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5/8 - Virtual Mission Peak District Roundtable TONIGHT at 7pm!
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The theme for this month’s roundtable is RECOGNITION. Skip Phair will lead a discussion regarding best practices for recognizing both youth and adults in all programs.
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Does your unit do something special to recognize youth or adults who have made exemplary contributions or achievements? Share your experiences about what works for you and your unit with fellow scouters and learn what other units are doing or have tried in the past.
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We are also planning a discussion about the future of Roundtable. should it be in person or online? What topics do you want to see covered? Make your voice heard this month.
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Looking forward to seeing you there tonight, Thursday, May 8th at 7pm at the following link:
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And don't forget that THIS Saturday is the Mission Peak District Volunteer Recognition dinner. Be sure to join for an evening of great food, fun, and camaraderie.
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Please feel free to contact me if you have questions - Lee Amon, 510-468-2868
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Someone is donating a used utility trailer for a scouting unit!
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David Kayumy of the First Presbyterian Church of Newark reached out to our Mission Peak District to let us know that he has a used utility trailer that can be attached to the back of a car that he is giving away for free to a unit that can use it for future campouts and events. If our scout unit could use a free trailer, please reach out to Mr. Kayumy at 510-258-7764 so he can get it to you.
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STEM Fellowship Opportunity for BSA Scouts this summer!
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The Summit STEM Fellowship is a virtual summer fellowship empowering the next generation of leaders in STEM. Open to rising 9th-12th grade students, the fellowship aims to identify top students around the world and connect them with mentors from Stanford, MIT, Harvard, and other top institutions, to explore different opportunities and career pathways in STEM. The fellowship is 10-15 hours per week, and events take place in the evenings and weekends to accommodate students’ summer schedules. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.
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Riding the Rails: How a Merit Badge Event Sparked Big Dreams for Local Scouts
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On May 3rd, 2025, the historic Niles Canyon Railway became the backdrop for an unforgettable educational experience. The Mission Peak District successfully hosted the Railroading Merit Badge event. Vanji Sivajothy organized the day-long program, with significant support from volunteers, counselors, and community leaders.
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This event was made possible through a generous partnership with the Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to preserving railroading's legacy.
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The Morning Whistle
The day began with crisp air and quiet excitement as families pulled into the historic yard, where locomotives sleep and volunteers bring steel giants back to life. The classroom session began at 8:30 and was led by two passionate Merit Badge Counselors, Mr. Jacob and Mr. Jim, whose knowledge turned gears and pistons into ingenuity and national growth stories.
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For the next 2.5 hours, the Scouts were immersed in the science and art of railroading. From the evolution of locomotives to the physics of steel rails, this was no ordinary lecture — it was a deep dive into one of America’s most transformative industries.
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Where History Breathes
After the session, the Scouts left their notebooks behind and stepped into the heart of history. With the incredible support of volunteers — Donna, Rich, Tim, Bob, Mark, and others — the Scouts toured the yard and workshop, witnessing the pulse of railroad operations up close. The smell of oil and the clang of tools echoed with purpose.
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Then came the moment every Scout had been waiting for: a whole round-trip historic M200 RailBus ride to Niles Station. For many, it was their first ride on a heritage rail line, and the excitement was palpable. As the train moved through the canyon, faces lit up with wonder, cameras clicked, and laughter mingled with the rhythmic sounds of steel wheels on track.
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Gratitude on the Rails
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of The Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that preserves and operates the Niles Canyon Railway. Their team of volunteers didn’t just help — they inspired.
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We also thank Mr. Bharth from Troop 132, Mr. Sudhar from Troop 273, and our District Executive, Mr. Colton, for showing up and helping shape a meaningful day.
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The Path Ahead
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The buzz didn’t end when the train returned. We now have a waitlist of eager Scouts hoping for their own ride down the tracks of railroading. The next step? Collaborating closely with the Pacific Locomotive Association to make this a recurring event In Scouting, we talk a lot about preparing young people for life. Sometimes, that preparation looks like a classroom. Other times, it looks like a boy or girl gazing out a train window, imagining a future of movement, mechanics, and momentum.
