SSC Scouting News

September 2020

SSC Scouting News

Keeping you up to date with what is happening in the Southern Sierra Council.

SSC Website Link

Due to the state mandate concerning the COVID-19 pandemic

The Trading Post and Scout Office are ONLY open for curbside pick-up & service Tejon District Committee Meetings Monday thru Friday - Noon to 5:00 pm First Thursday of each month - 6:30 pm Please schedule a pick-up in advance by emailing Thursday, September 3 via Zoom necessary documentation (Advancement reports and a PO) to Mary Castaneda at Meetings are currently being held via Zoom [email protected] or but will resume, when allowed, at the Scout by calling (661) 325-9036 Office. Shipping is available The District Committee mobilizes resources to ensure the growth and success of units. Districts are responsible for carrying out four standard functions: membership, fund development, program, and unit service.

All interested adults are invited to attend.

Please email your interest in receiving the Zoom link to the meeting to: Council Office Contacts [email protected]. (661) 325-9036 District Chairman - Scout Executive - Randy Saunders John Ryan [email protected] [email protected]

Office Manager - Mary Castaneda District Commissioner - [email protected] Patricia Martin-Galvin [email protected] District Associates Greg Etheridge [email protected]

Blake Nettleton [email protected] Trading Post Clerk Needed

The Trading Post Clerk is a part-time position at the Southern Sierra Council Office

Afternoons only during store hours - Noon to 5:00 pm - 15-20 hours per week.

Seeking a highly motivated, organized, energetic person. This position includes, but is not limited to, the successful daily operation of the Trading Post - processing transactions, accurate and on- time records, receiving orders, stocking shelves, clerical/administrative support, friendly efficient customer service and maintaining a clean customer friendly environment.

The Trading Post Clerk selected will: Ensure that stock shelves are maintained in a neat and attractive manner. Provide courteous and efficient service to customers in the store and on the phone. Receive and process all incoming deliveries. Process cash, credit card and check transactions through the POS system. Open and close the store as directed. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Desired Skills: Ability to get along with and work cooperatively with volunteers, council staff and management. Provide quality customer service in a timely manner. Ability to carry out both written and oral directions in a timely manner.

Requirements: Must be willing to accept and meet the Boy Scouts of America's leadership and membership standards and subscribe to the Scout Oath and Law. Ability to work the hours as stated above. A Scouting background is helpful but not required. Offers for employment are subject to criminal and reference background checks. Experience with Microsoft Office. High School Diploma or GED. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Compensation: The Southern Sierra Council is an equal opportunity employer that offers a competitive hourly salary.

To apply, please send resume and cover letter by email to Mary atm [email protected].

SSC Conference Room Reservation Procedures

Attention - Event Chairs & Council Committees

Please remember to check the Council website calendar for open dates and submit a "Building Use Request" before scheduling meetings at the Council office. Forms are available HERE and at the SSC office. Submit completed forms to Greg at [email protected].

All "Building Use Requests" must be approved prior to being placed on the council calendar.

Recurring meetings - OA LEC, Commissioner, Roundtable, Board & Executive Committee meetings are pre-reserved and do not require individual requests.

Meetings - Scouting from Home

ROUNDTABLE - Providing unit leaders with the skill to do and the will to do what is needed to ensure that every member of every unit has a great Scouting experience. Thursday, September 10 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

September Program: Scoutbook Help & Support Is it Scouting? Cubs Breakout - Recruiting Events Scout Breakout - Recruiting in the Time of Pandemic Zoom link will be sent to all registered leaders on Monday, September 7

NEW FORMAT National Program Videos and SSC Information.

Unit Restart - Things to Consider

Consult your chartered organization for approval to restart in-person meetings. Assure them all State and Local guidelines will be followed at all times. Once you receive the approval to "Scout ON" - here are some steps to get your unit restarted in-person. Continue virtual meetings in preparation of the restart so your families are ready.

