Outings

If you have completed your Scoutmaster's Conference, great news—you are now eligible for your Board of Review! If you're advancing to Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, or Life, sign up now.

Parents & Volunteers: If your Scout is scheduled for a Board of Review and you are registered with BSA, please volunteer to support other Scouts in their advancement. Your participation helps ensure a smooth and meaningful experience for all!

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

Michelle Kolsi has set up an opportunity to complete the practical skills/hands-on part of the horsemanship merit badge on March 22 and on March 29 at Starwood Riding Club in Sunland. Mrs. Cindy Chiu has kindly agreed to be the merit badge counselor for any scout who completes this two hour course. Dr. Yang-Scharlotta and Michelle Kolsi will serve as the adult leaders. The cost is $100 per scout and there are spots for six scouts to participate. There are still a few spots available.

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

You must earn the First Aid merit badge before you can take Emergency Preparedness. Once you sign up and email me your signed FA blue card, you will be provided additional information.

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

A quick trip up to Chilao Flats Campground where we’ll stay overnight and Hike to Mount Hillyer the following day.

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

Have you ever wanted to see the storm clouds of new star life in Orion's sheath? Awe at the moons around Jupiter? Witness the thousands of tightly packed stars of a globular cluster? Well now is your chance!

Troop 509G (that's you!) is taking over the Stony Ridge Observatory and will be in full control of all systems! We need you to open the massive dome shutter. We need you to slew the telescope to our targets of interest. And finally we need you to gaze up into the heavens at this strange universe that we are a part of and be amazed. Added bonus once we're done observing for the night you get to sleep in the dome under the telescope!

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE! By the end of this trip you'll also be an official Astronomy Merit Badge card carrying member!

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

A quick walk up Iron Mountain #3

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

I'm excited to announce that I have raised all the funds needed to begin my Eagle project. My project is all about supporting the recovery efforts for the Hahamongna Native Plant Nursery, which helps restore the Arroyo Seco watershed. This area was impacted by the Eaton Fire, and the plants and wildlife really need our help.

For my project, I'll be building a "Recovery Corner" to help the nursery raise money by selling plants and other items. The money they make will go toward restoring native plants and protecting the environment in the Arroyo Seco. The nursery is part of the Arroyo Seco Foundation, a nonprofit that's doing awesome work to protect our local watershed and wildlife. We'll be building a cabinet and a bulletin board.

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

The always popular Rose Bowl District Camporee is on the horizon. Camporee is the annual meeting of troops throughout the district where patrols compete in a variety of Scouting challenges. This has traditionally been one of the first campouts our new scouts attend and it's a great introduction to the troop and Scouting. Don't miss this great outing! This year the theme is still TBD [suspenseful music playing].

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

Ms Adler-Gotoh has agreed to do a session of the Personal Management merit badge (http://usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/personal-management.pdf). Priority will go to older scouts but younger scouts can sign up on the waitlist.

1. The class will be held on Saturday, April 5th, at La Canada Community Center Auditorium.

2. Cost is $5 per Scout, please send via Zelle ASAP to keep your spot.

3. Please bring a signed Activity Consent Form (https://www.jpltroop509.org/forms/activity-consent-form.pdf) Leader Name - Diana Keeney - 818-749-0562 Emergency Contact - Jamie Keeney - 818-415-5548

4. Scouts will be expected to have finished pre-reqs assigned before the class session. If they have not, they will not complete the merit badge during class.

5. We will assign pre-reqs after signups are complete but you can definitely get started on #2 NOW!

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

Ms Adler-Gotoh has agreed to do a session of the Family Life merit badge (http://usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/family-life.pdf). Priority will go to older scouts but younger scouts can sign up on the waitlist.

1. The class will be held on Saturday, April 12th, at La Canada Community Center Auditorium.

2. Cost is $5 per Scout, please send via Zelle ASAP to keep your spot.

3. Please bring a signed Activity Consent Form (https://www.jpltroop509.org/forms/activity-consent-form.pdf) Leader Name - Diana Keeney - 818-749-0562 Emergency Contact - Jamie Keeney - 818-415-5548

4. Scouts will be expected to have finished pre-reqs assigned before the class session. If they have not, they will not complete the merit badge during class.

