Annual Catholic Scout Retreat XXIII – 2014
October 3 - October 5, 2014
Leader’s Guide
Patron Saint: Mary Magdalene
Theme: How Do I Serve?
Mysteries of the Rosary - Glorious
VeteransMemorial Park
13000 Sayre St.
Sylmar, CA 91342
Catholic Committee On Scouting - Archdiocese Of Los Angeles
Please read this leader’s guide carefully, as it contains important program information.
Overview of the program:
Our Scout Retreat is held at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Sylmar. It is a County Park at the base of the foothills. The retreat is conducted in a “camporee” style, where each unit brings their own camping gear, cooking gear, and food. The camping area is a grassy area with some trees. In addition to the permanent restrooms with flush toilets, we will have a large number of portable toilets.
As a Scouting event, each unit (Troop, Crew, Pack, or family) expected to adhere to Boy Scout guidelines (or Girl Scout or American Heritage Girls guidelines.) At the Cub Scout level (grades 1-5), this means one adult per youth. Each unit is expected to complete registration for the retreat and file a tour plan with their Council.
Friday, October 3rd, is an arrival and set-up day. Units may begin arriving at 5 p.m. There is a leader’s information meeting at 9 p.m. to review important information for the weekend. This meeting will be repeated Saturday morning at 8 a.m. for those units coming only on Saturday. On Saturday, we will gather at 9 a.m. as an entire group. After the flag ceremony, announcements, and the first decade of the rosary, all attendees will be divided into small groups. Youth will be paired will other youth of the same age, not necessarily from their own unit. Youth are expected to stay with their group for the entire day, with the exception of lunch. Youth in grades K-5 must be picked up by an adult from the designated area. An adult MUST accompany each youth(all day) in grades K-1. It is recommended that an adult accompany youth in grades 2-3, and optional for adults accompany youth in grades 4-5. Any adults not with youth grades K-5 will be in the “Guardian Angel” patrol and discussion group. A Spanish discussion group will be offered for adults.
Please look at the enclosed schedule for the activities. All youth will be offered a snack in the afternoon and ample water stations will be available.
Access
All vehicles enter Veteran’s Memorial Park from Sayre St. and proceed to registration. Then proceed to the drop off passengers and equipment zone (NO PARKING) and return quickly to the parking area. You will be directed to the camping areas. Cubs/Webelos, American Heritage Girls, Girl Scouts, and family groups will use a different camping area from Boy Scout troops.
Upon arrival, present your REGISTRATION sheet(s) showing names and scouting status (School grade, Scouter or non-scout) of all members of your unit(s) and have available for inspection your MEDICAL RELEASES and TOUR PERMIT/TROOP PERMIT APPLICATION. Please utilize the new Boy Scout medical form. At registration, the unit leader will need to turn in one copy of the permission slip for each and every youth to the registrar, keeping one with the unit leader.
There is absolutely no driving on the concrete walkways or grass, even to unload! No cars (other than Retreat staff) are permitted on the road beyond the kybos at any time. Please cooperate with Retreat staff as they direct you where to camp, unload, and park. Please move your vehicle to the parking lot BEFORE setting up your campsite.
At the end of the Retreat, all vehicles may again load at the drop off zone (NO PARKING) noted on the map. Have all your equipment ready to load before driving up. Return to the Registration Area for check-out by 11:00 Sunday. All groups should be ready to leave by 11am.
REGISTRATION AND PERMISSION SLIP
On the attached registration form, please list the name of each person attending, youth and adults. Each youth (Scout or non-Scout) must have a permission slip.
A copy of the Medical Release and Parent’s Permission Slip is enclosed. You need one for each youth (under 18 years of age) in your unit to be completely filled out and signed by the minor’s parent or guardian. There are two copies on a page. One will be turned in at registration and will be given to the small group facilitator. The other copy must be kept in the unit leader’s possession at all times while en route to, present at and returning from the Retreat. For additional copies, you may reproduce the one enclosed.
