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Chairman's Corner
With the start of School around the corner can the start of the fall Scouting program be far behind?
I want to thank you all for your strong efforts this year. The Iron Horse district currently leads the council at 104% of our target or $83,786 pledged. Remember, you can add to that number by just asking Solar Universe to do an evaluation of your home. They make a more significant donation if you choose to buy or lease a system.
We have also had a very successful Day Camp. 106 Cub Scouts attended Day Camp this year (up 15% from 2013). I want to thank Stacey Epstein-Corbett, Jane Enloe, Cyndi Davis and the rest of the GREAT DAY CAMP STAFF for all their efforts.
We are also leading the Council in new Tiger Cub Scouts. We currently have 32 Tiger Cubs registered in Pack's 215, 235, 248, 282, 302, 401, and 405 (this represents nearly � of the Tigers in the Council today). Last year at this time we had only 3 Tigers. I want to thank you all for your efforts to recruit these boys and include them in your summer time activities. Let's keep the momentum going with a an active recruiting effort this fall.
Calling all First Graders. Please let any young man between first grade and 18 or young woman between 14 and 18 know about Scouting and what it has meant to your sons and daughters. Those entering 1st grade will join Packs as Tiger Cubs and can participate in all the Pack activities. Now is the time to be planning your fall recruiting drive. Please let us know if you need any support or flyers.
While you have been busy this summer we have been planning for our kick-off of the 2014/2015 Scouting Program at the Pleasant Hill Park on August 21st. We will start with an open house starting at 5:30 pm where we are inviting those interested in Scouting to join us for desert at the Pleasant Hill Park.
September will begin with Round Table on September 4th at the LDS Church on Overlook Drive. I hope that each unit will have at least one representative each month.
Popcorn Sales for 2014 have already started. This is a great way to earn money for your unit's program (Some units in our district have earned nearly $15,000 in past years). Please contact Shannon Jean (palmerscouts@gmail.com ) with the name of your unit's "Popcorn Kernal" as soon as possible.
We will be marching in the Walnut Festival's Twilight Parade on September 13th. The goal is to get 200+ Scouts and Scouters to participate - what a sight that would be! We had a great turn out at the Pleasant Hill Parade. Packs, Troops, Teams and Crews are all encouraged to come out to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Walnut Creek and 104 Years of Scouting. Bring your unit's flag and Scout spirit. I have registered the district as a single unit...so there is no need to register as a unit unless you plan to bring a float.
And the month ends with Advance Camp for Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts on September 26th and 27th. Not only is this a great opportunity for the Scouts to complete partial merit badges and work on their Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class advancement, they will be offering position specific training for Boy Scout leaders.
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 District Kick Off
Thursday, August 21st
5:30 p.m.
Pleasant Hill Park
147 Gregory Lane
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Cub Scout Round Table
Cub Scout Round Table is almost here! Come join us on September 4th as we prepare for the upcoming Scouting year!
At September's Cub Round Table meeting we will discuss October's theme of Responsibility. We will share ideas around Recruitment, Program Planning, and how you can help your Pack or Den deliver an awesome program to your Scouts!
Please pass this message along and encourage other members of your Pack to attend - Den Leaders, Cubmasters, Committee Chairs, Committee Members, Interested Parents - everyone is welcome!
At Cub Round Table you will get real life examples to help enhance your 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 Roundtable!
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We have two Popcorn Kick Off events! Your unit only has to attend one to get all the advantages of this year's campaign. August 5th at the LDS Lake Herman Ward (1125 Southampton Road, Benicia) or August 6th at the LDS Danville Stake Center (655 Old Orchard Drive, Danville). Both programs will begin at 7:00 p.m. and Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be served. Click here for a flyer! Questions? Contact Tim Welty tim.welty@scouting.org the Popcorn Staff Advisor.
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Calling all Troops, Packs, and Crews to the Old Fashion Scout-O-Rama at the Walnut Creek Centennial Celebration.
