BOY SCOUT TROOP 126 LONG BEACH, CA
Our Troop
In the spirit and grand tradition of Scouting, Boy Scout Troop 126 has been serving the youth of Long Beach for 60 years, since its formation in 1948, and has been recognized annually by the Long Beach Area Scout Council as a "Quality Unit”.
OUR CHARTERED ORGANIZATION
We are very blessed to be chartered by the Los Altos United Church of Christ since 1948! Our church provides us with a meeting hall each week and a beautiful chapel in which to hold our award ceremonies that we call a Court of Honor.
Our Activities
Fun, usually through outdoor adventure, is the troop's first objective. Unless the boys are having fun, they won't stay in Scouting. The troop provides structured activities, to achieve the goals of Scouting, which, simply put, is to prepare boys for the life ahead of them. Each boy is challenged to find something in scouting that is special for him. Each month we send out a calendar with troop meeting dates and events. There are many events during the year that have become traditions for our boys.
Campouts: Relay For Life Pancake Breakfast
Camp Tahquitz
A highlight of each summer is our week as a troop at Camp Tahquitz in the San Bernadino Mountains.
Spring Camporee
In 2008, it was our honor to host the Spring Camporee at Santa Fe Dam. It was a
great turnout and everyone had fun! Pictures
Soaring
We go soaring in Glider planes each fall, at the Lake Elsinore Soaring Club.
Snowboarding
As part of our "Winter Sports" merit badge, we go up to Big Bear every winter. We are hosted by local Venture Crew 87 in Big Bear.
Catalina
In summer, we make a trip to Catalina and camp in Hermit Gulch campground, spending the days swimming and kayaking at Descanso Beach club, and enjoying campfires at night.
Hikes and Overnight Campouts
Several times a year, we will venture out to many places for a hike. They vary in length and skill level. We also will have overnight campouts Some examples are:
Hikes:
Beach Bonfires
Bonfires at Bolsa Chica State Beach are always a highlight of the years activities.
Rancho Palos Verdes Hike and Lighthouse Tour
This involves a docent led hike along with a tour of the beautiful lighthouse overlooking the ocean.
SS Lane Victory Tour - San Pedro, CA
We will see this historic floating museum along with our Weblos and learn the history of this dynamic ship in WWII.
Court of Honor
During Spring and Fall, we host an awards ceremony called Court of Honor. Here we hand out any new merit bages or awards the Scouts have earned.
Swordfighting
A professional at swordfighting comes in and demonstrates the correct way to hold a sword, to fight, and safety precautions that must be taken.
Archery
We have two places we can practice our skills of Archery before we try out for the Archery merit badge: El Dorado Park and Will J. Reed Scout Park.
Kayaking
We have a great time kayaking in our own Alamitos Bay in Long Beach.
River Rafting
River Rafting at the Kern River is fun for everyone! Even our Venture Crew girls attend every year.
Bike Outings
The troop several times a year enjoys taking various bike trips down the San Gabriel River to Seal Beach. We stop for lunch and enjoy the beach We also have taken our trips further down south to Huntington Beach.
San Gabriel Valley Gun Club
At the shotgun and rifle range, we practice our skills and review the safety about guns to work on our Rifle merit badges.
The Rock Gym - Signal Hill, CA
We test our skills at rock climbing. This builds confidence and teamwork.
Long Beach Armada Baseball Game
We are invited to participate in the flag ceremonies, watching the game and camping out in the field. We also get a baseball clinic the next morning to learn from the best!
Community Service Projects
Troop 126 is also very involved in the Long Beach community. We help out at various events and also donate our time to multiple local charities.
Sight Night
This is through the Long Beach Lion Club. Every Halloween season, the scouts go around their neighborhoods and ask people in their community to donate their old eye glasses they no long wear. We then donate them to the Lions Club which in turn cleans them up and donates them to people in need.
Children's Clinic Beachwalk
This event is held each year. We donate money that we have received through our own fundraising efforts to the Children's Clinic. We also participate in the actual walk along the beaches in downtown.
Long Beach Bike Marathon
Annually, our scouts help out at the water posts and also at the finish line ready with water and vomit bags.
Adopt-A-Family
Every holiday season, Troop 126 receives a family from the Long Beach Health Department that is in need. To help spread holiday cheer, we donate gifts of toys to the children in the family, clothes and even gift certificates.
This is through the American Cancer Society. This fundraiser helps raise money for Cancer Research. It is held annually at Cal State Long Beach. This is a 24 hour relay event. So you know the scouts LOVE to be able to stay up all night.
Rancho Los Alamitos
Twice a year, we help staff the games for the Rancho festivities.
Minnie Gant Elementary Carnival
Annually, we bring our famous MAZE to the carnival. Any money goes directly to the school for people trying to find their way through the maze.
Support for Cub Scout Pack 126
We help the Pack in various events throughout the year. Some of the many are: the infamous "Cake Auction", Christmas Caroling during the holiday season, Scouting for Food, etc.
Fundraising Events
Popcorn
Every holiday season, the scouts sell tins of popcorn. They make GREAT holiday gifts for family and friends.
Borders Gift Wrapping
During the holiday season, the scouts volunteer their time at the local Borders Book Store in Los Altos wrapping gifts. We do not charge for this, but kindly ask for donations.
Ink Cartridges
We collect all used ink cartridges big and small. So feel free to bring them into the next meeting.
Spaghetti Dinner
In the fall, our Scouts sell tickets to family and friends. The families of the Scouts all help make spaghetti noodles and a wide variety of sauces for every tatse. Garlic bread and yummy desserts are also part of the menu. It's ALL YOU CAN EAT and we even have a silent auction for great gifts donated by local businesses and our families. 
In the spring, our Scouts sell tickets to family and friends. The Scouts themselves make the delicious panckes. Sausage, eggs and hash browns are also part of the menu. It's ALL YOU CAN EAT!
Troop Garage Sale
Annually, one of the Adult Leaders of the Troop holds a Garage Sale. This is a fund raiser, so many families donate their unwanted items to the Troop to sell.
Recycling Cans and Plastic Bottles
Bring in your recycling to each meeting. The Bensons are in charge of this continuous fundraiser.
