VOLUME 2, ISSUE 5 MAY 2014 MONTHLY Sentinel EDITION Western Los Angeles County Council NEWS, EVENTS AND The Official Newsletter of the WLACC serving the Antelope Valley, Balboa Oaks, Bill Hart, OTHER IMPORTANT IN- Cahuenga, Crescent Bay, Las Colinas and Districts and Exploring Division FORMATION RELATED TO SCOUTS AND SCOUT- Popcorn Kickoff Meetings Scheduled ING IN THE WESTERN Two Sessions Planned: May 28 in Valencia and May 29 in Van Nuys LOS ANGELES COUNTY Want to fund a full year of ? Plan to attend COUNCIL OF THE BOY one of two information sessions for the 2014 Trails SCOUTS OF AMERICA End Popcorn campaign. The first session is planned for Wednesday, May 28 For additional infor- at 7:00 pm at the Alfred Mann Foundation at 25134

Rye Canyon Loop in Valencia. mation and prior news- letters, Check out the WLACC Website: The second event is the following evening, May 29 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at www.bsa-la.org 14001 Burbank Boulevard in Van Nuys at 7:00 pm. Dinner will be provided at both events to all at-

Please note that web- tendees and raffles will be held for additional prizes. sites, pages and emails One leader will receive a free week of camp at Emer- ald Bay in 2015 just for attending!! are hyperlinked throughout all newslet- RSVP by May 21, 2014 to attend one of the two infor- ters for your conven- mation sessions. Register at: http://bit.ly/1tWKzrf or call (818) 933-0123. ience. Annual Memorial Day Flag

Inside this issue: Placement Slated for May 24 Popcorn Kickoff 1 at L.A. National Cemetery Scheduled A wonderful, moving tribute to our veterans can be found Memorial Day 1 in the annual flag placement at the Los Angeles National Flag Placement Cemetery. Early on Saturday, May 24, 2014, hundreds of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts from across the region will Leader Training 3 gather in Westwood. The assembled Scouts will place an & Camp Whitsett American Flag on the grave of each servicemen interred at the cemetery, located at 850 South Sepulveda Boule- Camp Clinic 4 vard (just West of UCLA). They salute the veteran before moving to the next grave. In this manner, the 87,000 men Shooting Sports 5 and women buried on the 114 acres of the cemetery are Camp honored each year. Scouts are needed to participate in this historic and important event. Scouts and adult leaders participate in the Class A Uniform and all Scouts re- Commissioner’s 8 ceive a patch honoring their involvement. Corner Parking is located in the Veterans Administration Facilities located through a tunnel on Constitution Avenue. The opening ceremonies will begin at 8:00am on Saturday morn- National Desk 9 ing. Units are encouraged to arrive by 7:30 am at the latest to provide enough time for check-in. Check-in will open at 7:00 am. All units must check-in Saturday morning at Eagle Info & 10 the check-in table. Units that pre-register online will have expedited check-in and patch Emerald Bay check-out. To register online use the following link: http://bsa-la.doubleknot.com/ event/1517078. Day Camps Offered in ALL Districts Page 2

The theme for this summer’s Cub Scout Day Camp is the Knights of the Roundtable. Cub Scout Day Camp is availa- ble in all of the Council’s districts with different dates throughout June and July available.

Join the saber-wielding , shield-clutching adventure and participate in a medieval-themed outdoor adventure. Your boy will enjoy activities, crafts, songs and much more while earning Cub Scout achievements. All registered Cub Scouts that will be attending first through fifth grade in the fall may attend the camp. The cost is $150.00 per Scout.

The following is the District information for Cub Scout Day Camp:

Antelope Valley: Desert Sands Park operates June 23-27. Bill Hart: Camp Verdugo Oaks runs July 14-18 and July 21-23. A family overnight will occur on July 19-20. Cahuenga and Balboa Oaks: Woodley Park occurs July 21-25. Crescent Bay: Camp Josepho runs June 16-20 and June 23-27. Las Colinas: LDS Church, Woodland Hills available July 14-18.

