VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER 2014 MONTHLY Scout Sentinel EDITION Western Los Angeles County Council NEWS, EVENTS AND The Official Newsletter of the W.L.A.C.C. serving the Antelope Valley, Balboa Oaks, Bill OTHER IMPORTANT IN- Hart, Cahuenga, Crescent Bay, Las Colinas and Districts and Exploring Division FORMATION RELATED Scout Executive Appointment Announced TO SCOUTS AND SCOUT- On October 15, 2014, the Executive Board of the Western ING IN THE WESTERN Los Angeles County Council announced that Hugh Travis LOS ANGELES COUNTY was appointed as the Scout Executive for the Council, ef- COUNCIL OF THE BOY fective December 1, 2014. Mr. Travis will replace Scout SCOUTS OF AMERICA Executive Jim Rushton who recently accepted a promotion to the BSA national headquarters in Texas. On the Web at: This will be a return to Los Angeles for Mr. Travis, as he www.bsa-la.org previously served as the Council’s Scout Executive for nine years (from 1994 to 2003) and took the reins at a time Hyperlinks guide when the Council faced significant financial challenges. His you throughout vision and fundraising efforts were a principal reason the each edition! Council was able to survive and indeed excel during the period of his stewardship. Mr. Travis has served as a sitting Scout Executive for 28 of his 38 years of professional Inside this issue: service with the BSA. His professional career with the BSA started in 1976 in the Mid- Continued on page 2 New Scout 1 Crescent Bay Summit Luncheon Scheduled Executive The Beverly Hills Country Club will once again host the annual Crescent Bay Summit 50th Anniversary 2 Luncheon. The event will take place on Thursday, November 20, 2014 from 12:00- Scoutreach 3 2:00 pm. The District is engaged in developing a great group of honorees at this year’s celebration. Official invitations will be mailed very soon. Last year’s event was Scouting for Food 4 great and we look forward to having another tremendous event this year! Crescent Pow Wow 5 Bay District officials and volunteers hope to see you there! For reservations or more information, please call the Crescent Bay Service Center at (310) 839-9905 or email Take Pride in Your 6-7 Brendan at [email protected]. RSVPs are appreciated no later than Scout Uniform November 15, 2014. Youth Protection 8 Eagle Alumni Events Slated for November Great Camping 9 Opportunities The Council’s Eagle Scout Alumni Association has two events scheduled in November. The first, on November 5 in Encino is Recruit a Scout: 10 full (“sold out ”). The second event on November 12 in Valencia Earn a Prize! currently can accommodate a few more Eagle Scout Alumni. Roundtable News 11 Both events are part of the Council’s continuing Eagle Reconnect Brand-new, cus- Mr. T 12 efforts. The planned receptions provide a networking oppor- tom Eagle Alumni tunity with Eagle adults gathering in a casual setting. To RSVP lapel pins are Railroading 13 for the November 12 Valencia Eagle Alumni event, please imme- available and for diately email David Lasher at [email protected]. You sale now to the Mockingjay 14 can also reach David by phone at (818) 933-0104. Council’s Eagle Movie Event Continued on page 4 Scouts!

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Scout Executive continued from page 1 -dle Tennessee Council where he served as District Executive, Field Director, Finance Director, and Director of Field Ser- vice.

Mr. Travis is a Distinguished Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor and Founders Award recipient (). He is active in religious and civic organizations and serves on the Advisory Board for US Bank. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biolo- gy from Tennessee Technology University, and additional credentials from the Harvard Business School, Strategic Per- spectives in Non-Profit Management. Hugh and Diana Travis are the parents of two (adult) Eagle Scout sons and are honored to have been selected to return to the Western Los Angeles County Council. Suffice it to say, Mr. Travis is very experienced and qualified and brings the appropriate leadership to our Council. Please join the Council Board in welcoming Hugh and Diana Travis back to the Western Los Angeles County Council.

