The Dispatch
Monthly News
for Marin Council Leaders
and Friends

Read through this Dispatch to find out what is going on, not only in the next few weeks, but after the first of the year. There are articles about:

• Journey to Excellence
• Scouting for Food
• World Jamboree in 2015
• Of the Year Recognition
• Camp Staff Opportunities
• And much more

As always, should you have questions, contact your commissioner or the council office for help.

We wish all of you a safe and happy holiday season!

The recharter paperwork was due in our office on Monday, December 2. If you are not done, please let us know how we can help.

Some of the common issues we are finding as people are bringing in their paperwork:

• Applications are not accompanying the paperwork for new adults or youth
• Applications are not signed properly (applicant and unit leader for youth and applicant, charter rep, and committee chair for adults)
• People are not adding the $3 per registration for insurance. This does not appear on the tally at the right-hand top of the roster. However, it is on the fee sheet we included in the packet.

If you have additional people who joined after you have submitted your work to BSA, then just bring the forms into the office, and we will enter them.  

Greetings Cub Scout Leaders,

For our December meeting, the theme is Lights, Camera, Action, and our core value is Positive Attitude. We will be making a special craft project where everyone will take home their very own unique creation. Join us during this holiday season as we talk about our Duty to God and the variety of religious awards your Cub Scouts can earn. This will be a special meeting that you will want to attend. And remember, bring another leader from your pack, and you just might take home Cubby!!!

The Council office and Trading Post will be closed for the afternoon of December 20.

The Trading Post will be closed for inventory starting December 24 through January 2. Inventory only applies to the Trading Post; the Council office will be open.

When: January 8

Time: 7:30PM

Where: LDS Church, 220 N. San Pedro Rd., San Rafael

Come learn about the World Jamboree on Wednesday, January 8, and find out why this event--similar to attaining Eagle Scout or Ranger/Silver/Quartermaster awards--will be the one of the pinnacles of your Scouting career. The World Jamboree to be held in Japan in 2015 will be a very special experience, and is only open to Boy Scout and Venturing youth ages 14-17.

Who should attend: Boy Scouts and Venturers who will be of age 14-17 by July 2015, parents, Scoutmasters, Advisors, assistant Scoutmasters, and associate Advisors.

Join us to find out about more in a short, casual meeting; you'll hear from former World Jamboree Scouts and leaders about this wonderful once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

It's not too early to plan for the 2014 camping season. So for those looking for outstanding high adventure camps throughout the U.S., please send an email for a spreadsheet of about 75 (yes, 75) such opportunities.

Add to your pack, troop, and crew calendars the work parties that desperately need help from you all to maintain our highly-valued and heavily-used Camp Marin Sierra. These are on the coming 2014 Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. There is lots of important work to do, but also lots of food and fun! For more information about those, email Tim Wells.

In addition to Tamarancho and Marin Sierra, remember that we have our very own remote high adventure camp for Leave No Trace camping just a few hours away. Anyone interested in a weekend at Slanes Flat, an amazing site, should contact the council office.

The Cub Hub is the new online gateway into the world of Cub Scouting.

Cub Scouting goes beyond the uniform. It's about fun and doing your best. And the Cub Hub is all about showing that through vivid pictures, videos, and stories. We're always searching far and wide for the best of Cub Scouting on the Web and elsewhere.

Think of it like a giant idea factory! Here, you'll find amazing and creative ideas to bring more fun to your pack.  

• Ideas to put a little zing in your meetings

• Sweet contests 

• Super fun projects for parents and Cub Scouts

• Amazing images and videos  sure to get you and your Scout fired up

• And some just plain cool Cub Scout-related content from all over the Web  

PLUS

• Links to everywhere Cub Scouts are on the Web! You can connect with your fellow Scout leaders and parents on the Cub Scout social channel of your choice - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest.

• Basic information including guidelines and how-tos to help parents and leaders do their best. 

The new home of the Cub Scouts. You can find it online by clicking this link. Check it out now!

Don't forget to tell family and friends so they can join in the fun, too!

We are pleased to announce our 2013 Distinguished Citizen Honorees, recognizing two outstanding Marin leaders, both of whom have displayed exceptional service to youth in our community over many years.

David Hellman

Marin County Office of Education Trustee, Rotarian, Past President Marin County Bar Association, and supporter / advisor to a number of Marin County non-profits.

Mary Jane Burke

Superintendent of Schools Marin County Office of Education, Dominican University Board of Trustees, and recognized leader in education and public service.

David and Mary Jane will be honored at the Marin Council Distinguished Citizen Dinner on Thursday, December 12, 2013. If you wish to attend, contact Michael Dybeck.

Come on in to the Tradin' Post to find some gifts for your Scout or your Scout leader.

You can find our holiday hours in the article above.

We hope you have a great December and a wonderful holiday season!   

The Shooting Sports Committee would like more volunteers to help. This is a wonderful opportunity to participate with the youth in something they love and educate them in safety and proper use of firearms. The committee meets on the third Thursday of each month, 7:30 p.m., at council office. Rifle, BB, and archery range staff positions are available for qualified safety-minded volunteers. Range staff training is ongoing. Check the council calendar for training dates and events or call or email the office for information.

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The Oakland A's are happy to announce that the A's Scout Day event will be back for the 2014 season! This year's event is scheduled for Sunday, June 1, vs. the LA Angels. Once again, the event will feature a special pregame festival, parade, and a Scout day patch.

Group tickets are now on-sale. To reserve a group, all that is required is a 10% deposit. Call or email Mason Snyder directly at 510-563-2373 to get started!

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For those interested in Geology programs for Webelos, click this link to find out how you can participate in a geology program at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch.

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By clicking this link, you will find a great BSA resource for membership. Take a look through the sight, and see what is available for packs, troops, and crews to recruit.  

A Scout is Thrifty!

With that in mind, it might be time to start thinking about your end of the year tax liabilities. Since the markets are at new highs, gifts of appreciated securities can be very beneficial not only to your charity of choice but also for your own tax purposes. In most cases you'll receive the full market value charitable deduction as well as avoid capital gains taxes on the appreciated value. Contact Michael Dybeck to find out more about giving options.