Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Pio Pico District Newsletter- April

Welcome to April Pio Pico!

Spring is officially here folks! It is a time for new beginnings and bloom. Speaking of bloom, thanks to all the rain we’ve had recently, the once dried hills of Southern California are filled with native flowers, what some people would call as a “super bloom”. I encourage you to take advantage of this time and enjoy the outdoors, it’s the perfect weather. I also hear that there is still some snow left up in the mountains for any skiers or snowboarders to venture out in, or even maybe a last-minute campout in the snow before it all melts away. Speaking of which, I want to take a moment for a word of caution. As the weather heats up, all the snowfall is going to melt downstream. If you are out hiking with your unit or family, please be mindful of any rivers that you cross, the waters may be high, and currents may be powerful so please proceed to use caution when crossing.

 

Have fun and remember the Outdoor Code and the Leave No Trance Principals. I hope to see you out on the trails!

 



Earth Day and Scouting


Earth Day was created back in 1970. It started because a US Senator from Wisconsin had organized a national demonstration to raise awareness about environmental issues. Senator Gaylord Nelson was not a Boy Scout from what I researched but he did have a great concern about issues that affected the environment. Thanks to Senator Nelson, his awareness brought on rallies across the country and later, through his efforts created the Environmental Protection Agency. Now it should be said that the Boys Scouts of America has been active in conservation and environmental studies long before Earth Day was created, dating back to 1910. Environmental care and conservation have always been a part of the BSA legacy by helping conserve wildlife, forests, soil, and water. Today there are ample opportunities for Scouts to earn awards and merits for their work towards conservation work with the environment. Below are a few to mention:


Cub Scout World Conservation Award 
Available to Cub Scout Ranks: Wolf, Bear, Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts
Scouts BSA World Conservation Award
Venturing World Conservation Award
Conservation Good Turn Award
Earned by youth and adult members
National Outdoor Badge- Conservation
Earned by Scouts BSA, Sea Scouts or Venturers.
Keep America Beautiful Hometown USA Award
Earned by Scouts BSA members.
Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award
Earned by all Cub Scouts.
The National Service Scout Ranger Program
The program invites Scouts and Cub Scouts to participate
BSA SAFE Service Project Resources
Before your next service project, please take a look at these two updated risk assessment tools to maintain a SAFE Scouting experience.


For more information on these awards please go to: 

https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/conservation-and-environment/conservation-awards-and-recognitions/






Pio Pico Camporee -Spring 2023

On April 14-16, 2023, over 350 Scouts and Scout Leaders attended the Harry Potter themed "Weekend at Hamwarts" Pio Pico District Camporee at Prado Regional Park. The fog rising off the lake on Saturday morning was mesmerizing and added to the aura of the Camporee. The sunsets were glorious! Perfect weather for Camporee!

 

At the opening ceremony, each Troop SPL had their turn to reach into the Sorting Bag and find out which House (Palendorn, Firesong, Grizlestorm, or Embrador) their troop was to be in. This Camporee the Scouts not only worked for their Patrol and Troop; but they also competed for their House! Scouts and Cubs participated in magical skills and games; found a few snitches, rats, snakes, and striped socks; and captured some Owls on the Loose. Points were awarded to Houses throughout the day for exception acts of Scout skills and adherence to the Scout Oath and Law. The Dutch Oven Competition was tasty but the overall competition between the Houses was fierce. The SPLs of each House had to collaborate to field a Quidditch Team, a Riddle Solving Group and some Spell Casters to compete in the House Games.

 

Saturday night we had a real Campfire! Awards were made and the Troops of the winning House, Grizlestorm, were given framed certificates and wands, although they did have to decide which Troop got the golden broom! At campfire's end a very respectful Flag Retirement by Troops 394 Boys and 394 Girls was held, retiring over 20 US flags. The after-Campfire smore's were enjoyed by all.

 

That's a wrap! See you all on October 13-15, 2023, where we will be transported back to Ancient Egypt.

 

 







 






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


Stay informed at the District Roundtable!

 

Round table falls on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm. Roundtable is now meeting in person, and we want to see you there! Come down and join us for a meet & greet with GLAAC’s new CEO/ Scout Executive Bob Kurkjian. We will have S’mores and coffee. Tables will be set up with fliers and information to share. We will also have a Scout unit do flag and opening thoughts.

Remember, Roundtable is for everyone! Not just unit leaders.

Come join us in person! We meet at the

First Methodist Church 13222 Bailey St. Whittier, CA 90601.

We hope to see you there!






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:


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    
 


Upcoming Events in Pio Pico

  


SAVE THE DATES:

June 14th- Pio Pico District Picnic

June 19-23rd- Cub Scout Day Camp



H.A.T Training Corner




Save the dates:

06/06/2023- HAT Meeting


Council Training Dates:


WOOD BADGE- Registration is already closed but it will be back next year!









      




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