Western Los Angeles County Council, Scouting America

Our Scout Executive/CEO Lee Harrison had the opportunity to interact and engage with the leadership of the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games, CEO (and Eagle Scout) Reynold Hoover and VP of Impact Erikk Aldridge at last night's LAX COASTAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE's Power Hour reception.

David Forbes, who serves on the board of the Western Los Angeles County Council, Scouting America as VP of Marketing, was recently interviewed by Sierra van der Brug of the Los Angeles Daily News and shared the impact that the loss of Camp Josepho has on him, his son (Micah Forbes), and his grandson. “You were in the middle of Los Angeles and in the middle of nowhere at the same time,” Forbes said. “At that camp, you couldn’t see houses or signs of civilization anywhere. You were just in the camp. And I think that’s what made it such a great place.” Read More: https://lnkd.in/gH4CeFWK

The aspects of #STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) have been a part of Scouting since its inception. One place where this is showcased is the building of a Pinewood Derby Car. Here's a great article from Bryan Wursten at Scout Life on how packs can make their car the fastest on the track. Read More: https://lnkd.in/gA89zjsi

We’re excited to invite you to the Eagle Recognition Dinner now on May 22, 2025 at the Skirball Cultural Center! This is more than just a celebration—it’s an opportunity to network with other Eagle Scouts, share your Scouting journey, and strengthen the bonds of our incredible community! Whether you’re a recent Eagle or earned your rank decades ago, your presence will make this night truly memorable. Space is limited, so don’t wait—reserve your seat now! https://lnkd.in/gfyGj22K If you have any questions or need assistance with registration, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Brandon Mejia at brandon.mejia@scouting.org.

Join us at the Western Los Angeles County Council Recognition Dinner on April 16th, 2025, as we celebrate an incredible year of scouting and honor our outstanding volunteers! Let’s recognize the amazing individuals who make a difference in the lives of our youth. Register now at the link: https://lnkd.in/ggHYTb7b

Did you know that Scouting America has a Scouts BSA Test Lab? Scouts can now try out potential Merit Badges, share their experience with Scouting America, and receive certification. Their shared experience can determine whether or not these become official Merit Badges.   While there are currently three potential experiences Scouts can choose from, we felt that the Wildland Fire Management badge is closest to our Scouts here in the Western Los Angeles County Council, Scouting America. Scouts will have the opportunity to learn and contribute to enhancing the resiliency of their homes, camps, and communities against wildfires, while also better understanding the natural role that fire plays in our nation’s wildlands.   Read More on Scouts BSA Test Lab: https://lnkd.in/gfrMJf_n

Eagle Scout Scholarships – Recognizing Excellence! WLACC is awarding $20,000 in scholarships to the best Eagle Scout Service Projects for 2023–2024, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000! The scholarships will be presented as part of the Eagle Recognition Dinner on May 22, 2025, at the beautiful Skirball Cultural Center. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2025. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate outstanding Eagle Scout achievements and support their future endeavors! Register for the Eagle Recognition Dinner here: https://lnkd.in/ggFj2TKZ 

Thank you to Aaron Derr at Scouting Magazine for profiling both Western Los Angeles County Council, Scouting America and Greater Los Angeles Scouting as we collaborate on the Los Angeles wildfire recovery efforts. Per our Scout Executive, Lee Harrison- “The Palisades Fire has deeply affected generations of Scouting families, reaching into every aspect of our council’s operations,” Harrison says. “Having been part of this community since I was a 15-year-old summer camp volunteer, I have personally felt the weight of this tragedy. "Yet, what stands out most is the unwavering passion to keep our programs alive. In visiting several units, I witnessed both deep sorrow and immense relief — the pain of loss — and I also witnessed the gratitude that Scouting endures.” Both Bob Kurkjian and Lee Harrison concur that the biggest need now is the Scout uniform replacement program. Read More- https://lnkd.in/g_2Mxuh4 To Contribute- https://lnkd.in/gbn7jTSS

Western Los Angeles County Council, Scouting America (WLACC) served as a Gold Sponsor at this afternoon's State of the County Luncheon, hosted by the United Chambers of Commerce San Fernando Valley and Region . Members of our Board of Directors had the opportunity to meet Lindsey Horvath as she outlined her goals for the Third District. Here are some key takeaways regarding our Council and the Third District: -We serve more than 3,000 youth in the Third District, about 15% of the young people in our Council district. In addition, we have 460 girls in our district. -Through one of our outreach programs, WLACC has been able to provide access to Camp Emerald Bay for 241 low-income Latino youth from the San Fernando Valley, with plans to serve an additional 1,010 low-income families from both the San Fernando Valley and the Long Beach YMCA. -Camp Josepho, which was destroyed in the Palisades Fire, served as a cornerstone for youth development in Los Angeles for 85 years. -Scouts in the Palisades area have joined forces to support their local communities such as building and donating ash shifters to volunteer organizations and local firehouses. - In addition, Western Los Angeles County Council, Scouting America and Greater Los Angeles Scouting joined forces to donate 62,000 water bottles to the CalFire Camp at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

Join us at the Western Los Angeles County Council Recognition Dinner on April 16th, 2025, as we celebrate an incredible year of scouting and honor our outstanding volunteers! Let’s recognize the amazing individuals who make a difference in the lives of our youth. Register now at the link: https://lnkd.in/ggHYTb7b