PAGE 1 Troop 642 · 2010-12-27 · DECEMBER 2010 - TROOP 642 NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 Camporee 2010 was great. My patrol greatly enjoyed the events and special 100th anniversary campfires,

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Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 *Yosemite Snow Shoe Page 6*Scoutmaster Corner *Camp Kern *2011 Calendar *Josua Tree Rock Climbing * Fall Court of Honor*Current Leadership *Murrietta Creek Hike *Sequoia National Park Page 5 * Webelos Woods*2010 NYLT *Camporee Page 4 *Lost Valley Summer Camp Page 7

*Ansel Adams Long Term *Cook's Corner * Scout Profiles

Happy Thanksgiving, Troop 642!Rich Rasmussen, Scoutmaster-In-Training

From here, a detailed list of the things I am thankful for would make an intolerably long “Scoutmaster Minute”, something I seem to have a knack for. I will try to be brief. Other things I am thankful for seem to group into those things, such as my health, the state of being that enables me to bear witness and interact with the universe about me… a relatively well functioning brain (some would argue this point), nervous, circulatory, digestive and respiratory systems, and sensory organs, eyes, ears, nose, touch, taste. I am thankful for a great deal of the world I perceive. A hug from a loved one, a shared moment of reverence (I have had more than my fair share), “John Muir weather”, granite, treeline, living things, art, music, literature, history, the written and spoken word, smiles, sunrises, sunsets, marriage, parenthood, love, democracy, freedom, community, the Boy Scouts of America…. I stop here, as this group is way too big to comprehensively list. Another group I am thankful for would be all of you, and your health. I am thankful for friends and family so full of giving, caring, wonder, curiosity, laughter, faith, trust, wisdom and grace. And while I am thankful for the richness of the friends I trust to count as mine right at this moment, I am also grateful for the possibility of making friends with roughly 6,883,200,000 more of you. Almost 7 billion humans, willfully drawing a breath every 5 seconds or so and probably, when given the chance to reflect, sharing in the same wonder of their unique existence as I do. There are many challenges to face in the world right now, and to “help other people at all times” can seem like a rather tall order. It just seems to me at this Thanksgiving, that a contemplation of all the gifts we have been given, is a fitting place from which to start, a place of boundless fulfillment which can only nurture a greater desire to help others share the same.

Simi Valley, California

Jack S (Flaming Aces)

Matt C (Eagles)

Chava V (Flaming Aces)

Asst Patrol LeadersTravis P (Eagles)Chris B (Dragons)

David M (Blue Falcons)

of, matter winning out over anti-matter (whew!), and the “Big Bang”. Now, even if you ponder a different path to existence, you gotta admit it’s a bit humbling, and worthy of a good deal of thanks.

Ethan L

Troop 642

Robert O (Blue Falcons)

Hunter B (Games)Patrol Leaders

Peter W (Rock Climbing)Cam T (Leave No Trace)

Instructors

Will O (Wolves)Roger K III (Dragons)

Senior Patrol Leader

This summer I had the opportunity to attend National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) in Three Falls with Kyle Stevens and Peter Witman. We spent a week learning different leadership skills. One of the skills I learned was how to effectively communicate. I had learned how to use my hands so they don’t distract the audience, but help them understand what I'm trying to say. NYLT wasn’t all work though, we had some fun. Using skills and teamwork, we had to climb a wall around 12 feet tall, but that’s not it, we also got to climb the camp’s rock wall and go geocaching. The food was also great. The best thing about NYLT was hanging out with the new people I had met. I didn’t know it at the time, but NYLT has helped me to be a better SPL.

NYLT 2010

by LUKE S

Dana SChaplain's Aide

James B (Jr.)

Travis P (Service proj)

Gabriel C

HistorianJoey A

" W h e r e E a g l e s F l y "

NEWSLETTER December 2010

Current Leadership

Luke S

Librarian

Webmaster

Asst Senior Patrol LeaderChris B

Scoutmaster Corner - "Giving Thanks" by Rich RasmussenI’m making a list… and it’s not about who’s naughty or nice, or what I want for Christmas. It is a list of some of the many things I am thankful for. It is a very big list! It rightly starts with me being thankful for being able to think about this list at all, for being alive and self-aware. Wow, that’s a big one! Many to thank here…. Mom and Dad for sure, and all my ancestors, my Creator, then best as I can tell, 3.8 billion years of evolution, living cells, an Earth forming 4.5 billion years ago, at just the right distance from its sun to be habitable to carbon-based life, super novae imploding over 13.8 billion years to make the stuff I'm made

Quartermaster

Scribe

Jr ASM / Troop GuideWill O

Alex C

DECEMBER 2010 - TROOP 642 NEWSLETTER PAGE 2

Camporee 2010 was great. My patrol greatly enjoyed the events and special 100th anniversary campfires, as well as meeting new boys from other districts. We learned sometimes it's not good to be too prepared, because we set out our sleeping bags too early and they got soaked by dew! Fellow BFs Joey, Cameron, and I made a giant spar bed for the BFs, much to the chagrin of the other boys when they found out how few spars were left! All in all, Camporee was a great experience for us!

