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Chairman's Corner
I hope this finds you enjoying our much needed rain and are deep in the final planning for your spring and summer activities. I wish we had more rain this year and hope we have another miracle March ahead of us. We still need that snow pack in the Sierra's.
There are so many activities to choose from:
Our Program Faire on March 6th at the Overlook Chapel (all leaders, "Scouts" and parents are invited). Come learn about the exciting programs and resources available to you and your son's and daughters.
Special Round Table for Boy Scouts, Parents and Leaders at the Sports Basement on April 3rd. Come learn about how to outfit a new Scout and receive a discount on your purchases that night.
Blackhawk 500 on April 5th. Bring your pinewood derby cars to race or if you have time volunteer to help.
Camporee at Rancho Los Mochos on May 17-18 (Webelos are invited on May 17th)
Spring Cub Scout Family Camp at Camp Lindblad (http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/events/cub-scouts/cub-scout-resident-camp )
NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training). Registration for the June courses will open on March 1st. This year there are two complete courses in June allowing more opportunities to participate. Now each troop can send a total of four potential leaders to NYLT (Two each week).
Cub Scout Resident Camp at Camp Herms (http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/events/cub-scouts/cub-scout-resident-camp )
Cub Day Camp (July 7th - 11th) at Pleasant Hill Park
Webelos Weekends at Camp Wolfeboro
Boy Scout Summer Cub Camps
And even the Pleasant Hill 4th of July Parade
Please watch the Express for more information on these and many other events including our plans to help Walnut Creek celebrate its 100th anniversary.
I also want to let you know that the 2015 World Scout Jamboree Registration should open by mid March. Here is a link to more information on this once in a lifetime adventure (http://www.scouting.org/worldjamboree.aspx )
I want to thank those units who have already completed their Friends of Scouting campaigns. I hope that those who can will continue to give generously. Starting this month we will begin to recognize units who have exceeded their goal. Please let us know if you need assistance in making the presentation to your unit.
I also want to let you know that the Camp Card program for 2014 is about to kick off. This year we will have an Iron Horse specific card. I hope you will buy and use them with our local merchants. Watch for the kickoff event in March. I wonder which unit or Scout will sell the greatest number this year?
Please let me know if you have any ideas or suggestions for our District. I can be reached at 510.507.4642 or at cesavage@pacbell.net.
Yours in Scouting,
Chuck Savage, Iron Horse District Chairman
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Please Join Us at the
Iron Horse Program Faire!
Thursday, February 6th
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Scouts, Parents, Scoutmasters and all interested parties are welcome!!
LDS Overlook Chapel
2369 Overlook Dr., Walnut Creek
Cub Scout
Come on out to Cub Scout Round Table!
March's meeting will cover April's theme of Health & Fitness. We will be discussing the ScoutStrong Program to bring added excitement and fun to your Den and Pack meetings, choosing Activities for your Den and the Webelos Outdoorsman and Handyman Activity Badges! Please pass this message along and encourage other members of your Pack Leadership to attend - Den Leaders, Cubmasters, Committee Chairs, Committee members - everyone is welcome! At Round Table you will get real life examples for Pack and Den meetings; information on policy, events, and training opportunities; ideas for crafts, games, and ceremonies; and an opportunity to share experiences, enjoy fellowship, and most of all have fun! See you all at Cub Scout Round Table!
Boy Scout Theme: Pioneering
Boy Scouts - Program Faire
The March Round Table is featuring a Program Faire. We will have representatives from the High Adventure Training, Adult Training (Position Specific and Wood Badge), Youth Training, Cub Day Camp, Cub Resident Camp, Wolfeboro, Aquatics, Shooting Sports, Conservation, and special events like the Black Hawk 500. If it is a program resource or training opportunity, then a representative will be there. This is a great opportunity for Parents, Scouts, and Scout Leaders to learn about what the Council offers!
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NEW Annual Medical Forms
And starting March 3, 2014 you're getting a streamlined version of the BSA health forms and an easier-to-use website to accompany them. The site is the result of several BSA teams (professionals and volunteers) joining forces to make this process a painless one for you and other Scouters.
The Annual Health and Medical Record (hereafter AHMR) comes in several flavors, and until now some Scouters and parents found it a little difficult to determine which version of the AHMR they or their Scout/Venturer needed.
New website
Just by glancing at the new AHMR website, it's easy to see how much better it is than its previous iteration. The previous version had good content, but it featured an intimidating block of text. The new version makes navigation a breeze.
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INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM AT HERMS, OCTOBER 18
What is WOSM? What do you do at JOTA / JOTI? Where and what is Kanderstag? Where and what is SBR? What is a Regional Jamboree? To find out, come to the Council's INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM, at Camp Herms, all day Saturday, October 18, 2014.
