ANNOUNCEMENTS

POSTED: JANUARY 7, 2008

Happy New Years all...

Wanted to remind those of you that needed reminding...our next District Operating Committee meeting (D.O.C.) is this Wednesday January 9th @ 7:00 pm. As usual its being held at the SFBAC Youth Leadership Training Center at 1001 Davis Street in San Leandro.

Also wanted to remind you we are moving back towards having actual "Operating Committee meetings" and will be starting that process by all getting together to brainstorm ways of increasing "Membership".

Please put on your "thinking cap" for the next few days and jot down "any" ideas that come to mind. Then bring your list of ideas to share. Remember...there are no bad ideas...just some that are easier to implement or might get a better pay off than others.

Only a few rules...The main one is NO NEGATIVITY! Remember we are looking forward!
Another is let's keep to the point...this is a District "business meeting"...the more we keep to the point the more we can get done!

The "Guidelines for District Operating Committee and Operating Committee Meetings" states that Operating Committee meetings are the bread-and-butter part of a good District meeting. So its about time we start getting back to them!

Look forward to seeing everyone there! I'll be finding out what else we're doing at the meeting at this months Key 3 meeting.

Yours in Scouting,
Keith "Uncle Buck" McColm
District Commissioner



POSTED: OCTOBER 5, 2007

*****SAVE THE DATE***** *****SAVE THE DATE*****

Next Thursday night October 11, 2007 is the Tres Ranchos Cub and Boy Scout Roundtables.

New time: Gathering at 7:00pm
Program start at 7:15pm
Location: LDS Chapel, 26101 Gading Rd. Hayward, CA

For all Scout Leaders and parents interested in improving the program we deliver to our youth.

More info to follow this weekend!

Jan McColm, Tres Ranchos Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner
Terry Wantanabe, Tres Ranchos Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner



POSTED: OCTOBER 3, 2007

KNOCK, KNOCK

No, this is not a joke ...

Dear Fellow Scouters:

Hello? Is there anyone out there? Opportunity is knocking. Anyone care to answer?

There are youth outside of the scouting program wanting to get in, but no one is opening the door! Scouting is NOT a secret society. The founder Baden-Powell meant scouting for ALL youth. Fall is here, school has started and word is starting to slowly getting out that there is a scouting program. There are youth that are craving for a program filled with fun. However, latest word from Council office, no one is asking for recruitment flyers. Please for this and the next two months, plan recruitment nights.

Did you realize it takes between three to five invitations – often made in different formats? While flyers are not the greatest form of invitation especially at the start of the school year, it would help to work with your school(s) and leave a poster/flyer or two letting the school population know that your unit is ready to serve. Can you work with the school PTA and have a corner dedicated to the scouting programs? Troop and Crew leaders/advisors – the same can help you build your units too.

There are never too many scouts. In fact, you never know when a parent was a youth scout too, waiting for a chance to share his/her experience with not only his/her son, but others too.

Opportunity is knocking. Are we willing to answer the call of youths wanting to join scouting?

For those brave enough to answer, please contact Eric Regategui with your recruitment dates -- better yet, please email the both of us those dates. Also, let Eric know what recruitment material (flyers, lawn banners, posters, etc) that you may need. New to scouting and need ideas, you are already part of a large collective of experience and ideas -- reply back to the group and ask for ideas.

Yours in Scouting,

Daniel Tom
Tres Ranchos Membership Chair


POSTED: August 13, 2007

Hey all you wonderful Tres Ranchos District Scouting Leaders!

We hope you have all had great summer camps and activities during the last few month!

It's time to get a head start back into the swing of the new Scouting calendar year with some training available for new or experienced (yet not "officially" trained) leaders!

Please make sure that you or any others from your Scouting units attend one or more of these important training opportunities! I have noted below the links to more information and registration forms for the various upcoming courses ...

New Leader Essentials -- Thursday, Aug 23

Boy Scout Leader Specific Training -- Saturday, Aug 25

Venturing Leader Specific Training -- Saturday, Aug 25

Troop Leadership Training (for adult Scout leaders) -- Saturday, Aug 18

Wood Badge -- late Sep / mid Oct, but must register now

Also, keep Saturday, Sep 29 open on your calendar!!

There will be TWO IMPORTANT EVENTS THAT DAY FOR YOU AND YOUR SCOUTS!
Merit Badge Extravaganza -- for Scouts from 11 to 18
Adult Leader Training, featuring Basic Training Courses, VARSITY Leader Specific or Cub Scout Leader Specific

More info and flyers will be on the Tres Ranchos District Website SOON! LOOK FOR IT!

Please let me know if you have ANY questions regarding any of these great courses!

Michael Brown
Tres Ranchos District Training Chair

POSTED: JUNE 13, 2007

Greetings Fellow Tres Ranchos Scouters,
Please come on out and join us this Thursday evening June 14, 2007 for the Tres Ranchos Cub and Boy Scout Roundtables. Get program information for your July program and spend some quality time with your fellow Scouters in a more relaxed setting.

Gathering: 6:45pm
Program Start: 7:00pm
Location: The Meek Estate, corner of Boston and Hampton Rd. in Hayward, CA

Cub Scout Theme: "Wheel into Summer"
Boy Scout Theme: "Backpacking"

And don't forget the upcomming "8th. Annual Tres Ranchos Chili Cookoff" at the July 2007 Roundtable! Sign up now with Jan McColm at auntiejanis@comcast.net.
Hope to see you this Thursday evening.
Jan McColm,
Tres Ranchos Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner
(510) 352-4149


POSTED: APRIL 25, 2007

SCOUT LEADER TRAINING

If you have registered for this training or planning on attending, please let me know by Wed at the latest. We need to make sure we have enough materials AND food for everyone. If you plan on registering at the event, we need to know this info before the event.

