All posts by Jim Remley

Pack

An Opportunity to Help Others Through the ACT Food Drive

Dear Pack 811 Families:

Our Pack’s most important service project is coming up in the next few weeks. Our Cub Scouts will be assisting the ACT Office with their annual food drive. This is a great event to show our scouts that their service can make a big impact to those who are less fortunate. We heard from the ACT office that they have had a difficult time this year securing enough donations to meet the needs of the community they serve, so they are really depending on our Scouts!

Sunday, October 19, while the scouts are having fun during the pack meeting, we will ask parents to help staple fliers to grocery bags. Please bring a stapler with you. The more parents stapling, the faster we will get the job done.

Saturday, October 25, and Sunday, October 26, our scouts will distribute grocery bags after all the masses. We need a minimum of 5 scouts for each Mass to cover all the Church exits. You do not have to attend the particular Mass you signed up for. All you need to do is show up before the Mass ends and spend 15 minutes or so distributing grocery bags. Scouts must wear their class A uniform.

Saturday, November 1, and Sunday, November 2, our scouts will assist with the collection of filled bags from the parishioners before each Mass. We will have tables at the plaza where parishioners can drop off their food donations. The scouts will bring the food they have collected to the ACT office. We need the help of at least 5 scouts and their families for each shift.  Scouts may bring their wagons if they have them to help them transport the bags. Class A uniforms are to be worn again.

Please click on the link below to sign up for your shifts. If you can spare the time, please sign up for as many shifts as you can make.

>> Sign-up Here<<


Let us show our parish and our community what Pack 811 is all about!  You are also encouraged to distribute the flyers in your neighborhood, and offer to collect food from your neighbors!

Pack

Pack 811 Rocks the Portola Day Camp

2014_Daycamp_001_400Nearly 40 Pack 811 Scouts and dozens of pack parent volunteers concluded an awesome week at Firestone Scout Reservation today.   In addition to accomplishing a large number of steps towards their rank, the boys had fun making things, exploring nature, and shooting arrows, BBs, and water rockets.  All of our dens earned high praise from the camp staff, and demonstrated great Scout spirit the entire week.  While all of our den campsites were fantastic, our Wolf and Bear Dens were singled out as having the best campsites in the entire camp.

The week could not have happened for our boys without the numerous volunteers who stepped up to make it a memorable time for out boys.  A big thank you to our Den Leaders, parents, and youth volunteers who gave of their precious time this week.  A special thanks goes to Jo Rivera who managed the entire registration process and made sure every detail was taken care of for us.

Parents and leaders are asked to share their photographic memories with the rest of our pack families via our ShutterFly site at cubpack811.shutterfly.com.  Those interested can also use FTP to upload pictures to our server (contact the webmaster for credentials).  Pictures may be added to our Albums, as well our Blue and Gold videos.

Great job Pack 811 !

Den1

BlackHawks Are Going Camping!

OsoLake_Color-WebThe Webelos I Blackhawk Patrol will be camping at Oso Lake on the weekend of September 12th-14th.  Our Webelos Scouts, along with one parent, will be camping as a patrol and earning the Forester, Naturalist, Geologist, and Outdoorsman Activity.

Unlike Family Camp, our boys will be responsible for setting up camp, cooking, and cleanup. A parent will be present to guide them.  The cost of the weekend is $45 for each Scout – Parent team, plus the cost of food (which will be determined after the boys make their menu).

This is a very important “transitional” outing for our Webelos as they get ready to become Boy Scouts.  We will need to reserve our spots at Oso very soon, so we need all Blackhawks to RSVP within the next 10 days.  Please let us know if you can make it on our Sign-Up page HERE.

 

Den1

Blackhawks Invade Newport Bay with Kayaks

The Webelos I Blackhawk Patrol spend Saturday morning in Kayaks near the Newport Sea Base.  The Scouts paddled through the bay and ended up stopping for a swim at a beach. Many of the Scouts allowed their Dad to have a free ride in the back of the kayak, while others got their Dad or Mom to paddle in sync with them.  All the boys arrived back safely, and only a few adults were seen with crooked backs when they returned. After drying off, the Scouts voted on their patrol name, with the “Blackhawk Patrol” narrowly beating out the “Sizzling Bacon Patrol” as the name of choice.  The patrol also elected their first Denner – Patrol leader : Mitchel D., and assistant Joshua W.  It was a great first outing for the new Webelos, with many great adventures ahead.  Pictures of the event can be found in our Photo Albums.

