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
- 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
- Park Information
- Directions & All Trails Map
- All Trails App Route Link
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
- 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
- Parking: $8. No credit cards.
- Park Information
- Directions & All Trails Map
- All Trails App Route Info
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.
February 12, 2020: Pack Meeting
- Date: February 12, 2020
- Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
- Location: Coyote Creek Elementary School MPR
Come join us on February 12th for an informative session! Scouts will learn about symmetry in art from guest speaker, Artist Rita Paleja and symmetry in architecture from Steven Wynn of Barry & Wynn Architects, Danville! Those who attended the November Pack Meeting and completed their homework sheet may then be eligible to earn the Fearful Symmetry NOVA award!
Come learn from your friends how much fun Cub Scout Summer Camp was last year and how it will be even better this year since you are going!
Come learn about Friends of Scouting and be eligible to earn great raffle prizes for our generous local sponsors: Blackhawk Dental Care, BloomSports, ClubSport, Mariam Nassiry Insurance Agency - Farmers Insurance, Patisserie Magalie - Handmade Organic Cakes and Bakery, Luv2play, Link Silicon Valley Business Brokerage and Sharkey's Cuts For Kids.
February 28, 2020: Blue & Gold Banquet
Date: Friday, February 28, 2020
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Coyote Creek MPR
Cost: None
RSVP: Evite
Come celebrate the 110th birthday of scouting at the Blue and Gold Banquet where we will have a ceremony for Webelos IIs who will receive their Arrow of Light awards and bridge to their journey into Boy Scouts. A catered dinner and fun entertainment by Dan the Magician is provided at no cost to Pack 1776 members and their immediate family.
Please RSVP by February 16 with the number of people attending and any vegetarian preference.
Schedule:
- 6:00 pm Welcome! Door Opens
- 6:15 pm Opening Flag Ceremony by Webelos II
- 6:20 pm Greeting & Dinner
- 6:40 pm Arrow of Light and Bridging Ceremonies
- 7:20 pm Closing Flag Ceremony by Webelos I
- 7:30 pm Entertainment
- 8:15 pm Clean Up
See you at the party!
Living Arroyos Native Grass & Wildflower Planting Conservation Project
February 29, 2020
Date: Saturday, February 29, 2020
Time: 8:45-11:30 am
Location: 11689 Bluebell Dr, Livermore, CA 94551
Attire: Class B
Space Limit: Space is limited to 25 scouts and a parent (50 people max) with priority to Webelos as they are working on their Into the Wood badge.
RSVP: sign up here.
Join us in planting wildflowers and native grasses and mulch mats with the Living Arroyos conservation group. Living Arroyos is a multi-agency partnership to enhance and maintain the urban streams and streamside habitats of the Livermore-Amador valley, while continuing to protect drinking water supplies and prevent flooding.
The address for the project is 1689 Bluebell Drive, where they be setting up in the grass just to the north of the house. The event is from 9 am-11:30 pm. They will have a greeter table set up with a canopy.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring a reusable water bottle. The Living Arroyos will provide light snacks and water. The event will be postponed if there is heavy rain in the forecast.
Space is limited to 25 scouts and a parent (50 people max) with priority to Webelos as they are working on their In to the Wood badge.
Pinewood Derby Weekend!
January 11-12, 2020
Saturday, January 11, 2020: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Vehicle Inspection & Impound
Sunday, January 12, 2020: Noon to 3:00 p.m. Race Day!
- Location: Coyote Creek MPR
- Attire: Class A uniform
- Bring: Reusable water bottle and readiness to cheer on your fellow scouts
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Pinewood Derby SignUps
Our Annual Pinewood Derby will be held on January 12th from noon to 3 PM in the MPR! There will be racing, design competitions, and pizza. Please be conservation minded and bring your own reusable bottle. Fresh filtered water will be available from the refillable station in the MPR. We will once again have an open class for adults and siblings. Additional kits may be purchased for $5. Contact Jessica Almeida ([email protected]) to purchase more kits. Wear your Class A uniform!
The mandatory inspection and car impounding is on January 11th from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the Pack Shed near the Coyote Creek Kindergarten area.
Even though Pinewood Derby car is a team project for scouts and their adults, we encourage scouts to do as much of the car building as possible. For those new to scouting or just need a refresher course, here are some helpful websites.