Troop 764 Celebrates 50th Anniversary On Saturday, September 13, 2014 Troop 764 celebrated their 50th Anniversary! The troop was organized in 1964 and incorporated its charter date---July 31, 1964—into the unit number. Among the more than 200 guests and honorees were Pierce Weir who attended with his wife Gail. A number of previous Scoutmasters attended the recent festivities and Mr. Weir was happy to see a num- ber of them from the 1960s. Pierce Weir, an Eagle Scout and a Council Board mem- ber, met in May and June of 1964 with five other local leaders and passed out recruitment material and held Scoutmasters Art Haraga (1968-71), left and Mas Kosaka discussions on how a troop should function. The group (1967-68) with Pierce Weir at Troop 764’s recent 50th an- met one night each week for six weeks to prepare for the niversary celebration. start of the troop’s activities. In July 1964, the original troop had twenty-eight Scouts. Today, they have fifty- Photo and information courtesy of Pierce Weir three! All of the original twenty-eight Scouts are now over sixty years old!! This Troop continues to be very successful due especially to parent participation. They are sponsored by the Venice Japanese Community Center.

Are you an Eagle Scout in the Western Los Angeles Coun- ty Council? Join your fellow Eagle Scout Alumni at a vari- ety of fun, important and worthwhile activities from net- working mixers to charity projects, outdoor adventures and more. You are encouraged to visit our Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages, established just for Eagle

Alumni within our Council. For more information contact David Lasher at [email protected] or call him at Click the Icons (818) 933-0104.

3 Community Leaders Recognized at 5th Annual Scoutreach Reception

The 5th Annual Scoutreach Reception was held on Thursday, Octo- ber 30, 2014 in the Aston Martin Showroom at Galpin Ford. Three outstanding community business leaders were honored with the Visionary Award.

The Visionary Award was developed nationally to recognize commu- nity leaders who engage in philanthropic or community activities that have a direct impact on the advancement of underserved com- munities and inner city families.

The three award recipients were Stuart Waldman, President of VICA; V & A, a traffic and civil engineering firm; and Assemblymember Raul Bocanegra. The Honorable Congressman Tony Cardenas was the guest speaker. Mr. Cardenas encouraged all to support Scout- reach as a program that helps vulnerable youth by providing skills 29th District Congressman Tony Cardenas and teaching leadership for their future. The Scout speaker for the was the guest speaker at the 5th Annual evening, 8 year old Israel Corral, spoke eloquently in support of the Scoutreach reception, held on October 30 at program and thanked the award winners and all supporters of Galpin Ford’s Aston Martin Showroom. Scoutreach for helping him learn and grow. Israel participates in Scoutreach as a student at Fenton Charter School.

Current and former Vi- sionary Award recipients pose with Maricela Oren- dain, Scoutreach Division Director and guest speak- er, Congressman Tony Car- denas (third from right).

Congratulations to Scoutreach! The program has added two new locations with the Haskell Elementary School (#149) and the Guadalupe Community Center (#159). Help us welcome these fifty new Scouts!

