December 8, 2021

December 19: Little Yosemite Trail Trekkers Hike

Date/Time: Sunday, December 19, 2021, at 9:30am
Location: Little Yosemite — Sunol Regional Wilderness
Meeting Point: Parking lot immediately to the left after the entrance kiosk — 1895 Geary Road, Sunol, CA 94586
Fee: $5 parking fee
Distance / elevation: 4.8-mile loop / 524 ft
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate / Recommended for Tigers to Webelos
Hike Info: Hike info / Trail map
Awards: Trail Trekkers Cub Scout Patch / Progressive Hike Award
Contact: Hiking Co-Chair Nagabhushan Channabasappa / 408-666-5931

RSVP: Evite

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.

Read more...

For all in-person pack or den events and activities, please adhere to the pack's COVID statement. 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.

November 14: Flag Hill Trail Trekkers Hike

Date/Time: Sunday, November 14, 2021, at 9:30am
Location: Flag Hill — Sunol Regional Wilderness
Meeting Point: Parking lot immediately to the left after the entrance kiosk — 1895 Geary Road, Sunol, CA 94586
Fee: $5 parking fee
Distance / elevation: 3.9-mile loop / 994 ft
Difficulty: Moderate / Recommended for Bears and Webelos
Hike Info: Hike info / Trail map
Awards: Trail Trekkers Cub Scout Patch / Progressive Hike Award
Contact: Hiking Chair Kushal Kaleshwari (925-639-5493) / Nagabhushan Channabasappa

RSVP: evite

What to wear 

• Class B and dress in layers
• Approved face covering
• Sturdy closed toe shoes
• Sunscreen

What to bring

• binoculars, camera
• Lunch
• 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

• Use extreme caution on the rocks at the Flag Hill summit
• Watch for poison oak on narrow sections of trail
• There will be cattle at Sunol -- give them plenty of distance

The hike

A moderately strenuous hike will take you to the top of Flag Hill, which is composed of layers of fossil-rich sandstone formed some 13 million years ago. You'll enjoy great views and good opportunities to watch birds and other wildlife.

The trail

Begin this hike by crossing Alameda Creek on the footbridge near park headquarters. Turn left (downstream). After a short distance, Flag Hill Trial will take off uphill, to the right. The trail zigzags up the face of the hill (make sure your hikers understand why it's important not to shortcut switchbacks). After about a mile of rather steep uphill hiking, you'll reach the top where you'll probably want to take a good snack or lunch break.

While on top, watch for red-tailed hawks (the red upper surface of the tail is visible when the hawk turns), turkey vultures (which hold their wings in a slight "V" and teeter in flight), and maybe even a golden eagle or falcon.

Continue your hike by going down the back side of Flag Hill, turning right when you reach High Valley Road. Return to the cars by way of Hayfield Road.

The history

Sunol Regional Park area was inhabited by the Ohlone Indians for about 4000 years. In 1797, when the mission was built at Mission San Jose, most of the Indians moved to the mission. The Indian camp was located on the same site as the Green Barn and park office are now located.

On the Fourth of July in 1903, a group of children climbed a hill located north of the present park headquarters, and planted a flag. The hill thereafter was known as Flag Hill.

Read more...

For all in-person pack or den events and activities, please adhere to the pack's COVID statement. 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.

November Pack Meeting // Nova: Cub Scouts Can Code

Date: November 17, 2021
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Coyote Creek Elementary School MPR + classroom
Uniform: Class A

In last year's Nova Out of this World program, our pack learned from NASA all about the Mars rover Perseverance. This year, we persevere and continue on our Nova mission!

Cub Scouts Can Code
How on earth do NASA Engineers make Perseverance roam all over Mars and follow their instructions? It all starts with understanding the basics of programming, and a lot of curiosity! Come learn all about algorithms while having practical fun with a programmable robot! Yes, Cub Scouts can code!

While only Wolves and above are eligible for the Nova award, we have a fun program for Lions and Tigers as well, bot included!

The Cub Scouts Nova STEM program incorporates learning with cool hands-on activities and exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Cub Scouts Can Code is the Nova award for computer science and engineering. To earn this award, Cub Scouts explore topics such as computers (wait, what is a kernel?), programming, or careers that involve computers. They may also optionally complete the corresponding rank adventure: coding for Wolves, robotics for Bears, or game design for Webelos.

Hello, world of gratitude!

