Join The Adventure! Scouting Awaits In Martinez

Come join the Adventure!

That’s the call of Boy Scout Troop 1351 in Martinez. The Troop is inviting all young men, 11 years old to 17 to come join the adventure that is Boy Scouting.

“You’re standing at the gateway to some of the most exciting adventures you can imagine.” Says Scout Master Gil Patton. “Come step into the world of Boy Scouting, and you will discover a world of wonders and adventures you never imagined. You will be able to hike along tree-covered trails, canoe across misty mountain waters, and camp under the open star dotted sky. You will smell fresh rain in the woods and fill your mouth with the taste of wild berries. At the end of a patrol hike, plunge into cool mountain water, cook your meals over a camp stove, and kick back and take in the night sky. You will learn how to travel the backcountry without leaving a trace and live well with only what you carry in your pockets and backpack. Sound inviting? Well, as a Boy Scout, you can do all this and more.”

According to Nick Coker the Patrol leader for the Airwolf Patrol, “Scouting is boy run, adult guided program. Scouts are taught leadership skills and are given the opportunity to use those skills in a safe and friendly environment. We get to choose the activities and plan them accordingly. Our adult leaders will make suggestions, but the scouts make the choices. So come be a part of the fun and adventure!”

“Scouting provides an array of educational programs for boys and young adults to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop personal fitness.” Stated Matthew Patton the Troop’s Quartermaster. “There is Den Chief training, NYLT which is National Youth Leadership Training, Leave No Trace, Trainer’s Edge, Wilderness First Aid, NAYLE which stands for National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience, and other course that are available if you want to do them”

Mr. Patton said “The Troopmeets Thursdays at the VFW Hall at 930 Ward St. in downtown Martinez”. “Except for the first Thursday of the month, when we meet the Tuesday before.” Added Jordan Williams the Senior Patrol Leader.

“Some of the activities we have planned for this year include; BBQs, River Rafting trips, Weekend Camping, Wilderness Hikes, Dutch Oven cooking, Rock Climbing and Repelling, Scout Summer Camp, Sky High Trampolines trips, Archery, Shotgun and Rifle Shooting, Movie and Game Nights, Snow Camping, and a bunch more!” Matthew rattled off when asked what they do.

“So if you are 11 to 17 years old and you want to have fun and high adventure then you are invited to come and join us in the adventure of Scouting!” said Max Coker the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.

“In 2014 the troop had nine campouts, one week long summer camp, a couple of movie and games nights, trips to Sky High Trampolines and Diablo Rock. We had one scout make the rank of Eagle. One who served on staff for two NYLT courses and went to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico to participate in Cavalcade for nine days. Two of the scouts who joined in February made the ranks of: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class in eight months!” Stated Becky Schoenfeld the Advancement Chairperson. “This year we should have three more Eagle Scouts and everyone should advance at least one rank. The adults work with the scouts to make sure they earn their awards and advancements in a timely manner.”

The Scout Master Mr. Patton and Assistant Scout Master Mrs. Williams are Wood Badge Trained, which is the premier training for adult leaders. Mr. Schoenfeld, the other Assistant Scout Master, has completed Position ont-

Specific Training. Later this Spring Mr. Farr, who is moving back to Martinez from Southern California, will join the troop as an Assistant Scout Master. He is an Eagle Scout who went to NYLT as a youth and Wood Badge as an adult. All of the adult leaders have completed the Youth Protection Training according to Cris Campbell the Scout Committee Chairperson.

On February 12th the Troop will have a Court of Honor where the Scouts will receive Awards, Merit Badges, and Rank advancements that they have earned since the last Court in October. Everyone is invited to attend. The Court of Honor will be at the VFW hall on Ward St at 7:00pm and there will be refreshments served.

The Troop can be contacted at troop1351.mtz@gmail.com or you can visit their web site http://troop1351martinez.org/Home.aspx for more information and a schedule of their activities.

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