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Read about some recent activities below. Older news articles are available here. |
Troop
259 has been Busy!, by David W.
In December, a young group of scouts convened for a meeting to work on their current and older merit badges, and also requirements for their respective ranks. Eager to advance in their ranks, the scouts delved into a session focused on fulfilling requirements and earning merit badges. Guided by their dedicated leaders, the Scouts collaboratively navigated through various tasks, fostering a sense of teamwork and a sense of achievement. The meeting was very effective and successful as each scout aimed to fulfill the prerequisites necessary for personal growth and progression within the scouting community. On the last day of the month, we gathered at the Elk's Lodge in preparation for the upcoming New Year's event that was scheduled for later that night. They planned to fill up around 100 balloons that would be tied up to the ceiling to be dropped when the clock hit 12. Each scout meticulously filled balloons one by one coming together, to support their community. With their task complete,the balloons were hung up on the ceiling, and donuts were given to the scouts as a thank you from the organizers of the event.
In January, we went to a campout at Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park. At Indian Grinding Rock, it was rainy and quite cold, causing the tents to become wet. During this campout, the scouts went on a hike where they observed Native American teepees and learned the history of the grinding rocks. On this hike, the scouts also observed different plants and identified ten of them for a requirement of the first class rank.
In March, the Klondike Derby provided excitement, challenges, and new experiences. The Derby was held at Camp Marin Sierra and we were eager for the games, despite the freezing cold and layers of snow. Some of the games included snowman building, fire starting, and a blind man carry. Lastly, there was a camp wide sled race. In this sled race, the scouts would have one person on the sled and everyone else either pushing or pulling the sled. In our heat, the troop ended up getting second place. Also in March, we held a shred event with the Elks Lodge. This was a great fundraiser and helped people discard confidential documents.
In April the annual Camporee had three patrols participating. Unfortunately, this campout was cut short due to weather issues, but despite the rain and chill, the scouts still participated in activities where every patrol won their individual awards. These games would cover a diverse range of challenges that ultimately were related to scouting skills. For example, the scouts participated in activities such as lashings and fire building.
Eagle Project
for the Chinese Community Church
Backpacking in
the Forest, by Alex W.
On September 15, Troop 259 went on a
backpacking trip in Marin Sierra in the Tahoe National
Forest on the slope of Sierra Nevada. This was the first
backpacking experience for many younger scouts. The scouts
went on a five mile hike, and although it was a struggle for
some, the destination was worth it as they got the
opportunity to swim in the river. Many of the younger scouts
learned how to purify water. At the end of the hike, the
scouts got to enjoy volleyball and relax at their campsites.
Backpacking is a good exposure to a new type of camping.
Many of the scouts had a wonderful time, and others got the
new experience of hiking in the mountains. See our Facebook
Page for more photos of this adventure.
1-Mile Orienteering Course
On July 2nd, Troop 259 conducted an orienteering course at Sutterville elementary. Orienteering improves map reading and navigation which are important skills that scouts need to know whenever they go camping, because they are able to navigate their way through different areas. This is also a First Class requirement that can be used as a real-world skill you could use if you get lost anywhere. Many of the younger scouts were able to pick up a new skill that they are able to use in the future. The scouts worked on their ability to work with compasses and counting paces. It took them around 40 minutes to complete the entire course. Orienteering is a crucial part of being a scout and can be helpful in many different situations.
Marin Sierra Summer Camp
On July 9th, Troop 259 set out for a one-week summer camp at Marin Sierra. Many new scouts got to experience their first summer camp. During the one week they go camping, there are many opportunities that the scouts can explore. Marin Sierra provides the chance to complete or start several merit badges whether it is eagle-required or not. Many of the newer scouts participated in the wilderness survival merit badge where they created their own shelters in the winderness, using natural resources that they found to sleep in for the night.There were several campwide games at the summer camp that the entire camp played, such as kickball open shoot with the staff members and a chess tournament. There were also opening and closing campfires, and at the closing campfire, each troop presented their own skits to the scouts at Marin Sierra. The summer camp was a new experience for the younger scouts and they also got to sleep in their own shelters for a night.