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Annual Scouting For Food Campaign Ongoing Scouts throughout the Council are hitting the streets and knocking on doors in support of Scouting for Food. The mission of the project is to have Scouts participate in the collection of food items to be given to needy people and families within the local communities. Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 8, 2014 from 12-2:30 pm. This is the day you turn in the food you have collected. Plan to collect food from your neighborhood in the morning or prior to this date. The Balboa Oaks collection location is 7060 Amigo Avenue in Reseda, 91335. Contact your unit or district chair for more information on Scouting for Food. Safety and projecting a positive Scouting image are two important factors in a successful community-wide ‘Good Turn’ project. Outside of your unit or district guidance for Scouting For Food, the following “Steps for Success” are offered: Know your area and only distribute SFF door hangers and conduct food collection in your unit’s assigned territory. If unsure, contact your District Scouting for Food Chair or District Executive. Have enough vehicles and parent supervision for the number of youth who are participating. HAVE ALL PARTICIPATING SCOUTS WEAR THEIR UNIFORMS. All Scouts should travel in groups of two using the buddy system. For a more enjoyable experience, rotate the re- sponsibilities in the groups. Scouts are never to ride in the back of pick-up trucks. Seatbelts are required and to be worn at all times in vehicles On collection day, start collecting food no earlier than 9:00 am Collecting earlier risks waking people up and later may find people gone for the day. Remind Scouts to be friendly and courteous (use sidewalks). Remember to thank people for participating and help- ing feed the hungry. DO NOT ENTER ANY HOME. Set a designated unit time and place to meet for distribution of door hangers, collection of donated food and to discuss Scouting for Food instructions in general. Make this a fun and worthwhile learning experience for all the boys in your unit. Remember to bring a couple of empty boxes or bags of your own in case households just put their donated food on their doorstep and not in a bag. Deliver collected food to your District drop-off location or selected food pantry. Arrange to have enough transpor- tation. HAVE FUN! Thank all Scouts and volunteers for their participation. Submit report form.

Hunger is a problem we can do something about by working together. Scouting for Food is a starting point. It is an example of Scouting’s long-standing commitment to community service and Good Turn for America.

Eagle Events continued from page 1 You can also reach David by phone at (818) 933-0104. Both November Eagle Scout Alumni events are sponsored by Arxis Technology, an Eagle-owned firm. The Associa- tion is grateful from the support of Arxis Technology. Visit them on the web at arxis- cloud.com or arxistechnology.com. The Council’s Eagle Alumni events are geared toward adult Eagles. A new outreach program for college-age Eagle Scout Alumni is under development and the new alumni website eaglescoutalumni.org will be online no later than November 10, 2014! Custom-designed Eagle Scout Association lapel pins are now available. Each pin (as shown on page 1) sells for $20.00 with the proceeds supporting our Council’s Scoutreach program for at-risk and underprivileged youth. The pins Eagle Scout Association Sponsor are sold at Eagle events and are available at the Council office in Van Nuys. Arxis Technology

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Annual Webelos Weekend November 21-23 SFV Troop 911 Hosts Event in Oak Park

Boy Scout Troop 911 is holding its Annual Webelos Weekend on November 21-23, 2014. This event will be held at Oak Park in Simi Valley….a nice lo- cation which is not windy and is easy to get to.

Parents and Webelos 1 and Webelos 2 Cub Scouts are invited to join Troop 911 for a great weekend. The Cubs will be able to experience a Boy Scout camping trip at its finest with lots of activi- ties and plenty of outdoor excitement!

There will be an orientation troop meeting on Tuesday, November 18 at 7:00 pm at the United Methodist Church in Northridge. Please contact Scoutmaster Jon Orlick at (818) 987-9840 or [email protected] if you have any questions. Pow Wow and University of Scouting Are Back!! Mark your calendars for January 24, 2015. Pow Wow and the University of Scouting will be held from 8:00-4:00 pm at CVi Charter School, 28060 Hasley Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, 91384. Much more information will be provided in December’s newsletter. In the meantime, instructors and event staff are needed... If you have a passion that you want to share... If you have a skill that you would like to teach... If you have ideas for classes that you would like to see... If you are good at organizing, scheduling or documentation… If you are good with social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and websites… If you have attended Pow Wow in the past… If you have never been on a Pow Wow staff and want to be... The cost is $15.00 for participants and $5.00 for staff and instructors which includes breakfast, lunch and the 2015 council pow wow patch. To attend or for additional infor- mation, please contact Greg Bassé at [email protected] .