The youth will be busy with JOTA / JOTI running concurrently. This will be a very special Wider Scouting event, presented especially for folks with international Scouting experience, or more importantly, who WANT TO GET some international Scouting experience. Unit leaders - both youth and adult volunteers - are specially invited. BSA national chartered will sending a representative from the BSA International Committee. One more question: Do you have a passport? If not, what are you waiting for!
For more information on what's happening on October 18, ask Chuck Savage, Richard Burton, or Randy Summers, our Iron Horse members of the MDSC International Committee.
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The whole family is invited to the April 3rd Boy Scout Round Table at Sports Basement (1881 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598). Sports Basement is generously hosting a Scout Night for us where they will explain some of the summer camping gear that is recommended and the benefits of some of the different types. Additionally, all scouts will receive 10% off any gear purchased that night! As if that is not enough, they are also donating 10% of all purchases back to the Iron Horse District! Please invite all scouts to join us for this excellent opportunity. Click here for a copy of the flyer!
The April Cub Scout Round Table will be at Overlook Chapel in Walnut Creek (2369 Overlook Dr, Walnut Creek, CA 94597).
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Cub Scout Day Camp
Day Camp Registration is now open! Please remember that in order to run a successful Day Camp for all of our Cub Scouts we need plenty of parent volunteers. Consider joining us at Pleasant Hill Park from July 7-11 for an unforgettable Galactic Trek with your Cub Scout! http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/iron-horse-pleasant-hill-day-camp
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Cub Scout Competition
We are hosting a Cub Scout thank you card design competition. Prizes for winners include printed thank you cards with your design, Day Camp discounts, and much much more! ALL cub scouts are encouraged to enter! For details and entry forms contact Cyndi Davis cyndi.davis@scouting.org.
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Tiger Day 2014
We are forming a committee for Tiger Day 2014. This event will take place May 14, 2014, and is designed to be a kick-off celebration for those who are looking to join scouting. At this event we will have information about the Packs, information about scouting, fun activities, information about summer events, etc. We are looking for individuals to help plan this event and individuals to help us on the day of the event. Please contact Cyndi Davis, 925-674-6102, cyndi.davis@scouting.org if you are interested in helping.
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Community Service Opportunity!
On the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month from 7:30-11am there are pancake breakfasts at the Concord Veteran's building. The Veterans can use the help of a few good scouts each week to serve to their community supporters. Please contact Paul Carroll paulgcarroll@sbcglobal.net if you are interested in helping. Events like these count toward your unit's community service hours. Be sure to record the service hours on http://www.myscouting.org.
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Iron Horse District Dinner 2014
We are forming a committee for our Annual District Dinner. At this dinner we recognize the achievements of individuals that have really gone above and beyond for scouting. Without the incredible volunteers at the unit and district level, Iron Horse could not exist. We have a lot to celebrate this year and we want you to help us do it! If you would like to be a part of the planning process, please contact Cyndi Davis, 925-674-6102,
cyndi.davis@scouting.org.
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Blackhawk 500
Blackhawk 500 Registration is now up! http://www.bsa-mdsc.org/events/cub-scouts/blackhawk-500. Please encourage any families that enjoy Pinewood Derby to join us for this year's council Pinewood Derby at the Blackhawk Auto Museum (3700 Blackhawk Plaza Cir, Danville, CA 94506). We are also welcoming volunteers for this spectacular event! Please contact CyndiDavis,(925) 674-6102, cyndi.davis@scouting.org with any questions or to volunteer.
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2014 Friends of Scouting Campaign
The Friends of Scouting (FOS) campaign is now underway! Support our camps (Camp Herms, Camp Lindblad and Camp Wolfeboro) and our intrepid district and council staff!
The FOS campaign is the Council's annual fundraiser in which we ask for contributions from the families of Scouts who directly benefit from the Scouting program. Watch the FOS video by clicking here!
Please note that FOS packets were created from 2013 rosters as our computer system can only draw from what has been inputted. If you would like updated labels printed for your unit, please send an updated roster, with new families clearly marked, to Cyndi Davis, cyndi.davis@scouting.org. Please keep in mind that it takes a few days for these labels to be created and completed. Information needed: First Name, Last Name, Address, City, State, Zip, and Unit (ex. Pack 123).
Please contact Ron Grafton, the Iron Horse District FOS Chair with the name of your FOS chair if have not already!
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 IRON HORSE EAGLE SCOUTS February 2014
Congratulations
to our newest Eagle Scouts !!!
