Spreading Holiday Cheer

November 5, 2025 | Greater LA Scouting, Scouting America

Holiday Cheer from Pack 805!

As we near the holidays, Pack 805 from Downey took part in a heartwarming activity, 10,000 Letters for Troops! Cub Scouts from across the country are writing heartfelt letters to our service members, sending holiday wishes and gratitude for their dedication and service.

What has your unit been up to lately? Are you gearing up for Scouting for Food or another community project? We’d love to hear about it and help spread the word!

Contact Cicily Gardea, Marketing and Communications Director, so we can share your story and support your community efforts. Let’s keep the spirit of Scouting and service shining bright this season!

Last Chance to Get Your Tickets!

Don’t miss your opportunity to attend the Good Character Gala, an inspiring evening celebrating leadership, service, and community. Join us as we honor Chief Jim McDonnell, who has dedicated over 40 years to law enforcement leadership with the LAPD, Long Beach PD, and as Sheriff of Los Angeles County. His lifelong commitment to public trust and service reflects the very values Scouting upholds.

Experience a meaningful program that highlights the impact of local Scouts and the values that unite our community. Proceeds support Scouting programs for more than 10,000 youth across Greater Los Angeles, expanding access to outdoor adventures, leadership development, and community service opportunities.

This is your final chance to purchase tickets; the deadline is Friday, November 7, 2025.

Individual Tickets: $500 | Sponsorships start at $2,500

You can email development@greaterlascouting.org or call 213-718-7167 to learn more or make your commitment now.

Purchase Your Ticket Today

Veterans Day Office Closure

In honor of Veterans Day, the Cushman Watt Scout Center, Los Angeles Scout Shop, and Arcadia Scout Shop will be closed on Tuesday, November 11. The Cabrillo Scout Shop will remain open and continue with normal business hours.

Thank you for your understanding, and a heartfelt thank you to all our veterans for their service and sacrifice.

Pacifica District Scouts Hit the Trail for 10-Mile Hike!

Scouts from across the Pacifica District laced up their boots and hit the trail for a scenic 10-mile hike this month! The hike challenged participants to test their endurance, practice outdoor skills, and enjoy the beauty of Southern California’s landscapes—all while having fun with fellow Scouts and leaders. A big shoutout to the dedicated volunteers and participants who made this adventure a success and kept the spirit of Scouting on the move!

National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Webinar

Applying for College Scholarships

Eagle Scouts — don’t miss this opportunity to get expert guidance on applying for scholarships!

Sunday, November 9, at 3:30 PM

Free Online Webinar

Join Eagle Scout Dr. Spencer Long, founder of the Scouting America Alumni Educators Affinity Group, for an engaging session on “Applying for College Scholarships, Including NESA Scholarships.”

Learn how to navigate the NESA scholarship program, craft standout essays, and make your application shine!

To Get Started Complete Interest Form

Pumpkin Smash

Last Chance to Register for the Great Pumpkin Smash!

Pumpkin Smash is almost here, and this is your last chance to get your Troop registered for the fun! Join us at Firestone Scout Reservation, November 14–16, for a weekend full of pumpkin destruction and friendly competition.

Scouts will put their skills to the test with the tomahawk, bat, bowling ball, and more, all to see who can create the most epic pumpkin smash. Don’t miss out on one of the most exciting events of the season. We can’t wait to see you there!

Holiday Scout Shop Hours & Inventory Closures

As we gear up for the holiday season, our Scout Shops will be adjusting hours to complete annual inventory and observe holiday closures. Please plan your visits accordingly and shop early for your Scouting needs, especially those Rose Parade uniforms, patches, and sewing supplies!

Cabrillo Scout Shop

Inventory: Closing early at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 15
Thanksgiving: Closed November 27–28
Christmas & New Year’s: Closed December 24–January 1

Arcadia Scout Shop

Inventory: Closing early at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 6
Thanksgiving: Closed November 27–December 3
Christmas: Closed December 25–26
New Year’s: Closing early at 5:00 PM on December 31 and closed January 1

Cushman Watt Scout Center & Los Angeles Scout Shop

Special Opening: Open Saturday, November 15, from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Thanksgiving: Closed November 27–30
Christmas: Closed December 24–25
New Year’s: Closed December 31–January 1

Rose Parade Reminder:

Don’t forget to visit early for all your parade uniform needs, including patches, sewing supplies, and accessories!

Scout Shop Information

The 13th Annual Law Merit Badge Day

Saturday, November 22, 2025

Step into the world of justice with The Legal Eagles, Law Merit Badge Day! This unique event gives Scouts the opportunity to complete the requirements for the Law Merit Badge while exploring criminal law, civil law, and legal history. Participants will also take part in a mock trial, gaining practical, hands-on courtroom experience.

The event is made possible by the Legal Eagles, a team of dedicated legal professionals who volunteer their time to mentor Scouts. Their guidance helps youth better understand the legal system, its role in everyday life, and its potential as a career path.

Join us for a day of learning, discovery, and inspiration, where Scouts today become the legal leaders of tomorrow.

Winter Merit Badge Days at Camp Trask

December 27–30, 2025

Expand your skills and earn new badges this winter at Camp Trask! Scouts can take up to two classes per day and earn as many as eight merit badges over the course of the program.

Cost: $65–$75 per class

(Each day has two class periods; some badges require both periods.)

Class Highlights by Day:

Saturday: Camping, Personal Management, American Business, Family Life, Pets, Forestry, Reptiles & Amphibians, Citizenship in the World

Sunday: Home Repairs, Skating, Citizenship in the Community, Disabilities Awareness, Pets, Forestry, Reptiles & Amphibians, Salesmanship

Monday: Artificial Intelligence, Electricity, Composite Materials, Environmental Science, Cooking (2 periods), Cyber Security, Athletics

Tuesday: Artificial Intelligence, Citizenship in Society (2 periods), Cyber Security, Rifle Shooting (2 periods)

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends, and advance your Scouting journey over winter break. Register now to secure your spot!

Secure your spot today!

Winter Camp is Coming!

The time has come, Winter Camp is here! With the new year just around the corner, we’re offering 8 exciting opportunities for your Scouts to enjoy the great outdoors, have fun, and make memories that last a lifetime.

Weekend sessions are available for both Cub Scout and Scouts BSA units and run from January 16 through March 8. Scouts can look forward to building snowmen, making snow angels, and enjoying all the fun winter activities our camp has to offer.

Reserve your spot now and join us for a winter adventure you won’t want to miss!

Learn More

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Your generosity fuels camperships, leadership training, and life-changing Scouting programs that build confidence, character, and citizenship all year long. Every donation helps light the way for a year filled with growth, friendship, and adventure.

Campfire Memories Start with Friends of Scouting! Give today, $25, $50, $100, or any amount, and help keep the adventure going!