The National Jamboree has come to an end but the memories keep living thanks to the web. Here is the link to great video, photos and stories about the two-week long extravaganza!
http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2010/08/jamboree-memories-stored-in-videos-photos-and-words.html
BUCKSKIN REUNION
Calling all Buckskin Men! Calling all Buckskin staff!
Buckskin is having a reunion at Camp Emerson on Sept. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a picnic lunch, any Buckskin memorabilia and the family! Let's celebrate 40 years of Buckskin! It's also the centennial of the Boy Scouts of America, another reason to celebrate!
Sign up at the website listed below:
http://bit.ly/bdQXyu
Keep up with the latest news on the reunion here at the blog!
Share this announcement with people who have attended and staffed Buckskin or know people who have! Get the word out on Facebook and MySpace!
For more information, contact Bob Quezada at rquezada777@hotmail.com
By Dennis Greene
As part of his Hiking Merit Badge, my grandson and Life Scout, Andy Greene, needed to complete a 20-miler. He scheduled the 29th of May on which to launch that hike and, as his grandfather, I volunteered to trudge along with him. I've been a life-long camper, hiker, and Scout leader, so, I was certain that we'd enjoy spending time together, and meeting a physical challenge.
As usual, we studied maps of the local wildlife areas; took a gander at the Santa Ana River course as it snaked in, out and through the Riverside County communities; drew up a list of essentials (first-aid, compass, map, grub and H2O); selected our resting sites, and picked a halfway point at which we'd meet up with Andy's dad, Thomas, to replenish supplies if necessary and to catch a breather.
We also decided to toss an additional challenge into the mix: we'd see if we could complete the effort in less than six hours. Allotting seven hours for the entire trek (which would include one hour's worth of rest breaks) we determined that the hike could be made within the remaining six hours. To accomplish the task, we'd need to maintain a decent pace; - averaging about 3.5 miles per hour; - it seemed do-able. We had already taken our pre-summer-camp physicals, and we both exercise fairly regularly, so, we were good-to-go. Yep; - everything looked good on paper. (We even had a Plan 'B').
At 0800, on the 29th, we were at the launch site. At 0815 - our backpacks hoisted and cinched - we headed out; - a beautiful Saturday morning with a strong, steady breeze blowing across the Santa Ana River wildlife areas (we would be walking into the wind for the first length of the journey, but, it'd be with us on the return trip ... and that'd be a good thing). My eldest grandson and I headed out across the wildlife areas - aiming for a half-way point referred to as, 'Scout Lane'. According to the maps, 'Scout Lane', would be found on the eastern side of Mt. Rubidoux, just off Mission Boulevard; - it seemed like a perfect spot for a Kodak Moment!
Andy and I had a great experience; - kind'a figured we would; - nothing better than a hike for two dudes on a Saturday in Southern California. The jaunt - in full - was actually 22 miles. The added two miles was in regard to the fact that we neglected to take into consideration the 1 mile "to-and-from" distance between where we parked our truck, and the actual starting/end point for the hike. (Oh, well ... live n' learn).
It was 77 degrees at hike's launch, and it would be 89 degrees at trek's end (a little warm for a hustle-up hike, but, the experience was worth it). We witnessed any number of hawks chowing down on squirrels, snakes and what turned out to be a hapless rabbit (so much for the "lucky" rabbit's foot).
'Plan B' was activated about mile 8.5 when the obvious realities of our map came into conflict with grandpa's stubbornness. In this instance, the Plan B route worked out wonderfully (if nothing else, we're flexible). The alternate course took us through a beautiful segment of Riverside that neither of us had ever seen before; - a bit of urban hiking at that point!
It took us a total of 6 hours and 39 minutes to complete our Trek O' Plenty - meaning that we had a whole 21 minutes to spare (about the time it would have taken Andy to hastily bury me aside the Santa Ana River 'cause I was about dead by the end of this hike).
In that time span, we took approximately 65 minutes in breaks, so, our actual hiking time was 5 hours and 34 minutes for an average of 3.58 MPH (give, or, take a blister, or, three). It's my belief that Andy would certainly have broken the 4 MPH mark had he not been dragging my overweight, aged, blistered, near-lifeless carcass for the last two miles (allowing me to tag along with him was, indeed, a Scout-worthy, "good turn").
