Spring Camping Re-cap
The Spring camping event at the Joseph D. Grant County Park proved to be a huge success and was enjoyed by all. We camped at the Woodland's Youth camp area which had several picnic tables, fire pits, and a mostly level surface for pitching tents. It even had a small pond surrounded by a fence. A semi-functioning wheel-barrow was provided to move our camping equipment that we got from SurvivalCooking.com from the cars to the campsite. We were lucky that we were able to find a spot where we could put our camping equipment, our tent, with our sleeping bags from Teton Sports and other little bits and pieces. Some of the camping essentials that we took along with us include a fire starter, a first aid kit, a pocket knife, a map and a compass, and of course hard hat lights of remarkable quality (which could be purchased online by searching for garage tool guy Hard Hat Lights guide).
After the opening flag ceremony, Mike Cheney led the Scouts in the Baseball Belt Loop and Den Leader Harry Beck taught them the Map & Compass Belt Loop. An awesome lunch followed with Hiking Chair Bernard Kiriakos next leading the Scouts in the Hiking Belt Loop and the April Hike. The hike led us to some interesting finds: an outdoor amphitheater, bat houses, Grant Lake, how to cross a barbed wire fence, and crossing a field with cows a few feet away from you.. and no fence in-between!
Den Leader John Pluth directed the campfire program and everyone enjoyed the singing and companionship. Plenty of ‘smores were available that night! The following morning we had breakfast and our closing flag ceremony with reflection upon all the activities we enjoyed. Thanks to all that made the Spring Camping 2011 event a success!!
Co-Camping Chairs
Scott Evans & Scott Spears
Cotton Candy Re-cap
If the Art and Wind Festival was a piece of classical music, I'd call it the Nutcracker Sweet...
Intensely hard work, sugar flying over the sales counter, cash flying in.
Again we had a fantastic group of scouts and their devoted, never-complaining parents and siblings, some of which returned from their Flag Planting duties this weekend as well.
No need to call for a Whaaa-mbulance or dial Whine-One-One with this team of heroes. We had all the workings of a finely tuned retail/manufacturing operation. Great experience for our future pillars in the business community!
And to end a perfect weekend, a surprise visit from Mayor Abram Wilson, who came behind the booth where we were cleaning up, specifically to say "Hello" to Pack 1776 and to offer a few picture moments with our hearty scouts and parents.
The Monday's sales, were $1,911.00. Added to Sunday's $1,801.17, we grossed $3,712.17 over the two days. Sweeeeeet!
The scouts who worked the event had a great time. All winners in my book. They include:
Alexander and Brandon B
Andre B
Hayden C
Brennan C
Alex E (A double day worker)
Morgan J
Josh K
Andrew K
Aidan and Emmett L
Ethan M and his sister Zoe (Both worked TWO days in a row)
Vikram M
Jack P (Two day over-time worker)
Austin S
Gurveer S
Dylan W
David X
Evan and Ian Y
The team of parents and scout leaders who made it a success were:
Harry B (set-up, manufacturing)
Don B (manufacturing)
Rennie & Joe C (chef)
Lisa & Michael C (banker)
Ada I (Sales and Operations)
Steve J (manufacturing)
Jeff K (chef and tear down muscle-man)
Harpeet K (manufacturing)
Susan K (manufacturing)
Stella and Alan L (ever NOT see these two working hard?)
Chung M (finance, another two day work horse)
Christie M (currency expert)
Scott S (manufacturing)
Gene W (Motivation and team spirit)
Yan X (manufacturing)
Kari & Yuji Y (operations)
Cubmaster Macey (two day super achiever)
Special recognition and gratitude to Ammy Pluth, the true coordinator and brains of the operation (and of the Pluth family). She made the arrangements for the flawless machinery, event compliance, decorations, training AND worked two ten-hour days in a row, with a huge smiley face the whole time. The Pack is lucky to have selfless members like you.
What kind of weekend was it, Cotton Candy team? It was a great weekend for Scouting!
John Pluth
BSA Racing
Did you watch Indy 500 the past weekend? From qualifying at the last minute a week ago, to advancing 11 spots to finishing 19th at the race, there were many intense moments for the BSA Motorsports team. However, nothing compares to the dramatic finish at the last half lap. Check out this video if you haven't yet.
If this is the kind of excitement you enjoy, here's a chance to experience it, on location, real time. Once again, BSA's #19 car will be coming to Northern California for Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma. Scouts and leaders in Class A uniform will be admitted free. Discounted tickets ($20, normally $55) are also available to friends and family. 50% of each ticket sold will be donated to Scouting. More information available here.
It’s a Great Weekend for Scouting!
Tomorrow, Pack 1776 will join hundreds of Scouts from all over the Bay Area, and thousands across the country, to pay tribute to those who served. We will be planting American flags at the San Francisco National Cemetery. It is a great honor for Scouts to have such meaningful opportunity and learn citizenship outside of the classroom.
