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SCOUTING NEWS YOU CAN USE
Week of November 20, 2023
Pacific Skyline Council
Boy Scouts of America
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Save the Date - Giving Tuesday is November 28!
For Everyone
The first Tuesday after Thanksgiving (after Black Friday and Cyber Monday) has officially become Giving Tuesday – a worldwide day of giving that kicks off the Holiday Season!
Like many non-profit organizations, the Pacific Skyline Council depends on your generous financial support to continue its mission to get kids outdoors and to teach them to make good moral and ethical decisions by using the Scout Oath and Law.
Support Scouting by making a tax-deductible donation or bidding on an item in our online auction (bidding starts on Thursday, November 23!). Thank you!
Please Save the Date and plan to give on November 28!
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Unit Leaders - Recharter is Now Open!
For All Unit Key Three Members
Recharter is officially open. The PacSky recharter page has been updated to include the latest info, helpful tips, and 2023 key elements. Click here to visit the page. Click here to visit the page.
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Popcorn is an Easy Fundraiser for Anyone!
For Everyone
Fundraising with popcorn is an easy way to fund your way to Day Camp, Summer Camp, or even your unit’s budget. If you are a Scout and your unit isn’t selling, you still can! It’s not too late to start fundraising with popcorn! Contact Tom Kenney to learn how to start fundraising with popcorn.
| 2023 Holiday Items Now Available! Pre-order Now! | |
High Adventure Training Coming in March 2024
For Leaders
This class is a MUST for anyone planning on taking Scouts into the backcountry! Trip planning, outdoor safety, hazardous weather, equipment management and more will all be covered in this multi-session class.
You will learn from experienced Scout leaders and outdoor subject matter experts through hands-on experiences, formal presentations, and patrol-driven field exercises to sharpen your skills. JOIN US!
Our course consists of three classroom sessions and a weekend field experience. You must attend and complete all 4 sessions.
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Classroom Sessions
Monday, March 4, 2024
Monday, March 11, 2024
Monday, March 18, 2024
6:30-9:30pm
Palo Alto Service Center
1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto
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Field Session
March 22-24, 2024
Friday 6pm to Sunday 3pm
Henry Coe State Park
9000 East Dunne Avenue, Morgan Hill
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Cost - $130 per person
Includes course syllabus (online), snacks during 3 classroom sessions and training badge
Learn more and register now
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New Foster City Scout Shop Hours
For Everyone
The Foster City Scout Shop is NOW OPEN on Wednesdays and is open during lunch hours. Come on by, your purchase supports the Pacific Skyline Council.
New Hours
Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm
Sat: 10am-4pm
Sun: CLOSED
Current Deal: Buy 2 or more pairs Thorlo Socks and get 25% off!
Scout Shop Locations & Hours
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Camp Staff Job Fair
For Everyone
Hey Scouts, ever wonder what it’s like to on summer camp staff?! Are you interested in becoming a “Counselor-in-Training” or other helper for a Scout program or activity?
You’re in luck – all of your questions will be answered at our first ever CAMP STAFF JOB FAIR, December 9 @ the Palo Alto Service Center. Starting time is TBD as we iron out the details but stay tuned to this space for additional information. And by the way, parents are invited TOO!
See you then!
CLICK HERE to apply for a CAMP STAFF Position NOW!
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Cutter Scout Reservation: Get the Update
For Everyone
The Council has posted a new update about Cutter Scout Reservation and the recovery efforts of the wildfire damage from 2020. Get the latest here.
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Important Read for Adult Leaders: Review the New Rules for Registering All Adults Who Participate in Overnight Activities
For All Adult Leaders
Leaders, please take the time to make sure you know all the rules for adults participating in overnight activities. Read the FAQ here.
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California Law Protecting Youth - AB 506
For Everyone
Thank you to those volunteers who have completed their online training in order to comply with AB 506. This training is for all volunteers. Units must have every registered adult complete the AB 506 requirements prior to submitting recharters. Live Scan fingerprinting also available.
Step 4: Visit any Live Scan location of your choice. Find locations here. The results will be sent to PacSky.
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Road Closures Impacting Access to Boulder Creek Scout Reservation
For Everyone
Bear Creek Road is expected to be closed 10/2/23-12/10/23 to repair storm damage. Highway 9 will be the only available entry/exit to Boulder Creek Scout Reservation in that time (17-Mt. Hermon-9-BCR-Scout Ranch and 9 through Saratoga). Please plan accordingly and visit Santa Cruz County Public Works or Caltrans for updates.