PLEASE let me know.
Thanks,
Randy
510-885-0527 or email me at wright-s@comcast.net

"Every Scout deserves a Trained Leader"
The Tres Ranchos District is offering the following:

1. Boy Scout Adult Leader Specific Training
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Contact Randy Wright at wright-s@comcast.net

2. Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Saturday - Sunday, May 19-20, 2007
Contact Randy Wright

3. Webelos Leader Outdoor Training
Same dates as above
Please contact Stormy Caldwell at stormy1929@aol.com

#1 and #2 are similar to a previous training called "Acorn."

You'll be glad you signed up. You'll have lots of fun! Your Scouts will benefit from this training.
Course begins SOON!
Please let us know if you're planning on attending!
Please pass this information to those in your unit and those who need this training!

Thanks,
Randy Wright, wright-s@comcast.net



POSTED: APRIL 24, 2007

I am sorry to announce that the Tres Ranchos District Youth Leadership Training course this weekend April 27-28 at Ranchos Los Mochos is cancelled due to lack of enough participants to break even for misc. expenses.

FYI: The Youth Leadership Training "Phase 2" course was an overnight experience for scouts to learn some new leadershiop skills as well as reinforce those being taught by the troop. It was a boy driven course. For some who have been around a while, this is similar to Pine Cone that was sponsored by the district a few years ago. In past 2 years we have had 50+ boy scouts particpate but unfortanetely we did not get a good response this year.

YIS
Darryl Bayuk
Youth Leadership Event Coordinator
TR Training Committee


POSTED: MARCH 28, 2007

Dear Fellow Scouter

Spring is here. Time to dust off the equipment and get ready for the spring and summer activities. This is a great opportunity to get the training in so that your unit is in the best of condition. But, even with the best equipment and trained leaders, who will we have to offer these activities if we have no members?

Spring recruitment is here, and with the bridging of the 2nd year Webelos, it is all the more importance that the Cub Scout Packs begin recruiting new scouts – begin inviting boys in Kindergarten through 4th grade to your pack meetings and events. Begin establishing the new 2007-08 Tiger dens. From these members, you will often find your next core of adult leaders to keep the pack alive as adults with 2nd year Webelos leave for Boy Scouts. Youth and adult recruitment during the spring gives the unit opportunity to select leaders and get them trained early – while still being able to mentor them during the summer. By autumn, they can fly solo and take their den to new heights.

As incentives to recruit new scouts, SFBAC will give one mini flash fan with the "Tradition Meets Tomorrow" logo to the new scout and his recruiter. This is a nice gift, especially with the warming days ahead. These gifts will be available once the applications are submitted to the Council office, no longer must the recruitee wait to receive his gift. This gift is available to all levels.

How do we attract these youths? If you wish to continue with the traditional flyers, plan your recruitment dates and please forward them to Eric Reategui so that the flyers can be prepared. Remember to plan for the approval period for the school district. Yes, I know that there are some schools that do not like to distribute the flyers. However, there is a better opportunity that has been offered last month – and there is still time to capitalize on it.

One of the problems in our area, and we have all heard it, is that families just did not know that scouting was available in the area. Boy Scouts is the best kept secret in our area. This Saturday (Mar. 31, 2007 – 9am), Tres Ranchos District units have been invited (yet only two units have committed to participate) to join the Washington Manor Junior Baseball League Opening Day Parade. Here is an opportunity to get out and tell the community that scouting is alive and well!! If your unit (Boy Scout, Cub Scout, Venture Crew or Varsity Team) can participate, or even a handful of members and adults are available, the organizers will be setting to start lining up at Zelma Park at 9 am and then the parade will leave there and go down to Stenzel Park on Wicks Blvd. Please let me know so that I can let the host know.

Troop leaders – not that you have been forgotten – word is reaching me that there are still a lot of 2nd Year Webelos who ARE NOT joining a troop. Many, simply because no one has invited them. I am still working on a list of contacts, but if you hear of a neighboring pack w/ Webelos, please do not wait for them to come – GO to them. This is also the time to begin aligning your summer calendars with a pack.

Please adopt a pack so that they can not only earn the National Pack Summertime award, but get to know your troop members and the adults. This is a great opportunity to begin working with the 2007-08 2nd year Webelos!! Please advise your Unit Commissioner and/or me which Pack your troop is adopting.

Yours in Scouting,
Daniel Tom
Membership Chair



POSTED: FEBRUARY 13, 2007

Have you participated in any of our training events recently? See how much fun we have together?

Now is your chance to become a member of the outstanding Tres Ranchos District training team and help us provide fun, quality training to others.

Stormy Caldwell is looking for peeople to help out on some of the upcoming Cub Scout training events. She especially needs help for the March 10th Training Extravaganza and has asked me to get the word out. Anyone out there willing to help Stormy with the Cub Leader Specific training, please contact Stormy right away.

You can email... stormy1929@aol.com
Or you can call... 510-697-5587

Don't be bashful. Training is fun, but being a trainer is a blast.


POSTED: FEBRUARY 12, 2007

Dear Scouters,

We often wonder how we can reach out to offer the scouting program to our community and beyond. How do we recruit when faced by organizations saying "not here"? For those attending Roundtable last Thursday, I paraphrased a letter (CLICK HERE TO VIEW) that I had received that day; and was planning on looking at after Roundtable -- good thing that I did, because it held a golden OPPORTUNITY for those willing to answer.