All-in-all, it was a great experience; - enabling us to take in the scenery and terrain of our local wildlife areas while working up a sweat, and getting' plenty of sunshine.
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation recognizing the BSA's 100th Anniversary, "Celebrating the Adventure, Continuing the Journey."
Supervisor Bob Buster presented the proclamation Tuesday to CIEC's scout executive, Joseph Daniszewski. Also attending the presentation were Tracy Youden, Mt. Rubidoux District executive; Robert Quezada and Lou Monville III, CIEC executive board; Carol Walls, Mt. Rubidoux Day Camp Chair and den leader with Pack 29; and Melissa Smith, den leader with Pack 97.
Supervisors John F. Tavaglione, Jeff Stone, John J. Benoit and
Marion Ashley also joined in the presentation.
By Kurt Wochholz
BSA Temescal District 100th Anniversary Chair
On the morning of April 24, almost 500 people came together to perform one of the largest environmental clean-up operations in the history of the Temescal District Boy Scouts of America. The clean-up was carried out along the Tin Mine Creek from Chase Avenue to the National Forest boundary on Skyline Drive in Corona at the base of the Santa Ana Mountain Range. Additionally, debris was removed from over 60 acres of land between the creek bed and the adjacent foothills.
Those who joined in the effort were approximately 450 scouts, leaders, parents, and siblings who worked to bring in the large amount of debris to roll-off containers supplied by the events co-sponsor Waste Management.
The Corona Fire Department had paramedics standing by for any possible mishaps as well as its Explorer Scouts, who cooked up a great lunch for all of the volunteers. The Corona Police Department's CSV radio unit provided 7 volunteers to aide with communications over the ½ mile long stretch of land. Planning for the effort also included Corona's Parks and Community Services.
To kick off the event, Corona's Mayor Karen Spiegel spoke to the crowd, thanking them for their volunteering to clean-up what had become a trash ridden region of otherwise beautiful landscape at the base of the local wilderness.
Scouts removed furniture, beds, tires, a refrigerator, an exercise machine, abandon pieces of steel and concrete, and even the remains of a suspected former drug growing encampment. A contingent of volunteers was lead by Debra Clarke of the National Forest Service to work within the NFS boundary on a specially planned project. The total weight of the removal reached 5 ½ tons.
This area is heavily used by joggers, bicyclists, hikers, and cyclists as they enjoy the out-of-doors in their own ways. The passers-by were giving thumbs-up and heaps of thanks for the scouts' efforts in helping to restore what they come to enjoy. By the end of the day, a slow drive along Skyline Drive to examine the results provided an almost pristine view of a once heavily fouled area.
Yet the greatest reward of all came in seeing the faces of the volunteers as they smiled with satisfaction over their involvement in being a part of such a magnificent effort. If one thing could be said for this event it would be that they truly Did Their Best.
The leaders of this organized effort would like to give a heartfelt thanks to all that participated.
By Michael Hare
Every year for the last 100 years, there has been an Easter Sunrise Service at the top of Mt. Rubidoux. It was all started by Frank Miller, owner of the Mission Inn, who took a group of 100 people up before dawn to celebrate Easter Sunrise. For almost as long, the Boy Scouts have been lighting the way.
As a service to the city, the local chapter of the Order of the Arrow organizes all of the Packs, Troops and Crews from Riverside to come out the day before Easter to clean and repair all of the trails leading to the top of Mt Rubidoux. The scouts then return before dawn early Sunday morning to be on the trails to provide lights for residents, so they can safely reach the top.
The effort was organized and led by the scouts of the Wanaki Chapter under the direction of Ian Hare, a life scout from Troop 90. We even had some scouts from the Aca Chapter come and help out.
This year was the 93rd consecutive year the scouts have performed this service for the city. From this annual project, the Boy Scouts of the Mt. Rubidoux district are able to give back over 1,000 man hours of service and dedication to the City of Riverside.
Why Scouting? Here is one video response -- created by an Eagle Scout -- that explains why youths and adults should consider the Boy Scouts as their activity of choice.
Charles Dewey, of Corona, received the Eagle Scout award, which is the highest advancement honor the Boy Scouts of America offers, on March 6 in a special Court of Honor held by the Woman's Improvement Club of Corona.
