1. Art and Diseño

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1
JANUARY 2015
MONTHLY
EDITION
NEWS, EVENTS
AND
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
RELATED
TO SCOUTS AND SCOUTING IN THE WESTERN
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
COUNCIL OF THE BOY
SCOUTS OF AMERICA
On the Web at:
www.bsa-la.org
Hyperlinks guide
you throughout
each edition!
Inside this issue:
Silver Beaver
1
Commissioner’s
Corner
2
Camp Emerald
Bay History
3
Camping AND
Serving
4
In Memoriam:
Pierce Weir
5
Eagle Trip
6
NYLT and
Scout Sunday
7
Sea Scouts!
8
Law Merit Badge
9
NRA Training
10
Venturing Awards
11
John George:
Scouter for Life!
12
Eagle Pins
13
Scout Sentinel
Western Los Angeles County Council
The Official Newsletter of the W.L.A.C.C. serving the Antelope Valley, Balboa Oaks, Bill
Hart, Cahuenga, Crescent Bay, Las Colinas and Scoutreach Districts and Exploring Division
Happy New Year from the Western Los Angeles County Council
The staff and volunteers of the Western Los Angeles County Council want to wish you the best for
2015! We have geared up for a phenomenal year
with a broad range of unique activities, camp opportunities, expanded choices for families to experience and enjoy the great outdoors. Cub-Parent weekends will be offered at
Camp Josepho, Camp Whitsett and Camp Emerald Bay. Hundreds of Scouts will
experience outdoor adventures at Camp Emerald Bay during this their 90th year
(see page 3). Across the Pacific, our Scouters will participate in the 2015 World
Jamboree in Japan! Closer to home, many Cub Scouts will experience their first
Pinewood Derby even as they are learn about the new Cub Scout Adventure
guidelines (see page 13). In conclusion, our professional staff and our dedicated
volunteer leaders stand ready to make 2015 a great year for you and your family
whether your Tiger is brand new to Scouting or you are a merit badge away from
earning your Eagle Scout Award!
Silver Beaver Dinner Scheduled to Honor Leaders
The annual Council-wide Adult Leader Recognition Dinner will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2015 at the Odyssey Restaurant and Banquet Hall. The reception begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner and the main program at 7:30 p.m.
The Silver Beaver Award is a high honor presented to our dedicated and selfless
adult leaders. The presentation of the award is the main focus of this event.
This coveted award was introduced in 1931 and is a council-level distinguished
service award. The award is given to those who implement the Scouting program
and perform community service through hard work, dedication, sacrifice above
oneself and countless years of service. This award is given to those who do not
actively seek it.
The recipients of this award are registered adult leaders
who exemplify themselves and have made a major impact
on the lives of youth through service given to the Council.
This year’s honorable recipients are Mr. Charles Byers, Mr.
Ernesto Cardenas, Ms. Laurel Lofland, Mr. Erik Mayer, Mr.
Phil Schramm, Mr. J. Nicholson Thomas and Mr. Tony
Toastto.
To attend this dinner, please register online at: bsala.doubleknot.com/event/2015 -council-recognitiondinner/1638999. The cost is $65.00 per person.
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Community Service Counts
be newsworthy and you should consider submitting a story
to the media. Additional information regarding public rela“Scouting was founded on the premise of doing a Good tions and a newsworthy pitch is contained in the first link
Turn Daily. Community service is very important in the mentioned above. Stories about our community service
character building process and, as Scouts, we have made projects are a great way to share Scouting in general, and
our units in particular, in a favorable light.
the commitment to give back to our communities.”