This Nova program is made possible thanks to the dedication of Nova Mentor Kevin, Cubmaster Mrs. Cassie, and a generous donation from an anonymous local resident. A former CSU Sacramento student who graduated in Mechanical Engineering and who was also the president of the Rockets/Robotics Club at Hartnell College graciously donated 8 robot kits to the pack to give kids an opportunity to learn more about Engineering. Thank you!

You, too, can help inspire tomorrow's Engineers! We are looking for 9 parents to assist with the activities and 3 to lend their iPad to control the bots at the meeting. Please sign up to volunteer.

The other kernel
Speaking of out of this world, popcorn sales this year have been astronomical! As a reward for all, the pack offered free pizza at the Halloween party and is looking into sponsoring a fun pack event for early next year. Stay tuned! All sellers earned a cool Popcorn patch. And in this pack meeting, we will award prizes to the Top Sellers!

We expect to receive the popcorn for door-to-door sales on Nov 19. If you submitted an order, please look out for info from Popcorn Kernel Ramesh closer to that date.

The popcorn campaign is a key fundraiser for both our pack and our Council, given neither receives any funding from the national BSA registration fees. So thank you to all who helped keep the pack going! 

For all in-person pack or den events and activities, please adhere to the pack's COVID statement.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.

Scouting for Food 2021

What: Scouting for Food
When:
Nov 6, 2021 — Distribute door hangers to assigned area homes
Nov 13, 2021 — Pick up food donations from same homes after 9am + drop off in front of Coyote Creek MPR by 12pm
Where: See map for assigned areas by den; Den Leaders have assigned specific blocks to scouts within each den
What to wear: Class A uniform, approved face covering
Scouting for Food coordinators: Satwant & Anjula, Cassie

The food that we collect will go to various food banks across the Bay Area to be distributed to those in need. And the need is great, this year especially!  

We accept canned foods and non-perishable food items. Canned and boxed foods, cereal, pancake mixes, crackers, and pasta are great! Protein items like canned tuna, ham, sardines, SPAM, and peanut butter are much needed. Please do not donate glass objects or food that will perish soon. 
For those new to scouting, this is a wonderful opportunity for our scouts to participate in a community service project. Den leaders are responsible for ensuring their den's full participation in this event. All participating scouts will receive a cool patch.

Please sign up to volunteer
We need 4 volunteers to drive their minivan/SUV to take the collected food from Coyote Creek to the main collection site at Bishop Ranch / 2700 Camino Ramon, San Ramon.

General reminders

• Wear Class A Scout uniform
• Wear an approved face covering — applies to everyone involved in Scouting for Food
• Keep your scouts in view at all times
• Supervise scouts when crossing roads
• Bring and use hand sanitizer
• DO NOT to enter a donor's residence

Door hanger distribution — November 6

• Distribute door hangers on another day this week, iff not possible on Nov 6
• Place door hanger on the door or partially under the doormat
• Do not place door hangers in mailboxes
• Knock or ring doorbell after placing door hanger and take a few steps back
• Speak with the resident about the program

Food donations pickup — November 13

• Pick up food donations from the same homes where you distributed door hangers
• Do not pick up earlier than 9am
• Knock or ring doorbell at every house that received a door hanger and did not leave a donation; maybe they forgot and would give on the spot if asked kindly
• Drop off the collected food donations in front of Coyote Creek MPR between 10am and noon
• If you cannot drop off by 12pm, drop off directly at the main collection site at Bishop Ranch / 2700 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, by 1pm

As with any pack activity, please adhere to the pack's COVID statement. 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 inform your Den Leader ASAP so they can make arrangements to cover your Scout's area.

Other ways to donate Tell your family, friends, and neighbors! With the many fortunes and blessings our community has, this is a great way for everyone to give back. And donating is easy! Anyone in the community can drop off food donations in the marked bin outside the Coyote Creek office on Wednesday, November 10, during school hours, or in front of the Coyote Creek MPR on Saturday, November 13, 10:00 am to noon.  Thank you for coming together to serve the community!

Cub Scout Marksmanship Day

November 7, 2021

• Date: Sunday, November 7, 2021
• Location: Camp Herms, 1100 James Pl, El Cerritos
• Attire: Class A uniform

Bring:

1.       2 copies (only need 2, not 4) of the completed Shooting Sports Permission Slip 

2.       Completed Event Permission Slip 

3.       Warm clothes & facecovering  CAMP HERMS IS ALWAYS COLD.  BRING JACKETS.

4.       Water bottle with water

5.       Snack and/or lunch

Read the instructions and kindly register below.

