Monrovia Pack 66 Cub Scouts pose in front of the trail in Malibu Creek State Park. – Courtesy Photo
By Mark Peters
On Jan. 30, in the early morning, 12 Monrovia Pack 66 Cub Scouts braved the five-mile round trip trail to the infamous “M.A.S.H.” filming site in Malibu Creek State Park. The Cubs ranged from six to 10-years-old and, with packs slung and canteens topped off, they were off. The Scouts were honored to have Malibu Creek State Park (MCSP) docent Bob Costello for the entire hike. Costello ensured that all scouts had a full and rich experience on the hike and even a surprise flag ceremony at the visitor center where they were asked to officiate. What a true honor to allow these young scouts the privilege to perform the flag ceremony and raise the colors for the visitors.
Costello and the MCSP docents offer their services free of charge to scouts, school groups, and even those who just want to learn more about the park. The scouts were filled with questions and Costello, the ever patient docent, answered each and every one. The scouts learned about the local wildlife; the ageless wonders of the geology of MCSP; the surprising plant life of the forest, the grasslands, the creek side, the chaparral, and the marsh; and the birds and animals of the mountains and flatlands, from the soaring golden eagles to the ever-present deer and coyote. The docents offered the scouts a rich history of the park and were given an extra treat with the full movie history of the area. The scouts were able to visit where “Planet of the Apes” and “M.A.S.H.” were filmed as well as see the remaining rusted vehicles from the “M.A.S.H.” set.
The hike lasted six hours, and by the time the pack reached the parking lot, not an ounce of energy was left, even less so for the parents. Pack 66 hikes like this are only possible with the amazing leadership and parents, who play an active role in their scouts’ career.
The Pack is part of the Luck Baldwin District of the San Gabriel Council. We are located at the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley at the Vineyard Church of Monrovia (1307 S. Myrtle Ave.). Visit our website www.facebook.com/cubpack66 if you wish to see what we are doing and if you are interested in joining or have a son who would like to be in scouting please contact Cub Master Mark Peters at (626) 485-1032 or via email at irishcelticknight@gmail.com.
