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Ken's Quality Auto Repair, 3221 E Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Ste Q, Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

07/11/2022

Epilogue.

Yes. This is the last 2022 Scout camp post.
The Scouts did awesome...I could not ask for a better group of young men to take to camp!
The camp and camp staff were great.
Did I achieve my goal of eating $275.00 worth of food...mainly salad?
I would have to say Yep! My gosh I ate a lot!
The camp definitely lost money on me!
Not only did I eat the fee in food but I took 5 hot showers. Actually we can't count that as a loss since No Scouts took a shower, so there was plenty of hot water!
Getting home...
Besides the fact the Scouts had not taken a shower in over a week, I had four foul smelling scouts in the car. Yuck! I was gagging and trying to breath.
Scout Master just bought a brand new car and one of the Scouts had a big bag of candy. Scout master told him there is NO eating in his new car to go ride with me. Since the Scout is big he had to sit in the front of my tiny 4 Runner and three Scouts squished in the rear. As soon as I start to drive home the Scout (Who does have some problems) starts to wipe his nose up and down his arm. I ask him if he wants a tissue, he says "NO" we go back and forth about 10 times finally I pull over and get a box of tissue out of the back of the car. (I'm thinking I can't afford to get sick after missing a week of work)
He blows his nose completely filling up the tissue. I see him looking for a spot to throw it on the floor or seat of my vehicle.
I tell him to put it in his pocket, he does not want to so we go back and forth another 10 times with me telling him to put it on his pocket before he comes up with the idea to stick it in his candy bag!!!
My advice don't accept any candy from that Scout!
So, I'm laughing thinking Scout master lucked out, I have snot all over the car and me!
Poor Scout Master on the way home a Scout got motion sickness and threw up in his brand new car!
Yikes...I will take snot over vomit in my vehicle any day of the week.
P.S. Yes. I ended up getting really sick for 11 days
P.S.S. I had to air out my 4 runner and use cleaner to get the unwashed Scout smell out!
If you don't believe me about the Scouts, see the posted picture of the dirt on my sons legs...He was even wearing pants most of the time!

07/11/2022

What made Scout Camp a blast?
Was it the gourmet food? Definitely NOT!
The accommodating rest room facility of 2 toilets for over 35 people?
Nope...What made it a blast was the Scouts and leaders of troop 616
These are great young men. There was no fighting, making fun or teasing.
These Scouts went out of their way to treat one of the fellow Scouts with some problems very well with out having to be told.
Our Senior patrol leader (Which is a Boy Scout) signed up the troop for every extra bonus points activity to try to earn the honor troop award.
Our Scouts got up on stage and sang a song they made up, they performed a skit, built a bridge, cleaned the mess hall, did a service project (Pulled weeds at the barn) built all kinds of campsite improvement projects. On there own they got up at 5am to do a polar bear swim. (forget that! I'm not getting out of my warm sleeping bag to jump in cold water!!!) And earn a ton of merit badges!
Troop 616 did not win the honor award, but in my book they are great citizens that make their community a better place to live!
Isn't that a true winner?

07/10/2022

If you don't get it on video...It didn't happen?!?

So I'm flying downhill at Boy Scout Summer camp.
I'm one with the mountain bike and out of nowhere a "Doe, a deer, a female deer" Runs/jumps perpendicularly right across the trail in front of me.
Yikes! This will not look good on my wilderness conservation merit badge if I hit Bambi.
I grab the brakes and like a slow motion scene out of the Matrix, me and Bambi just miss each other. (Okay maybe I'm embellishing a little and it wasn't quite that close)
When my riding partner, SB catch's up with me I tell him what happened. He says because he didn't see it, It probably didn't happen and I made the whole thing up!
Figment of my imagination??? The fear in me and Bimbi's eyes looked real!
Last mountain biking story.
I'm following SB down a V shaped down / uphill
He is kicking up so much dust I don't even see a rather large pointed rock right at the bottom. BOOM!!! Double Yikes... I hit the rock with so much force it blew my back tire right off the rim.
I'm so lucky I did not hit the rock with my front wheel...they would have had to pull me by my feet out of the hill I augured into!
Where am I going to get a new tube? Luck has it that there is a Bicycling merit badge class at camp.
What is the Boy Scout Slogan...Do a Good Turn Daily!
The instructor not only had a tube he installed it and got me back on the trail!
Moral of the story: I need to follow the BSA motto: Be prepared. Carry spare tube and tools, also what am I going to do with SB and all the dust?