5. We will assign pre-reqs after signups are complete but you can definitely get started on #3 NOW!

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

We will head to the USS IOWA April 12-13 for an overnight program. Participants will have the opportunity to tour the ship and spend the night in the bunks that were used by sailors when the ship was in active service. This outing is open to scouts from 509B& 509G.

Cost is $120 per participant. Payments are due now and can be brought to a troop meeting or sent via Zelle.

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

More details TBA

Day Option 1: Merit Badge Combo This option will allow scouts who already have the Kayaking merit badge to complete the requirements for the Whitewater merit badge. If the scout does not yet have the Kayaking merit badge, they can still select this option. They will receive a partial for the Whitewater merit badge and if they later complete the kayaking merit badge, they will then receive Whitewater as well. The program will begin at 9:00 am, with participants kayaking the rapids in the morning, eating lunch (included), and then rafting in the afternoon. The program lasts approximately 6 hours. (Note: last spring the high water levels precluded kayaking and everyone rafted all day).

Day Option 2: High Adventure This option is for the older scouts. Participants will start at 8:30 am with a discussion on paddling in rapids. The group will then take a first run on smaller rapids to allow the guides to ensure that everyone can handle the paddling. A bus will then take the group farther up the river than the other groups for 3-4 runs (depending on water speed) in class 3-4 rapids. This trip will last for 6-7 hours and will include lunch. To select this option, you must be at least 13 years old, a strong swimmer, and have the strength to handle several hours of strenuous paddling.

Day Option 3: Hiking and wildlife observation. This option is free and you need at least 2 adults on trail or campsite.

To sign up for camping, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

To sign up for rafting, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

Philmont is a two-week backpacking trip in the Rocky Mountains of New Mexico. We take a 22-hour train ride to get there, carry a 30 lb backpack for 11 days, then return home on the train. Scouts must be at least 14 at the time of the outing, or 13 and have completed 8th grade. The expected cost is $1,950, which includes train fare. For both boys and girls. For questions contact Mr. Haxton.

Packing lists and other information for those going to Philmont is on this website.

Northern Tier is one and a half weeks of canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota on the Canadian border. We fly to Minneapolis and take charter vans to Ely, Minn. We paddle all day, portage between lakes, camp at a different lake each night, and rarely see other humans. For this High Adventure outing, scouts must be at least 14 at the time of the outing, or 13 and have completed 8th grade. The expected cost is $1,950, which includes plane fare. The date of this outing is to be determined. If interested in going to Northern Tier in 2025 contact Mr. Allen Lee.

Camp Emerald Bay is on Santa Catalina Island and offers 30+ Merit Badges, Canoe overnight trip, SCUBA, and for older Scouts 14+ Rugged Explorers (E) and Rugged Canoers (C) experience. Emerald Bay also has very nice camping facilities, waterfront activities, a marine center aquarium, and pottery kiln (handicrafts).

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

Cavalcade is a week-and-a-half of horseback riding at Philmont Scout Ranch in the Rocky Mountains of New Mexico. We take a 22-hr train ride to get there, each person is assigned a horse, and we ride the horses through rugged mountain wilderness to each night's campsite, with each person responsible for the care of their horse. Scouts must be at least 14 at the time of the outing, or 13 and have completed 8th grade. Riding experience is recommended but not required. The expected cost is $1,700, which includes train fare. For both boys and girls. For questions contact Mr. Haxton.

Packing lists and other information for those going to Cavalcade on this website.

Sea Base is one week of sailing and snorkeling in the Florida Keys. We fly to Miami and drive rental vans to Islamadora. We have two 40-ft-plus boats with captains, along with a marine biology mate, and we sleep on the boats out on the water each night. Scouts must be at least 13 at the time of the outing. The expected cost is $2,100, which includes plane fare. For both boys and girls. For questions contact Mr. Haxton.

