Upcoming Training, District or Council Events

Friday - Sep 2-4 - Family Vacation Camp - Wente Scout Reservation, Willits

Monday - Sep 5 - Labor Day

Tuesday - Sep 6 - Eagle Board of Review - St. Monica Catholic Church, Moraga - See Eagle info below for more details

Thursday - Sep 8 - Roundtable - Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Lafayette

Friday - Sep 9 - Sporting Clays - Birds Landing Shooting Sports - Birds Landing

Saturday - Sep 10 - Cal Scout Day - Memorial Stadium, Berkeley

Saturday - Sep 10 - Shotgun Merit Badge - United Sportsman, Concord 

Saturday - Sep 10-11 - Muir Wilderness First Aid - Camp Herms, El Cerrito

Sunday - Sep 11 - Patriot Day

Wednesday – Sep 14 - Eagle BOR Binder Check - Contact Gordon Bell for time and method

Saturday - Sep 17 - Coastal Clean Up Day

Wednesday – Sep 21 - Eagle Board of Review - Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek - Contact Gordon Bell

Thursday - Sep 22 - First Day of Autumn

Friday - Sep 23-24 - Advance Camp - Solano County Fair Grounds, Vallejo

Saturday - Sep 24 - Pleasant Hill Community Service Day - Pleasant HIll

Sunday - Sep 25 - Rosh Hashanah (begins at sundown)

Saturday - Oct 1 - STEMoree - Camp Herms, El Cerrito

Tuesday - Oct 4 - Yom Kippur

Tuesday - Oct 4 - Eagle Board of Review - St. Monica Catholic Church, Moraga - See Eagle info below for more details

Thursday - Oct 5 - Roundtable via Zoom

Wednesday – Oct 14 - Eagle BOR Binder Check - Contact Gordon Bell for time and method

Wednesday – Oct 21 - Eagle Board of Review - Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek - Contact Gordon Bell

Our next Order of Arrow Village meeting is in person in September  Thursday, Sep 8th@ 6:30 pm at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette.

We normally meet on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm. The meetings are approximately an hour long. More information about that below. 

Our Lodge will be putting together a very active and exciting year ahead with lots of fun activities mixed with exciting service projects, Escape Room, LEAD, Movie Night, Rock Climbing, Hope Walk, OA Trek, Canoe Trip, SF Scavenger Hunt, and Inductions are just a few of the activities that have been planned or done. I would hope that you will get involved and enjoy them with us.

This is your meeting, so come and ask your questions, get your answers and meet your fellow Arrowmen. You can help schedule fun activities to do.

Golden Gate Area Council (GGAC) Community:

The national fee structure for the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has been updated as of August 1, 2022. Overall, there are modest increases to unit charter/affiliation fees ($25 increase) and minor increases in the cost of registration for youth members ($3) and for a Scout Life magazine subscription ($3). 

The value of Scouting is undeniable for those within the program and the greater public, and the BSA is committed to continuing to offer this unmatched opportunity to young people and families nationwide.

As costs on many daily goods and services continue to rise dramatically, the BSA has worked to keep its membership fee as low as possible. However, these external pressures continue to have an effect, and the annual national membership fee must be increased to address the fiscal realities necessary to continue delivering a safe and quality Scouting program.

To ensure the organization has the resources to fulfill the promise of Scouting, the following national membership fee structure will take effect August 1, 2022.

• $75 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts participants ($3 increase)
• $45 for Exploring participants (no change in cost)
• $30 for council-paid memberships (no change in cost)
• $45 for all adult volunteers (no change in cost, includes cost of National Council background check - the separate LiveScan check to meet AB506 requirements is not included in this fee.) 
• $100 for a unit charter/affiliation fee ($25 increase)
• $25 one-time joining fee for new program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts (Not pro-rated, no change in cost)
• $15 for Scout Life magazine; this is the first price increase since 2005 ($3 increase)

The national membership fee helps cover the cost of essential services, including program resources, liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, criminal background checks, youth protection, and the development of intellectual property for national, council, and unit programs. As BSA moves forward, the organization will continue to look at the membership fee structure and how we deliver the Scouting program for future generations.

