May 1, 2024 | Greater Los Angeles Area Council, BSA

Friends of Scouting Annual Giving Campaign

When you support Scouting, you're creating a safe haven where every child thrives. Through Friends of Scouting, your generosity fuels programs amplifying Scouting's impact on our units and communities. As the largest Scout Council in the Southwest, Greater LA Scouting embraces diversity, with Scouts and volunteers from varied backgrounds. Despite membership fees covering only 10% of the overall program, the Council spends $425 per Scout annually, ensuring every child's experience is enriched. Join us in shaping future leaders and fostering inclusivity!

Congratulations to our newest graduating class of the

Wildland Fire Explorer Academy

This past weekend, the Wildland Fire Explorer Academy celebrated its 30th successful graduation. Our very own Post 99 US Forest Service are the lovely hosts for four consecutive weekends to Fire Explorers and fire cadets from a multitude of different cities. They come together every weekend to teach the kids what it takes to be a Wildland Firefighter and how vastly different it can be from the typical Firefighter tactics we normally see. Congratulations are also in order for five of the graduates who have now been hired by the US Forest Services Department to be full-time Firefighters which is a testament to the Exploring Program. Best of luck to the graduates starting the next chapter of their lives and we can't wait to see what the future has in store for all of you.

Learn more about how you can get involved in Exploring.

Welcome Chief Phillip Sanchez! From his command roles at the Santa Monica Police Department to his tenure as Pasadena's Chief of Police, Phillip has been instrumental in shaping contemporary policing and security strategies. Armed with a Bachelor’s in Business Management and a Master’s in Security Studies, both with honors, he's a seasoned professional committed to excellence.

Beyond his career, Phillip fosters partnerships and shares knowledge as an adjunct instructor. A proud Eagle Scout and National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award Honoree, he embodies integrity and service.

Welcome to the Board, Chief Sanchez!  

Welcome Al Naipo! A seasoned leader with a passion for community service and historic preservation. Since 2017, he's served as the Chief Administrative Officer and Secretary for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission, overseeing operations at the iconic Coliseum and BMO Stadium. Under his guidance, the Coliseum underwent a remarkable $325 million renovation in 2019, ensuring its continued legacy for generations to come.

Al's commitment to public service extends beyond his role at the Coliseum. Previously, he served as Communications Director and advisor to L.A. County Board Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, where he played a key role in advocating for funding to combat homelessness in the county.

Before his career in public service, Al spent over 30 years as a distinguished television news reporter and anchor, covering major stories both locally and nationally. From the OJ Simpson Case to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, his journalistic expertise has left an indelible mark on the industry.

But Al's dedication to service doesn't stop there. A proud Eagle Scout and member of the Order of the Arrow, he continues to give back to the Scouting community, inspired by his father's legacy of mentorship and leadership.

Welcome to the Board, Al Naipo!

Calling all Mothers of

Eagle Scouts

Attention all New and Existing Eagle Moms last chance to purchase tickets for the Wind Under Their Wings Brunch this Saturday, May 4, 2024.

We hope that you can join us there.

Gathering of Eagles

Thursday, May 16, 2024, 

*Must be 21 or older to attend

Come be part of an extraordinary Gathering of Eagles, a unique event crafted to unite respected adult Scouters and potential volunteers in a captivating social environment. This gathering guarantees an unforgettable night filled with connections, camaraderie, and inspiration. Join us at Angel City Brewery from 5:30 pm -7:30 pm.

One Last Spring Camporee

Just like that, we round up Spring Camporees. This past weekend the San Gabriel Valley District hosted their “Achieving New Heights” Camporee at Firestone with 377 Scouts and Adults in attendance, 45 competing patrols. 18 adults were also able to complete their Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills training with an interactive course over the weekend! A special thanks to Martin Deveau and his Team for making this another successful Camporee! If you have photos and would like to share them please contact Cicily Gardea.

Did you know you can camp out at the Cushman Watt Scout Center Pocket Park?

The Cushman Watt Scout Center has many different facilities that are available to rent. Spend the weekend doing some urban camping in the Pocket Park or even host a wedding there with a spectacular view of Downtown LA. To learn how you can rent the space contact Gracie Trevino Peralta.

Paddle Craft Safety at Cabrillo

Saturday, May 11th from 8:30 am -4 pm

We invite you to join us for Paddle Craft Safety at Cabrillo. The program expands on your Safety Afloat training to include the skills, as well as the knowledge, needed for a unit leader to confidently supervise canoeing or kayaking excursions on flat water. Persons completing the training should be better able to assess their preparation to supervise paddle craft activities.

You will need to pass the Swim test. You will be practicing using different type of boats, swamping and rescuing in the boats.

Dress to swim, bring wet shoes, towel and dry clothes. You will need a lunch, sunscreen and water. Once you sign up you will receive homework instructions.

Palos Verdes Scouts love getting out to the 

Angeles National Forest!

On April 20, the PV Packers (Troop 257) and the PV Mountain Men (Troop 276) surprised each other at the Mt. Lowe campground! Just by coincidence, the two Troops had both planned a backpacking outing to the campground. The PV Packers were the first to arrive, hiking in from the Eaton Saddle trailhead. While the PV Packers were on their Mt.Lowe peak day hike, the Mountain Men also came in from Eaton Saddle! Scouters enjoyed good conversation all enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors. Each Troop had their own plans but came together after dinner for evening colors. The next morning the Troops separated ways, as they packed out of the campground. These two Troops are well known for their love of backpacking.

Help Us Bring Scouting to LA Fleet Week!

May 24-27, 2024 (Memorial Day Weekend)

Join us at LA Fleet Week, May 24 - May 27, as we promote Scouting to the larger community! Sign up to help us host a Scouting booth. We will be sharing the fun of Scouting by showcasing a Pinewood Derby track, Rain Gutter Regatta and STEAM activities! We are looking to fill 4 time slots a day for the 4 day program with 5 adult leaders and Scouts.