3Dec/24
Pack 1776
Date/Time: Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 11am
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 / $2 per dog
Distance / elevation / duration: 4.8-mile loop / 524 ft / ~3 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
// Recommended for Tigers to Webelos
Awards: Trail Trekkers Cub Scout Patch
Contact: Hiking Chair Aditya M. (ahead of time on WhatsApp as there's no cell signal in the area)
// What to wear - Class B and dress in warm layers, incl. windbreaker - Sturdy closed toe shoes - Hat + sunscreen
// What to bring - LUNCH + plenty of WATER - Cub Scout 6 essentials including whistle - map -
optional: binoculars, camera
// 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.
3Oct/24
Pack 1776
All Cub Scouts and their families are invited to our annual Halloween Spooktacular on Friday, October 25th, from 6pm to 8pm in the Coyote Creek MPR and courtyard!
Date/Time: Friday, October 25
Location: Coyote Creek MPR
Attire: Boo-tiful and wicked awesome costumes
Volunteer: Signup to help. We could use a hand from our fellow ghouls and goblins!
'tis the season for a fang-tastic time, so join us for a howlin' good Halloween bash that's sure to be a boo-last! Let us know if you'll join us for this spook-tacular event, RSVP should be in your inbox so please RVSP NOW!
Cost: Free to participate
Food: FREE Pizza, house popcorn, and shaved ice will be provided
Bring: Refillable water bottle No bottled water will be provided at this event
3Oct/24
Pack 1776
Kelly's Hill — Red Willow, Star Jasmine, and Monarch Ridge Loop
Distance / elevation / duration / difficulty: 2.2 miles / 272 ft / 1 hour / Easy Hiking Chairs: Laxman R + Renga S
Award: Pack hike patch
Attire: Class B t-shirt (or regular t-shirt for new scouts), sturdy closed toe shoes, cap / hat
What to bring: Plenty of water and snacks, camera, medical paperwork if not yet submitted
// The hike This dog-friendly trail is a great option for a short neighborhood stroll or adventure around Red Willow Park in San Ramon. The trail travels through open space on the outskirts of neighborhoods. It is fairly wide in most spots, and crosses a few wooden bridges and boardwalks. There are some nice views out into the rolling pastured hills near the trail. This route also connects to the Monarch Ridge Trail, which in turn connects to other parks in the area.
// Getting there Take Red Willow Road, off of Dougherty near Crow Canyon. Parking is free.
// Required before the hike ALL participating scouts and registered adults need to have submitted their medical paperwork before participating in the hike. If you plan to participate and haven't yet submitted your or your scouts' medical paperwork, please email them ASAP to
[email protected] See step 3:
https://pack1776.com/join/registration/// Patch Participating scouts and siblings will receive a patch at the next pack meeting.
17Sep/24
Pack 1776
Distance / elevation / duration: 2.1 miles / 449 ft / 1 hour 5 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Awards: Pack hike patch
Contact: Hiking Chair Aditya Mahendrakar (412-979-1729)
Attire: Class B T-shirt (or regular T-shirt for new scouts), long pants (to protect from some of the wild plants on the trail), sturdy closed toe shoes, cap / hat
What to bring: Plenty of water and snacks, binoculars, camera, medical paperwork if not yet submitted
// The hike
Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 hr 5 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
// Getting there From I-680, exit at Sycamore Valley Road in Danville. Follow Sycamore Valley Road for 1.5 miles, then continue on to Camino Tassajara. Turn left onto Sherburne Hills Road, then turn right to find parking.
// Required before the hike ALL participating scouts and registered adults need to have submitted their medical paperwork before participating in the hike. If you plan to participate and haven't yet submitted your or your scouts' medical paperwork, please email them ASAP to
[email protected]// Patch Participating scouts and siblings will receive a patch at the next pack meeting.
10Sep/24
When: Sat-Sun 10/26-27
Where: Camp Herms — El Cerrito, CA
Who: Webelos, AOLs + adult partner
Link to all GGAC Cub Scout camps:
7Sep/24
Hello Scout Families!!
It’s time for our annual popcorn fundraiser! This year, we're focused on raising funds to replace some key equipment and support the activities that enrich our scouting experience. We’re counting on your help to make this a successful fundraiser!
Selling popcorn is more than just raising money; it’s a great way to develop important skills like public speaking, math, salesmanship, and perseverance. Every scout, regardless of age or experience, is encouraged to participate and contribute.