The above quote from the BSA’s website addresses the
Get “Paid” for Your Service
“Why” of the service project component of Journey to ExIt is widely known that some companies will match gifts
cellence. Check out the following link for lots of good inmade by their employees to our Council. What is less
formation and ideas for service projects for your unit:
known, is that some companies will support their employhttp://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Awards/
ees participation in Scouting with a financial contributions
JourneyToExcellence/unit_tips.aspx#_whatJTE
to our Council on behalf of the time that you give as a volunteer. This means, that for each hour that you volunteer,
Record Your Service Hours
your employer may donate money to our Council! A list of
Each of the Scorecards for Journey to Excellence (Pack, companies that offer volunteer hour programs is frequentTroop, Crew, Ship, Team, Post, District, and Council) have a ly published in the Scout Sentinel and can be found online
Service project element. All of the unit Scorecards (with at bsa-la.org/matchinggifts and additional information can
the exception of Post, for some unknown reason) require be obtained by contacting our Council’s Development departicipation in service projects and recording the hours partment. I would like to highlight one local employer that
on the JTE website, which is the above link. But that is not generously supports employee participation in community
the only reason to enter your service hours. Another rea- service, namely Boeing. We are currently looking to identison, which in my opinion is more important, is so we can fy adults in our Council that our employed by Boeing to
share all of the good that we, as an organization do, with make the most of our generous volunteer time program.
our community and nation.
Remember our Slogan:
It is critical to remember to record your service hours at:
Do a Good Turn Daily
https://servicehours.scouting.org Ask one of your adult
leaders to take on this responsibility. First time users will “Some good turns are big - saving a life, helping out after
need to register and they will need your unit ID (which floods or other disasters, recycling community trash, workthey can get from the Scout Office) and unit number (four ing with your patrol on conservation projects.
digits).
But good turns are often small, thoughtful acts - helping a
As of this writing, our Council records show that our Scouts child cross a busy street, going to the store for an elderly
have done approximately 51,000 hours of community ser- neighbor, cutting back brush that is blocking a sign, doing
vice in 2014. Of that amount, approximately 40,000 hours something special for a brother or sister, welcoming a new
is Eagle projects (note that our Council Office records the student to your school.
hours spent on Eagle projects), and approximately 5,000
A good turn is more than simple good manners. It is a spehours is service reported by our Order of the Arrow Lodge,
cial act of kindness”.
Malibu Lodge. Therefore, the self-reported community
service hours for 2014 is only 6,000 hours. I have reviewed Do a good turn for the right reason….. It will make the
the records and I can tell you that only a very small minori- world a better place and as a fringe benefit it will make
ty of our approximately 440 units is reporting their service you feel better!
hours.
Always, if I can be of service, please contact me at
It is much more impactful to tell our community that the [email protected] or (818) 386-9485.
Scouts in our Council devoted 100,000 hours of community service than the 51,000 hours that we have recorded.
Your Council Commissioner,
Don’t get me wrong, 51,000 hours is impressive, but it the
clear estimation of the Council that the current service
hours for 2014 exceeded 100,000 hours! Additionally,
please also keep in mind that any one service project may
Larry Turner
3
In 2015
Camp Emerald Bay will celebrate
its 90 birthday! To recognize this historic milestone, the Scout Sentinel is printing a series of articles on the history of the camp. The first installment
follows:
th
Santa Catalina Island has been inhabited for at least 8,000 years.
Prior to 1800, Chumash/Tongva Indians known as Pimungans (or
Pimuvit) settled in most of the coves around the Island which
they called Pimu. The black dusty soil on North Hill at Camp
Emerald Bay is actually charcoal (from fires) indicating the site
had been inhabited for several hundred years.
A burial ground at Emerald Bay containing skeletons laid side-byside was unearthed by Scouts over fifty years ago during the
construction of the original Miramar Staff Cabin, also located on
North Hill. The burial area was covered and left just as it was
found. Unfortunately, respectful treatment of Native American
sites on Catalina has not always been the case. During the
1920's, self-styled archeologist, Ralph Glidden, dug up hundreds
of Indian graves and put their bones and contents on public display. It is now thought that his unscientific plundering disregarded "the sanctity of human remains" and inflicted "nearpermanent damage" on research into local Native American life.
Even early Scout campers at Emerald Bay lacked an awareness
at the time for proper treatment of indigenous remains and artifacts. A newspaper article dating to the first year at Camp in
1925, documents how a grave site was unearthed by Scouts and
the contents, including skulls, were saved as mementos.
