike
Tiger/Wolf hike along the lake, Bear/Webelos hike in the wilds of Castro Valley.
3:45-4:00 Skit Practice with Dens
"What's my line again?" Rehearsal makes for a great performance! Everyone does a skit, even the den leaders.
4:05-5:05 Pack Meeting
Awards, and a special presentation of the Bobcat Badges to our new cubs as we welcome them to Pack 1776 by Committee Chair Yuji and Cubmaster John.
5:00 Smores
When you're outdoors, they go great with the great outdoors.

If you're a little late, don't worry. Even if you miss the hike, we'll still have a fun pack event.

Other key notes of information:

Lake Chabot Regional Park
17500 Lake Chabot Road
Elderberry Picnic Site
Castro Valley
CA, 94546

To Reach The Park
From San Ramon, I-680 South to connect on I-580 westbound, take the Strobridge Avenue exit. Turn right on Strobridge, right on Castro Valley Boulevard (take the left lane as soon as possible, and left on Lake Chabot Road. The Lake Chabot Marina is about two miles ahead on the right. (map) From I-580 in San Leandro, exit at Fairmont Drive and go east (uphill). The marina entrance will be to the left at the bottom of the hill.

$5 parking fee but there are free parking outside the park, depending on the time of the day, there should be plenty.
Water will be provided otherwise bring your own picnic and relax with the family.

We are encouraging people to bring personal canteen or water bottle and we'll have water station for refill.
Bring jacket just in case the weather change.

Cubmaster John and CC Yuji

26Sep/12

B-I-N-G-O Night – “B” There, Fri Sept 28

Hi Everyone,

Just a friendly reminder that coming up is the Coyote Creek PTA's annual bingo night.

Every year, we, the cubs of Pack 1776, are invited to help with the games, by actually calling out the letters and numbers at the big games. We team up with the Girl Scouts as well.

Den Leader and All-Around Cool Guy, Scott Spears and I will Emcee the games, and provide the tracking of the event, and we want as many scouts to come as possible, to join in the fun.

This is your chance to stand on the stage at the MPR, and talk through the microphone. Good training for you future game show hosts (or rock stars!) in the pack.

For those of scouts who already signed up on the Coyote Creek website, please remember to wear your fancy Class A uniforms. This is a must.

For those of you who are walking around, wondering what you're going to do Friday, and might like to have a great time, Lynda Gann informed me that there might be a few spots available. Worth a try on the school website.

I will need you to send me a return email if you are attending to confirm. Last year, we did an evite, here is your John-Vite. This will help me gather the team up.

Also, I could really use some helpful parents and cubs to help with the set up and tear down. Please arrive at 4:00 at the MPR if you can, or stick around after, or both, I will!

See you soon,

Cubmaster John

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19Sep/12

Bingo Night Sept 28th at Coyote Creek Sign Ups Now Online

Pack 1776,

If your cub wants to participate in Bingo Night next week on the 28th, you must sign up by following the instructions below from the Coyote Creek website.  They must have tickets in order to get in, even if they are working as volunteers.

Bingo Tickets on Sale Tuesday, September 18 at 7:00pm

To purchase tickets:

  • Go to: https://www.srvusdcommunity.org/coyotecreek/ and Sign-In
  • On the Overview Page, click on Step 3: Activities, Programs, and PTA Membership
  • Scan the page for Bingo Tickets and select the number of tickets you want to purchase.
  • Pay with Debit, Credit, or PayPal.

Tickets may be purchased online only.  Tickets will sell out fast, so please RSVP early. No checks or cash will be accepted at the door.

Bingo Night is September 28th, from 5:30 - 8:00 in the MPR.  Admission is $5.00 per person and includes bingo pad, raffle ticket, pizza, drinks, cookies, and FUN!

See the bingo night flyer for more info.

Yuji Yamada
Pack 1776 Committee Chair

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18Sep/12

2012 Popcorn Sales – Starts This Weekend at Safeway!

Popcorn Sales begin this Saturday & Sunday at the following Safeway stores:

New den leaders, please sign up at the Sign-up-Genius invite from Popcorn Chair Mette Spears. If we run out of slots, we can add additional shifts.

Please contact your den leader if you have not signed up for this exciting event!

Remember, sales earned at the stores count toward your Trails End Prizes! These prizes are listed on the Face-to-Face Take Order forms that were handed out at the last Pack Meeting. These sales and the individual sales you make selling to friends, neighbors, relatives and parents co-workers will count towards your Trails End Prize. Objections in Sales does happen in businesses, but when it comes down to it, resolving this can make all the difference to how much product you sell. From this, you can start building connections with potential clients and generate more sales.

As an additional incentive announced at the Pack Meeting, to drive individual Face-to-Face Take Order sales, we've added more prizes to help motivate our boys.

  • $100 Take Order Popcorn sales - 1 Skylander game figure or $10 Target Gift Card
  • $150 Take Order Popcorn sales - Pie in Face
  • $200 Take Order Popcorn sales - 2 Skylander game figures or $20 Target Gift Card (Please note that the prizes are not cumulative, meaning that earning the $200 prize mean they only get the 2 Skylanders or $20 Gift Card, and not the $100 prize of $1 Skylander and $10 Gift Card)
  • $300 Take Order Popcorn sales - 3 Skylander game figures or $30 Target Gift Card (Please note that the prizes are not cumulative, meaning that earning the $300 prize mean they only get the 3 Skylanders or $30 Gift Card)
  • $400 Take Order Popcorn sales - 4 Skylander game figures or $40 Target Gift Card (Please note that the prizes are not cumulative, meaning that earning the $400 prize mean they only get the 4 Skylanders or $40 Gift Card)
  • $500 Take Order Popcorn sales - 1 Skylander Giants Portal Owners Pack Game or $50 Target Gift Card (Please note that the prizes are not cumulative, meaning that earning the $500 prize mean they only get the game or $50 Gift Card)

Though, everyone can get a prize and the Pie in Face.

Also, the Den that sells most on an average per cub basis gets an ice cream party prize!

With the Product flyer and Take Order form, you can start selling today.

Please take some time to view the training video, so that you can see how easy it is to go out there and get people to support cub scouting!

Yuji Yamada
Pack 1776 Committee Chair

7Sep/12

Are You Ready?

We are kicking off a new Scouting year. Are you ready for a year of fun and many adventures in the years to come? See you all tomorrow. Don't forget to bring the check and volunteer form!

6Sep/12

9/11 Memorial Ceremony – September 11th Coyote Creek


Hi Pack 1776 Families,

Coyote Creek Elementary has invited Pack 1776 to participate in the opening flag ceremony for their 9/11 Memorial that they are planning to have at the school this coming Tuesday morning, September 11th at 8:30am.

For those cubs who want to participate, you must arrive in front of the school office at 7:45am so that we can practice and know where we need to be before ceremony. All scouts who participate must wear their full Class A uniforms. They can change into class B shirts or regular clothes after the ceremony, if they want.

We plan to also have a practice dress towards the end of the Welcome Back Kickoff event this coming Saturday, so please try and attend.

Please RSVP to me by Saturday's Welcome Back event so that I can get an estimate of interested cubs .

Thanks.

Best Regards,

Yuji Yamada
Committee Chair
Pack 1776

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