Dewey, a member of Troop 251 and a senior at Corona High School, received the honor after earning 27 merit badges, serving in several troop leadership positions, and completing a community service project.
His project was to donate a professional quality high-definition camcorder to the theater department at his school and design and build four large wooden storage units for the theater department.
For more than four decades, boys have learned to become leaders through Buckskin youth leader training. Whether you were a participant or served on staff, you made a lot of memories: the American Heritage Campfire, the night the wind blew, the Adventure trail, mail call, your patrol -- the list is endless.
Let's relive those memories!
As part of the Centennial of the Boy Scouts of America, Buckskin is having a reunion! It's open to anyone from any course! Families are invited!
SAVE THE DATE
When: Saturday, Sept. 11
Where: Camp Emerson
Details will forthcoming. Look for more here at the CIEC blog. We'll have a sign-up list on the Web, too.
In the meantime, post your comments here! We're looking for alumni to get the word out!
By Dennis Greene
Thursday evening, March 11, 2010, the Lone Scout 1 Patrol, together with Scouts representing Troop 54 from Corona opened up the 2010 CNOA Region 5 ceremonies at the Los Serranos Country Club in Chino Hills by presenting the Colors (bugle call included!) and leading an audience of well over 100 local, state and federal law enforcement personnel in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Troop 54 Scoutmaster Darren Nugent led a contingent of six Scouts including: Tyler Nugent (Life Scout), Nicholas Sahli (Life Scout), Austin Wade (Life Scout), Brennan Wade (Life Scout), Anthony Ferreri (First Class Scout), and Brian Freeman (Star Scout). Together with Lone Scouts Andrew Greene (Life Scout) and Ian Wilgus (Tenderfoot Scout) the Scouts from Temescal District performed outstandingly.
Andrew Greene (serving as Caller for the Color Guard) also did a fine job of reciting the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan. Ian Wilgus (wearing a World War II era 82nd Airborne uniform in honor of the storied "All-American" unit) led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
There are a number of former Boy Scouts within the ranks of the CNOA Region 5 membership, making the exceptional performance by Troop 54 and the Lone Scouts all-the-more meaningful for the audience.
Scouting has brought families and communities together for 100 years to prepare Americas youth to live, work, and play with character and integrity. Join the BSA in celebrating the adventure and continue the journey into the next century.
For almost 20 years, Mr. D's Tuxedo and Camping Supplies has been the center of Scouting in the Norco/Corona area. Mr. D's was a BSA National Supply Distributor. Not only could a Scout get well-dressed but also purchase BSA uniforms and equipment. The store was the location for many Eagle Board of Reviews, Scout activity meetings and the place to hang out for Scout leaders.
But it's end of an era as business owner and longtime Scout leader Gary DeFraene closed the store. During its 19 and half years, Mr. D's has been located in stores first at Parkridge, then on Main Street and then again on Parkridge. His last location also had offices for the Corona field office for the council professional staff. Those offices have also been closed.
Gary left the business -- his last day was Jan. 15 -- but he hasn't left Scouting. He is active on the Temescal District committee and once again will serve on Foxfire Youth Leader Training in June.
By Ron Baker
The 3 Peaks District Dinner was held in January in Hemet and recognized the services to the district by many adult volunteers.
Perry, Donna and Cody Hiestand were named Scout Family of the Year. The Award of Merit was presented to Mike Archer, Doug Olsen and Jennifer Lane. The Award of Merit is the highest recognition that can be presented by the district to adult leaders.
Crew Leader of the Year was presented to Kenneth Kas. Brock Baker was named Assistant Scoutmaster of the Year. Perry Hiestand of Pack 46 was named Cubmaster of the Year. Mark McCraken of Pack 310 was named Den Leader of the Year.
The dinner included the presentation of the Wood Badge beads to Barbara Brock. Wood Badge is a national leadership training course for adults.
The 3 Peaks District covers the Hemet, San Jacinto, Menifee and surrounding communities.
Leaders of the Mt. Rubidoux District held their annual dinner on January 29, to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of adult volunteers in support of local Scouting units.
