Hoegee Trail Campout

January 16, 2009 Troop 516 hiked 3 miles up Hoegee Trail to campout for the night. In attendance were Brandon R., Patrick R., Daniel D., Davis G., Nick B., Dimas, Ryan K., and James W. It took about 2 hours to get up to the campsite where the boys set up camp for the night. We built a huge fire and cooked hamburger helper for dinner. The boys did a great job getting up the side of Mt. Wilson which was no easy climb.

This is at the Trailhead where the boys confirmed that it was really a 3 mile hike to the campsite.

It was so dark hiking up. At one point we turned off all the flashlights and you really could not see your hand in front of your face.

This is us hiking out the next morning at 7:00 AM. The sun was a welcome sight.

Selling Programs at The Rose Bowl Parade

January 1, 2009 Troop 516 sold programs at this year's Rose Bowl Parade. It was our first year selling programs at the parade and we raised over $550 with only four boys selling. James W. sold the most with 177 programs followed by Davis G. at 126, Nick B. at 95 and Benjamin G, at 95 programs sold.








One of the perks of selling programs is when the parade starts the selling stops, and we got front row seats at the corner of Orange Grove and Colorado Boulevard.








Our top seller James W. and his dad at 6:00 AM New Year's Day in front of the NBC booth at the corner of Orage Grove and Colorado Boulevard. Al Roker was up in the booth throwing roses to everyone below.









Couldn't help but take a photo of the best float in this year's parade.

This last Saturday, December 13th Troop 516 was hired by Bishop Muhlestein to help plant his garden that the boys cleared and tilled a few weeks earlier. The boys also cleared and planted a few flower beds. As shown in the photo James W., Auden F., Dakota H., and Patrick R. were the four scouts that came to help out.

JPL Campout 11/21/08

Troop 516 recently went to JPL (11/21/08) for our November outing. We didn't hike in until after dark so it was with the use of flashlights that the boys were able to make their way across several small steams and rocky terrain down the 1.5 mile trail to base camp. We had a great group with a special thanks to James W. for putting this campout together and to David M. who was our camp chef. Also on the campout we had Daniel B., Nick B., Auden F., Dimas A. Jr., Davis G., Patrick R., Ryan K., and Daniel D. Also on the campout we had Marc W., Tom H., Brad A., Chris G., and Dimas A Sr., as leaders who helped make the campout possible.

Most memorable moment for the Scout Master - It was very dark the night we hiked in and the only source of light were the boy's flashlights. I was bringing up the rear when I noticed all of the boys stopping ahead. When I got to where I could see what was happening you could see where the bridge was completely washed out and fenced off. I fully expected to hear from the boys that we would need to turn around and go home for the night. I immediately went right trying to see if there was a way to cross and before I could get where I could see I heard the boys on the other side of the bridge yelling they found a way to cross, truly the scout spirit.

The boys seemed to have a good time. The JPL Campout was our first backpacking experience as a troop. Next I believe we will be taking on Joshua Tree which will include a five mile loop where we will campout along the way. Should be fun!