In the midst of Native Americans living on Catalina Island, Juan
Rodriguez Cabrillo’s exploratory expedition ventured onto the
island on October 7, 1542. Cabrillo’s log documents that Native
Americans were invited on board his galleon where gifts were
exchanged. Cabrillo, a Portuguese, claimed the Island for the
King of Spain, naming it San Salvador, after his ship. After a trip
further up the coast, on November 23, 1542, Cabrillo’s fleet returned to overwinter and make repairs. Apparently, the return
trip did not go so well with the local inhabitants. On Christmas
Eve, Cabrillo stepped out of his boat and splintered his shin
when he stumbled onto a jagged rock while trying to rescue
some of his men from attacking Pimunga warriors. The injury
became infected and developed gangrene. He died on January 3,
1543 and was buried in the area. A possible headstone was later
Santa Monica Outlook Article from August 26, 1925
found on San Miguel
Island.
The second European
contact came sixty
years later on November 24, 1602, when
Spanish explorer, Sebastian
Viscaino,
sighted the Island.
Viscaino renamed it
Santa Catalina in honor of Saint Catherine.
Many hundreds of
ships from Spain and
other countries were
to follow.
By the early 1820's, all
Pimungans had been moved off Catalina Island by Spanish missionaries. They were relocated to Mission San Gabriel outside of
Pueblo Los Angeles where they were put to work (including enslavement by some reports) and converted to Christianity. Their
language and culture were obliterated, while many of them died
from diseases, including measles and small pox. This dark chapter in early California history under the Spanish brought a sad
end to Native American influence and heritage on the land of
Camp Emerald Bay.
Pirates, Treasure and Silver
With the resident indigenous population gone, Catalina Island,
including Emerald Bay, became an uncontested base for pirates
in the early 1800's. Over the years, legend and rumor of fantastic buried treasure has abounded, most specifically at Smuggler's
Cove. In 1950-51, the National Geographic Society attempted a
dredge of the infamous cove but ocean surges made the work
impractical, leading to abandonment of the project. Over sixty
years later, the rumors and legends persist.
On Christmas eve, 1828 (or 1824 by some accounts), Samuel
Prentiss (also spelled Prentice) survived a shipwreck of the brig
"Danube" off San Pedro. He and other survivors ended up at
Mission San Gabriel (coincidentally where the Pimunga Indians
spent their final days). Prentiss befriended a seventy year old
Indian at the mission named Turei who told of buried treasure
on Catalina. A map was supposedly drawn, then lost, of the
treasure's location at a cove, presumably
unnamed, on the west end of the Island.
Prentiss made his way to Emerald Bay
becoming the first permanent white settler to live on Catalina. The story, complete with many inconsistencies in the
historical record, seems more like a movie
script than reality. Nonetheless, Prentiss
spent the next 25 to 30 years digging
around Emerald Bay for a treasure he
never found.
Continued on page 4
4
Camp Emerald Bay History continued from page 3
Caption describing picture or
graphic.
In another coincidence, John Prentiss (no relation to Samuel) was an integral part of the
Camp Emerald Bay staff from the first year in 1925 and into the mid-1930's. Samuel
Prentiss died at Emerald Bay in 1854. A grave stone was erected in 1900 by the Banning
Family (owners of Catalina at the turn of the last Century) as a replacement for a wooden marker. The marker rests on North Hill. Before he died, Prentiss passed the treasure
story on to the son of a fellow Danube shipwreck survivor, Santos Louis Bouchette. Bouchette built a cabin at Emerald Bay in 1850 where he too sought to find his fortune. Silver prospecting, however, proved to be his lucky calling, with finds at "Silver Mine" in
Bouchette Canyon and mines at Cherry Valley and Fourth of July Cove.
