On the weekend of July 9-11, the Philmont crew backpacked at Palomar Mountain State Park in north county San Diego. They camped at several sites in Doane Valley Campground and backpacked through pine and oak forests, across mountain streams, and through grassy valleys. Despite heat and bugs, the crew had a great time taking in new sites and bonding. This was their last training event before heading to Philmont in August. 

Crew and supporting family included Anderson C., Sean E., Colin L., Jett L., Nathan C., Chase G., Gunnar H., Joe Gozdieski, Sorrel Hanson, Lisa Crane, and Chris Clark.

On Saturday 5/22 Laura, the head naturalist at Nix Nature Center in Laguna Beach, led our scouts in gardening tasks. We met at the nature center at 8AM and Laura walked us through the conservation area introducing us to the native vegetation such as California Sagebrush (Cowboy Cologne) and Sycamore as well as invasive species such as Wild Tarragon and Mustard. 

On June 6th, the Philmont crew completed a 10 mile roundtrip hike at Mt. Baldy (officially named Mt. San Antonio) in the San Gabriel Mountains. Mt. Baldy is the highest peak visible from the Los Angeles/Orange County area and the views from the top were amazing! The crew started at Manker Flats, hiked past the Sierra Club Ski Hut, and through the Mt. Baldy Bowl before reaching the summit of 10,064 ft. Their descent included a breathtaking portion of trail along the Devil’s Backbone before passing by the Mt. Baldy Ski Resort and back down to Manker Flats. 

The Philmont crew specifically did this training event to experience hiking at higher elevations where there is less oxygen in the air and to experience hiking on very steep and rough terrain. High adventure scouts and family included: Nathan C., Anderson C., Sean E., Gunnar H., Jett L., Ella G., Joe Gozdieski, Sorrel Hanson, Lisa Crane, Tomoko Enomoto, and Anita Leung.

On May 20,2021, Erik O. became Troop 695’s newest Eagle Scout! For his service project, he led volunteers to build much needed pet beds for the Orange County Animal Center in Tustin. He was so successful in raising funds and obtaining discounts from vendors that his team had money to build 8 more additional beds than planned for a total of 30 beds, which were made of PVC legs and fabric mats. The pandemic certainly made the project more difficult for Erik as he had to work harder to attract volunteers and made sure they had a safe working environment.

Perseverance was a theme discussed at the Board of Review considering Erik earned his Life rank five years ago. During the long stretch Erik was busy with high school activities, including water polo, and admittedly lost focus on scouting. But ultimately Erik reached back to his fond memories of Cub Scouts, and his long-time goal of finishing his scouting career as an Eagle Scout. His determination is an inspiration to those scouts who get overwhelmed with other obligations along their journey.

For Erik, he was especially thankful for leadership & outdoor skills that former Scoutmaster Jason Perkins taught him through Pack 612 & Troop 695, as well as the mentorship that older scouts and specifically Eagle Scout Reily Kirkpatrick gave him. As he is about to graduate from University High and move on to Irvine Valley College (with plans to transfer to a 4-year university to study business and finance), Erik recognizes the awesome responsibility that comes with the recognition of being an Eagle Scout. Board participants Mrs. Marianne Perkins and Mr. Frank Do were convinced Erik will be a terrific role model and contributor to younger scouts. Congratulations Erik on earning scouting’s highest honor!  We are proud to call you a Troop 695 Eagle Scout!

If there was a merit badge for wind endurance, then Ethan C, Ben K, Jonathan T and Takeo Z would most certainly have earned it on May 15th when they camped out at Mojave Narrows. The wind was dramatic and unyielding for the entirety of the campout, leading to all sorts of adventures and misadventures. And a very well rounded Scouting experience! From anchoring down tents with ropes, to shielding vulnerable jet boils, to stomping out flying fire pit embers to manning tumbling camping chairs and flying everything, the boys managed it all. The circumstances led to excellent teamwork and Scout spirit - which even Mr. Cruz and Mr. Zollinger embodied when they helped a neighboring family erect and tie down their tent as it billowed in the wind. Other highlights included high climbing obstacle course races, fishing, beautiful trees and reeds dancing in the wind, s'mores, card games, and a genuine bonding opportunity thanks to the intimate group and extreme elements.

On May 14 through 16, the Philmont crew revisited El Moro - Crystal Cove State Park for more backpacking training. They explored new roads and trails in the lower portion of the park, had lunch at the beach, and learned how to find their location on a map using a compass and sighting to nearby landmarks. The crew camped at Upper Moro and Deer Canyon campgrounds and practiced the patrol cooking method. While they were there, they also elected crew leaders: Gunnar H. - Crew Leader, Nathan C. - Chaplain Aide, and Jett L. - Wilderness Pledge Guia (Guide). 

No scouting event is ever complete without a bit of adventure! The “adventure” on this trip was waking to rain on Sunday morning, packing up camp in the rain, and hiking out on a steep, muddy, and very slippery trail. No worries though - this crew was prepared with rain jackets and pack covers and a good attitude. They rose to the challenge and finished the event stronger and more confident than before. 

Tough scouts and adults included: Anderson C., Jett L., Nathan L., Colin L., Nathan C., Chase G., Gunnar H., Ms. Lisa Crane, Mr. Joe Gozdieski, and Mrs. Sorrel Hanson.