GRAND CANYON CONNECTION - Volume 2, No. 1 | October 2020 - Grand Canyon Council
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GRAND CANYON CONNECTION Volume 2, No. 1 | October 2020
October 2020 | Vol. 2, No. 1
06
content s
04 Scout Executive Column
05 Top Stories and Events
07 Council Recognition
09 Support Arizona Scouts
12 Membership
14 Training and Leadership
15 Advancement
17 Camping and Activities
16 Program Fundraising
20 Shooting Sports
31 Council Directory
WIPALA WIKI LODGE
Valley Teens Set to Soar as One of the
05
22 Central
Nation’s First Female Eagle Scout 23
It has been an amazing experience for us all as we welcome all youth into Gila River
our Scouting programs. With those changes also comes the opportunity
to make some history. 25 Lost Dutchman
Restoring Christopher Creek with the 26 Pondersoa
06 Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited
AZTU will be investing a grant into the R-C Scout Ranch fishing pond
and Christopher Creek, which flows through R-C Scout Ranch into Box
Canyon.
27
28
Pinnacle Peak
S on oran Su nset
w i n t e r b l a s t at R - C S c o u t R a n c h
19
2 Grand Canyon Connection / October 2020
Scouter Resources
TIP OF THE MONTH
As Scouting activities resume in some communities
this fall, many Scouts and Scouters will be traveling
to and from various events in vehicles. The safety of
our members, volunteers, and employees continues
to be of the utmost importance. Be sure your units
are familiar with the BSA safety content focused on
this key topic. There are multiple Safety Moments re-
lated to the topic, including Distracted Driving, Gen-
eral Transportation Safety, and Transporting Scouts
Safely. Don’t restart Scouting without consulting the
Restart Scouting Checklist. The checklist consists of
minimum guiding protocols leaders must consider.
TOP STORIES
• Valley Teens Set to Soar as One of the Nation’s First
Female Eagle Scout
• Restoring Christopher Creek AZ Trout Unlimited
• Hispanic Heritage Month
EAGLE PROJECT SUBMISSION FORM
CUB SCOUTS FOR LEADERS
• Cub Scouts Shooting Sports Adventure Day • Virtual Intro to Leadership Skills Available
• Geocaching Duck Hunt • Scouter’s Training Award changes
• Holiday at the Heard • NEW BSA Distinguished Conservation Service
• NEW Spring Day Camp Award
SCOUTS BSA FOR PARENTS
• NEW Medieval Times Animal Science Merit Badge • How to use social media to spread the word
• LAST CHANCE! R-C Scout Ranch Winter Blast about Scouting
• Philmont Scout Ranch 2021 • These Are the Guidelines for Safely Returning
• National Eagle Scout service project of the year to Scouting Activities
award
IN THIS ISSUE SHARE YOUR STORY
• Service Opportunity
• Arizona Charitable Tax Credit
• Scout Shop Hours
Grand Canyon Connection / October 2020 3
4 Scout Executive column
O ctober is one of my favorite times of the Scouting year. Temperatures and
the weather are perfect for outdoor adventure and I love waking up at
camp to the crisp smell of fall.
This year October is special for Scouting. October marks the first time girls
can complete Boards of Review to become Eagle Scouts and I am so proud to
welcome our inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts to the ‘club’! BSA awarded
the first Eagle Scout badge in 1912, and now our girls are being recognized for
completing the same requirements, earning the same merit badges, and learn-
ing the same leadership skills in becoming Eagle Scouts. These girls are the first
of many, many excellent leaders to come in years ahead.
Looking ahead to next year, please be sure to see our plans to celebrate the
100th anniversary of Grand Canyon Council. A variety of plans and events have
been announced, with more to come. We will collectively celebrate 100 years
of building leadership in young people, and more importantly will set the stage
for the next 100 years.
What an exciting time to be a Scout in Grand Canyon Council!
#MaskUpGCC #MaskUpBSA
Andy Price
SCOUT EXECUTIVE
GRAND CANYON COUNCIL
Grand Canyon Connection / October 2020
Top Stories the Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts 5
Valley Teens Set to Soar as One of the Nation’s
First Female Eagle Scout
It has been an amazing experience for us all as we have joined the organization’s most iconic program
welcome all youth into our Scouting programs. With with many working their way toward the rank of Eagle
those changes also comes the opportunity to make Scout.
some history. Girls all across the council are making
history this month as they sit for their Eagle Boards Their Scoutmaster, Patty Heit shared her experience
of Review and upon passing are set to become one of working with these two wonderful young ladies.
the nation’s first female Eagle Scouts – a prestigious
achievement attained by some of the country’s most “I have known Tori Shuman and Victoria Rader since
noteworthy figures. The Pinnacle Peak District was joining Troop 30 in 2014. They were friendly, fun and
pleased to have their first two female Eagle candi- loved the outdoors like their older brothers and all
dates, Victoria Rader and Tori Shuman of Troop 3030 the scouts in the troop for boys. Over the years they
sit for their Boards of Review earlier this month. grew in their scouting adventure through Crew 2030
and then in 2019 became founders of Scout BSA Troop
Tori and Tori are among hundreds of young women 3030 taking on youth leadership as Senior Patrol Lead-
from in and outside the Grand Canyon Council who will er and Troop Guide. Tori and Victoria hit the ground
make up the Inaugural Class of female Eagle Scouts. running by planning, delegating, demonstrating, and
guiding the Troop in a trail to first class. They have
“Earning the rank of Eagle Scout takes hard work and camped nonstop for the last two years, planning fun
perseverance, and we are honored to recognize them adventures that resulted in most of our troop partic-
for their significant accomplishment,” said Andy Price. ipating. As new young ladies joined our Troop, they
“Along the journey to Eagle Scout, young people gain were front and center to meet the new scouts and tell
new skills, learn to overcome obstacles and demon- them about all the adventures we offer.”
strate leadership among their peers and in their com-
munities. These benefits are invaluable for everyone, Eagle Scout is the program’s highest rank, which only
and we are thrilled that they are now available to even about 6% of Scouts achieve on average. To earn it, an
more youth.” individual has to take on leadership roles within their
troop and their community; earn a minimum of 21
Young women have been part of Scouting for decades merit badges that cover a broad range of topics in-
in co-ed programs offered by the Boy Scouts of Amer- cluding first aid and safety, civics, business and the
ica (BSA), including Sea Scouts, Venturing, Exploring environment; and they must research, organize and
and STEM Scouts. The BSA expanded that legacy fur- complete a large community service project. Patty
ther in recent years by welcoming girls into Cub Scouts continued by sharing their experience in adapting giv-
and then into Scouts BSA last February. Scouts BSA is en the state of the world around them.
the program for youth ages 11 to 17 previously known
as Boy Scouts. Since then, tens of thousands of young
women throughout Arizona and across the country
READ MORE
Grand Canyon Connection / October 2020
6 Top Stories and Events Fish camp
Restoring Christopher Creek with the Arizona
Council of Trout Unlimited
The Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited received a $2,500 rock and log barbs, improve public access to Christo-
grant through the Trout Unlimited national “Embrace pher Creek, improve the youth fishing pond at R-C Scout
a Stream” grant program. AZTU will be investing this Ranch by draining, dredging, and removing cat tails,
grant into the R-C Scout Ranch fishing pond and Chris- adding spawning beds, and refilling the pond with plant
topher Creek, which flows through R-C Scout Ranch into features that benefit the trout and other native species.