In addition to the national fees, GGAC charges a council program fee at the time of registration. The CPF is designed to support the basic services that a unit receives from GGAC. The vast majority of the fee (85%) is intended to support program and activities. It is an anchor that allows GGAC to build on those services with additional income from fundraising streams, activity fees, popcorn sales, and endowment revenue. Exploring members are not currently required to pay the CPF. The GGAC Executive Board is evaluating the current CPF and will take action at the August board meeting if any changes are necessary, but the fees remain the same for now ($66 youth, $42 adult).

Across the country and in each of our communities, we know that Scouting remains one of the most valuable investments we can make in youth today so they can become the leaders we will turn to tomorrow.

Our dedicated volunteers, staff, and Scouting families make this possible. Thank you for continuing to support one of the most valuable opportunities available to young people today.

Dan Walters

Council President

Mike Hale

Scout Executive

Michael Allison

Council Commissioner

Amazing news - the Pack 88 and Scouting for Equality 2022 Pride Parade contingent have been selected as one of the finalists for the Best of the Best Overall SF Pride Parade Contingent Award!!!

What we need from you is to go onto the SF Pride website and vote for us to win!! 

It's understood that many of you couldn't make it due to other commitments or distance, so now is the time to help show your support for Inclusive Scouting.

Please share the information far and wide - you do NOT have to have marched, nor be a scout yourself in order to vote for the contingent and Inclusive Scouting, nor do your friends and family, so please please share the information far and wide!

Polls are open so please go to the SF Pride website and Vote! Polls close on Thursday, September 15th at 11:59 PM.

Scouting is for everyone! Lets vote for Inclusive Scouting.

Jon

Cubmaster Pack 88

Citizenship in Society Merit Badge

NOW Eagle Required

Scoutmasters: Thank you for helping your Scouts in their journey through Scouting. The new merit badge, Citizenship in Society, is now “Eagle Required.” The Advancement Committee has adopted a process focused on serving those youth who will “age out” this calendar year. Both Scouts and Counselors participating in National’s pilot reported that results were enhanced working with a group of 6 to 8 high school aged Scouts who were within 2 years of age.

The process prioritizes 17-year-old Life Scouts who will not complete the Eagle Scout requirements (less an Eagle Board of Review) prior to June 30, 2022. Participation will be expanded for other Life Scouts (and other ranks) as the demand by 17-year-olds diminishes.

Please:

Review the Citizenship in Society requirements.

Review the Scout’s record of completed merit badges.

Discuss cohort participation with Scout and parent. Determine readiness.

Complete the on-line form: https://forms.gle/rxgjH2zU8b8aofyf8

Please assure the parent is connected to Scout in Scoutbook as all communication and Merit Badge sign-offs will occur through Scoutbook

What will happen:

Parent will be sent coupon code and instructions for Scout to:

Review Available Citizenship in Society Cohorts

Select Cohort with compatible schedule

Register using a one-time Coupon Code or pay $1,000 (this is there to ensure scout has a coupon code!).

Scoutbook will be used for all communications.

Virtual meetings such as Zoom, Goggle Teams, etc.

We still have tickets!!!! So don’t miss out on Scout Day with Cal Berkeley!!... Roll on you Bears!!!!

Join us at the Maxwell Family Field for a scavenger hunt before the game. And the first 50 youth 12 years and under in uniform will get access to the high five tunnel… the ultimate experience!!

Hope to see you all there!

https://scoutingevent.com/023-CalBearsFootballScoutDay2022

Order of the Arrow Elections

Last Call for unit elections! There is still time to schedule an Order of the Arrow election for your Scouts BSA units before the last induction weekend in August. Contact Michael McDowell, Village Adviser to Schedule.

