Troop 21
Pasadena, California
Backpacking Adventure at Hoegee’s Camp
On the weekend of Feb 21st, 3 scouts and 3 adults set off from the Chantry Flat Campground for a backpacking experience along the Upper and Winter Lower Creek Trail. We were very fortunate to get a beautiful weather window after nearly a week of torrential rains. Because of the low fire danger, scouts had the opportunity to light fires in the fire pits and work towards cooking merit badges. Our excursion leader Ted made a good strategic call in taking the higher (Upper) elevation trail on the first day to avoid the countless stream crossings we encountered on the return trip, thus reducing the chances of suffering wet feet on our time at camp! It was a great opportunity to make new friends and share tips on gear and packing techniques amongst each other. Special thanks to our taxi drivers Esther Cha and Casey Chan, and of course the generosity of Ted Zeiss, who hauled a large quantity of water and extra meals in his 70L pack to help support our more junior troop members!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/gSimG2sXtTuLWwkc8
Effectiveness of the Square Lashing
At the Troop meeting on Jan 12, Scouts reviewed the technique of the square lashing by building a ladder with just rope and short poles. Here Luther is demonstrating the strength of this technique!
Winter 2026 Camping/Backpacking in Joshua Tree
This past week, our intrepid Scouts braved the cold January nights for a campout and backpacking adventure at the Indian Cove Campground in Joshua Tree National Park. We had an excellent turnout with 13 Troop 21 scouts and 4 Arrow of Light scouts in attendance. Many thanks to Ted Zeiss and Matt Linder for capturing these memories in the photo album link below.
Anton Potts in the Rose Parade
Anton Potts became our latest Eagle Scout to represent Troop 21 in the Rose Parade. Anton, who Eagled in 2024, is currently a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Congratulations, Anton!
Malibu Creek Campout
We had a great camping trip to Malibu Creek State Park this weekend. Had some first timers, and had a lot of fun, especially, climbing rocks, staying warm, and playing hours of “mafia” around the warm campfire. Thanks very much to Matt Linder and Theda Griswold for sharing some memories in these photo albums
https://photos.app.goo.gl/fy6cX3EQTd9LMbwK6
https://photos.app.goo.gl/DNQsVpyNyjksTUdc8
Toy Drive at the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army in Pasadena provides food boxes and toys to more than 800 needy families throughout the Pasadena area at Christmas. Troop 21 aided in this effort on Saturday December 13th by setting up the “Toy Shop”, allowing needy parents to “shop” for the perfect gifts for their children.
Volunteer Work for Thanksgiving
Our Troop 21 scouts contributed towards a successful volunteering effort at the Salvation Army for Thanksgiving on Nov. 27th. Here is what the Salvation Army group had to say:
Today our community showed up in the most beautiful way. With the help of incredible volunteers, the Pasadena Police Department, and Boy Scouts, we delivered over 650 hot Thanksgiving meals to neighbors who aren’t able to get out—and welcomed many more for a warm, sit-down meal.
In total, almost 1,100 meals were served with love today.
Thank you to every volunteer, partner, and supporter who made this possible.
More pics here:
Backpacking experience at Cooper Canyon
On the weekend of October 25th, our brave Scouts and adult leaders ventured into the woods for an overnight backpacking event. Thanks to leaders like Esther Cha and Scoutmaster Craig Gott, this was a great learning experience for several of the young Scouts on the principles of packing efficiently for self-sufficiency in the wilderness. Here a few memories from the weekend:
Court of Honor Fall 2025
On October 6, Troop 21 celebrated a major milestone for several scouts who moved up in rank, including Andrew Linder, Toshi Eberly, and Julian Chen. In particular, we would love to congratulate Aiden Zaidi and Henry Hegger, who earned the rank of Eagle Scout! Great job to all the scouts who worked hard to earn their merit badges that night.
Philmont 2025
Congratulations to all the Troop 21 scouts who complete their High Adventure activity this summer in the mountains by Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Here are some pics to enjoy, courtesy of Heidi Gott.
-Gary
Rafting Adventures at Kern River
On the weekend of June 13th, Troop 21 headed out to the Frandy Campground by the Kern River for a full day of Class 3 white water rafting. Nights were mild but daytime temperatures were toasty. Scouts enjoyed two very long excursions on the river on Saturday. Some brave scouts jumped off rocks into the river. Certain merit badge requirements were met when scouts organized meals for their patrols. Special thanks to Theda Griswold for sharing the album below!
https://quickshare.samsungcloud.com/99ypAzxajaHe
Street Taco Cookoff!
During our last Boy Scouts meeting we hosted a cook off: not just a regular cook off but a “street tacos” competition. There were 6 competitors making food ranging from street tacos to fresh Mexican deserts. After having thirty minutes to prepare and make the meal, the judges decided on which dishes were best out of them all. In conclusion the judges decided on a 8.5 for delicious Street tacos. Thank you to all scouts who helped clean and put away the tables and thank you Mr.Gott for supplying the whipped cream for the D.U.Ks.
-Charlie Lambright