Box Canyon. The program aims to improve cold water
stream flows by habitat enhancements and to restore
the populations of the native Gila trout. AZTU will build READ MORE
Medieval Times will be hosting the Animal Science
Merit Badge Clinic on Saturday, November 7, 2020
During a challenging year, our partners still show up! Clinic on Saturday, November 7, 2020. Clinic Starts at
We can all admit that 2020 has been a challenge for 3:00 PM, then the Feast and Show starts at 4:00 PM.
non-profits, local business and the economy in gen- Admission Ticket Price is as follows: Youth $38.95 and
eral. We are grateful for companies that find a way to Adult $41.95. Thank you to Medieval Times for donat-
partner with us, even if it looks a little different. We ing a portion of the tickets back to the Council. You can
are excited to share that we will be partnering with register by going to www.grandcanyonbsa.org.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament for a Special
Scout BSA Event / Merit Badge Opportunity. Medieval
Times will be hosting the Animal Science Merit Badge
LEARN MORE
Grand Canyon Connection / October 2020
Council Recognition Eagle Project of the year 7
National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award
The National Eagle Scout Association established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout
service project of the year award (ESSPY) to recognize valuable service of an exceptional nature by an Eagle
Scout candidate to a religious institution, a school, community, or other entity through completion of an
Eagle Scout project.
The selection of recipients begins at the local level and applications to Grand Canyon Council by December 31,
is conducted through the council NESA committee. The 2020. Click here to download the application. If you
recipient of the national award is then selected among have questions, please email us at GCC.Development@
regional recipients by a special selection committee of scouting.org. Grand Canyon Council project of the year
the National Eagle Scout Association. National recipi- winner will be honored at our annual donor recognition
ents will receive $2,500, to be available for their future event in the spring of 2021.
educational purposes or to attend a national or inter-
national Scouting event or facility. Please submit your SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Thank You for your Support! Leave No Trace Trainer Course
Special Event Early Spring 2021 Recognition
Grand Canyon Council gratefully recognizes and cel- In September the Outdoor Ethics Committee held a
ebrates its generous benefactors that help support successful masked and socially distanced Leave No
our mission of serving youth. We are planning to host Trace Trainer Course at Camp Geronimo. 8 Scouts and
a special event in early spring to show our gratitude Scouters successfully completed the course. Outdoor
toward those individuals that have made a difference Ethics and Leave No Trace are key components of all
for the Scouts and the families we serve. Our event core BSA outdoor programs. These special events,
will honor and recognize 2020 Eagle Society mem- camps, and programs cannot happen without the sup-
bers, 2020 Gold 1993 Society members, Legacy So- port of community volunteers like you willing to share
ciety members, and new James E. West fellows. For their experiences and passions by coordinating events
details on each giving level and to make a gift, please and learning opportunities for Scouts!
click here. Event details will be featured in our January
newsletter. LEARN MORE
Grand Canyon Connection / October 2020
8 Council Recognition P.R.A.Y Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.) Grand Canyon Council recognizes the following youth who have earned their Religious Emblems. Click here for more questions on how to pursue religious emblems for your Scout! Congratulations to the following Scouts: Hayden Welk- souri Synod, God & Family, Dylan Anderson of unit er, Baptist, God & Me, Joshua Steiner, Baptist, God & 8051, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, God & Fam- Me, Halden Weisman of unit 379, Jewish, Jewish Etz ily, and Adam Wight of unit 109, Methodist, God & Chaim, Levi Padilla of unit 8051, Lutheran Church Mis- Church. Congratulations to the following Scouts that earned Bears and Webelos). Brandon Forseth, Philip Hansen, Catholic religious emblems to date: Juliet Youn of and Ethan Swenson of Troop 77, Maxwell Birming- Pack 6, Blase Blackstad of Pack 71, Rosalynn Teranof ham, Asher Martin, Diego Guevara, Milo Sheridan, Pack 71, Leandro Corella of Pack 71, Kyla Tinnin of and Isaiah Tallabas of Troop 147, Connor Carlson, Na- Pack 71, Evan Potwora-Wilhelm of Pack 71, Frankie than Ference, Gavin Mitchell, Alton Rabasca, Geor- Campbell of Pack 132, and David Willey of Pack 355, gie Rozansky, and Parker Tellis of Troop 818, earning earning 2020 Light of Christ (for Tigers and Wolves). 2020 Ad Altare Dei (Scouts BSA). Andrew Cramer, Pe- Elizabeth Youn of Pack 6, Mackenzie Tinnin of Pack ter Mead, and Hayden Tellis of Troop 818, earning 71, Gavin Abad of Pack 77. Samuel Staedicke of Pack 2020 Pope Pius XII (Scouts BSA). 132, Justin Cook of Pack 132, Ciaran Price of Pack 513, Colton Carlson of Pack 618, Oscar “Luke” Ochoa of Pack 738, James Nesbitt of Pack 918, and Cole LEARN MORE Skodinski of Pack 7006, earning 2020 Parvuli Dei (for Post 352 Wings of Flight Foundation Post 352 held their Annual Open House out at Falcon Field in Mesa, AZ. Explorer’s had the opportunity to fly in an open cockpit biplane. What a great experience for our youth! Post 2352 is chartered by the Com- memorative Airforce Museum at Falcon Field Airport in Mesa. Grand Canyon Connection / October 2020
support Arizona Scouts A r i z o n a Ta x C r e d i t 9
Arizona Charitable Tax Credit
The Arizona Charitable Tax Credit allows you to do-
nate to a qualifying charitable organization such
as Grand Canyon Council, BSA Outreach, LLC. to
IRA Charitable Rollover receive a dollar for dollar tax credit on your state
Last year Congress changed IRA laws with the SECURE taxes. Your generous Arizona Tax Credit contribution
Act. Before the Act, taxpayers aged 70½ or older had to enables the Grand Canyon Council to provide out-
take a minimum distribution from their IRA. Now the reach programs that serve minority, at-risk, special
age is 72. You can direct some or all of it to charity and needs, refugee, foster, and economically diverse
not pay taxes on the distribution. youth in our state.
