Community youth program based in Belmont, California: serving San Mateo, Foster City, Redwood City, Redwood Shores & San Carlos
Around the middle of August, Troop 27 went down to Elkhorn Slough for a canoe day outing. Only a few scouts showed up which made for a very small group of boats on the water. There was a lot of wildlife to be seen including large birds and otters. The scouts enjoyed paddling through Elkhorn and we successfully avoided any unplanned swimming!
Write up provided by Zack Baxley, Senior Patrol Leader
Every year Troop 27 goes on a treasure hunt where clues lead patrols all over the Bay Area and they complete challenges along the way. This year the theme for Treasure Hunt was The Legend of Zelda! Patrols went to different stations with scout related activities like fire building and archery. The clues eventually led to Mt Diablo where we camped out for the night. The next morning there was a ceremony for the winning patrol and everyone collected their prizes. Following this was a hike up to the top of Mt Diablo where we could see for miles. This outing was a great way for patrols to work together and learn and apply their scout skills.
Write up provided by Zack Baxley, Senior Patrol Leader
On the first weekend of February Troop 27 went up to Dodge Ridge for Klondike Derby. Klondike is an annual troop event where we go up to the mountains and build snow shelters to sleep in overnight. This year we had a less than desirable amount of snow but the scouts made it work by using snow from the mounds produced by the plow. After everyone had their shelters constructed they enjoyed a warm instant meal in a bag. The next morning it started raining on us so we took down the shelters and got into dry clothes to go home. The troop showed great improvising skills with their ability to make shelters with the snow available. Everyone had a great time being out in the snow and stayed nice and warm in their shelters overnight.
Write up provided by Zack Baxley, Senior Patrol Leader
For the first outing of 2024 Troop 27 went to Pinnacles National Park. The troop enjoyed a scenic hike with amazing views of cliffs and adventuring into a cave. The troop had lunch in the middle of the hike on a rock overlooking a huge gulch. After the hike the troop did some skill building stations including first aid and orienteering. At dinner time the patrols cooked amazing food, one patrol made pho and another made fried chicken. We got rained on for most of the night but the scouts all had a really good time doing activities and exploring pinnacles!
This year, the troop went up to Summit Lake for our annual week-long summer camp. Troop 27 hiked in to greet the advanced camp team who went up 3 days prior and built the camp for the troop. On the first day, the troop participated in Spec Ops which is a series of events where patrols compete against each other in obstacle courses, memory games, knife throwing, and knot tying. On Tuesday of summer camp, the troop competed in Paul Bunyan day where scouts showed their knowledge of woodworking skills in events such as 2 man saw, 1 man saw, log lift, and tomahawk throwing. At the midpoint of the week the troop went on a 5-Mile hike visiting nearby lakes while some of the older scouts participated in Orienteering merit badge where they orienteered to nearby lakes and landmarks. On Thursday, Troop 27 competed in waterfront day by swimming and canoeing as fast as they could. The big event of waterfront day was Swamp Wars where patrols try to fill other boats with water and sink them before they get sunk. During Thursday’s campfire, patrol used their patrol points they earned from winning events to purchase auction items that the ICs spent their time crafting that have hidden candy and soda rewards. Finally on the event day of summer camp, patrols did white bomb day where they played capture the flag and threw sacks of flour in a paintball-esque manner to get someone out. At the campfire of Friday, patrols were recognised for winning events and certain scouts who reached above and beyond got recognized for their amazing skill. On Saturday, the troop packed up the last of their belongings and headed home after an amazing summer camp.
Write-up provided by Zachary Wong, Cobra Patrol, Assistant Patrol Leader
On Saturday May 25, Troop 27 had the annual Memorial Day Flag Planting at Skylawn Cemetery. This year, we had some other troops join us in flag planting. Before starting the troops gathered for donuts in one of the buildings. At the start, Mr. Frydenlund, talked about the importance of how Memorial Day can relate to us as civilians. Once dispersed, the patrols began to put flags down for those who served in the different military branches.
-Noe Peretz
Family camp is an annual event run by Troop 27 where families can join their scouts while camping and canoeing. At this year’s family camp, the troop went to Brannan Island and learned and reviewed canoe river skills. In the troop’s free time, the patrols got together and played leadership/team building games. Families got to eat desserts made by the troop and overall, had a good time.
– Zachary Wong, Cobra APL
Camporee is a yearly council event where different troops compete in a series of challenges against each other for points to find the patrol with the most skills. At the recent Camporee, the patrols went to various stations including fire building, knot tying, archery, and more. During the outing, Troop 27 had 2 patrols, Hawks and Cobras, to place 1st and 2nd overall. All of the T27 patrols placed the podium at least once and scouts learned new skills.
– Zachary Wong
Troop 27 embarked on an exciting week-long camping outing at Union Valley Reservoir, a picturesque location with warm waters. The adventure-packed event featured a range of engaging activities for the scouts. On Sunday, the troop participated in Spec Ops, a series of challenging activities including knife throwing, memory games, and an obstacle course. Monday brought the entertaining Kajabe Can Can, where scouts surrounded a cardboard box and tried to outlast each other. On Tuesday, they tested their strength and skills in Paul Bunyan, showcasing their axe, saw, and tomahawk abilities.
The middle of the week offered a refreshing 5-mile hike around the lake on Wednesday, providing a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the scenic surroundings. Thursday was a day of waterfront fun, with swimming and canoe races, and an adventurous game of Swamp Wars, where patrols tried to capsize each other’s canoes. In the evenings, campfire gatherings added to the camaraderie, with patrols using their earned points to buy boxes of candy and soda.
Finally, on Friday, the event concluded with ending ceremonies, acknowledging the scouts’ accomplishments and celebrating the memories created during the week. The camping outing at Union Valley Reservoir left the troop with lasting experiences, strengthened friendships, and a sense of achievement, making it a memorable and rewarding event for all involved.
Troop 27 had an eventful weekend camping trip at Lake Del Valle. The scouts enjoyed canoeing and hiking with their patrols during the day, strengthening their teamwork and outdoor skills. In the evening, they gathered around the campfire, singing songs and sharing stories. The night became more thrilling with a game of man hunt, adding excitement and camaraderie to the outing. Overall, the camping trip fostered lasting memories, friendship, and a deeper appreciation for nature among the scouts.
Private membership area, for scouts, parents, and leadership of Troop 27.
