Greetings!
Autumn weather is in the air as the leaves on our trees begin to change color. Our Scouting youth are busy with popcorn sales and unit recruiting events. Let's keep the "Outing" in our Scouting by supporting all the great programs posted on our Council calendar here in beautiful Marin. You'll find more information below or on our Council website homepage!
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 shooting sports activity, a star-gazing campout under the autumn night skies at our group campsites, a novice backpacking trek from Fairfax or Woodacre, or a wilderness survival overnight outpost!
|
|
Council Roundtable, 7:30pm Thursday, October 7 |
|
Unit leaders, don't forget to assign someone from your Pack, Troop or Crew to attend this second 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. |
|
Please forward this new 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
|
|
Fall Recruiting Season --- "Scoop Up Some FUN!" |
|
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!!!
|
|
What's New at the Marin Council Trading Post? |
|
We're gearing up for recruitment season with lots of uniform supplies and handbooks! 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!
|
|
Annual "Scouting for Food" Community Service Campaign |
|
Together we can help end hunger in Marin!
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!
|
|
Jamboree on the Internet --- October 15-17 |
|
What Is Jamboree-on-the-Internet?
Jamboree-on-the-Internet, or JOTI, is an annual international Scouting event sponsored by the World Organization of the Scout Movement. Each year, during the third weekend in October, Scouts from around the world gather online to learn about other cultures and the activities in which other Scouts participate. They communicate with each other using Internet-enabled devices such as computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. Last year, JOTA-JOTI had over 1.5 million Scouts and leaders participate in more than 160 countries. WOW!
Who Can Participate?
Scouts of any age can take part, from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts and Venturers. Scouts can participate at home with the help of an adult, or they can participate in a Scout group at a council event. JOTI is an economical way to participate in an international jamboree. The event allows Scouts to “meet” other Scouts from around the world through the Internet and share more information than just “Hi.” The exchanges can include such information as name, location of event, Scout rank, age, and hobbies. Some exchanges lead to long-lasting friendships. JOTI participation fulfills requirements for Tiger and Arrow of Light adventures, the Citizenship in the World merit badge, and the International Spirit Award.
When Is It?
JOTI runs from Friday, October 15 through Sunday, October 17; further details can be found at the International Scouting link here!
|
|
Shooting Sports Rangemaster Training --- Sunday 10/24 |
|
Our three Rangemaster training sessions at Camp Tamarancho last Spring were well-attended, so our Shooting Sports committee has added another this fall in preparation for re-opening our popular Pumpkin & Turkey Shoot range activities! Here's your chance to attend rangemaster training, giving you the skills and certification to teach our younger Scouts about marksmanship and safety for a fun archery, bb-gun or slingshot experience. The Council Shooting Sports Committee is offering this range certification training day for any registered Scout leader, and new volunteers are always welcome!
Meet at Tamarancho on Sunday, October 24 beginning at 9am to range certify for BB-gun and Archery in the morning, then a scenic lunch break at the Sundial picnic area overlooking San Pablo Bay, followed by Slingshot and Tomahawk in the afternoon. Preregistration is required, so email Steve Dutra today to sign up for the range training you need!
|
|
Halloween "Great Pumpkin" Shoot --- Saturday 10/30 |
|
All Marin Council Cub Scouts are invited to this exciting event, wear their fun Halloween costumes, and build their marksmanship skills on the newly-reopened Archery and BB-gun ranges at Camp Tamarancho. 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 pumpkins will be shot!
|
|
BSA National Outdoor Conference Online --- November 5-6 |
|
The National Outdoor Conference is Scouting’s largest biennial conference for volunteers and professionals charged with delivering the world’s greatest outdoor program for youth! The BSA’s National Outdoor Conference features elective sessions, outstanding keynote speakers, vendor exhibits, and fellowship with Scouting’s top outdoor leaders.
In November 2021 its coming right to your digital device virtually! Never before has it been so easy to join fellow Scouters and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country to learn new methods, share ideas, and check out the latest in outdoor gear and programs. This is the conference to take part in if you are involved in any way with outdoor programs and property management in the BSA!
The conference will focus on:
- Membership Growth through Outdoor programs
- Property Utilization
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in BSA outdoor programs.
|
|
Hey Cub Scouts --- Who's Ready to Go Camping?!? |
|
The chance to go camping continues to be the number one reason why youth join Cub Scouts! Our Summer Day Camp, Webelos Woods, and Family Fiesta events conveniently nearby at Camp Tamarancho, were all big successes this year as our families looked for opportunities to Escape the Indoors!
Pack overnighters can be an exciting way to engage new families in our outdoor programs. As Fall approaches, your pack probably has an annual plan that includes Blue and Gold Dinners, Raingutter Regattas, Pinewood Derbies, Holiday parties, carnivals, and other fun Pack outings. Don’t forget to add a couple of camping trips!
|
|
BSA's Summer of Service --- Did Your Scouts Participate? |
|
It's not too late to join Scouting families across the country in a spirited Summer of Service! As we have throughout our history, Scouting families are answering the call to work together in service of the greater good. From public health drives, to caring for the environment, to assisting neighbors in need, Scouts have always been a force for positivity and goodness in our communities. Now more than ever, our world needs that Scouting spirit once again. Let’s step up! Together, we can answer the call to make a positive impact in our neighborhoods and communities. Join us today, with projects big or small, in a Summer of Service! For more information, please click on Scouting.org!
|
|
50th-anniversary Environmental Protection Agency Award |
|
The Environmental Protection Agency, as part of a public awareness campaign to celebrate its first 50 years, has partnered with the Boy Scouts of America to create an award for members of troops, crews and ships. This new award will recognize youth who research and learn about the subjects of human health and the environment, as the EPA develops its vision for the next 50 years.