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Updated 2023 National Fees and Annual Membership Process
For Everyone
Beginning August 1, 2023, all new youth and adult members who join Scouting will be enrolled in a 12- month membership cycle and BSA will cease prorating fees. Both youth and adults will pay the full annual membership fee and will renew their membership on the anniversary date of joining Scouting. All proration of membership fees will be eliminated. Each registered member of the BSA will receive an email notice with a registration renewal link beginning 60 days before the anniversary month they joined Scouting. Unit leaders will receive a copy of the email and should stay engaged in the membership renewal process just like rechartering.
Effective August 1, 2023, the BSA will implement the following national membership fees which were approved by the National Executive Committee:
- $80 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting participants ($5 increase)
- $60 for all adult volunteers ($15 increase to provide general liability insurance and enhanced background checks)
- $25 one-time joining fee for new program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting (Not prorated and no change in fee)
- $30 for Scoutreach (Not prorated)
- $25 for Merit Badge Counselors (New Fee applies only for Merit Badge Counselors not already registered as leaders)
- $50 for Exploring participants Youth & Adult ($5 increase)
- $100 for a unit charter/affiliation fee (no change in fee)
- $15 for Scout Life magazine
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Become a Professional Scouter! Job Opportunities now Available!
for Everyone
Since 1910, Scouting has helped mold the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes and understands that helping youth puts us on a path towards a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.
Today’s professional Scouters are a diverse group of men and women sharing a dynamic career offering independence, achievement, and stability. This is work that makes a difference, work that calls one to continual learning and challenge, work that offers solid compensation, benefits and advancement.
The Pacific SkylIne Council currently has two positions available for enterprising professionals who have a passion for working through others while at the same time delivering superior customer service.
Please contact Ron Chang, Assistant Scout Executive to learn more about the open District Executive/District Director and Development Director positions.
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November is Good Turn for America Month!
For Everyone
This November the Pacific Skyline Council would like to highlight the service projects your Scouts are doing in our community.Your Good Turn for America can be a food drive, helping the elderly, donating to the unhoused, or anywhere you see a need.
We want to hear about all the amazing things you are doing and feature some great projects throughout the month of November. Tell us about what your unit has accomplished and you might win an ice cream party! Submit your Good Turn for America
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Ta-Ki-Ma Cub Scout Day Camp 2024 - Registration Now Open!
For Cub Scouts
Registration for Cub Scout Day Camp is now open! Get your Cub Scout outside with time-honored Scout experiences like Archery, Crafts, Sports, Science, Games, and much more! Join us at this 5-day program of activities which provides fun and new experiences for the Cub Scouts. The daily program is centered on Cub Scout FUN! Included in the cost of day camp is all necessary supplies for crafts and activities!
This year's theme is: Magic
Mon-Fri, June 17-21
9:00am-3:00pm
Mon-Fri, June 24-28
9:00am-3:00pm
Mon-Fri, July 15-19
9:00am-3:00pm
Mon-Fri, July 29-August 2
9:00am-3:00pm
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Winter Family Fun Fest - December 2
For Cub Scouts
Join us for an afternoon of holiday fun for the whole family!
Come make some great memories this holiday season! Come with just your Cub Scout or bring the whole family and join us for some great winter activities!
Saturday, December 2nd from 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Register Now!
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Camp Oljato: Spots Filling Quickly! Don’t miss your chance for Adventure!
For Everyone
Camp Oljato - located at 7,000 ft. elevation on the shores of beautiful Huntington Lake - is one of the premier aquatics camps on the West Coast and has been welcoming Scouts to its beckoning woods since 1941!
Don't wait another minute to sign up for another summer of "Starlight on the Water" - we'll see YOU in camp!
2024 Dates: Sun-Sat
Week 1 – June 23-29
Week 2 – June 30-July 6 - Almost full!
Week 3 – July 7-13 - Filling quickly!
Week 4 – July 14-20 - Filling quickly
Week 5 – July 21-27
Week 6 – July 28-August 3
Register Here
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Save the Date! Cub-ON Family Camping 2024
For Cub Scouts
Cub-ON is a great introduction to Cub Scout "family camping" and the natural beauty of our coastal area!
Boulder Creek Scout Reservation is located in the Santa Cruz mountains in a lush redwood forest. All meals are provided in our outdoor dining hall with trained staff at each of our activity areas.
Hiking • Archery • BB Guns • Crafts • Pocket Knife Safety • Campfire Program
Cub-ON Spring 2024 Dates:
- May 17-19 2024
- June 7-9 2024
Save the Date! Registration opens Feb 1, 2024.
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Earn the Aviation or Weather Merit Badge at Hiller Aviation Museum's 1-day Workshops!