The silver mining boom peaked in 1862 and 1863 and Bouchette lived the life of a
wealthy man. He built a 40-room boarding house for his workers and himself at Emerald
The headstone of Samu- Bay. Another mansion in the hills behind Parson's Beach was built in the 1870's for Bouel Prentiss on North Hill chette and his young French dance-hall wife. Furniture was purchased from Europe inat Camp Emerald Bay
cluding mahogany chairs and fancy mirrors. One day in 1876, the couple were seen loading silver onto a channel-crossing boat and were never heard from again. Equipment, furniture and items of value were gradually pilfered from the abandoned mines and houses until after many decades, evidence of their existence was gone. The fate of Bouchette and his wife remains an unsolved mystery to this day.
Coming in February: Scouting’s Roots on the Island. The Scout Sentinel thanks Dr. Jeff Morley for providing this historical information. Dr. Morley, a long-time Scouter at Camp Emerald Bay, earned his Eagle Scout Award and is the
Founding Director of the Crescent Bay Historical Project found at www.crescentbaycouncil.org.
Looking for a community service project,
even as your unit experiences the outdoors?
Follow Troop 307’s Lead!
Northridge Troop 307 recently conducted a camping trip with a
hike and a viewing of the Gemini Meteor Shower. As part of this
overnight adventure, the Troop added a community service component! They filled a large dumpster with several tons of scrap
metal and separated other waste (including scrap wood and plastics) for disposal. Their efforts significantly helped a local school
safely recycle metal, plastics and other materials that had been
left in an old rotting trailer.
Camping and serving! Scouts from
Troop 307 separated scrap metal
and PVC piping for recycling and
disposal recently in Chatsworth
5
In Memoriam: Pierce Weir (1934-2014)
It is with great sadness that the Western Los Angeles County Council reports the
passing of lifelong Scouter and long-time WLACC Board Member Pierce Weir. Mr.
Weir passed away on December 31, 2014 at the age of 80 (his birthday was January 1) following a valiant battle with cancer.
Pierce faithfully and cheerfully served on the Executive Board for many years receiving the District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver Award and was an Order of the
Arrow Vigil Honoree. He received his 60 year Veteran’s Award in 2007 and most
recently served on the Council Camp Inspection Committee.
He was a Los Angeles Police officer for 25 years, having joined the department in
1955 at the age of 21 following graduation from Los Angeles State College. During
his tenure with the LAPD, he was promoted to Sergeant and Detective III
ranks. He worked as a Patrol Supervisor, Vice Squad Supervisor and Advanced
Planning Team Leader. He retired as the detective in charge of the Hollywood
Narcotics Squad in March 1980.
Following his retirement from the LAPD, Mr. Weir was a security investigator and
consultant. In this capacity, in 1984, the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee hired Pierce to be the Security Manager at the USC Olympic Village. This position was responsible for overseeing the activities of the 1,500 civilian security
guards assigned around the clock at the Olympic Village.
Pierce Weir photographed in May
2014 with his unique Eagle Scout
ring fashioned from his Eagle
“Mother’s Pin”.
Beyond his commitment to Scouting and our community, Pierce loved to fly. He flew throughout the region, often joining other LAPD pilots at fly-ins in his Cessna 182 Skylane.
Pierce and his companion Gail Weage
flying to Santa Paula
Airport for a LAPD
lunch fly-in in September 2014.
Photo from Facebook used
with permission from Mr.
Weir’s family.
Pierce was instrumental to the
founding of Troop 764 in Venice.
The troop celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2014! This is just one of
the ways Pierce helped local Scouts.
He is survived by his two sons, Bob
and Randy—both Eagle Scouts, a
grandson Clint—also an Eagle Scout
and his great-granddaughter Brynna.
At Mr. Weir’s request, no service is
planned. The Council encourages you to take a moment to
give thanks for the meaningful way Pierce Weir impacted our Council and our youth throughout his decades of service
to Scouting and the City of Los Angeles. He was a great friend to our Council and Scouting in general and will be greatly
missed.
In 2015, more than thirty-thousand Scouts and leaders from 161 countries around the
world will converge on Kirarahama, Yamaguchi, Japan, for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree.
This tremendous international Scouting event will take place on July 28 to August 8, 2015.
