Category: Newsletter

by Matty S, Troop Historian

Our journey began at the Millbrae BART station, where we gathered and split into groups. After a delightful brunch at the Ferry Building, we boarded a ferry to Angel Island.

Upon arriving on the island, we headed to the immigration center to learn about its history. Next, we set off on a challenging yet rewarding hike to the summit of Angel Island. Along the way, we were treated to breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay Area. Reaching the top of the hill, we engaged in an intense game of ‘Vroom.’

As we descended the hill, we bid farewell to our day trip scouts. Upon reaching our campsite, we played a game of ultimate frisbee and prepared for dinner. During dinner, a group of first and second-year scouts transformed into ‘paparazzi,’ eagerly seeking autographs and flashing their flashlights at the senior scouts.

After a satisfying dinner and some ‘paparazzi’ activity, we gathered around a campfire (without the fire) and performed our skits, which included some hilarious stand-up comedy from Austin. A group of older scouts then embarked on a night hike to the summit of Angel Island.

As we ventured into the night, we were captivated by the same stunning views of San Francisco Bay, illuminated by the city’s lights. Upon reaching the top, we heard chatter and then an unexpected appearance of adults wearing crowns of leaves illuminated by lights. It was a real Scooby Doo moment!

In our quest to unravel the mystery, we found clues such as a cheese wrapper, a cracker, and a giant ant. Ultimately, we concluded that the adults had summoned the ant using a charcuterie board.

During our time on the island, I had the privilege of interviewing Calvin Baxter, one of our senior scouts. He shared his thoughts on this year’s Angel Island outing, noting that Bart this year was more organized compared to last year. He also expressed his enjoyment of the night hike to the top of Angel Island.

As the day drew to a close, we headed back to camp. Early the next morning, a couple of our leadership scouts embarked on a hike back to the immigration center. The eerie ambiance was created by the darkness and the continued illumination of the immigration center’s lights, as well as the spooky squawking of a bird. After reaching the shore, we engaged in a refreshing tai chi session amidst the breathtaking sunrise. 

Subsequently, we returned to camp, initiated breakfast preparations, and efficiently packed up our belongings. Then, we set off on another hike, this time to the welcome center, where we first stepped foot on the island. During our journey, we had the privilege of spotting a majestic bald eagle soaring overhead. Upon reaching the welcome center, we boarded the ferry back to the Ferry Building. From there, we swiftly made our way to the Embarcadero and caught the Bart straight back to Millbrae. Our scouts thoroughly enjoyed this outing, and we eagerly anticipate embarking on a similar adventure next year!

By Matthew S

 We’ve had a fantastic start! To kick things off, we had our annual parent-scout outing at Mount Madonna on the weekend of September 11. 

When scouts arrived, they were greeted by our senior scouts’ pioneering project, a watchtower. Throughout the weekend we engaged in various activities like capture the flag, a carrying relay race, and an adults vs scouts wiffle ball game (as always, the parents won). 

That night, we held a campfire where we performed skits, and our senior scouts performed the song ‘Upside Down’ with our fearless leader, Ethan Hua playing guitar. Late in the evening, we solemnly held a 9/11 memorial service that included a flag retirement ceremony.

This month, an exciting lineup of events is planned, including our highly anticipated Angel Island backpacking trip. This outing promises to be an adventure of two parts: a day trip and an overnight backpacking experience. We also have a service project, the Troop Scouting for Food Drive for Samaritan House, which is coming up. We eagerly anticipate a fantastic month ahead and, as always, a remarkable scouting year filled with service, community, and adventures!

Before the Scouting Year officially kicked off, the Greenbar scouts spent a fun weekend at Sam McDonald Park in Pescadero for a weekend of leadership training, games, pioneering, first aid skills, and primitive cooking.

The weekend started off with a short backpacking hike to our Modoc Campground with a brief stop at another camp were we practiced carrying scouts using various methods like the fireman’s carry, chair carry, and a rope litter. Scouts ended that portion of the day with a few competition games, including a long jump game and a carry relay. Congratulations to patrol 2 for winning!

After lunch, the day continued with first aid training including treating a very bloody looking Brandon, and Mr Hua having a “seizure” during a teaching session. Then unfortunately 4 scouts were “struck by lighting” so we had to be prepared for anything.

The ILST teaching scouts completed their modules that afternoon and the troop then practiced making a log lift apparatus that we used for morning flags the next day. That evening patrols had to cook meals over an open fire, using a grill, dutch oven, or foil. One patrol even made a Beef Wellington! YUM!