The Washington Manor Junior League has requested, in fact, would be honored to have scout units participating in their annual opening parade on Saturday, March 31, 2007. If we can get a good number of units attending, I have asked Eric if the Council would print out recruitment cards that participating unit members may hand out along the parade route.

If your unit can commit to participating, please let one or all of the following know:
TR Activities Co-Chairs: Earl Pittman, YellarMoon@comcast.net, and/or Rose Godfrey, roseloke@comcast.net
Eric Reatequi /re-at-e-qui/ our new District Executive: EricR@sfbac.org
Daniel Tom, Membership Chair, LifeScouting@yahoo.com

Who's Brave Enough to Answer Opportunity's Knocking? We have been challenged with an opportunity. The choice is yours - Yes (Area-wide recruitment) or No (do nothing, but complain).

I know that everyone is eager to share and promote Scouting's strengths and benefits. I look forward to the flood of reply messages: "We Are - Count On Us!"

Yours in Scouting,
Daniel Tom, TR Membership Chair


POSTED: JANUARY 27, 2007

Dear Fellow Scouters:

How many units have more volunteers than they have jobs that need tending? If your unit does, I know of many units that could use the services of these underutilized volunteers.

Seriously, like many of you, I have worked hard to encourage parents to support their child’s program by taking either a leadership or support position in units that I have been involved. So even one lost volunteer is a major downswing for the unit program.

One of the biggest gripes, whether the position is paid or volunteer, is that our work is taken for granted – no appreciation. Many will say, that our work is for the youth. While this is very true, does that make it all the more better for squeezing out that extra hour for scouting rather than our family? How many times have we missed that simple opportunity to say thank you to someone – job well done, or if you had not volunteered, there would not have been any activity for the youth?

If you can count just ONE missed opportunity, you have an opportunity to say thank in a different way – and it won’t cost much, but your time to fill out the forms, and hopefully your attendance at the Tres Ranchos Recognition Dinner.

I have provided the link to the nomination forms. http://www.oocities.org/trscouting/districtrecognition.html There’s better instructions at the site, but this is a start. The easiest is the Certificate of Appreciation. Really, there is no reason why every unit does not complete one of these for all of their supporters. The Unsung Hero is for that one non-registered family/friend of the unit who came in the nick of time to help with an event. The District Board, Plaque and Award of Merit takes a little more thought, but are easy enough to complete.

For the youths, please let’s recognize our support people.

... and Thank You. Tres Ranchos made its membership goals. Each of you made this happen.

Daniel Tom
TR Membership Chair

p.s. Are the Webelos visiting the troops?



POSTED: JANUARY 16, 2007

Hello Scouters,

Troop 801 has 8 slots open for young webelos or scouts who may wish to join us on a trip to Monterey this coming weekend, Jan 20th. This overnighter includes stay at the Monterey Youth Hostel, a trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and other sight seeing in and around the Monterey Area such as the Wharf and Cannery Row.

Food+Lodging is $28/person. If you would like to attend please do reply to me at joltdudeuc@sbcglobal.net or call at 510-378-1774.

I have had several boys back out in the last few days due to sports and prior arrangments (beyond their control), so the these spots are now available. This is a great opprotunity for young webelos to go on an overnighter with a scout troop.

We also have room for upto 3 adults.

Yours in Scouting,
-Gagan Bains, Scoutmaster Troop 801

POSTED: DECEMBER 19, 2006

The council Silver Beaver Award nominating committee selected 12 registered Scouters to be our 2007 recipients of the Silver Beaver Award, subject to National Court of Honor approval. Their names and district affiliations are:

Val Gene Black - Twin Valley District
Arden Dougan - Twin Valley District
Cynthia Calhoun Dragon - Golden Gate District
Alan Dunn - Tres Ranchos District
William Fournell - Mission Peak District
Lorna Chang Hill - Golden Gate District
Douglas Lewis Mayne - Peralta District
Jay Pimentel - Council Executive Board
Thomas Lane Testerman - Tres Ranchos District
Yvonne Watson - Peralta District
Lisa Yamashita - Mission Peak District
George Hep Yee - Golden Gate District

Our council plans to honor these twelve volunteer Scouters for their many years of noteworthy service to youth at the Council Annual Recognition Dinner on the evening of Saturday, February 3 at Merritt College Gymnasium in the Oakland hills. All Scouters, spouses, adult friends, and older youth are invited to attend.

Charles Howard-Gibbon
Professional Staff Advisor
Silver Beaver Award Nominating Committee


POSTED: DECEMBER 16, 2006

Dear TR Unit Leaders,

Our year is coming to a slow close. We made new friends, met some of our goals, and had some great adventures along the way.

I have a couple of items I must ask you on behalf of our new District Executive, David Rodriguez and District Commissioner, Rich Riley.

I. Recharter

Please we really really need to have all of the recharters in before Friday, Dec. 23, 2006. The earlier the better. First, for those who have fully completed the process (electronic and delivery of the signed physical recharter application) thank you very much. Second, for those Unit Commissioners who have knocked on your unit leaders' doors and rang their phones off the hook to get the paperwork done, thank you.

For those who have completed the electronic portion recharter process, we need to have the signed physical paperwork turned in before Fri., Dec. 23, 2006. If you have the unit and charter organization representative signatures and only need a Council representative and you do not know who your Unit Commissioner is, please contact Rich Riley. (his email address: reramr2@comcast.net) He will put you in touch with someone. Otherwise, turn in the signed paperwork (less Council representative) to David Rodriguez (DavidR@sfbac.org) at the Scout Center - and both David and Rich will work something out.

Now for the slight majority of the units, who have yet to start (or left little if any electronic evidence to the contrary) - there is no better time to start your recharter process than now. The electronic process is rather painless. If you need help - contact your Unit Commissioner, Rich Riley and/or David Rodriguez. They will arrange to get you some help. We really really need the documents completed and signed before Friday 12/23.