“Wa: a Spirit of Unity” is the theme for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree. The kanji character
“Wa” means harmony, unity, friendship and peace. It is in this spirit that the Scout Association of Japan will welcome Scouts from around the globe to the 2015 World Scout Jamboree. For more information on the 2015 World Jamboree, visit www.scouting.org/
worldjamboree.aspx.
6
7
National Youth Leadership Training Scheduled
National Youth Leadership Training is an exciting, action-packed program designed for
councils to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use
in their home troops and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others.
The course models a month in the life of a unit.
The NYLT course centers around the concepts of what a leader must BE, what he must
KNOW, and what he must DO. The key elements are then taught with a clear focus on
HOW TO. The skills come alive during the week as the patrol goes on a Quest for the
Meaning of Leadership. NYLT will be offered at Camp Josepho beginning on Sunday,
June 14, 2015 (and ending on Friday, June 19).
Early bird pricing of $200.00 is available until May 1, 2015 (the cost is $240.00 after this date). For further information,
please contact Marty Price at [email protected].
Save the Date for the Las Colinas District Camporee
The Las Colinas District has announced the date for their 2015 Camporee! Mark
your calendars for April 17-19, 2015. The location is new—Valley Trails Camp in
Castaic. Be prepared to have fun and enjoy new adventures!
More information will be provided by the District soon!
The Boy Scouts of America annually celebrates its founding as February 8, 1910, based on
the program started by Lord Baden Powell in England on August 1, 1907. Scout Sunday was
added to the Scout celebration in the 1940s. Scout Sunday is recognized on the Sunday
preceding February 8th. The Saturday following February 8th is Scout Sabbath This Scouting Anniversary Day is the primary date to recognize the contributions of young people and
adults to Scouting.
Celebrate
Scout
Sunday
This year Scout Sunday falls on the actual 105th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America
on February 8, 2015. The Las Colinas District has a special event slated to recognize Scout
Sunday. Their 3rd Annual Las Colinas District 12 Points Walk will step off at 8:00 a.m. on
the 8th. Scouts and their families are invited to celebrate Scout Sunday with a five mile
walk to various religious institutions in the District. The purpose of the event (beyond
providing a great exercise opportunity) is to promote our unity and celebrate Scout Sunday. A representative from each institution will discuss a point of the Scout Law throughout this walk.
The starting point is Prince of Peace Church at 5700 Rudnick Avenue in Woodland Hills, CA. 91367. A $6.00 fee covers
lunch AND a patch. Scouts should wear their full uniform. Please RSVP to allow organizers to have the most accurate
head count for lunch and patches. Contact Vicky Goldberg for more information and pre-registration (818) 613-2544
or via email at [email protected].
Visit bethematch.org to
learn more, to register or
to volunteer to help the
National Bone Marrow Donor Program!
8
Boy Scouts in the WLACC have a great opportunity to earn the BSA Law Merit Badge
at an upcoming special event. The merit badge can be earned on February 21, 2015 at the
Pepperdine University Law School in Malibu through a unique Council offering. Prominent
local attorneys will provide valuable information on civil, criminal, environmental law—and
even conduct a mock trial! Lunch will be provided as well.
Law Merit Badge Event Offered
This event is limited to 100 Scouts...register today before the event sells out. The cost is
$25.00 per Scout (which includes lunch). For additional information see the flyer on page 9.
Online registration is available at: bsa-la.doubleknot.com/event/law-merit-badge-day/1649807. You can also use
your smartphone to register using the QR code found on the flyer. Corporate sponsorships are available—please see
the full-page flyer in the new Eagle Examiner supplement attached to this newsletter!
Will you help us to improve the
newsletter? Please take our online
survey by clicking the button at
right!
Sea Scouts Attend Southwestern Rendezvous 2014
The Southwestern Rendezvous is a gathering of Sea Scouts and Mariners from near
and far joined together for three days of fun, fellowship and spirited competition
every year during the Thanksgiving weekend at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in San Diego County. Sea Scout Ships (think Boy Scout Troop and Venturing
Crew) attended from Florida, the Midwest, both Northern and Southern California,
and even England! This year four Ships from our Council attended this regional
event. The event has a long history going back to 1935!
