Firefighter Emely Garcia was introduced to the local Los Angeles County Fire Department Explorer Post while in high school. This experience opened her eyes to a world of opportunities. On February 15, 2022, she finally received her badge from the department that introduced her to fire service as an Explorer.  Firefighter Garcia shares; "It’s an absolute dream come true, however, there were many obstacles and barriers I faced in this journey. Being undocumented and overcoming the language barrier were two of the biggest obstacles I faced growing up but through Exploring program, I was given the foundation of how I can overcome and persevere as a candidate for the fire department. I am truly blessed to have found the Exploring program." 

Congratulations Firefighter Emely Garcia!

This Merit Badge will be required to earn the Eagle Scout Rank effective on July 1, 2022.  Eagle Scout candidates will continue to use the current rank requirements until June 30, 2022, and will not be required to complete the new Citizenship in Society Merit Badge as long as they complete all of the current Eagle Rank requirements before July 1, 2022.  They do not have to submit their final Eagle Scout application nor complete their Eagle Scout Board of Review prior to July 1, 2022, but must complete all current Eagle Scout requirements before then. Starting July 1, 2022, Eagle Scout candidates will be required to complete all Eagle Scout requirements including the new Citizenship in Society merit badge.  If you have any questions regarding this change, please reach out to your District Advancement Chair.

This past Saturday, May 21st, Scouts, their leaders, and parents took time out of their busy weekend to volunteer in Griffith Park.  Over the last few years, the troop has volunteered numerous times in the park.  This time they worked in the area near the Merry-go-round removing grass from around the trees in the picnic area.  The grass was pulled back three feet and a berm was created at the edge of the circle.  In June these basins will be filled with mulch which will slow the growth of the weeds coming back, add nutrients to the soil, and reduce evaporation from around the trees.  The event was organized by the Friends of Griffith Park, an community advocate group for the park.  Besides the Scouts, volunteers from the community also participated in this project.  The Friends of Griffith Park was very appreciative of all the work the Scouts did.

Return of the Fire Departments to Exploring

The Exploring Division had a great “ORIENTATION EVENING” at the Los Angeles County Fire Department Headquarters site. Meeting with over 250 families interested in signing up their child to JOIN the Exploring Program. We are happy to report that the youth and department is ready to come back and provide a great program to our young people. Thank you Breanna Espinoza and Ana Chan for all their hard work.

The Greater Los Angeles Area Council is working on collecting Data for our Summer Camp Destinations Report, and we would greatly appreciate your assistance in completing it!

Please fill this out for your unit, this will cover Cub Camp, Scouts BSA Resident Camp, and National High Adventure Base Attendance. Your participation in this will be greatly appreciated, please complete this by June 10th, 2022.

There is an OPEN/FREE fishing derby at Belvedere Lake Park on June 18, 2022. 

The Fish and Wildlife will be stocking 1,000lbs (1-3lbs each) Catfish. Get all your Scouts out fishing for FREE. They will have poles available. Bait will need to be bought ahead of time. Bait suggestions are mealworms and mini marshmallows.

The United States Contingent is still accepting applications for participants (youth) and International Service Team (IST) members for the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea. Space is limited. As of today, there are fewer than 75 slots open for participants. Unit formation is in progress, and adult leaders will be selected by this summer. There will be at least one unit that will attend BOTH the National Scout Jamboree and the World Scout Jamboree. 

There will be a one-hour workshop on how you can earn your Alumni Knot this Sunday, May 29th at 3:00 PM.  Would you like to expand your training and add another knot to your uniform? Will take place via Zoom.

Your support enables Scouting LA to empower people to live confident, capable, complete, and compassionate lives through dynamic leadership opportunities and fun outdoor adventures. Together with your help, we will ensure that every Scout is prepared to face the challenges of our ever-changing world. Please consider making a tax-deductible gift today!

For all the info you’ll need about the adventure that awaits at our Council camps, look no further! From exploring the high sea on Catalina at Camp Cherry Valley to testing your skills as a ranger at Camp Big Horn, its nonstop action, adventuring, and learning!  

Norbert (Nobby) Schnabel has remained registered and active in Scouting for over 70 years, and he continues to enjoy being involved. Nobby cannot imagine my life without Scouting.