Please note: Boys leaving Kindergarten and entering 1st grade must be accompanied by a parent or guardian through- out the week. The online link to register for all Cub Day Camps is as follows: http://bsa-la.org/index.php?page=cub-day-camp. Should you have any questions, please contact your District officials.

Cub Parent Weekend: May 16-18 at Camp Josepho Bold possibilities, realized locally is the motto of Camp chery belt loops, only available through programs such Josepho. During the recent Camp Josepho Family Day, as this. Activities at Cub-Parent Weekend are as fol- a number of families discovered a taste of what Camp lows: Josepho has to offer. May 16-18, 2014 is the next Cub- Parent Weekend program. Cub-Parent Weekends at Program Activities (One-Scout and One-Parent Camp Josepho create two participate together) opportunities: for parents to teach the values of the Cub Campfire Programs Scout program, and for Cub Disco Dance Party Scouts to learn more about Assorted Crafts their parent’s values and be- lieves, all while sharing in Archery outdoor activities and memo- BB Shooting ries that will last a lifetime. Cooking Dedicating time to your child Field Sports one-on-one brings the best out of parent and child! All registered Cub Scouts can attend Cub-Parent Week- Camping at Camp Josepho is easy! All you bring is your end. All Cub Scouts must be accompanied by a parent or tent, sleeping bag, clothes (and toiletries). All of your legal guardian. This is a one-on-one weekend that pro- food is provided in the historic lodge. vides a unique and special bonding experience between a Cub Scout and a parent or legal guardian. Siblings and The cost is $110 for one cub and parent together. This other family members can only attend the Family Camp includes all food from Saturday breakfast to Sunday Weekend at Camp Whitsett and Camp Emerald Bay. breakfast, all craft supplies, patch and camping fees For more information see: http://www.campjosepho.org/ Each season has a different program with different crafts cub-scout-weekends and events. Common to all seasons are the BB and ar- To register: http://bsa-la.doubleknot.com/event/cubparent chery events, which are a favorite among the boys. Boys -may-2014/1448618 participating in these events can earn their BB and ar- Page 3 Position/Leader Specific Training Offered

The Cahuenga and Balboa Oaks Districts are offering several position and leader- specific training courses on Saturday, May 17. The programs include Cub Scout Lead- er, Leader, Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Commissioner, Chartered Organization Representative and even Adult Leader and Den Chief Train- ing. The courses are considered essential training for leaders, troop committee mem- bers and parents who wish to be better informed and helpful to their troops. Specific leader training, along with Outdoor Leader Skills and Youth Protection Training entitle the leader to wear the “Trained” patch on the adult uniform. These courses will be held at the First United Methodist Church at 4832 Tujunga Ave- nue in North Hollywood. Most run from 8:30 am-4:30 pm on May 17th. The cost is $15.00 and includes lunch (what a great deal!). The Sea Scout course is only $10.00 and runs from 1:00-4:00 pm (without lunch). The Den Chief training is FREE and oc- curs from 2:00-4:00 pm. The Chartered Organization Representative course runs from 8:30-11:30 am. To attend any of these fine courses, you must RSVP by May 12. Please see the Cahuenga website for additional online information: http://cahuenga.bsa-la.org/training.html or contact George Osario, Cahuenga District Training Chair at [email protected] or by phone at (818) 383-2160.

2014 Webelos Summer Camp at Camp Whitsett Camp Whitsett provides Webelos with an awesome opportunity to discov- er what traditional summer camp is like. Scouts spend four days and three nights in a one of a kind mountain destination amongst Giant Se- quoias in the High Sierras! During their time at Whitsett, Webelos will get to choose the pins they work on and in the afternoons will have opportunities for free time activi- ties such as climbing and tomahawk throwing, or working to earn their Whittling Chip. With only two sessions available, make sure your Webelos sign up soon!

Register via Doubleknot today at: bsa-la.doubleknot.com/event/2014- Camp Whitsett is in the Sierras in Tulare County camp-whitsett-reservation-request/1375959.

Several years ago the director of a wildly successful and popular Cub event Voice of the Scout was asked, “How do you do it?’ “It’s easy,” he replied. “Just find out what they want and give it to them.” That’s just what Voice of the Scout is all about.