Section G17 Conclave

The 2022 Section G17N Conclave will be held at Camp Lassen in Butte Meadows, California on September 16-18. From the coasts of Marin to the arid mesas of Nevada, five lodges will gather to participate in a weekend of fun, fellowship, and brotherhood. Arrowmen will have the opportunity to participate in activities of their interest, compete with their lodges, and find new life long friends. From enjoying our themed cracker barrels, to playing gaga-ball with your friends, to laughing uncontrollably at our evening show, we are confident you’ll have an experience that strengthens the ties of brotherhood. So mosey on down to Camp Lassen and join us!

Click here to register!

Useful recruiting resources prepared by our neighbors to the South!

Definitive resource guide for your campaign broken into the 6 Steps for Successful Recruitment. It includes timelines, how-to's, HOOKED ON SCOUTING details, sign up night instructions for different styles of events, position descriptions, and more!

Welcome back from COVID Quarantine!

ADVANCECAMP 2022

SEPTEMBER 23-24, 2022

(Friday-Saturday)

Additionally, for those units coming on Friday & Saturday evenings, we will be offering a Scout Nights at 

Troop Registration Opens Aug 1, 2022

On Line Registration Ends Sept 16, 2022 at 5:00pm

NO LATE OR WALK-IN REGISTRATIONS

Merit Badge Counselor Training Friday Night 7:00-8:30 PM

We offer over 60 different Merit Badges & most of

Trailhead Rank Advancement

 For more information email Steve Hoagland at

[email protected]

or call 925-303-9689

Troop Open Houses

Troop 200

Lafayette

Troop 200 invites all first and second year Webeolos and their families to attend our open house on Tuesday September 13th, from 7:00-8:00pm at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Ln, Lafayette.

This is a great opportunity to have fun, meet our scouts, and learn all about the troop! 

Our website is http://www.bsatroop200.net. Please contact Anthony Toribio at [email protected] or 925-451-4404 with questions or to RSVP. 

Briones Troop Challenge 2023

April 29-30, 2023

Camp Herms

First Scout planning meeting

September 18 (Sunday) 2-4PM

1070 Larch Ave in Moraga

All scouts are welcome to come help plan this event.

We will need to pick a theme at this meeting.

Questions and suggestions may be sent to:

Wendell Baker

At [email protected]

Community Service Day (CSD) projects are for groups (scout troops or dens), individuals and for families with their children.  The event is from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and has a range of activities from gardening to clean-up projects at Walnut Creek parks, schools and libraries. There is also a Food Bank collection site at Heather Farm Park for food donations from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasant Hill & Walnut Creek Eagle Scouts

August 2022

Congratulations to our newest Eagle Scouts

   Are you wondering where some of the Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda Eagle Scouts are? PARENTS & Scoutmasters: please send pictures of your Scout in uniform to Norman Gee with the information of the date and the unit the Scout earned their Eagle Scout rank. We want to make sure EVERY EAGLE SCOUT receives recognition for their achievement! Contact Norman [email protected] or Bonnie Hazarabedian [email protected].

Vincenzo  Macaluso - Troop 810

Monica Weibert - Troop 200

Daniel Woelfel - Troop 832

Reminder of several aspects of the Eagle Scout Rank process that have been missed by many of our Scouts lately. Please read them below and share the information with your Unit Leadership and Eagle Scout Candidates.

If the Scout needs to have an extension of time, please have them complete the form found here: https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/GTA-11.2.0.0-form-2021.pdf. This form then needs to be emailed to our Briones District Advancement Chair Mrs. Bonnie Hazarabedian ([email protected]), our Council Advancement Committee Chair Mr. Merl Nygren ([email protected]), and our Council Advancement Committee Advisor Mr. Matt Lindberg for review.

Please note that our council can only grant up to a six-month extension. Any time beyond that needs to be approved by our National Office. Also, our Council Advancement Committee only meets once per month to discuss extensions, please make sure to have your Scout complete the extension form and turn it in at least a few weeks before their 18th birthday. They are to continue to work towards completing their Eagle Rank even if they have not heard back from the committee about their extension.

Eagle Scout Project Proposals need to be reviewed and approved by either Mr. Chris Kolm ([email protected]) or Mr. Mark Paulson ([email protected]) prior to any work being done on the project. Mr. Kolm will review projects via email and then arrange meetings at his residence in Moraga by appointment on Monday evenings. They will sign in the “Council or District Approval” section on Proposal Page H in the Workbook (https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/EagleProjectWorkbook2021c-v2.pdf).

