Saturday, April 30, 2016

Boy Scout Activities




Scouting news you don't want to miss!
Council Charter presented at
Executive Committee Meeting
Western Region, Area 3 representatives Garth Picket and Rodney Magnus attended the April 27th Executive Committee meeting to present the Council Charter Certificate.   The charter was presented during the Executive Committee meeting held aboard the Delta King. The Council Charter was received by Sean
Murphy (Council Chairman), Dave Ishikawa (Council President), and Chuck Brasfeild (Scout Executive). Each year the individual Scouting units (Packs, Troops, Teams, Crews, and Posts) receive their charters from their local Council offices. The Council receive their charters from the National Office. The National office receives its charter from the US Congress.

Dave, Chuck, Sean, Garth & Rodney
 
Lion Scouts - GEC Pilot Program 2016 
Are you interested in learning more how GEC plans to implement the the Lion Scouts Program?
(Lions are kindergarten age boys)

Awesome!! You're invited to attend a presentation at Council Connections on Wednesday, May 4, 2016.
 
Location: LDS Church, 7661 Rio Tierra Ave., Sacramento, at 7:00 PM.

Lion_s shirt and hat

Bryan on Scouting - Lion Info
GEC Aquatics Committee News 
Upcoming Activities

Canoe merit badge class June 10-11. The class is full, but we have started a waiting list in case any class spaces open up.

BSA Lifeguard class is May 13-15 and May 20-22. One class over two weekends at the new GEC camp in Yuba County, including overnight stay at the facility. Watch for further announcements coming soon! Registration starts Tuesday, May 3rd. (Hint: BSA Lifeguard certification is a prerequisite for National Camp School aquatics instructor program. See below.)
 
Aquatic Instructors: We're looking for qualified candidates to send to National Camp School (NCS) to receive training as aquatics instructors. Successful graduates of the NCS program will be expected to pass on their skills to aquatics merit badge counselors and waterfront staff. Watch for further announcements!

Keep an eye on the Aquatic's Webpage for more information.
Time is running out to win FREE Camp!  
The 2016 Camp Card sale is almost over! The new vendors, deals and partnerships are making this the best sale yet! You still have time to earn FREE camp or prizes by hitting our bonus levels:
 
     100 cards    - FREE Day/Twilight Camp
     250 cards    - FREE Cub Resident Camp or
           Boy Scout Summer Camp
           (adult is included at Cub Camp only)
     500 cards    - FREE iPod Touch
     1,000 cards - FREE iPad Air
 
Our "I Sold 20" promotion is gaining steam with more than 400 Scouts registered for their FREE River Cats/Boy Scout cap, game ticket and drawing entry for free camp. Congratulations go to our first 7 winners, Jeremy N. from Crew 119 in Galt; Ashton H. from Pack 41 in Redding; Ashton M. from Troop 641 in Georgetown, Jayce F. from Pack 331 in Citrus Heights; Hunter G. from Pack 136 in Sacramento; Jared H. from Pack 145 in Lincoln and Jaxon D. from Troop 160 in Lincoln. These Scouts all sold their 20 and won a free week of camp during our weekly drawings! There is only 1 drawing left for a FREE week of camp at a Golden Empire Council camp. Go out, sell 20 camp cards and register on our website at http://www.gec-bsa.org/support-scouting/camp-card/63190 . Remember that these drawings are held every Monday morning at 9:00am, so once you Scout has sold 20, register him online at www.gec-bsa.org. You do not have to register every week and you can only register once.  
 
 
Shooting Sports 
September 9-11, 2016
                
Enjoy an all-inclusive weekend of shooting sports fun!
Camp Lassen in Buttes Meadow

F
or Boy Scouts, Varsity and Venture Crews

*Shotgun * .22Rifle * Archery * 3D Archery * BB Guns
* Black Powder Rifles & Pistols * Tomahawks* LaPorte Archery
* Air Rifles * Action Archery * Pellet Guns
* Pistols(for Venturers) and much more.

$75 per person

Shooting Sports Event Flyer


Register GEC Site
Memorial Day - Monday, May 30th  
In observance of Memorial Day, the Council Office and the River City Scout Shop will be closed Monday, May 30th.  We will reopen on Tuesday, May 31st with our normal business hours. 

Please take some time to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.

New STEM Resource
The GEC STEM Committee is promoting the Nova and Supernova
Awards all across our Council. These BSA Awards are meta-discipline award for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The Committee has just produced a colorful brand new pocket sized, fun filled STEM Activities Handbook for all our Cubs, Webelos, Boy Scouts and Ventures for even more fun with a focus in your units.

Remember it has been for over 100 years that "Scouting is STEM" and "STEM is Scouting."

For the latest STEM Information check out our webpage or stop by our next meeting on the May 18th at 7 PM at the Council Service Center, 251 Commerce Cir, Sacramento.

Pre-Camp Leader Meeting
Time to start getting ready for Summer Camp!
 
We are pleased to announce our annual Pre-Camp Leader meeting for the 2016 season. Come meet with the Camp Directors and Staff to learn more of what to expect when arriving at camp and about your stay with us.
 
