January 2010

Youth Protection Training

From, Michelle Vermilye:
I just logged on to the Rio Hondo website to see if Youth Protection was being held during Roundtable, and, yes, it will be.
For those of you who need to take Youth Protection or renew your Youth Protection training, it will be held at Roundtable on Wednesday, January 20, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at First United Methodist Church, 13222 Bailey St, Whittier, CA, 90601 (uptown Whittier, across the street from the Red Cross).
Parents who intend on attending scouting events need to be Youth Protected. This is your opportunity to get the training needed and get you on your way to Troop 54 activities. This training is for adults only and children will not be allowed in the training class.
One last thing about YP training… YP training has to be completed every 2 years (not my rule, or Troop 54’s rule, but BSA rules). Some of your YP training is expiring in April 2010. So you may want to take the training during Roundtable.  Also, you may take the training online. Visit the Rio Hondo website to find out how.
And new parents… this is an opportunity for you to get trained. Don’t wait til the last minute and find yourself trying to get training before an event.
By admin, ago

High Adventure Training (HAT)

From S. Jenkins –
Per the attached notice, High Adventure Training (HAT) is only offered once per year.  The deadline for enrollment is Feb 12th, and the training will be at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro on Friday, Feb 19 to Sunday, Feb 21.  Without more trained backpack leaders, we may need to limit the number of Scouts who go on some of our planned outings. Which we hope we won’t have to do. Currently we have 3 dads (Mr. Neel, Mr. Espinoza & Mr. Vermilye) who have committed to attend the HAT training.

As an example, the outings to San Bernardino Peak, San Jacinto and San Gorgonio will all have Wilderness Permit limits of 12 persons per Group (we will hike with 8 Scouts and 4 Adults per Group per Tahquitz Peak outing last Sept).  It is likely that we may have at least 2 Groups and possible 3 for each outing and, therefore, will need more trained adults.

I hope that we can find 4-6 of the Intermediate or older Scout parents to attend this training, and 2-3 of the Beginner or younger Scout parents as well.  Whether you actually plan and lead an outing is less important than having the training to do so.

Similarly, our 2009 outings were organized by Patrol, and Scouts were given the opportunity to begin assuming responsibilities for conducting the outings (Patrol Leader and other Positions, as well as training and expectations).  For 2010, it is hoped that the Scouts who activity participated in 2009 will want to take on more proactive responsibility for planning as well as conducting our 2010 outings.  Therefore, I encourage all those who are at least 13 and First Class to enroll and attend the attached High Adventure Jr. Leader Backpack training.  Again, this is only offered once per year and has already been calendared on the Troop 54 Calendar. The date is March 27-28.

PARENTS & SCOUTS, Please consider taking one of the training classes! Thank you!
If you have any questions regarding the HAT training, email Mr. Jenkins.
Forms:
By admin, ago

Key word for 2010’s Planned Troop 54 Backpacks: “Flexibility”

Stephen L. Jenkins, AICP
Happy New Year, Everyone !!!
It is with great Joy and Optimism that I greet the New Year, and I wish the same for you and your families.  However, the key word for our planned Troop 54 Backpack outings in 2010 is “flexibility”.  Here is why (please share this update with your Scouts….there are 7 parts):

1)  Our outings in 2009 were primarily shorter backpacks (Hoegees and Bridge to Nowhere) and 10-mile day hikes to get the Scouts used to altitude and hiking 8-10 miles per day.  In 2010, our outings will all (with the exception of the first shakedown) be 15-mile backpacks over two days (see attached patch display).

2)  Our previously planned first shakedown backpack scheduled for Little Jimmy on May 8th has to be canceled because the next Skyline Hike is now scheduled for that date, and there is great uncertainty about whether that part of the Angeles Forest will re-open by May due to the ongoing assessment of the Station Fire.  However, I will be leading another 20-mile Skyline to Firestone hike on May 8th for those who did not make the last one in December.  This will be the last 20-miler for me so plan on staying in shape and joining in the fun.

3)  As a result of this schedule change, and the uncertainty of other alternative backpack locations in the San Bernardino mountains due to possible lingering snow, we will be conducting our first 2010 backpack shakedown as part of the Desert Camp on January 23-24 at Joshua Tree/29 Palms.  I will send another mail later today with more details, but it is very important for any Scout and Adult Scouter who plans on going on the subsequent backpack outings shown on the attached display of patches and medals to sign up for this shakedown outing at the Troop meeting on Monday Jan 4th.

4)  Another reason for “flexibility” is because I will be moving to Sacramento for employment reasons right after the meeting on Monday night.  While I will not be able to attend future Troop meetings, I do plan on organizing and leading the weekend activities shown on the attached patch display but will need the continued support of other adult Scouters to do so.