07/08/2022

Bribery...or Motivation?
Contrary to my opinion, that Scout camp is all about the leaders (ME) having fun, The main purpose of Scout camp is to work on and earn merit badges that are required for rank advancement.
I ran into a dilemma, my son Nathan is already an Eagle Scout and does not need anymore merit badges.
I made a deal with him that if he got his Eagle Scout I would not force or bug him to get anymore advancements that we would do Scouting just for fun.
What to do?
How was I going to motivate Nathan to go to Scout camp to do work that he does not really need to do?
A deal was struck!
Show him the money!!!
$25.00 per merit badge he earned and if puts the money into a Roth IRA I would double it so potential $50.00 per merit badge.
If he earned 5 merit badges that gets you what is called a
palm achievement which would result in a bonus...Yikes!
I think Nathan has done some of the requirements for the American Labor merit badge: American Labor Merit Badge "In your discussion, show that you understand the concepts of labor, management, collective bargaining, negotiation, union shops, open shops, grievance"
Yah, Nathans got the negotiation skills down to a fine science!
How much cash did this "Motivation" cost me?
Nathan earned the following merit badges at Scout Camp:
1. Wilderness survival. One of the requirements was he had to build a shelter and sleep one night out in the wilderness.
2. Automotive maintenance. Miracles will never cease!
3. Reptile and Amphibian studies.
4. Wood carving
5. Leather working
F.Y.I. out of the 137 merit badges the least favorite at 137 is bugling, 136 stamp collecting and at 133 American Labor?!?
I better get back to work...I need the money to a off a debt!

07/07/2022

Do you know how much work it took to go to Scout Camp...Me neither!
Our Awesome Scout Master Dana Hammon did all the work!!!
I'm sure he put in 60+ hour work weeks doing and collecting papers and finances to make this trip happen.
I would say Troop 616 has the best Scout master in the world, or least in the Western and Northern Hemispheres!
As the Junior Assistant Scout master, I kept thinking I would help him so much when we arrived at camp after all the work he put in.
I must confess I ditched the poor Scout Master.
Me and another Adult brought up our Mountain bikes to camp.
Now in my defenses we have older scouts in the troop and 4 Eagle Scouts attending Summer camp, So the Scouts were self sufficient After we made sure Monday morning the Scouts knew where their classes were.
The mountain trails were calling to me and...I had to be set free!
Freedom...off we rode until meal time. (Gotta eat $275.00 dollars worth!)
By Tuesday I was feeling guilty. I usually am a responsible person.
So I told the Scout Master I would hang out with him and go do Archery or go to the rifle range and shoot with him, heck I would have even paid for the bullets...but they were free!
Dana declined either he was holding a grudge and did not want to hang out with me or it was a heck of a far hike to the rifle and archery range!
So off we went to do more off-road exploring.
Now comes the worst or best part of the story.
Wednesday nights dinner menu consisted of Pork loin ( Forget that nonsense!)
One adult suggested we sneak out to Cedar Glens 50's Malt shop.
Someone had to step up and stay with the Scouts at dinner and eat Pork loins.
I was going through an internal struggle. it was like one of those cartoons with the little angel on my left shoulder telling me to be a responsible Assistant and go eat my Pork loins and on the right shoulder was a little devil that goes by the initials S.B. (Don't want to mention any names) who was leading me towards temptation With a cheese burger and chocolate shake.
I caved in!!!
Off me and the two other adults went for a great hamburger, fries and old fashion style shake
Did I mention Dana is the best Scout Master?!?
Yes. S.B. bought and brought back a Shake for Scout master.
What is the moral of the story?
Don't go to a Scout camp that serves Pork loins and don't voluntarily volunteer to be Scout Master.
P.S. I think Scout Master was trying to troll me...he claimed the Pork loin was delicious and I missed out on the best meal!
P.S.S. See attached pictures of Scout master. have no clue why he was exhausted and needed a power nap (With boom box blasting rock music next to his head) It wasn't like he was running the whole troop...I was there for meal time.