An IRA charitable rollover is a way you can give directly • 100% of your money will go to the Grand Can-
to a charity from your IRA and avoid paying income tax- yon Council, and 100% comes back to you as a
es on the withdraw. tax credit!
• We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
BENEFITS OF AN IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER (Tax ID #:86-0101295).
• Avoid taxes on transfers of up to $100,000 from Arizona taxpayers are eligible for a tax credit of up to
your IRA to our organization $400 for individuals or $800 for joint filers for dona-
• Satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD) tions to Qualifying Charitable Organizations (Q.C.O.).
for the year Your gift helps young people living in challenging cir-
• Reduce your taxable income, even if you do not cumstances learn time-tested, proven skills & values
itemize deductions that have been changing lives for over 100 years
• Help further the work and mission of our organi-
zation To donate to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit,
please go to https://grandcanyonbsa.salsalabs.
HOW AN IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER GIFT WORKS org/2020TaxCredit/index.html and make your on-
line gift.
Contact your IRA plan administrator to make a gift
from your IRA to us. Please consult your tax advisor for specific questions
related to your tax situation. For filing purposes:
• Your IRA funds will be directly transferred to our Grand Canyon Council, Boy Scouts of America Out-
organization to help continue our important work. reach LLC QCO Code: 20437. For questions regard-
• Please note that IRA charitable rollover gifts do ing the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit please contact
not qualify for a charitable deduction. us at Gcc.Development@Scouting.org or by calling
• Please contact us if you wish for your gift to be 602-955-7747, Ext. 232.
used for a specific purpose.
Contact us: If you have any questions about an IRA
charitable rollover gift, please contact Dan Selby at
the Scout service center (602) 955-7747, ext. 232 to
answer any questions you might have.
Grand Canyon Connection / October 2020
10 Support Arizona Scouts S p o r t i n g C l ay s C l a s s i c Sporting Clays Classic at Rio Salado Sportsman’s Club Saturday, November 14, 2020 Rio Salado Sportsman’s Club 3960 Usery Pass Road, Mesa AZ 85207 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Raffle Tickets will be sold 1 for $20, 3 for $50, and 6 for $100 We invite you to partner with Grand Canyon Council as one of our 2020 Sporting Clays Classic Team, Meal, or Station Sponsors. Your organization will have a great opportunity to engage and inspire our participants while promoting your business or organization. Funds raised at this event stays local, and supports Scouting here in Grand Canyon Council. Click here to Sign-up or donate Online. Contact Latisha Joseph, Development Director, with any questions at Latisha.Joseph@Scouting.org, 602-955-7747 Ext. 218. Sporting Clay Team Sponsor - $2500 1 Team (4 Participants), 4 Mulligans (1 per participant) Promotional Marketing Benefits; (Deadline for marketing material 11/02/2020) Name & Logo Printed on Event Banner, Name & Logo on Facebook Event & Sponsored Posts, Shooting Vest. Meal Sponsor - $1500 Promotional Marketing Benefits; (Deadline for marketing material 11/02/2020) Name & Logo Printed on a sign at the Food Station, Name & Logo on Event Banner, Name & Logo on Facebook Event & Sponsored Post. Shooting Station Sponsor - $500 Promotional Marketing Benefits; (Deadline for marketing material 11/02/2020) Name & Logo Printed on one of the Shooting Stations, Name & Logo on Facebook Event & Sponsored Posts. Individual Participant - $650 1 Participant, 1 Mulligan, and Shooting Vest. Grand Canyon Connection / October 2020
Service opportunity In this issue 11
Youth for Troops
Youth for Troops tions, and individual supporters. These donations in-
(Y4T) is a youth-led, clude food items like beef jerky, coffee singles, meat
s e r v i c e - fo c u s e d , packets, and granola bars and hygiene items like ra-
non-profit 501(c) zors, foot powder, and travel-size toiletries. In addition
(3), with a desire as to this project, Y4T holds a Plastic Mat for Homeless
youth to inspire this Veterans meeting on the third Tuesday of each month.
generation and all Volunteers sort and cut plastic bags into strips, and
other generations to then crochet them into decorative mats that are giv-
serve together and en to our homeless veterans. It takes 700-900 recycled
support our service plastic bags and many volunteer hours to make one
members and veterans. All six youth board members mat. Volunteers have completed 465 plastic mats that
have had a passion for serving our military and veter- have been distributed throughout the state since this
ans for many years. However, the majority of commu- event started.
nity service or volunteer opportunities were geared to-
wards adults, so they decided to start an organization Furthermore, the Youth Board will gladly present to
that would allow anyone from ages 0 to 120 to serve schools, clubs, corporate team building, and special
with them. Youth for Troops hopes that this generation events and provide patriotic projects. Youth for Troops
will develop a respect and appreciation for those that can provide the supplies for your community service
protect our liberties and freedoms through meaningful event, as well. These events can include decorating
experiences and unique service opportunities. Their boxes, writing appreciation cards, processing plas-
mission is “To inspire patriotism in fellow youth and tic mats, or assembling care packages for deployed
across generations by volunteering on behalf of ser- troops. Donation drives, card writing, box decorating,
vice members and veterans through community ser- and making plastic mats are all service opportunities
vice, advocacy, and education.” that we bring into schools, businesses, and organiza-
tions. Through family-friendly community service proj-
Youth for Troops has a few monthly activities that they ects and patriotic events, Youth for Troops volunteers
host, including a Care Packages for Deployed Troops have accumulated 20,246 community service hours
event, held on the second Monday of every month at supporting veterans and deployed service members.
the Outlets at Anthem. Volunteers of all ages fill care We hope to collaborate with your organization and sup-
packages with food and hygiene items that are shipped port the troops together. Contact us at youth4troops@
to our deployed heroes with a total of 3,989 boxes gmail.com to participate in one of our monthly events
shipped since 2018. They have raised over $59,835 to or host a mobile event for your business, school, or
cover shipping alone and filled each box with in-kind organization.
donations from local schools, businesses, organiza-
Grand Canyon Connection / October 202012 Membership
Membership Applications Notice
Today all of us are spending more time using digital org email address as a way to email scanned copies of
media for education, research, and socializing. Cyber- applications. The email address will be maintained as
security has become more important than ever. We a resource for membership and registration questions
have all learned that email is not secure as we would for our volunteers. Please know we are committed to
hope. To help protect sensitive information of our respecting and protecting the personal privacy of our
new youth and adult members, starting January members and encourage the use of BSA’s Online ap-
1, 2021 Grand Canyon Council will only accept On- plication process for youth and adult registration. Use
line applications through the www.BeAScout.org these resources to help manage Online registration
site (preferred method), or through physical appli- for your unit. Thank you for your continued support
cations delivered to the scout service center. This of Scouting.
discontinues use of the GCC.Membership@scouting.
