A Letter From Our Scoutmaster

Hello to all Scouts, prospective Scouts, and parents,

Thank you so much for showing an interest in Troop 486 and visiting our website, which was overhauled by two of our talented parents. The parents of our scouts play an integral role within the troop. It is their hard work and dedication that make Troop 486 one of the premier Boy Scout troops in the San Gabriel Valley.

We’re a very active troop with an emphasis on the outdoors. We hike a minimum of once a month (typically 8 to 13 miles) and have many backpacking trips a year. Another favorite activity of our troop is rock climbing and rappelling. We try to do at least two rock-climbs a year, usually one at Joshua Tree National Park and the other, usually at New Jack City in Barstow. This summer, 2019, a large number of our Scouts went to summer camp at Schoepe Scout Reservation at Lost Valley near Anza Borrego. This is one of the most coveted summer camps in all of California. The boys had a great week there exploring and earning merit badges. A smaller group of our older, more experienced Scouts, went on a high adventure trip in Utah that included caving, rappelling, canyoneering, and white water rafting. In addition, we are planning a 50-mile High-Adventure backpacking trip in the High Sierras next summer for the more adventurous boys who are willing to put in the training and effort to be able to complete it safely.  There has also been talk of getting a cycling group together and possibly a scuba diving group as well.  We really like to spend our time in the great outdoors.

When your son joins our troop, he should look forward to working with others, living and abiding by the Scout Oath and Scout Law, and learning to lead by example. As he gets older his communication skills will grow, as will his management skills. We believe in letting the senior Scouts lead from the front; with just some gentle nudging from us parent leaders to help steer them on the right path. We have a phenomenal percentage of boys who attain the rank of Eagle Scout. Nationally the percentage is fairly low, but within Troop 486 the boys form strong bonds and encourage each other to never give up, and strive to reach the rank of Eagle. This is a huge accomplishment for our troop. It shows that with a little hard work and the guidance and leadership of ALL of the parents, then, YES, your son can make Eagle.

A little about myself: as of 2020, I’ve been around the sun 50 times. My wife, Holly and I have 3 children, twin boys, Ethan and Collin, who are currently 16, and another boy, Emerson, who is currently 13, all of which are active members of Troop 486. They have all been in Scouting since the first grade. As a young boy, I participated in Scouts for about 8 years. I never attained the rank of Eagle Scout, but I had many wonderful experiences, and I like to think scouting had a big part in the person I have become. I’ve been helping the scouts from the sidelines as an active parent since my kids have been in scouting. In mid 2018 Mr. Mike Krosevic, the Scoutmaster at the time, spent time grooming me to be his replacement. Well…. He voluntold me. I’m so grateful that he did!  This has been one of the most rewarding/enjoyable things I have ever done. I currently run a custom cabinet business. This gives me lots of flexibility to be available for the scouts when they need me.

I’ve tried things that I’d never imagined doing and have found them to be exhilarating. We encourage the parents to have fun with their sons and to go with them on the hikes and climbing adventures. Some of the parents have become quite adept at rappelling and rock climbing. It’s a great way for them to get closer to their sons and at the same time help keep themselves physically fit and active while having a great time. I am taking over the Scoutmaster duties from Mike Krosevic, who has for the past 3 years of his life tirelessly and unselfishly devoted his time to the troop. I have learned much from him as well as from many of the other former Scoutmasters. I took on this role knowing that I have the benefit of 75+ years of combined scouting experience in these past leaders who are still actively involved with Troop 486.

I look forward to mentoring and leading your sons, and helping them grow into solid citizens. I also look forward to working with you, the parents, to help them achieve their goals and to start their adult lives with the values and skills learned in Scouting. If at any time you need to contact me, please don’t hesitate to call.

Yours in scouting,

Larry Juniper