If you need help cutting the wood block, you could take it to Ace Hardware. The store staff may charge each car $5. You can also use their equipment to sand, align the wheels, and fine-tune various details. Each car must pass inspection on January 11th by the official inspection committee before it will be allowed to compete. Once a car passes inspection and is entered into the race, only the race committee members can touch it. If the car loses a wheel, or is otherwise damaged, the racer has 5 minutes to make repairs.
Rules will be emailed to you in a separate email and can be found Pack 1776 Pinewood Derby Official Rules.
On the day of the event, cars will race in multiple heats. They will have the opportunity to race on each of the 4 tracks. Only their best time will be used. All participants will receive a patch for participating. Trophies will be awarded to the fastest three cars in each rank, and the overall fastest three cars in the Pack. We will also give ribbons to 1) Best Paint Job, 2) Most Unique, 3) Most Patriotic, 4) Most Interesting Design, 5) Most Original, 6) Most Creative
AGENDA:
- Lion Heats (x4 for each Lion)
- Tiger Heats (x4 for each Tiger)
- Wolf Heats (x4 for each Wolf)
- Bear Heats (x4 for each Bear)
- Webelos I Heats (x4 for each Webelos I)
- Webelos II Heats (x4 for each Webelos II)
- Siblings Heats (x4 for each Sibling)
- Best Overall Heats (x4 for each First place Den Winner)
According to the BSA's Cub Scout Leader How-To-Book, the GENERAL RULES are as follows:
All cars must pass the following inspection to qualify for the race:
- Width shall not exceed 2-3/4 inches.
- Length shall not exceed 7 inches.
- Weight shall not exceed 5 ounces.
- Axles, wheels, and body shall be from the materials provided in the kit. Additional wheels can be purchased separately.
- Wheel bearings, washers, and bushings are prohibited.
- No lubricating oil may be used. Axles may be lubricated with powdered graphite or silicone.
- The car shall not ride on any kind of spring.
- The car must be free-wheeling with no starting devices.
- No loose materials of any kind are allowed in the car.
Here are the rules in more detail: Pack 1776 Pinewood Derby Official Rules
December 12th Pack Meeting
Be Prepared: What to do in an emergency
- DATE: December 12, 2019
- TIME: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
- LOCATION: Coyote Creek Elementary MPR
- UNIFORM: Class A
Making correct decisions under pressure can be difficult for anyone, but if Cub Scouts practice knowing when and how to call 911, basic first aid, and other skills they can be more ready for emergency situations. December's Pack Meeting's theme is to allow Scouts to build a basic first aid kit that may be useful on hikes, learn basic wound care, learn and practice when and how to call 911 on different types of phones and how to summon aid in the outdoors. All registered scouts will receive a pouch, simple first aid supplies, signal mirror and whistle.
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS: There are 4 stations that we need to staff, with adults and Den Chiefs using a written script to teach:
- Station #1 - Make a first aid kit / how to treat a cut or scrape on a hike
- Station #2 - When to call 911
- Station #3 - How to call 911
- Station #4 - How to prepare for a hike & what do when we are lost. SIGN UP HERE!
Following the meeting, Pinewood Derby Car Kits will be passed out. These are free to all registered Cub Scouts.
Adults and siblings are welcome to join in on the fun in their own special heats. Pinewood Derby Kits for family members are $5 each.
Pinewood Derby Weekend is January 11th (Impound) and January 12th (Race Day). Check the website for additional details and complete Pack 1776 Pinewood Derby Official Rules.
Leader Education and Discovery (L.E.A.D.) 2020
January 25, 2020
Registration for the BIGGEST Training event of 2020 — Leader Education and Discovery (L.E.A.D.) is now open. Bask in the warmth of friendliness and camaraderie of like-minded Scout leaders. Catch-up with old friends and meet new friends.
This event is OPEN to all adults. You DO NOT have to be a uniform leader. Everyone is welcome to attend! Invest in the future – YOUR future success as a Scout leader, and the continuing interest and engagement of your Scouts depends on trained adults.
- DATE: Saturday, January 25th, 2020
- TIME: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- LOCATION: Diablo Valley College (DVC) - 321 Golf Club Rd, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
- UNIFORMS: Class A encouraged
- COST: $45 per participant (The Pack will reimburse after you attend and if you stay with us until the end of the school year)
- REGISTRATION: Including Course Catalog and Schedules
What is STEM and how does it work for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA and Venturers?