II. Membership

We are very close to our membership goals for 2006. We ask that you do a couple of things to help us (Tres Ranchos District) make our goals.

Please contact those youth who are on your recharter who have not been attending * - you know, those that you were about to drop - don't be so quick, but if you did, contact them again and see if they will rejoin. If the meeting times are in conflict with recurring family dates, please offer that they could join another Pack and still attend your meetings when they have the opportunity.

Second, please go back to your fall round-up lists. Contact those who you were playing telephone tag and you never fully connected. Contact those families that said, "this is not a good time" or "not right now". See if this is now a good time for them to join scouting.

Why: Tres Ranchos is in very close striking range of achieving two goals. First, if all of our active packs sign-up at least 3 new boys each, we will have assisted our Council in achieving Quality Council. Did you know that only 6 councils nationwide achieved quality council last year? SFBAC was one of them. Let's have a repeat year.

Second, Tres Ranchos will achieve Quality District. For several years we have come this close. These are distinctions that we all get to enjoy. It would be a shame to hang up our hats and call it quits when the finish line is within our grasp.

* Please - do not hold off on completing your recharter pending recontact of your interest, but unsigned families. The recharter documents must be turned in shortly. Simply ask the family to complete a new application. Make a note on the application that the youth was originally on the re-charter and dropped - but the family is re-joining. These new applications that you get, will be matched with your unit.

Thank you for your enthusiasm for the scouting program.

YiS,
Daniel Tom
TR Membership Chair


POSTED: DECEMBER 12, 2006

Dear Scouters:

Yes, indeed – the sounds of the holiday season is around us. We have an opportunity to spread some goodwill within in our community.



On Sunday, December 17, 2006 (1:30pm) Eden Hospital will open its doors to the scouts (all programs – Cubs/Boy Scouts/Venture/Varsity/Girl Scouts) to sing holiday carols.

I know that this may be on the "short-notice" side, but if your units can join along, please RSVP with Dan Tom (510) 357-7301 so that I can let the hospital know how many to expect.

*****

This will be a full uniform event.

Daniel Tom



POSTED: OCTOBER 22, 2006

Dear Scouters,

I have been asked by representatives of our Achewon Nimat Lodge #282, Order of the Arrow to forward the following information on the 2006 Winter Camp Awareness Seminar (WCAS).

Saturday, December 2, 2006
Registration 8:00AM
Classes 9AM - 3PM


Note that the location for Winter Camp Awareness Seminar has changed after many years in Castro Valley -- this year's WCAS will be at the LDS Church Stake Center, 3551 Decoto Road, in Fremont. This is a short drive east from the Nimitz Freeway (Interstate 880) -- the opposite direction away from Newark and the Dumbarton Bridge. It is on the north side of the street, and on the right-hand side if coming west from Mission Blvd.

This is a wonderful training for Boy Scouts, Venturers, and adult Scouters who want to learn everything needed to know about camping in the snow and enjoying the related experiences. It is also the pre-requisite for troops/teams/crews wishing to attend the annual Klondike Derby hosted by the Order of the Arrow in 2007. The registration fee is only $6.00 per person if paid by November 24. Information and online registration is available at http://www.sfbac.org/training/trn_youthwinterawareness.cfm

For more information on the Winter Camp Awareness Seminar, please contact Claude Brooke at flakeocorn@comcast.net

Charles Howard-Gibbon Field Director



POSTED: OCTOBER 17, 2006
Yes, the 2006 Tres Ranchos & Peralta District Camporee (aka Webelos Camporee, Fall Camporee, Halloween Camporee) is this weekend. Please sign up now! $10 per person (was $8 if you paid early).

Troops, be sure to adopt an Pack of 2nd year Webelos and bring them along!

Register at the Coucil office and call Thaddeus Lee at 510-483-312 to let him know you are coming.

Our host is the OA and they've planned a great program.

Let's support one another and attend!

Earl T. Pitman
District activities co-chair
510-733-0859
YellarMoon@comcast.net



POSTED: OCTOBER 16, 2006
Hey all you great Tres Ranchos Scouters (and Scouts)!!
On October 28, there will be TWO wonderful events happening at the same time! At the LDS building at 26101 Gading Road in Hayward, there will be -- For ALL Scouting age young men, a Merit Badge and Advancement Extravaganza -- something for every rank from Tenderfoot through Eagle! Check out the flyer here!

For ALL Scouters, Leaders, Advisors, etc. -- a training event for new or experienced Scouting leaders -- we're sure there's something that you or someone from your Troop, Pack, Team, or Crew need!! We're offering New Leader Essentials, Youth Protection, Troop Committee Challenge, Cub Scout Leader Specific, and Varsity Leader Specific, all in one day!! There is definitely SOMETHING FOR YOU!! Please check out the flyer here!

Please contact the coordinators listed on the flyers or me for further information!!
We hope to see all of you there!!
Michael Brown
Tres Ranchos District Training Chair


POSTED: OCTOBER 11, 2006
MORE ROCKET JAMBOREE INFORMATION

Map

Schedule of Events



POSTED: OCTOBER 5, 2006

ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 ---

Not only will there be a MERIT BADGE EXTRAVAGANZA for all our Scouts (with 20 different Merit Badges AND a "Basics" area for Tenderfoot to 1st Class training and signing off), BUT there will also be an ADULT LEADER TRAINING EXTRAVAGANZA at the same site (offering New Leader Essentials, Youth Protections Training, Cub Scout Leader Specific Training, Varsity Leader Specific Training, and Troop Committee Challenge [the "Leader Specific" course for Committee members])!!!