Campfire was particularly memorable with several new skits and Austen’s debut comedy show. All in all it was a great weekend filled with many challenges and fun activities.

By MJ K, Troop Historian

The Scouts had an exciting time learning to sail and fish during their trip to Florida. They began by visiting an alligator farm and exploring the Everglades, where they encountered exotic animals and wild iguanas. After a night in Miami, they enjoyed a day at the beach and prepared some food. Their adventure continued at the sea base, where they received instructions and were shown around before dinner. Then, they boarded a boat and sailed on the bay, indulging in fishing and catching a shark among other fish. Returning to the sea base, they spent the next day snorkeling, although some experienced seasickness. Sailing back to the base the following day, they enjoyed dinner and a presentation. The next morning, they engaged in kayak fishing, snorkeling, and sunset paddling. Finally, they participated in a service project and celebrated with a Luau featuring various enjoyable activities.

By MJ K, Troop Historian

During the outing, the group engaged in various activities. Their favorite part was building a snow shelter, which involved crafting a shelter beneath the snow with a sled serving as a door. Sleeping in something self-made added to the enjoyment. Additionally, they stayed in a cabin equipped with heaters, where they enjoyed intense card games. They started by walking up a snowy hill on Saturday. It was hard work with the snowshoes. They spent the night in a warm cabin, playing exciting card games. The next day, they slid down the slopes on sleds, which was a lot of fun. The best part was when they reached the top of a hill and saw the whole valley below them. The sunset was amazing! It made the whole trip even more exciting and beautiful.

By MJ K

The Gold Rush outing, Our Third outing of the scouting year happening 6th- 8th was an incredible outing. It was our second time attending and was an amazing opportunity for everyone who went. We started our weekend by hiking up not One but Two hills to arrive at our amazing campsite. We not only had Canvas tents (Premade Tents) but we were also allowed to do cleaning in the kitchen due to our campsite not having a water spigot. The next day we started the morning by hosting our very own flag ceremony for everyone attending Gold Rush
.

Our Scouts were in Full Uniforms and were able to do a Tight, Respectful, and Clean Flag Ceremony. After we had started the day strong we moved into creating 3 patrols for the Gold Rush Challenge.

If you complete 8 stations as a patrol, you will get a certificate and stake your claim on BCSR land. If your patrol completes 6 more stations after the 8 bringing you to 14 you would get a special prize. After a long day right before a competition, we were notified that our 3 patrols were completed. We got the certificates First, Second, and Third giving our competing scouts even more motivation to do their best. During the competition, it was rough and challenging, but our scouts were able to use the skills they learned to persevere and complete the challenge. 

 
Later that night scouts used a unique currency linked to the Gold Rush, to buy and enjoy some old-fashioned root beer, and freshly popped popcorn.

The day finished with us attending an amazing campfire hosted by a fellow troop. The following day we assisted in cleaning up the campground putting an end to an action-packed and exciting weekend.

By MJ K

I’m very excited to share a quick recap of our annual Parent Scout Outing on October 9th-10th, which kicked off our scouting year in style. 

This outing is a long-standing tradition in our troop, bringing scouts and parents together for a weekend of fun and learning. Our scouts got hands-on with Dutch oven cooking, stretcher use, and building forts.

The highlight was a spirited Wiffle Ball game where every patrol tried their best, The senior patrol managed to come on top and beat the parents for the first time in a while.

We also introduced a new tradition of retiring a flag at the campfire, emphasizing respect for the Flag, Scout Oath, and Law. 

Lastly, our night hike added a thrilling touch to our adventure, making the dark a fun, slightly spooky backdrop for our outdoor exploration to close such an exciting and action-packed weekend.

Camp Royaneh 2023

By Desmond H

Following one of our long held traditions, Troop 42/4042 attended Royaneh Summer Camp again in 2023 as it has always been a central piece of the scouting experience.  Sure enough, Royaneh delivered both educational and excitement activities for the scouts.  A total of 30 Troop 42/4042 scouts attended summer camp for weeks 1 and 2; 4 of them spent both weeks there.  Even though the attendance rate was lower than past years, it was higher than anticipated considering other competing scouting events that took place during the summer as well, like NYLT, the National Jamboree, Camp Oljato, and Philmont.  Further, many families were looking to do some post-COVID revenge vacation travels.  For the scouts who elected to spend part of their summer vacation at Royaneh, they were able to build some memorable experiences.