The Key Steps Units Need to Know They Can Be Taking Right
Now to Help Return to Scouting Activities
While many Scout units have a desire to return to safely during COVID-19, attendees received tips on the
Scouting activities, they have questions about how to key steps they can be taking right now to find a safe way
do so safely during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. to return to their meeting activities.
During the recent webinar on how to hold meetings
READ MORE
COX.NET Email Users System Alert
Cox email spam filtering is incorrectly flagging our emails. We suggest you use a non-cox email account if
you have one. If not, you should verify your cox settings to ensure “Filter and Auto Delete Junk email” is not
turned on. Click here for more details from Cox.
Grand Canyon Connection / October 2020Membership Scout Shop Hours 13
Grand Canyon Council’s Scout shop New Hours
The Grand Canyon Council’s Mesa Scout shop have changed their Saturday hours MONDAY 10am-6 pm
to 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and will now be closed on Thursdays, due to the current TUESDAY 10am-6 pm
Covid-19 sales climate the Scout shop is experiencing reduced sales. After looking WEDNESDAY 10am-6pm
at all the data, the Scout Shop is closing up shop at 4:00 pm on Saturdays only CLOSED THURSDAY
and will now be closed on Thursdays. Weekday hours (Mon, Tue, Wed, and Fri) will FRIDAY 10am-6pm
remain the same, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at this time. Details of all our Scout Shop SATURDAY 10am-4pm
happenings can be found at the Mesa Scout Shop’s Facebook Page. Please feel free CLOSED SUNDAY
to contact the Scout Shop with any questions you may have!
Program Committees
It is said that “It takes a village to raise a child,” and as Grand Canyon Council has a variety of program commit-
we know to be true, it takes the effort of many leaders tees that coordinate, plan, and execute opportunities
throughout our Council to raise a Scout. In addition to for Scouts throughout the year. These opportunities
a Scout’s parents and immediate unit leaders, Camp for our Scouts are only limited by the number of
Directors and staff, program committees, and special individuals willing to help shape and promote them
projects and events shape the opportunities available to our youth. Grand Canyon Council committees all
to our Scouts and adult Scouters throughout Arizona. have opportunities available to support our Scouts,
These special events, camps, and programs cannot whatever your interests and availability may be. We
happen without the support of community volunteers would love to include your expertise as a profession-
like you willing to share their experiences and passions al, a parent, and a community leader, and support
by coordinating events and learning opportunities for you in sharing your knowledge and experiences with
Scouts! the next generation of youth!
LEARN MORE
Grand Canyon Connection / October 202014 Training and Leadership S T E M N O VA STEM in Scouting with the BSA STEM Nova Program Join us for this unique event led in conjunction with Supernova Mentor, gain experience conducting STEM the National STEM in Scouting Committee! Learn experiments and demonstrations, and share ideas about STEM in Scouting and the BSA STEM Nova with others interested in STEM and Scouting. $150 to- program on November 6-8, 2020 at the Heard Scout tal fee which includes: course materials, meals, sleep- Pueblo, 8.1 miles from Sky Harbor International Air- ing on-site (bunk house or campsite) and patch! port. Learn how to help scouts earn Nova and Super- nova awards, become a trained Nova Counselor and LEARN MORE Virtual Introduction to Leadership Skills Available In response to the needs of Youth Leaders in Troops are 2 Learning Plans – Introduction and Tools of Lead- and Crews, Scouting U has released two new virtu- ership – you will need to complete both. When select- al training programs for Introduction to Leadership ing a Learning Plan, it will open with a description and Skills for Troops (ILST), and Introduction to Leadership course listing – click the Enroll Button to record your Skills for Crews(ILSC). These new temporary instruc- completion progress. For courses within the Learning tional training programs are available by logging onto Plan simply click the Start button and take the course https://my.scouting.org and launching the BSA Learn until you complete it. Both the Learning Plans and Center. When the Learn Center opens you can select Course will show your percentage of completion. the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) or Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews (ILSC) from Programs as applicable to you. In the Programs READ MORE Scouter’s Training Award changes The training awards and keys are designed to recognize unit Scouters for tenure, training, and performance in their leadership roles. The criteria for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts have recently changed. The 2020 edition date of the approval forms should now be used before submitting for approval. • For Cub Scout Leaders • For Venturing Leaders • For Scouts BSA Leaders • For Sea Scout Leaders The Den Leader Training Award is a separate award and the 2018 edition date of the approval form is the most current and can be found at here. Please make sure to use the most current forms and criteria before submitting these for approval. Scouters should be recognized for their accomplishments and dedication to Scouting. Check out the requirements and make sure your adult unit leaders are being recognized for all they do. Grand Canyon Connection / October 2020
A d va n c e m e n t C o n s e r vat i o n S e r v i c e A w a r d 15
New BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award
For more than a century, the BSA has encouraged Scouts, Venturers, Sea Scouts, adult volunteers, and
and honored conservation work with an award that other individuals, corporations, and institutions that
recognizes youth, adults and organizations who have contribute significantly to natural resource conserva-
demonstrated tremendous effort and commitment to tion and environmental protection. It has been stream-
the environment. This award, which until now had lined and modernized to build on the extraordinary
been known as the William T. Hornaday Award, is contributions made by all the dedicated award recip-
being discontinued, and the new BSA Distinguished ients to date, and we believe the changes will help
Conservation Service Award is being introduced to make these important efforts even more accessible for
underscore the importance of encouraging everyone today’s members.
to participate in environmental stewardship. The
new BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award
will continue to recognize the conservation efforts of
LEARN MORE
More information on the new awards program, including details
about how you can participate will be available on November 1,
2020.
Recognizing Our Graduating Eagle Scout’s
With a Virtual High Five!
Tell us about your Eagle Scout service project to be fea- Eagle Scout Service Projects in a new way! Please tell us
tured on grandcanyonbsa.org upcoming Eagle Project about your completed Eagle Scout Service Project using
Showcase. We strive to represent and uplift our scout- the form below.
ing community. For volume 2 of Grand Canyon Connec-
tion, we are recognizing graduating Eagle Scout’s and EAGLE PROJECT SUBMISSION FORM
Grand Canyon Connection Exclusive
Potential Eagle Scout Service Project
The Boys and Girls Club of South Phoenix (Laveen) are adding “Little Free Library’s” at various schools. In some
locations, they’d also like to add a bench and/or a shade structure. The Kiwanis Club of Phoenix added one library,
but there is a need for a few more! The contact with Kiwanis is Elizabeth Duncan, elizabeth.duncan63@gmail.com
or 480-228-3498. Contact for further information on the project.
