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March, 2018 Vol. 11, Issue 3
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Dear ,
March Hare? March Madness? No, March Scouting! Here's some of what's highlighted in this newsletter:
- Roundtable
- Archery Rangemaster Training
- Marin Council Recognition Dinner
- Cub Scout Bunny Shoot
- Fishing Derby
- Camp Staff Opportunities
- Cub Scout Camping
- 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, March 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.
Cub Scout Roundtable
Are your Scouts looking for fun ways to get outside this spring? Have you met local Boy Scout leaders to ensure a smooth transition for your Webelos? This month, we'll start with a joint session in the room where troop leaders generally meet. We'll hear from our local expert, Greg Reza, on really cool conservation and community projects Scouts can join through the Marin County Parks and One Tam.
Then we'll break out into our usual meeting space for some fun and a really informative demo of ScoutBook. April's theme will be Cub Scouts in the Future / Loyal, and we'll also be sharing ideas on how to weave those themes into your den and pack meetings as well. Fun and fellowship begins at 7:30 pm at 220 N. San Pedro Rd., winding down at 8:30 pm.
See you there!
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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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Cub Scout Spring Bunny Shoot
Don't miss this fun event. It's filling up!
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.
Last day to register is March 19.
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Cub Scout Camping
Early Bird discount available through March 23!
Day Camp is the highlight of a Cub Scout's year! However, boys and girls who are not currently in Cub Scouts are welcome attend. Day Camp is open to youth 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 $265.00, with a $20 discount for currently registered Cub Scouts. Bus service is $50 per camp.
There is also an early bird discount of $15.00 until March 23, 2018.
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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Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturing Leader Training
Here are the upcoming training classes all on April 28:
- Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation
- Cub Scout Leader Specific Training
- Scoutmaster/Asst. Scoutmaster Specific Training
- Venturing Leader Specific Training
Find them all by
clicking this link to our Training page.
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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 popular and fun race is for all the winners of pack races to run off against other packs; it is the highlight of the year for many Cub Scouts.
The race is run by volunteers from packs and even troops and crews who set up, run, clean up after the race, and conduct two check-in days in June for packs to register their cars. We also need a pack to supply a track, software, and operators.
This race cannot happen without people to run it.
If you or your pack can help with any of the above, please
send an email to the council office.
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
Commissioner College and New Youth Protection Training
This past Saturday, Feb. 24, the commissioners attended the area Commissioner College. The keynote speaker was Charles Dahlquist, BSA National Commissioner. Mr. Dahlquist, not only is a gifted speaker, singer, and spoke to the nearly 200 commissioners on current topics, but he led a separate class (Family Scouting) and allowed a Q&A for almost an hour. It was a long day but well worth the effort for our commissioners.
Marin Commissioners: Yvette Brown and Bruce MacCarthy achieved Associate and Bachelor's degrees. Bob Rasmussen received Associate.
Sam Guyton was our dean of the college and taught a class on Mining Commissioner Tools. Sam was instrumental in following our commissioners and insuring they received their degrees. Former Council Commissioner, Tony Mei, taught 2 classes on Disability Awareness.
New Youth Protection Training and Guidelines
There is a new Youth Protection Training! It is being called YPT2 and replaces the current version. All registered members will need to be current in YPT2 by October 2018. You will recognize the new version because there are four (4) distinct modules to take. There are no longer different versions for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing, or Exploring. Even if...Yes, even if you just took the earlier version or are current within the past two (2) years, everyone will need to pass the new version
Contact us. The commissioners are here to help our Scouts become tomorrow's leaders.
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Camp Staff
Don't Wait! 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
We are seeking to fill some key positions:
Over-21--Directors for waterfront, COPE, climbing, and shotgun
Over-18--Shotgun assistant, rifle assistant, climbing assistant, Scoutcraft director, Trail to Eagle director, Cooking merit badge counselor, medical officer (EMT or above).
Over 16--Lifeguards.
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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Marin Council Shooting Sports
February Shooting Events
February 10 - Pinewood Derby BB gun shoot - The OA workshop went from 9-1 but so many Scouts wanted to shoot, we kept the range open until 2:30! In all 83 scouts got to shoot.
