Weekend Fun at Bandido Campground

Group pictureWe kicked off the new school year with our first camping trip to one of our favorite spots, Bandido Camp in the Angeles Crest National Forest just an hour from Pasadena. WIth SPL Gus and ASPL Wyatt leading the way, the campers, including several first-timers, built elaborate gadgets with only poles and rope.

Even though restrictions prevented the troop from making a fire or using cooking stoves, the scouts improvised a “campfire” program and got creative with meals, and had a blast playing capture the flag, tug o’ war, and flashlight tag.

Please visit the shared album below to view our collection of pictures from this camping trip.

http://photos.app.goo.gl/KL7U8ZLe2qjcX4KK7

Daniel and James Shopbell achieve Eagle

Appropriately enough, Daniel and James Shopbell became Eagle Scouts on the same evening, Sept. 25, following successful completion of their respective Boards of Review. This achievement culminates years of service to Troop 21 and the greater Pasadena community. Both Daniel and James served in multiple leadership positions, including SPL, and took part in T21’s high adventure program, completing a Philmont trek and the recent Sierra backpacking trip. For his Eagle project, Daniel renovated and reorganized band rooms at Marshall High School; meanwhile, James led a project benefiting AYSO involving a creative solution to helping volunteers set up the soccer fields more efficiently. Congratulations!

Anton Potts ranks up to Eagle!

Following a stellar tenure that saw him complete NYLT, serve as SPL, be elected to Order of the Arrow, complete a Philmont trek and become the first member of the troop to serve on staff at Philmont, Anton Potts has capped his scouting career by becoming T21’s 186th Eagle on Sept. 18. For his project, Anton renovated the seating area surrounding the casting ponds adjacent to the Rose Bowl in the Arroyo Seco. Job well done, Anton!

Sierra fun

Mammoth Lakes was the place for adventure this summer.

Some Scouts spent days exploring the area, camping, kayaking at Lake Mary, and mountain biking at Mammoth Mountain.

Other Scouts spent the days exploring the high Sierra near Thousand Island Lake.

Rafting

T21 headed up to the Kern River for its annual river rafting adventure. The Scouts enjoyed a day on the river followed by a campfire and lots of stories

Cameron Soars to Eagle

Cameron Lin capped his scouting journey by becoming Troop 21’s 185th Eagle Scout on May 16, 2024. One of the first members of the troop to complete NYLT, Cameron’s Eagle project involved renovating the lost and found and creating two portable storage units for Dana Middle School in Arcadia. Great work, Cameron!

Thor and Joe: From preschool pals to Eagle Scouts

Thor Pearson and Joe Cooper have been friends since preschool. They began their Scouting journey in Pack 110 and bridged to Troop 21 in 2018. On May 14, 2024, both Thor and Joe completed their Eagle Boards of Review, becoming T21’s 183rd and 184th Eagles.

For his project, Thor led a garden construction project at Pasadena High School, including building new raised beds and improving irrigation. Meanwhile, Joe, inspired by multiple visits to Camp Cherry Valley on Catalina, worked with the Catalina Conservancy to remove invasive plants from the island.

Congratulations!

A high honor: The Belcher Scholarship

Noah Gutierrez was one of three Eagle Scouts in all of the Greater Los Angeles Area Council to receive this year’s Belcher Foundation Eagle Scout Scholarship. This very special honor is given annually to Eagle Scouts who plan to attend a four-year college or university following high school graduation and “have demonstrated leadership ability in Scouting and a strong record of participation in activities outside of Scouting.” We’re proud of you, Noah!

Krakens Score the Golden Spatula

Joining the legendary ranks of the Flaming Arrows and the long-dominant Flaming Phoenix, the Kraken Patrol edged fellow contenders in a closely contested culinary competition to claim the hallowed Golden Spatula with their intriguing interpretation of the street dog.

Have a flag to retire?

Troop 21 needs your help to make sure that we continue to promote proper and restful flag retirement. There’s a specific and respectful process for disposing of flags in a formal manner, and simply throwing them away can be considered disrespectful and unacceptable.

If you are in possession of a flag that is no longer a fitting emblem, please fill out this form and allow for Troop 21 help your family retire it. Any funds donated through flag retirements will support Troop 21 programs including camping, rank advancement and outdoor activities.

Thank you for your help,

A new Eagle!

Congratulation, Drew – Eagle number 182 for Troop 21. For his Eagle project, Drew lead a team that refurbished, cleaned and painted part of the children’s area at La Canada Presbyterian Church. During his time in T21, he served as SPL and backpacked at Philmont.

Millard Fun

T21 welcomed new Scouts with a fun day at Millard Canyon.