January 2014
| Vol 7, Issue 1
|
|
 |
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!
|
|
 |
|
|
Recognize Youth and Adults
|
 The Last Minute
Remember when mom and dad said "Don't wait until the last minute . . ." Well, LOL! That time has arrived. Nominations close of the Of the Year awards this Friday, January 10.
Make sure you take the time to select a youth or adult using the Of the Year forms found on our web site by clicking this link. The process is very simple. We suggest you form a small committee of people that can identify your candidates--both youth and adults. Once you identify youth candidates for your unit, your selection will be interviewed by a group of volunteers to select the council-level recognition recipient. (Only youth are interviewed.) The deadline for your selections to be submitted to the council office is January 10. The interviews will take place on January 30. All youth and adults will be recognized at the annual Marin Council Recognition Dinner on March 10.
You can also nominate one adult volunteer from each unit as your Volunteer of the Year. Also available are nominations for Award of Merit and Silver Beaver. These last two are awarded to adults for exceptional service to youth at many levels over an extended period of time.
Speaking of our annual dinner, registration will open on our web site on February 1. The dinner is always a great event and a wonderful way to see and meet other people from around the council.
Contact our office if you have any questions.
|
Roundtable 2014
|
 The next roundtable is on Wednesday, January 8. Both Boy Scout and Cub Scout sessions begin at 7:30 p.m. Roundtable is held at the LDS Church, 220 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael, on the first Wednesday of most months through June. Anyone is welcome to attend. At least one person from each unit should come to stay up-to-date on what is happening around the council.
Scouting for Food patches will be at roundtable to pick up if you ordered them.
|
2015 World Jamboree Introductory Meeting
|
 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 Be Thinking about Camp Staff.
|
If you think your Scouts would be interested in staffing either of our camps, the time to apply is now.
There are three Cub Scout day camps at Tamarancho this summer and six weeks of Boy Scout resident camp at Marin Sierra. Both are opportunities to give back to camp, grow in leadership and people skills, develop a strong work ethic, and earn some money. Along with that, the experience often reignites a Scout's interest in Scouting, and it is common for staff members to form life-long friendships with the people they work with. You can believe that the difference they make in the lives of the Scouts they teach and work with at the camps leaves a legacy in those Scouts lives.
We'd love to come to speak with troops or crews about staffing at camp to generate interest and answer questions. Give us a call or email us to let us know when we can come. Applications for Boy Scout resident camp can be downloaded by clicking this link. Cub Scout day camp applications are available here. Also you can email Chris Wells about Cub Scout camp or Tim Wells about Boy Scout camp with any questions.
|
| Pack 59 Bacich Garden Service Project |
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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! |
Properties Important Reminder
|
Work Parties--You Can Help!
Many times, we hear people say: "If we had known about your work parties, we would have helped." Well, here is your opportunity to put them on your calendars:
The first Saturday of every month: Work party at Tamarancho, 9:00-Noon. Bring your lunch if you wish, gloves, enthusiasm, and a friend. There is always work to be done at Camp!
Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends: Every year for years and years at Marin Sierra there have been work parties on these weekends to de-winterize/open and winterize/close camp respectively. Because we have snow for 6 months of the year, effort goes into transforming camp from summer to winter use and back every year. Plus, there are always tons of maintenance projects. We house and feed you for the weekend. What could be better?
Marin Council, let's take the ownership of our camps to heart and help maintain them. Plan to come to each camp once or twice a year. You won't regret it! Contact John Pope or the council office to find out how you can help.
|
Journey to Excellence: The Path Forward
|
 Over the past month (and continuing as you read this), your commissioners have been evaluating each unit in the council with the Journey to Excellence (JTE) standards. So far, most units have attained GOLD status. Fantastic! However, the 2013 scoring is only one part of the evaluation process. Read more . . .
|
What's Tradin' at the Tradin' Post
|
There are new items for Pinewood Derby cars.
And, you can order your Journey to Excellence patches.
Click here.
|
| Introducing the Cub Hub |
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! |
Other Important News
|
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. --------------------------  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! --------------------------  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.
-------------------------- 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. |
|
Marin Council, Boy Scouts of America
|
|
|