Grand Canyon Connection / October 202016 Program Fundraising Popcorn Sales
Camp Cards
Grand Canyon Council is preparing for the 2021 Camp In 2021, we will maintain our regional cards, and will ex-
Card Fundraiser and we would love to gather parent pand upon our regional offerings so that we can provide
and leader input and business suggestions from our more customized offers and deals to our various Scout-
unit leadership so that we can create an outstanding ing communities, and to support our more rural units.
fundraising opportunity for your Scouts. If you are not These six regional variants include: Yuma, Prescott area,
familiar with our Camp Card program, this fundraiser is Flagstaff area, Scottsdale, West Phoenix Metro, and
our official Spring fundraiser, where Scouts sell discount East Phoenix Metro. In order to provide outstanding lo-
cards throughout the months of February through April, cal offerings, we would love to contact local businesses,
earning 50% commission, or $5.00, for each card sold. restaurants, and entertainment to include their offers
There is no upfront cost nor penalties for not selling in the cards. Please let us know of any suggestions you
each card, just a risk-free opportunity for your Scouts to have that I may contact regarding their involvement in
earn their way to camp! Additional information on the the card; I would love to include the best businesses
2020 Camp Card is available at www.grandcanyonbsa. local to your community.
org/camp-cards/, and details on the 2021 program will
roll out as they are finalized. I look forward to hearing your feedback and suggestions
and look forward to helping your Scout fundraise this
upcoming Spring! Matthew Graham, Program Director
Popcorn Sales
Our popcorn Fundraiser is wrapping up, with Take
Order orders due on Nov. 2nd. Scouts who would
like to participate through Online sales at any
time, year round, are able to do so by registering
at www.trails-end.com. Interested parents or unit
leaders should review www.grandcanyonbsa.org/
popcorn for more details!
Grand Canyon Connection / October 2020Program Camping and Activities S e r v i c e D ay 17
Council Day of Service
We are looking forward to the Council Day of Service, on Saturday, Nov. 14th. There are many opportunities for
Scouts to get involved with, whether they would like to do service as an individual, pack, den, patrol, or troop.
Several organizations have reached out to us seeking volunteers for events on Nov. 14th, and you may register
to participate with any of the following events at https://scoutingevent.com/010-DayofService2020 or create
your own service opportunity! Serve your school, chartered organization, house of worship, or community. Let
us know what you do and where so that we can count your service towards our Council total!
Mesa United Food Bank Pass Mountain Trail Race Aid Station
Mesa, AZ Usery Mtn. Regional Park, Apache Junction
Up to 25 people 10 volunteers
9:00am-11:00am 6:30am-2pm
Create emergency food bags for those in need of Support runners at the aid station along the ultramara-
support from the United Food Bank. thon route with food, water, morale support, and light
medical supplies! All support materials will be provid-
AZ Dept. of Transportation ed and the aid station is close to parking.
Globe, Payson, Surprise
15 people per location Boyce Arboretum
Highway trash cleaning and beautification. More info to come!
The DOT will provide bags, gloves, and safety vests. Registration opens November 12, 2020
Additional service opportunities will be revealed as organization deliver final details and needs. If you would
like to sign up for any of these opportunities or report what service you have planned, please visit https://
scoutingevent.com/010-DayofService2020. For additional details on our Day of Service, please contact
gccdayofservice@gmail.com or doyourbestLD@gmail.com.
Countdown to the 25th Anniversary of the Ten Commandment Hike
Registration is open! Join us on Friday, November 27, friends and others interested in sharing an inspira-
for the 25th Annual Ten Commandment Hike. The tional day are welcome to join us! The Hike will start at
2020 Hike brings us back to Tempe around the Ari- the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1000
zona State University campus. Participants will learn S. McAlister Avenue. Parking in the adjacent garage
about a Commandment and the faith traditions at a is complimentary or catch the Light Rail and exit at
number of houses of worship. This event has become University and Rural. Details and a flyer are available
a well-respected tradition in our Council and offers on the Registration page. Please visit this link: https://
Scouts the opportunity to demonstrate their duty scoutingevent.com/010-202010commandment
to God and respect for others. All Scouts, families,
Grand Canyon Connection / October 202018 Program Camping and Activities Cub Scouts
Cub Scouts Shooting Sports Adventure Day
Grand Canyon Council will be hosting our first ever Cub hesitate to sign up! This event will sell out. Cub Scout
Scouts Shooting Sports Day! At this event, Cub Scouts Shooting Sports day is Saturday and Sunday, November
will be able to earn their shooting sports patch and pins 21-22 from 8am to 5:15pm. Registration is $25.
for BB guns, archery, and slingshot! These awards can
only be earned at Council and District events, so do not REGISTER NOW
Geocaching Duck Hunt Holiday at the Heard
On December 5 the Cub Scout Program Committee Cub Scouts will have a day of reindeer games and crafts
is hosting a geocache Duck Hunt at a park near you! at the Elves’ Workshop at the Heard Scout Pueblo on
The volunteer committee will arrange for a scavenger December 19 from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Games include
hunt from 8am to 3pm to teach Cub Scouts about GPS gingerbread golf, a penguin race, Santa’s cookies, and
and geocaching. All you need is a phone or GPS device more! Cub Scouts can also make crafts and gifts for
and to register! Duck Hunts will be at parks in Prescott, family and friends for the holidays! This is a great op-
Payson, Peoria, Tempe, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and portunity for visiting family like grandparents or cousins
Phoenix. to enjoying Scouting while visiting for the holiday.
REGISTER NOW REGISTER NOW
Grand Canyon Connection / October 2020Program Camping and Activities Scouts BSA 19
R-C Scout Ranch Winter Blast
Winter Blast at R-C Scout Ranch is a unique scouting not offered at summer camp. Build a robot to compete
experience designed for Scouts 13 and older that fo- in competitions, earn BRAND NEW merit badges such
cuses on Eagle required badges, STEM, and winter fun. as Exploration or Signs, Signals and Codes; Weld metal
This program is lead entirely by provisional leadership for the first time; Experiment with an aviation simula-
handpicked from our best summer camp staff—no par- tor; and so much more! You choose your schedule and
ents or unit leadership allowed. While atypical, this en- learn about what interests you the most.
vironment fosters creativity and learning, encourages
personal responsibility, and provides lots of time to chill
out with good friends. Get ready to earn unique badges
READ MORE
PHILMONT EXPEDITION UNIT National Youth Leadership
REGISTRATION FOR 2022 Training (NYLT) Winter Course
Troops interested in attending Philmont 2022 for Monday December 28 - Saturday Janurary 1, 2021 at
12-day, 9-day, or 7-day treks can register now! the Heard Scout Pueblo. This course is available to all
Registration closes December 1, 2020. Reserva- Scouts BSA and Venturing youth, male or female, aged
tions will be picked randomly by computer after 13 or over before the first day of the course. Wes Mor-
Dec. 1, 2020. Participants must be 14 years of age rill, Course Director. Comprehensive information on
by date of arrival OR be 13 years of age and com- NYLT may be found at www.grandcanyonbsa.org/nylt
pleted 8th grade.