The objective of the EPA award is to combine a variety of disciplines to challenge and educate youth; introduce them to the breadth of the EPA’s involvement in environmental protection and conservation; and encourage them to research, investigate, experiment, demonstrate, survey, and study air pollution, water pollution, solid and hazardous waste, and ocean dumping. Click here for more details on this exciting award available only during 2021!
|
|
Scout Day Aviation Merit Badge --- Sunday 11/07
No Admission Charge for Scouts in Uniform
|
|
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
|
|
Thanksgiving “Big Turkey” Shoot --- Saturday 11/20 |
|
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!
|
|
Reserve your Scouts BSA Summer Resident Camp Week NOW! |
|
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!
|
|
Be a "Friend of Scouting" in support of Marin Council |
|
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!
|
|
Leadership Training is Required of all BSA-Registered Adults! |
|
Great news! Adult Leader training is back in person and we have several important courses scheduled for this fall! If you’re not sure what training courses are needed for your unit leaders (Packs, Troops, Crews), the following link shows what sessions are required for each program level of the Scouting program: Leadership Training.
Position-Specific Training for all adult leaders!
Cub Scout Leader Training on Saturday, October 30 --- Register NOW
Scoutmaster/ASM Training on Saturday, October 30 --- Register NEXT
Youth Protection Training (YPT) is mandatory for all Scouting adults and must be completed every 2 years. Our Council goal is for 100% of our registered adults be YPT-certified on their record. Register or check to see when you are due to renew your YPT by logging in to my.scouting.org.
|
|
Venturing BSA --- the Crews' Corner |
|
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:
|
|
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.
World Scout Jamboree, South Korea, August 1 to August 12, 2023
This big event happens only once every four years. BSA registration is not yet open, but we’ll let you know when it is!
|
|
Talako Lodge News Bulletin --- Order of the Arrow Members |
|
October Lodge Meeting: Our next Lodge meeting is at 7pm Wednesday, October 13 outside the Elk’s Lodge on the terrace at 1312 Mission Ave, San Rafael. Check your email for more information soon and don’t miss the fun outdoors together!
Troop Elections: there is still time to hold a troop election this week so candidates can participate in the next induction event. Please contact Lodge Chief Alex Perry or Associate Advisor Ned Farnkopf if you’d like to schedule an election, or if you have candidates that have been elected but have not participated in an Ordeal!
Fall Induction Weekend, October 15-17: If you were elected by your troop in the past 18 months, congratulations on your candidacy for joining the Order of the Arrow, Scouting's Honor Society. The Brotherhood of Arrowmen in OA Talako Lodge look forward to welcoming you to your Induction Weekend experience at Camp Tamarancho by 7pm Friday, October 15. More details for this important event will follow by email; please register NOW!
|
|
Section W3 Area-clave: the annual Section W3N&S Conclave was hosted at Coast Guard Island on the wknd of September 10-12 and was a great success! A special thanks to Jamey Schnasse, Site CVC, and Jack Hagerman, Shows CVC, and the many adults and youth Arrowmen of Talako who attended and supported this fun overnight campout event at scenic Coast Guard Island, Alameda.
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!
|
|
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.
|
|
Staff Changes at the Marin Council |
|
After nearly six years on staff, Nancy Rozell has decided to pursue a career outside of Scouting. We are sad to see her go but incredibly appreciative of the service she has given to our Scouting families since January of 2016. During her tenure, she has helped welcome over a thousand new members and their families, especially in her direct service areas of Cub Scouting and Exploring. She has provided outstanding leadership as a staff advisor for our Cub Camping Committee, Training Committee, Commissioner Corps, including serving as Day Camp Director at Tamarancho. In February of 2020, Nancy was promoted to Senior District Executive and was instrumental in retaining our Scouting programs during the pandemic. While we will miss Nancy at the office, we congratulate her on a job well done and wish her the best in her new endeavors. Undoubtedly, we will see her around the campfire when she returns to the volunteer ranks. |
|
As a result of a focused search, we are pleased to announce that Trish Ferenz will be joining our professional team in the position of District Director effective October 1, 2021. Trish is native of the Bay Area and has an extensive tenure as both a volunteer and professional in Scouting. During her career she has served in the San Francisco Bay Area, Mount Diablo-Silverado, and Golden Gate Area Councils. She has held positions ranging from Exploring Executive, Council Program Director, Council Finance Director, and District Director. She is a talented manager who values volunteers and continually strives to grow Scouting programs to serve more families.
We hope you will join us in thanking Nancy for her exceptional service to the Marin Council and also in welcoming Trish to our professional team.
|
|
Continuing Local Scout Unit Meetings and Activities Safely |
|
As a reminder, under the Marin County Public Health directives, face masks are still required everywhere indoors. 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.
-
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.
|
|
Scouting . . . we are
Prepared. For Life.
|
|
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 Instagram and Facebook pages linked below, as well as those for Camps Tamarancho & Marin Sierra.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