The Voice of the Scout program will capture the experiences of our members and volunteers during a 10-week survey period in both the spring and fall. Surveys will be sent to leaders, chartered organization representatives, par- ents of Scouts, and Scouts over age 14. To receive a survey, someone in the Scouting household must have email information on file in the BSA ScoutNET system. The information will be aggregated and displayed at unit, district, council, area, and region levels on a new VOS dashboard available to council employees and board-level volunteers. The main role of commissioners with respect to the Voice of the Scout program will be similar to their role in JTE, to communicate and promote the use of Voice of the Scout to unit leadership. The unit Key 3 (chartered organization representative, unit leader, and committee chair) should encourage and inform parents about the importance of the Voice of the Scout survey and encourage them to complete it. Consider the impact it could have: the unit leader will have the opportunity to make changes in the program before it’s “too late.” Small adjustments now can avoid major overhauls later. Page 4 Deadline for May 17 Newhall Cub Scout Cup is May 10

Last April, an event at the Hart Campgrounds had 784 legs and was covered in mud and sweat before the end of the day. That event, coming back to the Hart Campground on May 17 of this year is the ninth annual Cub Scout Cup. A team competition of physical and mental challenges that build teamwork and reinforce scouting values, this year’s event for the first time is open to any boys from Kindergarten through fourth grades in Santa Clarita. Teams are made up of Cub Scouts, which are boys from first grade to fifth grade, but or- ganizers what to showcase scouting and invite parents and kids to check out the event and learn more about scouting in Santa Clarita. “The past eight years have been a great success that have created a fun event for Cub Scouts that builds itself on ,” said Dean Yerem, Cub Cup Event Director and Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 303 in Canyon Country. “This is a big local event that strengthens the skills and values of all our scouts both competing and volunteering, and we want others to experience it.” Registration for the event is opened up online at cubscoutcup.com with a deadline of May 10, 2014 to enter. The cost is $18.00 per Scout.

Free “Get Ready For Camp” Clinics Scheduled at Scout Shops Coming up on May 10, 2014, a free “Get Ready for Camp” clinic will be offered at the Valley Scout Shop and the Antelope Valley Scout Shop. Both stores will feature a spe- cial camp clinic with free information on a number of related subjects. The events start at 9:00 am and runs to 3:00 pm in AV and until 4:00 pm at the Van Nuys location. A number of great subjects will be covered, including how to properly fit a backpack, how to pack for a camping trip, knot tying and much more. The Van Nuys Scout Shop will also conduct a Dutch Oven demonstration and provide first aid information for campers. Beyond these important sessions, there are also three great “Pay a Penny” special offers. If you spend $100, get a Cub Scout or Boy Scout Beach Towel ($19.99 value each) for just 1¢. If you spend $200, get the BSA Tanto Knife ($24.99 value) or one of the above towels for just 1¢. If you spend $250, get the BSA Backpacking Chair ($44.99 value) or any one of the above items for just 1¢!

The clinics are designed for Scouts, parents and leaders. The events are free, but regis- tration is required. For additional information or to participate in Van Nuys, please con- Proper pack fit can be the dif- tact the Valley Scout Shop via email at [email protected] or by phone at ference between delight and (818) 781-1296. To participate at the Antelope Valley location, please call the AV store disaster when it comes to a at (661) 942-7820 or email the shop at [email protected]. successful hike or camping trip.

District Antelope Valley: May 6 and June 3 Cahuenga: May 8 and June 12 Roundtable 7:30-9:00 pm 6:45 pm Information 750 East Avenue J, Lancaster, 93535 4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, 91601 Balboa Oaks: May 1 and June 5 Crescent Bay: May 8 and June 12 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: May 1 and June 5 Las Colinas: May 14 and June 11 7:30 pm 7:00 pm 27405 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus, 91350 4501 Deseret Avenue, Woodland Hills, 91364

Page 5 Shooting Sports Camp Offered Space is limited...don’t miss the change to reserve your spot! The Council is offering an incredible opportunity for Scouts to attend an intensive Shooting Sports camp this summer at Camp Josepho! This is a provisional program that Scouts can attend with their Patrols, friends, or even on their own!