Did you know that this is the 100th anniversary of Walnut Creek becoming a city? As part of the Centennial Celebration on Saturday, October 18th, 2014, Iron Horse District is organizing an Old Fashion Scout-O-Rama to highlight Scouting in Walnut Creek.
Traditionally a Scout-O-Rama is a large outdoor event where Scouting groups in our local community showcase games, crafts, activities, Scout skills and more. This year we will focus on the history of Scouting in Walnut Creek. Each Unit will have their own booth to showcase their own history of Scouting as well as involving others in an activity of some kind.
All Units will be competing against each other on the following criteria:
* Your game, craft, activity, or skills demonstrated will demonstrate 'Old Fashion Scouting'.
* The game, craft, activity, skills engages the greatest number of the community members.
* A pictorial display of their own history of Scouting in Walnut Creek. The pictures need to be correctly documented and attributed to the photographer and an electronic version must be available to donate to the Walnut Creek Historical Society's permanent collection. Thereby the Scouting history of Walnut Creek will be forever kept. The pictures can be outside of Walnut Creek, e.g. at Wolfeboro.
Several units have already signed up, so it will be an exciting time. Please contact our District Vice Chair Ken Strongman ASAP to reserve your booth. She can help with ideas on activities, too. We need to work with the Walnut Creek Centennial Committee on logistics of the event. Ken can be reached at kpst@kpstrongman.com.
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 Unit Camping Activities for 2014 We would appreciate your unit's camping numbers for 2014. Please email Richard Chase rchase@gmail.com by August 25th the number of Scouts and separately the Adult Leaders who participated in the following activities: Cub Scouts - Day Camp (including the location) Cub Resident Camp (including the location) Webelos Resident Camp (and Wolfeboro Weekend) Family Camp at a Scout Camp (including the location) Boy Scouts - Summer Camp (In Council and Out of Council) High Adventure (50 Milers On Foot or Afloat or Long Distance Bike Trips) National Base (Philmont, SeaBase, Boundry Waters, Bechtel Summit) Camp Staff" |
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Walnut Festival Twilight Parade
We will be marching in the Walnut Festival's Twilight Parade on September 13th. The goal is to get 200+ Scouts and Scouters to participate - what a sight that would be! We had a great turn out at the Pleasant Hill Parade. Packs, Troops, Teams and Crews are all encouraged to come out to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the Walnut Festival and 105 Years of Scouting. Bring your unit's flag and Scout spirit. I have registered the district as a single unit...so there is no need to register as a unit unless you plan to bring a float. Click here for a flyer! |
Conservation Corner
Opportunities for volunteer hours and Eagle Scout projects and Hornaday awards:
Rodgers Ranch Urban Farm
Work parties every Saturday at 10 AM. General garden duties Eagle projects available based on genuine interest; could include designing and building a composting system. For more info, please contact marian@thequantumbusiness.com
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Family Flight Day
Come join us for the 8th annual Cub Scout Family Flight Day! All Cub Scouts in the Council and their family and friends are invited. There will be kite flying, glider racing and many other fun events for the whole family! Sign Up by clicking here for the form.
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 IRON HORSE EAGLE SCOUTS July 2014
Congratulations to our newest Eagle Scouts !!!
Matthew Assily - Crew 494
Sean Berriman - Troop 277
Shane McKenzie - Troop 239
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 |
Wolfeboro Pictures and Videos Wanted
Norman Gee is collecting pictures and/or videos of Scouts enjoying Camp Wolfeboro for possible inclusion in a promotional video to be posted on the Council website. Please send your material to Norman at normgee50@gmail.com.
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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 Mancini's Sleepworld for being another of our community donors.  Please join us in thanking and supporting Solar Universe Diablo Valley for their generous contributions to Scouting. They will make a donation for every estimate made or installation. 