5)  Which brings me to the topic of Adult Backpack Leader Training.  Per the attached notice, this High Adventure training is only offered once per year.  The deadline for enrollment is Feb 12th, and the training will be at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro on Fri Feb 19 to Sun Feb 21.  Unfortunately, this is the same weekend as our Troop 54 Winter Camp.  However, without more trained backpack leaders, we may need to limit the number of Scouts who go on some of our planned outings.

As an example, the outings to San Bernardino Peak, San Jacinto and San Gorgonio will all have Wilderness Permit limits of 12 persons per Group (we will hike with 8 Scouts and 4 Adults per Group per Tahquitz Peak outing last Sept).  It is likely that we may have at least 2 Groups and possible 3 for each outing and, therefore, will need more trained adults.  I hope that we can find 4-6 of the Intermediate or older Scout parents to attend this training, and 2-3 of the Beginner or younger Scout parents as well.  Whether you actually plan and lead an outing is less important than having the training to do so.

6)  Similarly, our 2009 outings were orgainzed by Patrol and Scouts were given the opportunity to begin assuming responsilities for conducting the outings (Patrol Leader and other Positions, as well as training and expectations).  For 2010, it is hoped that the Scouts who activity participated in 2009 will want to take on more proactive responsibility for planning as well as conducting our 2010 outings.  Therefore, I encourage all those who are at least 13 and First Class to enroll and attend the attached High Adventure Jr. Leader Backpack training.  Again, this is only offered once per year and has already been calendared on the Troop 54 Calendar.

7)  Finally, and very importantly, the attached new 3-part BSA Medical Forms became mandatory on Jan 1st.  Only this Form can be used when you update your Medical Info in 2010.  With respect to our 2010 Backpack Outings, ALL  will be located in excess of 30-minutes from emergency medical treatment and, as a result, completion and compliance with the Part B standards will be mandatory.  Please take time to look the chart over.  Both Rio Hondo District and LA Council High Adventure Trainers have stressed that BSA Insurance will not cover anyone who does not meet the requirements and Scoutmasters and Tour Permit outing leaders will assume personal liability for non-compliance.  Therefore, we must require compliance.

Anyway, hope that this is helpful and useful information as we get ready for an exciting and fun 2010.  Please look for the next email later today on the signups for the Jan 23-24 shakedown backpack outing.

New 2010 BSA Medical With Consent and Hold Harmless

HAT Jr Leader Backpack Training Mar 2010

2010 Troop 54 Planned or Proposed Activity Patches

HAT Adult Leader Backpack Training Feb 2010

Stephen L. Jenkins

By admin, ago

New Updates and Changes To Our Winter Camp!!!

From:

Michelle Vermilye

NEW UPDATES AND CHANGES TO OUR WINTER CAMP!!!

The updates are as follow:
New date is Saturday February 27 thru Sunday February 28, 2009 (was 2/20 thru 2/21)
New cost is $130.00 per Scout or Parent (doing both snow activities and lodging) (was $125.00)
The attached documents provide detailed information that explain the changes such as camp availability and camp cost.
Mr. Munoz will discuss these changes at tonight’s Scout meeting and at tomorrow’s parent meeting.
Forms:

2010 Winter Camp 2-20-10

2010_FLSR_Camp_Pollock_Winter_Camp_Reservation_Form

2010_FLSR_Camp_Pollock_Winter_Camp_Flyer

2010 Winter Camp info sheet

By admin, ago

Scout Troop 54 Toy Drive: 0ver 500 toys delivered!

from Mr. Gennawey…..
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you each and everyone:   To all the Scouts and families who took the time to bring and special toy to the troop Christmas Party.  Each and every toy was a special blessing to a child who may have not received a toy this past Christmas.   I want to especially Thank the following troop members who took the time on Sunday to help. Your time and efforts were a blessing to each family and child.  Each and everyone worked hard and showed what Scouting is all about.  You were truly servant of the Lord on this special day.   Roberto, Kathyrn and Mrs. Salazar Trent Sanchez Dylan and Mr. Neel Nicholas Gee Joseph, Jacob and Mr. Encinas Kristian Lozano Isaac, Michael and Mr. /  Mrs. Vermilye Janine, Christopher and Mr. / Mrs. Gennawey     Faith Lutheran added the below article to their church bulletin and there was a special article in the Whittier Daily News.  (see the link below)   God’s Blessings Mr. Gennawey   This is what was written in the church bulletin:

WHAT A BLESSING!!! – With the combined efforts of our school children’s Chapel offerings, individual donations,

Scout Troop 54, and Thrivent funds, over 500 toys were available for the hundreds of children on campus last

Sunday.  In addition, 148 bags of food (beans, spaghetti & sauce, canned fruit & veggies, rice, broth, & peanut butter)

were distributed through the generous donation of Della Webster’s employer!  The expressions of joy and

gratitude are unforgettable, and precious memories for each of our volunteers.  The event ran like clockwork, thanks

to over 30 volunteers from church, school, and the Boy Scouts, headed by Team Leaders Lauren Aravelo (Registration),

Rick Erven (Program), Anne Blaikie (Toys), & Bruce Mattson (Parking).  As expected this year, the number of

attendees increased, yet God provided just enough toys! (We had less than 40 remaining.)  We registered 178 families

and 448 children.  Just think – over 700 people came through our campus!  Well done, good and faithful servants ! ! ! !