On Sunday and Monday, we will be selling cotton candy at the San Ramon Art and Wind Festival. Besides a lot fun and the opportunity to serve the community, this is the biggest fundraiser for our Pack. Success in previous years has allowed us to enjoy luxuries including state-of-the-art pinewood derby tracks, powerful camp stove, a diverse program, and of course, low membership fees. Thank you to those who signed up to volunteer. For those who hasn't yet, sign up is available online. If you are in town, come by and join us for the fun event. Our booth is at the Alcosta Food Court along Alcosta Blvd (see map). Hope to see you all this weekend.
Meanwhile, some "tips" for the den leads to keep the boys under control. 😉 Happy Scouting.
Awards and More
School will be out in a couple weeks. As you plan for summer, don't forget the upcoming Pack events. Scouts who participate in 3 summer Pack activities (one each in June, July, and August) will receive the National Summertime Award. The following activities are eligible.
- 6/11-12 USS Hornet Overnighter
- 6/20-24 Cub Scout Day Camp
- 7/3 Huey Washdown
- 7/4 Danville 4th of July Parade
- 8/12-15 Yosemite Camping
- 8/13 MDSC Family Flight Day
- 8/28 Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma
Speaking of awards, check out this very cool video and read on for Scouting Magainze's coverage of the inspiring message and heroes behind it. Enjoy and badgetize!
U.S.S. Hornet Overnighter
Date: Saturday, June 11, 2011 (4pm) - Sunday, June 12, 2011 (11am)
Location: U.S.S. Hornet, 707 W Hornet Ave, Pier 3
Alameda, CA 94501
Attire: Class A or B uniforms
Cost: $60 per person (dinner and breakfast included)
Note: RSVP by this Friday, payment by Monday
Pack 1776,
All aboard for the U.S.S. Hornet Overnighter! This exciting event happens only once every other year and is one of the major annual highlights for our Pack. Sleep in the bunk like a sailor and explore the depth of a ship that saw combat from WWII to the Vietnam War!. The cost is $60 per person and includes the cost of meals.
R.S.V.P is due by Friday with payment due by Monday. Payment can be brought to the Pack Meeting this Friday or can be dropped off at Cubmaster Macey's house (in the mailbox please).
Class A or B uniforms are required attire for all Scouts. If you are a Bear Scout or higher this is your FINAL opportunity to take part in this privilege!
Go here for information on itinerary, sample meal menus, safety information and more.
See you shipside!
Cubmaster Macey
Alameda, CA 94501
BSA Summer Reading Program
Ask for a punch card at any scout shop, purchase (and read) five books, chosen from titles listed on the official Summer Reading Series Book List, and you'll receive a $5 Scout Shop Gift Card. It's that simple.
The book list includes some pretty cool titles like "Let's Go Hiking," "Nature Detectives," and "The Scouter’s Companion," etc just to name a few. Find out more about this program here.
Coyote Creek Lost and Found Wrap Up
Special thanks to those that participated in the Lost and Found clothing sorting today. The unclaimed items are donated to people in need at our sister school Nystrom Elementary in Richmond.
THANK YOU to:
- Jacob Laubach
- Harrison Evans
- Alan Lei
- Stella Lei
Much appreciated!
Yours in Scouting.
CME Ed
Lionel 2011 BSA Ready-to-Run Train Set
For the train collectors ...
Lionel introduces the 2011 BSA Ready-to-Run Train Set. The set will be similar to the 2010 100th Anniversary set except the 100th Anniversary boxcar will be replaced with the BSA Boy Scout Oath boxcar. In addition, the 100th anniversary collector patch will be replaced with a BSA/Lionel collector patch with the new BSA signature tagline, Prepared. For Life.
Also, this summer, Lionel will be adding the BSA Eagle Scout Boxcar, BSA Flatcar with Pinewood Derby Kit, and for the first time, figure pack accessories.
The entire train is approximately 58" long with layout dimensions of 40" x 60". For more information on the model and vendors, please visit Lionel's website.
Cubmobile Race
Date: Sunday, May 15, 2011
Time: 12noon - 3pm
Location: Coyote Creek Elementary School
Attire: Class A uniforms
Scouts will be racing their dens' race cars from the top of the ramp... then being launched by the power of gravity... with nerves of steel... steering their Cubmobile across the finish line... and occasionally... at the end... remembering to HIT THE BRAKE!!
Be sure to reply by March 11 to this invitation so we can have an accurate head count for the event.
Please bring the following to the race:
- Helmets
- Sunscreen
- Hats
- Camping Chairs
- A Racing Spirit
- Cub Scout Cheer
We hope to see you all on race day!!
Cubmobile Chair
Rennie Chen