some up close encounters...

First off, everyone is having a blast here at Jambo as we make our way into the last few days... :(

812 had some pretty cool encounters with top dogs in the Scouting world.

First, on his way back to camp, Mr. Mac met the National Chief of Saudi Arabia Scouting. After a friendship exchange, Mr. Mac got an official pin straight from the Chief's uniform!!

Also, Trevor Osaki and Alex Krebs went to a reception for an award they had earned before, and while there, they met the Assistant Chief of BSA. "It was an honor to meet him," mentions Trevor.

Finally, the COOKIE MONSTER PATROL GOT 1ST PLACE IN REGIONALS FOR THEIR PATROL FLAG!!! CONGRATS EVAN AND THE REST OF THE COOKIE MONSTERS!!

GO WIN FOR THE ENTIRE CAMP!!

a rainy day....

Today seemed loads more exciting than yesterday. Rory Strong was just one of the busy scouts with a packed day. He started the day at snorkeling. "I didn't find any souvenirs at the bottom of the pool, but it was fun anyway, " he says. He then traveled to the military areas, "but [he] turned back to camp to get our of the random thunder storm. It poured for half an hour, trapping everyone at their stations. Trevor Osaki was stuck at the conservation area while touring the site in the forest area. "I never thought I would huddle around a fan in the middle of a rainstorm," Trevor laughed. Like every other day, patch trading remained huge in camp, and the OCC patches continued to be a big hit.

I am updating this blog in the middle of a storm!! good night!!

7 28

Here are some featured Scouts!! Craig Dean, Keet Veylupek, and Dennis Maccarthy.

First was Keet Veylupek. "I went rowing and canoeing," recalls Keet. "It was nice to get near the water!" Other aquatic activities include snorkel, scuba, and sailing, which is just what Dennis Maccarthy did. "It was fun because it was normally calm and a random gush of wind sent the bat going fast," says Dennis. Out of the water and onto the slopes, Craig Dean spent some time mountain boarding. "It was fast, furious, and fun," remarks Craig.

There are obviously many activities to do here, and everyone is enjoying their time at Jambo!

activities and patches at Jambo... Oh My!! xDgt

Because 812 did not finish our setup as planned for yesterday, we woke up early, quickly at breakfast, and went to complete our gateway. At noon, we had our gateway up and a quick orientation out ofthe way. Then, all groups of buddies swarmed out of our campsite to look at everything that Jamboree had to offer.

Bobby Okereke, Mike Swartz, and Paul Swartz participated in a BMX bike race whereas Andrew Markstrum went to the military sites. "The bike race is way more fun with friendly competition with your buddies," remarked Mike, "I beat Bobby all three times!"

Trevor Osaki and Alex Krebs met a cameraman from Adventure Base 100. They got some videos of them on the Rappelling Tower. "It was an adrenaline pumping experience," says Trevor Osaki who always wanted to try the activity.

After a long day, 812ers trickled into the campsite for dinner. Amazingly, hardly any Scouts did many activities. After dinner, everyone reached into their packs and pulled out big bags of patches. Tere were Halo, Star Wars, OA, cars, trains, and surfboard patches sprawled out on every table. It turns our all our Scouts spent the majority of their time trading with other troops. It was an incredible first full day of Jambo!

PICASA IS UPDATED!!

(if you want your son in pictures or quoted in the blog, call them or comment on my blog... I don't follow people around all day, and with all the things going on, I haven't even seen our Scouts during the day for the last day and a half.... tell them to get with a camera buddy... if your Scout is a historian and their pics are not online, they were unable to make my daily deadline of before dinner...)

THANKS!!

The end of one journey;the beginning of another. We woke up earlier than usual because we had a packed morning. We ate in twenty minutes and rushed to the bus. We took a short drive to the Arlington Cemetery where we saw the ceremony of the changing of the guards at the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier. "I think it is cool that the army has come up with ways to remember those who fought for our freedom even when others fail to have a similar appreciation. After the cemetery, we went back to DC to visit the Capitol Building and the Library of congress. That was only our morning though. It was back on the bus and off to Virginia to meet up with the 40,000 other scouters for the 2010 Jamboree. We rolled into camp at 4:00 PM and all we did was go go go, unloading the trailer and setting up camp. We were unable to finish our gateway due to time requirements. It was dark when we finally went to bed, and everyone went to sleep, exhausted from the day.
Note: the wifi at Jamboree is agonizingly slow... i will do my best to stay on top of this blog... thanks!!

woops!! this is day 4... the one below is day 5... sorry!!