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Help Grow Our Pack! Volunteer for Spring Sign-Up Nights!
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Our Spring Cub Scout Sign-Up Nights are underway, and we need your help to welcome new families into Scouting!
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These events are hosted at local schools and promoted through flyers, emails, and announcements to all families at the school.
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Your Role is Simple & Impactful:
• Greet families with a friendly smile!
• Share your experiences and talk about the activities cub scouting offers
• Help get new youth excited and signed up for Cub Scouts.
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Upcoming Sign-Up Night Schedule:
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- Kennedy Elementary - Tues 5/6, 6:00-8:00pm (Multipurpose Room) - Newark
- Lincoln Elementary - Wed 5/7, 6:00-8:00pm (Multipurpose Room) - Newark
- Birch Grove Intermediate - Tues 5/13, 6:00-8:00pm (Multipurpose Room) - Newark
- Ardenwood Elementary - Tues 5/13, 6:00-8:00pm (Library) -Fremont
- Mission Valley Elementary - Wed 5/21, 6:00-8:00pm (Multi Use Room - 161) - Fremont
- Green Elementary - Thurs 5/22, 6:00-8:00pm (Library) - Fremont
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Birch Grove Primary - Tues 5/27, 6:00-8:00pm (Multipurpose Room)- Newark
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Other ways you can support:
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- Reach out to PTAs, school Facebook groups, or staff to help spread the word
- Share flyers or digital graphics with your parent community
- Bring a few pack families to help welcome new members
Even covering one event makes a big difference in growing our Scouting family!
Let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for all that you do to support Scouting in Mission Peak!
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5/30 Weekend - Mission Peak District Target & Range Sports Event
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Registration for the First Mission Peak District Target & Range Sports Event is now open.
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School will be out in late May. So Scouts, start your summer off with some Scouting fun!! Come and explore archery, rifle, shotgun and tomahawk in one place, Rancho Los Mochos. Cost is $55 for each Scouts BSA or Venture Youth.
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More information in the registration link above and in the Leaders’ Guide, including tentative schedule information:
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The event is organized into 3 sessions, with 32 scouts able to participate per session. Scouts can choose to participate in one of 3 sessions: Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning. This is a fun event; no merit badge requirements or completions will be done.
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Registration is by Unit; when registering, Units will need to specify the session and the number of Scouts participating (maximum of 8 per Unit). Sign up early for more session options.
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There is also an option to purchase lunch on Saturday. Units can also camp overnight at Rancho Los Mochos.
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RSVP to our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner this Saturday and help us congratulate to our Volunteers of the Year at Mission Peak District!
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Congratulations to the awardees of the District Plaque and District Certificate. Who will be recognized at the MP Recognition Dinner on May 10 from 6-9 with doors opening at 5:00 to socialize with other scout adults. It will be held at:
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Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church, 32975 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City, CA 94587
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We encourage you to come to this event with all the parents to recognize and cheer on your awardees and others from Mission Peak. Please register so Chef Charlie Mabie knows how many people to cook for and your dinner preference.
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- Jonathan Leder - Pack 441
- Abhijit Saha - Troop 379
- Vanjikumaran Sivajothy - Pack 110
- Christine Valerie Watnik - Pack 273 & Troop 110
- Timothy Wong - Pack 176
- Melanie Young - Pack 441
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- Tim Christman - Troop 132B
- Sreevathsa Doddabalapur - Pack 110
- Ankita Garg - Pack 199
- Ankur Garg - Pack 176
- Chrys Grace - Troop 2123
- Rebecca Grant - Pack 176
- Mike James - Troop 20
- Ameet Kapadia - Pack 269
- Sara Karrick-Hewitt - Troop 112
- Nishanth Manjunath - Pack 153
- Randy Miranda - Troop 186
- Vasudeo Nandagiri - Troop 152
- Vanessa Oshiro - Pack 273
- Naveen Patlola - Pack 110
- Marissa Shaw - Pack 273
- Mehmood Tily - Troop 119
- Bharath Venkatesan - Troop132B
- Louisa Wong - Pack 176
- Heather Zeng - Troop 112
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Archive of Past Newsletters
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