REGISTER NOW REGISTER NOW
Grand Canyon Connection / October 2020S h o So ht ionogt iSnpgo rs pt so r t s
20
Cub Scouts Adventure Day at
Heard Scout Pueblo
On Nov. 21 and 22 Grand Canyon Council will be hosting at Council and District events, so do not hesitate to sign
our first ever Cub Scouts Shooting Sports Days! There up! Saturday has already sold out, Sunday has some
will be two separate sessions of the same program, one spaces remaining for Tigers, Wolves, and Bears! Cub
offered Saturday, and an encore of the same event on Scout Shooting Sports day is Nov. 21st and 22nd from
Sunday. At this event, Cub Scouts will be able to earn 8am to 5:15pm. Registration is $25.
their shooting sports patch and pins for BB guns, ar-
chery, and slingshot! These awards can only be earned REGISTER NOW
Shooting Sports Committee
October Recap
The shooting Sports committee had an exciting month
of October! Ponderosa district held a shooting sports
competition with 139 registrants, we hosted shotgun
and rifle merit badge clinics, held a Range Safety Offi-
cer training, and are getting ready for the Cub Scouts
Shooting Sports day!
Four additional Range Safety Officers completed their
RSO training, allowing them to conduct ranges while
keeping Scouts and volunteers safe! Our NRA Pistol In- We are VERY excited for the upcoming Cub Scout Shoot-
structor Course is this November, our NRA Rifle Instruc- ing Sports days on Nov. 21 and 22nd! Cub Scouts will
tor Course is this December, another RSO course is this have the ability to earn all three shooting sports awards:
January, with a Shotgun Instructor Course in February. BB Guns, Archery, and Sling Shot. Saturday’s session
We hope some interested parents and volunteers will only has 3 spaces left for Tigers, but Sunday’s session
join us for these trainings, and maybe even be a part of has spaces available for Tigers, Wolves, and Bears. Only
our committee! one day of participation is necessary to complete the
awards, so if there is still space, don’t miss out and reg-
The Rifle and Shotgun merit badge courses went well, ister quickly to join us at the Heard Scout Pueblo!
we have 13 Scouts earn their Rifle Merit Badge, and 6
earn Shotgun! Our next Rifle and Shotgun Merit Badge There is so much fun to be had with shooting sports; take
classes will be planned for in April, as well as next Octo- a look at www.grandcanyonbsa.org/shooting-sports
ber, so be sure to take note! We also have open shoot to review our calendar of upcoming trainings, events,
for Archery and Rifles at the Heard Scout Pueblo most open shoots, merit badges and activity days!
months year-round.
Grand Canyon Connection / October 2020Order of the arrow Wipala Wiki Lodge 21
I hope this newsletter finds everyone doing well and finding some happiness and joy as events
begin to pick back up and we are allowed to get back to "doing scouting"!
The lodge has been busy and I want to congratulate our new Vigil Honor, Brotherhood and
Ordeal Members!
Wipala Wiki started a program this year called "Patches with a Purpose", and with October
being Breast Cancer Awareness month, the lodge has created a special Cancer Awareness flap
(Flaps are $10 each and can be purchased here) and I am EXTREMELY excited to announce that
our fundraising partner for this special edition flap is Wigged Out.
Wigged Out is dedicated to assisting residents of the Phoenix
metropolitan and surrounding areas, who are in need of a wig,
hairpiece or hair accessories, due to the effects of cancer. It
is important to note that these funds will directly impact the
community as all recipients are in Arizona.
The wigs typically “cost” $250 and our goal is to raise enough
funds to be able to supply 10 wigs for folks in need. Your help is greatly appreciated. To learn
more about this organization, please visit their website: www.wiggedout.org
The other exciting news is the lodge has finalized the 2021 event schedule.
1/29/21 - Annual Lodge Banquet
3/5/21 - Spring Ordeal & Brotherhood Weekend
4/23 - Fellowship & Vigil Honor Weekend
9/10 - Fall Ordeal & Brotherhood Weekend
10/15/21 - Annual Conclave (Hosted by Wipala Wiki)
Again, I hope everyone is doing well and look forward to seeing everyone in 2021!
Yours in Scouting,
Jeff Posey
Wipala Wiki Lodge Adviser
Grand Canyon Connection / October 202022 Central District Troop 41
The Troop Keeps Marching on
Despite Covid-19
Troop 41 had not met in person since March when the
troop had planned a hike of Antelope Canyon, which
was cancelled, en route, due to COVID-19. Camping
trips were put on hold until there was an easing up
of restrictions and at that time, we had some family
camping trips during the summer.
However, scouting did not cease. We had many scouts sonal Management merit badge. That is a long haul
activel working on rank advancement and merit badg- one.
es during this time. The troop decided they could get
together for an outdoor responsible behavior (dis- The families present were able to eat picnic style and
tance, masks, hand sanitizer...) Fall Court of Honor. dined on breakfast burritos from Carolinas with home-
The COH was held at OASIS church in Phoenix, who made salsa (thank you Charlene, our Scoutmaster’s
allowed us to use their lawn space to host this wife) and individually packaged Moms cookies!
event!
After the awards, the Troop presented Brian Cook, our
Troop 41 had seventeen Scouts receive awards at the Scoutmaster, with a HUGE thank you for his dedica-
Court of Honor. 5 Scouts had rank advancement and tion to our troop. Even though families were masked
one had advanced twice, bringing home both his sec- and kept their distance, there was a lot of chatting and
ond and first class advancements since the last COH. waving among everyone.
35 merit badges with eight different subjects were
awarded and we even had 8 scouts that earned Per- Click here for more pictures on our Troop’s Instagram
Another Social Distanced
Backpacking Trip in the Books A Busy Weekend for Troop 41 An
at Fishing Canyon Creek! Eagle Project Cleaning Graffiti
SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT
Grand Canyon Connection / October 2020Gila River District A Scouting Story 23
Happy October Everyone!
As I continue to serve you as the Gila River District Ex-
ecutive, I would like to share some amazing stories with
you. On September 29th I traveled to Yuma to partake
in a Court of Honor at Christ Lutheran Church. While I
did not see any smiling faces for safety reasons, I saw
an illumination of light shine at Christ Lutheran Church
that night. Mr. Vaughn Grosse of Troop 8051 was being
honored with his Eagle Badge that night, but before he
received his badge, he told everyone his story.