Two full days of events tested the
Scouts leadership abilities and nautical skills. Activities challenged all participants both mentally and physically
with the third day hosting an awards
ceremony. The awards ceremony culminated with the presentation of
the Golden Windjammer Trophy!
Competition events ranged from knot-tying to uniform inspection, from
swimming to marlinspike skills.
Drill, a Mariners Quiz, sailing and
‘scuttlebutt’ are also important competitions. In total, there were over
twenty-five different events packing the busy and challenging schedule.
There was even a Saturday night dance for all Ships!
Sea Scout Ships from our Western Los Angeles County Council took home
the most awards at this year’s competition! Congratulations to our Sea
Scouts for their success!
Sea Scouts practice their knot-tying skills
during the Southwestern Rendezvous event
9
10
Start the New Year Off Right: Attend Pow Wow and University of Scouting!
The annual Pow Wow and University of Scouting event is coming! A full day is planned, led by a great training
staff. This is a fine opportunity to learn a great deal about Scouting with the added
benefit of hand-on supplemental training sessions. The event is open to all Cub
Leaders, Boy Scout Leaders as well as Venture Crew Leaders and anyone who has a
passion for Scouting.
This fantastic event will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m. at SCVI Charter School on 28060 Hasley Canyon in Castaic.
Please come and invite your fellow friends and Scouters to come and enjoy each
other’s fellowship as well as learning new things about Scouting.
The cost for participants is only $15.00 which includes breakfast, lunch and a 2015
Council Pow Wow patch and plenty of knowledge.
For further information, please contact Greg Basse at [email protected].
NRA Range Safety Officer Training Offered
A 2-day Range Safety Officer 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 on 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
Registered adult leaders who
attend will receive a
certificate of completion from
the NRA and can then assist
their unit (or others).
assist their unit (or others).
Interested Scouters should contact Jim Overman directly via email at [email protected].
Adult Leader Awards Recognition Dinner Scheduled
Save the Date! The annual Balboa Oaks District dinner to recognize the
commitment of the District’s outstanding adult leaders will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.
Awards include...
This event will be held at the Church of Latter Day Saints in Granada Hills at
11315 White Oak Avenue, Granada Hills, CA 91344. The reservation
deadline is Thursday, March 5, 2015. For more information, contact Paul
Brown at (818) 601-1054.
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Venturing Advancement Moves Forward Amid Changes to Program
Like the pending changes to the Cub Scouting program discussed in this edition of the newsletter, changes are coming
to Venturing as well. Among the modifications that will impact Venturing Crews, the award categories will be renamed. Venturing, Discovery, Pathfinder and Summit Awards will replace the Bronze, Gold and Silver Awards. The
first award a Venturer will earn will be the Venturing Award. The program’s top honor will be the Summit Award.
While our Venturing Crews are working on earning the new awards, the last Bronze, Gold and Silver award recipients in
the history of Venturing in our Council are listed below. Congratulations to these Venturers!
Bronze Award Recipients:
Arts and Hobbies: Cassandra Gordinez (Crew
104),
Nerys Lane (104), Michael Loria (283), Madelaine
Part (104) and Julia Slaton (104).
Gold Award Recipients: Nicholas
Genna (99), Nerys Lane (104),
Michael Loria (283), Madelaine Part
(104) and Julia Slaton (104).
Outdoor Award: Nicholas Genna (99)
Sports Award: Justin Engstrom (1956) and Michael Loria (283).
Youth Ministry Award: Johnathan Engstrom
Silver Award Recipients: Diana Fassbender (283), Nicholas Genna (99),
Nerys Lane (104), Michael Loria (283), Madelaine Part (104) and Julia Slaton (104).
With the release of the new Venturing structural updates mentioned above, there are sure to be questions regarding the program. BSA National Headquarters has provided a number of links to webpages dedicated to the Venturing program.
For example, there is now training available for Crew Advisors and the Crew Committee. The training syllabi can be
found at www.scouting.org/training/adult. Links include Venturing Advisor Position Specific and Crew Committee
Challenge. In the new award structure, Venturers will additionally need to complete a few training courses. These
can be found at: www.scouting.org/training/youth. These trainings are Goal Setting and Time Management (which
is now available) and Project Management and Mentoring, both of which are forthcoming from Texas.