The Camp Josepho Shooting Sports Camp is a 5-day program from July 21--25, 2014 that provides intensive training on rifle and pistol shooting, archery and tomahawk throwing. Scouts can either earn the respective Merit Badges or NRA Marksman Qualifications. By working closely with volunteer staff experts in a small program, Scouts will get more time on the range than in any traditional Boy Scout program. They will also receive specific training on gun safety and maintenance, hunting and gun ownership law and much more.

As noted, Scouts will have the opportunity to earn the Rifle Shooting and Archery Merit Badges, but those that already have those Merit Badges will earn their NRA qualifications for Pro Marksman or Expert Marksman! When not on the range, Scouts will enjoy events in the pool, hikes in the surrounding chaparral (and to the old Murphy Ranch Ruins therein), as well as campfires and camp-wide games.

This program also involves pistol shooting, which is only available to Venture Scouts. However, Boy Scouts over the age of 14 or who are 13 and have completed the 8th Grade can attend as Venture Scouts by simply filling out an application. There is no additional charge to complete this qualifying application.

This is an overnight camp experience. All participants with stay in Camp Josepho’s cabins. The cost for a Scout is $225. The fee for a shooting adult is $150. The cost for a non-shooting adult is $70. All meals are included in this great opportunity as well.

Amazon.com Program

Gives Back to Scouting As if you needed another excuse to shop at Amazon.com! Now every purchase you make from the Earth’s biggest online store can support Scouting! Amazon.com recently announced its new AmazonSmile program. With AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate 0.5 percent of the price of your eligible purchase to the Western Los Angeles County Council. Half a percent is not a huge amount and it will not replace your Friends of Scouting contributions that help Scouting function in your community. However, it adds up, costs you nothing and is a great additional way to support Scouting. The one-time setup is easy and fast. You get the same prices, products and service you’re used to when shopping at Ama- zon.com. It doesn’t cost you any extra; the only difference is now you’re helping Scouting every time you buy.

The ’s National Council and each local council all are eligible charities. Individual packs, troops, teams, posts, ships and crews are not eligible to earn money through AmazonSmile. To use AmazonSmile and contrib- ute to Scouting, register through smile.amazon.com. You will use this link to register and for all your future Amazon shopping.

Even after you have signed up for AmazonSmile, shopping through the regular Amazon.com website will not benefit Scouting. Online shoppers will need to use the smile.amazon.com link for all their Amazon.com shopping. CongratulationsCongratulations toto thethe EagleEagle ScoutScout ClassClass ofof 20132013--14!14!

“Old Glory” Troop 499 led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Eagle Scout Prayer.

Smartphones Galore: Everyone gets in on the group photo at the Valley Eagle Recognition Dinner.

Valley Guest Speaker Lt. Colonel Steven Rainey dis- cussed Eagles and the Air Force and “being pre- pared”. Advancement and Recognition Com- Chairman Larry Lynch, as Master of Cer- mittee Chairman Larry Lynch gives two emonies at the Odyssey Restaurant. thumbs up to Colonel Clarke Lethin as he reacts to the speaker’s gift at the Westside Eagle Recognition Dinner.

The Council extends its thanks to the following Eagle Dinner Patrons and Eagle Sponsors:

On Assignment, Inc. Troop 223 The Conlin Family Irwin D. Goldring Eagles, both young and old, reaf- John M. Haight, Jr. firmed the Eagle Scout Pledge at Michael Lanning both events. Larry Lynch The Miller Family Alan Solursh Lawrence J. Turner John Wilson

William W. Carter Nicole Simon Kent Colberg Ken Simpson The Jorgenson Family Sheila Spencer Robert Kelly Robert Tarquinio Jason Lambardo Anthony J. Tosatto William W. Norris Nick Thomas Bill Regan Stan & Robin Thomas Michael Rizenman Lawrence J. Turner Eagle Scouts throughout the Council at- Brian Robbins James Yocum tended both dinners. Here the assembled Eagles get together for their group photo at the Santa Monica event. Page 8 Signups Continue

The Council invites you to challenge yourself at Wood Badge in 2014. The Wood Badge experience exists to strengthen Scouting in our units, districts and council. The pro- gram provides dedicated Scouters with the concepts, tools and methods needed to be effective leaders. The Wood Badge program is a Scouting leadership program and the relat- ed award for adult leaders in the programs of Scout associa- tions throughout the world. Wood Badge courses aim to make Scouters better leaders by teaching advanced leadership skills, and Take Advantage of by creating a bond and commitment to the Scout movement. Your Commissioner!

