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.

November Pack Meeting: NOVA Fearful Symmetry

& Distribution of Popcorn & Awards

November 6th

• DATE: November 6, 2019
• TIME: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
• LOCATION: Coyote Creek Elementary MPR
• UNIFORM:  Class A

This module is designed to help you explore how symmetry affects your life each day. Symmetry is something for which most people have an intuitive feel, but many have never thought about in enough detail to give names to all that they see. Symmetry is a way that a figure is like itself. Symmetry is everywhere. Minerals organize themselves in crystals, which are repeating patterns. Plants and animals have many interesting symmetries in their shapes. Most artistic traditions in the world, and many activities where people design a shape for its function, depend on some form of symmetry. In this award, Scouts get to explore many aspects of this topic.

Stations at this event will be:

• Make a paper lantern.
• Learn about the kolam artwork of southern India and make a kolam.
• Learn about the design of Navajo rugs and using different colors. We will, make our own Navajo-like rug.

Distribution of Popcorn & Awards

Popcorn Top Seller Awards, Prize & Door to Door Sale DistributionThis year’s Popcorn Fundraiser was a-maize-zing!  You pop-ably never realized it, but the Fall Popcorn Campaign is a key fundraise for our Council given it does not receive any funding from our national registration fees.

Come learn what the Pack raised, who the top sellers were.  If you earned a prize for selling popcorn, this will be distributed after the pack meeting.

For those of you who took “Take Orders” – i.e. door to door sales, this popcorn product will be distributed at the end of the pack meeting so that you can deliver it to your customers.

Monterey Bay Aquarium Overnighter

February 1-2, 2020

• Date: February 1^st (Saturday) – February 2^nd (Sunday)
• Check In: 6:30 p.m. Event: 7 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.
• Location: Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Directions:  Here
• Cost: VARIES $95 per adult/scout, however depending on your popcorn tier, there may be a subsidy paid by the Pack. This will be determined soon.
• RSVP: Google Form
• Payment: Checks payable to Pack 1776 by November 6^th or pay online (added fee)
• Attire: Class A for Saturday and Class B for Sunday; Pajamas.
• Parking: See below. Overnight parking at Foam and Irving charges until 8 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. Overnight parking at Foam and Hoffman charges until 8 p.m. and again at 6 a.m.
• Must Read:Planning Guide

Let’s explore the Aquarium after hours and sleep with the sharks…in a good way.  Sign up and turn in your check made to Pack 1776 by November 6^th at the Pack Meeting or in the Pack mailbox. You may also pay via credit card via Square, but note these prices are higher as it incorporates their service fee.  Only paid participants are guaranteed spots. Refunds are available only until November 27, 2019. After that, the costs are not refundable.

What to Bring

• Completed check-in forms.
• Sleeping bag and optional pad or air mattress. Aquarium floors are hard.
• Mattresses or pads should measure no larger than 39 x 75 x 19 inches (twin) per guest, unless shared with another guest to ensure plenty of space for all guests. Cots are a tripping hazard in the dark, so must be flat against a wall.
• Pillow.
• Pajamas and comfortable shoes or hard-soled slippers. Footwear must be worn when walking around the Aquarium.
• Toothbrush, toothpaste and personal care items. Shower facilities are not available.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Camera (flash photography, tripods and monopods are prohibited). The Aquarium is a flash-free facility. Camera flashes and flashlights may cause harm to our animals.
• Earplugs if you are a light sleeper.

What Not to Bring

• Any outside food, drinks or gum
• Tents
• Radios, music/MP3 players, iPads/tablets, computers or other electronic devices
• Party favors or balloons

Parking

• You may drop off passengers in the pull-out directly in front of the Aquarium or across the street in the bus turnaround. Parking enforcement may cite cars blocking traffic or double-parked.
• The sleepover runs from 7 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. Please park in a location that will not require you to move your vehicle during the sleepover.
• Overnight parking at Foam and Irving charges until 8 p.m. and again at 9 a.m.
• Overnight parking at Foam and Hoffman charges until 8 p.m. and again at 6 a.m.
• The Aquarium does not validate parking.
• Contact Monterey Parking Division for more details at 831.646.3953.

Food

• Outside food and drink are prohibited at the Aquarium.
• All sleepovers include evening snack and morning breakfast. Vegetarian and made-without-gluten options will be available.
• Please note that the Aquarium is not a gluten-, nut- or dairy-free facility. Cross-contamination may occur. If you have severe allergies, please contact them at two weeks prior to the event at 831.647.6886.