They will both be at the same location as our regular Tres Ranchos Roundtable meetings -- the LDS building at 26101 Gading Road in Hayward!!


POSTED: SEPTEMBER 25, 2006

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR SCOUTS AND THEIR FAMILIES:

Saturday, October 7 San Jose Sharks Scout night
http://www.sfbac.org/mp/flyers/06107sharks.pdf

Friday, October 20 Disney on Ice
http://www.sfbac.org/newsletter/fall06/coliseum.htm

Sunday, October 22 Great America's scout night
http://www.sfbac.org/mp/flyers/06greatamerica_ScoutNickOrTreat.pdf

Saturday, October 21 Discover science
http://www.llnl.gov/pao/news/Images/got_science_06.pdf

Saturday & Sunday, Oct 14 & 15 Rocket Jamboree
http://www.sfbac.org/mp/flyers/06101415RocketReg.pdf

Sunday, December 3 Scout Night at the Raiders
http://www.sfbac.org/newsletter/fall06/2006123raiders.pdf

Saturday, December 9 Scout Night at the Warriors
http://www.sfbac.org/newsletter/fall06/2006129_warriors.pdf



POSTED: SEPTEMBER 5, 2006

ROCKET JAMBOREE


When: Saturday, 10/14/06 – 9:00 AM – BOY SCOUTS/2ND YEAR WEBELOS
Sunday, 10/15/06 – 9:00 AM – CUB SCOUTS and guests

Where: Camp Parks, Dublin, CA

Who: All registered Boy Scouts and 2nd Year Webelos coming with a troop. SUNDAY ONLY – registered Cub Scouts and their guests.

What: Two days of rocket flights and rocket demonstrations. Boy Scouts and Webelos on Saturday, Cub Scouts and guests on Sunday.

* * * * * THIS IS A FULLY UNIFORMED EVENT * * * * *

Come on out for the high-flyingest event of the year. Get your rocket kit from Mike Gentile, build the sharpest looking rocket, and be prepared for two days of fun.

Prizes will be awarded for the highest flight, longest flight, closest to the launch-pad, undamaged payload, and more!

Space Exploration merit badge counselors will be there to sign completed blue cards or give partials. Start working on the non-flying requirements now!

Bring money for lunches, drinks, snacks at the JAMBOREE SNACK SHACK

For more info, contact Mike Gentile - Jamboree Chairman - 510-537-6135

Have rocket and engines from last year – reg only $20.00
Have rocket from last year – engines and reg only: $79.00
I need it all – rocket kit, engines, and registration: $89.00
I’m a Cub Scout and I have my own rockets and motors for Sunday - $5.00



POSTED: SEPTEMBER 5, 2006

"SPOTLIGHT ON TRES RANCHOS"



Calling all Unit Leaders and Cub Scouts!
Come join in the fun and participate at
"Spotlight on Tres Ranchos"
Roundtable is back and ready to kick-off a new year of exciting program!

Thursday, September 14, 2006
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
LDS CHURCH
26101 Gading Road
Hayward, California

• Learn more about / sign-up for District and Council activities!
• Meet Unit Leaders and learn about their units "program"!
• Boy Scout, Varsity, Venturing and Youth Leaders will have information tables where Pack Leaders can learn more about Unit, Programs, Activities plus District / Council participation!
• You can also order your Fall Recruitment Materials there too!

"Spotlight" has become a very exciting and well attended event and we look forward to an even bigger and better turn out this year!

For more information contact:
Rich Riley – District Commissioner – reramr2@comcast.net
Michael Andrews – Cub Scout Roundtable 510-483-1772
Janis McColm – Boy Scout Roundtable 510-352-4149
Victoria Martinez – District Executive Tres Ranchos District
510-577-9000 ext 154 or victoriam@sfbac.org

We look forward to seeing you ALL there!



POSTED: AUGUST 23, 2006

The scheduled session of Venturing Leader Specific Training (VLST) this weekend (August 26) is being cancelled/postponed.

This has been the weekend that Tres Ranchos has traditionally and successfully put on this training but due to conflicts with other events that came up this year on this weekend, our participation and resource pools for this training were found to be evaporating quickly.

I would like to express much thanks and regrets to those who have put forth efforts to plan for or participate in the VLST. The training team is currently looking at what options are available to put on this training in the Fall without creating a similar conflict with other scheduled events.

This announcement is being blind copied to those whom I had personally invited to participate in this event. If there are others that you know who may be interested in this information please pass this along. Thank You.

Keep Venturing.
~Venturing Training Team


POSTED: AUGUST 23, 2006

Scouters,

At the bottom of this e-mail is my Patrol totem from Wood Badge. It was given to me by Warren Chan who was in my Patrol and turned out to be a very special person. Those of you who know him...know what I mean!

If I hadn't gone to Wood Badge I may never have met Warren and certainly wouldn't know him as I do today. Quite frankly I would have missed out.

Warren is only one of the many things I cherish from my Wood Badge experience...people, learning, leadership techniques, fun and many many memories!

There is still time! Come to Wood Badge and join us in "a special place". Learn, have a lot of fun and collect your own memories! This year is your year!