Marksmanship Day is a District level event with BSA trained Rangemasters at a BSA facility range.

• Tigers through Webelos can join us for a marksmanship day and work towards earning the Cub Scout Shooting Award for your rank. 

NON-REGISTERED YOUTH AND LIONS CANNOT PARTICIPATE.  

• There will be BB gun and Archery stations. 
• You can sign up for both, but given we want each scout to have a turn at at least one station, you may not be able to do both events.
• Each session involves instruction on the device, history of the sport and other information required by the award. 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Register on the Google form by telling us who you are.  Then, tell us what event (Archery or BB gun) you really want to do and what sessions are your 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th choice.  Once we receive a final headcount, we will advise you of your time slot/session.  We’ll do our best to accommodate your choices and if there is space, try to let you do both events.  With 80+ kids in the unit, we want to make sure everyone has a chance, especially the older scouts.

Register here:  Yee Haw!

Registration will be open until November 1st .

Kindly refer to the Pack Covid-19 policy.

Face coverings are required for all attendees

Please bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times.  While we will have hand sanitizer, please also bring your own.

All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:

o    Be made with at least two layers of breathable material

o    Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin

o    Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face

o    Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the person to remain hands-free

o    Shall not contain a valve which allows air to be exhaled from the mask.

o    Open-chin triangle bandanas are not acceptable face coverings.

The use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing. 

Do NOT attend the event if you or a family member have experienced these symptoms in the 14 days leading up to the event:

o    In contact with someone known or suspected to have COVID or the below symptoms.

o    Fever or chills

o    Cough

o    Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

o    Fatigue

o    Muscle or body aches

o    Headache

o    New loss of taste or smell

o    Sore throat

o    Congestion or runny nose

o    Nausea or vomiting

o    Diarrhea

October 24: Rodeo Lagoon Hike

NOTE: HIKE HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER

Date/Time: Sunday, October 24, 2021, at 11am
Location: Rodeo Lagoon, Sausalito
Meeting Point: Marin Headlands Visitor Center — 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito
Fee: None (bridge toll only)
Hike Info: Hike info
Awards: Trail Trekkers Cub Scout Patch / Progressive Hike Award / optional Junior Ranger
Contact: Hiking Chair Kushal Kaleshwari (925-639-5493)

RSVP: Evite

Attire: 

• Class B and dress in layers — the weather may change rapidly
• Approved face covering
• Sturdy closed toe shoes

What to bring:

• binoculars, camera
• Lunch — there are no food vendors at this location
• Plenty of water and snacks

We will meet at the Marin Headlands Visitor Center at 11:00 a.m. Scouts who choose to become junior rangers can get Junior Ranger booklets from the Visitor Center. The hike will begin promptly.

The start of the Rodeo Lagoon Trail Loop is at the picnic area. First cross the footbridge, heading north towards Bunker Road. Go left towards the ocean, following the path around the lagoon. Return to Rodeo Lagoon Loop and continue to follow the path back to the picnic area.

Be on the lookout for migratory birds to identify, flowering coastal plants, and of course, poison oak. When you reach the beach take some time to identify the multi-colored pebbles you'll find there (namely chert, greenstone, jasper, carnelian, agate, and more). Please remember not to collect specimens of any kind from the park.

For all in-person pack or den events and activities, please adhere to the pack's COVID statement. If you are sick, are experiencing symptoms, or may have been exposed to COVID-19, please stay home

October 29: Halloween Party

Attire: Costumes!
Cost: Free to participate
Food: Pizza, popcorn, and shaved ice available!
Bring: Reusable water bottle
In keeping with our effort to be conservation and enironmentally minded, please bring a water bottle as no bottled water will be sold at this event.

RSVP: Evite
RSVP by: Oct 22 so we can get a count for food and prizes
Sign up to volunteer: SignUpGenius

Beware of ghosts and goblins! Come join Pack 1776's annual Halloween bash for an evening of Halloween themed carnival games, fun, and prizes! The entire scouting family is welcome. Get into the spirit and come dressed up in your Halloween best. Get your picture taken at the photo booth. And everyone in the family is eligible to win prizes for costumes.

We would like to thank these local businesses who sponsored our Halloween party with gift card prizes for games:

Happy Lemon (by Safeway in Blackhawk)

Crumbl Cookies (by Target in San Ramon)

Teaspoon (by Trader Joes in San Ramon)

Creme Si Bon (by Trader Joes in San Ramon)

Boba Bliss (by Alcosta Blvd & San Ramon Valley Blvd)

Jamba (by Spouts in San Ramon)

See you there....if you dare!

