Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca Cutting The Ribbon For the Bob Mazzuca Firebowl

Article in the Salinas Californian about the Firebowl Dedication

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Summer 2011 #5: The end of Boy Scout Week 2

Boy Scout Week 2 came to a conclusion with the Water Carnival, a weekly aquatics competition, and the closing campfire. At the closing campfire, the Scouts are the stars and each troop performs a skit and a song. Near the end of the campfire, the Staff gives awards to Troops and Patrols that won different competitions and then the Program Director awards the Honor Patrol Award to Patrols that complete certain tasks such as doing the Polar Bear Swim together and cooking a meal in their campsite. Before this week, 6 Patrols had ever earned this award. This week, 7 patrols earned the award.

Scouts perform Quickdraw, a campfire classic

The Camp Director thanks the Scoutmasters for their hard work

Reminder: Bob Mazzuca Fire Bowl Dedication this Weekend

This is a final reminder that the Bob Mazzuca Fire Bowl will be dedicated this weekend on Saturday, July 16. Bob Mazzuca, former member of Troop 428, San Juan Bautista and Pico Staffer and current Chief Scout Executive for the BSA will be present. A BBQ dinner will be served. This event will cap off two years of hard work by an all volunteer workforce. We hope to see you there!

REGISTER HERE!

Summer 2011 #4: A Central Coast Tradition

This week, Pico Blanco welcomes many perennially attending troops. This week is always the most spirited because many of these troops have been coming to camp together for decades and friendly rivalries have emerged. At meal times, it is a common occurrence for troop to break out into yells with the ever popular, "We've got spirit, yes we do, we've got spirit, how 'bout you?" yell to circulate from troop to troop. Competition tends to get pretty serious in canoe races and volleyball tournaments as many of the boys are trying to avenge a loss or defend a victory against the same people the year before. The staff loves the energy since boys are being given the chance to be boys. For many troops from the Central Coast, Pico is not just a Scout camp; it's a tradition. Just ask a Scoutmaster that's been coming here almost 50 years.

Summer 2011 #3: A week in the redwoods

The Scouts and Scouters are finishing up their week today with the Water Carnival and Closing Campfire. The Water Carnival is an afternoon of canoe races, swimming races, and the famous Scoutmaster Belly Flop competition. At the closing campfire, the spotlight is on the Scouts; each troop gets to perform a skit and a song.

I had the opportunity to help lead the weekly Mt. Pico Blanco hike, a great wilderness experience for older boys. We spent the night on top of the mountain, enjoying a sunset over the Pacific and sunrise over the Ventana Cones. Along the way, I shared stories about settlers that once lived in the area.

On my way out of camp, I passed the Nature Director who showing some Scouts in his merit badge class the riparian plants and amphibians. Pico's unique ecosystem allows Nature to be a very hands on area!

This time, I remembered my camera and managed to take a few photos. Please enjoy these:

The merit badge rounds on the Nature Lodge. We have a very interactive program that includes astronomy hikes, nature walks, and demonstrations. Why read about it when you can see it firsthand?

Scouts begin their early morning descent of Mount Pico. The Scouts want to make sure they're back in time for breakfast so they can finish their merit badges.

Summer 2011 #2: Boy Scout Resident Camp is Underway

Just visited camp this morning and was really happy with how things are going. Scouts seem to be having a great time. There was a special 4th of July ceremony at morning flags and the shooting sports staff could be seen in pioneer regalia. Merit Badge classes were getting off to a good start.

Sunday night was the first campfire ever in the new Bob Mazzuca Firebowl and I heard it went great. The Camp Director and Program Director even did a Monty Python skit.

As I drove out of camp I could hear through the redwoods the noise of Scouts having fun. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera so I don't have any pictures.