We woke up Saturday and had good weather for our opening flag ceremony and breakfast where the scouts received their very own mess kits to use, clean and keep. We then had a fun filled day that included many belt loops, including Kickball led by me, Photography (every scout got their own disposable camera!) led by Harry Beck, Hiking lead by Bernard Kiriakos and the Marble belt loop lead by Ammy Pluth. We also had the Lower Field reserved nearby where the scouts had free time to play soccer, football and the always popular stick battles which included the conquering of a nearby hill.

After dinner, John Pluth led a touching flag retirement ceremony where the Webelos assisted in retiring a donated flag. John then led everyone in singing techniques and great traditional and holiday songs which allowed the scouts to get their final belt loop - Music. For those who are counting that was five belt loops this trip! We ended the night with a large campfire, great stories by the parents and kids and lots and lots of smores.

The following morning, we wrapped up the trip with breakfast and a closing flag ceremony. A BIG thank you to everyone who helped make the Fall Camping 2011 trip a great success!!

Camping Chair
Scott Spears

p.s. If you would like to bring your developed pictures from the disposable cameras to the next pack meeting, Ammy Pluth will put them up for the Pack to see.

Webelos from Pack 1776 had a great weekend at historic Camp Herms in the El Cerrito hills. Everything was well organized, well staffed, and packed full of fun.

The Webelos started Saturday morning by setting up their tents in the lower field. The scouts did the majority of the set up with very minimal help from the adults. They all did a fine job.

After the opening flag ceremony and rousing songs, our Pack started the morning at the Forester Unit. Mr. Harrison, from Boy Scout Troop #24, taught the scouts about tree growth rings, the five layers of a forest, 6 forest trees, 6 forest plants, how water/minerals/sun help, and about the harm/benefits of wildfires.

Our group then moved onto the Outdoorsman Unit. Boy Scouts from Troop # 24 used a skit format to thoroughly go over every point about the Leave No Trace Frontcountry Guidelines (plan ahead, stick to trails, manage your pet, leave what you find, respect other visitors, trash your trash). The Webelos also learned about the rules of outdoor fire safety and practiced how to fuse and whip the ends of a rope. Here they used the rope they fused to make a paracord bracelet with a side release buckle. We ended this unit by making our foil dinner with chicken, potatoes, and vegetables.

Then we gathered under the beautiful redwoods and had a picnic with our bagged lunch. The scouts played and the adults relaxed.

At the signal, we moved on to the Geologist Unit, led by Geologist Michael L. and Boy Scouts from Troop # 100. This was a well prepared, hands on unit. They touched real fossils, learned the four different ways mountains are formed, examined minerals in various uses and geologic materials used in home building, and talked with geologist Michael L. about the rocks found at Camp Herm and geology mapping of the area. (Very interesting stuff!) Before leaving this unit, the scouts received a special rock as a memento.

The final station they visited on Saturday was led by biologist, Mr. Dekloe, from Troop 864. Here the Webelos earned their Naturalist pin by learning about an ecosystem, an aquadic ecosystem & wetland, flyways near our area, dangers of litter, and poisonous plants & animals. We also went on a short hike and learned about non-native plants, how some plants use nitrogen in the soil, what poison oak looks like and why we should avoid it, stinging nettle, poisonous hemlock, poppy seed disbursement, and the difference in pine cones.

After our closing flag ceremony, we ate our delicious foil dinner of chicken, vegetables, and potatoes. The evening was capped off with two different shows. We first visited the amazing AstroWizard, Mr. Rodrigues, who educated the scouts on space and science related topics using pictures, props, bubbles, telescope, and exciting explosions. And finally, a well run campfire program led by Boy Scout Troop #127 entertained the entire camp audience with fun songs and funny skits.

Next year’s Webeloree is planned at Camp Herms for October 6-7, 2012. So, mark your calendars and save the date.

The following scouts earned their Forester, Outdoorsman, Geologist, and Naturalist Pins:
Andrew K, Ben R, Dylan W, Ethan M, Hayden C, Jack P, Raymond F, Umesh N, Warren H

Pack 1776 Families,

Come join us at the Boy Scouts of America own historic Camp Herms for some Fall camping!!

This camp serves as a year-round camp and is situated atop the El Cerrito Hills and can be used as the hub of local historical site visits to San Francisco and the surrounding area. Historic Camp Herms was originally named Camp Berkeley and opened for use in 1930. The camp was renamed Camp William B. Herms in 1939. Hiking trails, including the Fages Historic Trail, are nearby.

Chemical toilets are near the campsite and flush toilets and showers are a short walk away. We have reserved the Redwood Grove for camping and the Quarry area for meals, campfires and activities.

As always, the cost is minimal - $15/person/night which covers the site, food, and all activities.
If you decide to stay only one night, please let us know which night you are staying.

**As a special incentive, all scouts who sign up will receive their very own mess kit to use during the trip and to keep as their own **

We also highly encourage all other family members to bring their own reusable dining sets for meal times to reduce our trash and our Pack footprint.

Payment MUST be received BY October 24th to secure your spots! This is to allow for proper planning and selection of helpers. No excuses please. A standard policy of No Refunds applies.

Please send checks payable to PACK 1776 to Scott S.

Please feel free to contact us with questions via email.

Scott S. & Scott E.
Camping Chairs

Location: Camp Herms

SAVE THE DATES!! Camp Herms is located in El Cerrito, California. This camp serves as a year-round camp with a Cub Scout Day Camp during the summer. It is situated atop the El Cerrito Hills and can be used as the hub of local historical site visits to San Francisco and the surrounding area. Historic Camp Herms was originally named Camp Berkeley and opened for use in 1930. The camp was renamed Camp William B. Herms in 1939. Chemical toilets are near the campsite and flush toilets and showers are a short walk away. Hiking trails, including the Fages Historic Trail, are nearby.