Special Scout Tickets are on sale now for the November 23 Chargers game! Tick- ets start at $52.00 per ticket. Your purchase includes the opportunity to win one or more of the following: -Chargers t-shirts & hats -Q-Cash -Autographed footballs

To purchase your tickets, click on the lick below and enter the passcode “Scout”

Buy your Scout Chargers tickets here

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quote Dr. Hovanesian: “You would never expect to join Commissioner’s Corner soccer and wear just part of the uniform. That would be not taking the program seriously. That would be letting by Larry Turner your team down”. The very same is true for Scout- A Full Scout Uniform Is ing. Those who are told that they just need a Scout shirt, or that wearing a uniform is optional are likely to take the Only Way to Go their commitment to Scouting, and its values, much more casually. At the outset, I would like to give credit to Dr. John Hovanesian, the Council Commissioner for for inspiring this article. The Boy Scout Uniform has a long and treasured history. Although the uniform has evolved over time, it is just as important now as it was 100+ years ago.

Until recently, the BSA guidelines simply stated that the uniform wearer “should be neat in appearance”. Effective October 1, 2013, the guidelines were expanded slightly, to provide that shirts are to be worn tucked in for all Scouts and Adults. Why do you think that it took more than 100 years for the Scouts to codify that shirts must be tucked in? I suspect, that modern “fashion” trends and low standards contrib- uted greatly to this. I remember when I was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout in the San Fernando Valley Council, which then became the Great Western Council (and is now part of the Western Los Angeles County Council). The norm Should we treat the impact that Scouting can have in a was always a full Scout uniform. Everyone tucked in their young man’s life casually? If not, then why would we do shirts and no one would have thought to do otherwise. so with the uniform? We wore our uniform to school and we did so proudly. I am not just being nostalgic, when I hope that aspect of As with sports, uniforms in Scouting can be expensive, but those days will return. unlike sports, a Scouting uniform can be worn until it’s outgrown or simply worn out. Also, many troops “recycle” When I think of my own troop, I must confess that I am outgrown uniforms of older Scouts or those from boys part of the problem. We have not done a good enough who have left the program. This simple process can great- job requiring a full uniform, and enforcing that standard. ly reduce the cost of uniforms for new or growing boys.” It is time to raise our expectations and requirements. To

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als and purpose of the Scouting movement. It is a way of making visible members' commitment to a belief in God, loyalty to country, and helping others at all times. The leaders of Scouting—volunteer and professional— should promote the wearing of the correct, complete uniform on all suitable occasions. In many other countries, Scouts wear their activity uni- forms (aka Class B uniforms), often consisting of pants and a polo shirt for most functions. Their field uniform (aka Class A uniform) is reserved for more formal occa- sions such as a Court of Honor or public events. As of this writing, the only recognizes the field uniform. Let’s wear our full uniform neatly, and proudly, and let’s strive to do a better job making sure our fellow Adult Leaders and Scouts do the same. Please consider implementing regular uniform inspec- tions. Links to inspection sheets are below:

Cub Scout: scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34282.pdf Webelos Scout: scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34635.pdf Boy Scout/Varsity: scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34283.pdf Adult Leader: scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34048.pdf

Always, if I can be of service please contact me at [email protected] or (818) 386-9485. The BSA website is clear on the importance of the uni- form: The Boy Scouts of America has always been a uni- Your Council Commissioner, formed body. Its uniforms help to create a sense of be- longing. They symbolize character development, citizen- ship training, and personal fitness. Wearing a uniform Larry Turner gives youth and adult members a sense of identification and commitment encompassed in the following ideals: Personal equality - The uniform represents a demo- cratic idea of equality, bringing people of different back- grounds together in the Scouting tradition. Identification - The uniform identifies youth and adult members of the Boy Scouts of America, visible as a force for good in the community. When properly and smartly worn, the uniform can build good unit spirit. Achievement - The uniform shows the wearer's activi- ty, responsibility, and achievement. The accomplish- ments of every youth and adult member can be recog- nized by the insignia worn on the uniform. Personal commitment - The uniform is a constant re- minder to all members of their commitment to the ide-