For Scouts BSA
Scouts BSA can earn the Aviation or Weather, or Astronomy Merit Badge with the Hiller Aviation Museum! Learn more and register at hiller.org. This is not a council event--please direct any questions to the Hiller Aviation Museum.
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Get your Adventure ON with an AWESOME "Back to the Pack" Recruitment Night!!
For Cub Scout Leaders
Everything that you need for a successful Fall Recruitment is right here! Click or call your District Executive or the Council office for more information!!
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Unit Leaders - Make Sure Your Info is Up To Date on BeAScout.org
For Everyone
It's Fall Recruitment time, so don't miss the chance for any potential new Scouts for your unit! Make sure your unit’s information is up to date at BeAScout.org, the official BSA site that allows members of the public to find Scouting units near them, unit contact information, and ways to join.
Now's the time to check if your unit’s information up to date; otherwise, people looking to join the BSA could be greeted by outdated email addresses and phone numbers. It’s easy to do. Find out how.
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ScoutBook Is The Way To Go!
For Everyone
Pacific Skyline Council is encouraging all units and merit badge counselors to use ScoutBook to record your advancements for your Pack, Troop or Crew.
If you are already using ScoutBook a lot, yay!! If this will be new to you, below are very good links to easy-to-understand explanations for Merit Badge Counselors, Troop and Crew leaders, and Cub Pack leaders. Each page has a video that will walk you through using ScoutBook. Click on the category you are interested in.
Merit Badge Counselors
BSA Scout Troop and Crew Leaders
Cub Scout Leaders
You log on to ScoutBook using the same login information you use for my.scouting.org where you do youth protection training. Click here for a link to ScoutBook.
Council trainings will also take place periodically through the year on ScoutBook for the different types of leadership. The first trainings will be happening soon.
Please look for an email that will have information on the appropriate training for your unit (Cubs, Scouts BSA, Merit Badge Counselors) to be sent soon.
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Merit Badge Counselor Training Class
For Scouts BSA
This virtual Merit Badge Counselor Training class is required for all Pacific Skyline Council Merit Badge Counselors (MBC). It only needs to be taken once. There is no fee to participate in the class and the training takes approximately 30 minutes.
The next class is coming up on November 20, with lots of other upcoming dates in coming months available. More info and register here.
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Life to Eagle Information Meeting
For Scouts BSA
Navigating the path from Life to Eagle can be tricky. There are a lot of procedures, paperwork, and deadlines to keep in mind. Join this meeting to learn how to get across the finish line. Even if you’re really close, it’s an informative meeting. It takes about 30 minutes and is for Life Scouts only.
The next meeting is coming up on November 22, with lots of other upcoming dates in coming months available. More info and register here.
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Exciting Shooting Sports Training
For Adult Scouters
Ever wanted to learn shooting sports disciplines such as rifle shooting, BB guns and archery from certified instructors? PacSky is known for one of the strongest BSA Shooting Sports programs in the nation. Check out the awesome 2023 PacSky Shooting Sports training schedule which includes courses on Cub Scout BB and Archery Rangemaster and basic- and instructor-level courses in Rifle Shooting and Muzzle-loading Rifle Shooting! Come, learn and have *lots* of fun!
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Online Training
For Everyone
If you haven't already taken the required courses for your Scouting position, log on and get trained. There are several Required training opportunities available online, as well as Extended Learning.
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Log on to my.scouting.org
- Click on "Menu"
- Click on "My Training"
- Select YPT (Youth Protection Training) if you need to update it (every 2 years)
- All other classes, go to "Training Center" and select the courses needed by program.
- Take any Trainings needed for your leadership position in Scouting.
This way, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running for your new Scouts!
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Life-to-Eagle Class
For Life Scouts
Help your Life Scout get to Eagle! Learn more. (click then scroll down)
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Merit Badge Counselor Training
For Everyone
Become a merit badge counselor! Learn more. (click then scroll down)
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Join Us for Venturing Roundtable!
For Venturing Advisors, Leadership
Calling all Venturing leaders: Join us for Venturing Roundtables! Mark your calendars, we'll meet on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7pm online. Please join us at this Zoom link. Zoom link is the same each month.
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District Roundtables
For Everyone
Roundtables provide leaders with program ideas; information on policy and events; and training opportunities. Learn more
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Philmont Training Center - Cimmaron, NM
For Everyone
PTC is a National volunteer training center for the Boy Scouts of America. Learn more.
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Summit Bechtel Reserve - Glen Jean, WV
For Everyone
SBR is a National volunteer training center for the Boy Scouts of America. Learn more.
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Looking for More Training Courses?
For Everyone
Check with our neighboring councils:
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