David Barentsen - Troop 221
Daniel Dauer - Troop 401
Brian Wong - Troop 282
We want to recognize your Scouts with pictures of them with their projects. Send pictures of your Scout with their project and they could be featured here! Send it today to Norman Gee normgee50@gmail.com |
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A Win-Win for Local Businesses
and the Iron Horse District
A new program was kicked off earlier this year. We would like to partner with local businesses by asking for a donation; and will then create a significant thank you in our newsletters for those who donate at certain tier levels.
- For donations $200 and up, we will feature a link to their business website in the thank you section of the Iron Horse Express.
- At the $375 level, we will include the message in any two monthly issues of their choice
- At the $525, we will also include the ability to customize their message with a quarterly promotion.
- At $2000 or more, they can customize their message on a monthly basis
Please let Chuck Savage or Cyndi Davis know if you know the owners of a local business and would be willing to approach them with this win-win solution.
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Round Table Committee
We are looking to improve our Round Table Program! We need your feedback to help us continue to strive for better programming and training for you. We have the most phenomenal leaders and we want to give our best back to you. If you are interested in joining our Round Table Committee, please contact Cyndi Davis, cyndi.davis@scouting.org or 925-674-6102
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NYLT
MDSC will conduct two more 2014 National Youth Leadership Training Conferences at Camp Lindblad in June (16th-21st and 23rd-28th). Details can be found at the Council website and in the 2014 NYLT Flyer. Registration for the June Courses will be available through the Council website soon.
The BSA NYLT Conference presents what a leader must BE, what a leader must KNOW and what a leader must DO, by applying modern leadership and team development theories. Youth camp, work, play and learn - living a month in the life of a model unit condensed into an intense two weekend Conference. They experience the stages of team development, practice from a "toolbox" of leadership skills and learn that youth unit leadership requires vision, goals, and planning. They learn how to be a leading influence in their own unit; discovering resources, methods, games and new skills to make unit meetings, treks and other activities more exciting and worthwhile; skills that also help youth emerge as leaders outside of scouting - at school and in the community...
With Unit leader approval, Boy Scouts, Varsity and Ventures (minimum 13 years of age) that are interested in the Winter NYLT program should register as soon as possible. As in prior years, the Winter course is limited to 32 participants and it tends to reach capacity early. Registration for the June Course will be available in early Spring.
Also, we are looking for adults that are interested in serving in NYLT program and quartermaster supporting roles. Interested Scouters should contact Bruce Arms.
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We are currently working on updating the Iron Horse Page on the council website. Now you are able to find the current and past editions of the Iron Horse Express in the Iron Horse Page. Click here to find the contact information for the Iron Horse District Committee. For input and contributions to future editions of the Iron Horse Express contact Norman Gee
**If you know someone that would benefit from receiving this newsletter please forward them this email so that they can subscribe by clicking the "Join our Mailing List" button. Thank you.
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Our Community Donors
We welcome and thank Diablo Trophies and Awards as our very first community donor. Thank them for their support of the Scouting program within the Iron Horse District by patronizing them. Click on their logo to check out their website!
Matthew Rinn
State Farm Insurance
We want to thank Matt Rinn for his company's contribution to the Iron Horse District. Contact him at 925-671-0222 for your insurance needs!
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Important Dates This Month - March 2014
Life to Eagle - Wednesday 5th - Northgate Chapel, 100 North Gate Rd.. in Walnut Creek @ 7:30 pm
Eagle Scout BOR Binder Review - Wednesday 5th, Northgate Chapel, 100 North Gate Rd. in Walnut Creek @ 7:00 pm
Eagle Rank Board of Review - Wednesday 12th - Northgate Chapel, 100 North Gate Rd. in Walnut Creek
Eagle Project Board of Review - Wednesday 19th - Northgate Chapel 100 North Gate Rd. in Walnut Creek at 7:30pm
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Ajapeu Chapter Meeting
This month's chapter meeting will be Thursday March 6th at the Overlook Chapel at 2369 Overlook Drive in Walnut Creek at 6:30 p.m. Pizza and drinks will be served for $3.00. Contact Andrew Zucker for more information agzucker@yahoo.com.
OA Elections
We are ready for the next round of elections. You can now start scheduling elections. If your unit is interested in having an election contact Norman Gee.
CAMPOREE
Time for making your reservations for Camporee is coming up soon! Webelos are welcome! Camporee needs more help with staffing! Any First Class Scout or above may help. Contact Andrew Zucker or Lee Palmer.
May 16-18, 2014
Rancho Los Mochos
Livermore
Save the date! Plan on having a fantastic time with your fellow Iron Horse Units!