Camporee by Robert O (April 2010)

CAMP KERN by Chris B (July 2010)

A scout from 642 carelessly jumped off a rock and broke his knee while backpacking home from Murietta Creek. Actually, this was only a drill, but it was treated as if it was a real emergency. The Trek Leader, Chris B, took command and assigned the uninjured members of the troop the jobs that were needed to evacuate the injured scout safely. Some boys were sent to find some branches that would be good for a stretcher and others were supposed to find out what would be needed to make a splint for the broken knee. But first, the scout needed to be treated for shock and checked for any other injuries. Along with Cris, some other older scouts like Luke, Dylan, Alex, and Matt took command. Peter was the victim, so he wasn’t able to help, even though he wanted to. The rescue was a success because they were able to carry the victim over rocks and streams almost two miles to safety. They celebrated this feat by having milkshakes before noon.

BREAKING NEWS: Boy Scout breaks knee and has to be evacuated from Murietta Creek Campground by Joey A (Sunday 11/07/10)

Camp Kern was the most enjoyable camp I had ever been to. Our boys had a great time and made many friends such as our guide Shaun Sherman (some of the boys keep in touch with him on facebook), Aaron the rifle merit badge instructor, and Mason Newitt, Aaron’s C.I.T. We had lots of fun doing activities like archery, rifle shooting, shotgun shooting, sailing, swimming, and EATING the great food. It was also a great place for merit badges, like shooting sports. Back at camp we enjoy hackey sacking and making fires in our free time. The layed back schedule appealed to the boys and helped make the experience even better. Given the opportunity, I think our boys would love to go a second time.


All in all, I had lots of fun and I would recommend it to any Boy or Cub Scout.

Then we went to the ranger station. There was a movie about bears and the food chain of the park. The movie told us how we could help keep bears away from humans and not hurt them.

On the way back we stopped at Buck Rock---a fire lookout station. It was on a huge rock that had a shack on the top of it. It had 172 steps to get up there. There was a bed and even a barbeque up there.

Then we went to a cave called Crystal Caverns and went spelunking. We walked along a dry river in the cave and saw some really cool rock sculptures. One was called the wedding cake and it was dripping salt that was eroding the rock below it. We saw a baby bat at the end, too.

Short Term @ Sequoia National Park by Chava V (August 2010)

When we went to the Short-term Camping Trip I knew it was going to be fun. It was at the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. When we got there the only thing that we did was set up the tent and make a fire but when I went to go to bed I was so excited that I was up till ten! The campground was awesome! There were tons of sticks on the ground and a big tree trunk and rock to sit on and a big open area at the bottom of a hill. There was also a big, open area and in the middle I saw a really cool bird.

On the first day we went to a huge rock called Moro Rock. It had steps carved in the stones and guard rails made out of boulders. At the top it was over 7,500 feet tall. It was so tall that in a clearing in the woods we saw a bear!

On the second day we went to the Kings River to go fishing. To get to Mr. Chamberlain’s secret fishing spot we had to walk through a swamp. I caught a fish and met the requirements for a fishing merit badge. After that we took a swim in the river.

February 27th, 2011

Upcoming 2011 ScheduleJanuary 14th-16th, 2011

Winter Camp @ 3 FallsFebruary 6th, 2011

New Parent OrientationFebruary 6th, 2011

Fireman / Totn ChipFebruary 19th-20th, 2011

Yosemite Snow Shoe/Car CampFebruary 26th, 2011

Scouting for Food / Care & Share

May 7th, 2011

Court of Honor - Elks LodgeMarch 5th, 2011

Geocaching in Simi ValleyMarch 26th-27th 2011Camporee Practice

April 2nd, 2011Camporee Site Cleanup

April 8th-10th, 2011Camporee

May 1st, 2011Troop Leader Training

June 17th-19th, 2011

Model Rocket ShootingMay 20th-22nd, 2011

Backpack #1June 4th, 2011

Court of Honor - BeachJune 4th, 2011

Bike Ride to COHJune 11th, 2011

Kayak Trip to Channel IslandsJune 12th, 2011

Flag Day @ Elks Lodge

August 2011 (Date TBD)

