Camp Emerson Slide Show

Scout Camp!

Today our Scout Troop and Varsity Team returned home from a week long trip to Camp Emerson in Idylwild CA. We had 9 boys in camp all week as well as 10 adults that stayed anywhere from 1 day to the entire week. The boys were really busy the entire time earning merit badges, but they still had time to relax or participate in all the various activities offered. One night all the boys went to the rifle range and did Black Powder rifle shooting. During the days some rowed boats at the lake, some did blacksmithing, others did art projects or spent time and the Indian village doing crafts and even an oceanography merit badge was earned and many more. Art projects included wood carving, sculpturing, basket making, leather working were some of the fun merit badges.

Some of our older boys participated in the E-Team (Extreme) high adventure program which among other events enjoyed rappelling and rock climbing. As for the food.... well, some complained and some didn't, which means the food met our expectations based on previous years. Judging on the amount of dirt on their faces (check out the video), and the fragrance that came home with them, I think they all had a great time. The total merit badges earned was 41 which allowed a few of the boys to advance in rank. Thanks again to all the adults that came to lend a helping hand throughout the week. Here are a few pictures from camp.

Bug Eating

Jarom Bennett's Eagle Project

Congratulations Jarom for finishing his Eagle service project. His project was to draw and then paint a huge mural of the world inside the public library at El Cerrito Middle School. This project was a major undertaking and required the help of many hands to complete. Next time you're at that library, head towards the back and admire his handy work. The most amazing part of this whole project is that he is only 13 yrs. old, and he has completed all the merit badges and rank advancements needed before he could start the project. He then had to arrange to get all the materials, secure donations, organize all the needed help and to supervise the labor to complete the project on time. This turned out to be another great Eagle project that has become a tradition of our unit.

Jacob Trainor's Eagle Project

Way to go Jake! It's been a great month for Jacob. He is not only scout of the month but he just completed his eagle scout service project today Saturday June 20th. Jake's project was to build 3 wood book carts that the El Cerrito library needed for their use. It took him several evenings to cut out all the individual pieces to be assembled, glued, nailed, and varnished. Today all the hard work was completed thanks to many helping hands.

Scout of the Month: Who is Jacob Trainor?

Jacob is very goal oriented. He started public school as a freshman in high school. He did fine but was not really happy with his grades. He decided that he was going to get straight A's and from then on he got all A's. He also decided in the spring of his sophomore year that he would like to graduate early and go to RCC. His plan was to get his AA done by his senior year and then go to BYU Idaho and graduate before he serves his mission. He will be receiving his AA this month and leaving for BYU I in Sept. He is right on Track to achieve this goal. He would like to become a surgeon and I have no doubt that he is capable of achieving this as well. He likes to be hang out with his friends. He works for Rick Piquet at his home and has learned many valuable skills like laying tile, landscaping, gardening and has developed some pretty cool muscles by carrying blocks around to build a retaining wall. Jake has many talents and skills but it is his obedience, willingness to serve, and genuine goodness that will get him where he wants to be in life.

Fathers and Son's Outing

This Friday and Saturday May 8-9 our ward had its annual Father's and Son's outing in the Blue Jay Camping area at the Falcon group campground. Friday night started off with setting up camp and everyone enjoyed socializing around a large campfire. The evening's program started with various skits with a song and a talk on the commemoration of the Aaronic Priesthood. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed several types of Dutch Oven cobblers.
Saturday morning the Bishopric cooked everyone a hearty breakfast of pancakes, hash browns, bacon and more! The days activities were busy with a Geo Cache (hidden treasures) hunt, Scavenger hunt, Archery range, Mother's Day flower pot decorating and card making craft table, Dart gun target shooting and it was finished up with a Water Balloon Toss/Water Balloon Fight. Awards for the events were given out at the end with everyone taking home a prize. A great time was had by all that attended.
Here are a few pictures from the various activities from the weekend.

Mountain Man Event

This last weekend our Varsity Team went to a Mountain Man activity sponsored by our council at Camp Emerson. Our two Varsity Scouts are Tyler and Shane Smethurst. The leaders that also came to enjoy the fun were Brian Smethurst, Matt Glade and Ed Waite. Shane and Tyler both did very well in the competition. Their favorite events included, Black Powder Rifle Shooting, Tomahawk Throw, Log Sawing (a timed event), Flint and Steel fire starting and Trap Setting. Congratulations on another successful outing and for all the adult support.















Here they are in the log sawing contest






Matt Glade throwing a Tomahawk.






Out of 12 teams they were 1 of only 3 teams that could get the fire started.