CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2016 SILVER BEAVER AWARD RECIPIENTS!!!!

    Honor them for their service at the Volunteer Recognition Dinner, February 4

          Florry Dekovic
                Louis Harrison
                       Scott Rodgers
                             David Rodriguez
                                  Larry Seymour
                                        Joyce Wilson

These special Scouters who dedicate much of their time, talents and resources to the youth of our communities will be recognized at the Council Volunteer Recognition Dinner on Saturday, February 4.   Join fellow adult Scouters and friends to honor them.   Sign up at (click here)

Those attending the dinner will receive a blue bordered Anniversary Shoulder patch and have the opportunity to purchase more, as well as the opportunity to purchase full patch sets.  

INSIDE THE SCOUTER CODE OF CONDUCT, A CRITICAL CHECKLIST FOR ADULT VOLUNTEERS

We ask our Scouts to follow the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Adult leaders, though, are held to an additional standard.     It’s called the Scouter Code of Conduct.

Think of it as a checklist of expectations for adult conduct in the Scouting program. At Scouting meetings and events, these are your rules to live by.

The Scouter Code of Conduct, available here as a PDF and included at the end of this post, outlines 10 standards for adult leader behavior. The code is aimed at keeping young people safe in the Scouting program.

It debuted in its current form around October 2015, but this is the first time I’m blogging about it.

You’ll notice it addresses some key items that could put participants at risk. That includes reminders about transportation and unauthorized activities. Many of the items tie in to the BSA’s mandatory Youth Protection training.

Scouter Code of Conduct

On my honor I promise to do my best to comply with this Boy Scouts of America Scouter Code of Conduct while serving in my capacity as an adult leader:

1. I have or will complete my registration with the Boy Scouts of America, answering all questions truthfully and honestly.
2. I will do my best to live up to the Scout Oath and Scout Law, obey all laws, and hold others in Scouting accountable to those standards. I will exercise sound judgment and demonstrate good leadership and use the Scouting program for its intended purpose consistent with the mission of the Boy Scouts of America.
3. I will make the protection of youth a personal priority. I will complete and remain current with youth protection training requirements. I will be familiar with and follow:
   1. BSA Youth Protection policies and guidelines, including mandatory reporting
   2. The Guide to Safe Scouting
   3. The Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety
4. When transporting Scouts I will obey all laws, comply with youth protection guidelines, and follow safe driving practices.
5. I will respect and abide by the Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America, BSA policies, and BSA-provided training, including but not limited to, those relating to:
   1. Unauthorized fundraising activities
   2. Advocacy on social and political issues, including prohibited use of the BSA uniform and brand
   3. Bullying, hazing, harassment, and unlawful discrimination of any kind
6. I will not discuss or engage in any form of sexual conduct while engaged in Scouting activities. I will refer Scouts with questions regarding these topics to talk to their parents or spiritual advisor.
7. I confirm that I have fully disclosed and will disclose in the future any of the following:
   1. Any criminal suspicion, charges or convictions of a crime or offense involving abuse, violence, sexual misconduct, or any misconduct involving minors or juveniles
   2. Any investigation or court order involving domestic violence, child abuse, or similar matter
   3. Any criminal charges or convictions for offenses involving controlled substances, driving while intoxicated, firearms or dangerous weapons.
8. I will not possess, distribute, transport, consume, or use any of the following items prohibited by law or in violation of any Scouting rules, regulations and policies:
   1. Alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, including marijuana.
   2. Concealed or unconcealed firearms, fireworks, or explosives.
   3. Pornography or materials containing words or images inconsistent with Scouting values.
9. If I am taking prescription medications with the potential of impairing my functioning or judgment, I will not engage in activities which would put Scouts at risk, including driving or operating equipment.
10. I will take steps to prevent or report any violation of this code of conduct by others in connection with Scouting activities.

Cub Scout Camping guide books for parents and leaders have been sent out!!!   If you have new Cubs in your Pack be sure you have a couple of extra on hand to give them at Blue & Gold in February.  They can be obtained at the YLTC or from your District Executive.  

TROOPS - GET READY FOR EXTREME WINTER FUN!

Our Council's Order of the Arrow Lodge, Achewon Nimat, is hosting a KLONDIKE DERBY!   This fun weekend will feature competitions in the snow between patrols to see what patrol can win this gold rush themed event, February 24-26 at Camp Hi-Sierra in Long Barn.  Klondike Derby's are a highlight for those troops who live in snow country, and a BIG adventure for our Scouts who only get up to the snow periodically!  Attending Winter Camp Awareness Training (see article under Order of the Arrow below) is highly recommended.  Each year we have a few Scouts who experience hypothermia due to lack of knowledge of how to take care of themselves in the snow.  Winter Camp training helps our Scouts know how to prevent cold weather challenges.  

All information about pricing, meal plans and how to build a sled for Klondike Derby is available at (Click Here)

SCOUT AND VENTURE TRAINING OPPORTUNITY!!

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) Registration now open – 3 Sessions in 2017

The San Francisco Bay Area Council is offering 3 sessions of National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). Two are in June and a new one is being introduced for the Fall of 2017. The 3 sessions are:

•          June 12-17, 2017 – Monday Morning Start; Saturday Evening End
•          June 18-24, 2017 – Sunday Morning Start; Saturday Noon-time End
•          Sept 16-17, Sept 22-24, and Oct 6-8, 2017 – Attendance at all 3 weekends required.
  •     Sept 16-17 – Saturday Morning thru 5 PM on Sunday
  •     Sept 22-24 – Friday evening thru 5 PM on Sunday
  •     Oct 6-8 – Friday evening thru 8 PM on Sunday

The weekend course in the Fall covers everything covered in the other two sessions. This is not a condensed course; it is broken up over 3 separate weekends. It does NOT require that the participant take time off of school to attend.