Backpack #2June 26th-July 2nd, 2011

Summer Camp - Fiesta IslandJuly 8th-10th, 2011

Backpack #3July 14th & 21st, 2011

Annual Planning MeetingsJuly 31st-Aug 6th, 2011

Summer Camp - Emerald BayAugust 8th-12th, 2011NYLT @ 3 Falls

2nd Thursday of Every MonthASM/PLC MEETINGS

3rd Thursday of Every Month

Long Term (California)August 2011 (Date TBD)

Long Term (Kauai, HI)August 2011 (Date TBD)

Short TermCOMMITTEE MEETINGS


Long Term @ Ansel Adams Wilderness (August 2010)

Snow Shoe to Dewey Point in Yosemite by Peter W (February 2010)

Rock Climbing @ Joshua Tree National Park by John A (November 2010)

Troop 642's trip to Joshua Tree this year couldn't have gone better. We got to experience all types of weather, but not until the group was able to get in a fantastic full day of rock climbing! Thanks to all the leaders (Rich R, Bill C, Peter W, Paul W, & James B jr.) who spent the day up on the rock giving their time to make our day as fun and safe as possible. With the scattered showers, we experienced a few rainbows, and even a "Moonbow" as coined by Todd C. Seeing a rainbow by the light of a full moon was a first for all of us. For the 2nd time in 4 months, I was able to visit another National Park that had breathtaking views and wonderful people. All because of Boy Scouts.

Every year, Troop 642 sends a group of boys and adults to Dewey Point. We start out at the Badger Pass ski area and hike to the area around Dewey Point. Usually, we camp out on the snow for two nights. There are several unique challenges in this environment. First, a camper has to melt snow to get water and two, you must pack out all waste, including human waste. That being said, it is a great experience and a challenge. For fun, we dig snow caves, which takes longer than you might think. Last year, we also built an igloo, upon which Mr. Kriegl smashed his ribs into while trying to knock it down. Apparently, the igloo hardened slightly overnight, since the igloo was not affected by Mr. Kriegl's hit. The scenery is also amazing, because we have a view straight across the Yosemite Valley to El Capitan. It is great fun and, as anyone who has gone can tell you, a challenge.


Lost Valley Summer Camp by James B (July 2010)

Cook's Corner with Roger Kriegl IIPeanut Butter Omelet by: Laura Binks (Backpacker Magazine)

Troop 642 Review:

Ingredients 2 eggs Butter(for 1 serving) Peanut butter (about 3 tablespoons)

Jelly (optional) Fruit (optional)In camp

Lost Valley was pretty hot. It was also very big. Everyone brought bicycles (thank you Mr. Stevens for loaning your big trailer!) and we needed them! It was hot, and we had to carry water everywhere. And we had to drink it, too. The food was very good. One time when I was there they had hotdogs that were probably as big as my forearm. I forget how many I ate. The counselors were nice and the merit badge classes were fun. I took cycling and pioneering. My favorite was cycling. I did the bicycle part of the triathalon with Hunter B and Cameron T. Several people did the Polar Bear swim every day or something. We were in the best campsite ever at Lost Valley. It took a minute to walk to the Store, and a minute to walk to the pool/bathroom, and two minutes to go to the kitchen. That was good because when we got there we were given a campsite, and after we were almost all unpacked, our counselor said we had to move! So we packed everything back up, and they gave us an awesome campsite! All of the boys worked hard on their merit badge classes. Every boy finished every merit badge, except for two badges. That's almost 40 completed merit badges! We should thank Mrs Ota, who organized the trip for us, and the parents who came to help. Mr. Locklin even drove to camp and back twice, all the way from Simi Valley, so we would have enough drivers.

As many know, I tend to over do the cooking side of our trips being known to bring a pasta machine or a dutch oven into the field. Not exactly backpacking though. So I am always looking for lightweight recipes that could be done on a longterm. I had read this article on www.backpacker.com and was intrigued, because it was simple and could be done easily on a backpack trip. My initial thoughts were the adults wouldn't go for it. I was happily surprised that everyone said yes so on the latest Murrieta Campout the adults tried this recipe. All of the adults agreed it was great! The more butter you use the better it tastes and the less clean up you will have to do. We did not use fruit or jelly so at times were were searching for the bottle of water to wash it down. There is no question we will be doing this recipe again. Just a couple of cooking tips. Eggs are very difficult to backpack, so what I always do to carry eggs on the trail is to use a recycled plastic bottle and funnel and pre-crack the eggs into the bottle for easy carrying. ~1/2 cup equals 2 large eggs. No mess and you can carry

