Fire Station Visit
On February 3, our Dens visited the Fremont Fire Station in Brookvale for a “Go See It” event and tour. The friendly and informative officers showed us the fire station, the engines and vehicles, and of course the fire pole!
Bike Rodeo on February 13
Our pack, along with “Safe Moves” and Warwick Elementary School is holding a Bike Rodeo on Saturday, February 13th from 10 am to 2 pm, at Warwick Elementary School at 3375 Warwick Road.
All scouts, and siblings are invited to come to the rodeo to learn about bicycle safety and how to ride a bicycle in a fun “Safe Moves City”.
You will learn how to brake properly, avoid certain kinds of hazards, learn about bicycle rules, and how to properly wear your helmet, among other things.
- If you don’t have a bicycle, not to worry, there will be loaners available for use. If you don’t want to ride a bicycle, then you can “walk through” the city learning too.
- There will be a station that will be able to give minor repairs on your bicycle, how to pump up your tires, and advice on how to maintain your bicycle.
- I am hoping that a local bicycle shop will have someone come to the rodeo to also help with bicycle maintenance and helmet fitting.
There will be lunch available for members of the pack: adults, scouts, siblings, etc. There will be hotdogs, chips, water, soda if you need a snack.
If rain cancels the rodeo, then it will be moved to the next week (Feb 20).
There are many achievements and/or electives that can be earned if you can come to the rodeo, so check your scout books.
You all come to the rodeo. There will be a lot of fun. Yes, it is on the President’s Day Weekend, and you have Valentines Day (14th), and the start of the Chinese New Year (year of the Tiger, year 4708) that same weekend.
Let me know by Wednesday, February 10 if you are going and the number of people that may stay for lunch. See you there!
Photos from the Event
Pack Meeting on December 15
- There were a lot of patches, awards, beads, and prizes given out last night. Congratulations to all.
- The hightlight was the Snowball fight. There were snowballs of all sizes and shapes. And they were everywhere!
- There was hot and cold apple cider with snacks for everyone after the pack meeting.
- I gave out Pinewood Derby kits out last night. If you did not come to the pack meeting ask your den leaders about getting your derby kit. They should have picked up one for you.
Photos from the event
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- Stellar Entry for the Monthly Cookie Raffle
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- Kids vs. Adults Snowball Fight
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- Snowball Fight!
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- Mayhem at the Pack Meeting
Photos from Christmas at Ardenwood
Here are some photos and additional info about our day at Ardenwood Farm.
Traditional Victorian Celebrations
The Victorian Celebration of Christmas had a great variety from place to place. It was a time of change that saw some old holiday traditions fade and new traditions introduced. Many still observe today such as having Christmas trees and wrapping presents.
About the Yule Log
The burning of the Yule log provided a blessing for the coming year. It marked the end of the days getting shorter, celebrating the “return” of the sun and lengthening of the days. A piece of the Yule log kept in the home radiated good luck throughout the year. It was used to start the fire for the next year’s Yule log.
At Ardenwood, the Yule Log hunt was a big hit. The kids were provided with a series of clues and a large bell signaled the kids to return to the farmyard for their next clue.
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- Group photo at Water Tower
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- Petting the Goats
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- Pumping Water
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- Accordionist Denis D'Aoust Plays Holiday Tunes
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- Christmas Crafts
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- Learning About Acorns in the Trees
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- Yule Log Hunt Instructions and Clues
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- Looking for the hidden Yule Log
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- Patterson House Decorated for Christmas
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- Santa Meets the Scouts
Flag Hill Trail Trek Hike in Sunol on December 12th (updated)
The first Trial Trekker hike will be located in the beautiful Sunol Regional Park Saturday morning on the 12th of December. We will meet at the foot bridge just past the visitors center and the park office. This is the same location of our Bridging ceremony which was held last June.
The first half of the Flag hill hike may be a bit strenuous for some of our scouts. To allow for greater participation this hike will be split into two hiking groups up to the top of Flag Hill.
- Scouts and parents who feel they are up to hiking the steeper route will be led north following the regular Flag Hill path.
- The second group will head east then northeast up the more gradual Hayfield rd./High Valley rd. towards Flag Hill’s summit.
Both groups will meet at the top of Flag Hill then return following the Hayfield rd./High Valley rd. route. No one will be allowed to return following the steeper Flag hill trail route.
A brief historical & nature talk will be given at the summit before returning.
Rain cancels.
Bring:
- $5 parking fee
- water
- bring your own snacks (for top of Flag hill)
- light sweater/jacket, something you can take off and carry.
- maybe cold in the morning.
Schedule of Events:
- 9:30 am Meet at foot bridge
- 10:00 am Start Hike (two groups)
- Flag Hill Summit - rest, discussion, then decent
Directions to Sunol Regional Park:
- Drive north on I-680 and exit at Calaveras Road.
- Turn right on Calaveras and proceed to Geary Road, which leads directly into the park.
- Enter the park and park near the Visitor Center where the foot bridge is just a short walk away.
Update: Hike Canceled due to Rain
Regretfully our Flag Hill Hike is canceled.
Thankfully Mother nature has provided us with much needed rain and snow. But with rain yesterday and again tonight with 90% chance of heavier rain due to fall during our scheduled hike tomorrow our hike is canceled.
- Tonight: Periods of rain. Low 44F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall near a half an inch.
- Tomorrow: Rain. High 54F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Rainfall may reach one inch.
We’ll keep you posted concerning future announcements of our BSA Trail Trekker program.
Thank you and have a great weekend,
Andrew Galindez
Pack 163
Trail Trekker Coordinator