June, 2026

We’ve just finished the month of June, the first month of Summer, so I would like to recap everything the Troop was able to do this month. Although we’re not participating in weekly meetings or as many outings as usual during the summer, we're still active. Here’s what’s been going on!

First off, Scouts were offered the Cybersecurity and Family Life merit badges to complete starting June 1 and 11. Family Life is an Eagle-required badge (and one that many Scouts leave until late in their Scouting careers), so it’s good to see some of us getting it knocked out early! 

On the 13th of June, Scouts embarked on the 12-mile hike, which began bright and early at 7 am and wrapped up around mid-afternoon. This hike is in the Pathfinder series, which means that it earns a special rocker patch for the infamous bloomin’ onion. Several Scouts crossed milestones on our hiking leaderboard. Jimmy and Kevin both joined the 100-Mile Club, and Dashiell joined the even rarer 200-Mile Club! Congrats to all.

One week later, on the 20th of June, we began the first session of Jonathan’s Eagle Project. The multi-part project continued the following Wednesday, Saturday, and Thursday. Scouts helpfully and tirelessly removed invasive and overgrown plants near the Merced Branch of the SF Public Library, using rakes, shovels, hoes, trowels, and even pickaxes. We revitalized the old dirt with new fertilizer to promote plant growth, and began planting new plants. The library entrance is now much cleaner and more organized, and everybody who participated received service hours that they can use to complete rank requirements. Thank you to all who were able to help!

The day after Jonathan’s first workday was The Presidio Half Marathon. As a Troop, we set up and staffed the water station at the halfway point. It took teamwork, communication, and constant effort to fill and distribute more than 3,000 water cups to thirsty (and grateful) runners—all while cheering them on. Shout out to Nikhil whose voice was almost hoarse after relentlessly encouraging pretty much every runner who passed. The view of the Golden Gate Bridge was beautiful from where we were stationed, and we look forward to participating in this project again next year. Thanks to Jimmy, Dashiell, Jonathan, Nikhil, (me), Jack, Arhaan, Oliver, and Lev for their support and participation.

Finally, June 28 marked San Francisco’s historic annual Pride Parade, which our troop participated in to demonstrate Scouting America’s inclusive mission and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Thanks to Jimmy for being the lone Scout representing Troop 333.

Although I said that June wasn’t the busiest of months, we actually had a lot going on: two merit badges, a 12-mile hike, an Eagle project, a parade, and Marathon! Plus, our High Adventure Crew has been planning their epic Lost Coast Trail adventure, coming up in August.

In July, our Scouts will be off to Camp Royaneh. I would like to offer some advice that I’ve learned from my years at Royaneh to both first-time attendees (and all of our troop members).

1. Spend your money responsibly. I remember the first time I went to Royaneh, when I learned the hard way that it’s very easy to spend all of the money you bring at the Trading Post. I spent mine in less than 2 days! Snacks are a nice treat, but avoid buying knives, hammocks, and similar items, as they can be very expensive and aren’t as much of a necessity as you’d think!

2. Make friends with the Scouts from other Troops. As a Scout at Royaneh, there’s no doubt you’ll come in contact with numerous scouts of other troops in your merit badge classes, at meals, and even during competitions. Others and I have notably made good friendships during our time at Royaneh, and I think everyone can and should. Even if you don’t make any friends, be friendly and make a great example of Troop 333 when you interact with other Scouts.

3. Represent your Troop as best you can. As I mentioned, it’s very important to represent Troop 333 well during your time at Royaneh. For example, if you are cleaning the tables in the cafeteria for our troop, offer to help any other troops in need once you’re done with your table. Feel free to ask any staff members if they need help (you can ask Skyler!). At rallies and skits and competitions, when yells are allowed, put your all into them. Troop and Scout spirit are very important, and could even win you the Spirit Stick! Lastly, treat every scout at camp with respect, no matter what. This is simple and encourages others to act the same way.

4. Don’t forget to have fun! Royaneh will be one of the most fun experiences you’ll have as a Scout, so don’t forget to enjoy it before you leave (it will go by very quickly!). 

Best of luck to all Scouts this year at Royaneh, and I look forward to seeing you when we resume meetings.