Troop 651's

BSA Today
On-line edition	May 1997

Welcome!

February 21-23 we were joined by the Webelos of Pack 662 at Little Blair Valley. Saturday the weather was great for a hike to the Indian writings in Smugglers Canyon, followed by an entertaining campfire, but it sure was cold that night. The Pirate Patrol (the adult leaders) ate VERY well - how'd your patrol do?.

New Scouts joining our Troop are: James, Robert, Stephen, Tim, Ryan, Brandon, Wyatt, and Kevin. Welcome all!

Venture Adventures

Our Camelback on March 21-23 was awesome. We saw had incredible views as we dropped downhill to Borrego Springs. Before the views, though, we had to follow the route scouted out by "Cholla is Your Friend" and "Ocotillo Slim," so you can imagine what that route was like! Others participating were "Lone Ranger," "Silver," "Spaz," "Bear," "Blind Guy," and Mr. M (who came up with that last name?!) The Venture crew met up with the Scouts from the base camp at Pena Spring. We had a small valley all to ourselves for Saturday nights camp.

In May we were off to Mt. Laguna for another fifteen mile backpack along the Pacific Crest Trail. The views and the flowers were even more spectacular. High humidity made the going a little less comfortable but we watched thunderstorms raining on the desert down below us. Well, we didn't quite get fifteen miles in - we only did 14 the first day, but then another 6 back to the cars on Sunday. Next stop is the roof of Southern California, Mt. San Gorgonio, elevation 11,500, in July.

Camporee

We had a small but eager turnout for the District Camporee at Guajome Antique Steam Engine Museum in April. Our gateway and flagpoles were by far the tallest there!

Other campouts took us to Culp Valley in the high desert and Mt. Laguna for day hikes, campfires, and advancement opportunities.

Summer Camp

By now you should be fully paid in full for summer camp at Mataguay June 29 - July 5. If you have any questions about your payments or other questions e-mail or see the Scoutmaster. Bring back the Top Knot award, guys!

International Camporee

If you haven't been to an international camporee yet, you haven't really seen what Scouting is all about! This event should not be missed! Many (co-ed) Scout Troops from Mexico will be there, and possibly others from Japan and elsewhere. Mark your calendars for August 22-24 at Mataguay.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to...

...Scouts advancing this month: Scout: James, Robert, Stephen, Tim, and Ryan; Tenderfoot: Michael and Tyson; Second Class: Nick, Michael, Matthew, and Lucas; First Class Nick; Star Chris and Eric; and Life Andy. Also to the 9 Scouts who earned 14 merit badges. Good job!

...Stephen on receiving the Ad Altari Dei religious emblem.

...Scouts called out to the Order of the Arrow: Rauri, Chris, Jon, Kellen, Chris, Eric, and Andy, along with ASM Chuck, who has already completed his induction! These Scouts were elected by their peers; hopefully they will complete their induction into the Order.

Scoutmaster's Minute

Scouting is fun! No, not just for your sons. We adults have fun too. We'd like to show you how much fun it is. Please come camping with us. You'll learn about the outdoors, have fun, and enjoy helping our Scouts learn. For even more fun, find out when the next Scout Adult Leader Training is. This is a fun weekend for adults to learn more about Scouting. Then we all have more fun!