Assistant Scoutmasters Dr. Phil St. Erne, Jim Hammersmith, Dr. Howard Conn, Doug Landrum, Dr. Gary Jenkins, Mrs. Theresa O'Hare and Scoutmaster George Staight provided adult leadership for the trip. This capable team was joined by our newest adult leader, Patrick Staight. Patrick, an Eagle Scout from Troop 35, turned 18 last year.
The Eagle Patrol was represented by Scouts Jimmy, Elliot, William and Billy. Other Eagle Patrol members, Scouts Ryan and Christopher planned to attend but were laid low by illness.
The Sea Monkey Patrol included Scouts Jeremy and Brett.
The Shark Patrol contingent was made up of Scouts Bobby, Trevor and Adam.
And last, but certainly not least, the senior Scouts in the venerable Timberwolf Patrol were Senior Patrol Leader Sawyer, with Patrol members, Logan, Jake, Kevin and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Garrett.
The Scouts were joined by Dr. St. Erne's nephew, Greg, and by Matt, a guest of one of the Scouts.
The Troop left Laguna Beach at 7:30am. On the way up, Dr. Jenkins, our counseler for the Citizenship merit badges, worked with several of the older Scouts on their Citizenship in the World Merit Badge. Upon arriving in Big Bear, we rented skis and snowboards at Blauer's Ski Shop.
When the Troop arrived at Snow Summit Ski Resort, they were greeted by Scoutmaster Staight, who had made an early get away from home with sons Patrick and Kevin.
Finally, after purchasing lift tickets and ski school lessons, we hit the slopes about 11:30.
Several Scouts went to the ski school for snowboard lessons. Some went to the top for a run down Miracle mile for a long run to the bottom. Senior Patrol Leader Sawyer lead some of the Scouts to the snowboard park on the West Ridge, where he showed the scouts and the world that he is the best!
Scoutmaster Staight and Dr. St Erne skied together in the afternoon, challenging the double diamond "The Wall". With Style and grace, each looked better than the other in his turn, as they careened down the sheer face, with the speed of a downhill racer... until, each in his turn, he ate it. Neither was hurt and, fortunately, no scouts were near to view these humiliating falls from grace. "I slid down that darn face about 150 to 200 feet before I stopped and almost hit a chaitlift pole. I had a heck of a time getting my skis back on," Mr. Staight was quoted as saying. Dr. St. Erne had no comment on his slid for life, but if Mr. Staight had had a video camera, he would have been certain to win big money on "America's Funniest Home Videos."
With night coming on, the Troop gathered at the foot of the mountain at 5:00pm to head back to our warm cabins and a hearty dinner of roast beef, carrots, mashed potatos with gravy, homemade dinner rolls with butter and frosted white cake for dessert.
The Troop gathered in the camp Chapal for an evening on songs, skits and good fellowship. With the fire blazing in the fire place, Dr. Howard Conn brought out his guitar to accompany the troop on several rousing songs. A welcome rest came with lights out at 9:30.
Kevin is making final adjustments to his equipment
Bright and early the next morning, after Scouts Own and a wonderful breakfast, the Troop was ready to leave for the mountain by 8:30am. Sunday skiing at Snow Summit is usually great and this day was no exception.
By 2:00pm, it was time to gather together and prepare to head home.
We arived home, tired, a little sore (or in some cases, very sore) and very happy.
Click on map to see actual trail map.
==>Click here to return to Troop 35's Home Page