Greetings!
October closed with our first big rain of the season, and with plenty more in the forecast for this month, our drought and wildfire concerns have lessened. Scouting youth are busy with popcorn sales, Eagle projects, and our annual Scouting for Food community service campaign to help those who are less fortunate. Don't forget to turn back your clocks one hour before turning in on Saturday, November 7 (2am Sunday 11/08) as Daylight Savings time comes to a close and we return to Pacific Standard time!
Remember to email Cynthia at the Council Service Center to place your unit camping reservation at scenic Camp Tamarancho for a rambling day hike, a star-gazing campout under the autumn night skies at our group campsites, a novice backpacking trek up the hill from Fairfax or Woodacre, or a wilderness survival overnight outpost!
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Council Roundtable, 7:30pm Thursday, November 4 |
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Unit leaders, don't forget to assign someone from your Pack, Troop or Crew to attend this third monthly Roundtable meeting of the new Scouting year! Our virtual gathering together via ZOOM will start at 7:30pm with opening ceremony and brief announcements for all program volunteers. The Scouts BSA volunteers will then move into their own break-out session, leaving the Cub Scout leaders in the main meeting. |
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Please forward this ZOOM link invitation to other Scouters and parents in your local packs, troops and crews to make sure every unit is represented for all the information sharing!
with Commissioners Roger Dickerson, Mike Blum and Sam Guyton!
ZOOM Meeting ID # 828 5485 3668
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Annual "Scouting for Food" Community Service Campaign |
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Together we can help the SF-Marin Food Bank help those in need!
A staggering one-in-five of your Marin County neighbors was in need of food assistance during this past year of the pandemic! Join Marin Council volunteers for our annual door-to-door community service campaign throughout assigned neighborhoods to pick-up food donations and transport them to the SF-Marin Food Bank in San Rafael. We will be holding three meetings in mid-October for local units in the North, Central, and Southern areas of our County to assess the local neighborhood coverage. Click on the links above for further details!
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Scout Day Aviation Merit Badge --- Sunday 11/7
No Admission Charge for Scouts in Uniform
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The Hiller Aviation Museum hosts a Scout Day on Sunday, November 7. Throughout the day, Scouts and Scout leaders in uniform will be admitted to the museum at no charge. Scouts can explore over 50 different historic aircraft, investigate the science of flight with hands-on exhibits, and learn more about BSA Merit Badge programs in Aviation, Weather, and Astronomy hosted throughout the year. No reservations, simply arrive in uniform for free admission on November 7!
Education Department at HILLER AVIATION MUSEUM
601 Skyway Road, San Carlos, CA 94070
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Thanksgiving “Big Turkey” Shoot --- Saturday 11/20 |
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All Marin Council Cub Scouts are invited to this exciting event to build their marksmanship skills on the newly-reopened Archery and BB-gun ranges. This event is for Cub Scouts only; Tigers through Webelos (Lions are not permitted to shoot per BSA Policy, and Tigers must have an adult partner with them at all times).
But don’t worry, NO turkeys will be shot!
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The Autumn months are the traditional period for new membership recruitment and registration, followed by the annual unit recharter process in November. While this may continue to be more challenging during these pandemic times, BSA has streamlined several processes online in Internet Recharter 2.0. To help new families find their way to local Scouting, don't forget to first update your unit-specific profile at www.BeaScout.org!
All recharter materials were sent out by email to unit leaders and committee chairs about two weeks ago, and the BSA online recharter portal opened on Friday, October 15. Hopefully, your assigned recharter specialist has started the process of verifying your current unit roster and membership information. If you need additional support with completing the BSA online recharter paperwork, click here for further details! In addition, your Marin Council professional staff contact information is always available at this website link!
Complete and submit your unit recharter paperwork online by
Wednesday, December 1, 2021!
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Fall Recruiting Season --- "Scoop Up Some FUN!" |
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Let's Grow Scouting in Marin! Nearly 60% of families join Scouting because of a personal recommendation or invitation from someone they know! Statistics show the best recruiting happens at the local level . . . Scout to Scout, families reaching out to friends, and school or community-centered events. To support your recruiting and the growth of Scouting in your local units, the Marin Council is dedicating funds toward underwriting Pack, Troop, and Crew recruitment efforts this fall. We will underwrite the first $100 of your unit's recruiting expenses.