Every unit should have a commissioner. If The first session has been scheduled for November 14-16, 2014 with the yours does not, please let me know. second session occurring on November 21-23, 2014. While this event occurs in the fall, given the commitment of time, the Council desired to A Commissioner is a valuable resource. provide this substantial notice. The course is held at Camp Josepho and His or her mission is to help your unit suc- costs $250.00. The fee covers the program and training materials, all ceed. Success can be measured in many food for the first weekend, a participant t-shirt and cap and a Wood Badge different ways. The BSA uses Journey To presentation kit for each graduate. To register for Wood Badge please Excellence (“JTE”) to measure success. see woodbadge.bsa-la.org or contact Jo Mo at: wlaccwood- JTE is a great tool because it looks at the [email protected]. key performance indicators that are mean- ingful and related to a unit’s performance. In addition, JTE evaluates a unit based on Two First Year Programs both comparative and individual standards. In other words, it sets forth ideal standards Offered at Camp Josepho while also recognizing, and hopefully moti- vating, continuous improvement. Camp Josepho is offering an incredible oppor- tunity this summer for newly-bridged Scouts! Nestled in the heart of the Santa Monica Your Unit Commissioner will help you un- Mountains, Josepho’s First Year Program will derstand and implement Journey To Excel- help Scouts get a leg up in the advancement lence. In addition, your Unit Commissioner process while in an awesome, local summer will help your Unit find the resources that camp environment. Scouts will work on ad- will help it improve. vancement requirements that are hard to get in another setting, such as orienteering skills and plant identification. Even great units can get better! Enjoy the journey… and remember to take ad- The First Year Program allows Scouts to focus on Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class Advancement requirements. Additionally, Scouts vantage of your commissioner. will have the opportunity to complete both Swimming and First Aid merit badges. The Swimming merit badge, in particular, is a very critical merit If I can be of service please contact me at badge required for all other Aquatic badges. [email protected] or (818) 386- Have your Scouts take advantage of this awesome opportunity to ad- 9485. vance, meet other newly-bridged scouts, and have a summer camp expe- Your Council Commissioner, rience that they will never forget! The program will have 2 sessions to choose from, July 10-13 and again from July 17-20. For more infor- mation see: campjosepho.org/boy-scout-programs/first-year-program. Larry Turner Page 9 From the National Desk...

New Scout Fieldbook Available: First Update in a Decade and the First Edition Available in a Digital Format

The Boy Scouts of America has released the fifth edition of its iconic Fieldbook–Scouting’s Manual of Basic and Advanced Skills for Outdoor Adventure. This is the first time a new edi- tion has been released in more than 10 years, and it marks the first time a new edition has been available in a digital format. The Fieldbook is the go-to manual for everyone interested in backcountry challenges—from hiking, camping, and canoeing to mountain travel, ultralight backpacking, wilderness navigation, and whitewater kayaking.

“For more than a century, our organization has focused on teaching outdoor skills and leadership and providing opportunities for adventure and life-changing experiences,” said , of the BSA. “The Fieldbook isn’t just for our Scouts—we want to share these important lessons with anyone who seeks to explore, expe- rience adventure, and appreciate nature.”

Since it was first published in 1944, the Fieldbook has been the premier guide for countless numbers of people planning an outdoor adventure. Designed to spark readers’ imaginations, sharpen skills, and open a world of possibilities, the fifth edition includes a new emphasis on wilderness safety and survival and a new section featuring a history of Scouting in the outdoors.

The Fieldbook is now available for purchase as a digital version from Amazon as well as a traditional format in bookstores, online, at outdoor equipment retailers, and through the BSA’s own outlets including Scout Shops and online at ScoutStuff. The latest edition contains a tremendous amount of outdoor knowledge within a book that is small enough to fit into a backpack for use in the field. For those who are new to the outdoors, it will guide them step by step, and for experienced enthusiasts, it will help them make the most out of small adventures and prepare them for the big adven- tures that lie ahead.