07/07/2022

Choices, choices:
Do I use my vacation time and go to an all inclusive resort in the Bahamas...or go to Boy Scout summer camp?1?
Tough choice, NOT!
I must be crazy.
Spoiler Alert: As much as I whine about Scout camp. I had an absolute BLAST!!!
Camp Big Horn is the cheapest camp in the area. The cost per Scout is $480.00 and the cost per adult is $275.00
I was a little worried about what we would be getting for the lower price.
We arrived Sunday afternoon and the first meal was dinner. 100% truth...I told the other adults that my goal was to eat $275.00 worth of food during the week!
I normal eat very healthy except on vacation and special occasions.
Since I was on vacation at an all inclusive resort I made up my mind to eat as much as possible.
Disclaimer: Not all the food was edible! I could not subject my body to the hot dogs, corn dogs or pork loin.
A salad bar was offered at Lunch and dinner, I packed an extra plate complete full of salad at every meal.
Check out the churro in my salad.
I will do another post on the Pork loins,
Pro Tip: Why spend $3,000.00+ dollars per person to go to an exotic vacation location for just $275.00 you too can stay at all inclusive Camp Big Horn.
Don't worry about the rodents coming in your tent, they don't eat much unlike me!

07/07/2022

Does the apple not fall far from the tree?!? (True or False)
This apple fell far from the tree and rolled down the street.
This was the Automotive maintenance merit badge class at Scout camp.
Which Scout was the least interested and did not want to get his hands dirty??? (but had a great time joking and goofing off during class time!)
See the Scout right in the middle with both thumbs up? That's the chip off the old block...My son Nathan.
Crazy, not only does Nathan have zero interest in cars and motorcycles...but he does not even like tools!?!
Lucky he is a great young man and a keeper!
Yes...he fulfilled the requirements and earned the Automotive maintenance merit badge.
FYI: At Scout camp there are 5 periods for merit badge classes during the day, like High School.
I tried to sit in during the first class, but they lost me when the car the class was supposed to be working on was from 1965
I can tell you from personal experience since I'm 1964 vintage that is obsolete!
Its like teaching your kid about 8 track tapes or Beta. No application in modern society!

07/05/2022

I survived one week at Boy Scout summer camp!
I will write a report how I made it.
P.S. I could barley breath on the way home, my car was packed with Scouts...who did not shower for over a week!
Talk about a survival situation. Those people on the show Alone don't know what hardship is!!!

02/25/2021

Part #4 Nathans Eagle Project
IT'S DONE!!!
Last Saturday 2/20/21 We (Nathan) finished his project.
The kindergarten teachers were ecstatic!
They told me that 4 other Scouts had showed interest in building the planter boxes but Nathan was the only one to come through and get the project completed. (they are looking forward to doing some planting)
What am I grateful for?...The great people that generously give/gave their time, donations and money to help Scouts learn to serve their community and fellow citizens.
Here is a shout out to some of the people that helped Nathan.
M&M (Mary Margaret) You would be hard pressed to meet a finer person!
M&M's son is an grown adult, she volunteers her time to so many scouts as an Eagle Project mentor.
No kidding I think she has been helping Nathan for close to a year finding a project, submitting proposals, plan it, get donations and build it!
She had to step in and referee a couple of father & son battles, but its all GOOD!
M&M. thank you for helping my son!!!

Scout Master Dana.
His children also are grown up and he generously donates a massive amount of his time to help these Scouts become fine young men. (Think full time job with working on the weekends)
To be a Scoutmaster you need to be part taskmaster and part cheerleader and its NOT a 50/50% ratio, Dana makes it look easy...but its NOT!
Dana. Thank you for stepping up and providing an invaluable service!!!

Family.
What can I say!?! Both sets of Grandparents, Aunts, cousins showed up and worked hard on multiple occasions. (I will remember to call you when my house needs a work project)

Fellow Scouts and Scout Fathers.
Ron C. made Nathan the beautiful plaque in the photo and provide a ton of help and tools.
Scott B. always appreciate your willingness to help.
Scouts...you helped your fellow Scout and did a "Good Turn"

Mrs Blount. Thank you for giving Nathan the project to help your school and students.

Nathan. I am so proud of you for sticking with it and working so hard to complete your project.
You kindness and sweet personality inspire me to be a better man!
Love you...but don't think I forgot you need start working on getting those last 4 merit badges!!!