What is NYLT?

NYLT is the number one training course for personal leadership development. The course is youth led and simulates a complete month in the life of a youth-led scouting unit in six-days.  Through the fast moving and fun packed program, you will develop valuable skills for event planning, effective communication, team development, teaching, setting goals and problem solving. The program includes team games and other activities that give you a chance to apply and practice these new skills. You will learn about different leadership styles and how they relate to the stages of team formation and how to be an effective leader by putting others' needs first. You and your team will create a vision of success and through program activities, set goals and make plans to achieve it.  The culmination of the course is the Quest for the Meaning of Leadership, a chance for you and your team to present your new found skills and knowledge to the rest of the course.

How to sign up for NYLT

To register, go to the www.SFBAC-NYLT.org site. Read the information there about NYLT before registering.  Boy Scout participants must be First Class before the Session’s Orientation date. They must be thirteen years of age by the beginning of course OR must have completed 7th Grade. They should have taken part in an ILST course at their home unit. Venturer participants should have taken part in an ILSC course at their home unit. Both male and female Venturers are welcomed and encouraged to apply for NYLT. The SFBAC-NYLT course accepts youth from all Councils. Both Scouts and Venturers must have the approval of their unit leader/advisor.

SCOUT SABBATH and SCOUT SUNDAY CELEBRATIONS

The Boy Scouts of America designates the Sunday that falls before February 8 (Scouting Anniversary Day) as Scout Sunday. This day serves as a great opportunity for your unit to participate in services at your place of worship, and demonstrate reverence in Scouting. Start your planning today to celebrate this special occasion.

Click here to get some ideas for your unit.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Dublin Boy Scout Troop 905 just completed their annual Christmas Tree Pick Up Fundraiser on Saturday, January 7th.  There might have been a lot of wind and rain, but our scouts stepped up to complete pickup of trees at over 740 homes.

"905 what time is it?  It's time to step up. It's time to represent."

(Photo and quote submitted by Patty Shipps, Troop 905 Twin Valley)

Did your Pack have a great outing at a local park?  Did youir Troop find a great new place to camp?  We are accepting photos from Packs or dens, Troops or patrols, Teams, Crews, Posts ... well any Scouting unit, of activities and Scouts having fun to feature in this newsletter!  Please include a brief description and be sure to include your unit, number, and district.   Email to joann.parker@scouting.org 

Friends of Scouting (FOS)  is the annual giving campaign to the San Francisco Bay Area Council.  It provides Scouting’s families, volunteers and friends with the opportunity to financially support the operations of their local council. The San Francisco Bay Area Council provides many important services to your pack, troop or crew, its leaders and the young people. These services are necessary to provide a high-quality experience for all of our Scouts and families for Scouting to be made available for local youth to join.

The Friends of Scouting Campaign for packs, troops and crews are done through presentations to families of Scouts. Presentations are typically conducted at unit meetings during the months of January, February or March and are most effective when most families will be in attendance, such as at a Pack Blue and Gold Banquet or a Troop Court of Honor.

The Friends of Scouting campaign is one of the largest sources of income generated by the Council to support units to have a quality program throughout the year.  We ask families like yours to help support the costs that the council incurs to keep Scouting strong for all boys.  That $24 yearly registration fee you pay goes directly to the National Boy Scouts of America for program development – none of it stays local to help pay for any of these costs.

All contributions are used by the San Francisco Bay Area Council provide support and service to your unit and other Scouting units in Alameda and San Francisco counties.

WANT TO ATTEND KLONDIKE DERBY?  

        A CAMPOREE-STYLE EVENT IN THE SNOW, THE GREATEST WINTER EVENT?

BE SAFE!  ATTEND OA WINTER CAMP AWARENESS  FIRST - SATURDAY JANUARY 21, 2017   TOMORROW!

     Come join us on January 21st on the historic USS Hornet for Achewon Nimat's annual Winter Camp Awarness training, now with new and improved courses!  Prepare your troop with the knowledge needed for a safe and fun snow camping trip and the Klondike Derby.   Training includes Sleeping Warm, First Aid, Winter Foods, Stoves and Fuel, Tents and Terrain, and Winter Clothing.  A late fee will apply, lunches may be availalble. Fees and additional signup information available at (Click Here)   See Klondike article for specifics on the event.

JOIN THE OA DANCE/DRUM and CEREMONIES TEAMS!!!

Join advisor Laura Priest each month at Epiphany Lutheran Church* to be a member of the Dance/Drum team (meets 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)  Native American dancing is fun and you can compete at events such as Conclave.  It’s only once a month practice and we’ll teach you all you need to know to sing or dance and provide the dance outfit.  Help us show how talented our lodge is – we meet one Saturday each month.

The Ceremonies Team meets same day, same location from 1-4 p.m.  Be a part of this great team planning an conducting ceremonies at all events.  Ceremonies are an important part of our lodge  so all Scouts in Achewon Nimat are invited to help out.

* 16248 Carolyn St, San Leandro, CA 94578, (164th St. and Caroline right off foothill)         https://goo.gl/maps/cuPC7npNVN92