Pio Pico District Newsletter: February Newsletter

February is the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. The month has 28 days in common years or 29 in leap years, with the 29th day being called the leap day. It is the first of five months not to have 31 days (the other four being April, June, September, and November) and the only one to have fewer than 30 days. February is the third and last month of meteorological winter in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, February is the third and last month of meteorological summer (being the seasonal equivalent of what is August in the Northern Hemisphere).

Happy February Pio Pico!

This month is known for a handful of holiday and celebrations, such as Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday, and George Washington’s Birthday. We also celebrate Black History Month in February and Groundhogs Day. Speaking of which, have you ever seen the movie, Groundhog’s Day? It stars Bill Murray. He plays the role of Phil Connors, who is a cynical T.V weatherman who is covering the annual coverage of the Groundhog Day festivities in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. It’s a great movie and I recommend giving it a watch if you haven’t seen it. But there is a moral behind the movie that I personally enjoy. Groundhog’s Day presents the idea of recurrences as a challenge to change. In this case, Phil wakes up every day to the same day, Groundhog’s Day. The philosophical idea, however, is that no one can predict the outcomes of the future and it is better to embrace the joys of life, some would think of it as “to live in the moment”. It should be said that good deeds are to be accomplished for Phil to get out of the time loop and while he goes on a sting of events, he eventually learns to make changes for the better; he realizes that life is about value and to pursue what really has meaning to one’s life. This also makes me think of a quote from our Scouting founder- Sir Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, he said, “My belief is that we were put into this world of wonders and beauty with a special ability to appreciate them, in some cases to have the fun of taking a hand in developing them, and also in being able to help other people instead of overreaching them and, through it all, to enjoy life - that is, to be happy.”

It was Baden-Powell who developed this remarkable movement for the youth. This was his pursuit to happiness, by giving it to others. This month marks the 113th year of scouting for The Boys Scouts of America and it is also his birthday (on February 22nd). He was a great man and accomplished many things during his lifetime. He was a British Army officer, a writer, he was the founder and first Chief Scout of the world-wide Scout Movement, and he was also the founder, with his sister Agnes, of the world-wide Girl Guide / Girl Scout Movement. His sole purpose was to encourage the youth in intellectual, physical, and spiritual development, so that they can take place in society as responsible citizens within their communities by instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Baden-Powell's final words to the Boy Scouts

Dear Scouts,

If you have ever seen the play Peter Pan you will remember how the pirate chief was always making his dying speech because he was afraid that possibly when the time came for him to die he might not have time to get it off his chest. It is much the same with me, and so, although I am not at this moment dying, I shall be doing so one of these days and I want to send you a parting word of goodbye.

Remember, it is the last you will ever hear from me, so think it over.

I have had a most happy life and I want each one of you to have as happy a life too.

I believe that God put us in this jolly world to be happy and enjoy life. Happiness doesn’t come from being rich, nor merely from being successful in your career, nor by self-indulgence. One step towards happiness is to make yourself healthy and strong while you are a boy, so that you can be useful and so can enjoy life when you are a man.

Nature study will show you how full of beautiful and wonderful things God has made the world for you to enjoy. Be contented with what you have got and make the best of it. Look on the bright side of things instead of the gloomy one.

But the real way to get happiness is by giving out happiness to other people. Try and leave this world a little better than you found it and when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate you have not wasted your time but have done your best. ‘Be Prepared’ in this way, to live happy and to die happy – stick to your Scout promise always – even after you have ceased to be a boy – and God help you to do it.

Your Friend,

Baden-Powell

Pio Pico Pushcart Derby 2023

On February 11^th, Pio Pico held the Pushcart Derby at the Stonewood Mall in Downey. The Scouts and Leaders raced in a division of Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos/AOL, Scout Troops, Crew and Adults. The racer ran a relay oval track, a dragster track and even got to parallel park. The fee was $15.00 per person for entry and team was able to race 2 times. Each race was timed, and the winners of each division was determined by the lowest average time. It was a great time out! If you missed this event, don’t worry- word is they are planning another race. More details are to come! Here are just a few pictures of the event.

The Pio Pico District Dinner

The Pio Pico District Dinner was a big success in that many volunteers received Certificates and special Awards.

One in particular is given to a Scouter that has been active for at least 35 years of service and dedication to youth, their community, and Church for promoting strong character, citizenship, and spiritual growth throughout their scouting career. Mr. Rockie Steven Mooney of Troop 924 is 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient. Congratulations Rockie!!