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Youth Protection Training and “Trained” At the recent District Commissioner’s meeting, the attendees were reminded of an action item from Leader Rates Discussed by Commissioners August’s meeting. The issue at hand being to ana- Leader Training Critical To Unit Success lyze and publicize district comparisons for the per- centages of (adult) Scout leaders who have com- pleted Youth Protection Training and are otherwise considered “Trained” leaders. The idea being to give visibility to the situation and to motivate improvement. The current status for the districts and the Council as a whole are as fol- lows: District Youth Protection Training Trained Leaders Current Expired Never Taken Trained Not Trained

Antelope Valley 81.8% 15.4% 2.8% 29.4% 70.6% Balboa Oaks 81.1% 16.5% 2.4% 33.7% 66.3% Bill Hart 84.6% 14.2% 1.2% 21.5% 78.5%

Cahuenga 77.6% 18.7% 3.6% 20.4% 79.6% Crescent Bay 72.7% 24.9% 2.4% 37.4% 62.6% Las Colinas 83.3% 15.6% 1.1% 23.6% 76.4%

WLACC 79.8% 17.7% 2.5% 27.6% 72.4%

Youth Protection Training is required for all new registered leaders and must be retaken every two years to maintain registration. The course—offered online only—is designed to help adult leaders keep our youth safe from abuse.

Youth protection is of para- Earn YOUR “Trained” Patch mount importance to the BSA. The organization—nationally Adult leaders in units are considered trained and eligible to wear the official “Trained” and locally—is committed to patch, when they have completed Youth making Scouting as safe as pos- Protection Training and the course or courses related to their leadership position-- sible for all our members. Par- -see this link for additional information. ents are our most important allies in protecting our youth.

All aspects of Scouting are open to observation by parents, and parents are encouraged to maintain an open dialog with their children. This is why every Cub Scout and includes a separate pamphlet that helps par- ents speak to their children about youth protection issues.

Beyond the mandatory Youth Protection Training, the Council encourages all registered adult leaders to further their Scouting education and earn the “Trained” patch (see the above box). In the coming months, the District Commission- ers and Council Commissioner Larry Turner will be addressing the training rates. The Youth Protection Training figure must be 100% for current registered adults. While not mandatory (some councils do require “Trained” leaders), the Council is looking for improvement in the Trained category. There is plenty of room for improvement in this area.

One last note on Youth Protection Training—you don’t have to be a registered adult leader to take the online course. The Council encourages all parents to take the online course. Go to myscouting.scouting.org for further information. There is no cost to take the course and it takes less than one hour from start to finish online.

Blood donations are especially needed over the holidays. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule a donation with the American Red Cross today.

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Camping Opportunities Abound for the Remainder of 2014 and 2015 As we approach the end of 2014, it is time for troops to decide on their 2015 Summer Camp locations. Our Council has three outstanding camps to choose from. Camp Emerald Bay, our jewel on Catalina Island, is one of the premiere camps on the West Coast, offering ocean-based activities as well as the more traditional Merit Badges. Camp Whitsett, in the Sequoias, is our mountain-based camp with a lake for great water activities. Both Emerald Bay and Whitsett have High Adventure programs for older scouts. If you have younger scouts, Camp Josepho is the place to be. Located in Pacific Palisades, Camp Josepho has wonderful programs for Webelos as well as Scouts wanting a jump start on the road to First Class.

Summer Camp registration is now open for all three camps. Visit our camps’ individual websites www.campemeraldbay.org, www.campwhitsett.org, and www.campjosepho.org or call the camping department at (818) 933-0130 for more information. The department is currently accepting applications for summer camp employ- ment. Information on summer jobs can also be found on our websites.

Great Council Events Remaining in 2014: Cub Family Weekend at Camp Emerald Bay – November 7-9th Click here for more information and to register Cub/Parent Weekend at Camp Josepho – November 7-9th Click here for more information and to register Cub Scout Holiday Extravaganza at Camp Josepho – Dec. 13-14th Click here for more information and to register

Canoeing at Camp Emerald Bay: A Timeless Tradition.