District
Roundtable
Information
Have you attended a District Roundtable recently? A tremendous amount of current programming information, Scouting opportunities and other information is conveyed at each
and every roundtable. See the schedule below for each district’s unique roundtable information.
Crescent Bay: January 8 & February 12
Antelope Valley: January 6 & February 3, 7:30-9:00 p.m. 6:45 p.m. (6:00 p.m. Dinner)
3400 Sawtelle Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90066
750 East Avenue J, Lancaster, 93535
Balboa Oaks: January 8 & February 5, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
17101 Plummer Street., Northridge, 91325
Bill Hart: January 8 & February 5, 7:30 p.m.
27405 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus, 91350
Cahuenga: January 8 & February 12 , 6:45 p.m.
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, 91601
Las Colinas: January 14 & February 11
7:00 p.m.
4501 Deseret Avenue, Woodland Hills, 91364
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Scoutreach Families Enjoy Camp Josepho Holiday Event
In times for the holidays, 215 participants—162 from the Council’s
Scoutreach Program—enjoyed an amazing “extravaganza” at Camp Josepho. During this two-day event (two, one-day programs) it was incredible to see the Council’s campership dollars at work. Participating
families were able to use both ranges. For many parents and Scouters,
this was their first introduction to our camps and archery and BB shooting. Any Scout that participated in these activities was eligible for the
related belt loops.
For participants that did not want to shoot arrows or BBs or wanted to
stay inside, holiday craft fun was available in the Malibu Lodge. Arts and
crafts consisted of popsicle stick ornaments, candy cane reindeer, pony
bead bracelets and key chains, fuse beads, and pinecone Christmas trees! A nature hike through the wilds of Camp
Josepho was also popular. Hikers collected pinecones along the way for the afternoon craft, even as they were given a
history lesson on Rustic Canyon and Camp Josepho.
After lunch, there was a raffle for all who attended. The most
exciting part of the day was the ice block race, according to Josepho Pizzo, Camp Marketing Director. “It was very much like
being a Cubmaster again, the blocks were at the starting line, we
dropped the flag, and the blocks didn’t move. The kids had a
wonderful laugh at our expense,” he said. Mr. Pizzo added, “The
ability to introduce kids that may never have an opportunity to
visit a camp like ours is wonderful. I only wish those responsible
for donating the campership funds could have seen the joy on
the kids faces, and heard the response from the parents.”
Heroic Scout Steers Car to Safety After Father Has Seizure Behind the Wheel
A split-decision led a Little Rock, Arkansas Boy Scout to
steer a car to safety when his father had a seizure behind
the wheel. 13-year old Michael Jones was travelling with
his father when a normal day turned into a scary situation.
As his father experienced a seizure, Michael immediately
grabbed the wheel. His next thought was to get the car
under control, avoid traffic and get some help for his dad.
“I was trying to make sure that we wouldn’t hit anybody,”
Jones said. “I remember going through a red light to make
sure that we wouldn’t hit any cars if I drove to the side. I
Scout Michael Jones (right) and his father Daniel
remember going through that and stopping the car two
houses away from the intersection.” Jones said only one thought was running through his head. “I was just hoping
that my dad could get through it.” And he did, thanks to Michael’s quick thinking. “Words can’t describe how proud
we are,” Michael’s mom added.
Though he’s just 13, he has some words of wisdom for anyone who finds themselves in an emergency situation. “If
people think that they can’t do something in an emergency situation, no matter how old you are, you can at least do
something to help. All you need to do is just keep a calm mind and stay at peace.” Jones’ Boy Scout Troop recently
presented him with an award for his quick thinking and composure. They have also nominated him for the Boy Scout ‘s
National Life-Saving Award for his heroic actions!
13
John George: A Scouter for Life
While many WLACC Scouters know John George as the
professional Camp Director for Camp Emerald Bay, he
has a long and important history as a volunteer with
Scouting—from coast to coast!