Sign up on line at www.sfbac.org/training/wb

The Course takes place at Camp Royaneh September 15, 16 & 17 and Rancho Los Mochos October 7, 8 & 9

This years theme is:
"We Learn so They May Lead"

Yours in Scouting,
Keith "Uncle Buck" McColm




POSTED: AUGUST 22, 2006
Dear SFBAC Scouters:

We are pleased to announce that the following improvements have been made to our San Francisco Bay Area Council Internet Website www.sfbac.org to assist you with adult leader training and recording youth member advancement and recognition:

BSA Online Learning Center (OLC):

Online internet-based BSA adult leader Fast Start and Supplemental training is now available in one location on the Internet


https://scoutnet.scouting.org/elearning/userrequest/logonpage/proxy.aspx?Method=UserLogon&PageCode=ELN2Logon&ReturnCompleteURI=aHR0cHM6Ly9zY291dG5ldC5zY291dGluZy5vcmcvZWxlYXJuaW5nL3dlYnBvcnRhbC9vdXRwdXQvcHJveHkuYXNweD9NZXRob2Q9TG9hZFBhZ2UmUmVzb3VyY2VDb2RlPUVMTjJDb3Vyc2Vz&SessionToken=

This OLC internet link is on our council webpage under Training. If you register to use the system using your name and BSA membership ID number, the online training courses you complete (if registered in SFBAC) will be automatically reported into our council ScoutNET training records.

This new website allows each Scouter to take online training promptly and easily, and lets registered users print their own training completion cards after finishing the training. Most of the training modules can be completed in 15 to 30 minutes.

We highly recommend that you encourage all of your existing leaders (even the "old-timers"), and especially your newly recruited and registered leaders, to go online and complete the training courses appropriate to their current positions.

Internet-Based Advancement Reporting:

Using the internet to access your unit(s) council ScoutNET membership registration and youth member advancement/recognition data, and to report new advancements and awards is now possible due to the BSA Internet Advancement software linked to our council website:

https://scoutnet.scouting.org/iadv/UI/home/default.aspx

This software will allow you to:
* Load into your browser the latest member data (which can be viewed in Adobe Reader reports that you can save to your computer)
* Update ranks, merit badges, and earned awards for youth members, and print clean, legible reports to have signed and submitted for purchasing the badges.
* Print unit rosters, unit advancement summaries, and temporary membership cards for registered members.

Access to this software is limited to one registered user per unit. Your unit advancement chair or designed "unit advancement processor (UAP)" can obtain the specific unit identification number from our YLTC staff to login and register as the UAP for your unit(s).

Note that this system will only help you report advancement for registered members. It continue to be absolutely necessary for unit leaders to submit BSA membership applications immediately to the YLTC after joining your unit(s), so that you may use the Internet Advancement to record Bobcat Rank badges, Scout and Tenderfoot Rank badges, etc. for new members after they are registered.

The Internet Advancement software license is purchased by the council thanks to your Friends of Scouting donations. It is part of the same license used for Internet Rechartering.

A special thank you to Karen Huie for assisting our council in updating our council website with these new Internet based training and advancement reporting features.

Charles Howard-Gibbon
Field Director

For questions about Scouting, please contact your district director/executive or a member of the council staff here at the YLTC at (510) 577-9000.

POSTED: AUGUST 17, 2006
CALLING ALL TRES RANCHOS SCOUTERS

The Tres Ranchos District is once again sponsoring an information booth at the Castro Valley Fall Festival on Saturday, September 9th and Sunday, September 10th from 10 am to 6 pm. Please help us promote the scouting program in our community by volunteering to staff the booth. Ideally, we would like units to sign up for a two-hour shift. You may bring your unit’s flyers, schedule of events, and contact information so that you may promote your program. If you have a simple activity to share, please bring that along, as well. Let’s get our youth excited about scouting! Please contact Rose Godfrey at 886-5177 or e-mail her at rosegodfrey@sbcglobal.net. Leave your name, unit information, phone number, and the time you would like to volunteer.



POSTED: JULY 11, 2006
Tres Ranchos-ers...
Yes, its time for our Monthly Tres Ranchos Roundtable...This Thursday, July 13th, 7:00 pm at the historic Meek Estate Park in Hayward...a beautiful Hayward Area Recreation and Park District Park at the corner of Boston & Hampton!

This month is the Annual Tres Ranchos Chili Cookoff. Come have fun, eat some chili and help select this years champion. Yes, you too can compete and possibly be crowned "Best Chili"...just bring a big heated pot of chili for "the tasting"... So far the following people have signed up to compete (and you can too):

Michael Andrews, Tom Testerman, Brian Bretz, Jim Clark, Marcus Krause, Keith "Uncle Buck" McColm, Rich DiBona AND our new District Executive Victoria Martinez...

See you there! Can you say Chili, Chili, Chili?

Thanks,

Keith "Uncle Buck" McColm
Roundtable Staff Member and one of the assistants to the Roundtable Commissioner who is away having fun at the Boy Scout summer camp called Wente where there is a big absolutely beautiful lake for swimming, sailing, rowing, canoeing and fishing to name just a few things!



POSTED: JUNE 13, 2006
Greetings Scouters,

This is Keith "Uncle Buck" McColm and I'm representing our Districts (Golden Gate, Mission Peak, Peralta, Tres Ranchos & Twin Valley), and Council, as this years San Francisco Bay Area Council Wood Badge Course Director.

I would like to personally invite every registered BSA Leader (Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity and Venturing) who has not yet attended the "Wood Badge for the 21st Century" to come and join us this year!

Our Course theme this year is, "We Learn so They May Lead" and that basically says why I believe you should come to Wood Badge this year! Come learn how to help our youth lead!

Wood Badge was originally presented at Gilwell Park England in 1919 by Lord Baden-Powell, Scouting's Founder, and has been the training ground for hundreds of thousands of Scouters around the world ever since. As the challenges in the world have changed...so has Wood Badge evolved to give Leaders the current skills they need to strengthen Scouting in meaningful ways!

