On Tuesday March 29th, youth delegates from across California represented the (BSA) in Sacramento and presented the organization's Report to the State . They highlighted the organization's achievements in 2015 as they delivered the report to key officials, including Speaker of the Assembly, Anthony Rendon; Treasurer, John Chiang, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Torlakson and Governor Jerry Brown. The Report to the State demonstrates Scouting's strength, and promotes the Spirit of Scouting.

Among the eight delegates, two were from the Golden Empire Council. Meghan, a Sea Scout from Ship 777 and Dave, a Cub Scout from Pack 217 in Fair Oak, accompanied other youth from several other councils. The BSA programs represented included: Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Sea Scouts, and Exploring. Did you know that Governor Brown himself attained the rank of Life Scout and staffed scout camp as a youth. He was also the Scouting for Food Honorary Chair in 1999 for the San Francisco Area Bay Council.

The report presented, featured a recap of BSA accomplishments in California during the year, such as the over 2.2 million hours of service Scouts provided to their communities which if these volunteers we paid would exceed $50 million dollars. Of particular note, 4,911 Scouts earned the rank of Eagle Scout in California. Golden Empire alone contributed 550 Eagle Scout which is over 11% of the total! In addition to the 21 life skills merit badges required to earn the Eagle Scout rank, each Scout completed an extensive service project that he planned, organized, lead, and managed, demonstrating proficiency in leadership, service, and outdoor skills at multiple levels.

The presentation of the report, daylong event, included a tour of the state capitol in addition to meetings with the Speaker, Treasurer, Superintendent and Governor. Download the 2015 Report to the State and accompanying Info graphic located on the Golden Empire Council website.

For more pictures of the day, view the Facebook and Twitter feeds search #CAReport2State. Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gecbsa or Twitter: @gecbsa

Scouts in the News

Daniel From Troop 380 chosen as the 2 Millionth Rider on the California Museum Railroad last Saturday, April 2nd

The California State RR Museum afforded the GEC the opportunity to provide a Scout to be the 2,000,000 rider for the volunteer run excursion railroad operated by the museum. Daniel was the lucky Scout! The excursion is open from April through September. Many of the docents are Railroad Merit Badge Counselors. If your son is interested in trains, have him his ask his Scoutmaster about the Railroad Merit Badge at his next meeting!

Check out the video

New Website & Event Registration System

Training, STEM events, High Adventure Training (HAT), new program opportunities: Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing and more! - Coming in April • Newsletter migration to Doubleknot will take place in the next few months too! • Improved E-mail confirmation and receipt of your transaction - Complete • Courtesy E-mail reminders when you have a payment due with online or mail-in payment options still available. - Complete

Our Website address (URL) didn't change ; Check it out! www.gec-bsa.org

The internet committee recommended switching to Doubleknot as it offered more flexible and a wider range of tools. Over the past four months a huge effort by many people who have helped move event and training registrations, calendar activities and summer camp registrations to the Doubleknot service.

Thank you to all the volunteers that continue to help make this transition happen - especially Johnie Pennington! Navigation Hints -Finding what you're looking for is a Snap!

Hover over District label in the menu bar to find your local events and training.

Hover the Activities label, a new feature, to search for events by program focus.

Hover over the Training label to find several of our fabulous training opportunities for Youth and Adults

Need help logging in? Click Here

The 2016 Camp Card Sale Have You Sold Twenty Cards Yet?

It's almost half way through our 2016 Camp Card sale and it is going great! The new vendors, deals and partnerships are helping our Scouts earn their way to camp this summer. Visit our Camp Card Website, Camp Card Webpage for all of the details!

Our "I Sold 20" promotion is gaining steam with more than 200 Scouts registered for their FREE River Cats/Boy Scout cap, game ticket and drawing entry for free camp. Congratulations go to our first 3 winners, Jeremy N. from Crew 119 in Galt; Ashton H. from Pack 41 in Redding and Ashton M. from Troop 641 in Georgetown. These Scouts all sold their 20 and won a free week of camp during our weekly drawings! Keep on selling and submit your Scout's name when he sells his 20. There are still 5 more chances to win a week of camp! Remember that these drawings are held every Monday morning at 9:00am so once you Scout has sold 20, register him online at Click Here . You do not have to register every week and you can only register once.

Camp Card Webpage

New Opportunities Earn the Canoeing Merit Badge this Summer!

Canoeing Merit Badge Classes June 10-11, June 24-25, or August 5-6 Sponsored by the Golden Empire Council and Friends of the River

Each class will include Friday evening instruction and swim test in a pool, followed by a full day of instruction and practice on the water at Lake Natomas, near Sacramento. Scouts who successfully complete the class will receive blue cards for the Canoeing merit badge at the end of the class. Scouting adult leaders and Canoeing Merit Badge Instructors are encouraged to take this class as well.

Estimated cost is $50. Registration is first come, first serve. Registration on the GEC Website . See the Boy Scout Activities Webpage to register. Registration begins on April 8th.

Canoeing Merit Badge Flyer

American Red Cross Adult & Child CPR and First Aid

Saturday, April 9, 2016 12:30 PM - 8 PM LDS Building - 3001 Wisseman Drive, 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 [email protected]

First Aid CPR Flyer

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 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/activities/cub-scout- activities/62738 to access ALL Cub Scout events for both youth and adults including Day/Twilight Camp Events and Cub Scout Leader Training.

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.

Cub Scout weeks are full, but can still add a few more Scouts. Contact the Camping Desk via email.