Grosse never had a passion for scouting. It was his
mother, Gen Grosse, that pushed him to scout. Vaughn Oddly enough, activities started to become fun for
admits that he lacked the motivation to continue at Vaughn. From no passion for scouting to March 17th,
times, he was only there to hang out, but one night where Vaughn held his BOR, Vaughn Grosse can stand
while his unit was setting up tent, 3 higher ranks sat on
before all of us a proud BSA Eagle Scout. Let us all con-
their phones. This gave Vaughn the reform he needed gratulate Vaughn once more on achieving such an ad-
to advance. Grosse began to work harder for rank and mirable goal. Congratulations Vaughn, GRD is proud to
merit badges, and his troop became more organized. have you as our own! Jessica Yiadom, District Executive
District Award Nominations Gila River’s Graduating
Now Available Eagle Scouts
Every winter we have an awards dinner for the Dis- Congratulations to Gila River district’s newest Eagle
trict. We give out awards to volunteers for their ser- Scouts: James Egelston T389, Clayton Diggs T278,
vice. You can nominate new and old Scouters as part of Zane Cortes T379, Liam Nance T283, Nathan Lunce-
the banquet. While we are still putting together more ford T993, Colton Hackenyos T697, Grayson Hunter
details on date and location of the event, we do have T577. Volume 2 of Grand Canyon Connection is rec-
the nominations available until Thursday, January 7th, ognizing graduating Eagle Scout’s and Eagle Scout
2021. That is when they are due. We have a number Service Projects in a new way! Use the from below to
of District awards and two special awards that contin- feature your project on grandcanyonbsa.org upcom-
ue just for the Yuma area. Click here to learn more ing Eagle Project Showcase.
about the various awards and to nominate someone.
SEE THE DETAILS EAGLE PROJECT SUBMISSION FORM
Public Notice: Tempe Veterans' Day Parade
We typically have Troops and Packs assisting with the Tempe Veterans Day Parade. The parade has been
unfortunately canceled by the city of Tempe.
Grand Canyon Connection / October 202024 Gila River District From the District Chair
Gila River
District Chair Update
The end of the year is fast approaching and I honestly
will not be too sorry to say goodbye to 2020. Despite
the multitude of hardships this year, I am thankful
for all the hard work that our dedicated leadership
team put in to adapt and be nimble in order to chalk-
up some victories in meaningful ways to mentor and
provide youth with opportunities and the adventure
that should be scouting. Because of that dedicated
time, I encourage everyone to TAKE BACK SCOUTING
by participating in the outdoors (most if not all of our
district is entering our prime outdoor months!) as Boy Scout’s Weekend Excursion
much as possible with some of our upcoming events
in a S.A.F.E. manner – The District Pinewood Derby, at West Wetlands Park
Cub Scout Day Camps, and of course our District and The Colorado River run was featured on the news!
Council recognition programs. Please take a moment Special thanks to all of the volunteers, leaders, and
to call out those who have gone the extra mile this Scouts who attended! News article and Video shared
year in keeping the program moving forward – recog- in this link.
nize their effort so we can honor them in our Spring
Awards ceremonies. You can find more information on
those awards on this link.
SEE THE DETAILS
Grand Canyon Connection / October 2020Lost Dutchman District District Executive Alex Cruz 25
Welcome District Executive
Alex Cruz
Welcome Alex Cruz, our new District Executive! Alex is an Arizona native
and a graduate from NAU before completing his MBA at Georgetown. For
the past three years he has worked for his national fraternity helping drive
membership growth and the formation of new charters. The ability to en-
gage alumni, recruit members & start new programs made him highly at-
tractive to us and as a member of our Grand Canyon Council team. Alex is
passionate about youth development and growing communities. Contact
Alex at: Alejandro.Cruz@scouting.org
Pack 555 at Be A Scout Saturday Pack 555 Marshmallow
blower project
Pack 88 at Be A Scout Saturday Lost Dutchman District
Rain Gutter Regatta!
Grand Canyon Connection / October 202026 Ponderosa District Fall events
Ponderosa District’s Graduating 2020 Ponderosa Fall Camporee
Eagle Scouts Join Scouts from across the District at Bradshaw Pines
Congratulations to Ponderosa’s newest Eagle Scouts: in Prescott to demonstrate those survival skills that
Peyton Weber of unit 7106, Riley Weber of unit 7106, have helped you beat Coronavirus! The Campoee
Savannah Hafer of unit 7106, Sarah Mortimore of unit starts Friday night with a leaders’ Cracker Barrel and
7106, Micah Peterson of 7007, Marlon Menjivar of Saturday we will conduct six to eight themed patrol
Troop 7193, Amanda Becerra of Troop 9142, and Eli level events to challenge Scouts. District Campfire
Redling of Troop 7142. Saturday night! Come join the fun, meet the chal-
lenge to “Be Prepared for Everything”
EAGLE PROJECT SUBMISSION FORM SEE THE DETAILS
Fall Meetings with recurring Zoom links:
Ponderosa District Roundtable | 1st Thursday 7pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89480481590?pwd=MGEyMHF2MDkwME9uUHJ0TXA4bk9yZz09
Ponderosa District Commissioners Meeting | 4th Thursday 6pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86249844164?pwd=ZnAwYW5wOGRNRXhacHBWQ1IxNlZ2Zz09
Ponderosa District Committee Meeting | 4th Thursday 7pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89274725195?pwd=cVlnSm1sNG9IOENNd2N2UzJzRXV6QT09
Grand Canyon Connection / October 2020pinnacle Peak District C u b s p o o k ta c u l a r 27
Virtual “Cub Spooktacular”
Pinnacle Peak District had their 1st virtual “Cub Spook-
tacular” event this month. We had over 50 participants
from all over the state including one cub scout from
Louisiana! We opened with a Zoom Virtual Pledge of
Allegiance, Scout Oath and Law. From there we had
several fun activities scheduled throughout the day:
• Potion Science with Nicole Pena
• Scavenger Hunt with Lynda Hale
• Constellations with the Claytons
• Codes with Troop 3030 and Crew 2030
• Virtual Corn Maze
• Plant identification with Troop 3226
• Various Virtual Tours
• Cup o’ Dirt with Troop 3030 Crew 2030
• Tie Slides with Gil Lau
• Candy Corn Catapults with the Claytons
• Crime Scene CSI with Troop 3030/Crew 2030
• Apple Shrunken Heads with Gil Lau
• Creepy Snow Globes with Lynda Hale
• Ghost Rockets with Gil Lau
• Mummy Buddy with the Claytons
• Costume Contest
• Campfire Skits
We ended the day with a Live closing of the Flag and and Nicole Pena! With your help and organization, this
Campfire! We want to thank everyone who partici- event was a success for our Scouts! Deanna Mankins
pated, scouts, parents, volunteers, and Lynda Hale, and Matthew Hill, Pinnacle Peak District Executive and
Gil Lau, Susan Shuman, The Clayton family, Kevin Joy, District Director.