Details will follow in an Evite and will be posted here. Stay tuned.

SAVE THE DATES!!

Scott & Scott
Hiking Chairs

This is one of over 50 wonderful photos of Tuolumne Meadows taken during our camping trip this past weekend. The mule deer pictured was not immediately frightened by my younger son. All the wildlife was fun to watch with the exception of a yearling (bear) that kept wandering through our campsite at night.

Harry Beck
Assistant Cubmaster

Come join us this summer for some high sierra camping!!

We have reserved two group sites in Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park for August 12-15 (3 nights) with excellent views and REAL restrooms close by.

Tuolumne Meadows, at an elevation of 8,600 feet, is the largest sub-alpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada. The Tuolumne Meadows area is graced by the winding Tuolumne River and surrounded by majestic peaks and domes. Spectacular in summer, the higher meadows abound with wildflowers, animal wildlife, and views of the soaring mountain ranges.

Please respond to the Evite and send payment to Scott Evans made payable to PACK 1776 BY July 11th to secure your spots! Payment MUST be received by then. First come, first served. No excuses please.

Cost: $15/person/night with a 2 night minimum.

A standard policy of No Refunds applies.

Please feel free to contact us with questions via email.

Co-Camping Chairs Scott Spears (scott6509@yahoo.com) and Scott Evans (captain.scott04@yahoo.com)

The Spring camping event at the Joseph D. Grant County Park proved to be a huge success and was enjoyed by all. We camped at the Woodland’s Youth camp area which had several picnic tables, fire pits, and a mostly level surface for pitching tents. It even had a small pond surrounded by a fence. A semi-functioning wheel-barrow was provided to move our camping equipment from the cars to the campsite.

After the opening flag ceremony, Mike Cheney led the Scouts in the Baseball Belt Loop and Den Leader Harry Beck taught them the Map & Compass Belt Loop. An awesome lunch followed with Hiking Chair Bernard Kiriakos next leading the Scouts in the Hiking Belt Loop and the April Hike. The hike led us to some interesting finds: an outdoor amphitheater, bat houses, Grant Lake, how to cross a barbed wire fence, and crossing a field with cows a few feet away from you.. and no fence in-between!

Den Leader John Pluth directed the campfire program and everyone enjoyed the singing and companionship. Plenty of ‘smores were available that night! The following morning we had breakfast and our closing flag ceremony with reflection upon all the activities we enjoyed. Thanks to all that made the Spring Camping 2011 event a success!!

Co-Camping Chairs
Scott Evans & Scott Spears

Update 3/28/2011: Two weeks left to sign-up and send in your checks! Deadline in April 9th... Don't be left out!!
Scott & Scott.

Date: Apr 29 - May 1, 2011
Location: Woodlands Youth Camp located in the Joseph D. Grant County Park (park map)
Price: $15 per person per night, includes site, food, and all activites
Payment must be received by Apr 9, 2011
RSVP via evite.

Pack 1776 Families,

Spring Camping is right around the corner!

Located only one hour from San Ramon near Mt. Hamilton/San Jose is the Woodlands Youth Camp located in the Joseph D. Grant County Park. Camping, hiking, and other attractions are in the park for all to enjoy. Hikers have access to an extensive 52 mile trail system. One large lake and several smaller ponds are accessible for warm water fishing. There is space for up to 200! campers and cars are unlimited!! Chemical toilets are at the site but flush toilets and hot showers are a short walk away.

As always, the cost is minimal.
$15/person/night which covers the site, food, and all activities.
A standard policy of No Refunds applies.

Payment MUST be received BY April 9th to secure your spots! This is to allow for proper planning and selection of helpers. No excuses please.

Please send checks payable to PACK 1776, to Scott Evans.

Please feel free to contact us with questions via email.

Scott & Scott
Camping Chairs

Date: Friday, April 29, 2011 3:00pm - Sunday, May 1, 2011 12:00pm
Location: Woodlands Youth Camp / Joseph D. Grant County Park

SAVE THE DATES!! Only an hour from San Ramon and near Mt. Hamilton/San Jose is the Woodlands Youth Camp located in the Joseph D. Grant County Park. We will have space for up to 200 campers and cars are unlimited. Chemical toilets are at the site but flush toilets and showers are a short walk away. Camping, hiking, and other attractions are in the park for all to enjoy.

Details will follow in an eVite and will be posted here.  Stay tuned.

SAVE THE DATES!!

Scott & Scott

Date: November 5th 3pm to November 7th 12 noon
Location: Mt. Diablo State Park, Barbecue Terrace group campground (directions) (campground map)
Cost: $15 per person per night
RSVP via evite

Pack 1776,

Come join us for a wonderful fall weekend camping at Mt. Diablo. On a clear day, from the summit of Mount Diablo State Park visitors can see 35 of California's 58 counties. It is said that the view is surpassed only by that of 19,000-foot Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. With binoculars, Yosemite's Half Dome is even visible from Mt. Diablo.

We have reserved the best group camp site (BBQ Terrace) that accommodates up to 50 people. Space is limited, so please don't miss out on this wonderful camping experience so close to home.

As always the cost is $15 per person per night. Checks made out to Pack 1776 must be received by me in order to secure your spot.

Look for an eVite!

Gapps Natesan
Camping Chair