This might include:
- An ice cream social at your meeting place
- Peachjar fees at local schools (BSA has a 20% discount code)
- Handbooks for Scouts that join at a recruitment event
- Facebook ads / Geofencing banners or other local advertising
If it is related to membership growth and will bring new families into Scouting, we will stand behind you and help! Contact your District Executive for more information and also for the reimbursement process. Please remember . . . most of your printing and duplication needs can be met through the Marin Council Service Center at no cost to your unit! Also, don't forget to check and update your unit pin info on www.BeaScout.org!!!
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What's New at the Marin Council Trading Post? |
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We're making our way through recruitment season with lots of uniform supplies and handbooks. And don't forget to pre-order your Pack's Pinewood Derby kit gift edition for the holiday season by emailing Mary Vasser. Your local Marin Council Trading Post is now the 4th largest Scout shop in the SF Bay area, and we appreciate your continued support! We are open weekdays Monday through Friday, 10am to 4:30pm, and now every Thursday until 6pm . . . Come on down and check it out!
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BSA Merit Badges in the NEWS! |
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Citizenship in Society: On November 1, the BSA announced the launch of the Citizenship in Society merit badge, its newest merit badge for youth in the Scouts BSA program. This important merit badge encourages Scouts to explore important topics around diversity, equity, inclusion and ethical leadership and learn why these qualities are important in society and in Scouting. Beginning July 1, 2022, the Citizenship in Society merit badge will be required for any youth seeking to achieve the prestigious Eagle Scout rank.
The Citizenship in Society merit badge is the latest initiative as part of BSA’s ongoing commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. Developed by BSA’s Office of Diversity and Youth Development Office, with input from a dedicated group of Scouting volunteers, BSA youth and professional staff, the merit badge pairs Scouts with merit badge counselors who will help guide Scouts on their journey of self-discovery and facilitate discussions as Scouts seek to further understand the diverse world we live in. For more information on the Citizenship in Society merit badge, please visit www.scouting.org/dei.
Health Care Professions: replaces Medicine MB in January 2022; more details soon!
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Merit Badge Counselor Training --- Saturday, December 11 |
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Is there some hobby that you love to do? Do you have subject expertise you'd love to share with an eager Scout? If so, then this training session is for you!
Join Council Advancement Chair Jesse Barnett who will lead this valuable training session on Saturday, December 11. You'll learn the best BSA methods for delivering the Merit Badge program to Scouts interested in your vocation, or avocation. The training will last about 90 minutes, and result in your permanent certification to counsel Scouts on Merit Badges of your choosing. Register by contacting District Executive MJ Andrews for time and location!
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Reserve your Scouts BSA Summer Resident Camp Week NOW! |
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After a successful Summer reviving the Scout Camp traditions at Marin Sierra following a year away, we are excited by the opportunities awaiting us in July 2022! Our Camp Marin Sierra forms are being updated, and the Council website has all the exciting details to plan your best week ever at Scouts BSA resident camp! This experience is critical to the delivering the promise of adventure and the mission of the BSA to our youth. Click here to place a reservation at the best Sierra summer camp!
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Be a "Friend of Scouting" in support of Marin Council |
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A wide range of donors at every level is what has sustained the Marin Council so far, and what is necessary for us to continue to provide exceptional Scouting in our community. We depend on donations to improve and maintain our camps as well as help subsidize our camp fees so camp is affordable for all families, including camperships when necessary. Donations also underwrite administrative costs ranging from insurance to utilities, drinking water testing and safety, and governmental permitting. And donations help fund a capable staff, ensuring our Marin Council families are supported in a safe program. Every dollar donated touches a component of what it takes to operate our Council and every donation stays local, supporting our Scouts right here in Marin.
We hope that every Scouting family would become a Friend of Scouting through their donation. To make your contribution today . . . click here!
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Venturing BSA --- the Crews' Corner |
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The Council Venturing Committee helps guide our older Scouting youth and young adults with the benefits of this co-ed program and fantastic leadership opportunities. More information about our Venture Crews and their special interests has been provided at recent Scouts BSA Roundtable meetings. For further details, please contact Venturing Commissioner Monika Kainz.