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! Please thank these firms for their support of the Scouting program within the Iron Horse District by patronizing them! Click on their highlighted names for links to their websites.
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Important Dates This Month - August 2014
Life to Eagle - Wednesday 6th - Northgate Chapel, 100 North Gate Rd.. in Walnut Creek @ 7:30 pm
Eagle Scout BOR Binder Review - Wednesday 6th, Northgate Chapel, 100 North Gate Rd. in Walnut Creek @ 7:00 pm
Eagle Rank Board of Review - Wednesday 13th - Northgate Chapel, 100 North Gate Rd. in Walnut Creek
Eagle Project Board of Review - Wednesday 20
th - Northgate Chapel 100 North Gate Rd. in Walnut Creek at 7:30pm
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Ajapeu Chapter Meeting
Chapter meeting 6:30 p.m. Thursday, August 7th this month. Location to be announced. Enjoy your summer break. Pizza and drinks will be available for $3.00. Arrowmen attending for the first time my eat for free! Contact Andrew Zucker for more information agzucker@yahoo.com.
OA Elections
We have finalized this year's round of elections. If your unit is still interested in having an election contact Norman Gee as soon as possible!. Contact Norman if you are interested in learning more about the Order of the Arrow.
Camporee
Save the dates April 17-19, 2015 Sugarloaf Open Space in Walnut Creek. Contact Lee Palmer for more information.
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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
Woodbadge
Part 1 - Sept 12-14, 2014
Part 2 - Oct - 11-13, 2014
Camp Herms
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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 210 $ 3,900 $ 1,745 Pack 215 $ 2,223 $ 1,160 Pack 232 $ 2,145 $ 0 Pack 235 $ 1,833 $ 840 Pack 239 $ 1,794 $ 0 Pack 248 $ 1,248 $ 1,326
Pack 282 $ 3,003 $ 3,420
Pack 302 $ 2.028 $ 700 Pack 401 $ 2,028 $ 955 Pack 403 $ 858 $ 0 Pack 405 $ 1,794 $ 540 Pack 464 $ 2,184 $ 2,600
Pack 529 $ 2,106 $ 1,600 Pack 813 $ 858 $ 0 Troop 202 $ 2,067 $ 2,805
Troop 221 $ 1,248 $ 2,675
Troop 226 $ 1,521 $ 600
Troop 227 $ 760 $ 2,950
Troop 239 $ 2,691 $ 3,142 Troop 277 $ 3,237 $ 5,335
Troop 282 $ 1,287 $ 3,770
Troop 302 $ 2,262 $ 3,875
Troop 401 $ 1,560 $ 520 Troop 405 $ 2,000 $ 1,155 Troop 810 $ 1,794 $ 3,150
Troop 818 $ 1,365 $ 1,500
Troop 832 $ 1,365 $ 3,150
Troop 1811 $ 1,600 $ 1,218
Crew 1 $ 429 $ 0 Crew 122 $ 273 $ 1,575
Crew 405 $ 468 $ 0 Post 229 $ 200 $ 0 LDS 20 $ 273 $ 0 LDS 168 $ 1,638 $ 2,475
LDS 367 $ 2,535 $ 1,185 LDS 372 $ 1,872 $ 0 LDS 492 $ 3,510 $ 4,715
LDS 494 $ 2,535 $ 2,915
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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Uniform Locker
Recycle those old uniforms!
We're collecting used Cub Scout and Boy Scout uniforms for a uniform locker. Check those closets and drawers for uniforms no longer needed. Let's pass them on to Scouts who might need them.
If you have the ability to put a Scout in uniform, please contact Bobby Clary at(707) 869-9040, or by e-mail at bobbyclary@gmail.com and have it picked up! We need Cub Scout Uniforms most of all!
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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 Iron Horse List to communicate important information to the volunteers. The Iron Horse List sends out information throughout the month when information needs to be distributed on a timely basis. To be added to the Iron Horse List 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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