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR HELP AND DONATIONS!!!!!

Read newspaper article, Whittier Daily News:

http://www.whittierdailynews.com/ci_14078033?source=email

By admin, ago

Signups Monday For Jan 23-24 Backpack of Boy Scout Trail at Joshua Tree

Good Afternoon:
This is the follow-up email with details of the upcoming Backpack Outing at Joshua Tree and 29 Palms. Please share this information with your Scout.

It is very, very important that any Scout or Adult Scouter who plans on going on subsequent 2010 Troop 54 Backpack Outings attend this Outing.  In addition, anyone who only went on one of the previous backpack outings to Valley Forge (2008), or Hoegees and Bridge to Nowhere (2009), and who are interested in qualifying for future High Adventure patches needs to go on this outing since some future patches require participation on two previous training backpack outings such as this one.

PROPOSED ACTIVITY TYPE:  8-mile backpack of Boy Scout Trail at Joshua Tree National Park and overnight camp at 29 Palms.  Here is a link describing the Boy Scout Trail:
http://www.protrails.com/trail.php?trailID=156

Please note that this site describes a 16.4 mile round trip…..we will only be doing the one way hike between Keys Junction and Indian Cove Campground.

Here is a link to Joshua Tree National Park that will provide you with other background info:
http://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm

DATE:  Saturday and Sunday, January 23-24, 2010

WHY THIS ACTIVITY IS BEING PLANNED:  This outing will continue training Scouts to prepare for planned 15-mile round trip (7-8 miles per day) overnight backpack outings later this year.  Because of uncertainty over access to Little Jimmy and other hikes in Angeles Forest due to the Station Fire, we are shifting our shakedown backpack hikes to the desert before it heats up in late April and May.  The other positive is that we will get to see the wildflowers bloom in the desert.

WHO CAN ATTEND: Any Scout or Adult Scouter who has gone on a previous backpack outing of at least 5 miles or completed a 10 mile day hike.  Others should talk to Mr. Jenkins about their experience and desire.

ASSISTANT ADULT TOUR LEADER NEEDED:  As I mentioned in the previous email, I will be relocating to Sacramento.  I plan on leading and participating in this Outing but will need to coordinate with an Adult who can handle the local logistics at the Troop meetings and coordinate with the preparations for the Desert Wilderness Camp.  Please let me know if you are interested in working with me on this.  This will be a great learning opportunity.

COORDINATION WITH DESERT WILDERNESS CAMP OUTING:  Mr. Taylor and Mr. Born will begin signups on Monday for the Desert Camping outing at 29 Palms scheduled for January 23-24.  We will hike the Boy Scout Trail to Indian Cove Campground during the morning and early afternoon on Saturday Jan 23rd, and then drive to nearby 29 Palms and join the Desert Wilderness Camp in progress for the rest of Saturday and Sunday.

SIGN-UP’s:  Sign-ups  will take place during the Troop meeting  this coming  Monday, Jan 4th.  There will not be a limit on the number of participants, and we will be hiking by Patrol.  Permission Slips and Medical Consent Forms will be distributed at the Troop meeting on January 11th to those who sign up.

CONCEPT and PRELIMINARY ITINERARY:
This is planned as a day hike with overnight camping.  We will leave the Church around 5:30am on Saturday, January 23rd and return during the afternoon on Sunday, January 24th.

We will not follow the exact route of the Boy Scout Trail as shown in the above web link.  Instead, the Scouts will gain experience in map reading and orienteering as they start and end the hike by walking cross country through the desert.  This will be a new and exciting opportunity that will expand their abilities, teamwork and awareness of their surroundings.  This outing is mostly level during the first half and downhill during the second half.  It should be easier than the hikes of Baden Powell, and 3 T’s last year, and probably about the same as the Bridge to Nowhere backpack.

TRAINING AND ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:  Troop 54 Advancement Coaches are encouraged to participate and work with the Scouts in meeting advancement requirements during the outing.

COST:  Cost will cover food and transportation, and the exact amount will be determined in coordination with the Desert Wilderness Camp outing.  Those who sign up for the Boy Scout Trail back will be notified of the cost in the Permission Slip that is to be distributed at the Troop meeting on January 11th.

Let me know if you have questions.  See you at the Troop meeting.

Thank you.

Stephen L. Jenkins

By admin, ago