There are several interesting adventures next year to international Scouting events; one with Crew 333 and other with BSA contingents:
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Travel the world with Marin Council Crew 333;
Lead the Adventure!
Join local Marin Scouts who are planning to visit the amazing International Scout Centre in Kandersteg, Switzerland, founded by Lord Robert Baden-Powell. From June 26 to July 8, 2022, we'll travel the Swiss Alps, hike trails surrounded by incredibly scenic beauty, and enjoy meeting Scouts from around globe! Depart from SFO and fly to Zurich, then travel by rail though the Swiss Alps to Kandersteg, and return for a fun overnight in Zurich. The Crew will be camping; all equipment and program is provided. For more details, check out the Kandersteg website or email Crew Advisor Willy Coronado.
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2023 National Scout Jamboree, Summit Bechtel Reserve
This big event happens only once every four years at the Summit in WV, but was postponed from 2021 due to the CoViD pandemic. This new date was just announced, but BSA registration is not yet open. Sign-up to receive more info by clicking here!
World Scout Jamboree, South Korea, August 1-12, 2023
The World Scout Conference has voted to award the 25th World Scout Jamboree to the Korea Scout Association (KSA) for the year 2023. This will be the second World Scout Jamboree for the KSA. They also hosted the 17th World Scout Jamboree in 1991. Find more details here!
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Talako Lodge News Bulletin --- Order of the Arrow Members |
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November Lodge Meeting: Our next Lodge meeting is at 7pm Wednesday, November 10 outside the Elk’s Lodge on the terrace at 1312 Mission Ave, San Rafael. Lodge LEC elections for 2022 will take place that night. Check your email for more information soon and don’t miss the fun outdoors together!
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Fall Induction Wknd: Our OA Fall Induction Weekend at Camp Tamarancho was a huge success with 15 Arrowmen candidates and 4 new Brotherhood members completing their ordeal of service and ceremony. Thanks to the many youth and adult volunteers who supported this important event on our annual calendar.
NOAC 2022 is coming: Mark you calendars! NOAC 2022 is scheduled for July 25–30, 2022 at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. More information will be coming shortly but mark your calendars to attend!
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Annual Lodge Registration and Dues
If you are a Talako Lodge member of the Order of the Arrow, and you have not paid your dues for 2021, please use the link below. Paying your $15 dues helps the Lodge grow, and if you want to attend events or purchase our new PATCHES, then you have to be a member in good standing!
Currently, we have available the new No-NOAC 2020 patch sets shown. They can be ordered when you are completing your annual registration and dues payment online. Also, there is a new link for the Lodge Trading Post where you can order other OA memorabilia, including the new black Talako Lodge flaps!
If you have any questions about the National Order of the Arrow organization, or the local Talako Lodge in Marin, please contact Lodge Chief Alex Perry.
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Continuing Local Scout Unit Meetings and Activities Safely |
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As a reminder, under the Marin County Public Health directives, face masks are now optional for everyone who is vaccinated, but still recommended in public indoor spaces. Our Risk Management Committee has produced several documents to assist with determining your response for planning events and activities. These can be found on the Marin Council website homepage.
Marin Council Service Center: Office Status Updated
The Trading Post is open weekdays and the Marin Council administrative offices are accessible to the public. Our office staff is available to support you with Scouting inquiries almost anytime. Please be aware:
- Council staff is onsite and available by phone Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm.
- Staff may still be working remotely on some days, so if you need to visit a specific staff member in person, it is suggested you schedule an appointment or arrange a phone conference or ZOOM meeting.
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No matter what . . . Council Executive Staff are always available via email at these links: Michael Dybeck, Trish Ferenz, and "MJ" Andrews.
Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during these novel times; please contact Scout Executive Michael Dybeck with any questions or concerns in this regard.
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Scouting . . . we are
Prepared. For Life.
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At the Marin Council, we will continue to do our best to keep you informed of updates to our program calendar. We will also strive to highlight new ways for your family continue to enjoy and benefit from Scouting both at-home and outdoors during these challenging times.
Please check our Council website homepage regularly for the most current information and event calendar, and the frequent social media activity on our Facebook and Instagram pages linked below, as well as those for Camps Tamarancho & Marin Sierra.
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