Spring is in the air and as we all have been anticipating, the
Covid-19 restrictions are slowly getting lifted!
Before we can jump back into the norm, there are some
guidelines and training that you will need to know before starting your unit outdoor
in person meetings. You will also need to keep on hand all the necessary forms,
such as the health screening questionnaire and the parental commitment to
transport just to name a couple of what is required. And in support of our
cohort leaders, they may be eligible for vaccination. It is highly important
that all leaders take the time to go over the information that council has
provided us. The safety of our youth and our leaders is top priority.
More information can be found at the GLAAC website: https://www.glaacbsa.org/COVID-19
The big question for the year is, will scouts be able to go to camp this year?
The answer is YES! With restrictions and following the county
health department guidelines.
Here is what we are looking at this summer...
Summer resident camp at Camp Big Horn at Circle X Ranch is
open and has a brand-new program for our units but spots are filling up fast!
To sign up or for more information visit: https://www.glaacbsa.org/CampBigHorn
And Camp Cherry Valley is now taking reservations. The
camp Program includes rifle and archery ranges, nature and outdoors skills and
waterfront activities. If you would like more information, please visit: https://www.glaacbsa.org/CCVsummercamp
Camp Trask is open but you will need to give them a call to
see what is available.
Campership is available for families. If you are
interested in applying for campership, please reach out to our District
Chairman, Chon for more information at chonscervantes@gmail.com.
And mark your calendars the Camporee Committee has been preparing to welcome back our units in our annual district Camporee this fall as long as it is with the Covid19 guidelines. The Camporee will be held at Prado Regional Park – Oct 8th-10th, 2021. More details to come soon!
Also, our Camporee Committee brings us a new monthly Challenge
for the Month of April.
A COOKING CHALLENGE!
Make your best dinner using the following
tools/ingredients:
Cooking Tool: BBQ.
Protein – can be veggie, fish, chicken, pork or beef.
Root Veggie – can be potato, carrot, turnip, beet, sweet potato, or parsnips.
Post your pictures by April 30th the Pio Pico Camporee Facebook page
or email your pictures to- piopicocamporee@yahoo.com for
challenge entry.
And lastly, we are pleased to announce that the
new San Gabriel Valley Scout Shop is now open! The scout shop is located at 411 E Huntington Dr., Ste. #117 in Arcadia, CA 91006,
in the Huntington Landmark Shopping Center just
off the 210 at Huntington Drive.
Did you know???
Chris Gardea was the recipient of the Outstanding National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) from GLAAC Award in 2020? and the James E. West recognition from GLAAC, 2020? Chris involvement with Scouting with 49 years, service at local and National level Silver Beaver recipient, the Spurgeon Award for service to fire exploring and the rare George Meany awarded by AFL CIO and BSA was a big factor in NESA acknowledging Chris for outstanding service to Scouting.
Below is more about Chris outstanding achievements.
Retired after 32 years in the fire service as a professional and volunteer firefighter. Firefighter paramedic, Arson investigator 2, Heavy rescue, Haz Mat specialists. EMT and Paramedic trainer.
Married to Jeanette for 30 years, father of Cicily, Miranda and Wyatt Gardea.
2 GSA gold award recipients and an Eagle Scout with 4 palms.
Chris was the 2nd Eagle Scout in a family of 5 Eagles, including his son.
And 3 GSA gold awards including his sister and daughters.
Scouting experience, Scouting in Rio Hondo District since 1972. Cub Scouts to Eagle. Serving at Local, Council and National levels. ASM troop 985 since 1988.
Philmont Experience, 2019 Staff, 1980 Trek, 1985 Staff National OA trek, 2000, 2005, PTC Student, 2016,2018,2021 PTC Faculty WOODCARVERS ROUNDUP.
2017 Staff National OA Wachipi at Philmont.
Attended 5 National Scout Jamborees. 1981 participant,1985 Staff OA service Corps,
2005, 2017 Staff Woodcarving, 2010 Scoutmaster of Los Angeles Contingent.
Over 30 years Scout Craft experience, Woodcarving, Native American crafts, Leatherwork, Woodturning, Native Jewelry metal work, Sculpture, Basketry, Painting, and ceramics.
Red Cross Wilderness first aid instructor for 10 years.
Fire Explorer Advisor, 1994/2018, 24 years’ service to the Fire Explorer program.
Merit badge counselor for the following merit badges; Woodcarving, Leatherwork, Indian Lore, Scouting Heritage, Collections, First Aid, Safety, Fire Safety, Emergency Preparedness
BSA positions served; Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, Merit badge counselor, Camp commissioner, Camp master Firestone, Order of the Arrow Chapter, Lodge and Section chief, Order of the arrow ceremonies advisor, Fire Explorer Advisor. Woodbadge staffer, Instructor for California state Fire Explorer academy. Instructor at University of Scouting.
Awards and recognitions
Eagle Scout 1983 T-493 (Former Rio Hondo District) Arrow of Light 1975.
George Meany award for Service to Scouting by a Union member AFL CIO. 2018
William Spurgeon award, recognition for volunteer service to Fire Exploring, 2009.
Silver Beaver award, LAAC for volunteer service to the BSA 2007.
Whittier LAAC Good Scout Award honoree.
District Award of Merit 2004.
Vigil Member order of the Arrow 1983.
Order of the Arrow Founders award recipient 1985.
Philmont Arrowhead 1980, Staff Arrowhead 1985 OA Philmont trek staff.
City of Santa Fe Springs Firefighter of the year 1998.
Santa Fe Springs Chamber of commerce Salute of Merit recipient, 1998.
VFW award for community service. 1998
Chris, 2nd Eagle in a family of 5, including my son.
He’s been with T-985 since 1988.
Still teaching at several merit badge days every year. Teaching at Cabrillo and Firestone, as well as Philmont training center faculty and staff. Woodcarving staff for multiple National jamborees.
Congratulations Chris . Well deserved.