Week 1

There were over 600 scouts at camp!  Normally, only about 300 scouts in total attend camp in week 1.  Never has there been this many scouts at Royaneh before.  That is because another campsite, Camp Wolfeboro, was shut down due to the amount of rain the area received this year, so many of the affected scouts ended up attending Camp Royaneh as an alternative.  There were so many campers that many of them had to eat their meals outside the dining hall in a separate area.  For the first half of the week, food was also scarce.  Food would run out during meals, so scouts would end up making PB&J sandwiches, or eating salads, which doesn’t normally happens, to supplement their appetites.  The food supply returned to normal levels in the second half of the week.  Because of the unprecedented increase in campers, another troop with 8 people ended up sharing our Lion’s Den campsite with us.  It was fun having guests.

The week started with a bang as we were awarded the ‘Spirit Stick’ on the very first day by camp staffs.  Everyone was so thrilled by the recognition because it was a collective achievement by the troop.  This also meant that Troop 42 got to lead the entire camp in Reveille and Evening Colors for the next day.  The SPL, Ethan, lead the color guards, which included Austen, Braden, Brandon, Calvin, and Chris.  Not only did they look sharp during the color guard ceremonies, but Troop 42 was the only troop at camp to have done so with a bugler!  

On Friday, after having already won the ‘Spirit Stick’ earlier in the week, Troop 42 arrived at the parade field early for Evening Color.  With only a small handful of scouts of other troops present, Troop 42 played “California Girl” song through a portable speaker and everyone did a silly dance to it.  They completed the silliness with the formation of a human pyramid right on the parade field.  

Week 2

In week 2, the fun continues with another group of Troop 42 scouts. Compared to week 1, week 2 was more quiet, but everyone was still thrilled to be there. There were about 400 scouts in total at Royaneh.  Unlike the prior week, the quantity and quality of the food were much improved.  Now, scouts did not have to rely on PB&J sandwiches and salads anymore! 

To show camp spirit, Troop 42 scouts wanted to create a new yell.  So, with some help of ChatGPT, they formed a new yell called, “Buckle My Shoe” which is based on the song, “1-2 Buckle My Shoe.”  After some practicing, on the next day, the scouts were all eager to use the new yell at the dining hall.  Other troops and staffs took notice.  Perhaps “A Brand New Yell” will be incorporated into future yells of the troop.

On Troop Campfire night, Troop 42 had one of the most attended campfires at Lion’s Den in recent years.  Troop 42 scouts were joined by a neighboring troop, Troop 2123, a girl’s troop who was staying at Rifle Camp next door.  In addition, other guests include several members of Troop 14, camp staffs/counselors and Troop 42 alums.  There were many people and Troop 2123 shared some yells and skits. Troop 14 even shared some yells, and the camp staff even performed a very funny skit too! Everyone had a fantastic time! Troop 2123 returned the gesture and invited Troop 42 to their campfire later in the week. The display of camp spirit at its finest.  

The yells at Royaneh was deafening — so much louder than other years.  First of all, yells in the dining hall weren’t allowed last year due to COVID precaution measures, and Royaneh was cancelled the year before that.  So, Troop 42 as well as other troops came prepared to let out their lungs.  Troop 42 went toe-to-toe with other troops in yells.  However, something very unique happened during the yell rituals at the dining hall this year.  In prior years, once in a while, one troop may choose to join another troop in a yell.  So, two troops maybe doing a yell together.  In week 1, EVERYONE did a yell all together!  Just imagine, a dining hall full of scouts and staff members, several hundreds in total, doing the same yell in unison.  The roaring sound was so deafening.  Needless to say, many Troop 42 scouts developed raspy and hoarse throats by the end of camp.    

One of the most fun parts of camp is the gladiators competition! Troop 42 was very into the festivities.  Scouts were prepared and wore fake blood and black chalk on their faces, arms and legs! Adrian and Brandon played the song from the Rocky movie with their trumpet and bugle as the troop entered the grass field. They were so excited and they tried their best in all of the competitions.  At the end of the day, they all had so much fun and were all exhausted.

