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Read about recent news below. See older news articles here. |
Recently, Troop 259 elected a new Senior Patrol Leader! Our SPL, Tressa L, is a Life Scout. She's 17 years old, and has been in scouting for seven years. One fun fact about her: she’s the first female SPL in Troop 259’s history! For our troop to get to know her better, I thought up some questions to ask. Here are her replies!
1 • What drew/inspired you to join scouting?
My brother started scouting as a Tiger in Pack 259, and I was the typical little sister who tagged along, watching the pack meetings and going on the family campouts, but couldn't participate in the program. I wished to be a part of the actual program, so once girls were invited to join, I immediately took the opportunity and started as a Webelos Scout in Pack 49.
2 • What is your plan for our troop as SPL?
As SPL, my plan is to make the troop more scout led. I want each scout to feel included and confident in their role. I plan on making every meeting productive and organized, but still keeping it fun and engaging. I also want to build better teamwork and communication. My end goal for the troop is to make sure everyone has had the opportunity to lead and grow.
3 • What is your favorite merit badge/subject in scouting, and why do you like it? My favorite merit badge is Photography. I have a hobby for taking photos, mostly of sunsets, and it was interesting to learn how to use my camera more effectively and the different ways to capture a moment.
4 • I noticed that you have more nights of camping than most of our adult leaders. How did you manage to do that? I do really enjoy camping, so whenever the opportunity to go camping came up, and I didn't have any conflicting events, I went. But the scouting program is designed for the youth, and many of our scout leaders are new or have work, so it doesn't surprise me that I have been able to camp more often than they have.
5 • Outside of scouting, do you have any hobbies or things you like to do? Outside of scouting, I enjoy shooting with my school's competitive marksmanship team, camping, playing soccer, and taking photos.
Indian Grinding Rock, by Lincoln C.
From November 14-16, Troop 259 had a campout at Indian Grinding Rock State Park! Our troop had a pretty fun time, as they went on a nature hike and even visited the Chaw’Se Regional Indian Museum. Although it was raining, and we had an accident involving tents, the troop still had a fun time. They even got to see some native flora! Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that this state park is the largest collection of bedrock mortars grouped with petroglyphs in The world? (Petroglyphs are the small etchings that you can see if you look close enough to the mortars, though they may be hard to see as some have eroded away.) In all, there are 1,185 bedrock mortars in the park, and 363 petroglyphs. Thousands of years ago, the Northern Sierra Miwok tribe (and possibly some of their close neighbors from other tribes) came together to grind acorns here when they started falling to the ground! In the 1970’s, the staff of the state park reconstructed a Northern Sierran Miwok village at the site, including a roundhouse our troop visited! One cool thing about the roundhouse is that it is still used in the present by the Northern Sierra Miwok peoples for at least two ceremonies a year! Our troop had a fun time, as we did last year, and we will most likely come again sometime!
On October 3rd-5th of 2025, Troop 259 participated in the biggest Scout fishing event in America, Angler Weekend! It was held at GIbson Ranch by our council, the Golden Empire Council. At this event, Scouts could complete many different requirements for the merit badges Fish and Wildlife Management, Fishing, and Fly Fishing. Some of these requirements were tying flies, casting fly fishing rods, and even catching and cooking an actual fish! You could even win trophies for fishin- related achievements.
Our troop, sadly, didn't win any trophies. But, we caught lots of fish, earned merit badges, and, most importantly, had fun! One benefit of going to this weekend is being featured in a future issue of the “Scout’s Life” magazine! Plus, we even got to take home the flies that we tied. Overall, Troop 259 had a fun time, except for one chair related incident, but that’s a story for another time.
Troop 259 Cook-Off, by Lincoln C.
The Troop 259 Cook-Off has come to town! But, this year’s Cook-Off was a bit different from last year's. Scouts had a set budget ($50), and a set list of ingredients (Ground beef, yogurt, croutons, red potatoes, cucumber, carrots, any bean, and mystery seasoning.) For the two meetings before the Cook-Off, our troop prepared by learning cooking related skills. Unlike last year, this year resulted in a tie between the Lumberjacks and the Strange Amphibians! According to a judge and taster, “The Lumberjack's meal tasted the best, while the Strange Amphibians’ looked the best.” There were no prizes awarded, but hey, at least they got bragging rights!