kayakers

Pack

Volunteer to Cheer and Earn a Free Disney Pass

disneymarathonGreetings Pack Families,

Once again our pack was invited to help cheer on the runners during the Disney 1/2 marathon that will be held on Sunday, August 31st.  This is a volunteer service that we would be providing. Scouts who volunteer for the event must enthusiastically cheer for the runners for 3+ hours.  All scouts who cheer the entire race will be awarded a free Disneyland pass to be used at a later date!   Siblings and family members are also welcome to attend, but they are not eligible for a ticket. Here are more details from Disney:

  • Volunteers must be at least 6 years of age.
  • Must register by July 25.
  • Each Scout youth’s identification number or birth date must be provided for the online registration.
  • Only Scouts registered in our pack may sign up with us.
  • Full Scout class A uniform must be worn.
  • The time commitment is from approximately 05:30 am through 09:30 am. The final confirmation letter will give the updated arrival/check-in time.
  • Groups who arrive late or who choose to leave the event early may not be eligible to receive Theme Park tickets.
  • Scouts from all over Southern California will cheer for the runners in the Disneyland® Half Marathon.
  • Squirt guns or squirt bottles are not allowed.
  • Each participant should bring water and snacks.
  • Noise makers are encouraged.

If your Scout is interested in earning a ticket to Disneyland, and is able to cheer on runners for about 3 hours early in the morning, please CLICK HERE to register.

Pack

In Honor of our Military Heroes

memorialday2
Hi Scouts,
 
In honor of our military heroes, our pack will be participating in Loma Vista Park’s Annual Memorial Day Program.  We will be laying small flags and crosses on the graves of our brave service men and women who are buried there.  This a wonderful event for both scouts and parents as we say “thank you” to those who served our country so well.
 
We will meet Mr. Koos and Mr. De Los Rios at Loma Vista at 7:45 a.m. this Saturday, May 24, 2014, dressed in our Class A uniforms.  
Loma Vista Memorial Park
701 E. Bastanchury Road
Fullerton, CA 92835
 memorial day
Den1

Webelos Resident Camp Signups

Good Afternoon Bears and Webelos Scouts,

As we previously communicated, we have two options for Webelos Resident Camp this summer.  It is now time to sign up to reserve your spot!  A 50% deposit is required in order to reserve the spot, and spots are filling up quick!  We will be collecting payments at the Pack Meeting next Sunday.   Note that it is highly recommended, but not required, for a parent to attend the camp with their Scout.  It they choose not to attend, then they must find another adult who will agree to be responsible for their son during the event.  No siblings are allowed.

3fallslogoOption 1:  Camp 3 Falls on June 29 – July 2.  Cost is $195 per scout, and $105 per parent. More information can be found HERE.  Vicky Ladjevic will be coordinating this event for us this year.  Please confirm directly with her (vladjevic818@gmail.com) to hold your spot, and give her a check (made out to Ventura County Council, BSA) for at least 50% of the total amount due no later than this coming Sunday, April 27th.

CCV_Logo
Option 2:  Camp Cherry Valley on August 10 – 13.  Cost is $235 per scout, and $175 per parent.  A video about the camp can be found HERE.  I (Jim Remley) will be coordinating this event.  Please confirm your spot with me, and get me a check (made out to San Gabriel Valley Council, BSA) for 50% of the total amount due no later than Sunday.

Again, this is a very memorable outing that your Scout will likely remember as the highlight of his Cub Scouting years.  Both of these camps are real “Boy Scout” camps that open their doors to Webelos for a few weeks in the year.  Feel free to contact Vicki or myself if you have any questions.

Yours in Scouting,

Jim Remley

rescamp

Pack

Rocketeers Take Flight at Rocket Camp

Pack 811 Scouts spent last weekend at Rocket Camp at nearby Firestone Scout Reservation. Scouts and their families spent two nights in tents and a Saturday filled with rocket launching, archery, BBs, slingshots, wall climbing, and a variety of aeronautical themed activities.  Many of the boys earned belt loops and other achievements while having fun.  Fun was had by all!  Check out more pictures in our Photo Albums.

rocket-camp-3rocket-camp-2rocket-camp-1

 

 

Pack

Fishing Campout Set for April

fishing2Once again, our pack has been invited by the Izaak Walton League to attend their annual fishing seminar and camp-out at Irvine Lake. For those that have not attended, this is a very short, overnight camping trip on a Friday evening, with a fishing seminar early the next morning.  Scouts will learn the basics about fishing and the environment, provided bait, and then set loose to fish.  They are almost guaranteed to catch a fish as they stock the area the night before the event.  No fishing experience is needed.  The cost of the event is only $5 per person.  Only scouts may fish, and adult partners may assist.  No previous fishing experience is needed.  Here are the details:

Schedule

Friday, April 11:
Campers can arrive any time after 3PM. [At the gate, mention you are with the Ikes Fishing Seminar for Scouts]
Bring your own Picnic Dinners
Informal campfire that evening
Leader Cracker Barrel

Saturday, April 12:
Bring your own quick  breakfast at 6:00AM
Seminar and fishing from 6:30AM – 12:30PM at the Lagoon.
Lunch (provided) at 12:30
Depart after lunch

Note that fishing in the Lagoon (which will be stocked the day before) is for scouts ONLY. Adults can fish in the lake for a daily fee, (or help your own son for free).  Volunteers from the Ikes will provide some tackle (bait, hooks, etc) if needed.  They will also show the scouts how to cast, and assist with tying fishing knots.

