2024 Scouting for Food

Every year Troop 27 does an annual service project in Redwood Shores where we collect food for the Samaritan House. The service project works by going around knocking on doors to ask for food people are willing to donate. This year we had a lot of scouts show up to collect food including some visiting cub scouts. We covered a very large area of Redwood Shores and were able to collect a lot of food to donate for people who need it. After the service project the scouts went on a short canoe trip around the lagoon. During this scouts were able to learn and improve their canoe skills and orienteering skills.

Write up provided by Zack Baxley, Senior Patrol Leader

2024 Yosemite

In early September Troop 27 went up to Yosemite for a weekend outing. On Saturday morning the troop went canoeing and kayaking on a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains and cliffs. The scouts were all able to practice their canoe skills on the calm lake. After canoeing the troop went on a hike and enjoyed being out in the forests of Yosemite. On the final day the troop took another hike along a trail that led to a small waterfall. At this location we had a swim call and the scouts jumped into the chilly waters and swam under the waterfall. The troop had a great time canoeing on the lake and swimming in the waterfall, even if it was a little cold.

Write up provided by Zack Baxley, Senior Patrol Leader

2024 Elkhorn Slough River Run

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

2024 Treasure Hunt

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

2024 Summer Camp

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

Family Camp 2024

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

Summer Camp

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.

Del Valle

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.

Family Camp

Family Camp united families and scouts for an exciting outdoor experience. The campsite provided a scenic backdrop for setting up tents and creating a cozy atmosphere. The dessert competition showcased scouts’ culinary skills with delightful treats. The nearby lake offered opportunities for canoeing. A heartwarming Sunday dinner brought families closer, fostering connections and creating cherished memories.

Summer Camp 2014

IMG_0269_The troop’s highlight event of the year did not disappoint.  We benefited from our ability to build our camp where conditions were best.  Even though many reservoirs had very little water we found a great lake to continue our tradition of water oriented activities.  Summit Lake, elevation 7100′ in the Stanislaus National Forest.  From July 16-18, older scouts and adults built our camp: a kitchen that can feed up to 75 people at each meal, a safe waterfront area for swimming and canoeing, latrines, dishwashing lines, assembly/flag areas, camping sites – all using pioneering skills – no nails necessary.

From the 19th – 26th it was the quintessential summer camp, canoeing, swimming, hiking, outdoor skills, games, merit badges, campfires, skits, astronomy talks and our signature Mountain Man event – jumping into the lake at 7:00 in the morning!  When all was cleaned up and put away on the last day we restored the area to the way we found it – or even a little better.