Today was a lot of fun, waking up early, eating a full breakfast and immediately loading onto the bus. We went back to the national museum that was across the street from the mint we went to yesterday. Inside, we watched a performance on our nation’s history, had a lot of fun posing with statues of the Constitution’s signers, and bought fun souvenirs at the gift shop. Then, it was back on the bus. We watched Avatar on our way to Washington DC, and before we knew it, the Capitol Building was looming in the distance. We parked on a curb and got ready to tour the Smithsonian Museum. After five hours of touring the Museums of Nature, American History, Art, and Air and Space. “The American Museum was showed the evolvement of technology in our country such as cars and movies, and was very interesting to explore,” says Evan Secrist. Our next destination was dinner in China Town. “Dinner was delicious and I found it interesting to visit China Town,” comments Trevor Osaki. Tired after our full meal, we had one last destination for the day, the WWII memorial. 812 showed our respect to all those who helped defend our country and got amazing views of the surroundings. “Overall the day was totally awesome,” says an excited Craig Dean.

a long, fun day 5

“It was a long day today,” comments Hayden Hall as he lies in his hotel bed watching movies. Today was a jam-packed day. We woke up early, had a somewhat small breakfast, and got right on our tour bus. After a two hour bus ride, we woke up from much needed naps to see Gettysburg Museum. We received a scavenger hunt assignment and rushed into the museum to start. “Our scavenger hunt went from an assignment to a fun, bonding activity,” says Craig Dean. After watching countless movies about the Civil War and observing various artifacts from the time period, it was time to head out. We drove a short time to the Dobbin House where we ate lunch in the middle of a summer thunder storm. We hopped back on the bus after our tasty lunch and made the trip back to Washington DC. It rained on us the entire ride home, but right as we rolled into the parking lot of our dinner destination, the rain let up. Dinner was quite interesting tonight. All we saw from the parking lot was a large patch of trees surrounding our bus. We took a short walk and saw a campsite with benches and a buffet awaiting our arrival. We got our plates and waited in line to get our burgers, hot dogs, salads, watermelon, and ice cream. To add to our outdoor experience, we had a show put on by musicians dressed as old British soldiers. “I was intrigued as I listened to the songs of the Revolutionary War era being played by look-a-likes. After dinner, it was back in the bus for the final destinations of the day. We drove to the Iwojima, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Jefferson Memorials. It was a long but totally fun day.

a new day, a new city

Everyone woke up this morning happy that nothing like a fire alarm disturbed their sleep. A delicious breakfast energized everyone for the day ahead. With our bags packed and loaded under the bus, everyone headed toward the aircraft carrier, “The Intrepid. It was fun looking down on the deck from the tower,” mentions Bobby Okereke. Just as we left the carrier, a heavy rain fell on the Scouts of 812. Unfortunately, the rain continued as we drove towards Times Square, and we were forced to just stay inside the bus as we drove through the busy city. The decision turned out to have a good result because we arrived in Philadelphia early and started touring immediately. We started touring our new city at the US Mint where we watched pennies being minted. “The pennies were so shiny; it makes me think about all those dirty pennies in the world and what they went through,” states Hayden Hall. Next, we visited Benjamin Franklin’s grave and threw coins to show our respect. “I have never seen such an interesting ceremony,” says Trevor Osaki. After waiting in a long line, 812 was admitted into an Independence Hall tour then went to take photos at the Liberty Bell. We took a few pictures with THE BRAIN, our troop travelling mascot, and headed on foot towards dinner at Dave and Busters. The food was delicious and the games were fun, but it ended quickly and we drove off to our new hotel. Upon arrival, we got dressed in our swim trunks and jumped into the pool to cool off after the long, hot day.

This morning was unforgettable. A fire alarm wailed in everyones’ rooms and echoed through the halls. “I wanted to go to sleep,” Paul Swarts comments, “and the whole scene was a ridiculous waste of time.” From midnight until 1AM, Scouts stood outside the hotel, some with no shoes, some with no shirts, some even without pants! Because the sprinklers in some of our rooms drenched everything, the Scouts of 812 slept on the floor of the lobby. Then, two hours after falling asleep in the lobby, Troop 812 was awakened to move back into the rooms.

