The Dispatch
Monthly News
for Marin Council Leaders
and Friends

These words from the founder of Scouting say so much. He also called Scouting a game with a purpose. Scouting is structured to develop youth through a program that is fun, adventurous, and challenging.

Think of the First Aid Meet, Klondike Derby, Pinewood Derby, along with hikes, camping, cooking, games, and the myriad of other activities we do as packs, troops, crews, and posts. Through all of these, one day at a time, a youth learns teamwork, leadership, how to relate to others, sharing, community involvement, personal discipline, life-long friendships, and so much more.

The secret (and the "sport") is not knowing that it's happening. As leaders, we commit ourselves to that daily process. Although sometimes frustrating, the results over many months and years is outstanding as we watch young leaders step forth like flowers blooming at the appointed time in the spring.

Thank you all for everything you do for Scouting and the youth. Let's go enjoy the adventure with our youth in Scouting! 

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.

This past fall, Pack 59 Scouts and parents gathered to complete the development of a new garden at Bacich Elementary School in Kentfield. Bacich is the pack's meeting location, and when asked what the organization needed in the way of service, the school expressed a need for help transforming a patch of dirt into something more.

Adult volunteers worked with the school principal, school district facilities management, and sourced an outside designer and landscaper to prepare the space for the day of planting. Scouts and siblings dug holes and planted for several hours. A great time was had by all, while saying 'thank you' through service.

The pack sends a big "thank you" to landscape designer Tiphani Palmer along with Dan Duffy California Native Landscapes, who also volunteered time and provided materials at cost.

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Kudos to Pack 59 for sending in this description of their service project. Schools are a fantastic place to do service because they generally always have something that needs to be done. If you would like to partner with your school, call the principal to find out how you can help. A Saturday of helping the school can return huge dividends in strengthening the relationship between a school and Scouting!  

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-to's 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!

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.  

The Marin Council Executive Board is comprised of dedicated volunteers from throughout our community. Each year the council nominating committee reviews our executive board membership and also reviews new members to be submitted for election onto the board. If you would like to make a recommendation of an individual you feel should be considered by the nominating committee for either our executive board or advisory committee, please email Michael Dybeck. Include Nominating Committee in your subject heading.