The world is an emptier place today since Bob Hanson passed away last night. Bob has been a great friend to many, a wonderful counselor to a lot of Scouts, and a wealth of stories to anyone who would care to listen. He helped my son on his quest for Eagle, and for that, I am most grateful.
Jerome T and Michael E have completed their Eagle projects.
Jerome's project for St Gregory the Great School included a new backstop on the baseball diamond, a storage bin with a great sign on it and some weeding and cleanup around the sports field.
Michael's project for St Gregory the Great Church and School included a whole lot of weed removal, painting the planters and replacing a lot of missing bricks from the planters.
Congratulations to both soon-to-be Eagles.
Winter Camp
Several of our Scouts and Scouters attended winter camp at Forest Lawn near Lake Arrowhead. Although there was no snow to be found, the staff had a good program for the boys.
16th Annual Pancake Breakfast
March 2003
On March 30th Troop 688 once again hosted the best pancake breakfast in Whittier. Several hundred people enjoyed the buttermilk or blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, fresh fruit, orange juice, milk, and coffee. We then took a record setting 34 people to Spires to thank them for their ongoing support.
Rock Gym
June 2003
Crew 688 hosted an afternoon at the Rock Gym in Long Beach on June 28th. Fourteen Venturers, Scouts, and Cubs plus seven Scouters attended the outing which included training in the proper use of climbing equipment.
Summercamp 2003
August 2003
13 Scouts from Troop 688 earned 70 Merit Badges at summer camp at Circle X at Big Horn this year. 3 Scouts participated in the Pathfinder program which allowed them to get a lot of signoffs on the trail to First Class. 6 adults attended and were able to participate in several training sessions.
Seven members of Venture Crew 688 participated in a week long campout in the Sequoia National Park. The crew went on several outings including a visit to the General Sherman Tree, Crystal Cave, Tokopah Falls, and Muir Grove. The crew members were joined by 8 adults. Also joining in
on the fun were 4 others and
several critters including some
mule deer and 2 black bear
cubs and of course their mama.
NEW EAGLE
August 2003
OK, This one is big news. Jerome T appeared in front of Rio Hondo's Eagle Character Board on Monday night, August 25th. Jerome was approved and his application will now be submitted to National for final approval. Please join me in congratulating him on his new rank.
Michael E appeared in front of Rio Hondo's Eagle Character Board on Monday night, September 29th. Michael was approved and his application will now be submitted to National for final approval. Current plans are for Michael and his best buddy Jerome wiill have a combined Court of Honor in January. Please join me in congratulating him on his new rank.
Rock Gym Attendees
Greg CNick GElijah JDaniel L
Nathan L Andy M Cody M Matt T
Vincent L Jonathan L Josh V Jerome T
Jennifer E Michael E
Adults
Willie CJerry TJohn CChris M
Martha G Lydia V Damian G
FLAG RETIREMENT
November 2003
Troop 688 would like to thank the Whittier Elks Lodge for the honor of having us perform a flag retirement ceremony for them. We weren't sure we would be able to retire the flags since it was the evening of the bizarre storm that flooded parts of LA county and left parts of Watts covered in 2 feet of hail. The stopped long enough for the ceremony. Thanks to the Elks for dinner and a donation to the troop.
SCOUTING FOR FOOD
November 2003
Troop, Crew, and Pack 688 joined together for the annual good turn Scouting For Food. This year 31 Scouts and 29 adults expended over 250 man hours and collected 1,642 cans of food along with a bag of clothes and a bag full of stuffed animals which were donated to the Neighbors helping Neighbors program in Whittier. Father John was on hand to lead the group in an opening prayer. The morning started out with donuts and breakfast burritos of chorizo and eggs and beans.
Spruce Grove
December 13, 2003
The hike started on a paved downhill road, still in civilization. About .8 mile into the hike, we met semi-wilderness. The first stop we hiked to was Sturdevant Falls, where the water fall falls. After we watched the water fall, we changed directions and headed to Spruce Grove. On the way some of us found a small cave. When we got to Spruce Grove, we sat and ate lunch. After everyone ate we noticed one of our leaders was missing. As we were packing up to leave Spruce Grove, the missing leader found his way to us. A few of us went back to the cave until we had to leave. On the way back to the parking lot we got a full view of the whole valley. We all battle-charged to the finishing white gate.