Wonderful 2015 Events NOW Open for Registration: Shooting Sports Camp at Camp Josepho – June 28 & July 2, 2015 Click here for more information and to register

Webelos Movie Camp at Camp Josepho Session 1, July 9-12, 2015 / Session 2, July 16-19, 2015 Click here for more information and to register Boy Scout First Year Resident Camp at Camp Josepho Session 1, July 9-12, 2015 / Session 2, July 16-19, 2015 Click here for more information and to register Boy Scout Moviemaking Experience at Camp Josepho Session 1, July 9-12, 2015 / Session 2, July 16-19, 2015 Click here for more information and to register Boy Scout Robotics, Programming, & Game Design Experience at Camp Josepho, Session 1, July 9-12, 2015 / Session 2, July 16-19, 2015 Robotics returns to Camp Josepho during Click here for more information and to register Summer 2015.

Camping: Just Do It!

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RECRUIT A SCOUT AND EARN A PRIZE!

The Balboa Oaks District is holding a fall recruiting drive. Recruit a new scout to your Pack, Troop, or Crew and make sure they’re registered before December 31, 2014 and you can earn a prize!

Cub Scouts will get a custom printed Nalgene® bottle with the core Boy Scout essentials inside. As soon as the Scout you recruit has been in your pack for at least six months you will receive your prize. This recruiting drive started on October 25 and lasts until December 31, 2014. Prizes will be awarded to the first fifty scouts who recruit a new member. To make sure you are one of the first fifty, you must send the following information to Richard Anderson at [email protected]:

Your Name New Recruit’s Name Your phone number Date the new recruit was Your email address registered Unit Type & Unit Number

Boy Scouts and Venturers will earn a custom, limited edition, engraved pocket knife as soon as their new recruit earns the Tenderfoot or Venture rank.

As soon as your friend has been with your unit for at least six months if he’s a Cub Scout, or as soon as he’s earned his Tenderfoot Rank or Venture Rank if he’s a Boy Scout or Venturer, we will send you your customized prize! A unique and ONE OF A KIND extra bonus prize will be awarded to any scouts who bring in five or more new recruits before the December 31 deadline. All new recruits must meet the six month criteria for Cubs, Tenderfoot criteria for Boy Scouts and Venture Rank for Venturers.

See the World Famous Harlem Globetrotters Join the Harlem Globetrotters at Staples Center as part of the Globetrotters 2014 World Tour. You and your family and friends won't want to miss one magical moment of the Harlem Globetrotters legendary high-flying, non-stop fun and excitement!

See all the antics and fun on February 15, 2015. In addition to the game, which starts at 12:30 pm, the first fifty (paid) guests in the group will have an ex- clusive meet-and-greet session with Globetrotters players prior to the 12:30 pm start.

Additionally, some children (ages 6-12) will be taken courtside during the Globies warm-ups after the meet-and-greet!!! These kids will come from the next group of paid registrants. Lastly, an additional 100 paid guests will have access to the floor for a group photo with the Globetrotters during intermis- sion. One type of perk is available to each group in order of 1) meet-and-greet, 2) courtside warm-up session (youth 6-12) and 3) the group photo. All youth 12 and under will receive an exclusive 2015 Globetrotter commemorative patch. Additionally, all birthday celebrants will receive a birthday wish via the PA system during the show! he cost is $30.00 per child or adult. Contact Josslyn Reyes at [email protected] to register and attend.

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Balboa Oaks District Roundtable Please attend the November 6 Roundtable. Each unit should have a representative attend this meeting. All commissioners should attend as well. No late rechartering this year! Breakout session for all units are planned in association with:

Rechartering Training/questions/appointments—Liz Hernandez Unit Commissioners—Jack Fishel Eagle Scouts (Mr. Tony Tosatto )

The roundtable kicks off at 7:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Lat- ter day Saints at 17101 Plummer Street in Northridge, 91325.

