Project Mataguay History
Mataguay 2009-2010
After major winter storms hit the Southern California region in late 2008, Mataguay Scout Reservation faced a huge task of cleaning up unbelievable amounts of downed trees and more all throughout the facility.
Alpha Phi Omega and Project Mataguay came to the rescue both years by sending out over 150 brothers each time to help in the storm clean-up process! Manning chainsaws and chippers, Alpha Phi Omega helped to clear huge areas of campgrounds that allowed for the 2009 and 2010 Summer Camps and activity areas to be utilized. Brothers also gathered to enjoy the usual activities, and in 2010 also camped in tents for the first time with the huge overflow of interest in the annual project.
For the first times, Project Mataguay also became a committee-planned project, with active and alumni Brothers all across Southern California getting together to plan the overall Project, man the kitchen, lead the groups, and more!
Mataguay 2008
In 2008, Project Mataguay was passed on to Section 2 and its staff and held as an Interchapter Service Retreat with huge success. Over 150 brothers attended Mataguay in 2008, participating in over 1200 hours of community service together! The newfound excitement for the weekend project was overwhelming for the BSA. Teams of 30 brothers each focused on many projects such as: storm clean-up, driveway paving, trashcan painting, lake maintenance, and much much more!
Aside from the service provided that weekend, APO brothers also had great chances for fellowship, enjoying the opportunity to canoe, shoot rifles, and a visit to the Julian Pie Company afterwards!
Mataguay 2007
In 2007, Project Mataguay had a tough time getting started due to a number of date conflicts. Under the leadership of Rho Pi brother Navdeep Taunk, the project did indeed take place with 16 brothers in attendance from Rho Pi. APO brothers helped the camp prepare for the summer camping season by laying down platforms that would be used to put up tents.
At night, brothers gathered around the fire to share scary stories underneath the starlit skies. While a quieter year, the project kept going and would soon expand greatly in 2008!
Mataguay 2006
Project Mataguay was first started in 2006 by Rho Pi Chapter (University of California, San Diego). Coordinated by Rho Pi brother and Eagle Scout Shanglei Liu and in conjunction with then scouting advisor Scott Oldenburg (Camping Director for the San Diego - Imperial Council of the BSA), the project was a new idea met with great enthusiasm.
With about 60 brothers in attendance, this first group did a number of service projects including reclaiming trails, trimming & plant removal, as well as disassembling of fences. A number of brothers from chapters throughout Sections 1 and 2 were in attendance, and the memories from this first year have lived on for a long time.
Mataguay 2006 was also more than just a service project, as a local scoutmaster helped to provide examples of scout activities as well as providing a nighttime stargazing tour!