The Fieldbook was written by , an Eagle Scout and past director of conservation at . A lifelong Scouting and outdoor enthusiast, Birkby is a mountaineer, long-distance backpacker, outdoor educator, and leading authority on environmental stewardship. He also authored three editions of the , the 2004 Fieldbook and much of the 1984 edition, and the BSA’s Conservation Handbook.

Mining in Society Merit Badge Latest Offering building blocks of commonly used items,” said Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock. “There are some important STEM The latest in a series of merit badg- lessons to be learned through earning this badge, and that es focusing on science, technolo- focus may lead some Scouts to develop an even greater gy, engineering, and math (STEM) interest in the vastly important fields of science, technology, topics was recently released. The engineering, and math.” Mining in Society Merit Badge was developed by the BSA and the So- Boy Scouts from Troop 911 will earn this new merit badge ciety for Mining, Metallurgy & Ex- during their upcoming July trip to Alaska. Scouts need not ploration, Inc. travel to Alaska to earn this badge! Mining has been a prevalent industry throughout California and in Los Angeles Mining is highly important in socie- County. Active sand and gravel mines can be found in a ty. From communications, transportation, power, construc- few cities in the area including Los Angeles and Irwindale. tion, agriculture, and medicine to education, entertainment, and recreation, nearly every aspect of society relies on For more information on this exciting new merit badge, see mining. The materials found within a host of widely used http://www.smenet.org/MiningInSocietyMB. items (or found in the machines used to produce those items) come from a mine. Resources for individuals who are interested in serving as a merit badge counselor are available here: “Whether it’s the source of the metal in a Dutch oven or the key components in a smartphone, mining affects Scouts www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/ both in their Scouting activities and in their everyday lives, GuideforMeritBadgeCounselors/Resources. making this Mining in Society merit badge a great way for Scouts to gain a better understanding of some of the key Eagle Scout Class of 2013-14 Honored Antelope Valley Page 10 at Eagle Scout Recognition Dinners District Executive Hired

Over the course of two evenings, the largest number of Eagle We are pleased to announce that the position of Dis- Scouts and their families (ever) attended this year’s annual trict Executive of the Antelope Valley District has Eagle Scout Recognition Dinners. been filled effective Monday, April 7, 2014 by Mark Hemstreet. For the first time, two events were held with respect to the large geographic size of our Council area. Both events were Mark has been a volunteer in the District for the past well-attended. The guest speakers for both evenings were five years in various positions. His son recently senior military officers. Eagle Scout and USAF test pilot achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in Troop 599. Lt.Col. Steven Rainey spoke at the Odyssey Restaurant about Mark is a graduate of University of Nevada, Las Ve- how his life is impacted by Scout ideals today. Marine Colo- gas with a Bachelor of Science. He has served as a nel Clarke Lethin, the father of three Eagle Scouts, spoke at board member with the Rotary Club, Trade of Board, the Jonathan Club of the Scout Oath and Law and how it ap- YMCA, United Way, American Cancer Society, and plied to his time in Afghanistan as a Marine Corp Command- the Chamber of Commerce in Lancaster. He also er. has vast experience in the hospitality industry and All Eagles who attended either event were sponsored by a networking. number of individuals and a few corporations that afforded Please join me in welcoming mark in his new role at them the opportunity to attend for free. Each Eagle received District Executive. You can reach Mark at a unique sculpture and a custom military-style “Challenge [email protected] and at (661) 942- Coin”. See pages 5-6 for several photos from the event. 0582.

Are you an Eagle in the Western Los Angeles County Council? Join your fellow Eagle Scout Alumni at a variety of fun, important and worthwhile activities from networking mixers to charity projects, outdoor adventures and more. See our Facebook page or call David Lasher at (818) 933-0104 or email him at [email protected]. Boy Scouts of America Western Los Angeles County Council 16525 Sherman Way, Unit C-8 Van Nuys, CA 91406 (818) 785-8700