White Water Rafting
On August 18, Troop 259 went on a white water rafting
campout. White water rafting was a new experience for most of
the scouts. They rafted for an entire day and they got the
opportunity to go through three different classes for sections
of the river. The classes were called rapids in the river. The
class three’s were the most exciting and some scouts even fell
out of the raft. Some sections you were allowed to swim in but
there was only one class three that you were allowed to swim
in. White water rafting was an extremely thrilling and
entertaining experience and all of the scouts would love to do
it again another time.
Serpent Patrol Bikes Down American River Trail
On March 26th 2023, the Serpent Patrol went on a bike ride from the Tower Bridge to Scott's Seafood on the American River Trail. The American River Trail is one of the most popular bike paths worldwide. They had traveled a total of 15 miles, also fixing two bikes along the way. This trail is very popular due to its reputation for being the longest purpose-built trails in the U.S. There are many sights to see on this trail, such as the beautiful river. This bike ride on the American River Trail was definitely a great experience for some of the younger scouts because it provides an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful sights of the trail and the safety of bike riding.
Pack 259 Cub Scout Bridging Ceremony
The Boy Scouts have introduced the new generation of scouts during the Pack 259 Cub Bridging Ceremony on April 16th, 2023. These Cub Scouts have accomplished the highest rank of Cub Scouts, The Arrow of Light Award, proving that they are ready to take on the adventures and experiences of scouting. In the ceremony, the cubs cross a bridge, and members of troop 259 award them with their new Troop 259 neckerchief. We would like to welcome the new Scouts of Troop 259.
Cinco De Mayo Flag Ceremony
On the 5th of May, 2023, the Scouts celebrated Cinco De Mayo by helping the Elks Lodge do a flag ceremony during their Cinco De Mayo dinner. Seven scouts participated in the flag ceremony, and the scouts were delighted to assist the Elk Lodge in their ceremony. Cinco de Mayo marks the anniversary of the 1862 victory by Mexican troops over invading French forces at the Battle of Puebla and it is celebrated annually by Mexico and Parts of the United States.
Sugarloaf
Campout, by Alex W.
Troop 259 has recently gone camping at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. The park is the source of Sonoma Creek. It runs through gorge and canyon, and sometimes is surrounded by redwoods and ferns. The scouts also went on a hike to the Robert Ferguson Observatory. The Robert Ferguson Observatory is located around the group campground and is surrounded by hills, decreasing the light pollution from nearby cities. The observatory also has many telescopes to see the night sky that are open to the public. The scouts learned many new things about astronomy and had a great experience.
Mai Vang Meets with Troop 259, by Alex W.
Mai Vang is a Sacramento city council member from District 8 that recently visited Troop 259 to tell us about her story. Mai Vang is an upstander that has a goal of creating a better youth and taking a step into giving the homeless people shelters. She plans to build a sports complex in the community in order to benefit the children's health and to provide entertainment for the children. She believes that more of the Sacramento budget should be given to the education of youths because only about 2.9 percent of the Sacramento budget is put into there. Mai gave an amazing informational meeting and we all learned something new about our city.
Indian Grinding Rock Campout, by Alex W.
Recently, Troop 259 went on a campout at Indian Grinding Rock. Indian Grinding Rock is located in the Sierra Nevada. The park was created in 1968, with the largest collection of bedrock mortars in North America. The Indians used these grinding rocks to crush acorns to provide food for their families. There was rain during the campout and the scouts went on a nature hike to observe the wildlife that Indian Grinding Rock provides. The older scouts taught and assisted the younger scouts in learning how to create a fire. They learned about the stories and history of the Indians that used to live here. Today, Indian Grinding Rock is a State Historic Park that is used for camping, picnicking, and hiking.
Shaeler Lake Backpacking, by Alex W.
On August 19th, Troop 259 went on a backpacking
trip. The scouts went on numerous hikes, they went swimming in
the lakes, and also went fishing, though with little success.
The hikes were long and reaching the top of each mountain was
a difficult, but rewarding experience. Once they worked their
way to the top, they took a rest and enjoyed the magnificent
scenery above the campsite and all around the forest. This
campout was a very relaxing campout and many scouts enjoyed
the time around the lake.
Camp Marin Sierra, by Alex W.
Camp Marin Sierra is one of the many summer camps that Troop
259 has been to so far. Many scouts of the troop attended this
summer camp, and it was the first summer camp for some scouts.
