Saipan Liberation Day Parade

Saipan Liberation Day - July 4, 2011

The WWII Battle of Saipan, which began on June 14, 1944, lasted for 24 days. Civilians encountered during the period of the battle and afterward, while emergency conditions still prevailed, were placed in secure camps to keep them out of the way of the fighting. In these camps, the U. S. military could also better meet their basic needs for food, clothing, shelter and medical care. The native population were released from these camps on July 4, 1945 and the anniversary of their release is celebrated as "Liberation Day" every July 4th.

The Scouts of Saipan march in the annual Liberation Day festivities and parade every year. This year about 75 Scouts from 6 Packs and Troops participated.

Saipan Summer Camp 2011

Photos from the Summer Camp held in Saipan - 6/27 to 7/2/11

Camp was held at Kam Pacific Park in Northern Saipan

Preparing for the opening campfire



The skits were fun, but the smores were best

The Scouts got to build things, including marshmallow shooters

Most of the youth had never held a bow and arrow before

We took a six mile hike to Selena Cave

A coconut break along the way

The Cub Scouts joined us for a Day Camp on the last day

Finally there... Selena Cave

Only the older Scouts were allowed to venture inside

Parents day... the last night

Closing campfire, Troop 913 did the Haka

Giving the Scouts their patches and wristbands

CNMI District Celebrates Scouting’s 101st Birthday

In celebration of Boy Scouting Week, the CNMI District held a Scout Picnic on Saturday, Feb. 12, at the American Memorial Park in Saipan. The Scouts enjoyed various activities and competitions like knot tying and lashing, talaya throwing, kite making, and coconut husking on the Saturday event. Presentations were also given by the Department of Lands and Natural Resources' Division of Fish and Wildlife in an effort to teach the Scouts about their local environment. Pictured is a DLNR staff member teaching the Scouts about the endangered Pacific Green Sea Turtle and their mating habits.

New Island Director

Calistro Reyes

New Island Director for Northern Mariana Islands

The Aloha Council, BSA welcomed a new Island Director for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Calistro Reyes began working for the Aloha Council on July 20, 2009.

Calistro Reyes brings a lot of experience to Scouting. Prior to his retirement in 1996, Calistro worked for the Depart of Social Affairs as the Scouting Coordinator for Saipan. He served in that position for 16 years.

Calistro’s experience will be a great benefit to Scouting in CNMI. Since taking on the position he has helped organize a new unit, and a summer camp at Paupau Beach.

Update on Scouting in the Pacific

Republic of Palau

In the far west reaches of the Pacific Basin Scouting lies the islands of the Republic of Palau; a gem in the Pacific, especially when it comes to Scouting.

Palau, and Koror State to be specific, has one of the most active Scouting programs in Micronesia. Although small in number, Koror State offers consistent Scouting activities.

This is all due to Scott Yano, Director of State and Cultural Affairs, and El’Zeder Eledui, Scouting Coordinator. The successes here in Palau can provide examples of how to succeed in other areas of the Pacific, and you can be a part of this Scouting experience in paradise by becoming an Island Commissioner.

Above: Scott Yano, Director (far right); El’Zeder Eledui, Scout Coordinator (in blue)
and the staff of Youth Division of the Department of State and Cultural Affaris

Mariana Islands

The PBS District of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) opened a new Scout Service Center on the island of Saipan. The facility was donated for the use of Scouting by the Saipan Government. The building was in poor condition when received and repairs and renovations were funded primarily through donations from Tan Holdings, Inc., Century Insurance, District Chairman David Sablan, the Saipan Rotary Club and with labor provided by district volunteers.

The facility will house the Boy Scout district offices and be used for Scout Roundtables, district meetings and Basic Leader Training. It is a large facility and includes one main room that serves as a resource center and library, three offices and a conference room.