The funds we raise through popcorn help cover registration fees, equipment, trips, and activities for the scouts. In addition to the valuable learnings, it also comes with tangible rewards (Trail’s End awards Amazon gift cards based on sales amount, please check the rewards flyer). We highly encourage every scout, regardless of age or experience, to participate in the fundraiser!
Parents: We need your support too! Please help out by providing support to handle money at the storefronts.
Popcorn contacts (Ravi K, Radha V, Charlie Y)
We are here to provide logistical support to all participating scouts and parents. When you text message, please don’t forget to state your scout Name and Den
Storefront sales
Getting ready
- Download Trail’s End App. (Text “APP” to 62771 to download, or download from Appstore/Google Play). Select “Golden Gate Area Council” for the council, "Meridian" for the district, and "Pack 1776" for the unit. Our unit code “9KRUG”
Steps to find out BSA/Member Id:
- Login to my.scouting.org
- Click the menu in the upper left corner
- Select Manage Member ID
- After activation and sign-in, go to “Storefront Sales” and find shifts available for sign-up on the calendar (calendar icon).
- Once you sign into the account on the App, you can sign up for shifts by going to the “Storefront Sales” calendar.
- Signing up for 2 or more shifts is recommended. This ensures the scout gets a chance to start a positive feedback loop in which they get to apply what they 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 are the first scout to sell for the day, please pick up inventory and supplies, the night before your shift from Mr. Ravi Kotnana at 152 CoralFlower Lane, San Ramon CA 94582.
- 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 a Donation jar and Square Credit Card reader.
- Start of shift —please arrive 10 minutes before your shift begins. Verify inventory and proceed with the previous shift scout/parent. Make sure there’s $60 in small bills in the 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 write it down on the tracking form.
- End of shift—count inventory and proceed 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 to Mr.Ravi Kotnana
Donation
Some people prefer to give a cash donation than purchasing popcorn. We appreciate and welcome any amount. If the customer is not sure about buying popcorn, go ahead and ask if they are willing to donate a small amount. Cash donations go into the Pack 1776 Donation jar.
If people prefer to make a donation via credit card, it is available on the Trail’s End app as “Heroes and Helpers Donation”, however, the donation does not go to Pack 1776.
Tips and Reminders
- All scouts wear Class A Uniform properly when selling popcorn.
- Be courteous and respectful.
- Scouts may ask “Would you like to support local scouts?” to approach customers, or create a sales pitch and practice:
“Hi, my name is ________ (first name only!) and I’m earning my way to ____________ (your goal)! Can I count on your support? My favorite flavor is _____________ (pick one!). If you don’t have cash, don’t worry, we prefer credit cards!”
- 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 and contactless payments. 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 Ravi/Charlie. We will have someone on standby during popcorn sales hours.
- Remember, always smile and say thank you. Everyone appreciates that.
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.
- Online Sales—share fundraising page (or scout code) via email or social media. Supporters visit and transact online 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.
- 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 them at a later date.
PRIZES:
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Thank you all for your commitment and support. Let’s make this year’s fundraiser our best yet!
3Sep/24
Hello pack parents and interested parents
Hope you all had a fantastic long weekend with your families!
We invite you to join us for an evening where you'll get to meet your Den and pack leaders virtually and learn more about scouting and what we have planned for the year. The meeting will be 30 minutes. We can stay until 7:15pm if there's a lot of Q&A.
Zoom: Meeting ID: 858 4512 8699 Passcode: 1776
We look forward to seeing you all then!
27Aug/24
Date/Time: August 28, 2024, 6:30 pm until 8:00 pm
Location: Coyote Creek Elementary School, MPR
Attire: Class A Uniform (New Families: if you do not get your uniform in time, that is OK, please still come along and have fun!)
What to Bring: A Reusable Water Bottle and lots of energy to Have Fun!
Volunteer Opportunities: Want to get in some of those volunteer hours, helping with the set up and clean down of Pack meetings is an easy one to get started so if you have the time, please sign up for some of the volunteer slots:
Reminder: Please bring any outstanding paperwork for Scout registration along with you to the Pack meeting, AB Forms, Checks, and Copies of Insurance Cards while we have our leaders and membership chairs all together in one place! Thank you!
While the Pack meeting does start at 6:30 pm, we would really love it if you arrived at around 6:15 pm so we can get started with some early games and be ready to start the meeting at 6:30 pm, otherwise, as people trickle in at 6:30 pm we then get delayed starting until 6:45 pm. The sooner we get started, the sooner we get you all home for those crucial school night bedtimes! Thank you!