Camping Webpage

District Camp-o-ree

A district Camp-o-ree is one of the highlights of the Scouting year! Check out this link for the Boy Scout Activities or Venturing Activities . on our new website, Hover over Actvitiies select the option that fits .

A Camp-o-ree is a great time to bond as a patrol by participating in contest of skill, games, cooking and eating together as a small groups. Saturday night is full of fun, skits and song by a roaring ... And several young scouts could be called out to be in the Brotherhood of the .

You don't want to miss your District Camp-o-ree!

Be BSA Risk Ready

Dangerous Games

Camping season is upon us, so we need to reflect on risks to our youth that are not necessarily a part of our outdoor classroom yet may be present when they gather. As pointed out in the American Camp Association's recently published article entitled "Dangerous 'Games' Every Camp Must Know About" , our youth could be at risk to participating in unsafe games that are being highlighted on social media sites-they have been attracting youth in the age range we serve. Along with those listed in the article, the Guide to Safe Scouting also includes a listing of Unauthorized and Restricted Activities , including this: "Water chugging and related activities are not authorized for any program level."

The National Health and Safety Team and Committee receive a couple of questions a year about these subjects and other eating or drinking contests. Our interpretation of these proposed events consistently puts the contests into the "and related activities" category. They should not be a part of any Scouting activity. Thank you to the American Camp Association for allowing us to link to its content.

2017 National Jamboree & GEC Jamboree Patch Set Pre-orders on sale April 4 - June 12 Delivery expected September 2016 ORDER NOW

Start April 4th - Pre Order now: http://gec-bsa.doubleknot.com/event/2017-national-jamboree- council-patch-set/1891324

Give your Special Scout a trip of a lifetime! a 2017 National Jamboree in West Virginia!

Last chance to sign up without automatically moving to the waiting list.

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 Check out the new Flyer To learn how to join the Golden Empire contingent please review our 2017 National Jamboree webpage

Contact us if you have questions: [email protected] 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 !!

River City Scout Shop

SAVE 25%** Blast Through Your Checklists and Save!

Summer Campers: Get the gear and know-how you need on Saturday, April 23rd from 10am till 4pm when you join us for our annual GET READY FOR CAMP DAY at your local participating Scout Shop!

We're proud to host this great gear-up opportunity, so we've included a special 25% OFF REGULAR-PRICED CAMPING GEAR** available exclusively during this in-store event. Plus, pick up some awesome how-to tips while you're here, including: Fitting a Backpack, Packing for Camp, and Hiking Preparation.

**25% savings offer is only available for retail purchases on camp gear made in participating Scout Shops during the day of the event. Excludes Wall Tents and Gift Cards. Does not apply to unit purchases, phone orders, or wholesale orders. Not valid on previous purchases or orders; may not be combined with any other offer or discount. Selection varies by location. Discount is applied at time of purchase. Savings do not apply to shipping, handling, or taxes.

CONTACT RIVER CITY SCOUT SHOP FOR ALL THE DETAILS. 916-649-1800

River City Scout Shop New Web Address

Training Information

GEC Powder Horn

Registration begins April 8th

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 [email protected]

Wilderness First Aid - Classes filling 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.

April 9-10 - Flyer - Camp Pollock - Register Now (wait list) 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 [email protected]

National Youth Leader Training NYLT Summer Register Starts April 5th

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.

NYLT Webpage

Registration links will be available on NYLT Webpages 2016 NYLT Flyer

April 8-10 & 22-24 - Placerville - Registration closed - Wait list available July 15-17 & 22-24 - Camp Nauvoo - Placerville August 5-7 and 12-14 - Camp Lassen - Butte Meadow

Will your employer pay for Wood Badge?

Wood Badge is the highest and most advanced training course offered by the Boy Scouts of America. While it is rich in scouting history and tradition, participants will spend 6 full days and nights learning modern leadership theories from contemporary scholars such as Ken Blanchard (author of the One Minute Manager series of books), Stephen R. Covey (author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and Principle-Centered Leadership ), and Spencer Johnson (author of Who Moved My Cheese ). A complete set of references can be found at the end of this document. Read More

Wood Badge 2 Courses in 2016! April 28-30 and May 12-14 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!

Training Opportunities New webpage with all current training at your finger tips!

Check it out now!

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. Click on the Picture to download Select My Dashboard current schedule 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

Commissioner Conference - March 5, 2016

On March 5, more than 70 Commissioners from the Golden Empire Council gathered at the Woodland Stake Center to get advanced training on how to be more effective Commissioners at our annual Commissioner Conference. Such courses included Serving Scouts with Special Needs, Emphasizing Duty to God, Resolving Unit Conflicts and Counseling Skills. The day began with breakfast and an introduction by our Scout Executive Chuck Brasfeild. During lunch we had an emotional keynote speech from our Council President Dave Ishikawa. Training culminates in the awarding of degrees, much like a College or University, and a renewed fervor to support and grow the Scouting program.

Commissioners are an integral part of Scouting. Their purpose is to help Scouting units succeed. A Commissioner plays several roles, including friend, representative, unit "doctor," teacher, and counselor. They coach and consult with adult leaders of Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and Venturing crews and help maintain the standards of the Boy Scouts of America. To learn more learning more about being a commissioner contact your District Commissioner or District Executive for all the details! GEC Commissioner Webpage GEC Commissioner Webpage

Council Calendar at a glance 2016 PDF Calendar

Golden Empire Council | [email protected] | 916.929.1417 | Website

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