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February, 2018 Vol. 11, Issue 2
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Dear ,
Happy February everyone! The month of love, presidents, and loads of Scouting. Read below for what is coming up!
Scout Sabbath/Sunday, 2/3 and 4
Pinewood Derby Workshop, 2/10
Klondike Derby, 3/2-4
Archery Rangemaster Training, 3/10
Recognition Dinner, 3/12
Bunny Shoot, 3/24
April Training,
and more!
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Please forward this monthly newsletter to other people in your unit that may not be receiving it. They can also
click here to subscribe if they are not on our mailing list.
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It's Roundtable Time
Thursday, February 1, Is Roundtable
Unit leaders don't forget to send someone from your unit to the roundtable meetings. It's a great time to meet other leaders, share best practices, and ask questions.
Roundtables are at 7:30, the first Thursday of every month from September through June, at the LDS Church, 220 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael.
This month, along with the regular Cub Scout and Boy Scout roundtables, there will also be a Venturing Rally, all starting at 7:30.
Fun and fellowship begins at 7:30 p.m., winding down by 8:30. Are your Webelos preparing to bridge into a troop? Do all Scouts enjoy shooting BB guns? This month, we'll share ideas on how to make the transition smooth and successful, and learn how the Boy Scout honor society, Order of the Arrow, can help make your bridging ceremony awesome and unforgettable. We'll also hear about fun events coming up at Camp Tamarancho that will include shooting range opportunities for the Scouts.
March's theme will be Cub Scout Investigators / Trustworthy, and we'll also be sharing ideas on how to weave that into your den and pack meetings.
See you there!
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Pinewood Derby Car Workshop
Plan to join us for our annual workshop and $5 Hot Dog Lunch. Plans are to staff the BB gun and possibly archery ranges (weather permitting). Purchase your Pinewood Derby car kits at the council store before the workshop. We will provide some design ideas and a workspace. Then, we will cut the car to match your drawing and even provide design pointers and a scale to check the car's kit total weight.
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Klondike Derby 2018
Many Marin Council Boy Scout troops already know about the upcoming Klondike Derby, run by Talako Lodge Order of the Arrow, on March 2-4. However, many have not yet signed up.
No troop has yet signed up!
Visit our web site by
clicking this link to download the Sourdough Manual and to register. You can only register online. All information and instructions will be on that web page. Deadline is Tuesday, February 27.
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Marin Council Recognition Dinner
Don't miss this awesome event!
Scouts and leaders from all over Marin will be recognized and enjoy a meal together at the
Marin Council Recognition Dinner on March 12. This dinner is for everybody, and it is a great opportunity to see all the width and breadth of what is going on throughout Marin County!
You will want to be sure to support friends or those from your unit receiving recognition. There will also be outstanding youth and adults from other units and the general council operations that give countless volunteer hours to the Marin Council.
Make your reservation early because it fills up fast. You can save money by reserving before March 2, and the final deadline is March 7. Because we have to give our attendance numbers to the caterer, we cannot accept late registrations nor walk-ins.
Call (415-454-1081) or
email us with any questions.
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Scout Sunday/Sabbath
Scout Sabbath or Sunday is the perfect time to say "Thank you" to your Chartered Organization (if it is a church) or a local church that you attend. Sunday February 4 is the BSA-designated Scout Sunday for 2018. February 3 is Scout Sabbath. Scout Sabbath and Sunday are usually observed before Scouting's anniversary on February 8, but it can be observed on any day that is most convenient to the local congregation. Regardless of when they are observed, it should be a meaningful occasion. Think of it as a way for the unit(s) to say "Thank you" and to maintain strong relationships with the churches, synagogues, and chartered organizations. It is a means of outreach and ministry between the congregation and the Scouting units, and thus into the community.
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Cub Scout Camping
Cub Scout Day Camps
Registration opens 2/1 and is only on our
web site.
Theme: Weird Science
Day Camp at Camp Tamarancho is the highlight of a Cub Scout's year! However, youth who are not currently in Cub Scouts are welcome attend. Day Camp is open to boys and girls who will be entering the second through fifth grades in the fall of 2018.
- First Day Camp: June 25-29 (registration open through 6/14/18)
- Second Day Camp: July 9-13 (registration open through 6/29/18)
- Third Day Camp: July 23-27 (registration open through 7/12/18)
Bus service is available from many parts of Marin, if desired. Cost for Day Camp is $265, with a $20 discount for currently registered Cub Scouts. Bus service is $50 per camp. There is an early bird discount of $15.00 until March 23.
Family Fiesta
Theme: Safety First
May 18-20, Camp Tamarancho
What is Family Fiesta? Family Fiesta is a family camping experience for Cub Scouts, Webelos, invited friends, and their families. This camp will introduce the Cub Scouts and their family to some of the activities that can be experienced in our summer day camp programs. Just like at camp, events and activities are run by Boy Scout troops and Venturing crews. The Cub Scouts will get an opportunity to meet summer day camp staff and older Scouts, and as a bonus, they get an idea of all the fun and exciting things that await them when they become Boy Scouts or Venturers.