Packing lists and other information for those going to Sea Base is on this website.

Details TBD

Summit is one week of kayaking & rafting on the New River in New River Gorge National Park in southern West Virginia. We fly to Charleston, WV, or Charlotte, NC, and drive rental cars to Beckley, WV. Scouts must be at least 14 at the time of the outing, or 13 and have completed 8th grade. The expected cost is $1,900, which includes all transportation. Limited to 6 scouts and 2 adults, or if there are enough sign-ups to fill two crews, then 12 scouts and 4 adults. For both boys and girls. For questions contact Mr. Haxton.

Packing lists and other information for those going to Summit is on this website.

Northern Tier is a week and a half of canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of northeastern Minnesota. We fly to Minneapolis and drive rental cars to Ely, MN. Our crew of 8 is in 3 canoes, accompanied by a guide. Scouts must be at least 14 at the time of the outing, or 13 and have completed 8th grade. The expected cost is $1,900, which includes all transportation. Limited to 6 scouts and 2 adults. For both boys and girls. For questions contact Mr. Haxton.

Packing lists and other information for those going to Northern Tier is on this website.

more information coming

See website for World Scout Jamboree 2027

Pt Mugu Sycamore Canyon is in Malibu.

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

In response to multiple requests, we’ve got an Aquatics event at the YMCA on 3/23/2025 from 11am to 1pm! This is a great opportunity for anyone planning to be on a boat during the Whitewater Rafting trip in May who hasn't passed the BSA swim test within a year of May 17th, and/or for anyone looking to make some waves with their rank advancement.

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

New Scouts - as long as you are on the troop roster by Monday 3/10/2025, you can join us. If you have not been added to the troop roster yet, there will be another opportunity to work on these requirements.

This is for new scouts who have not yet earned their Tenderfoot Rank. Anna Bruck will be at the La Canada High School Track next Monday, 3/10/2025 at 6:00 PM to work with any scouts that need the fitness test in Tenderfoot requirement 6A:

Record your time for a 1-mile run/walk

Sit-ups - do as many as you can in 1 minute

Push Ups - do as many as you can in 1 minute

Flexibility/Sit and Reach test

Please dress comfortably and wear appropriate shoes for running.

Please email Mrs. Bruck with any questions.

A BIG thank you to the following Merit Badge counselors who will be volunteering their time on 3/15. We will have eight Merit Badge classes, as well as Totin’ Chip and Firem’n Chit sessions available. Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn from the best!

Each scout may take one Eagle-required class. If a second is desired, please add the request to the waitlist.

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

When: March 16 9-11am

Where: Glendale Sports Complex

What: We will be having a Clinic to get started on your Biking Merit Badge. This will be for Option B - Mountain Biking.

1. Please bring a signed Activity Consent Form (https://www.jpltroop509.org/forms/activity-consent-form.pdf) Leader Name - Jamie Keeney - 818-415-5528 Emergency Contact - Diana Keeney - 818-749-0562

2. Please get a blue card from Mr. Miles and bring it with you. This will be a partial merit badge and we should get 1-5 and 6 Option B a,b,c done. You will be responsible for the rest of d and e on your own.

3. Please sign up for Strava as that is where you will record your rides for Mr. Keeney. Add him as a contact.

4. Mountain Bikes only, street bikes will not be allowed to do the clinic.

5. Must have some experience and know how to ride a bike. We will be doing the first required ride of 2 miles.

This clinic is currently for 6 Boys only. If a Female leader would like to participate, contact Diana Keeney.

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

My Eagle project fundraiser is finally finished! I’ve now scheduled my Eagle project service hours and below is the link to the signup genius. We will be cleaning and supplying backpacks for children in the Philippines Saturday, March 8 and Sunday , March 9. If you are available, please consider doing service hours by clicking the link below. I also need registered adults.

The LAST day to donate used and new backpacks will be Monday, March 3 at the troop meeting. Thank you for your support.