Recognitions included the Silver Beaver Award, District Award of Merit, and Unit Scouter Awards. In addition, the 2010 District Committee was installed. The Award of Merit was presented to Barbara Archibeque, Joe Ortiz, John Querns and Jim Nelson for their exceptional service to the district.
The Mt. Rubidoux District serves the communities of Riverside, Jurupa, Pedley, and Rubidoux.
The council presented the Silver Beaver Award to 13 adult leaders for their service to the Boy Scouts of America during the annual recognition dinner held Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Moreno Valley Conference and Recreation Center.
The recipients are: Larry P. Agre, Michael A. Bentley, Thomas D. Cherry III, Stephen F. Lang, Cheryl Ann Lannon, Dr. C.E. Tapie Rohm, Jr., Suzette Flores Romero, Thomas W. Paulson, Timothy W. Purvis, John D. Querns, Victor M. Torres, Jr., Mark E. Triplett and Ryan R. Williams.
The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council. The Silver Beaver is an award given to those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service. It is given to those who do not actively seek it.
By Kurt Wochholz
Temescal District BSA 100th Anniversary Committee Chair
After months of planning and preparation, the Boy Scouts of America for the Temescal District held their Centennial Scout Sunday service on Feb. 7 at Nellie Weaver Hall in Norco.
The attendance by nearly 500 Scouts and Scouters made this event a big success. A procession of scouts was lead into the hall by Scout drummer Joshua Young as they carried their individual unit flags to the front of the stage.
The program was conducted by the scouts themselves as each of over 20 members presented a portion of the program. Scout Leader Keith Armbruster lead the attendees in Amazing Grace with his bagpipes, and, after the closing benediction was read, all members exited the stage in a quiet procession.
The special nature of this commemorative event was felt by all, including Inland Empire Council Executive Joe Daniszewski and his wife. Everyone appeared to walk away with their own exceptional memories of an event that can come only once in a lifetime. Following the service, refreshments were provided from donations by Tampico Beverages and Kraft Foods.
The city of Norco graciously provided the hall and sound system. The event was organized by Roxanne Miller and came off so well because of all of the scouters who pitched in with time, materials, and effort to add to the overall outcome.
The next special centennial activity for 2010 for the Temescal District will be an Environmental Clean-up held on April 24 at the base of the Santa Ana Mountain range in cooperation with Waste Management and the National Forest Service.
For more information, contact Kurt Wochholz at
kurtwochholz@earthlink.net or 949-933-8057
The City of Corona on Wednesday presented its proclamation recognizing Feb. 8 as "Boy Scouts of America Centennial Celebration Day."
The proclamation was received by members of troops, packs, and crews from the Corona area who also presented the colors at the start of the meeting and conducted the Pledge of Allegiance.
The event was carried live on local cable television and on the internet.
Mayor Karen Spiegel presented the document to Roxanne Miller, who led the effort for the Temescal District to procure proclamations from Corona, Norco, Chino, and Chino Hills as well as from the state senate and assembly, the governor, and even former First Lady Nancy Reagan.
This initial phase of the district's Boy Scouts of America Centennial celebration activities will conclude with Scout Sunday on Feb. 7 in Norco at the Nellie Weaver Hall, where Scouts will conduct a service in reverence to this special day.
On April 24 in recognition of Earth Day activities, Scouts will work with Waste Management and the National Forest Service to give back to their community in a large scale clean-up effort at the base of Skyline Drive at the foot of the Santa Ana Mountains. More activities will continue through the end of the year throughout the district.
The Boy Scouts of America turns 100!
Here's a link to the BSA page on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/BSA100years
By Denise Hudgens
This past summer Venturing Crew 283 had its Super Activity at Grand Canyon National Park.
A Super Activity is a week long trip (like going to summer camp) that the teens have planned and raised funds.
Our trip started in Sedona, AZ. We spent the day at Slide Rock State Park, a natural water slide. It was so much fun playing in the water. Next, we moved onto the South Rim of the Grand Canyon where we did some hiking and sight-seeing. We ended by going to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon where we went horseback riding and did more hiking. This was a great trip. I was very proud of our Crew President for planning and executing such an adventurous trip.
Ryan Smith of Moreno Valley has earned the Eagle Scout award, highest advancement honor the Boy Scouts of America offers.