Greater Los Angeles Area Council, Eric Arentsen, VP of Operations was the Keynote speaker and installed the 2023 Pio Pico District Officers. Mr. Arentsen's message was focused on how valuable volunteers make up Scouting in general. Without the efforts of volunteers, BSA would not be as good as it is today, he stated. He also mentioned that GLAAC is ready and able to support and help the districts (Pio Pico) in any way they can to become even better in Scouting programs for 2023 and years to come.

Thank you for coming out to support all the recipients and a special thanks to Mary Gaither and her team of cooks for serving a great meal and dessert.

Who’s Who

Did you know that a Scouter was approached by the Whittier Uptown Association to see if he was interested to be the Color Guard for the Whittier Uptown Christmas Parade. And of course, being a Scouter and not thinking of himself, he said we will do it. He said to himself, this is an opportunity for not just Troop 985, but for all Scouts and Packs to join in. He went on to say, who doesn’t like to be in a parade and especially carrying the American flag as the opening of the parade. His vision was to include as many Troops and Packs as he could so that the community knew we were out there and doing strong. Wanted to have all our Scouts to join in and have a part of something that would create a memory for Scouting. He has always been about the kids; and how to include them in any opportunity he could. He also wants others to be part of this great honor as well. He says, I don’t want Scouts to be on the sidelines, He wants them right in the front and middle of the parade. He says, I love to see their faces as we walk in front opening the Parade. You can see it in their eyes and the attention they get from the bystanders. He says, my greatest experience would have to be when all the Scouts from different troops and Packs come together as one Scouting organization and share one common goal that is universal. “When you take away our Unit number off our shoulders, we are one, and that’s the Movement of Scouting”. Ah yes, His name is Michael Warren, Troop 985 Scoutmaster and has been doing this for the past Eight (8) years and will continue for as long as Scouting is around.

Recognitions

If you would like to give a shout out for a newly trained leader, please send me their name and training completed and I will add it here!

Adult Volunteer Awards

This Year’s Silver Beaver Award Recipient is Dan Fijan

District Award of Merit Recipients for 2022

• Starlight Garcia

• Salinda Lopez

• Beth Gibson

District Officers for 2023

District Chairman- Chon Cervantes

District Vice Chair- Lou Smith

District Commissioner – Doug Briscoe

Asst. District Commissioner- Tommy Martinez

Asst. District Commissioner- Gina Tisdale

Roundtable Commissioner- Drew Balandis

Areal Leadership Manager- Maricela Orendain

Unit Coordinator- Cameron Summers

Community Engagement Coordinator- Hannibol Sullivan

Nomination Chair- Tom Hutchinson

Recognition & Awards Chair- Roger Reynolds

District Finance Chair- Mary Porras

District Program Chair- Sally Grimaldi

District Activities & Civic Chair- Vacant

District Advancement Chair- Bob Mosqueda

Character Boards Chair- Dan Fijan, Chad Hoang

Project Board Director- Yogi Sankepally

Dean of Merit Badge Counselor- Dona Comire

District Camping Chair- Robert Collins

District Camping Co-Chair- Scott Neal

District Acting Training Chair- Tommy Martinez

District Calendar- Gina Tisdale

District Roster- Dona Comire

Health and Safety- Robert “Doc” Green

Community Finance Chair- Nobby Schnabel

Friends of Scouting- Mary Porras

Cook Team- Tom Garcia

District Dinner- Mary Gaither

Diversity Hike- Sally Grimaldi

Skyline Hike- Vacant

Pinewood Derby- Vacant

Pushcart Derby- Mary Gaither

Scouting for Food- Vacant

Camp-O-Ree Chair- Sally Grimaldi

Cub Day Camp- Mary Gaither

High Adventure Team- Jeff Schaffert

Order of the Arrow- Scott Neal

Venturing/Scout/Cub Scout Training- Bob Mosqueda

Merit Badge Days- Bob Mosqueda & Brian Best

Web Team- Kiran Ingle, Alex Begg, Nelson Rodriguez, Alberto Perez, Tommy Martinez

Camp Card Campaign is here!

The camp Card sale is designed to help Scouts earn funds to help offset the cost of their Scouting experience. Participating units in this program will earn 50% commission ($5.00) for each $10.00 Camp Card they sell. The sale begins March 1st and ends June 30th.

You can sign up and pre-order camp cards by going to GLAAC website and under Support Scouting, click on Unit Fundraising Opportunities (links below) for more details or contact the District Camp Card Chair.

Camp Card Pre-Order Form

Camp Card Guide Book

Staff at Summer Camp!

Camp Big Horn at Circle X Ranch is looking for Youth and Young Adults to help staff for their 2023 Summer Adventures. This opportunity will not only provide having endless amounts of fun while earning a paycheck, but it will also enrich valuable skills! Please see flyer for more info!