02/19/2021

Part 3b Recap of Nathans Eagle Project:
Good news! We did not have to practice our first-aid skills at this project. (I was worried somebody was going to get bonked when carrying the 8 foot boards in a crowded garage, think three stooges movie)
Boy Scout Troop 616 showed up January 30th 2021 to work, and boy they did!
We actually had a great turn out and had the maximum amount of people that could fit into the garage.
This was the first time some of the Scouts used power drills and drivers.
That is our Awesome Scoutmaster, Dana in the white long sleeve shirt applying UV sealant.
There are a couple of small bloopers but, The Vision was attained!
For lunch we had a pizza party in the back yard and the boys had a good time.
All in All it was a success!
P.S. Need a room addition, maybe a kitchen remodel???
No problem we got you covered! The Boys from Troop 616 are highly trained professionals now!

02/18/2021

Part 3a Recap of Nathans Eagle Project:
HOW TO WIN SIX SUPERBOWLS or LEAD AN EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT!
*Disclaimer* I have NEVER won a Superbowl and it is highly unlikely I every will...but I did hear the Patriots are in need for a quarterback. (Robert Kraft call me up)
When Nathan first started Cub Scouts when he was 7 years old his Pack was going to do a show and tell about what they collect.
So, I came home a little early to practice his talk with him and take him to the meeting.
When Nathan was younger he had a habit of talking really fast when it was about something he was interested in and what he was interested in was Yugioh cards.
I bet your thinking what the heck are Yugiou cards?!?
Trust me...I'm still thinking that!
I had Nathan try to explain Yugiou cards and he was talking so fast about this character and that character and what powers they have.
I had no clue what he was talking about. (even thought most boys his age would know about the cards)
My advice to him was to slow DOWN and explain it to the other boys as if they have never seen or heard of Yugiou cards.
Make it so simple even a old dad could understand!
He nailed it!!! Surprised me, was this the same kid that 15 minutes ago I had no clue what he was talking about.
How does a 43 year old man make it to the super bowl with a team that he had only been on for one year and the team had only been to the super bowl one time before?
VISION: Tom Brady has vision on how to train, prepare and win super bowls.
COMMUNICATION: Tom Brady has a gift for being able to communicate his vision to his teammates, coaches and owners.
BUY-IN: Tom Brady is able to get the above mention teammates, coaches and owners to buy in and accept his vision with the same kind of passion he has for his vision.
What does this have to do with leading an Eagle Scout Project?!?
The Scout needs to have a VISION of how his Eagle project is going to look and turn out.
The Scout needs to have a good understanding of how to achieve this vision and be able to communicate it to his fellow Scouts and other project volunteers.
The Scout needs to get his workers to BUY-IN to his vision and instead of it being just work they have a VISION OF HELPING the end user of the project.
If you have stuck with me to the end of this post you now know Tom Brady's secret for winning 6 super bowls and what I have learned helping Nathan with his Eagle project.
P.S. Notice what's in Nathans hand in both pictures, might be a bit over the top but he definitely was communicating his vision!

02/18/2021

Part #2 Recap of Nathans Eagle Project:
Boy Scouts are not allowed to operate power saws. (Probably a good rule!)
WHO YA GONNA CALL?!?
Nathan called in the Big Guns both of his Grandpa's!
88 year old Grandpa Robert cut the Rabbet or lap joints into the 2"x12"x4' boards. Grandpa had to hold the heavy boards vertically using a table saw with NO blade guards or any safety devices. (Yes I was very concern for his safety!)
80 year old Grandpa Neale operated the chop saw and cut the 12 foot 4x4's into useable pieces.
*Disclaimer* NO Grandpas were hurt or injured in the making of this Eagle project. Don't try this at home!!!
What was I doing while the Grandpa's were doing all the lifting and heavy sawing...Somebody's gotta be quality control.
Somehow I measured everything wrong!?! So much for measuring twice cutting once.
Is it to late to blame it on the Grandpas?
Bummer...we did not get any pictures of both Grandfathers cutting the wood for their grandsons Eagle project together!
Both families will be installing the planter boxes at the School this upcoming Saturday February 20th and I definitely will get pictures.

Ken's Quality Auto Repair

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