Embracing Adventure and Team Spirit: Reflections on our Spring Camporee
As the warmth of spring graces our landscape, it brings with it a unique opportunity for Scouts to gather, learn, and adventure together at our annual Spring Camporee. This year's event was not just a weekend of camping; it was a vibrant celebration of skills, camaraderie, and the spirit of Scouting.
• The Essence of Camporee
The essence of a Camporee lies in its purpose: to unite Scouts from various troops, encourage team-building, and foster leadership skills in a fun, hands-on environment. This year, we welcomed a large contingent of Scouts and leaders from various troops, creating a dynamic and enriching atmosphere.
• Activities and Learning Opportunities
Our Spring Camporee featured a diverse array of activities designed to challenge Scouts, ignite their curiosity, and promote intertroop friendships. From the dawn of Saturday morning until the stars twinkled above, our Scouts engaged in a series of competitions and workshops, including:
1. Obstacle Course: Teams raced against the clock, navigating challenges that tested their agility and teamwork.
2. First Aid Skills: Scouts honed their proficiency in first aid techniques in a practical, hands-on workshop led by local EMT volunteers.
3. Campfire Cooking Contest: Scouts showcased culinary skills, whipping up delicious dishes using limited resources, all while adhering to Leave No Trace principles.
4. Scout Skills Olympics: Troops competed in a variety of traditional Scout skill challenges, from knot tying to fire building, fostering healthy competition and encouraging Scouts to support one another.
Throughout the weekend, Scouts were encouraged to demonstrate not only their individual talents but also their ability to work as part of a team. This collaborative spirit is a cornerstone of the Scouting experience, reminding us all that together, we can achieve more.
• Leadership Development
In addition to skill-building, our Spring Camporee served as an opportunity for leadership development among Scouts. Through planning and executing the various activities, both youth and adult leaders learned valuable lessons in organization, communication, and problem-solving. This experiential learning is vital, as these skills will serve them in Scouting and throughout their lives.
• Evening Campfire Ceremony
No Camporee would be complete without the iconic evening campfire ceremony. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Scouts gathered around the crackling flames, sharing songs, skits, and stories that highlighted the spirit of camaraderie within our community. The laughter and joy resonated through the night, creating lasting memories for all participants.
The campfire concluded with an Order of the Arrow Call Out in which four Scouts from Troop 259 and one adult were recognized and invited to participate in an Ordeal.
Those Scouts recognized are:
- Keegan Cooke
- Travis Alarcon
- Tyler Shum
- Jacob Watson
• Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, we are excited for the challenges and adventures that await us in the coming months, including summer camps and community service projects. Our time at the Camporee has only strengthened our resolve to embody the Scout Oath and Law, fostering leadership, friendship, and a love for the great outdoors.
Thank you to all the leaders, volunteers, and families who made this Camporee a successful and inspiring experience. Your support and dedication make our Scouting community stronger!
Tim Colwell
Scoutmaster
Scouting for Food
On Saturday March 8, Troop 259 participated in the Scouting for Food event, which collects food to help others in need. We collected over 280 non-perishable food items and delivered them to the South Sacramento Interfaith Partnership Food Closet. District-wide, 1,450 scouts and 630 adult volunteers collected 52,433 food items. We’re pleased to make a difference in our community through Scouting for Food!
Adventure on the USS Hornet
In January we had an exciting overnight adventure on the USS Hornet ship museum. The ship’s history includes World War II through the Vietnam War, and also the recovery of the Apollo 11 and 12 astronauts, who walked on the Moon. In addition to a tour of the ship to learn how the sailors lived and worked, we learned about history, science, and engineering through hands-on activities. Interesting exhibits included a helicopter used for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue operations, airborne early warning, and more. See more photos on our Facebook page!
Our troop recently held an engaging event where scouts worked on merit badges while developing essential skills and community awareness. Scouts participated in Citizenship in Society, learning about civic engagement and community responsibility. The Cooking merit badge had them whipping up a delicious meal for lunch. In Environmental Science, scouts learned about outdoor activities focused on conservation. Additionally, the Disability Awareness session fostered understanding and respect for individuals with disabilities through interactive games, while scouts on the Trail to First Class practiced vital skills like knot tying and their physical fitness. The day was filled with fun, learning, and teamwor, illustrating the strong spirit of our troop. A heartfelt thank you to all the leaders and volunteers who made this event a success. Stay tuned for more adventures ahead!
Troop
259 has been Busy!, by David W.
Troop 259 has been busy with many
activities during the past six months.
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.