Pinnacle Peak’s Graduating
Eagle Scouts
Congratulations to Pinnacles Peaks newest Eagle
Scouts: Nathan David Polk, Troop 616, Phoenix, Second
Chance Stables, Victoria Ann Elizabeth Shuman, Glen-
dale, Troop 3030, Handicapped Parking at PVUMC,
Ryan J O’Donnel, Troop 818, Scottsdale, Victoria Ma-
rie Rader, Troop 3030, Paradise Valley, Pinnacle Peak
Park Benches, Dillan A Patel, Troop 649, Scottsdale,
Hygiene Kits for Shelters, Andrew Bryan Cramer, Troop
818, Scottsdale, Garden Bed at St John XXII School.
EAGLE PROJECT SUBMISSION FORM
05
Grand Canyon Connection / October 202028 sonoran Sunset District sydney
Sydney Spends September with Pack 129
At last month’s Roundtable Sonoran Sunset District’s roaming Scout, Sydney, was introduced. He spent the
month of September 2020 with Pack 129 and had quite a few adventures!
9/11 Flag Ceremony National Cleanup Day
On September 11, Pack 129’s chartering organization On the morning of September 19 Sydney joined Pack
installed two new flag poles at the community center 129 in partnership with Peoria Council member Brid-
and invited our Scouts to participate in the inaugural get Binsbacher and the Trilogy Veteran’s Club to work
flag ceremony. It was a beautiful evening of celebration on the TVC’s Adopt-A-Road program. Our Scouts,
and remembrance with members of the community paired with parents and Veteran’s, worked on cleaning
saying a few words, the Glendale Bagpipe and Drum debris from street curb sides and medians from the
Band providing music, members of the Peoria PD and intersection of El Mirage Rd. and VistanciaBlvd. all the
our Armed Forces in attendance, a great National An- way north to Lone Mountain Pkwy. Sydney agreed with
them by Maine Freeman. Sydney felt moved and patri- the Scouts, the most interesting thing they found was
otic by the ceremony and was proud of the represen- definitely the dead racoon, yuck! We had a big turnout
tation by the Pack 129 Scouts. with 20 Scouts, 10 Scout leaders, 15 family members
A very special thank you to Den Leader, Brian Triggs, and 20+ members of the TVC who accompanied the
Assistant Den Leader, Rachelle Morris and all our We- Scouts. TVC was both thoughtful in making certificates
belos II Scout’s for such a great job raising those flags! for the Scouts completing the event and generous in
providing ice cream afterward! Thanks again to Coun-
cilmember Binsbacher, and TVC’s Scott Duke and Paul
Bernard and all the community leaders who organized
the event, the families that support our Scouts and for
a great cleanup from Trilogy Veteran’s Club and Pack
129 Scouts!
Supporting Scouts
On September 15 Sydney hung out with Pack 129 at
our monthly virtual pack meeting where he saw the
Scouts play a story game where each Scout came up
with the next sentence in a story about a boy and his
Learning about Bobcat dog going camping. What an adventure the Scouts
On September 12, Sydney hung out in our combined created … they have some creative imaginations, like
Lion (Lion’s Honor) and Tiger (Bobcat) virtual den running through the rainforest, in the Rocky Moun-
meeting where we learned all about the Scout Oath tains! Sydney also learned about our popcorn sale
and Law, Scout sign, Scout salute and Scout hand- fundraiser this year for our popcorn kickoff event. He
shake. Sydney had a little trouble with the salute, sign played our virtual popcorn bingo game but came up a
and handshake since he has no fingers! little short and didn’t win a prize, sorry Sydney.
Grand Canyon Connection / October 2020sonoran Sunset District 29
Sonoran Sunset Scouts are
Providing Service and Keeping
Scouting Going Strong during
Covid-19!
Grand Canyon Council
BB Gun Open Shoot
September 19 was a busy day for Pack 129 and Sydney,
in the morning was the National Cleanup Day event Troop 513 – Scouting for Food
and, in the afternoon, Sydney traveled with some Ti- The Scouts of Troop 513 in North Phoenix decided they
gers, Bears and Webelos to the Heard Scout Pueblo want to collect food more than once a year so on Sep-
for BB Gun Open Shoot. tember 26 they performed a Scouting for Food event
and are planning another food drive in December. This
Sydney and the Scouts did not like the traffic on I-17 month the Scouts collected a total of 449.9 lbs of food
south since the freeway was closed for construction and donated to St. Mary’s Food Bank! Christie Gava-
at Deer Valley Rd … Sydney and the Scouts made their gan, Advancement Chair - Troop 513
feelings about traffic clear – BORING!
Troop 64 – Helping Local Schools
But the afternoon was MUCH more exciting once with In-Person Learning
we arrived at the Heard. We learned the four range
Troop 64 Scouts have been making masks to donate to
rules 1- always point your weapon in a safe direction,
our local schools for when they go back to “in-person”
2- don’t put your finger on the trigger until you are
learning. Additionally, the Scouts been helping their
ready to shoot, 3- don’t load your weapon until you
charter organization, St. Thomas Aquinas church, by
are ready to shoot and, most importantly, 4- DON’T
making signs for the AZ Masks for Medical Workers
shoot range-master Dave in the rear end!
drop off and pick up and helping move donated furni-
ture to the church.
Sydney had fun with all the Cubs in attendance that af-
ternoon and was impressed by the great shooting and The troop is also adapting to health guidelines and
how the Scouts remembered, and followed, all their keeping activities going. In September, the Scouts
safety rules. have been working on the fishing program. After
learning about the hazards, prevention and treatment
of health emergencies that may occur while fishing
Good Luck! and learning how to tie the knows needed to properly
Pack 129 had a great time hanging out with Sydney fish, they tested their knowledge by taking a fishing
and Sydney had fun traveling around on our Septem- trip. The Scouts went to Tierra Verde Lake Park and
ber adventures. We wish Sydney great luck on his trav- some were successful at catching a fish.
els around Sonoran Sunset in the coming months! -
David Masciangelo, Cubmaster Pack 129 They also performed a parking lot Court of Honor,
where they had 1 Scout rank up and handed out 17
merit badges. Considering our summer camp was can-
celled, we were incredibly proud of their accomplish-
ments! - Jennifer Weber, Troop 64
Grand Canyon Connection / October 2020You can also read