With many scouts, there were many merit badges to be
completed. Troop 259 earned over 100 merit badges in total,
and around 20 partials. There was an award called The Baden
Powell award which requires the troop campsite to score over
85 points in cleanliness. With Troop 259 scoring a perfect
100, they obtained The Baden Powell award. Camp Marin Sierra
held camp wide games that we participated in. The camp wide
game is a competition between all troops, in different
activities. The activities include tomahawk throwing,
kayaking, a sour patch eating competition, and rifle shooting.
Marin Sierra wasn't all filled with hard work. During our free
time, we participated in many exhilarating activities. A
numerous number of scouts fished, did rifle shooting, water
activities, and archery. Although the experience at camp was
tiring, all the scouts would love to attend the next summer
camp in the upcoming future
July 4th Pocket Parade, by Alex W.
This year, Troop 259 participated in the July 4th Pocket
Parade. This Parade is made up of people who make
Pocket/Greenhaven a memorable place. A wide variety of
participants including local businesses, youth groups,
volunteer organizations, community organizations, school
clubs, and musical groups helped create an exciting 1.2-mile
walk through Greenhaven. Many spectators lined up along the
sidewalks cheering on the walkers. Although the walk was
especially tiring, time spent was enjoyed and the scouts would
love to walk with the Pocket/Greenhaven members associates in
the coming future.
Silver Lake
Backpacking Campout, by Alex W.
On July 17th, Troop 259 went to Silverlake Campground to have
the first backpacking trip of the year. The Troop backpacked
to Granite Lake to set up camp. Once we put up the tents, we
hiked on numerous trails around the lake and explored the
granite shelves that cover the mountain. The youngest scouts
prepared backpacking meals for the entire troop, and prepared
the meals for everyone at the campsite. The weather changed
randomly ranging from sunlight to snow and the temperature on
Sunday morning dropped to 28 degrees. The Scouts also saw fire
scarred forests while hiking that was caused by the Caldor
Fire. Overall, this campout was a great experience, and was an
eye opening experience to all the new backpackers that
attended.
Flag Day at the
Elks, by Alex W.
On June 14th, Troop 259 assisted the Elks Lodge in their
annual Flag Day Ceremony. The Flag Day ceremony consists of a
review and explanation of the history of the flag and its
contribution to the United States. During the ceremony,
patriotic music is played and the lodge chaplain gives a few
statements about Flag Day. The Elks Lodge then recites the
Pledge of Allegiance to conclude the ceremony. The Scouts will
continue to celebrate Flag Day every year with Elks Lodge.
Camp
Tamarancho Marin County, by Alex W.
Camp Tamarancho was the first campout for many of the new
scouts in Troop 259. Many of these new scouts earned the
requirements that they needed to obtain their Scout Rank,
while also earning their Totin Chit. Troop 259 walked a five
mile hike along well traveled mountain biking paths and
explored numerous random trails before venturing through dry
creek beds. Troop 259 also observed a World War 2 Plane Engine
that is a landmark at the campsite. We will definitely look
into possibly attending a summer camp here in the future.
2022 Spring
Camporee, by Alex W.
This year in Camporee, the Serpents and the Electric Rubber
Duckies represented Troop 259. 35 patrols with over 600 scouts
participated in the events/games that were held in Camporee.
The Electric Rubber Duckies placed third in the fire building.
Overall, the Serpents earned third place in the event. As a
prize, Troop 259 was awarded a cast iron skillet. After the
award ceremony, each troop was to present their skits they
either came up with or chose. Troop 259 decided to perform
“Important Papers.” Overall, Camporee was a fantastic
experience and a great way to engage with other scouts. All
the scouts learned to communicate better with each other and
also created better teamwork.
Webelos
Bridging from Pack 259, by Alex F.
On the 2nd of April the Scouts from Troop 259 welcomed the new
Arrow of Lights from Pack 259. They had a Bridging Ceremony,
where they were promoted from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. With
that ceremony concluded, I am happy to congratulate the 6 new
scouts of Troop 259.
Land Park
Cleanup, by Alex F.
On the 2nd of April, scouts from Troop 259 had helped Land
Park Volunteer Corps tidy up and clean William Land Park.
Before we had even started cleaning. we ran into a
problem. On the ground was a young hurt squirrel that had
fallen from a tree. We had assisted the squirrel and it was
safe and gone when we came back. Our scout were hard at work
for 4 hours! And when we came back we enjoyed lunch.