If the Scout needs to complete an Eagle Scout Project Fundraising Application (Fundraising Application Page A in the Workbook), the “Authorized Council Approval” is for only Morgan Fjord, as interim District Executive, to sign after signatures of the Beneficiary and Unit Leader are received. Please have the Scout email him at [email protected] and make sure to include at least one other adult in that email.

Once the Scout has completed their Scoutmaster Conference for Eagle, they need to send their completed Eagle Scout Rank Application to Morgan ([email protected]) to review the application before it gets verified at our Council Office. The latest this step can be done is the day before the Scout’s 18th birthday, or the final day of their approved extension. If the Scout has an extension, please have them let Morgan know that final date of their extension at this time.

A few notes on the Eagle Scout Rank Application (https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-728_WB_fillable.pdf):

An Eagle Scout Rank Application can be downloaded from ScoutBook with all of the dates preloaded into the correct fields, by using the information provided on the attached PDF.

Each line on the application must be completed through the signature of the Unit Committee Chair on page two. With the exception of the employer reference, if the Scout is not employed.

All information for each reference must be included: name, address, telephone, and email. If the Scout does not have a religious reference, they must include a parent or guardian in that field.

The Grand total of hours under Requirement 5 on page two is the total number of hours the project took to complete, counting everyone’s involvement, not just the Eagle Candidate. Please encourage your Scouts to start this tally of hours as they are starting to research project ideas.

If even one number on a completion date is incorrect from the Scout’s official records, Morgan will send the application back to the Scout to be corrected.

If there are missing dates for items that have not yet been entered into the Scout’s Advancement Records, please include a BSA Advancement Report (https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34403.pdf) with the application. This report authorizes our Council to enter in the missing dates. If Morgan finds a missing date on an application, Morgan will reach out to you individually for this report.

Once the Eagle Scout Rank Application is correct, Morganwill then send it to our Council Registrar Michelle Behrendt ([email protected]) for the Council Verification step on page two. This process may take a day or two, depending on workload, vacation schedules, etc.

After the verification has been complete, Ms. Behrendt will email a scan of the application back to the candidate, cc’ing Morgan and our Council Advancement Committee Chair Mr. Merl Nygren ([email protected]).

Scouts can then schedule their Eagle Scout Board of Review with Mr. Herb Lederman ([email protected]) for the Lamorinda Area, or Mr. Gordon Bell ([email protected]) for the Walnut Creek/Pleasant Hill Area. Scouts working with Mr. Lederman for their Board of Review need to send their workbook to Mr. Bruce McGurk for pre-board processing. After the Board of Review is complete, paperwork is sent to our National Office for final verification and certification. About 3-4 weeks later (sometimes up to 6 weeks), the Eagle Scout’s National Certificate and final paperwork is mailed back to our Council Office. Once they are received, the Scoutmaster or Committee Chair will be notified that the Eagle Credentials and Award Kit is available for pick up.



Please remind your Scouts to always include at least one other adult while emailing any of the people mentioned above. This keeps everyone within Youth Protection and CyberChip guidelines. If a Scout forgets to do so, Morgan will kindly remind them of this policy in his email reply, in which he will include you.

We know that this is a long and complicated process. It can go smoothly by following these few steps.

 Thank you and please let Morgan know if you have any questions.

California Coastal Cleanup is the third Saturday of September. The cleanup brings awareness to the marine litter problem and provides a community event for direct involvement. Join the movement for an environment where people and ecosystems can survive and thrive. Volunteer alongside your families, friends, coworkers, scout troops, school groups, and service clubs. If you're not sure how to get started please let us know. Plan to spend a day outside connecting with your community to celebrate California!

The event is part of the International Coastal Cleanup, organized by the Ocean Conservancy. California Coastal Cleanup Day is the largest volunteer event in the US and International Coastal Cleanup Day is the largest volunteer event on the planet!