The day itself was much more fun that the morning. After waking up for the second time, everyone was ready to eat a full breakfast. “Breakfast was beautiful,” states Noah Zedek. “I liked the bacon but should’ve gotten regular, not decaf coffee,” comments Matthew Bicakci. After a big breakfast, the buses were filled once again and 812 headed off to catch their ferry to the Statue of Liberty. “It was my first time, and I was shocked at the size! It’s a lot bigger in person,” says Kenny Coulter after a brief tour of the island, it was back on the ferry and on to Ellis Island. “It was cool to think that my grandpa walked through these doors when he first came to America,” remarks Michael Swartz. We finished the day with hot dogs at the Yankee game. At the game, we made many friends and our SPL, Rudy, was able to convince our friend to drink water instead of her beer. Everyone exited the stadium with smiles on their faces and headed back to the hotel, just to find ur hotel keys didn’t work. To sum up the day, “it was amazing,” says Kevin Pilcher.

a full first day...

Motivation check!...

Motivation check!?.... meh…

It was an early morning for the members of 812, organizing 40 boys at 4AM. After receiving their new neckerchiefs, woggles, and name pins, the boys threw their bags under the bus, did a quick count off, and piled into the bus, waving goodbye to the parents.

The bus arrived at LAX on time and boarding passes were distributed to the boys. Security check! Check!! And the boys of 812 met up with 813 as they waited to board the plane. Half way through the boarding, 812 SPL realized he lost his ticket. In his frantic search through his bags, he was unable to find it. He retraced his steps and luckily found his pass at the security check.

All the Scouts were finally in their seats and the plane took off. The flight was smooth and after the four hour flight, everyone was ready to jump into the tour.

Today we visited Trinity Chapel, drove through the Lincoln tunnel, viewed Ground Zero, and topped off the day by going to the observation deck on the Empire State Building. From the 86^th floor, we could see the Statue of Liberty and Central Park.

semi packing day!! (remember... all photos from all events are on the picasaweb site)

If you’re on time, you’re late… ☺

At 8:00 this morning, the shed was already unloaded and Scouts were transferring tables, boxes, and bags to their designated trucks. Everyone worked together to make the process go faster. With record speed, the trucks were loaded, everyone piled into cars, and drove away to meet the semi. Our load time was scheduled for 11:00, but because some troops weren’t as prepared as 812, we were waiting a while and even helped out with other troops’ gear. Waiting around was fun as all the Scouts found something to do, whether it be playing games, talking with each other, or messing around with an old car. J . Finally, it was our turn to pack 40 duffel bags, fences, patrol/ troop boxes, the lifeguard stand, and miscellaneous gear into an eight foot square in the semi. Thanks to all the Scouts and Families who helped pack the semi!!

4 days ‘til JAMBO!!!

(pics above...)

Patrol t-shirts - check.

3 garbage bags - check.

baby powder...(?)... - check.

These were the sounds of "bag check" on Tuesday evening as Troop 812 Scouts dropped off their large and medium duffel bags. Discussions about the heat, departure at 3:30 am and plans to continue preparing for the National Jamboree and tour dominated the conversations.

See you bright and early on Saturday as we load the 18 wheeler...!

SHAKEDOWN BREAKDOWN!!

The one word to describe the setup is: teamwork. The Troops rolled in a various times, some early in the afternoon, some late in the evening. The one thing all of them had in common was that every single Scout worked hard to help get their campsites ready to show off. We wanted to finish before the sun set, but after that, we were motivated "so we didn't have to worry about it during our events," Hayden Hall commented.

All the OC Troops had different approaches on camp layout. Some experienced Scouts set up the shade shelters in an hour, but some "set ours up for the first time. It took almost four hours," said Nick Nazari of T-824. With the camp just steps away from completion, the Troops went to sleep for the night.

Saturday morning the Troops woke up for reveille. After a quick breakfast, Scouts went back to work for the final details on the campsite. As Trevor Osaki mentions, "Because all the Scouts in our Troop worked together toward a common goal, we were able to set up our site in an efficient manner."

Then came the fun part of the weekend; the Events. With no schedule of what to do when, all the patrols went to town, having fun while working their way through all the activities. "I have a bump from when the helmet hit me, but it was crazy fun!," says Scout Zach Caudill after walking away from Pillow Jousting. At the set time, patrols lined up for shotgun shooting, which was the most fun activity for the majority of the camp. "I hit eight of the ten shots," commented Taylor Baudoin after one of his best rounds.

Reflecting back on the weekend, "I am proud of how fast we set up camp, and despite a few setbacks with our equipment, we did a pretty awesome job. There are times in this Troop where leadership is not necessary because the patrols have become teams and with their teamwork they are fully functional, completing tasks on time and having fun," says Matthew Bicakci, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.

Troop 812 had a great weekend and we are not the only ones who think so. The Troop won awards for the participation in the Cleanest Camp, an award for WINNING the Best Campsite, and the Best Patrol Yell. Finally, the award that should have been handed out but wasn't is the "best hamburger award." Mr. Mac would have won this hands down with his Scotty Mac Burger...it puts the McDonald's Big Mac to shame! "The Best Set of Wheels Award" definitely goes to Evan!