Some ingredients just naturally make certain dishes tastier: blueberries in a pancake, oatmeal in a cookie, and peanut butter in an omelet. Yes, you read that last one right. By now, I’m sure you’re crinkling up your nose and thinking that can’t be good. Granted, PB & eggs is unusual—but it’s also delicious. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants, protein, and healthy monounsaturated fat, and will fill you up in the morning without slowing you down on the trail. Best yet: Kids love it. I wish I could take credit for coming up with this concoction, but all props go to my dad. During family camping trips in Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Park, this breakfast was a favorite for us (along with huckleberry pancakes). I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat. While the pan is warming, blend eggs together well with a fork. Once the skillet is hot, add a small amount of butter to coat the pan. Add eggs to pan. Once the eggs begin to set, put the peanut butter in a line down the middle. Once the peanut butter begins to soften and turns more gooey (you don’t want clumps of peanut butter; instead it should spread in a line down the middle), shake the pan to loosen the edges. With practice, you might be able to fold the eggs in half by flipping the pan, but if you are like me, you need the help of a spatula or utensil. To sweeten the omelet, just before you flip the eggs, add some of your favorite jelly or fresh fruit.

without worrying about breaking your eggs. For the peanut butter it is good to get it soft and with our cold nights we woke up to a hard jar. No worries. Just take the jar and place it into a pot of boiling water and the peanut butter will soften up nicely. Alternatively, REI sells reusable tubes (like toothpaste tubes). All it takes is a squeeze. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as the Rocking Chair patrol!


Fall Court of Honor - Enough Said! (October 2010)

Editor in Chief Special Thanks to the troop Photographers Special Thanks to the contributing WritersJOEY A BILL C, JOHN A, PAUL W, RICH R, RICH R, LUKE S, CHRIS B, ROBERT O, CHAVA V,

KEN B, JENNIFER R, JOEY A PETER W, JOHN A, JAMES B, JOEY A, ROGER K II

Webelos Woods (Sept 2010)


Boy Scouts is still a favorite activity of Will’s, and he plans to continue being involved with Troop 642.

Wind Ensemble, with whom he is playing for his second year. The Wind Ensemble performs advanced and college level music and won best in category at the California state competition last year. Will’s favorite subject is history, especially the medieval period, and he is particularly interested in the weaponry and warfare of the time. Will collects exotic weaponry as he is able. His favorite class this year is AP World History, but he likes his AP Biology and Honors English, too - Algebra II/Trigonometry and Spanish not so much. The Senior High Youth Group at Trinity Lutheran Church is another organization Will is involved with and he is looking forward to going to the youth gathering at Lake Hume for the first time in 2011.

Scout: Will O Rank: Eagle

“It was a season of tremendous growth both physically and mentally. Jacob was challenged in ways that tested his strength and character. I, for one, am very proud of how he greeted those challenges and worked to overcome them. His enthusiasm, commitment and perseverance were inspirational to those of us on the sidelines”. While Jacob missed several of our scout meetings, due to his rigorous practice schedule, Boy Scouts was never far from him. Jacob recalls that during one of his home games he looked up in the stands and could see Mr. Reimers and Dana Sigler cheering him on. Jacob states, “That was pretty cool”.

Will O is an Eagle Scout in Troop 642. But that’s not all he is. Will is a sophomore attending Royal High School who is always on the go. As a matter of fact he has just gotten his driver’s permit so you may see him chauffeuring his mom around town for the next six months. Will plays in the Royal baseball program. He’s usually to be found on first base, but you can see him playing third base too sometimes. He played Fall Ball in the Cal Ripken League this year, filling in as catcher when needed in addition to his usual first baseman’s position. Will is a musician. He is the first chair tuba player for Royal High School’s

Devin Reimers has played football for the past six years. The first five were with the Simi Valley Vikings. In 2008, his team won the GCYFL Super Bowl for the J2 division. This year, Devin started on both offense (right tackle) and defense (left defensive end) for the Simi Valley High School Freshman football team. Devin led the defense in tackles and sacks (averaging 7 unassisted tackles and 2 sacks per game). The freshman team finished the year with a 7-3 record. Next year Devin will be playing for the Simi Valley High School JV football team.

Troop 642 "Non Scouting" Scout Profiles

By the time his season ended Jacob was not only recognized as one of the strongest players on the team but as one its valued leaders. Nicknamed by his teammates as “The Stallion”, he was credited with several game winning plays, the highlights which include, scoring a touchdown in his first football game ever! Jacob’s mom said that she was very proud of Jacob’s first season of football.

Scout: Devin R Rank: Life

Fellow 642 Scout Jacob M recently step out of his comfort zone and walked into unknown territory… the football field. Having never played organized football before Jacob had to learn the rules of the game, memorize plays and develop the physical stamina to keep up with his fellow teammates. He did this by participating in daily practices which began in mid-July.

Scout: Jacob M Rank: Life

PAGE 1 Troop 642 · 2010-12-27 · DECEMBER 2010 - TROOP 642 NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 Camporee 2010 was great. My patrol greatly enjoyed the events and special 100th anniversary campfires,

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