TOUR PLANS/TROOP TRIP APPLICATIONS
This is not a council function. The Catholic Committee on Scouting, Archdiocese of Los Angeles has arranged for a location for the annual Catholic Scout Retreat. All units attending must file a “TOUR PLAN” with their local BSA Council or “TROOP TRIP APPLICATION” with their local GSUSA Council. Insurance coverage (travel, accident, etc.) as in any non-Council or non-district sponsored event, is that carried by the Scout family, unit and local Council.
PROGRAM NOTES
We intentionally do not group Scouts from the same unit together. Therefore it is VERY IMPORTANT for those arriving Saturday morning to be at the registration area by 7:30 a.m. so they may all be formed into Saint Patrols on time. The first activity in the small groups is a game designed for the participants to get to know one another.
All Scouts and Scouters are requested to be in uniform. Because Mass (or nondenominational service), Benediction, and assemblies are scattered throughout the day, class A uniforms are requested for both Saturday and Sunday. Jackets, of course, are optional according to the weather.
At each of the Mass times and at Benediction, an ordained minister will conduct a nondenominational service for any non-Catholic Scouts who would prefer a non-denominational service. All youth are expected to participate in the full day of program activities.
There will be a leaders meeting at 9 p.m. on Friday at the headquarters pavilion. This meeting is for adults and Senior Patrol Leaders. It is very important that representatives from all units attend. We will be reviewing some of the changes in procedures from previous years. This meeting will also be repeated on Saturday morning at 8 a.m. for those arriving on Saturday.
All adults, senior patrol leaders and all staff members are expected to attend the scheduled functions. No one is to be in the campsite areas during the program time. If a parent needs to pick up a Scout during the program, they are to report to the headquarters pavilion. The unit leader will be located, and the unit leader along with Retreat staff will locate the Scout. They will bring the Scout back to the Headquarters pavilion (Pavilion 1)for release to the parent. Scouts are expected to attend all activities.
Scout leaders, this is not a preparation for Camporee or other activities. Scouts are to remain in their patrols until dinner.
All small groups, including adult groups, will cover the information necessary for the Rosary patch. Participants who successfully complete the requirements will be given a signed note that they have completed the requirements. The unit leader should collect these along with the money for the Rosary patches and submit one order form for the unit at the time of checkout. Patches will only be sold on the unit level with the order form and the notes indicating the requirements were completed.
Because all adults and youth are expected to participate in the small group sessions, please plan your lunch accordingly. Lunch should require little or no preparation to allow all participants time to eat and get back to their groups. Likewise, two hours are allotted for dinner; please plan for preparation and cleanup of dinner to be completed within that time, so your entire unit can participate in Benediction.
All units are expected to participate in the campfire on Saturday evening. Groups must see the Campfire leader during the day on Saturday to have their skit or song approved and put on the schedule.
Geocaching (and merit badge opportunity)
We anticipate offering a geocaching activity on Saturday. All those in possession of a hand held GPS receiver should bring it. However, there will be an introductory event in which GPS receivers are not required
The Geocaching Merit Badge will be offered to those that are interested since many of the requirements will be covered during the geocaching activity. However, Scouts will need to do additional work on their own (all information to complete the merit badge will be posted on the CCSALA website). Scouts are required to request a blue card from their Scoutmaster first and bring it with them to the retreat - no blue card, no merit badge.
MISCELLANEOUS
Cubs/Webelos must have one adult per youth per national guidelines (BSA) and all Scout units have a minimum of two (2) deep adult leaders present, on-site, and at the scheduled functions throughout the Retreat. Tiger Cubs and Daisies must be accompanied by an adult throughout the day.
Each unit will be responsible for policing its own area as well as helping to clean the entire Retreat area. You MUST provide your own garbage bags to collect whatever garbage and rubbish you generate and take it home with you. We are NOTallowed to use the park’s trash containers. If they are used, we (you) may be charged.
No fires whatsoever will be allowed during the Scout Retreat. This includes barbecues, hibachis, candles, etc. No charcoal or wood fires will be allowed. We will not have a fire at our campfire program. Cooking must be done with propane stove only! Please plan your meals accordingly.
Because of the fire danger, there will be no smoking allowed. No alcoholic beverages or non-prescribed controlled drugs will be permitted. No radios, portable TV’s stereos, walkmans, record players, iPods, etc., or unauthorized musical instruments.