Troop 259 headed to Mt. Diablo for a campout where the scouts
hiked to the summit to check out the fantastic views of the
Bay Area. This campout was in preparation of longer
backpacking trips that the scouts have planned to take later
in the year. This was a learning curve for most of the group
on how to properly pack a backpack for a long trek, and the
learning curve was as steep as the hike. To simulate the
experience, two patrols each cooked varying forms of
dehydrated backpacking food, and everyone had to carry all of
the gear they brought. In the end it was a great learning
experience, and everyone will definitely make adjustments to
their packs in preparation for the next backpacking campout.
Volunteer service is a very important part of scouting, and on
December 4 the scouts of Troop 259 had an opportunity to
participate in District 5's mural in Hollywood Park. Lead
artist Jaya King designed an elaborate mural which reflects
elements of nature that is connected to the local area. In a
color-coded paint by number system, the scouts were able to
paint various parts of the mural to add their mark to a new
neighborhood landmark.
Sacramento
Historic Trails Hike
On December 4, Troop 259 completed the Sacramento Historic
Trails Hike. This particular award retraces the historic route
that John Sutter had cut out from the port of Old Sacramento
to Sutters Fort. The scouts passed numerous historical sites
including the Sacramento Railroad Museum, Sutters Fort, The
State Capitol, The Stanford House, and Crocker Art Museum. The
hike is a great way to let kids learn the vast amount of
history that City of Sacramento has to offer.
Indian Grinding
Rock Campout
On November 17, 2021 Troop 259 went camping at Indian Grinding
Rock State Historic Park in Pine Grove CA. The park was
created in 1968 and preserves a great outcropping of
marbleized limestone with some 1,185 mortar holes -- the
largest collection of bedrock mortars in North America. The
troop took a 5-mile hike around the park that had an Indian
Museum, recreated bark structures, and hundreds of native
plants that you can identify along the self-guided trail. The
scouts had an opportunity to work on many requirements that
can only be done on such outings.
Big Trees State Park Campout, by Alex F.
On the 1st of October, the scouts of troop 259 went to
Calaveras Big Trees State Park. This campout was the first for
two scouts. Also, some scouts had gone to an abandoned shack,
played capture the flag and, explore. Next, we had done a mile
hike to identify 10 types of plants. We had also made stations
to complete requirements. Since we were in bear country a
camper had told us they had seen a bear and cub near our site.
As a troop, it was another productive campout to get
requirements done.
Community Service at William Land
Park
On August 7, 2021, Troop 259 helped the Land Park Volunteer
Corps (LPVC) with William Land Park maintenance. The LPVC
provides a valuable sertice, helping City Parks staff keep the
160 acre William Land Park looking beautiful. We removed
weeds, raked, and tidied up part of the park's Swantston
Garden area, which features a fountain and many colorful
plants. The LPVC kept us hydrated with ice-cold water and
Gatorade, and also treated all volunteers to a barbecued
hamburger and hot dog lunch. After lunch, the Serpent Patrol
met to plan Patrol Agendas for the next few months.
Wente Scout
Reservation Summer Camp, by Michael W.
On June 11, 2021, Troop 259 went to Wente Scout Reservation
for Summer Camp. This particular summer camp was the first
summer camp for all the scouts, and was even the first campout
for one scout. There were many activities to participate in at
the campout including mountain biking, mountain climbing,
swimming and even horse riding. This campout was very
productive and eventful. During this week long trip, each
scout that went got at least 6 merit badges. As a troop the
scouts completed 65 merit badges and received 9 partial merit
badges. It wasn’t all work however, there were many fun
experiences, such as the Wentathelon. The Wentathelon is a
camp-wide competition where participants from troops compete
in activities to see who can do them the fastest. There was
also a time when our Scoutmaster brought ghost pepper hot
sauce. Everyone was using the tips of the forks to taste it.
Everyone that had it was suffering. Also Wente offered an
event called the Wooly Wash where campers could wake up at 6
am to swim in the lake for at least 3 days to receive an
award. We had 7 different troop members complete the
challenge. There was a lot of wildlife that would roam freely
around the camp as well. Our troop spotted deer, foxes, giant
squirrels, many lizards, and a sleep paralysis demon. Overall,
this trip was a great experience and I hope that the next
summer camp will be as much fun as this one. View some of our
Camp Wente activities here.
Sunset
State Beach Campout, by Michael W.
