Troop 651's
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| On-line edition | July - August 1996 | |
New Calendar Now Available
Just imagine a week in the sun on the shores of beautiful Santa Catalina Island off the Southern California coast. For a mere $260 (or no charge at all if you're an adult leader) you get lodging, meals, sightseeing trips, water sports, adventure, entertainment, new friends, and tons of fun. Well, it can really happen. Scouts Matt Z, Andy P, Louis, Mike, Stephen, Christopher, Chad, Kevin, Tony, and Jaclyn along with leaders Debbie Balfour and Cindy Shamel attended Camp Emerald Bay from June 30 to July 6, and boy, did we have fun. We swam (in brisk Pacific Ocean waters), we mountain biked, we kayaked, we snorkeled (in brisk Pacific Ocean waters), we canoed, we sailed, we waterskiied (in brisk Pacific Ocean waters), we tidepooled, we shot rifles, and we visited the camp doctor on several occasions.
In the process our group earned 26 merit badges, received recognition for perfect campsite inspections, pioneered a landing at Omar Beach for our War Canoe Overnight trip, led a rousing rendition of "Lizard Tongue" at the Wednesday Night Campfire, and pulled weeds at the chapel for our service project. We want to commend Debbie for passing the test for "swimmer" and to thank the newly rebuilt Marlin 22 rifle for Cindy's marksmanship. We recognize Kevin, Louis, Jaclyn, and Christopher for bravery in the Medical Lodge. We recognize Chad and Stephen for zealous pursuit of merit badges. We recognize Matt for singlehandedly conquering KYBO unpleasantries, and Tony for showmanship. We commend Andy's faithful observations of nature at all hours, and Mike's unflagging faith in the U.S. Postal Service. This group of campers and leaders will surely recommend that Troop 651 return soon to Camp Emerald Bay for more summer fun. -Cindy Shamel
Another extremely successful summer camp was experienced by nineteen of our Scouts and three leaders during the week of June 30 through July 6, 1996. Eleven of our newest Scouts, Matt Bu. (Wolverine PL), Matthew F, Robert (Wolverine APL), Nicholas I, William, Jacob, Nicholas M, Lucas (APL), Michael, Merritt, and Thomas (of Troop 699) all had a great time in the Pathfinder Program. Leadership was provided by Acting SPL Andy S and ASPL Charles. Matt Bo. acted as Patrol Leader for the older Scouts, Kellen (Cobras), Chris Bo. and Byron (Frogs), and Eric and David (Sharks). Once again we were beaten out in our attempt to earn "Top Knot," but we did tie for second place! The Scouts really worked hard for the award which was culminated by a couple of days of perfect tens. Some of the highlights were: Chris Bo.'s participation in the Triathlon, the Scoutmasters' Big Splash competition where all of our leaders participated, the many innovate improvements to our campsite, all the Scouts who braved the morning chill with me to do Water Dogs, Kellen's belly dancing, the Frog Patrol's many firsts and seconds, as well as the Wolverines and Generic Patrols excellent showing in the Camp Wide Games in competition with other Troops' Patrols with much more experience. During this week our Scouts earned over forty merit badges and completed many requirements for their next rank. Finally, I'd like to thank Kathie Iacuaniello and Maryanna Warner whose leadership and example made this a truly excellent experience for all who attended. -Chuck Iacuaniello
Thursday August 29 the following Scouts advanced in rank: Life Scouts Mark, Charles, and Chris Ba., Star Scouts Matt Bo. and Chad, First Class David, Kellen, and Chris Bo., and Tenderfoot Lucas. Congratulations!
Our Patrol Leaders' Council met on August 10 and developed the calendar you are receiving with this newsletter. Activities include a canoe trip on the Colorado River this fall, the International Camporee with Mexico next August, and a Sierra trip next July.
The canoe and backpack trips have certain requirements which must be met
before you can participate. The Salty Rat requires the Swimming merit badge.
You must successfully complete the Salty Rat and the Canoeing merit badge
(available at the Salty Rat) for the River trip. The backpacks are progressive,
that is, you must participate in the each prior trip to attend the later ones. For
the Sierra trip you also must be 13, First Class, and show teamwork and Scout
Spirit, among other things. More information will be coming soon. For more
information see Scoutmaster John Scheunemann for canoe trips or Venture
Assistant Scoutmaster Bill Jeffrey for backpack trips.
Congratulations to Louis on successfully completing his Eagle Board of Review on July 23. He is the first Eagle Scout from Troop 651 in 5 years. Keep up the good work! His Eagle Court of Honor will be announced soon.
Congrats to Andy S on his election as Senior Patrol Leader.
From the home campsite at Rancho Las Flores, here are the top ten things found needing improvement on campouts:
10. Ground cloths sticking out from under tents make a swell swimming pool inside the tent when it rains.
9. Open foam sleeping pads that work like sponges for that water.
8. Duty rosters not posted help ensure that work takes twice as long as needed.
7. A Scout is Clean, but how do we clean up after dinner?
6. Discipline!
5. No food or drink in cars unless you want to walk home.
4. Class B uniforms should be worn on all campouts.
3. Ten essentials are useful to own. They're even more useful when they're actually with you.
2. A Scoutmaster Conference involves a Scout and the work, so wear a Scout uniform and bring your Scout Handbook (No more Conferences without them!)
1. Tired of seeing the same few adult faces on campouts.
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