Pio Pico District Newsletter: March Newsletter

“March” is named for the Roman god of war, Mars. However, we think of it as the beginning of spring, as March brings the vernal equinox, the Full Worm Moon and the return of Daylight Saving Time!

Welcome to March Pio Pico!

The month of March marks the beginning of springtime. I know that this month hasn’t felt much like the spring weather we are accustomed to in Southern California. We have had a lot of rainfall, hailstorms, snowstorms and even a small tornado in Montebello! But it can’t rain all the time. Warmer temperatures are on their way, and with them comes camping and fun outdoor adventures.

One of my favorite outdoor activities is hiking. Did you know that hiking is beneficial to cognitive development and emotional health? Getting outside has been proven to increase a more positive mood by releasing endorphins. It is said that being in nature can help relax and calm the mind, which can reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. Furthermore, studies have shown that in the hippocampus region of the human brain exhibited an increase navigation and memory, thus hiking keeps the brain healthy and sharp.

Hiking is for everyone, young and old, beginner and expert. All that matters is that you get outside and start walking. Start small and grow from there, from 1 mile to 10. Let your feet and sense of adventure lead you to new paths.

Here are some main points of hiking etiquette from the US National Park Service:

Know your right of way. Check signage for the trail you are hiking and follow the correct right of way yields. Signs may vary from park to park, but these are the general guidelines of yielding on the trail. Hikers coming uphill have the right of way. If you’re descending the trail, step aside and give space to the people climbing up.

Bicyclists yield to hikers and horses or other pack stock. Come to a full stop and step to the side to give the right of way. Be mindful of the plants or animals that are near the trail if you must step off the trail. Bicyclists should always ride within their abilities. Before your visit, check individual park regulations to see if biking is allowed.

Hikers yield to horses and other pack stock. Slowly and calmly step off to the downhill side of a trail. If you approach from behind, calmly announce your presence and intentions. Horses and other pack stock can frighten easily, so avoid sudden movements or loud noises.

Make yourself known. When you encounter other hikers and trail users, offer a friendly “hello” or a simple head nod. This helps create a friendly atmosphere on the trail. If you approach another trail user from behind, announce yourself in a friendly, calm tone and let him/her know you want to pass.

Stay on the trail. Don’t step off trail unless you absolutely must when yielding. Going off trail can damage or kill certain plant or animal species and can hurt the ecosystems that surround the trail. Always practice Leave No Trace principles: Leave rocks, vegetation, and artifacts where you find them for others to enjoy.

Do not disturb wildlife. They need their space, and you need yours, too. Keep your distance from the wildlife you encounter. Some parks require you to stay a certain distance from wildlife, so check park regulations before your visit. Never leave the trail to try and get a closer look at an animal because it can hurt the habitat and the animal and put you in danger.

Be mindful of trail conditions. If a trail is too wet and muddy, turn back and save the hike for another day. Using a muddy trail can be dangerous, damage the trail’s condition, and damage the ecosystems that surround the trail.

Take time to listen. When hiking in the great outdoors, let nature do all the talking. Be respectful of both nature and the other users and keep the noise from electronic devices at bay. Not only will other visitors appreciate the peace and quiet, but so will the wildlife. Many wildlife species rely on natural sounds for communication purposes, and disrupting those sounds can hurt their chances of survival.

Be aware of your surroundings. Always be aware of your surroundings when hiking in our national parks. It will help keep you and any members of your group safe, and it will help keep wildlife and their habitats safe and healthy. Know the rules for hiking in bear country and know what to do if you encounter a bear on the trail.

National Jamboree Troop Campout at Firestone National Scout Reserve & Natural History Museum Visit

Back in February, Troop 476 participated in the National Jamboree Troop Campout. The weather dropped as low as 30 degrees. It was so cold that the top of their water buckets froze overnight! While the Scouts at Firestone Camp Reservation, Scouts worked on a conservation project for the camp. The Troop also visited the Natural History Museum.

Thank you Scoutmaster Nelson Rodriguez for sharing these photos with us!

Keep up the great work Troop 476!

Dutch Oven Cooking

On Saturday, March 18th Pio Pico Scouts spent their morning learning how to bake in a Dutch oven. We are NOT talking about your basic dump cake from a box either! These participants made delicious, homemade desserts to brag about. The best part of the day was watching the Scouts learn, fix their mistakes, and create amazing desserts. Everyone was able to taste test all the goodness.

Look out these Scouts are ready for the Dutch oven competition at Camporee next month!

Camporee Service Project

On Sunday, March 26th twenty-eight Pio Pico District Scouts participated in a service project at Prado Regional Park to help beautify this amazing park. Over the course of the morning, they scraped and painted over 36 benches. Thank you to all of our Scouts and their families that came out to support this event. Once again, our Scouts are visible and helping the communities we serve!

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!

If you would like to apply, please click the link below:

Application for Summer Camp Staff

Recruitment Materials

If you want any of the items below, please email Virginia or Cameron Summers.

There are wristbands, flashlights, stickers, Boys Life minis, and recruitment envelopes.

Please Contact Virginia Wetzel for more details: varcourt@twc.com

Stay informed at the District Roundtable!

Round table falls on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Remember, Roundtable is for everyone!

Let's get back to Scouting in person. To help get you back, we are celebrating seeing you by making foil dinner packets. Where else can you get a great dinner for $5.00? Send you payment to Ms. Mary via Zelle or Venmo.

Please remember the April Roundtable will ONLY be in person.

There will NOT be a Zoom option for the April meeting.

If you would like to join us in person we meet at the First Methodist Church 13222 Bailey St. Whittier, CA 90601.

We hope to see you there!