The meeting will be held at the Rio Tierra LDS Building located at 751 Rio Tierra Ave Sacramento, CA 95833.
 
NOTE: Each camp has a different leader meeting time:
Winton Pre-Camp Leader meeting will be held at 1:30 pm
Lassen Pre-Camp Leader Meeting for both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts will be held at 3:00 pm

Cub Scouts - Day and Twilight Camps
Day Camp Registration is On Line Now!

The district day camps are online and have planned a great camp experience for your Cub Scout. This year's theme is Cub Scout Investigators. This promises to be a fun theme with lots of opportunities for STEM related activities. Follow the link to find the camp near you:

On our new website, hover over Activities and then select Cub Scout Activities or use the link below:
https://gec-bsa.doubleknot.com/camping/cub-daytwilight-camp/63535 to access Day/Twilight Camp Events.

The new registration system is to be easier to use than our old system. This system will require a NEW login.

Remember: If the camp closest to you does not fit your schedule, you are welcome to attend any of the camps offered. You can even attend more than one.
Boy Scouts - Coming Events
We now have openings for a
very special week at Camp Winton
In addition to our regular week at camp
we have additional events at
The Camp Winton State Fair, July 4-9
 
Your Troop or Venturing Crew will have opportunity to compete against others scouts in:
  • Lumber Jack Log Rolling
  • Pie Eating Contest
  • Pioneering Chariot Races
  • Bobbing for Apples
  • Night-Time Cats Eyes
  • Patrol Geocaching for prizes
  • Orienteering Three Legged Race
  • Glow in the Dark Camp Winton Patch
  • Special Flag Ceremony
  • Crazy Shirt Day
We haven't forgotten the Adult Leaders....
  • Pizza Dutch Oven Cook Off
  • Longest Golf Drive
  • Lumber Jack Log Rolling
 
We've also had some additional space open up at Camp Winton the weeks of July 17-23 and July 24-30. Camp Lassen Boy Scout weeks of June 20-25 and June 26-July 2. Space is limited sign-up today!

Cub Scout weeks are full, but can still add a few more Scouts. Contact the
Camping Desk via email.
American Red Cross
Adult & Child CPR and First Aid

Saturday, May 21, 2016
Time: 8:30-4:30 pm
Location TBA
Sacramento, CA

A Scout is Thrifty. Therefore, please bring $15 per person, cash or money order, on the day of the training. If you would like to use a credit card the cost is $17. Seating is limited. Reserve a seat or ask a question by contacting Andy Cater at andrewcater@me.com
WEATHER-RELATED SAFETY
 
Robert Baden-Powell once said the definition of the Scout motto Be Prepared is this: "A Scout must prepare himself by previous thinking out and practicing how to act on any accident or emergency so that he is never taken by surprise." Baden-Powell also advocated that young men spend a lot of time learning in and about the out-of-doors, as he said, "The open-air is the real objective of Scouting and the key to its success." However, we still need to be aware of our surroundings and their changing conditions, including what is happening with the weather.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Severe weather hazards, such as tornadoes, lightning, hail, flash flooding, and downbursts, can be dangerous. Each requires a basic understanding of what to do so that you can protect yourself and your Scouts. The scale of weather conditions can seem daunting-ranging from high heat with no humidity to torrential downpours with possible flooding.

Read Full Article

Lightning Safety Video 
  
Guide to Safe Scouting
 
2017 National Jamboree &
GEC Jamboree Patch Set
Pre-orders on sale April 4 - June 12

Delivery expected September 2016
  
Give your Special Scout a trip of a lifetime!
Just a few spots left! 
a 
2017 National Jamboree in West Virginia! 


Don't miss out on this unique opportunity.

Tour Dates: July 14 - July 29, 2017 
Jamboree Dates: July 17 - July 28, 2017
 
The National Scout Jamboree is the premier Scouting event (every four years) hosted by the Boy Scouts of America at the Summit Bechtel National Scout Reserve in West Virginia.
Check out the Overview on the National Website
To learn how to join the Golden Empire contingent please review our 2017 National Jamboree webpage

Contact us if you have questions:
Venturing News
MASQUERADE DANCE AND DINNER - May 14th - 6:30 PM
VLA Awards Night too!

Hey Venturers! Mark your calendars for May14th at 6:30 PM and Come enjoy yummy food AND have a BLAST dancing at the masquerade dance at 515 Lincoln Ave., Woodland CA. at the Woodland Scout Cabin! This fun event will consist of a potluck dinner and a masquerade dance! Make sure to dress up in semi-formal attire and wear your best masquerade style mask! Invite all your friends and help spread the word! This event is something you WON'T want to miss!! There is a $5 suggested donation. Please bring a side dish/ dessert/ drink/ etc to share! VLA awards will be presented, nominate someone deserving now!