The theme and activities around "Safety First" will provide an opportunity for Scouts, siblings, and parents to learn and practice Scout skills, crafts, and values. Marin Council troops and crews will lead campers in events ranging from field sports, climbing, nature hikes, shooting sports, and safety exploration. The day will close with a campfire program. The cost is $15 per person age 5 and older. This price does not include food, which varies by meal. Meal ticket sign-up deadline is May 11.
More information is on our
web site. Registration is only online, so
click here to register.
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Marin Council Shooting Sports
Shooting Events that occurred in January
January 27-28, NRA Rifle Instructor class
Upcoming Shooting Events
The next shooting event is the
Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Workshop and BB gun shoot on 2/10/18. During the hours of the Pinewood Derby Workshop run by the Order of the Arrow, the Shooting Sports Committee opens the range for drop-in BB Gun shooting.
Bunny Shoot
, 3/24 (No, we don't shoot bunnies). This event gives Cub Scouts a chance to shoot both archery and BB guns. Registration opens on 2/1. See article below.
Upcoming Range Staff Training Opportunities.
Please consider one of the training certification classes listed. These are national organization certifications and accreditations are accepted anywhere in the USA, not just at BSA camps.
Richmond Rod and Gun Club is offering NRA training in:
3/2/18, Rifle Instructor
3/3/18, Range Safety Officer
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Cub Scout Bunny Shoot
Similar to the Turkey Shoot held in October, this fun event is for Cub Scouts to enjoy archery and BB shooting. The date is March 24, and it will be held at Camp Tamarancho from 9:00-3:30.
No, we will not be shooting bunnies!
With half-hour periods throughout the day, your Cub Scout will have the opportunity to experience one session of each of these activities.
Click this link for a descriptive flyer and shooting sports release form.
When you click the link below to sign up, you will be given the opportunity to choose one half-hour period of each activity. THEN, return to the Marin Council web site to pay and download the shooting sports release form if you have not done so already. If you do not return to pay, your reservation will be dropped.
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Marin Council Pinewood Derby Race
Every year, the Marin Council has a council pinewood derby race at the Marin County Fair. This race is for all the winners of pack races to run off against other packs, and it is the highlight of the year for many Cub Scouts.
We need volunteers to set up, run, clean up after the race, as well as conduct two check-in days in June for packs to register their cars for the race and provide a track and software. This race cannot happen without people to run it.
Cars that are not in the race can be part of the Marin County Fair pinewood derby car exhibition. Forms will be available on our web site hopefully by the end of March. We'd like to get as many cars from Cub Scouts at the Fair as possible.
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Commissioner News
Scoutbook Lite to Replace Internet Advancement
in Second Quarter of 2018
The BSA is excited to roll out a new solution in Q2 of 2018 that will leverage core components of the Scoutbook platform. The current Internet Advancement platform will be retired and replaced by a new online tool called Scoutbook Lite. This new application is being developed now from the ground up so that unit leaders can quickly key in advancement and other important data. It will sport a slick new user interface optimized for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
The BSA has found that less than 10% of units use the CSV data file import feature in Internet Advancement. In the interest of focusing on tools that serve more Scouters, the CSV data file import will not be supported once the current Internet Advancement platform is discontinued. Other than the CSV import feature, Scoutbook Lite will offer optimized functions for everything found in the current Internet Advancement platform.
The Scoutbook database will become the official record of advancement for the Boy Scouts of America, and we will continue to work on and improve Scoutbook as our full feature application.
Contact us. The commissioners are here to help our Scouts become tomorrow's leaders.
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Code Red
Thirteen patrols went through the event with 11 scenarios ranging from shark bites, kayaking accidents, heat exhaustion / heatstroke, and an encounter with a man'o'war jellyfish.
The Red Cross loaned 3 CPR dummies for the Scouts to practice chest compressions. They also gave us basic first aid kit materials to give to all. The Search and Rescue folks were there demonstrating tourniquets and severe bleeding. Also, the San Rafael Fire Department sent a truck and fire fighters who demonstrated the first aid equipment they have on their vehicles. So, a big thanks to the 3 groups for supporting our efforts.
The top patrol from Troop 59 got 997 out of 1100, second place was Troop 48.
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Camp Staff
Interviews Have Begun! Apply Now!
Don't miss your opportunity for one of the greatest adventures you can have: working at camp. Fall is a great time to apply. Interviewing begins after the first of the year.
Marin Sierra
Applications are already flowing in! We are seeking over-21 people to staff waterfront, COPE, climbing, shotgun, kitchen, and other areas. Over-18s can work as area directors or assistants in shotgun, rifle, COPE, climbing, and kitchen. Over 16s can be lifeguards. 15-year-olds can work all summer and be paid. Counselors-in-training are 14 years old and work for 2 weeks. There is something for everyone!
For Cub Scout day camp at Tamarancho, we are seeking the same age groups for a myriad of positions as well.
These camps our your camps!