Camp Emerald Bay Director has
served Scouts from Coast to Coast
position he held for five years before stepping down to
pursue a Masters Degree in Family Counseling at Arizona State University.
John first joined Scouting in 1944 as a Cub Scout with
Pack 2 in Santa Monica. He subsequently became a Boy
Scout with Troop 2. His next Scouting experience was
at Fort Benning, Georgia where he volunteered to teach
leadership classes to Scout leaders. When he was later
assigned to Fort Dix, New Jersey, he served as an Assistant Post Advisor and later the Post Advisor to Explorer
Post 34. After returning to Santa Monica, Mr. George
became the Skipper of Sea Scout Ship 660—a post he
held for six years.
John
George
with Scout Adam Gilbreath.
Adam is a recipient of an
award named in
honor of Mr.
George’s
lifelong
commitm en t
t o
Scouting.
After a transfer to Phoenix, Mr. George was surprised to
see a group of Sea Scouts (in land-locked Phoenix) conducting a car wash. Of course he had to help and initially served as the Ship’s Assistant Advisor or ‘First Mate’
and later as Skipper.
In 1976, John’s oldest son joined Troop 441 in Scottsdale, Arizona. He served as an Assistant Scoutmaster
for one year before leading the troop as Scoutmaster, a
John and Patsy George
From 1990—and for
eleven years—he served Scouts as a Committee Chair.
In 2001, John resigned as a Committee Chair to accept a
position as Director of Leadership and Ethics with our
Council.
John is a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow. He
has received the Adult God and Country Award and is a
Silver Beaver recipient (via the Grand Canyon Council).
John is married to Patsy George and has three children--all of whom participated in Scouting. His two grandsons are currently Cub Scouts! John George has made
important contributions as our EB Camp Director, but
his influence on Scouts in three states has and continues to make a difference in the lives of hundreds and
hundreds of Scouts.
Our thanks to BSA Troop 441 in Scottsdale, Arizona for
providing the photos and story information.
Internet Introduction to New Cub Scouting Program Available on January 17
A new Cub Scouting program is scheduled to launch on June 1, 2015, providing more
fun and excitement for boys with easier to implement programming for unit leaders.
To ensure you are ready to make the transition, a number of webcasts will be offered
on January 17 to outline the coming changes, how to prepare, and when resources will
be available.
Three topics and specific webinars will be available at two times on the 17th. The
three webcasts are tailored for Cubmasters, Den Leaders and Church of Latter-Day
Saints (LDS) specific considerations. The schedule and additional information follows
on the next page (see page 14).
Continued on page 14
14
Scouting Webcasts continued from page 13
New Cub Scouting Program Webcasts:
Cubmaster Webcasts
Saturday, January 17, at 6:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
Den Leader Webcasts
Saturday, January 17, at 7:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m.
Although the content will be geared to the roles listed,
anyone with an interest in learning about the new Cub
Scouting program is welcome to attend. The sessions
will also be recorded for later viewing.
To
participate,
go
to
www.livestream.com/
bsanationalcouncil and you are ready to view the
webcast! For all pertinent information on the upcom*It is recommended that those interested in the LDS ses- ing changes to the Cub Scouting Program, please
see www.scouting.org/programupdates.
sion view one of the role-specific sessions first.
LDS-Specific Considerations*
Saturday, January 17, at 9:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m.
Custom Eagle Scout The Council’s Eagle Scout Alumni Association has created a new, custom-designed lapel pin for Eagles in our
Alumni Pin Available region. The cast metal pins (shown here) are a great way
to show your Eagle pride while helping Scoutreach, our
Council’s effort to help at-risk youth in the region. The pins are $20.00 each...the proceeds
from the sale of each pin are contributed to Scoutreach.
Purchase your pin today at the Council’s Van Nuys office. The Council’s Eagle Scout Alumni
Coordinator, David Lasher will also mail you a pin for $20.00 (including shipping). Contact
David at [email protected] or by phone at (818) 933-0104.
Boy Scouts of America
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 America. 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.