The Dispatch
Monthly News
for Marin Council Leaders
and Friends

Motivational speaker Zig Zigler, who passed away a couple of days ago, inspired millions of people over the years by his positive influence and message. Mr. Zigler said this about Scouting: "Following the Scout Law sounds like a game plan that would give us all a better chance for success in life--and I mean every area of life."

In his radio address on February 8, 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said this about the Boy Scouts: ". . . I am inclined to think that the individual Scout himself, as he engages in the activities of his troop and patrol and as he acquires the skills that equip him for service, speaks to us all in a convincing manner of the importance of Scouting in the life of the Nation today."

Then in the following year, on the 31st Anniversary of the BSA and while in the midst of international turmoil, the president remarked: "The Boy Scouts have made and will continue to make an important contribution to the welfare of America's young manhood. The Boy Scouts have always responded generously when called into action in the service of their communities and their fellow citizens."

Below, you can click on links to see pictures of Scouts gathering food during Scouting for Food from across the nation as well as the account of a troop helping during the aftermath of the Hurricane Sandy disaster. In Marin Council alone, Scouts perform over 30,000 hours of community service each year.

Scouting creates an environment where our young people learn leadership, civic responsibility, teamwork, and selfless giving. Along with that, they develop skills such as first aid, emergency preparedness, wilderness survival, and environmental stewardship through a program that is adventurous, challenging, and fun. This is Scouting, and it's Scouting in Marin.

Developing our youth into the best possible people they can be by continuing to provide for them this kind of quality program is worth or time, talent, and treasure. Read below to find out how you can be involved. If you would like to read more quotes from presidents, then click here.

It is that time of year! Holiday Season? Well yes, but it is also recharter time! Many of you have already started the process of rechartering online, and we thank you for that. For those that have yet to start the process, now is a good time to begin. We have asked that your recharter paperwork be completed and turned in to the council by the end of the day on Monday, December 3.

Along with this recharter paperwork, you should turn in your signed Journey to Excellence (JTE) worksheet. Your commissioner may have already contacted you about this. For anyone that has questions or needs some assistance in completing your JTE worksheet, we will have several commissioners at the upcoming roundtable on Wednesday, December 5, that would be happy to answer any question you may have. We will be at roundtable by 7:00 p.m. to speak to anyone that would like some help. Bring all of your JTE paperwork, and get it completed before the holiday season consumes us.

Coming hopefully by the beginning of the year will be the ability to reserve space at Camp Tamarancho. You will be able to reserve campsites, kitchen, cabins, lodges, and program areas.

This option will not only allow you to see what is or is not available, but it will be a great time saver for our office. The ranger will also be able to go online to view reservations. 

So, stay tuned for this service to be available in the near future. Camp Marin Sierra reservations will still be done through our office. 

Scouts never cease to amaze me. Whenever someone needs a helping hand, Scouts are there.

The latest example: Brooklyn-based Troop 13, led by Scoutmaster Pete DiSalvo.

Superstorm Sandy spared the troop's families, but that didn't diminish their desire to serve others.

As we bring 2012 to a close, we begin to look back at all we accomplished together in the Marin Council with growth in programs and membership, increases in camping attendance, and improvements made to our camps. We know that we have provided the lifelong gift of exceptional Scouting to thousands of young people in Marin.

We hope that this holiday season you will support those efforts through your end-of-year donation to the Marin Council. In the coming days, each of our families and supporters will be receiving a holiday card with an invitation to make a donation. When you consider your donation, please know that 100% of your donation remains local--only benefitting Marin youth, Marin programs, and Marin Council camps.

Thank you for all you do for Scouting, and best wishes for the holidays.