Troop Equipment Gets A Paint Job

Yesterday, Troop members arrived bright and early for painting. We unloaded all the boards for the entrance gate out of the shed, as well as the gear boxes and patrol boxes. We propped the individual pieces against the shed, pulled out the paint, and started to apply the first layer of primer to the planks. As many were hard at work on the gateway, two boys from each patrol primed their patrol boxes. With the first layer complete and the brushes clean, we moved on to the second layer of color. As it turned out, all the patrol leaders, except for Los Guerreros, decided to paint their boxes blue ☻. The rest of the gateway was painted tan. After the second layer, we all went back one last time for a touch-up layer on all the boxes, legs, planks... everything. With the painting complete, the Troop was dismissed after a few hours of fun, hardworking painting.

Have Scouts... Will Camp....

This weekend was full of fun. Everyone got to camp excited for what was to come. Camp was set up faster than anyone expected, and we were able to get started on activities immediately after. We got our mess kits, learned about safety around camp, built rockets, and swam in the pool. Thanks to lifeguards Rudy, Trevor, and Alex, everyone passed their swim tests. Bobby and Keet were such advanced swimmers, they took their swim tests with syncronized swimming. After wrapping up the swim checks, everyone had tons of time to have fun in the pool and... under water.

Dinner of beef stew, mashed potatoes, and salad gave us all the energy we needed to participate in a campfire. The Watchmen, Cookie Monsters, Dragons, and Los Guerreros had fun performing songs, skits, and readings for the adults and siblings in the audience. Everyone left the amphitheater and went back to camp for a cracker barrel of cookies and hot chocolate. As the parents started to leave, the Scouts climbed into their tents for the night.

An earsplitting air horn woke up everyone in the campsite. After a quick breakfast of cereal and muffins, camp was packed up. With rocket launching on our minds, we worked as fast as possible.

With all the gear in the trucks, we went rocket launching. Ironically, the Flying Turd had the best flight, and the pencil couldn't get off the pad... (but it still looked cool Paul :D) Others, like the Banana, made the leaders a little nervous ☻

After getting back to the meeting spot and unloading the gear, we dispersed. Congratulations Noah for the Scoutmaster's Knot for the campout!!

Gettin' Ready

Tonight's meeting felt like we were going to a funeral.... just kidding! it was just the boxes that we will use to transport our gear resemble coffins. We went to work right away, setting up the biggest EZup (which wasn't so easy to get up) that I had ever seen. Assembling this giant piece of equipment took up most of the meeting. For the first time, we all got to see the design being used for our gateway, which will be assembled on April 10. The troop is really bonding now as is evident by all the jokesters. See you all this weekend!

Unlost

Full Day!!! Unlost was by far the best activity we have had to date. We stated off picking up our jackets, and then trying to figure out how to work the ticket dispensers. Thanks to Evan's button pressing job, everyone got their tickets on time.

Once we arrive in L.A. the subway was the next form of transportation that was nothing short of fun with a seemingly messed up throttle. We then boarded a bus and were dropped off at the National Cemetery where our first order of serious business took place; the election of Troop 812 Senior Patrol Leader. After the brief speeches, the Scouts voted, and in the end it was tuba player, motivated Rudy S. who came out on top. Congrats Rudy! One of the most interesting parts of the day was at the cemetery, when the patrols split up to search for different soldiers' headstones and present what we found to the troop.

After taking the bus and subway back, we all had food on our minds. as we exited the subway station, the smell of warm foods wafted around our noses. One block later and we found ourselves in line at Philippes restaurant, wanting only to lay our hands on the soaked bread of a famous French Dip sandwich. We stuffed ourselves with some of the best meat, bread, cake, and even baked apples!

With our stomachs full, everyone walked another block up the street and came to Olvera Street. We walked up and down the street, stopping to look at what vendors were selling, and after a couple hours of shopping, the Scouts took a break at the top of the street where performers were dancing.

A couple more pictures in the train station and it was back home for Troop 812. A special award, the Scoutmaster's Knot, was handed out to Haiden for exemplifying the best Scout Spirit on our activity. Good Job Haiden! A quick motivation check (CHECK!) organized by our new SPL, and then everyone dispersed.

To all of the adult leaders who made this trip possible, THANKS! Everyone had a great time. For some of us, it was the first time travelling on a train, subway, or bus, but for all of Troop 812, it was a fun learning experience that only made us more excited to get to Virginia!