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

My name is Sophia Shaikh, and I am a Life Scout currently working toward Eagle Rank. As part of this journey, I am carrying out my Eagle Scout service project, which will take place on the weekend of March 8th and 9th at Descanso Gardens.

For my project, we will be refurbishing 14 benches by removing loose bark, sanding them, and applying two coats of linseed oil to enhance their durability against weather damage. This restoration will help ensure the benches remain in good condition for years to come.

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

On February 22th, we will take a hike from the Stough Canyon Nature Center in Burbank up to Verdugo Peak and back. We'll have a snack at the peak and at the end of the hike we'll eat a quick lunch and stop in at the Nature Center to see the exhibits.

The hike is just over 8 miles, with a 1,686 foot elevation gain. This hike is moderately difficult and is appropriate for hikers who are in good physical condition and have experience with similar hikes.

We'll meet at 8:00 am at Ralphs. Our expected return time at Ralphs would be between 2:00-3:30 pm; we will call or text drivers with progress.

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

To see the trail we'll hike, please visit This Link.

Our next Board of Review (BOR) is scheduled for February 24, 2025, at La Cañada High School during the PLC Meeting. If you have already completed your Scoutmaster Conference, please sign up now so we can determine how many adult leaders are needed to accommodate all Scouts.

Please remember to:

Wear your complete Scout uniform, including your merit badge sash.

Bring your BOR form and Scout Handbook.

Any missing requirements may result in being rescheduled for the next BOR.

Scouts can sign up at this Sign-Up Genius.

Adults can volunteer at this Sign-Up Genius.

Our first Court of Honor of the new year has been rescheduled to Friday, February 7th, 2025, at 7:00 pm in the JPL von Karman auditorium. Please join us to celebrate our Scouts' advancements and awards, and to recognize our recent Eagle Scouts: Cole Pooley and Clayton Smith.

The von Karman auditorium has strict limits on how many can attend. If you plan to join us, please sign up so we can estimate our numbers and refreshment needs. We look forward to seeing you there.

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

Since we missed "A Scout is Thrifty" Day last week, we will reschedule for the next Rose Bowl Flea Market on February 9th, from 8:30-12:30.

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

Ms Hingle will be offering the Citizenship in Society MB for scouts at least 13 years old at Ms Hagegard's house from 1:30-5:30.

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

Ms Adler-Gotoh has agreed to do a session of the Citizenship in the Community merit badge this fall. Priority will go to older scouts but younger scouts can sign up on the waitlist.

The class will be held on Saturday, February 15th, at Ms Keeney's Community Pool. (We will NOT be swimming). Scouts will be expected to have finished pre-reqs assigned before the class session. If they have not, they will not complete the merit badge during class.

To find more information and to sign-up, please visit The Sign-Up Genius.

This is for new scouts who have not yet earned their Tenderfoot Rank. Anna Bruck will be at the La Canada High School Track next Monday, 2/3/2025 at 6:00 PM to work with any scouts that need the fitness test in Tenderfoot requirement 6A:

Record your time for a 1-mile run/walk

Sit-ups - do as many as you can in 1 minute

Push Ups - do as many as you can in 1 minute

Flexibility/Sit and Reach test

For requirement 6b you will come up with a plan to improve each of these and we will repeat the test in 30 days to complete requirement 6c.

Please dress comfortably and wear appropriate shoes for running.

Please email Mrs. Bruck with any questions.

If you are interested in earning the First Aid Merit Badge, we will have a class on Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9a - 1 p, Hahamongna (upper, near restrooms).

You will need to be ranked as Second Class and above and complete certain requirements before the class starts. Email me at: Rhodora Maliksi

Email me with the following information: Name, Rank

Deadline to sign up is Wednesday, January 8, 2025, by 5 p.m.

It's time to sign up for our annual long weekend at Joshua Tree! This is our annual car camping trip in the desert and one of our most popular outings. This year we have reserved four group sites at the Sheep Pass campground in the park. We have room for a total of 90 people and 24 cars, so there should be spots for anyone who wants to go.

Sign up for camping here.

Sign up for climbing here.