What to bring for camping:

Tent (the smaller the tent, the warmer you will be.  Expect overnight temps in the mid 40’s).
Ground cloth/tarp for under tent.
Sleeping bags / blanket /pillow
Chairs
Warm clothing (but remember this is just one night).
Flashlights / lanterns if available
Toiletries 
Picnic Dinner for Friday night
Quick breakfast for Saturday morning. (ie Danish/donuts and juice.)
Frisbee / other entertainment for Friday afternoon
Firewood will be provided.

What to bring for fishing:

Class B Shirt
Fishing pole with line
Sunblock and hat
Handi-wipes
Tackle (hooks, weight, pliers, etc if available)
Bucket (and other gear if available)
Sunblock and hat
Handi-wipes

What NOT to bring:

Electronic games
Radios
Bikes
Alcohol
Too much stuff! (this is a very short overnighter).

How to get there:

57 Fwy South to 91 Fwy East to 55 Fwy South
Exit Chapman, head East. Chapman turns into Santiago Canyon Road.
About 8-10 miles from Fwy to Irvine Lake.

Signup

Please signup by Sunday, March 16.  Remember – only Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and adults on this trip; no non-scout siblings. Signup here:

> SIGNUPS <

Note, if you do not have any fishing equipment, you can purchase a very inexpensive but effective rod and reel at either Big 5 or Fisherman’s Access on Imperial Hwy.  Please feel free to contact me if any questions.  This should be another fun outing!

Pack

Scout Sunday February 2, 2014
“Oh Lord, build me a Scout whose heart will be clear, whose goals will be high. A Scout who will master himself before he seeks to master others, one who will march into the future, yet never forget the past…” Amen.

Scout Sunday Observance
February 2, 2014

St. Angela Merici Church will celebrate Scout Sunday on February 2nd.

All Cub Scout and Boy Scout families (of any unit) in the parish community are invited to join together at the 9:30 mass to show their commitment to a Scout’s “duty to God” and to honor the founding of the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910.

Scouts are requested to assemble in front of the church in full Class A uniforms no later than 9:15 a.m. for a color guard and procession into church.

Pack 811 families are encouraged to attend Scout Sunday to show our commitment to youth ministry through Scouting at St. Angela Merici!

A Scout is Reverent

A Scout is reverent toward God.
He is faithful in his religious duties.
He respects the beliefs of others.

Pack

Blue and Gold Invitation – February 16th, 2014

BGBanner

Our annual Blue and Gold Banquet is approaching quickly and this year is shaping up to be another outstanding event.  This is a special night for our pack as it marks the 84th anniversary of Cub Scouting.  The banquet is a catered event for the entire family which includes rank advancement, special awards and recognition, and culminates in the prestigious Bridging Ceremony for our Webelos II’s moving into Boy Scouts.

Please join us on Sunday, February 16th from 4pm to 7pm in the Church hall to celebrate the achievements of our boys.  Because of the space limitation in the hall, this invitation is limited to Scouts and their immediate family.  We ask that every family RSVP by Wednesday, February 5th so that we can be sure to have the right amount of food for everyone in attendance.  

This will be an event you will not want to miss!

Please R.S.V.P. here.

 

 

Pack

Rocket Camp is Coming!

rocketcampScouts and their families will be able to combine some of their favorite things — the outdoors and projectiles — into one fun-packed weekend in April.  Rocket camp will take place April 4th – 6th at nearby Firestone Scout Reservation.  Families will bring their own camping gear and food and camp with hundreds of other scouting families for this event, which includes shooting off rockets, archery, BBs, slingshots, and more.  If you do not wish to bring food or to cook, an optional meal plan can be purchased.

Firestone is the same location where summer day camp is held – off of Tonner Canyon road in north Brea.  Camp starts after 4:00 on Friday and concludes on Sunday morning.

This camp is extremely popular, and sells out early every year.  Because of this, we must get our reservation in this month.  Please check your calendars and sign up THIS WEEK if you can make it.  Families with little or no camping experience should not be intimidated, as there are plenty of pack families with extra gear and experience to help out.