Cahuenga District To Hold Special Rechartering Roundtable

The Cahuenga District is holding a special Roundtable on Novem- ber 13, from 7:00-9:00 pm at the Council Office in Van Nuys. Unit leaders from any WLACC District are invited to this Recharter par- ty. Assistance will be available for on-line rechartering.

This will be an opportunity for those units who desire “hands on” assistance completing on-line rechartering. All you have to do is bring a laptop with internet wi-fi capability and your unit information (Scout and Adult Rosters with ap- propriate changes). Don’t forget your unit’s password. Also, don’t forget that there is no grace period. Units not re- chartered by the end of the year will lapse: No membership, no advancement, no insurance, no exceptions.

The Council has an experienced team set to help you. If you do not have a laptop, you may use the computer dedicat- ed to volunteers located at the Council office. The Council office is located just west of Van Nuys Airport at 16525 Sherman Way, Unit C-8 (behind the Denny’s restaurant on Sherman Way).

Se habla Español. Several of our team are bilingual. If you need a recharter packet for a unit, please contact Yesenia Zeron at 818-933-0117 or [email protected].

Have you attended a District Roundtable recently? A tremendous amount of cur- District rent programming information, Scouting opportunities and other information is Roundtable conveyed at each and every roundtable. See the schedule below for each district’s Information unique roundtable information. Antelope Valley: November 4 and December 2 Cahuenga: November 13 and December 11 7:30-9:00 pm 6:45 pm 750 East Avenue J, Lancaster, 93535 4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, 91601 Balboa Oaks: November 6 and December 4 Crescent Bay: November 13 and December 11 7:00-9:00 pm 6:45 pm (6:00 pm Dinner) 17101 Plummer St., Northridge, 91325 3400 Sawtelle Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90066 Bill Hart: November 6 and December 4 Las Colinas: November 12 and December 10 7:30 pm 7:00 pm 27405 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus, 91350 4501 Deseret Avenue, Woodland Hills, 91364

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NRA Range Safety Officer Training Offered A 2-day Range Safety Of- ficer course is being offered at the Angeles Ranges (in Tujunga) on February 21- 22, 2015. This is a nine- hour course taught via two sessions --- Saturday or Sunday. The program is offered by a licensed NRA instructor and costs $50.00 per adult, which includes the student booklet. There are no pre-requisites for the training. A certified Range Safety Officer (RSO) is required at all Scout shooting sport activities. Registered adult leaders who attend will receive a certificate of completion from the NRA and can then assist their unit (or others). “I pity the fool” who does not support Interested Scouters should contact Jim Overman directly via Scouting. Yes, Mr. T supported Scout- email at [email protected]. ing by buying Scout popcorn during Pack 190’s recent sale in the Valley.

Camp Battleship Program offered onboard the Historic USS Iowa Battleship in San Pedro Starting in December, Scouts will have a great opportunity to live the life of a sailor for a night aboard one of America's greatest battleships. Camp Battleship, an overnight emersion program, will be offered on the USS Iowa at its San Pedro berth. The goal of the program is to help create a greater understanding of and appreciation for the history of the Battleship Iowa and the men who served on her. Scouts will be assigned a division, sleep in the enlisted crew bunks, serve "KP" duty, participate in evening and morning Colors ceremonies, eat in the crew's mess hall, and learn a lot about life aboard the ship. This program is similar to other pro- grams offered nationally on other float- ing museums such as the USS Midway and the sister ship to the Iowa, the USS New Jersey (shown above). The cost of the experience is $85.00 per person. This fee includes a full schedule of tours and activities, meals on the ship, sleep- ing in the enlisted crew quarters and a personalized dog tag and ship’s patch to commemorate the experience. Scouts will sleep in the enlisted Reservations can be made by calling (844) 4 BB CAMP or by emailing crew bunk beds. [email protected] .