Wood Badge is a very powerful Leadership Course for adults that will teach you inter personal skills such as how to be a member of a team, how to develop a team and how to make it into a "high performance team". These are skills you will use at home, at work and in Scouting. In fact, everywhere you have interaction with others!

This is considered to be a "fundamental" training therefore it can NEVER be "too early" to take it..Besides that, do you really want to wait a whole another year to have better Leadership skills that could be helping your family and Scout/s sooner?

This "powerful and fun" Course includes these subjects (as well as GREAT food prepared for you on the entire first weekend) and much much more:

Living the Values
Values, Mission and Vision
Bringing the Values to Life
Listening to Learn
Communication
Inclusiveness
Valuing People and Leveraging Diversity
Coaching and Mentoring
Models for Success
Stages of Team Development
The Leading EDGE / The Teaching EDGE
Tools of the Trade
Project Planning
Leading Change
Decision Making and Problem Solving
Managing Conflict
Self-Assessment
Leading to Make A Difference
Leaving a Legacy

For the first time Wood Badge has been realigned to be more like the new Brownsea Course...So if you would like to know more about Brownsea and be able to understand more of what your Brownsea trained youth is talking about when they come home from their training...come to Wood Badge and find out!

Come join us on the Course, and do one of the best things you will ever do for yourself! Yes, it will benefit our youth...but it's really for you! Many Scouting Leaders find this to be the "mountain top experience" of their Scouting careers.

Our Course includes two three day weekends. The dates are:
September 15, 16 & 17 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) and
October 7, 8 and 9 (Saturday, Sunday and Monday)

Course fee is $210.

Ask others who have already attended Wood Badge for the 21st Century...This is a GREAT value. I personally can tell you, I have attended similar "professional" Leadership Courses for $1500. that paled in comparison, but don't just listen me me...ask someone who has recently attended Wood Badge. The proof is in the pudding!

Please sign-up now...Space is limited to a maximum of 48 and we are already over half full. This years Course is filling up fast. Come and bring a friend!

You can use a paper registration found at the Council office (or any current Wood Badge Staff member) and send it in to the Council office with your payment or you can register fast and easy on line www.sfbac.org/training/wb

Remember the Course is filling up fast! So NOW is the time to sign-up!

Note: As you know, some Scouters are not on our District Web-site's so I would really appreciate you taking the time to "spread the word" to them. We all want and need the best Scouting Program we can possibly have and having ALL of our Scouting Leaders attend Wood Badge is one GREAT way to get it!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Yours in Scouting,
Keith "Uncle Buck" McColm
Course Director WE3-28-06



POSTED: February 20, 2006

Dear leaders,

Hey - and you thought my being away on business would prevent me from reminding everyone to do their best in recruitment.

It is that time of year again when troops should be focusing on inviting 2nd Year Webelos to visit them. Be proactive - (1) many Webelos Den Leaders may not know you are around and/or what your troop's specialty is, (2) by waiting, we all lose a boy who does not want to join a troop with the rest of his pack buddies because it is not a proper fit, and/or (3) we lose a boy who joined a troop that sounded interesting, but later found it was not a proper fit - and he only knew of one or two troops.

One proactive suggestion is to help a pack or more with their spring recruitment. Not only does the troop get to know the Webelos, but also the families and other younger scouts. The new families see how the programs interact and support one another. You may see a need w/in the Pack that a scout and/or adult leader can help fill.

Pack Leaders: It is time for spring recruitment. Please begin planning your recruitment dates and provide them to Virginia, our District Executive, so that she can begin having your flyers and other recruitment material ready. Also, there will be a formal information session so that you can learn about the incentives. Please stay tuned to the District news and please have someone attend this important meeting.

Dan Tom
TR Membership Recruitment/Retention Coordinator



POSTED: FEBRUARY 7, 2006

Dear unit and district Scouters in Tres Ranchos District,

We are pleased to announce that Victoria Martinez has been employed as the new district executive for Tres Ranchos District. She is filling the vacancy created when Trish Ferenz moved into the finance director position effective on February 1, 2005.

Victoria began her first official day "on the job" with us yesterday. She is being supervised by Scott Evans, my fellow field director (and one of your former district directors), so she is in good hands.

If you have the opportunity to invite her to an upcoming Blue and Gold Dinner or troop court of honor, by all means do so. If you have any technical questions about district operations or the transitions between Trish and Victoria, feel free to contact Scott here at the office, or ask for me if Scott is unavailable.

Charles Howard-Gibbon
Field Director
San Francisco Bay Area Council



POSTED: FEBRUARY 2, 2006

AND THE WINNERS ARE...
Tres Ranchos newly trained Den Chiefs and the Troops who encouraged and supported these young men to take the Den Chief training at University of Scouting.

I recently received a report regarding the Den Chief Training. They come from San Leandro in the North to Hayward in the south and Castro Valley in the east - in other words, we have new Den Chiefs through out the entire Tres Ranchos District area! I am not going to spoil the report which will be presented at the next Round Table (Thurs. 2/9).

What I will do is encourage ALL Cub Scout leaders to attend the Round Table to find out who these youth are, I will encourage ALL Cub Scout units to invite these young men into your units to help you provide a robust program. Having Den Chiefs active in your Cub Scout Pack can help you recruit more members. These youths have such a better ability to communicate with Cub Scouts - do you want to know why? THEY ARE YOUTHS! This program is youth leading the next generation of youth - youth teaching the next generation - learning from the older youths and passing on the legacy to the next. Cub Leaders, attend the February Round Table and find out who in your area is available. Help these Den Chiefs put their training to use.