Evening Experience

• The Aquarium will offer a variety of activities throughout the evening for our sleepover guests. Guests are free to choose the activities they wish to participate in, or use the evening to explore the Aquarium. The only mandatory activity is orientation, which will provide more information about the sleepover.
• Access to overnight gear is available at approximately 9:30 p.m. The Aquarium is unable to accommodate earlier requests, as overnight gear in exhibits would limit other guests’ access to those spaces.
• Lights begin to go out at 10:30 p.m. depending on the exhibit. All exhibit lights are out by 11 p.m. Final bedtime for all guests is 12:30 a.m.
• Exhibit areas vary overnight in terms of light levels, sleeping space and ambient noise. For the safety of the animals, some exhibit windows may be blocked (either with a curtain, black screens or bubble screens) or closed during portions of the evening or the entire event. Guests are prohibited from moving curtains, screens or other exhibit blocking devices to view animals.
• Electrical outlets are scattered throughout sleeping areas, but the Aquarium is unable to guarantee their availability. Preference for outlets will be granted to those with medical concerns (such as for use of a CPAP).
• Note that our sleepovers are public and coed events.

Morning Activities

• Wake up is at 7 a.m. Guests must pack up their gear and stow it in assigned areas (designated at orientation) before going to breakfast.
• The Aquarium offers a variety of activities in the morning, including a naturalist on the back deck to assist with wildlife watching (weather dependent).
• The Aquarium Store will be open in the morning for those who wish to make any purchases.
• Departure is between 7:45 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. All guests must vacate the Aquarium with their gear by 8:30 a.m. even if they plan to visit the Aquarium after the sleepover.
• Sleepovers include admission to the Aquarium the day following the sleepover (e.g. if the sleepover is Saturday night, admission will be for Sunday). Your sleepover wristband and ticket will grant you re-admission at Will Call in the Main Entrance when the Aquarium opens to the public for the day.
• Looking for something to do between the exit time and re-entry time? Take our free Coastal Trail audio tour or Cannery Row audio tour.

Safety

• Wear shoes or hard-soled slippers while walking around during the sleepover.
• NO weapons or drug use of any kind are allowed on Aquarium property.
• Smoking (including electronic) is prohibited by all persons anywhere on Aquarium property.
• Cell phones should be put in silent mode.
• The Aquarium is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen items. Lost and Found is located at the Information Desk.
• The Aquarium does not allow pets.
• The Aquarium advises their security officers are certified in First Aid/CPR and on-site throughout the sleepover. Reach out to staff or the Information Desk for minor care. In case of emergency, reach their security staff at 831.648.4840.
• Security will lock all outside doors once check-in is complete. Leaving the sleepover is highly discouraged. If you need to leave for an emergency, please notify the Information Desk first.
• In case of an evacuation, all guests will meet across the street at the bus turn-around. Willing guests may be asked to assist staff.
• Failure to adhere to these policies may result in expulsion from the event without a refund.

Refunds & Cancelations

• Refunds are available only until NOVEMBER 27, 2019. After that, the costs are not refundable.

Halloween Party! October 30th

• Date and Time: Wednesday, October 30, 2019 from 6 pm to 8 pm (Setup begins at 5:00 pm.)
• Location: Coyote Creek Elementary School, MPR, 8700 North Gale Ridge Road, San Ramon, CA
• Cost: Free admission. Nominal fee for concessions.
• Attire: Costumes!!
• Signup: Just show up and have fun! No sign up is needed. The entire scouting family is welcome!

Beware of ghosts and goblins! Come for an evening of games, fun, and mayhem!  Participate in our Cub Scout Carnival! Jump in the large jumpy house and play carnival games to win prizes. Come dressed up in your Halloween best and get your picture taken at the photo booth. You may even win one of our costume medals at the parade; you do not need to be a scout to win. A small slice of pizza will be available for $1.00 in the food booth. Popcorn is free!

See you there!

WE COULD USE YOUR HELP!  Sign up to volunteer at: Halloween Party Committee.

September Pack Meeting: Patriots Assemble!

September 11, 2019

• DATE: September 11, 2019
• TIME: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
• LOCATION: Coyote Creek Elementary MPR
• UNIFORM:  Class A

Come join us for this hero and patriotic themed Pack meeting. All dens will merge and be split into three groups. Each group will visit three stations:

• Flag - learn the history of the American flag, how to display, fold and care for it. This skill satisfies many required adventures.
• Scout Skills: Learn to tie the Overhand Knot and Bowline. This skill satisfies many required adventures.
• Craft: Build a flag neckerchief slide.