February 11 - Shooting Sports Committee staff shoot. Shooting Sports staff enjoyed a day of adult shooting with different types of rifles and pistols while adjusting the sights for better accuracy. Instructors brought their personal rifles and pistols and we all got to experience and learn about different firearms. These were a mix of .22s and pellets. To top it all off, Greg Spry surprised us by bringing lunch.
Upcoming shooting events
March 17 - Piedmont Troop 4 will be shooting .22 rifles.
March 24 - Cub Scouts have the opportunity to shoot both BB guns and archery during the annual Spring Bunny Shoot (see article).
Upcoming Range Staff Training Opportunities.
Richmond Rod and Gun Club is offering NRA training: 2/27/18, Basic Instructor Training (prerequisite before other classes); 3/2/18, Rifle Instructor; 3/3/18, Range Safety Officer. Contact RR&GC directly at
www.richmondrodandgun.com.
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Talako Lodge Order of the Arrow
The Pinewood Derby Workshop was a success with at least 138 Cars cut. This continues to grow and it is becoming a very popular destination stop. It is also driving Cub camping as a number of packs are making it an overnight event now.
Talako Lodge will be reaching out to Scoutmasters and SPLs to coordinate troop elections for new Arrowmen candidates. We will be holding our Spring Ordeal on the weekend of April 20-22 at Camp Tamarancho.
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Time to Think about Fishin'!
Yes! The Fishing Derby is on! Joe Cilia and his crew are ready to host this popular activity again. Thanks goes to them for pitching in year after year.
The date is Saturday, May 12, 9:00-Noon, at the Marin Rod & Gun Club in Point Richmond. Thanks again to the club for donating the use of their facility!
There will be a fishing seminar from 8:00-9:00 to learn how to set up tackle. After the derby, there will be a BBQ lunch and prizes. The event is low cost, and you can register online by
clicking this link. There is also a link for more information and a waiver by following that link.
If you have Fishing Derby questions, call
Joe Cilia at 415.246.9131 or email him. For registration questions, email
Tim Wells.
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Committee Training
Congratulations to Packs 48, 85, and 76, Troops 1, 15, 24, 42, 59, 73, 76, 101, and 200, and Crews 200, 215, and 335 for hosting a unit committee training this year. Not only are your leaders and parents better versed in how a unit should be run, but you are in an earlier round for the June Winter Camp lottery!
If your unit would like a training, please contact Nancy Rozell for packs and Tim Wells for Troops or Crews. Let's fortify our committees, which, in turn, will strengthen our program.
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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 to register and obtain information.
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Did you Know?
- The Marin Council operates on just over a one million dollar annual operating budget, making it one of the more efficient non-profits in the county?
- During the last five years we have held our reoccurring operating expenses to that level even in the light of rising fuel, food, and regulatory costs
- Yet while managing to hold those annual expenses steady, we have greatly increased the spending on our camps, dealing with many deferred maintenance issues and needed improvements.
- In 2017 and 2018, over a quarter of a million dollars is being directed to camp repairs and improvements.
- Your Friends of Scouting donation touches every part of the Marin Council's operation from the water wells at camp to the Trading Post in San Rafael.
- Providing support for Scouting in Marin and providing great camp properties for our Scouts is the primary goal of Friends of Scouting.
- We need your support. Watch for the 2018 Friends of Scouting brochure coming in the mail next month!
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Marin Troops Take "Be Prepared" Seriously
Mill Valley Troop 1 hosted Scouts from around Marin to attend a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) group training to become CERT certified. CERT is a national program to train citizens to help fill the gap between a disaster and the arrival of professional services.
Offered through the City of Mill Valley, this special CERT class for Scouts, parents, and adult leaders included members from Troops 1, 15, 42, 73, 76 and Crew 215. Scout and Venturer training costs were covered by a grant from the Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club, and we extend a big thank you to them!