Step 1 - Establish a Unit Plan - Possible meeting structures (indoor vs outdoor); Transportation; Dining; Tenting; Program Safety (COVID Protocol); Choose Activities that fit your unit's COVID Plan; Face Coverings; Hygiene Stations; Pre-event Screening Plan; and Communication Plan. Step 2 - Communicate with your unit - Once you have decided to hold in-person meetings, it is essential to communicate clearly with families in your unit. It is important to ensure families know all of the details of your unit restart plan to help them feel comfortable with the safety of the program. Step 3 - Meeting Implementation - Follow unit COVID plans and reinforce the guidelines. Monitor for COVID during and after meetings. Step 4 - Review and Adjust - After your unit has had an activity and put its' COVID plan to the test, it is important to review and adjust the plan as necessary to keep everyone safe. State and Local guidelines will continue to change so pay attention for updates.

As your unit is restarting, be sure to share these videos with the Den Leaders. Overview on each rank, good conduct, flag ceremony, and videos on Adventure loops and pins. Why reinvent the wheel...utilize resources and have a great time.

Den Leader Tips & Tricks

Eagles Nest

Eagle Workshop for September 5 has been cancelled.

If you have any questions or need assistance with the Eagle Process please contact the Council Office for direction.

Next Eagle Workshop - Saturday, November 14 - 9:00 am

Congratulations to nine new Eagle Scouts during the month of August!! These scouts are members of Troops: 3, 147, 188, 194, 442 & 848.

National BSA presents - Family Fun Fest

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO SEE SCOUTING IN ACTION Scouting is always more fun with friends Starts at 8:00 AM PDT

This very special online-only free event will be jam-packed with a sampling of the fun things Cub Scouts across the country do day in and day out. We’ll be going big with all things Pinewood Derby, because hey, it’s kind of our thing! But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. From astronauts to crafts and even a few special surprises it’ll be the most fun your family will have online all summer.

FAMILY FUN FEST - Info and Registration

Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge Workshop

Saturday, September 26, 2020 9:00 am to 1:30 pm

Location: Golden Empire Transit West Yard 1920 Golden State Ave, Bakersfield

Event Cost - $5.00 - includes lunch

Scouts learn to understand and appreciate our differences while working on the merit badge. They explore the experiences of people with differing abilities and how providing accessibility can help improve fairness. They also investigate careers which support people with disabilities.

This is an outdoor, social distancing event so please come prepared. Bring a chair, water bottle & mask.

Registration required - online only (see button below) Maximum class size - 20 scouts Prerequisites will be emailed to registered scouts prior to event Registration open until September 23, 2020 unless all spots are full. Sign up now!

COVID-19 Mandatory Safety Procedures will be followed for this event:

If you have any questions please contact Ross Keith - [email protected]

Disabilities Awareness MB - Register Here

2020 Council Popcorn Sale Popcorn!!! Popcorn!!! Popcorn!!!

The Trail’s End popcorn sale is off and running. Scouts are have already sold $20,000 in popcorn, mostly through online direct sales. However, it is not too late for your Scouts to join in and get started.

We continue to stay in contact with large chain stores in hopes of securing storefront sales opportunities. However, there may still be options for your unit to do storefront sales at open businesses in your area. With the help of your parents, reach out to some of the banks, hardware stores, automotive shops, and other open businesses to set up a booth and sell popcorn.

Online direct sales are the safest way to participate in this year’s sale. There are also on- going free shipping promotions to help encourage people to buy from your Scouts.

The take order option is always an option for Scouts to sell popcorn, too.

Remember, all Scouts that sell at least $100 in military/heroes donations (also available online) will earn the special 2020 military Council shoulder patch.

If your unit has not registered yet, now is the time to log-in to Trail’s End and get started. If your unit is not participating, but your Den or Patrol wants to, we can make it happen for you. Contact the Scout Office or [email protected].

Upcoming reminders: September 10 – Storefront sales order #2 due online October 3 – Storefront product distribution, by appointment

2020 Popcorn Plan

Potato Booth

No Fair… No Problem… the 2020 Potato Booth

There will not be a Kern County Fair this fall. However, Bakersfield still needs its baked potatoes with special toppings. So, the Southern Sierra Council will be setting up several potato booths around the city during the dates of the Fair.

We need Scouts and adults to operate these booths and make those potatoes the masses want. The dates are:

Friday, September 25 Saturday, September 26 Friday October 2 Saturday, October 3

There will be four-hour shifts, starting at 9:00am and ending at 7:00pm. More information and shift sign-up is coming in the next few days. This is an excellent service opportunity and we’ll be operating with all health and safety expectations being met.