October Pack Meeting & Optional Overnight Campout

October 5-6, 2019

• Date: Saturday, October 5 to Sunday, October 6
• Time: 2 pm Saturday to 10 am Sunday
• Location: Eagle View Campground @ Lake Del Valle Regional Park, 7000 Del Valle Rd., Livermore, CA 94550
• Directions:  Google Maps
• Parking:  $6.00
• RSVP: Here on the Google form
• Volunteer: Here!

What to bring: Everyone should bring a refillable water bottle, flashlight, folding chair, and sun protection. Wear sturdy shoes for hiking. Bring warm clothes as it may get cold after dark.

Bring a mess kit (or similar washable plate, fork, cup, etc.) for use at dinner/breakfast.  In support of our Pack’s continued commitment to be Conservation & Environmentally Minded and to prepare our scouts for when they eventually go on backpacking trips, disposable plates, forks, cups, etc. should not be brought or used. A dishwashing station will be available.

• 

For those staying overnight, you must have your own tent and sleeping bag. Please refer to the Outdoor Essentials on what to pack. The Pack is camping at the Eagle View Campground at Del Valle.  Overnight camping is limited to 50 people.  Flush toilets are nearby.

Bring the family and join Pack 1776 at beautiful Del Valle Regional Park for our Outdoor Pack Meeting and optional campout!  Del Valle Regional Park, part of the East Bay Regional Park District, is located in a valley framed by oak-covered hills. The centerpiece of the park is a five-mile long lake, with all kinds of water-oriented recreation, surrounded by 4,316 acres of beautiful land.

Please come as this outdoor experience and camp out will fulfill many Adventure requirements your Scout has and will be fun!  This Pack Meeting is mandatory for Webelos I Scouts.

This Pack Meeting is especially important for our Tigers and new Wolf, Bear and Webelos scouts as they and a parent will participate in our Bobcat Ceremony!

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. 

During the evening campfire, we’ll watch skits, play games, roast marshmallows/make S’mores and tell stories. We encourage all scouts to buddy up and perform a skit. Search online under “cub scout skits” for ideas.  A light breakfast is also provided for those staying overnight.

The weather should be great and we have a fun, action packed agenda. Scouts should arrive in Class A uniform with a Class B shirt or T Shirt underneath.

BE SURE TO RSVP:   Our Pack is paying for all the food. Please help us plan for this event by clicking on this shared document (different from evite) and let us know 1) if you’re coming or not, 2) if you’re camping overnight and 3) what’s your food preference.

In order to have a fun and successful camping trip, we need everyone’s help. If you see an opportunity, jump-in! Also, if you see scouts doing something dangerous, wandering away from our group, hurting the environment, or being disrespectful to another, please stop them immediately. Don’t wait for a uniformed leader (who are parent volunteers like you) to get involved.

WE YOU COULD USE YOUR HELP:  Please sign up here. Volunteers are needed to run this event.

Here’s our tentative schedule:

Saturday:

• 2:00 to 3:00 - Arrive and set up camp
• 3:00 to 3:15 - Flag ceremony
• 3:30 to 4:30 - Hike
• 4:30 to 5:30 - Fun activities / BBQ prep
• 5:30 to 6:30 – Dinner hosted by the Pack (hot dogs, vegan hamburger patties, drinks)
• 6:30 to 7:15 - Bobcat Ceremony for Tigers and new Wolf, Bear and Webelos scouts
• 7:30 to 8:30 - Camp fire, flag retirement, games, S’mores, skits, songs,
• 8:30 to 9:00 - Get ready for bed
• 9:00                   Lights out

Sunday:

• 7:15 to 7:45  Prepare breakfast
• 7:45 to 8:30  Free breakfast provided by the Pack (breakfast burritos, coffee, hot chocolate, juice, muffins)
• 8:30 to 9:00 Closing Ceremonies
• 9:00 to 10:00 Break Camp and Leave

9/11 Patriot Day Flag Ceremony

• Date: 9/11/2019 (Wednesday)
• Time: 8:00 am - 9:00 am PDT
• Location: Coyote Creek School - Sundial Courtyard
• Uniform: Class A
• Please RSVP to the Evite.

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 to be held at 8:35 am on Wednesday, September 11th.

Scouts who want to participate must arrive at the Sundial area behind the office at 8:00 am in your full Class A uniform.

WE COULD USE YOUR HELP!  Sign up to volunteer at: 9/11 Remembrance Day - Scout Wranglers