Ryan, 16, received the award Jan. 16 at the Moreno Valley Elks Lodge. The ceremony included presentations by Richard Stewart, Moreno Valley mayor, and Judy Smith, exalted ruler of the Moreno Valley Elks.
Ryan is a member of Troop 214, chartered by Elks Lodge 2697.
To receive the honor, the teen earned 27 merit badges, served in more than eight troop leadership positions and completed a community service project.
His project was to paint a 32-by-24-foot map of the United States on the playground at Calvary Chapel Christian School in Moreno Valley.
He raised funds for the project by selling snow cones and ice cream after school with the help of other scouts.
Ryan and other troop members went on a backpacking trip last summer at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, N.M.
He plans to attend college to study engineering after graduating from high school in 2011.
Ryan attends Calvary Chapel Christian School. His troop is in the California Inland Empire Council.
By Dennis Greene
Lone Scout Counselor-Guide
The Temescal Districts' Andrew Greene and Ian Wilgus - 'The Lone Scout '1' Patrol - will be heading up the Color Guard and leading the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance at the, California Narcotic Officers' Association annual awards dinner on March 11, 2010.
Early in 2009, the CNOA and the Lone Scout '1' Patrol became allied due to the many similarities between the basic principles of Scouting and the CNOA: an abiding respect for duty, honor; adherence to the highest quality of training measures; camaraderie; individual initiative; and an enthusiastic appreciation for the outdoor life.
Ian and Andrew also discovered that a number of CNOA associates had, themselves, been members of the Boy Scouts, and a few of their members had attained the rank of Eagle Scout.
The CNOA is the largest non-profit Training Association in California with more than 7,000 members. Every year it honors the memory of Lieutenant Al Stewart who was killed in the line of duty in 1973.
Al Stewart was head of the county's Regional Narcotics Task Force and one of the founding members of CNOA. The, 'Alfred E. Stewart Memorial Award', was created in 1973 to memorialize Al by honoring the individual achievement of working narcotic officers.
Robert Bradley Jenson, son of Brad and Christa Jenson, received his Eagle Regalia on Dec. 19, 2009, at a Court of Honor held to recognize his achievement in Boy Scouts. Robert started scouts eight years ago as a Wolf Scout in Pack 495.
Robert was a high achiever then and progressed through Cub Scouts to earn the Arrow of Light the highest award in Cub Scouts. Robert moved onto Boy Scouts in Troop 495, where he was privileged to have his father as his Scoutmaster. He moved through Scouts at a rapid pace.
Robert has served as Den Chief for Pack 210 for the past four years. Robert set many goals and he worked through the trials.
He planned an Eagle Project to refurbish an equestrian trail at Lake Perris. This project was very successful, and 180 service hours were contributed to his project.
He has earned a total of 31 merit badges. He passed his Eagle Board of Review on September 23, 2009, whereupon he gained the title Eagle Scout.
He a member of Crew 495 in Moreno Valley and is now working on earning his first palm.
By Tracy Youden
The Boys Scouts of America has appointed council member Robin Hastings of Moreno Valley to District Chairperson for the 5 Nations District, Perris, Menifee and Nuevo.
Hastings stated her goal is to improve the life of a child, improve fundraising efforts and appoint individuals with the same passion to achieve these goals. Hastings believes the Boys Scouts of America should be made available to all youth in the community. Although the organization is facing financial difficulties, Hastings welcomes the challenge of facing those challenges head on; "challenges bring opportunities and I am excited about the possibilities."
Robin Hastings has been a Girl Scouts mom for her daughter and Cub Scouts mom for her son.
"I have always believed in the ideas and values of the BSA organization," she said.
Robin Hastings was sworn in as Moreno Valley Council Member in November 2008. She has worked for elected officials since 1998 and says she has always found the challenges in the field of politics challenging, frustrating and rewarding.
"Everyday is different with new challenges and great rewards," she said.
Hastings believes our community has a responsibility to step up to the challenge in theses difficult financial times to assist a great organization like the BSA maintain its success in improving a child's life. Asked if she had a favorite quote she quoted Riverside County Supervisor Marion Ashley in saying "If you have talent and ability, you have a God given responsibility to share those."
Hastings will be taking that quote from words and placing them into action.