Want more ideas for your Crew? Venturing Webpage
Check out our NEW
 GEC Venturing Newsletter !!
Training Informationtraininglist
Trainer's Edge - May 7th - 8:00 AM - 4 PM             Register Now 

Although this training is required for all Wood Badge and NYLT staff members, its excellent for ANYONE that speaks in front of a group! Class is designed for 14+. District Training Chairs and District Training team members are encouraged to attend.  This training will meet the requirements for Pack Trainers who want to complete their training. This course is also helpful to any Scouter who is active in their scouting unit. Only $10 and it includes lunch.

The Trainer's Edge Flyer
GEC Powder Horn

Register Now!

Powder Horn 2016 is a long weekend course scheduled for August 10th-14th, 2016. We are going to have base camp located at Camp Pollock in Sacramento, CA. We will be traveling to areas around Sacramento to the different events for this course.

When: August 10 - 14, 2016      Check out our website

Consider using Powder Horn as a Wood Badge Ticket Item!

Questions? Contact Erik Carlson, Powder Horn Course Director advisorc808@gmail.com
Wilderness First Aid - Class fills quickly!

This is definitely not your local Red Cross Basic First Aid course! The goal of this course is to help the participants deal with medical emergencies in a wilderness setting where qualified medical assistance is more than a hour away and you are the only available medical care for a while. Participants will benefit more if they have completed a basic first aid course.

Sept.   22 & 23 (6-9PM) and 24 (8am-5:30pm) -
Register Now
           Flyer

Consider using Wilderness First Aid as a Wood Badge Ticket Item!

Questions? Contact Bruce Somers, HAT Chair bruce.somers@sen.ca.gov
National Youth Leader TrainingNYLT
NYLT Summer Registration Now Available

The NYLT course centers around the concepts of what a leader must BE, what they must KNOW, and what they must DO. The key elements are then taught with a clear focus on HOW TO. The skills come alive during the week as the patrol goes on a Quest for the Meaning of Leadership.

NYLT is a six-day course offered in 2 weekends. Content is delivered in a troop and patrol outdoor setting with an emphasis on immediate application of learning in a fun environment. Interconnecting concepts and work processes are introduced early, built upon, and aided by the use of memory aids, which allows participants to understand and employ the leadership skills much faster.

July 15-17 & 22-24 - Camp Nauvoo - Placerville    Register Now 
August 5-7 and 12-14 - Camp Lassen - Butte Meadow Register Now

Wood Badge: A Game Changer or Merely Hype?
Attendees often use phrases like 'inspirational' and even 'life-changing' to describe their Wood Badge experience. But is the week-long leadership training experience all that it's cracked up to be? Can a week of camping really have the impact proclaimed by its champions?

Wood Badge for the 21st Century is the modern iteration of an adult training course that has been evolving since Scouting's first days. Early in the movement, Baden Powell saw the need to provide high quality training to adults, that need hasn't changed.

Read the Full Article 
woodbadge logo
Wood Badge  
September 23-25 and October 7-9

View registration information on webpage
Wood Badge training was begun by Baden Powell in 1919 as a way to assure that the leaders of Scout Troops were properly trained. Since then, Wood Badge training has been held worldwide providing advanced leader training to thousands of Scout Leaders.

Wood Badge is considered the premier leadership training course for Scout Leaders. Wood Badge for the 21st Century is available to registered leaders of all levels of the Scouting program - Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity and Venturing. It concentrates on providing training on modern leadership skills needed in today's world for Scout leaders. Wood Badge Training will not only make you a better Scout Leader, it will also assist you in improving your personal and professional life as well.

Through Wood Badge you will gain valuable tools in listening, communicating, conflict management, project planning and leading change. You will learn to better understand and leverage diversity and the generational differences of society. You will learn to lead with a vision. You will learn the skills that will make you a better Scout Leader to benefit the youth we serve.

Every Scout deserves a well-trained leader. Are you that leader? Get Wood Badge trained and you will be. In doing so, you will change not only your life but also the lives of all that you touch. Click here for the Wood Badge flyer.
Wood Badge Reunion!!
Is there any Beavers in the House? This highly anticipated reunion finally has a date...


Please join us on
September 17, 2016


from 11am - 2PM
at the LDS Stake Center in Rocklin.

Early bird registration is now open: Click Here

Download the flyer today and tell all your Wood Badge friends! Spread the word!
Click on the Picture to download current schedule
Training OpportunitiesTraining
New webpage with all current training at your finger tips!

Local districts across the council provide classroom and outdoor training to all leaders. Many courses are available on-line, as well. Not sure what training you need?

Are you a Trained Leader?
Log into https://My.Scouting.org/
(Non mobile device using FireFox or Chrome work best)

Select the Home drop down.
Select My Dashboard
Across the top, select Requirements

A training list with expiration dates is displayed.

To enroll in a District Training, Go to your District Page or Click Here.

If you have questions, please contact your District Training chair or District Executive. Additional information is available on our Council Training Webpage
Last Month - Recap 
Cal3months
Council Calendar 
at a glance
Golden Empire Council | info@gec-bsa.org  | 916.929.1417 | Website
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Golden Empire Council, BSA, 251 Commerce Circle, PO Box 13558, Sacramento, CA 95853-3558
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