Thank you for supporting Scouting in the Southern Sierra Council

Scout Me In... Growing your Pack, Troop or Post this Fall

While Scouting continues on during a challenging time for all of us, we also need to offer our program to new families. Recruiting new youth and families this fall will offer some unique opportunities to try something new. And we need to grow Scouting because our communities need more Scouts.

The Southern Sierra Council membership team is committed to helping your Pack, Troop or Post with new youth recruitment. We will assist with providing planning and materials for your efforts. Here are some ideas for your leadership group to consider. Ideally, these would be in-person events, but virtual meetings would work, too.

Cub Scout Packs: Back to the Pack event for current families – held just before the school year starts, this event brings current Pack families together and provides opportunity to assess volunteer needs for upcoming year. Join Night: - held in the first few weeks of the school year (before Labor Day), new youth and families are invited to this gathering… just for them. An orientation and sign-up are done here. Invite-a-friend event – Could be first Pack meeting or a special activity in September where Scouts invite one of their friends to attend and join. There will be an incentive for Scouts that participate.

Scouts BSA Troops: Open House – held in September for new families, the Troop can showcase their program and invite the new youth to join. Peer-to-peer invitation – Scouts invite their friends to join. There will be an incentive for Scouts that participate

Exploring: Every Exploring Post adds new members in a unique manner for their program. Contact Randy at [email protected] to discuss options.

Here are a couple of key pointers for all Packs, Troops and Posts:

Social media – The use of social media can be helpful in recruiting and “spreading the word” for your Scouting program. Geofencing is also a good tool to use for promotion. The Council will provide geofencing promotion for your recruitment events, in-person or virtual. Just provide basic event information (form on website). Incentives – The incentive period runs from August 1-October 31. To qualify for the incentive item, the Scout must invite a new youth to join their Pack or Troop. The new youth must join (complete application, pay fee, and turn in) by October 31. Here are the incentives for peer-to- peer recruiting. All new Scouts will receive a patch. Cub Scouts – Pinewood Derby race car kit Scouts BSA – Pocket knife Explorers – Exploring lapel pin Adults – Starbucks gift card. Adults receive second Starbucks gift card if new Scout parent joins (completes application, pays fee, and completes training by December 31). School access – It is understood that access to schools for distribution of fliers or other promotion methods will probably not be possible this year. However, if you gain any access through your personal contacts, we can produce fliers and other marketing materials. Materials – Materials are now available – fliers, posters, yard signs, applications, parent guides, etc.

Fall Recruitment Resources

For more information, contact Randy Saunders at [email protected]

Membership Fee Increased - Effective August 1

New to BSA - Youth $66 per year National Membership Fee (prorated per month - $5.50) plus $25 One-time Joining Fee (no proration) Council Program Fee waived

Former BSA Member - Youth $66 per year National Membership Fee (prorated per month - $5.50) plus $18 per year Council Program Fee (prorated per month - $1.50)

Adult or Explorer $42 per year National Membership Fee (prorated per month - $3.50 ) plus $18 per year Council Program Fee (prorated per month - $1.50)

Recharter Fees for 2021 Youth - $84 (National $66 plus Council $18) Adult or Explorer - $60 (National $42 plus Council $18) Unit Recharter fee - $75 per unit

Family Fun Fishing Day

Saturday, October 3 - 8:00 am to 1:00 pm - Lake Isabella

This FREE event is for all Southern Sierra Council families and friends.

Bring your fishing gear, fishing license (16+), a friend or two, and try to be the best angler. There will be prizes for the biggest fish, smallest fish, first fish caught, most fish caught, and more!

Make sure you bring an adult buddy with you!

All participants (scouts, siblings, friends and adults) will need a Medical form - Parts A & B. Under 18 will also need an Activity Consent Form - both available at online registration.

For more information contact Blake at [email protected] or (661) 325-9036.