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Save the Date
Wood Badge 2018--The advanced adult training program of BSA, which teaches contemporary leadership and team development skills in an outdoor setting.
August 24-26 and September 14-16
Click here for registration information.
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Friends of Scouting
Did you Know?
Over 1,000 individuals, families, business, or small foundations donate to the Marin Council annually?
- The average gift for our Friends of Scouting campaign is $207.
- The average gift of an executive board member is $1,459.
- We ask that Scouting families contribute an amount that they are able to help support the program their children enjoy and ask packs, troops, and crews to strive towards 100% participation of all families making a personal gift to the annual Friends of Scouting Campaign.
- Not a single unit in the Marin Council has 100% participation in the campaign. In fact less than a third of the families benefiting the most from the activities and programs of the Marin Council actually donate to the Marin Council.
- Annual dues go to your unit and to National, not to Marin Council
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National Seabase Trip
Troop 15/Crew 215 is sending four crews to Sea Base over spring break--
April 7-14. They have room for 3 Scouts in our 4th boat (all male crew).
The participants need to be 14 or over and be strong swimmers. The total cost is about $1,500-$1,600. The breakdown is $884 for Sea Base fees, $350-$500 for airfare, $150 for hotel/transportation, plus spending money during trip.
If interested, contact
Scott Schneider.
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We want to hear your good turns!
As the story goes, doing a good turn is what brought Scouting to the United States from England. William D. Boyce was lost in fog when a Scout helped him find his way and wouldn't accept anything in return for his help. Boyce was so impressed by this unknown Scout and the Scouting movement that he and several other leaders established the Boy Scouts of America in 1910.
We all know the positive effect Scouting has on the youth in our community and we're always looking for ways to help more youth. To that end, your good turns can help not just once but twice by reaching out to others via Twitter.
For 2018, the Marin Council would like to Tweet a good turn daily. But in order to do that, we need to hear from you. Please ask your Scouts, Cub Scouts, Venturers, and Explorers to submit a good turn each to a leader who can then forward the troop's, pack's, crew's, or post's good turns in a single email or document to the Marin Council VP of Membership,
Kevin Krick.
Please ensure that each good turn is no longer than the new character length for a Tweet: 280 characters.
Thanks to everyone that submitted their good turns. For those of you that haven't yet, please send yours to Kevin Krick as the Council's Twitter feed is now up & running.
In addition, we need followers. Please take a moment to follow @MarinCouncilBSA on Twitter & spread the word!
Thanks & we look forward to reading everyone's good turns!
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World Scout Jamboree 2019
Are you ready to "Unlock a New World"? The USA Contingent to the 24th World Scout Jamboree in 2019 is accepting applications for participants, adult volunteers, and International Service Team (IST) members.
The World Scout Jamboree is the largest camping event organized by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), gathering as many as 50,000 Scouts and leaders from 169 National Scout Organizations. This year, it is co-hosted by Scouts Canada, Association de Scouts de Mexico, and the Boy Scouts of America. The last time the United States hosted a WSJ was in 1967 in Idaho. The theme for the 24th World Scout Jamboree is "Unlock a New World." This reflects the new adventures, cultures and friendships that will be shared by Scouts from around the world. We hope you can join us!
The WSJ is an educational event bringing together young men and young women from around the world to promote peace, mutual understanding, and to develop leadership skills. The Jamboree will feature the hallmarks of past World Jamboree programs, such as the Global Development Village, the World Scout Centre, a special sustainability initiative, and the socialization elements that allow participants to make lifelong friends from around the world.
Participation is open to eligible men and women who are registered members in the Boy Scouts of America. World Scout Jamboree units will be organized on a regional (not council) basis. The United States contingent is limited. While we will be able to send more to this World Jamboree than in the past, we expect there to be tremendous interest and encourage folks to apply as soon as possible.
Dates are July 22 - August 2, 2019 (USA Contingent will arrive on July 21), at Summit Bechtel Scout Reserve, West Virginia
Eligibility: Youth (male or female): born between July 22, 2001 and July 21, 2005, must be age 14-17. Adult unit leaders (born before 7/22/2001, age 18 and older) and International Service Team (IST) age 18 and older.
Apply now. The USA contingent application system opened on November 1, 2017. Participants, adult leaders, and IST will complete an online application. Applications will be reviewed at both the council and national level. Official information and a link to the online application can be found on the
USA contingent web site.
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What's Tradin' at the Tradin' Post
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Oakland A's
Hello A's Scout Day Leaders,
We are excited to announce A's Scout Day for the 2018 season will be on Saturday, April 21, at 6:05 p.m. when the A's face off against the Boston Red Sox.
My name is Justin Jabs, and I am an Eagle Scout, a longtime camp staffer, and Order of the Arrow member. I am so excited to work with you all on Scout Day for 2018 and beyond! I look forward to hearing about your scouting background, your experience at the Coliseum, and working with each of you to make 2018 the best year yet.
Group ticket pricing is now available and we are beginning to make reservations for Scout groups. Please call me directly at 510-746-4440 and I can take care of your group.
Thank you for your support and Go A's!
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