After an action-packed summer, Troop 4 La Jolla has had an equally exciting fall. Many new boys have joined the troop since September, some fresh to scouting, while others transferred in from Troop 585 (All Hallows Church), which has been deactivated. All the boys were welcomed warmly by Scoutmaster Bill Flynn and a loud round of applause from the other scouts.
In October, Troop 4 headed out for an overnight camping trip at Cuyamaca State Park, where the boys got a chance to practice cooking, tenting and ax skills as well as explore the beauty of Green Valley Falls, which was still gushing water. At night a big campfire was lit and many a ghost story was told and songs were sung.
A few weeks later, the troop assembled at the harbor to climb aboard a tall ship for a day of hands-on sailing experience, which is something those who participated in will never forget. And still ahead this winter are two chilly adventures: the annual snow camp, which teaches scouts how to find comfort in a snow cave regardless of what Mother Nature throws at them as well as the very popular and much-anticipated ski/snow boarding trip to Big Bear.
Community service was also on the agenda for Troop 4. In addition to previous years of working at the San Diego Food Bank and cleaning up after the La Jolla Half Marathon, Troop 4 also lent an important hand during the annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast. The night before the breakfast, the Scouts slept at the La Jolla Recreation Center and guarded the cooking equipment. The next morning they helped set up and aid with the cooking ” and were rewarded with free pancakes as a “thank you” for a job well done.
Special celebrations were held during the fall for Lukas Flynn and Charlie Klene, who both reached the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest and most honored achievement in scouting. Both boys spoke at the event and thanked their parents for all the help they received in making the long journey through scouting to manhood. And always mindful that the 12th point of the scout law involves reverence, two other boys, Jonas Flynn and Daniel McCarthy, received the scouting award known as Ad Altare Dei, given to Boy Scouts of the Catholic faith who have studied the scriptures and have performed at least 10 hours of additional community service.
On Monday, Jan. 29, at 6:30 p.m. at La Jolla Presbyterian Church, 7715 Draper Ave., all boys age 11 and older, as well as Cub Scouts of Webelos rank, are invited to the Troop 4 annual open house.
Parents of prospective Scouts are encouraged to attend and refreshments will be served.
Scouting is a great way to learn new skills, make friends and build character.
For more information, please contact Assistant Scout Master Ron Edelson, (858) 456-2483, or Mark Linsky, (858) 488-6955.
(Editor’s Note: This article was researched and partially written by the three Scouts credited above as one of the requirement for the Communications merit badge.)
