Boy Scout Troop 708 was approached by past Scoutmaster and EBMUD Director, Frank Mellon, to take on the task of removing campaign signs after the November 2, 2010 election. Mr. Mellon made a gracious donation to the Scouts of Troop 708 to help them in their efforts to raise funds for their trip to summer camp in 2011. The project was to remove any campaign signs from any town.

As of November 11, the count stands at 434 signs removed!

This was a very nice project that Mr. Mellon presented to Troop 708 as summer camp is an expensive trip and our Troop is always looking for benefactors or fund raising projects. This project was great in that it not only helped the Troop’s Scouts but also the community.

The Scouts of Troop 708 made their way to Shaver Lake this past August to spend a week at Camp Chawanakee. The camp was fantastic and everyone had a great time earning merit badges, fishing, boating, swimming, shooting and just kicking around. While the boys were busy in merit badge classes some of the adults took on the challenges of COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience), which had them practicing skills that would challenge them and help them in their mentoring role with the Scouts.

The Scouts also took on camp service projects including the construction of a flag pole for the camping area they occupied. In addition, temporary structures were constructed to show the Troop’s Scout spirit and let others know that Troop 708 was with them that week. Projects built included an entry archway and an outdoor game board. These were very creative and called upon the boys’ imagination in addition to their Scout skills.

By the end of the week the 13 Scouts who attended this year’s summer camp had accomplished the following:

• 67 merit badges were earned
• Two Scouts each earned 8 merit badges
• 10 Scouts advanced a rank
• One Scout caught 2 fish
• Three adults passed the COPE course

This was another successful summer camp and everyone will be able to look back on a lot of great memories.

Check out the slideshow: Summer Camp 2010 – Camp Chawanakee

Troop 708 had some great camping trips the last couple of months.  The first trip was in June and consisted of a short ferry ride and hike to arrive at our campsite on Angel Island.  It was a great spot located above some of the old buildings that are remnants to the past history of the island.  The Scouts enjoyed hiking to Livermore Peak, the top of the island.  We then headed down to the beach passing through abandoned military buildings on the way.  The parents had a wonderful gourmet dinner thanks to Chef Wong.  While the fog and wind hung around until early Sunday morning, we did wake up to a beatiful blue sky.  Check out some of the pictures from the Angel Island camp out.

Not to be outdone, our July backpacking trip to the Sierras was another great camp out.  Six scouts and five adults headed up to the Pinecrest area for a short hike into the Emigrant Wilderness, which is located in the Stanislaus National Forest.  We arrived in the late afternoon on Friday and spent the first night at the Crabtree Trailhead.  The next morning we got up, packed up our tents and gear, had breakfast and then headed out to Camp Lake, a hike of just under three miles.  The Scouts did great on the hike.  It was amazing to see how popular this trail is as we passed couples, families and other groups heading back and heading out.  Camp Lake is situated at 7,650′ and is simply beautiful.  This also was a great experience as it required the use of backpacking stoves and the need to monitor our water usage as we had to filter water from the lake and stream.  We did get in a Scout safe swim by hanging out in waist high water for an hour or so.  The only downside to the trip was that the mosquitoes were out in large numbers.  Check out some photos from the Camp Lake trip.

The Community Leadership Reception is a yearly event held by the Tres Ranchos District of the San Francisco Bay Area Council.  The main purpose is twofold, to raise funds for the Council and District and to honor a leader with the “Good Scout Award”.  This year’s Good Scout Award was presented to Gordon Galvan.  Gordon was twice elected to the San Leandro City Council where his colleagues voted him into two terms as Vice Mayor.  Mr. Galvan has served as the Vice Chairman of Finance in the Tres Ranchos District, has served twice on the “Good Scout” committee and currently has a son who is a Tiger Cub.

As part of the Community Leadership Reception, Troop 708 was asked to have a Scout speak about their Scouting experience and what the program has meant to them.  Harrison Lambert was selected by the Scoutmaster of Troop 708, his father.

Harrison had a tough act to follow, California Treasurer Bill Lockyer, the keynote speaker.  Not one to fall into the shadow of another, Harrison stepped up to the plate and delivered a great speech, which the audience truly appreciated.  Harrison did himself and his father proud as well as reflect how his Troop and the Boy Scouts of America have helped to make him the person he is today.

This is a video of Harrison’s speech.  The actual text of the speech follows the video.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsAvVEHI94Q

Scouting

by Harrison Lambert
April 21, 2010

Scouting, the gilded organization now reaching its 100^th year.  I have been one of the fortunate ones to experience this extraordinary establishment.  The morals I have learned in scouting guide me in my everyday choices.  I strive to be not only a trustworthy and helpful scout, but a friendly and honest person as well.  The leadership I have gained in Brownsea National Youth Leadership Training, and the many adventures through the troop, have helped me establish my own club at school, and overall make me a more ambitious person.  The merit badges I have gained in scouting range from the vital personal fitness and first aid, to the trivial fingerprinting and pet care.  Nevertheless this is knowledge I couldn’t imagine learning anywhere but Scouting.  The adventures I have experienced showed me sights I would have never motivated myself to see.

Undoubtedly all in attendance today have had the experience of acquainting themselves with a Scout, and with that acquaintance have heard many stories about the incomparable adventures of those Scouts.  Therefore there is no purpose in me to continue adding to the multitude of tales in order to aid in my persuasion, rather I wish to enlighten the fact that this time honored tradition of adventure and leadership cannot be continued without generous contributions to our foundation.  Morals of honor, loyalty, and duty that have been instilled since 1910 would cease to exist without generous benefactors.  One of the only capsules through which the traditions of the bygone century have been preserved, will no longer have the proper assistance to continue to teach such lessons.  You, however, have the ability to empower this organization, and ensure it continues to teach for generations.  Not only will your investment aid in the future when Scouts join your business and contribute their knowledge and ideals, but the Scouts you endorse will also help in countless ways to better the communities of the world.  Scouting has the will to survive for a superfluous number of years to come, but not necessarily the ability.  Although it would be pleasant to omit money as a factor in Scouting, it is as necessary as the Scouts willingness to lead.

My grandfather was a scout, a scout leader, and a recipient of the Silver Beaver award. My father, like my grandfather, was a scout, and currently is a Scoutmaster, as well as a member of the highest rank in Scouting, that of the Eagle Scout.  I too am a Scout, and am following in the footsteps of my father and grandfather.  I hope that Scouting can continue to thrive, so that my children can follow this tradition as well.

Let the child provide the fervor and you the assistance, for then you will be bestowed pride equivalent to that which every Scout for centuries to come will enjoy.