CERT trained members learned how to provide immediate assistance, to handle small fires, turn off utilities, give basic first aid, setup a disaster center, perform light search and rescue, and collect information to provide arriving professional first responders. The training was 2 full days. Scouts earned 16 service hours and completed several requirements for the Emergency Preparedness merit badge. More importantly, in the event of a disaster, Marin troop/crew members are now qualified to step up and assist the community.
In the event of an emergency, our first responders will be overwhelmed! It is critical for citizens to be prepared to take care of themselves, their neighbors, and their community for at least 3 days. To Do a Good Turn, learn more about CERT, and signup,
click this link. To coordinate CERT training for your troop or crew, please contact the Marin County CERT Coordinator
Maggie Lang or 415-961-0907.
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Marin Council Staffing Opportunity
We're searching for our new Camp Tamarancho ranger and are now accepting applications.
Applicants would need to possess basic skills in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, as well as the ability to operate both light and heavy equipment. The candidate would need to have solid customer service skills, enjoy interacting with a variety of people, and be able to work independently with sound judgement and minimal supervision.
This is a full-time position with benefits and includes housing at Camp Tamarancho; it is a requirement that the ranger live on-site.
If you are interesting in applying for this position, please send a resume and cover letter to
Michael Dybeck at the Marin Council office.
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Coming Up
Wilderness First Aid Training
Save the date for a Wilderness 1st Aid class at Tamarancho on June 9-10. It will cost $130 per person. If people want to add CPR (and they should), it is another $35 for a total of $165 combined.
Minimum is 14 participants. More info to come.
Marin Sierra Camp Opening Work Party
Don't miss this opportunity to invest and work at your camp. Every year on Memorial Day weekend in May, teams of people work hard to get camp ready for the summer. Please come and help. More to come in the next couple of months. Email Tim with questions or to RSVP.
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What's Trading at the Trading Post
ALERT to troops with bridging Webelos!!!
National is currently NOT selling the basic red neckerchief with the white logo! They have available the red with bold black lines and logo or a dark green with the white logo.
Please let the council store know if you would like some ordered by emailing Leigh Ann.
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Fishing Instruction Opportunities
Basics of Freshwater Fishing at McGinnis Park
Join McInnis Park rangers on Saturday, March 17, 9:00-11:00 a.m. when they will teach tips and tricks of the trade of freshwater fishing at the park's pond. This event requires a short walk up and down a large hill to reach the park's pond.
This event is ideal for all ages. All skill levels are welcome and no experience is necessary. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Don't forget to bring a fishing pole. We'll provide a limited amount of fishing poles, thanks to the Department of Fish and Wildlife. A fishing license is required for participants 16 and over. Friendly dogs are welcome, but must be leashed. Rain will cancel.
DIRECTIONS to 31 Smith Ranch Road: Meet at the skatepark. From Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take the exit for Smith Ranch Rd east approximately 0.7 miles. Drive over the railroad tracks and immediately turn left to stay on Smith Ranch Rd. (If you go through the park entrance, you have gone too far.) Look for the sign for the skatepark, turn right, and follow the road to the skatepark parking lot.
Learn to Saltwater Fish at McNears Beach Park
Join rangers on Saturday, March 24, 10:00 a.m.-Noon, to learn how to fish on the San Pablo Bay. A limited amount of poles will be available on a first come, first-served basis. A valid California fishing license is required when fishing from the shore, not from the pier.
This event is ideal for all ages. All skill levels are welcome and no experience is necessary. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Don't forget to bring a fishing pole. We'll provide a limited amount of fishing poles, thanks to the Department of Fish and Wildlife. No pets (except service animals) are allowed at this park. Rain will cancel.
Questions or to RSVP, contact Kevin O'Donoghue at (415) 446-4424. Park entrance fee is waived for participants.
Directions to 201 Cantera Way, San Rafael. Meet at the fishing pier. From Hwy 101 in San Rafael, take the exit for Central San Rafael east. Take 2nd St east, which merges into 3rd St, and then turns into Point San Pedro Rd. Follow Point San Pedro Rd for 3.6 miles, turn right at Cantera Way, and follow to the large parking lot at the end.
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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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