Activity Write-Ups

We started the day with a lesson. First we learned how to start, balance, and stop on our boards. Then we learned how to go down the hill using back side stop, front side stop, falling leaf, and s-turns. After we stopped for lunch we practiced our stops and turns going down the hill. Once we felt comfortable on the easy hill we moved on to the medium level hill. For the rest of the day we perfected what our instructor had taught us.

By Holly

The cold air bit at my nose as I grabbed at the snow blocks building up the shelter walls. But Klondike is an amazing experience of snow survival and crazy snow activities testing your survival instincts. Klondike is always fun and always a great experience. We had a lot of snow this year – which made the building much easier and the snow play so much more fun. (But it’s a great trip no matter what the weather – And especially this year, my first with Venture Crew 27.)

By Diarmuid

While ice skating two scouts helped another one out and taught her how to be brave. We turned in our skates and drove to Ghiradelli Square for a treat. While we were waiting for another scout to join we watched a family sing and they were and they were amazing. After we all had our fair share of ice cream we walked out to the water and explored the museum. We ate some fries and watched a man sing and dance. On our way back we stopped at a shop and looked around. Then we headed back home and saw many people dressed as Santa Claus.

By Genna

During the Holiday Season, everyone seems to get together. Old friends, new couples and relatives who never see each other anymore. It’s a time when everyone seems to connect and grow closer… With a few exceptions. The residents of Brookside Skilled Nursing Facility are often not surrounded by loved ones at this time of year. They are visited when schedules allow, but are otherwise alone. Every year we come to sing to these people, wish them a Wonderful Holiday, and, hopefully, share just a bit of our own Holiday Joy with them. As we sang a variety of Christmas tunes, from old classics like “O Come, All Ye Faithful” to newer pieces like “Jingle Bell Rock”, we saw something far more profound than the polite interest displayed by most caroling audiences. We saw a genuine connection, quiet joy, and a renewed excitement for the Season. We had accomplished what caroling is all about.

By Anne

We had a great day outside shooting with friends. The instructors did a great job helping us all.

By Thomas

On this Saturday night the Ventures came all dressed up to my house for a Halloween party! There was a potluck dinner with smores around the fire for dessert, followed by games and jokes. Some of the games included; Doughnuts on a string, wrapping a mummy, whipped cream toss, and the try-not-to-laugh game. I especially enjoyed this event because there was lots of good food and happy people and I enjoyed getting to know the other members of the crew.

By Peter

We hiked out to Goat Rock, and climbed, practiced belaying, and explored the fun of repelling, with Matt trying a face-first fireman’s repell down the rock. We also hung upside down from the rope, and took some hilarious pictures, and repelled down between rocks and then crawled out. It was a great experience and a good basis for any climbing merit badge or advancement of climbing/belaying skills.

By Ali

We drove down to a campsite the afternoon before (stopping at Chipotle for dinner) and pitched tents in the growing dark once we reached the site. Firewood was hunted down and a small fire was built before bed.

The next day, we drove to the American River after a breakfast of baggy eggs. We spent a few hours on the river going through smaller rapids, then stopped for lunch. After lunch, we continued along the river, making it through the famed class three rapids the river offered. Many a scout was forced off their perch into the middle of the boat by a particularly strong rapid, but no one fell out of the boat.

We took a bus back to the start and drawing on the walls of the bus was encouraged. Following returning to where we began, we all piled back into the van and made our way home. Along the way, we attempted to spot the red moon, but clouds mostly blocked our view. We returned to the church late, but we were greeted by the amazing sight of Holly with cookies, ending the trip on a high note.

By Mattie

The weather was fantastic for our tour of the batteries and the bridge, so we had spectacular views in every direction. The guides were very knowledgeable about the bridge, its history and ongoing maintenance.

By Pat

During EVOC many of the Ventures learned to handle a car during an emergency. While driving Crowne Victorias we learned how to stop fishtailing, stop hydroplaning, and recover from a spin. Additionally we were taught new techniques to give us better control of our vehicles while backing up, avoiding obstacles, and stopping sharply. It is one thing to theoretically know how to deal with your car in an emergency, and it is another to know from experience. EVOC provided a spectacular opportunity to learn in a safe environment.

By Aaron

Denali National Park, Large Animal Research Center, Gold Dredge #8, visiting Aurora ice museum, swimming and soaking at Chena Hot Springs, Salmon Bake, whitewater rafting, canoeing, Alaska Native Heritage Center, sea kayaking, backstage tour of Seward SeaLife Center, gold mining with a hi-banker.
Itinerary (PDF)
Narrative

This trip was largely devoted to learning kayaking skills and refreshing canoeing skills, for those who couldn’t make the Delta trip. We also had fun exploring in the boats. As usual, we had a great menu, including steak and Death By Chocolate.

By Pat