Where can I go camping, hiking or backpacking in Northern California?
Where can I get in person training for my position as a Cub Scout, Scouts or Venture Leader?
How can I run fun and exciting Pack Meetings?
L.E.A.D. has you covered. L.E.A.D. offers over 130 classes across five colleges: Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Outdoors and Continuing Education. The day is broken up into 6 sessions. Some classes are 1 session, others, such as CPR certification, are 3 sessions, while even others, like Venturing Leader Training, last all day.
Scouting For Food Community Project
November 9 and November 16, 2019
This year's Scouting for Food is scheduled for the weekend of November 9th (Distribution of door hangers) and November 16th (Collection of food).
For those new to scouting, this is a wonderful opportunity for our scouts to participate in a community service project. The food that we collect goes to the Contra Costa Food Bank from where it is distributed to those in need. Den leaders are responsible for ensuring their den's participation in this event.
Click here soon to see the area assignment for each den. You can also click on the white rectangle symbol on the far right to view the map in full size:
General Reminders:
- Wear Class A 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
Hanger Distribution - November 9th
- Door hangers should be placed on the door or partially under the door mat (ensure it's visible and won't blow away)
- Do not put hangers in mailboxes
- If you cannot pass out your door hangers on November 9th, you may distribute door hangers on a different day, such as November 10th
Food Pickup - November 16th
- 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 10:00 am and noon
If you may be late and wish to know if one of the coordinators will still be at Coyote Creek, please call one of the Scouting for Food Chairs:
- Henry Huang @ [email protected]
- 510-396-2721
- Ava Chen @ [email protected]
- 650-274-5789
If you will be much later than noon, you can bring your collection to the Meridian District's food collection site. They will be open till 2:30pm. After 2:30 pm, you will have to take your collection to the Contra Costa Food Bank located at 4010 Nelson Avenue in Concord (925.676.7534) during their regular hours. Please let them know your collection is from the Meridian District's Scouting for food project.
Ideas to help us collect more food on the 16th!
o Knock on every door that received a door hanger and did not leave a donation. Maybe they forgot to put out their food or would give if asked.
o Tell your family and friends if they didn't get a door hanger they can still help by dropping off their food at the MPR on Nov 17th between 10am - noon
All participating scouts receive a patch.
JOTI/JOTA – Saturday, October 19, 2019
Date: Saturday, October 19, 2019
Time: Come anytime from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Typical time onsite is 1-3 hours.
Place: PACIFICON, San Ramon Marriott, 2600 Bishop Drive, San Ramon, CA
Cost: TBD. Includes JOTA patch and general admission into Pacificon for Cub Scout and Scouts BSA (ONLY for Youth in full uniform or adult leader accompanying Scouts in full uniform). Kit building has additional cost (see below).
Registration: Registration required at: https://scoutingevent.com/023-31467
Note: Lunch will NOT be provided, so bring your own.
The JOTA/JOTI is an annual event in which Scouts all over the world speak to each other by means of amateur radio contacts or the Internet. Scouting experiences are exchanged and ideas are shared.
When Scouts want to meet young people from another country they usually think of attending a World Jamboree or another international gathering. But few people realize that each year about half-a-million Scouts "get together" over the airwaves for the annual Jamboree On The Air (JOTA), and through the Internet in the Jamboree On The Internet (JOTI). Modern communication technology offers Scouts the exciting opportunity to make friends in other countries without even leaving the state.
For Cub Scouts:
Plan to spend about one hour for a docent-led tour of the event, including listening (and possibly talking) to Ham Radio operators around the country and world. We will also have computers for the JOTI online communications. Come any time between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Webelos/AOL scouts will have an opportunity to complete Requirement 10.d. for Building a Better World Adventure.
“Webelos to Scout” transition program
Date: Thursday, October 24, 2019
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo
The District's annual “Webelos to Scout” transition program is for parents of Webelos, Den Leaders and parents of boys interested in joining Boy Scouts. (Adults only. No Webelos Scouts or children please). The transition process will be explained, questions answered, and you will then have a chance to meet all of the troops in the District and learn more about their programs.