For all in-person pack or den events and activities, please adhere to the pack's COVID statement. If you are sick, are experiencing symptoms, or may have been exposed to COVID-19, please stay home

September 19: Bike Hike!

Date/Time: Sunday, September 19, 2021 @ 9:30 a.m.
Location:Sycamore Park and Ride to Hap Magee Ranch Park and back.
Distance: 2.8 miles one way - approx. 6 miles total
Time: Allow 60-70 mins
Attire: Class B uniform
Meeting Point:Sycamore Park and Ride Lot

RSVP: here so we can get a headcount

Trail:Take the Iron Horse Trail going north starting at Sycamore Valley road. Head on to Camille Ave and bear right. Cross Danville Blvd to head to Hap Magee Ranch Park. Kids can take a break at the park and have some snacks and water and get ready for the journey back. See map below.

2021 Popcorn Show & Sell

Many things are new this year, so please read the below and download the Trails End App

Does your scout need to practice his or her public speaking, good manners, or accepting rejections gracefully? Selling popcorn is a great way to practice all these skills!  This year we booked opportunities at different locations; try them all!  Sales earned at the store, along with your individual sales to friends and neighbors, all count toward your scout's Trails End Prizes and rewards through Pack 1776!

Why do we do this?

This is a key fundraiser for our council and pack.

73% of all popcorn funds will go to support scouting locally - proceeds are shared between our council, our local district and our Pack.  MDSC and Meridian District use these funds to support activities such as Webeloree, Summer Day Camp, insurance, training and much more and keep participation costs low.  Our fundraising effort helps to make Scouting a great experience for our scouts.  Here is a sampling of the Pack 1776 activities supported by your fund-raising efforts and participation:

• Halloween Party
• Pinewood Derby Equipment, Awards and Facilities Rental
• Pack Camp Outs, craft and skill station supplies, food
• Blue & Gold Celebration entertainment and dessert
• End of the Year Graduation

We've chosen to do a shorter sales period this year.

This year we are concentrating our fundraiser for 3 weeks in September.  We have multiple storefront locations reserved with Draeger’s and Safeway.

This year everyone needs to download the Trails End App as:

• Signing up for sales shifts will only be on the App.
• Credit Card sales will be used through the App by using a Pack supplied Square Reader or typing in the credit card number.
• Door to Door / Sales to families can be made through the APP.

You may download the App by also texting "APP" to 62771.

Select "Meridian" for the district and "Pack 1776" for the unit.

There is one account per scout, so Mom and Dad, one of you will have to set up the account and give that log in information to the other parent. 

What is our goal?  What are the rewards?

Our goal is for every scout to sell $250. 

Every scout that sells $250 or more will receive a cool camping flashlight!

The top three individual sellers will a prize:

• 1st: 2 x “1-Day” Single Park Tickets to Disneyland (Peak Time Tickets);

• 2nd: RC Drone with 1080P HD Camera Live Video 120°Wide-Angle WiFi Quadcopter
• 3rd: Hydration Backpack

Scouts that sell $350 or more can earn Amazon Gift Cards through the Trails End Reward Program. Click here for the prize flyer.

Parents Earn Volunteer Hours This Year

A parent may earn 1 hour of volunteer credit per 2 hour shift. This goes towards the 10 hour volunteer deposit. Only one credit per family per shift. There is no limit on the shifts you may staff - each 2 hour block will earn your family a 1 hour credit.

Be sure to read Pack 1776 Popcorn Sales Station Instructions

Be sure to read PACK 1776 Popcorn Sales Station Instructions (2019) If you’re the first or last shift, you must pick up or return the popcorn and cash box to our Popcorn Chairperson Ramesh's home.

Alternatively, you can also:

1) Show and Sell at the locations where we have reserved spots. See the App for these locations and times.

2) Take Order:  let your customers choose all the flavors of the Trails End App; collect the advance payment. Popcorn will be available for you to pick up and distribute in mid-November.

3) Online: Set up an account at trails-end.com and sell online. Note that Trails End will ship the popcorn for a fee unless a certain minimum order is met.

When selling door to door, please follow these safety rules:

• Never enter someone’s home.
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash with you.
• Always walk on the sidewalk and driveway.
• Always sell with another scout or adult.
• Remember to wear your Class A uniform, be respectful and have fun!

First time selling? Here's a video on what this is all about!