Fishing Fun Registration Outdoor Expo - October 10, 2020

Saturday, October 10 First Congregational Church 5 Real Road (corner of Stockdale & Real) FUN & SCOUTING SKILLS FOR SCOUTS OF ALL AGES

**PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED** Registration: https://scoutingevent.com/030-OutdoorExpo

AGENDA

7:30 am - REQUIRED: Check-in and Safety check ( Everyone on site MUST bring Medical Forms A&B and Activity form) Masks are required while on property - even if not participating in activities.

8:30 am - Opening followed by skills booths, training, displays, Trading Post

12:00 pm - Closing

Family fun at Outdoor Expo!

Cub Scouts (Cub Scout-age siblings and friends are invited to join in the fun) Trail-to-1st Class Scouts Older scouts Adults and Leaders Invite a friend to join you and register for more Scouting Fun!

Cub Scouts & Trail-to-1st Class Scouts BSA outdoor skills: Flag etiquette Knots Camping skills Outdoor Cooking Food & Nutrition Safety & Hazards Leave No Trace & Outdoor Code Older Scouts BSA: Stoves Map & Compass/Orienteering Refresher of any or all of the Trail-to-1st Class outdoor skills listed above Adult/Older Scout trainings: Leave No Trace 101 (ages 14+) Youth Protection Training (ages 18+)

REGISTRATION OPENS - Monday, September 7

Outdoor Expo - Register Now

Tigermania - A Tiger's First Campout

STAYING TOGETHER WHILE STAYING APART IT'S THE 2020 TIGER WAY ROAR!! Friday, Oct. 16 to Saturday, Oct. 17 Check In Opens at 5:00 pm

Location: Tejon Ranch Old Headquarters

Cost: $30 per Tiger & Parent (includes activity fees & meals on Saturday

What to bring: Camping Gear, Sleeping Bag, Tent, Camp Chair, Water Bottle and Face Mask.

All Tigers and Parents come to Tigermania! Our time together will consist of Bobcat advancement, games, and much more! Be prepared for a night of camping, campfire stories, and friends!

Don't forget to eat before you come on Friday.

Questions? Email Amy Swidecki at [email protected]

Tigermania - Register Here

WEBELOS WOODS 2020

GOING the 'SOCIAL DISTANCE' for Scouting!

Online Resources & Registration: https://scoutingevent.com/030-39594

When: Check-in - Friday, Oct. 23 - Begins at 5:00 pm Check-out - Sunday, Oct. 25 - 12:00 pm

Where: Camp Hamilton Veterans Memorial Park 34999 Lerdo Hwy.

Cost: $30 per person: Registered online by Oct. 2. $40 per person: Registered online between Oct. 3 & Oct. 16.

Activities include: Cast Iron Chef, First Responder, Webelos Walkabout, Outdoor Adventurer, Scouting Adventurer, Camp- wide Games and a Campfire Program.

What to Bring: Dinner on Friday evening is to be provided by you. Please eat before camp or bring a sack dinner. There are no personal campfires or cooking areas allowed in camp. Also bring any/all camping gear: Tent, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad Camp Chair, etc.

Attendees are required to bring paper plates, cups, and utensils for the 4 provided meals.

Additionally, please have a skit or song you would like to perform as a Den/Pack for the Saturday evening campfire.

All participants will be required to maintain COVID-19 protocols including masks, minimum 6' social distancing & regular hand-washing & sanitizing.

Scouts, Leaders and Adult attendees will need to fill out BSA Medical Forms Part A & B

Questions: Please contact Camp Director, Stacey Hoffman P: (661) 303-9932 Email: [email protected]

Webelos Woods - Register Now Richard Seiden Memorial Golf Tournament

Registration Now Open!

Monday, October 19 - Shotgun Start 11:30 am

Join us for a fun day of golf benefiting Southern Sierra Council - BSA, BARC & Society for Disabled Children.

This year's socially distanced tournament will take place on Monday, October 19 at the Rio Bravo County Club.

Lunch is included (There will be no dinner this year due to COVID-19 restrictions)

Space is limited - Register today to secure your foursome!

Richard Seiden - 1958 to 2016 - was the embodiment of a true Eagle Scout. He was honest, noble, helpful, compassionate and always wanted to expand his knowledge and experience of the world. Richard also enjoyed a good round of golf and it is with great pride that we name this tournament in honor of him.