This retreat will be held on a “camporee” style. Units will provide their own food, tents, cooking equipment, utensils, garbage bags (and removal of garbage) and water containers. Water is available at a limited number of outlets. Do not wash dishes or attend to personal hygiene at the faucets. Take the water back to your campsite. Bring a clean one gallon plastic jug for each six (6) people in your Pack, Troop or Crew. On Saturday, there will be containers of drinking water throughout the program area; each person should bring a water bottle and drink plenty of water.
All youth (under 18) must use the kybos (portable toilets) only. This is to ensure compliance with BSA Youth Protection policies regarding bathrooms.
“Lost and Found” location is at headquarters (Pavilion #1). Report all injuries to the First Aid area whether or not the injury is treated by the unit’s first aid.
If you or your child(ren) need reasonable accommodation at this Retreat, please contact the Retreat chair at 626-622-0292 as soon as possible or at a minimum 2 weeks before the Retreat. This includes but is not limited to gluten free hosts.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS AVAILABLE - Come prepared. The following patches will be available for purchase:
Duty to God National Catholic Committee on Scouting ...... $1.00
NCCS Rosary Patch ...... $4.00
Additional Retreat XXII Patches (if available) ...... $3.00
Vintage Retreat Patches will be available...... $3.00
Please check the CCSALA website () prior to leaving for the Retreat for any last-minute changes caused by weather or other conditions.
Catholic Committee On Scouting - Archdiocese Of Los Angeles
CATHOLIC SCOUT RETREAT - UNIT REGISTRATION FORM
Page / ofPack
Troop
Crew / Council / Year
Select one / Unit Number / Spell out please
PARTICPANT’S NAME / SCOUT YOUTH / ADULT
(indicate school grade in box) / (check box if non-scouter)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
A. / Total number of early-registered participants
(adults and children – all adults attending must be registered and pay even if they are not staying the night) / x $20.00 = / $
(Paid & pre-registered postmarked no later than 09/12/14)
B. / Total number of after-deadline registered participants / x $25.00 = / $
C. / Total number of children under 5 / No cost =
Total / $
Make checks payable to:Catholic Committee on Scouting
Mail completed form to:Mary Ann Moore, Treasurer
(postmarked by 09/12/14)277 Sunset Drive
Channel Islands, CA 93035-4479
NOTE: If more than one page is needed, sign all pages, but carry total to final page. All checks must have a phone number.
I certify that I have in my immediate possession a "Parent's Permission Slip" and Medical Release Form for each minor named above plus a Unit Tour Permit. I and all adults named above hereby release The Catholic Committee on Scouting, the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, its officers, leaders, agents or members, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, American Heritage Girls, and all municipal agencies whose property and / or personnel are used from responsibility for any injuries or damages we may suffer as a result of our participation in or transportation to/from the Retreat.
Unit Leader / Position / DateAddress / City / State / ZIP
Phone / Unit leader
Signature ______
[Revision: February 2, 2014]
Catholic Committee On Scouting - Archdiocese Of Los Angeles
Parent's Permission Slip - Required for Youth
To be submitted to Unit Leader, and given to small group facilitator
I request that my child ______Grade ______
be permitted to attend the Catholic Committee on Scouting, Archdiocese of Los Angeles (CCSALA) Retreat for Cubs/Webelos/Scouts/Explorers. He/she is in good physical condition. Should any illness or accident occur to him/her on the trip, I will not hold the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, the American Heritage Girls, the Catholic Committee on Scouting, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, its officers, leaders, agents or members liable for medical or other expenses incurred in the care of my son.
I understand that photographs and videos taken at this event may be published on the CCSALA web site ( and used in future promotional event materials, and hereby grant permission for this use of any photo that may include the image of my child.
If my child is in the 8th-12th grade, I give permission for him/her to participate in a climbing wall activity, supervised by “On Belay”.
My child may receive medical attention by a licensed physician. He/she may be admitted to a hospital in case of emergency (Parents will be contacted immediately, if possible).
