SAN GABRIEL VALLEYWIDE NEWS
By Winston Chu

In Northwest Pasadena more than 10 years ago, a Halloween killing left three boys dead.
Troop 40 of the Boy Scouts of the San Gabriel Valley Council stepped in on one of their ‘Scoutreach programs’ and began to join forces with the Pasadena Police Department and other youth organizations to give kids an alternative to life choices they might not otherwise have. Working with and in a church in Pasadena, the organization continues to thrive in afterschool programs.
Such is the life of a Boy Scout – where a young boy becomes a man of maturity. He grows up to not a man, but a man of character, contribution and responsibility. Such is the hope for boys who enter the Boy Scouts of America – an organization devoted to raising the present and future generation of young men.
The highest ranking Boy Scout is an Eagle Scout. A hallmark of an Eagle Scout is his responsibility and fitness training.
Sue Newton, a spokesperson for the San Gabriel Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America, headquartered in Pasadena, said, “On a camping trip they’re responsible for the food. They’re responsible to be safe overnight. They learn the value of working in team situations.”
Eagle Scouts must gain a minimum of 21 merit badges – several of which are required.
Four percent of the San Gabriel Valley Council’s scouts become Eagle Scouts. Eagle Scouts are the highest ranking scout and have a reputation for leadership, courage and teamwork. Along their journey they gain merit badges, which teach them specific skills – electrical knowledge, for example.
The national average for councils which produce Eagle Scouts is 2 percent.
Prospective Eagle Scouts have the opportunity to work with “good leaders and adults that know the value of becoming an Eagle Scout,” according to Newton.
Two important qualities these role models teach are self-reliance and independence. These scouts must serve in leadership and perform community service projects and are trained to be capable mentally, physically and emotionally.
Boy Scouts range in age from 11 to 18. To become an Eagle Scout, one must be at least 11 and not older than 18. The youngest of scouts – Tiger Scouts, the youngest scouts – begin their journey at age six.
Tiger Cubs begin their quest at 6 and proceed to become wolves, bears or Webelos. A Webelo stands for “We be Loyal.”
The Rose Bowl District of the Boy Scouts of America comprises Altadena, La Cañada, San Marino and Pasadena. It makes up just one part of the greater area that is the San Gabriel Valley Council. In all, the SGVC includes six geographical areas that stretch from west of Glendale and La Cañada to the eastern cities of San Dimas, La Verne and Pomona. It includes every city in the San Gabriel Valley from La Canada to Claremont and every city in between.
Last Saturday, the Eagle Scouts held a function for the women and girls in their lives. Mothers, sisters and other female relatives will meet at the Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa for an annual brunch called ‘Wind Under Their Wings’ devoted primarily to the family of the Eagle scouts. Tonight, all Eagle Scouts will be honored in a celebratory dinner called the yearly ‘Eagle Banquet.’
Each year local Eagle Scouts have the opportunity to carry a banner in the Rose Parade. A committee selects scouts in the middle of fall. As the parade marks the beginning of the year, it is the first event of all councils nationwide.
There are 33,000 scouts in the 20 cities of the San Gabriel Valley Council. The scouts do not discriminate by race or physical capability.
In fact they promote inclusiveness, resourcefulness and knowledge of an array of American academic subjects (these include economics, government and taking pride in American heritage). And nothing bars anyone from participating. In fact, the scouts do what is known as ‘Scoutreach Programs’ – designed to recruit young men and give them the opportunity to spend their time constructively.
“The Pasadena Police Department has been very helpful in making this happen,” said Newton. “What we’re trying to do is find a positive alternative for kids.”
Some of these alternatives include hiking or camping.
As the scouts are known for service, they are also known for their outdoor activities and summer camps and nature conservation programs.
Annually on the first Saturday in June, a Scout Expo takes place, in which 12,000 to 15,000 people attend.
The event has more than 200 booths with opportunities for scouts to win badges and highlight their capabilities. An all-day soccer tournament and bridge building sponsored by the Parsons Corp. take place. The young people put together these booths which hold different activities and showcase various events.
In the fall the scouts sell popcorn to raise money for their troops, in the same way Girl Scouts raise money selling cookies in February. The money helps troops participate in camps near Big Bear Lake and Two Harbors in Catalina Island.
Newton said the scouts are “The largest youth-serving organization in the San Gabriel Valley.”
Scouts are bound by oaths and ethical codes of conduct that include their motto to ‘Be Prepared.’