I wish to applaud the troops that encouraged their youth members to take the Den Chief training. Den Chiefs open the door for recruitment opportunities for new members from whatever Pack your scout interacts with. Your troop is not waiting for opportunity to knock, your encouragement for Den Chiefs is giving your unit the keys to open its own doors of opportunities. You have also increased the opportunities for your scouts to grow and accept leadership responsibilities - and ultimately advancement. Congratulations and thank you for supporting your youth members.

Daniel Tom
TR Membership



POSTED: JANUARY 13, 2006

Hello SFBAC Scouters:

The San Francisco Bay Area Council is pleased to announce that a formal e-mail group for the new council newsletter, and other e-mail groups are now being established at the San Francisco Bay Area Council website www.sfbac.org. Shortly, you will all receive an e-mail inviting you to join our council’s official e-mail groups. We will also be using the website to link Scouters to on-line registration processing for council camping and activity programs—using either credit card or check routing payment. More details to come soon.

Charles Howard-Gibbon
Field Director
San Francisco Bay Area Council



Unique Scouting opportunity in 2007 - the 100th Anniversary of Scouting and the 21st World Jamboree in England

Hi -

Several months ago, we announced that Boy Scouts was seeking applicants for the World Jamboree in 2007. The Council has, at this point, one of the best recruitment records of any Council in the nation with 45 Scouts already signed up. Western Region asked us to slow down our recruitment efforts in October and November to allow other Councils to have an opportunity to apply.

We have received word from Western Region that we are once again encouraged to recruit Scouts for this great adventure – the 21st World Jamboree in England. This Jamboree will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Scouting. It is a unique opportunity and something, in the years to come, may mean more to the Scout than it will now. 100 years is a long time and many of the Scouts are in the unique age group that is invited to participate.

The United States has been allocated a certain number of Scouts and once those positions are filled, no other Scouts can be signed up. Because of that, we urge Scouts and parents to review the options on the Jamboree now and begin the sign-up process. Attendance at the World Jamboree is expected to be 30,000 to 40,000 Scouts from all over the world. It is an outstanding opportunity to develop friendship with Scouts from around the world.

The single theme for all events and activities for the Centenary of Scouting and the 21st World Scout Jamboree is: 2007: One World One Promise. The 2007 World Scout Task Force, composed of representatives of World Scouting and of Scouting 2007, is leading the planning to realize this vision and help Scouts around the world make the 100th Anniversary objectives a reality:

To celebrate 100 years of Scouting
To demonstrate the unity of World Scouting
To improve and promote the quality of Scouting
To promote peace
To demonstrate the unique value of Scouting
To provide enjoyable and beneficial experiences
To demonstrate a commitment to nature and the environment
To show concern for all communities

To go to the Jamboree, the Scout or Venturer must be a registered Scout at least 14 years of age and First Class rank by July 27, 2007. That is specifically those born between July 28, 1989, and July 27, 1993, may take part in the jamboree. Total cost, including all fees, airfare, equipment, and tour costs, is about $4,000. This is an expensive event and this is the second reason for a 2-year in advance notice to allow the Scout and his family to budget this cost.

The dates of the Jamboree are:

July 27th to August 10th, 2007

Please visit the SFBAC World Jamboree Website to learn more.
http://www.sfbac.org/camping/c_intjamboree.cfm

For further information, please feel free to contact me.
Best Regards,
Henry V. Allen
SFBAC World Jamboree Chairman
jamboreesfbac@comcast.net
510-490-5720
www.sfbac.org/camping/c_intjamboree.cfm


POSTED: OCTOBER 10, 2005

21st World Scout Jamboree and Tour Filling Fast!!!

July 27th to August 10th, 2007

In 2007, Scouting celebrates its 100th anniversary. The theme for the celebrations is "One World, One Promise". In the new world appearing on the horizon, young people see a promising future and a great opportunity to live their dreams.

The 21st World Scout Jamboree will take place in the United Kingdom, where Scouting was founded one hundred years ago. It will be held in Hylands Park Chelmsford, England from July 27th to August 8th, 2007. The Jamboree is a gathering of over 30,000 Scouts from all over the world from over 60 countries. The United States will be sending approximately 2800 Scouts and Leaders.

Each Jamboree is unique. The Jamboree is a once in a lifetime experience. It is an opportunity to meet friends from around the world. It is a time to understand other countries better and it is a time to have fun in the best traditions of Scouting.

Because of its location and the fact that this Jamboree is the 100th Anniversary of Scouting, it is expected that the interest in the Jamboree from Scouts in the USA will be very high. Please sign up early.

The San Francisco Bay Area Council is actively recruiting Scouts and wants to try to complete recruiting by late October in order to assure that all Scouts from SFBAC that want to go to the World Jamboree can. We realize that this is an event that is almost 2 years from now but once the Jamboree spots are filled, we can't go back and ask for more spots.

Cost to go, including transportation, lodging on tour, Jamboree equipment and the Jamboree itself is $4,000. To go, Scouts must meet the following requirements:

Be a registered Boy Scout at least 14 years of age and First Class rank by July 27, 2007. That is specifically those born between July 28, 1989, and July 27, 1993, may take part in the jamboree.
Participate in the prejamboree training experience.
File a Personal Health and Medical form, No. WSJ-34412-05, before prejamboree training.
Be active in a troop for at least six months prior to July 23, 2007.
Be approved by the Scoutmaster.
Be approved by the local council.
Be approved by the region.

For more information on the 2007 World Jamboree, contact Henry Allen, SFBAC World Jamboree Chairman - jamboreesfbac@comcast.net or call 510-490-5720 (although the e-mail will get a faster response).

Yours in Scouting,
Henry V. Allen
SFBAC 2007 World Jamboree Chairman

Posted: October 23, 2004


RETURN TO HOME PAGE