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Training Corner
Every Scout deserves a trained leader. Click here
to see what it means to be fully trained. Check the MDSC website for more information and registration details. Click on any of the blue highlighted fields to get more information or register.
Upcoming Training:
Adult and Youth
Okpik II - HAT Advanced Cold Weather Camping
March 4, 22-23, 2014
Tread Trainer
March 22, 2014
Basic Backpacking - HAT
March 19, 2014
April 11-12, 2014
Wilderness First Aid
April 5-6, 2014
B.A.L.O.O.
April 12, 2014
Outdoor Skills for Webelos Leaders (Cub Scouts)
April 12-13, 2014
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (Boy Scouts)
April 12-13, 2014
Leave No Trace Trainers Class
May 17-18, 2014
Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
Paddle Sports Awareness - HAT
May 6, 2014
May 31 - June 1, 2014
N.Y.L.T. - June #1
June 16-21, 2014
Wilderness First Aid
June 21-22, 2014
N.Y.L.T. - June #2
June 23-28, 2014
KodiakJune 22-28, 2014 Camp Wolfeboro
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We're happy to announce the A's Scout Day event is back for the 2014 season! This year's event is scheduled for Sunday, June 1st vs the Los Angeles Angels. Once again, the event will feature a special pregame festival, parade and Scout Day patch.
Group tickets are now on sale. To reserve a group, all that is required is a 10% deposit. Contact Mason at 510-563-2373 to get started.
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FOS Goals
Unit goals for FOS are based upon the number of youth in each unit for 2014. 2014UNIT GOAL PledgesPack 201 $ 3,900 Pack 215 $ 2,223 Pack 232 $ 2,145 Pack 235 $ 1,833 $ 40 Pack 239 $ 1,794 Pack 248 $ 1,248 $ 1,326
Pack 282 $ 3,003 Pack 302 $ 2.028 $ 250 Pack 401 $ 2,028 Pack 403 $ 858 Pack 405 $ 1,794 Pack 464 $ 2,184 Pack 529 $ 2,106 Pack 813 $ 858 Troop 202 $ 2,067 Troop 221 $ 1,248 Troop 226 $ 1,521 Troop 227 $ 760 $ 300 Troop 239 $ 2,691 Troop 277 $ 3,237 $ 550 Troop 282 $ 1,287 $ 50 Troop 302 $ 2,262 $ 3,685
Troop 401 $ 1,560 $ 25 Troop 405 $ 2,000 $ 1,135 Troop 810 $ 1,794 $ 2,915
Troop 818 $ 1,365 $ 1,500
Troop 832 $ 1,365 $ 200 Troop 1811 $ 1,600 Crew 1 $ 429 Crew 122 $ 273 $ 1,000
Crew 405 $ 468 Post 229 $ 200 LDS 20 $ 273 LDS 168 $ 1,638 $ 100 LDS 316 $ LDS 367 $ 2,535 LDS 372 $ 1,872 LDS 492 $ 3,510 LDS 494 $ 2,535 Units with their pledges in green have exceeded their 2014 FOS goals! Great job! Let's keep it up!!!
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Scout Day
Hiller Aviation Museum
Earn the aviation or weather merit badges at one of their special one-day programs at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos. Click here for more information and reservation form. |
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Online Training
Youth Protection
Troop Committee Challenge
Chartered Organization Representative
Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Den Leader
Cubmaster
Climb On Safely Hazardous Weather Physical Wellness Safe Swim Defense Safety Afloat This is Scouting Trek Safely
Anyone can take this online training; you do not need to be a registered leader. All adults (registered or not) are encouraged to take Youth Protection Training online. All registered leaders are required to update their YPT every two years.
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ARF
ARF's Animal Compassion Tour is a perfect opportunity for your troop or pack to learn about compassion and responsibility through hands-on activities.
ARF's volunteer programs are a great way to earn community service hours and help animals in need.
Community Service (grades 6-12)
Junior Volunteer Club (grades 6-8)
Teen Volunteer Training (grades 9-12)
Our programs meet badge requirements; however, troop leaders need to obtain the badges from official scout sources.
Kaitlin Lewis
People Connect Specialist
Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation
2890 Mitchell Dr,
P.O. Box 30215
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
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Iron Horse List
In addition to the Iron Horse Express the Iron Horse District also uses the IronHorseList to communicate important information to the volunteers. The IronHorseList sends out information throughout the month when information needs to be distributed on a timely basis. To be added to the IronHorseList please send your name and email to ironhorselist@gmail.com.
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Join Us On Facebook
Stay connected and join the Iron Horse District Facebook group and share your unit's stories, photos, videos and more with the rest of the Iron Horse District. To  view the Iron Horse District Group click the facebook logo and join today!
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