Doctor’s Name ______Medication my son is currently taking:
Dr. Address______
Dr. Phone______
Parent’s Phone______Emergency Phone ______
Date ______Parent/Guardian Signature ______
I request that my child______Grade ______
be permitted to attend the Catholic Committee on Scouting, Archdiocese of Los Angeles (CCSALA) Retreat for Cubs/Webelos/Scouts/Explorers. He/she is in good physical condition. Should any illness or accident occur to him/her on the trip, I will not hold the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, the American Heritage Girls, the Catholic Committee on Scouting, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, its officers, leaders, agents or members liable for medical or other expenses incurred in the care of my son.
I understand that photographs and videos taken at this event may be published on the CCSALA web site ( and used in future promotional event materials, and hereby grant permission for this use of any photo that may include the image of my child.
If my child is in the 8th-12th grade, I give permission for him/her to participate in a climbing wall activity, supervised by “On Belay”.
My child may receive medical attention by a licensed physician. He/she may be admitted to a hospital in case of emergency (Parents will be contacted immediately, if possible).
Doctor’s Name______Medication my child is currently taking:
Dr. Address______
Dr. Phone______
Parent’s Phone______Emergency Phone ______
Date ______Parent/Guardian Signature ______
CATHOLIC COMMITTEE ON SCOUTING – ARCHDIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES
ANNUAL SCOUT RETREAT XXIII 2014
TimeFriday
6:00 p.m. / Check In
9:00 p.m. / Leaders Meeting at Headquarters
9:30p.m. / Facilitator Meeting at headquarters
10:30p.m. / Lights out
Saturday
6:30a / Rise and Shine
8:00a / Leaders Meeting at Pavilion #2
8:45a / Gather at Main Assembly Area
9:00a / Flag Ceremony
First Decade of the Rosary-Glorious Mysteries
Raphael - Grades 1-5 / Gabriel-Grades 6-8 / Michael - Grades 9-12 / Guardian Angels - Adults
Move to Pavilion #2 / Move to Far Side of meadow / Move to Pavilion #3 / Stay at Main Assembly Area
Name Games / Name Games / Name Games / Name Games
Patron Saint: Mary Magdalene / First Reading / Rosary Program: / First Reading
10:15 Mass/Nondenominational Service / 10:00 Rock Climbing Wall, Geocaching
Confession
Break / Break / Break / Break
2nd Decade of Rosary & Rosary Program / 2ndDecade of Rosary – Glorious Mysteries / 2nd Decade of Rosary – Glorious Mysteries / Second Decade of Rosary
Theme: integrity / Second Reading / First Reading / Second Reading
12:00p / Lunch
1:00p / Gather at Raphael assembly area / Gather at main assembly area / Gather at main assembly area / Gather at main assembly area
Announcements / Announcements / Announcements / Announcements
Third Decade of Rosary / Third Decade of Rosary / Third Decade of Rosary / Third Decade of Rosary
Rosary Program: / 1:15 Mass/Nondenominational Service / 1:15 Mass/Nondenominational Service / 1:15 Mass/Nondenominational Service
Two Locations – one for Gabriel’s / one for Michaels / Choice of location
Saint & Theme Activity Repeat / Second Reading
First Reading / Rosary Program: / Third Reading / Third Reading:
2:45 Midway / 2:45 Midway / 3:45 Midway / Presentations on the Catholic
Mass Banners / Leather craft, Geocaching. / Leather craft / Committee on Scouting: Bill Cole
And other activities / And other activities / And other activities / Religious Emblems, Scouter
Development, 10 Commandments Hike,
Scout Sunday, Pope Paul VI Quality
Unit Award, St. George Trek,
Announcements
(Finish up Rosary Program) / Rosary Program: Joyful Mysteries
4:45p / Group Activity: / Group activity / Group activity / Group activity
5:15p / Dinner
7:00p / Benediction/Nondenominational Service
7:30p / Fourth Decade of Rosary
7:45p / Campfire
9:15p / Go Back to Unit Campsites
10:00p / Lights out
Sunday
7:00a.m. / Rise and Shine
Breakfast
Clean Up
9:00a.m. / 5th Decade of Rosary
Mass/Nondenominational Service
10:00a.m. / Closing Ceremony
10:15am / Camp Inspection/Check Out
11:00a.m. / Camp Closed : All Campers Checked Out and vacate park
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