Troop 259 traveled to Sunset State Beach in Watsonville for our first official campout of the year. During this trip, we identified 10 animals on the seven mile hike along the beach. One of the scouts was able to find clams along the hike, and he cooked them for dinner. Also, many of the scouts went geocaching. This activity consists of going to a specified location, and in a certain area, looking for what is called a geocache. This activity was a great way to introduce new scouts to the program. This trip was a lot of fun and was nice to finally get an opportunity to get out of the house.
Garcia Bend Cleanup,
by Michael W.
On May 22, 2021, Troop 259 went to clean up at
Garcia Bend Park. 5 scouts and 3 parents participated at the
clean up. Together, we were able to clean a total of 8 bags of
trash, in a total of 2 hours. We started at the park, and
later traversed to the trail. Later going to the levee. Along
the way, there were many people that were supportive of the
scouts cleaning efforts, and took the time to thank us for our
efforts. In the end, it was a good experience, being able to
clean up much of the area and I hope we are able to do this
again.
Congratulations,
Eagle Scout Joshua Watson
Troop 259's newest Eagle Scout is Joshua
Watson, in the Serpents Patrol. For his Eagle Project, Joshua
and his team constructed a Memorial Bench in memory of First
Lady Kay Mitchell, for the Antioch Progressive Church in
Sacramento. Deacon Roy Bradley signed off as the beneficiary
representative, and also lent a helping hand with
construction. Due to Covid restrictions, Joshua completed his
Eagle Board of Review via videoconferencing on March 17, 2021.
Congratulations to Joshua, the troop's 188th Eagle Scout!
Congratulations to Christopher Fong, Troop 259's newest Eagle
Scout. Due to the pandemic, Christopher's Eagle Board of
Review was conducted virtually, via Zoom on September 30,
2020. He becomes Eagle Scout #187 and is the last of the
original Ice Dragon Patrol scouts who bridged from Pack 259.
Christopher's Eagle project involved designing and leading the
construction of two wood benches, to be located in the
sanctuary foyer at the Chinese Community Church. The benches
provide the elderly a place to sit and rest while waiting for
Sunday service to begin. This Fall, Christopher will study
Civil Engineering at Cal State Pomona.
Welcome New
Scouts! - Pack 259 Bridging Ceremony
On July 13, we welcomed Webelos II scouts into Troop 259. Pack
259 conducted an outdoor Bridging Ceremony -- with proper
social distancing and face coverings, of course, Cubmaster
Julia Hawkinson presented the Arrow of Light awards. The Arrow
is straight and narrow, just as the path that scouts should
follow throughout their lives. Its tip points the way, the way
to success in all that scouts do. It is pointing to the right,
a symbol that nothing should be left undone. If it is within
your power to do it, see that it is done. And lastly, this is
the symbol of the seven rays of the sun, one for each day of
the week; this is to remind scouts that every day is a new
day, a day to Do Your Best in everything. Each of these boys
has blazed his own trail toward the Arrow of Light and now the
Arrow of Light will help them remember their promise to keep
the Spirit of Cub Scouting alive.
After each scout crossed the bridge from Cub Scouting to Boy Scouting, their parent affixed the Troop 259 neckerchief and slide. The ceremony concluded with pictures and ice cream-to-go. Congratulations and welcome to Troop 259! View some photos of the ceremony here.
Troop
259's Newest Eagle Scout, Anthony Wong
Anthony Wong became Troop 259's newest Eagle Scout on
Febriuary 20. Anthony is currently the troop's Senior Patrol
Leader, leading his fellow scouts during meetings, campouts,
and other activites. His Eagle project involved the design,
construction, and installation of two library boxes. The boxes
are located in high-traffic areas on Freeport Blvd near the
new Raley's project. Neighbors report that the boxes are
visited frequently and thus far have been restocked three
different times by local users. As a unique feature, the boxes
are built with reclaimed materials as a means to demonstrate
sustainability.
July 4th Pocket Parade
Troop 259, along with Pack 259 marched in the annual 4th of
July Pocket Parade. Both groups had excellent floats display
the fun and activities of Scouting. The weather was perfect as
the parade made its way along Windbridge Drive to Garcia Bend
Park, where a community festival and food trucks were located.
Thank you to all scouts who participated and distributed
Scouting information and stickers to boys and girls along the
parade route.