Camp Kern 2021 Summer Camping in the Sierras

While there wasn’t any summer camping at Camp Kern in 2020, there was a lot of clean-up, painting, and improvements getting done to the facilities and property. Camp Kern looks better.

Camp Kern will be open for summer camp in 2021. There will be exciting programs and two new camping opportunities available… Webelos Adventure Camp and Scouts BSA Tri-Camp.

We would like to speak with your Scouts about attending Camp Kern this coming summer. Contact Randy at [email protected] to set up a time to visit a Troop meeting, in person or virtual. You can also visit our Camp Kern page online: https://sscbsa.org/campkern/

2021 Scouts BSA Sessions 2021 Webelos Adventure Camp Week 1 - June 20-26 Session I - July 18-21 Week 2 - June 27-July 3 Session II - July 21-24 Week 3 - July 4-10 Week 4 - July 13-17 2021 Scouts BSA Tri-Camp Session I - July 18-21 Session II - July 21-24

Philmont Scout Ranch 2022 Council Contingent - Interested?

Provisional 12-day Expedition

Always thought you would like to experience a Philmont Trek but never had the chance? This may be it - A minimum of 8 Scouts and Leaders make up a crew and they don't all need to be from the same troop. Two deep leadership will be required as well as female leadership for the girls in attendance. Maximum crew size is 12 including leaders - Max 4 leaders.

All attendees must be at least age 14, or 13 and have completed the 8th grade, and must meet the weight requirements for participation.

All interested scouts and leaders - Contact Randy Saunders at the Scout Office - (661) 325-9036 or email [email protected] no later than October 15, 2020.

Training News & Upcoming Courses

Questions about training or training requirements Contact Council Training Chairman - Carolyn Forster at [email protected]

YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING (YPT)

Renewal: Any time is a great time to complete your Annual YPT Renewal. Take advantage of your time at home to complete this important training during 2020.

Virtual Meetings: Even though you may not be meeting in-person, YPT always applies. Remember when you are conducting virtual meetings and sending text/email to youth you need to maintain 2-deep leadership at all times.

Youth Protection Training may be completed online at: My.Scouting.org.

In-person trainings will ONLY be available on these dates:

6:00 pm, Scout office 2417 M Street, Bakersfield (enter through front door) (mask required; please, no children due to sensitive topics discussed)

Wednesday, September 9 Tuesday, September 15

Saturday, October 10 (at Outdoor Expo) - 8:30 am

Everyone is responsible to complete YPT every calendar year in Southern Sierra Council per Board Policy established in 2015. (For example, if you last completed YPT in 2019, you must renew YPT before Sept. 30, 2020 to qualify for the next recharter).

No pre-registration required for YPT in-person classes - only masks and social distancing

WOODBADGE

Wood Badge is leadership training for all Scout Leaders who are involved at any level of scouting: Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing, as wells as Council and District leaders and professionals.

Learn by doing, gain leadership knowledge from experienced leaders, include the mission of the BSA into your unit's program. If you are sending your scouts to NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training) you should attend Wood Badge. All adults gain valuable and current leadership skills. Work with your unit if you need assistance with the registration fees.

Questions about Wood Badge: Carolyn Forster, [email protected] Maria Brown, [email protected] Chris Moore, [email protected]

Council Training Committee Meeting

Join us at Council Training Committee to give your input on trainings needed for your unit, your leaders, and your scouts.

The Training Committee is the best opportunity to coordinate trainings for your unit's needs.

Who should attend: Pack or Troop Committee Training Chair or Committee Chair Trainers Wood Badgers are also encouraged to attend for support with your ticket activities and how you can continue to promote Wood Badge to all leaders.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 22 @ 6:30 pm Location: Zoom - Meeting ID 314 211 1129, Password 343932

Please contact Carolyn Forster, [email protected] if you have questions or would like to provide input for the next meeting.

Dates to Mark on the Calendar

Council-wide Special Topic Roundtable for Cub & Scout Leaders Recharter Made Easy Thursday, October 8 - 7:00 pm via Zoom

Cub Scout Twilight Fun Camp (All cub scouts) November 7 - Details to follow

Winter Extravaganza - A Morning of Cub Scout Fun January 9 - Location: TBD

Cub Scout Pushmobile - Postponed to March 6, 2021