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Unique Railroading Merit Badge Course Offered

Among the current field of 135 merit badges, one of the lesser-earned merit badges is the Railroading Merit Badge. To earn this unique badge, the Los Angeles Railroad Heritage Foundation invites in- terested Scouts and troops to attend their merit badge classes. The Foundation has offered this course for the past five years. The Foundation has a unique group of teachers and counselors, including two Union Pacific Railroad employees with experience in Safety and Operations. Course instruc- tion is rounded out by an adult Eagle Scout who has been a teacher and expert on model and toy trains as well as professional railroad operations, and a professional teacher, lecturer and author on rail- roading subjects. Classes host a minimum of twenty Scouts with a maximum of forty participants and are held at the MTA Metro Head- quarters in downtown Los Angeles. The next scheduled class is November 15 at 8:30 am Free parking is available. Bet- ter yet TAKE THE TRAIN to Union Station, a very short walking distance from MTA Headquarters. See the Foundation’s website for more information—larhf.org. Interesting Scouts or units may also email [email protected] or call (323) 459-0112 for assistance.

High Adventure Team Offers Winter Awareness Course

The High Ad- This course is appropriate for all registered adults. venture Team is There is one prerequisite: completion of the High offering a Win- Adventure Basic Backpack Awareness course (Blue ter Awareness Card). Course de- The program is composed of an indoor class and signed for those outdoor sessions. The indoor component is sched- individuals who uled for February 7, 2015, 7:30-5:00 pm at St. Ste- wish to learn phen Presbyterian Church, 20121 Devonshire Street about the ex- in Chatsworth. citement that winter activities The outdoor sessions are slated for February 21-22, add to the 2015 with alternate snow dates of March 7-8, 2015 Scouting pro- at a location to be determined. grams. This is Registration cost: Early registration $25.00 (prior to an opportunity to build on HAT outdoor skills and January 16), leader training. Expand your knowledge of the chal- lenges with different terrain and develop the confi- Standard registration: $30.00 (paid after January dence to safely hike, backpack and camp in the win- 16). ter. For further information please contact Glenn Covey The course will address preparing and enjoying at (818) 535-2607 or email Glenn at glcov- camping in cold weather. Subjects covered will in- [email protected]. Mark Rener can be contacted at clude cooking, personal and troop gear, weather, (661) 252-0419 or via email at sapsuck- health, safety, and all the other things you need to [email protected]. know in order to plan and conduct a safe, rewarding outing during the winter.

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Los Colinas District Hosts Movie Special Event All families are invited to come and support our Family Date Night Fundraiser! Tickets are on sale now for only $20.00 e a c h !

See Mockingjay Part 1 BEFORE its general theater release!! This unique movie night is scheduled for Wednesday, No- vember 19 at 7:30 pm at the Pacific Winnetka Theatre at 9201 Winnetka Avenue in Chatsworth, 91311. Dining for Dollars Before (or after) the movie, join the District for a delicious din- ner or frozen treat that will also help us raise funds! The following restaurants are kindly donating a percentage of your purchase: In the Pacific Winnetka In Northridge Theatre Complex: -Bob’s Big Boy -Applebee's 8876 Corbin Ave. -The Habit Burger Grill -Poquito Mas -Menchie's Frozen Yogurt Click on the fundraiser flyer link here to download flyers to the restaurant (s) of your

Boy Scouts of America choice. Western Los Angeles County Council 16525 Sherman Way, Unit C-8 Van Nuys, CA 91406 (818) 785-8700 www.bsa-la.org

The Scout Sentinel is the official monthly newsletter of the Western Los Angeles County Council, Boy Scouts of Amer- ica. To provide story tips, submit photographs or request additional information, please contact the newsletter’s editor, David Lasher at [email protected] or call (818) 933-0104.