The cost is $30 per person, which includes 1 rocket ($25 for campers who do not wish to launch a rocket).  An optional 4-meal plan can be purchased  for $19 per person.

Please sign up HERE.

More information can be found in the camp’s camping guide.  Please contact Jim for more information if needed.  More specifics will be given to families that sign up.   This should be a very fun outing for the boys and their families!

Pack

Scouts Do Their Best at the Pinewood Derby

dscn3494 The pack’s annual Pinewood Derby was held this past weekend and it was yet another opportunity for our boys and scouting families to have fun and do their best.  Over 60 cars handcrafted by Scouts, siblings, and “big kids”, raced down the shiny track, and the 8 fastest competed in a final champion round.  Almost all races were very close, with only 0.0059 seconds separating the Pack Champion and second place.

City of Brea mayor and Rotary Club President Brett Murdock was on hand to present the pack with $500 for ongoing support from the Brea Rotary.

While we always have clever designs at our races, this year our boys came up with some really ingenious creations. The design winners for each category, as voted on by those who attended, are:

Best Paint Job:
Ben W., Mitchell D., Justin S.
Best Scouting Theme:
Matthew R., Aiden A., Noah G.
Fastest Looking:
Trent E., Justin R., Vinni P.
Best Use of Stickers:
Nicholas B, Dean K., Dean D., Joshua W.
Scariest Looking:
Ian R., Jack S., Jackson N.
Most Patriotic:
Dylan Diego V., CJ T., Collin H.		 Most Hilarious:
Jeffrey M., Evan P., Ian M.
Tastiest Food:
David L., Sebastian D., Vincent N.
Best Sports Theme:
Matthew B., Justin R., Braden H.
Most Creative:
Jacob W., Kegan C., Jason F.
Most Futuristic:
Trent E., Isaac C., Vincent A.
Best Video Game Theme:
Benjamin G., Jacob B., Daren L.
Best Name:
Carlo V., Adam G., Dominic C., Hunter T., Sam W.

The Race Medal Winners from each den are:

Tigers: (1st place) Joseph T. (2nd place) Jack S. (3rd place) Daren L.
Wolves: (1st place) Isaac C. (2nd place) Christopher S. (3rd place) Jeffrey M.
Bears: (1st place) Ian R. (2nd place) Collin H. (3rd place) Mitchell D.
Webelos I: (1st place) Trent E. (2nd place) David L. (3rd place) Jackson N.
Webelos II: (1st place) Vinni P. (2nd place) Braden H. (3rd place) Matthew R.

Mack J. took first place in Sibling Race, and John Spielman took first place and bragging rites for the next year for winning the “young at heart” race.

A close finals round with some of the 8 fastest cars determined the Pack Champions:

derby-winners First Place:  Vinni P. with his car “Veyron X3 P14”
Second Place:  Trent E. with his car “Blue Blazer”
Third Place:  Ian R. with his car “The Deathmobile”

Of course, this fun event could not have taken place without the dedicated volunteer pit crew led by Event Chair Warren Biederstadt. This crew took care of the hundreds of details required for such an event, including activities such as assembling, decorating, procuring, cooking, operating, printing, recording, calculating, announcing, cleaning, and inspiring. This crew included:

Warren Biederstadt, Paul Hinz, Amy Hinz, Peter Gambino, John DiMario, Matt Sikes, Brad Halderman, Shawn Jamison, Jo Rivera, Scott Wemple, Jeff McEntee, Patti Di Mario, Debbie Felix, Remon Girgis, Rowen Pastrana, David Ladjevic, Andre De La Cruz, Jim Remley, Steve Corona, John Koos, and many others who jumped in to help whenever they saw a need.

Photos of the event will be posted soon. If you have some pictures that you can share, please upload them for all to enjoy.  A printout of all race records is available here.

Congratulations Scouts, and thank you scouting families!  Here is a composite of this year’s creative designs:

pwdcars2014
Pack

Pack 811 Featured on International Scouting Website

intlscout

Pack 811 once again fulfilled its commitment to “help other people” this past weekend as we completed this year’s food drive to help the A.C.T. office provide help to others in our community.  As I indicated at our pack meeting, I submitted this service project to the international Scouting organization so our scouts can wear the new “Messengers of Peace” emblem on their uniforms.

As of this evening, our entry is a “featured post” on the home page of the international site Scout.org.   Our little Cub Scout pack is now getting international exposure!  If you have a few minutes, I encourage you to read some of the entries on the website.  Scouters from 6 different countries have already commented on our little entry (which  can be seen directly here).  You will soon realize just how big the scouting movement is across the world, and how Scouting is helping to make our world a little smaller.

Thank you to all Scouts and parents who helped out, especially to John Spielman for his great leadership on this project.

logo-world-scout