Some notable individual accomplishments

include Dash winning 3rd place in the shotgun competition, Desmond making the mile-swim under 30 minutes, and Simon, a new scout, winning the Rock-Paper-Scissors game during competition night.  Shotgun is normally a difficult activity to master, even for scouts who are taking the merit badge class.  Dash has never shot a shotgun before and was able to achieve success in his first try.  As for Desmond’s achievement, by being able to complete a mile swim under 30 minutes, he will get his name painted onto a board by the pool.  The board has all the names of scouts who had earned this achievement for the last ~30 years or so.  It appears that Desmond may only be the 2nd Troop 42 scout to have earned such an accomplishment.  Desmond completed the mile swim under 30 minutes again in week 2.

Notwithstanding all the great achievements mentioned above, perhaps the one achievement that Troop 42 is most proud of is Quinn saving another scout from falling gravely ill.  This scout wasn’t feeling well after he attempted to do the mile swim.  He was disoriented and couldn’t stand up.  By this time, he was all by himself near the shower room and everyone had already left to the amphitheater for the Competition Night event.  Quinn spotted him and sensed that there was something wrong.  He immediately alerted camp staffs who summoned help from local first responders.  The scout was taken to the emergency room at a local hospital.  After he recovered, he was released at 2am the following morning.  The camp staffs wanted to thank the good samaritan but didn’t know it was Quinn.  Quinn didn’t initially tell anyone nor brag of his kind act, so even Troop 42 adult leaders didn’t know even as words were out that people were looking for him to thank him.  Quinn didn’t think it was a big deal.  Quinn was a quiet hero.  

During the 2 weeks at Royaneh, Troop 42 took on a meaningful service project which involves replacing a wooden fence barricade that is nearby the entrance of Lion’s Den.  Without any power tools and with only very limited hand tools, replacing the six wooden posts took over 50 man-hours.  Everyone pitched in some help whenever they had some free time.  They managed to complete the service project before the end of camp.  Now, future campers will be able to benefit from the hard work of Troop 42.  

Finally, Troop 42 book-ended summer camp by winning the ‘Spirit Stick’ on the second to the last day of camp.  It was welcoming as the troop had worked tirelessly all week to display camp spirit and didn’t let up.  Everyone was excited about the achievement.  As a reward, Troop 42’s SPL, Tor, lead the color guards, which included Brandon, Chris, Ryan, Tristan and Vincent in the flag ceremonies.  They performed flawlessly and the bugler had become a distinct Troop 42 signature at camp.  

October Newsletter by Spencer Nichols Troop Historian

Interview with ASPL Tor Anderson

The Gold Rush Outing occurring October 7th – 9th was the second Troop 42 outing of our scouting year. This was the first time our troop has attended this venue before, and had a large turnout, having over 30 scouts and parents head up to the Boulder Creek Scout Reservation on Friday night. The outing planned by the council was filled with multiple activities including steer roping, archery, blacksmithing, gold panning, horseshoeing, and candle making.

Our Troop Bugler Brandon Lin, which was a position created this last year,  was able to play during morning flags. There was also something called the “expedition journey” which Tor Anderson (our ASPL) and a couple others participated in. This expedition was a large mystery case where clues were given to find a station where you would complete the activity to acquire another clue.

Our troop was able to find all 14 clues and completed this activity which Tor said was the “highlight of the outing”.  Troop 42 also hosted the skits and created the bond fire where all the troops gathered to perform and announce awards at the end of the night. We had two of our very own scouts, Miles Rokala and Tristian Levadoux win for steer roping and archery. Ending the second outing of the year, Gold Rush was a new surprise that we’re looking forward to attending next year.

Newsletter April 2022

By Brandon L

On the weekend of April 29, Troop 42 attended Camporee at Boulder Creek Scout Reservation for the first time in recent troop history. It was a very eventful and fun weekend, from Friday to Sunday. On Friday, the troop had a campfire while our SPL and our ASPL went to Cracker Barrel, a meeting of SPLs to go over information about Camporee.

On Saturday morning, the day started off with a delicious breakfast and then a camp-wide flag ceremony with 20 patrols. Afterwards, each patrol went off to participate in stations, with each one covering a different subject, including fire building, pioneering, archery, and tomahawks.

The patrols competed with each other to win ribbons for their patrol flag. In the evening, the whole camp went to the amphitheater to watch each patrol perform a skit or a song.

Sunday morning, awards were given out after the flag ceremony, and our very own Phoenix and Viking patrols won 2nd and 3rd place respectively for overall best patrol. Viking patrol also won the most spirited patrol in camp. Camporee was a great success, and many scouts agree it was the most fun outing of this past scouting year. Hope to see you at Camporee next year!