Outings

Troop 505 loves to get outdoors any time of the year. Scouts learn important skills and have a good time too!

Snow Trips

We take two snow trips each year. The first is a day trip where the scouts learn how to build a shelter and get a chance to check out their winter gear. On the second trip they get the satisfaction of building and sleeping overnight in their shelters.

Backpacking Trips

Spring and early summer is the time for backpacking. Scouts work together in patrols and learn how to camp with what they carry in their packs.

50 Miler

The highlight of the year. For nine days we enjoy the beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Scouts also get a chance to earn merit badges. The trip varies from year to year. Sometimes it is all hiking and other times a portion is in canoes.

Canoe Trips

Two trips in the fall. The first is to teach canoing skills on a lake. On the second trip takes us down a crystal-clear river filled with spawning salmon.

Favorite Places

Over the years, legends grow and certain places develop a history that takes on a life of its own within the troop.

Atomic Falls

A favorite watering hole on a hot day. First it was know as Adams Falls because Adam slipped on the wet rocks and ended up in the cold water. A couple of years later, Tommy did the same thing. Combining their names, it is now Atomic Falls.

Ces's Meadow

Scoutmaster Ces ("Mr. T") thinks this is where he ought to put his cabin. The only problem is that it is in the middle of a wilderness area and they don't allow that sort of thing. This is a favorite spot for photos.

Top of the World

With its tremendous view, one can see for miles. Many of the places we visit are visible from here.

USS Hope it Floats

This dependable log is always waiting for us. Swimming wouldn't be the same without it. Where else would the lifeguards stand?

Little Cardiac

It is steep but not too long of a climb. The cool breeze at the top is always nice. A favorite spot for our church service on Sunday morning.

Cardiac

It is a long, steep hill.

Mosquito Valley

Just as Cardiac levels out and you are ready to stop and catch your breath, your reach Mosquito Valley. No stopping here!

The Tower

The scouts build the tower 2 or 3 times each year. Within the community, the tower has become one of our signature items. Only lashings hold the structure together.

Christmas Tree Lot

From the day after Thanksgiving to a few days before Christmas, the troop operates a Christmas tree lot. It takes teamwork, cooperation, and a lot of hard work on the part of all scouts and parents to make it a success.   Scouts participate in almost every aspect of the operation including assigning duties during each shift and helping customers find that perfect tree.   The tree lot is an immensely rewarding training event for the scouts, and the troop's main fund raiser.

Campfire Ceremonies

Campfires are a very special part of scouting.   Songs, skits, stories, roasted salami, and camaraderie all blend together to form some of our most treasured memories.   As the campfire ceremony opens, the scoutmaster sprinkles ashes from previous campfires onto the fire to remind us of our rich scouting heritage.   The campfire always closes with everyone forming a huge circle around the fire.   With one hand on the shoulder of the next person, the troop sings Scout Vespers.  

The next morning, a sample of the ashes is collected and saved.   In this way and through the sharing of campfires with other troops, the tradition continues.   We maintain a list of all the campfires our ashes represent which may be viewed here.

Flag Retirement

In a respectful and dignified ceremony, Troop 505 properly retires US flags.