On December 19th, 2020, 29 different Troop and Crew members attended an adventure day at OCBSA's own Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center!  Everyone split into two different cohorts for the day, and practiced social distancing while enjoying the outdoors for a day!  Everyone enjoyed a High Ropes Course Team Challenge (20 feet in the air), Zip Lining over the canyon, the massive Rock Climbing Wall, plus Archery & BB Guns!  In the middle of the day, everyone took a well-earned break to eat their own packed lunches on the massive property.  The OEC facility is one of the premiere scouting facilities in the nation, and something special to witness in action.  Many scouts (and even parents) pushed their comfort zone and tried some new activities and challenges, often dozens of feet above the earth.  The weather was perfect and a great time was had by all as they kicked off the holiday break with some friends, fun, and excitement!  Thank you to Mrs. Marianne Perkins for planning the event with the OEC, and adults Ester Lee, Dana Myerson, Connor & Jason Perkins, Charlet Chiou, and Ken Malone for being our adult leaders for the day and playing along with our scouts!!!  

On December 21, 2020, Yaseen S. became Troop 695’s newest Eagle Scout! His is the troop’s final promotion for 2020 and while his Board of Review was on the shortest day of the year, his scouting journey has been a long and fruitful one starting with Cub Scouts. Early on, Yaseen enjoyed taking on leadership positions (Den Chief for Cub Scout Pack 612) and as his positions within 695 evolved, he developed a quiet, yet confident leadership style that stressed setting a good example and having patience. He would need these vital skills for his Eagle service project since he attracted a large number of volunteers (over 35 youths and adults) to complete his project. Yaseen’s project beneficiary, Islamic Center of Irvine, was grateful that his team was able to build a durable storage unit and stock it with assembled comfort care kits (e.g. personal hygiene and first aid supplies, emergency tools, and a hand crank radio) in a timely manner and adhering to specifications. This project was an integral part of the center’s Emergency Preparedness Initiative. Having so many volunteers is a good problem to have, but also one that required patient leadership so that the “workers” (especially the young scouts) didn’t lose interest – great job Yaseen!

It didn’t surprise 695’s adult interviewers for the EBOR, Mrs. Marianne Perkins and Mr. Frank Do, that Yaseen’s favorite Scout Laws are “friendly” and “helpful” because that’s how they will remember him. Like many others, he started with the Troop just to have fun and make new friends. Over time, he also loved learning new skills, both technical and social, that helped him become more well-rounded. Of course, the outdoor events (including campfires) were a highlight for Yaseen, including Painted Ladder and earning his Wilderness Survival MB at Circle X Summer Camp near Lake Arrowhead. Looking back on his scouting career so far, he is proud of what he has learned and achieved, and is looking forward to mentoring and helping younger scouts pursue their goals. Congratulations Yaseen! We are so honored to call you our own 695 Eagle!

On December 19, 2020, Philmont crew members and families hiked the southern part of the Cleveland National Forest to Sitton Peak (3,273 ft). It was a beautiful clear day and they enjoyed great views of the Santa Ana Mountains, San Diego County, Orange County, Catalina Island, and San Clemente Island.  

Scouts navigated the 10 mile roundtrip hike to the peak and back and also checked out a 1986 crash site of a Bell Super Cobra attack helicopter. Everyone was rewarded with treats at the Ortega Oaks Candy Store at the end of the hike. Hikers included scouts Chase G., Jett L., Nathan L., Colin L., Anderson C., Sean E., Nathan C., and Gunnar H.; family members Joe Gozdieski, Anita Leung, Lisa Crane, Alexa C., Tomoko Enomoto, Arne Hanson, and Sorrel Hanson; and dog Benji. 

On November 16th, 2020, Isao H. became Troop 695’s newest Eagle Scout! Isao has had a very interesting scouting journey, living and scouting in multiple countries around the world as his father is in the military and they moved often.  Isao finally transferred from the Far East Council (on the other side of the world), and found his home base with us to finish his journey to Eagle here with Troop 695.  This took some strong dedication and perseverance to adjust to each new location and unit, and make new friends…but he pushed through and now can call himself an Eagle!  

Isao guided his volunteers through COVID challenges to build 6 wooden seed-sifter screens for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy.  These 2’x2’ & 3’x3’ sifters will be used to separate native seeds from the dirt to secure & protect the local environment and native plants.  Thank you to Mr. Ahoobim for helping host and guide the workdays in his own workshop.  Adult leaders Ebi Ahoobim and Marianne Perkins participated in Isao’s virtual Eagle Board of Review and were impressed with how well-spoken he was, as well as his maturity, poise, and respectful manner.  Congratulations Isao on attaining scouting’s highest rank!  We are so proud to call you our own!