Unit Exceptional Scouter award submissions are due to council by this Monday, 1/18.  Yes, the form says 1/15, but the 18th is the date.

There was a communication error and this request if going our late.  Unit Leadership, please choose two adults who helped make Scouting 2020 happen for your unit and help us to recognize them.

Please use this form to submit names and a picture of your recipients.  https://www.saddlebackdistrict.org/system/files/UnitExceptionalScouter2021.pdf

As always, the safety of our Scouts, volunteers, employees and communities is our top priority. 

Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be informed by expertise from agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

We expect that everyone in Scouting will follow the guidelines listed below, which are based on the CDC’s guidance. In addition, we have instructed local councils to consult with their local and state health departments, as well as local chartered partners, in order to implement appropriate protocols to help keep members, volunteers, and employees safe.

• Isolate if you are sick, and do not attend any activity/meeting/event if you, anyone you live with, or anyone you have recently been around feels unwell.
• Stay at least 6 feet apart from people who do not live with you. (properly executed Scouting cohorts at council camps may be an exception).
• Avoid crowds.
• Avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
• Meet outside if you can.
• Wear a face covering or mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid international travel if possible.
• Do not attend any activity/meeting/event if you or anyone you live with has been tested for COVID-19 or another illness and do not have the results back yet.

Units should look to their council regarding whether/how to conduct in-person meetings and activities. If in-person gatherings are permitted, be sure to follow all applicable guidelines and use your council’s version of the Pre-Event Medical Screening Checklist before attending.  

We are taking similar steps as a national organization as we continue to evaluate and adapt to the current environment with the best interests of our members, volunteers, and employees in mind. 

Thank you for doing your part to ensure that young people continue to benefit from Scouting while protecting the health and safety of our families, friends, and communities.

2nd Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM will be our Roundtable, and please join early (typically 15min early) for fellowship before we begin the program. As has been the case, we will deliver this Roundtable online via Zoom. The Zoom ID is 840 3973 7219 and the passcode is Saddleback.

We're looking forward to seeing you at Roundtable!

Breakout Topics:

ScoutsBSA, 10 amazing things you didn't know that will make bridging cubscouts and their parents a breeze. (Disclaimer, we didn't actual count the tips Lori had prepared)

Cubscouts, "Back from the dead?!? Practical ways to get your program and pack back after Covid, quarantine, holidays and more!

Has your pack been shrinking in numbers? Have you witnessed a slow decline in numbers as your dens have grown smaller and smaller? CAN ANYTHING BE DONE TO STOP THIS MADNESS??? This month we'll go over the reasons our numbers have declined, but also the antidotes that can rescue your packs and save your program! From recruiting strategies to retention principles and more - don't miss this ESSENTIAL meeting during which all the Cub leaders in our community will gather to strategize ways to get our programs back on their feet and stronger than ever!"

If you are new to Zoom and have not already done so, please take a few minutes and go to https://zoom.us/download#client_4meeting to download and install the Zoom app on either your mobile device, desktop computer, or laptop. Once it's installed then you should be all set. From there, all you'll need to do is join the meeting on Thursday evening by going to https://zoom.us/join or by opening the app, clicking join, and entering the information above.

Please donate today through our website at: https://donations.scouting.org/#/council/039/appeal/2958

Recharter For Year 2021 

 --Online--

Recharter specialists (register below!) will get regular communications from me to schedule 1 on 1 help, review the documentation that's complete, and provide early feedback on meeting requirements. 

Here are some things you need to know. 

• New Youth Member Joining Fee: $25.00 (One time)
• BSA Membership Fees:
• Youth $66.00
• Adult $42.00
• Unit Liability Insurance Fee $75.00
• Total Cost (Includes Insurance and OCBSA Fees): 
• Youth $138/$150 (/w Boys Life)
• Adult $54/$66No Paper Applications
• Recharter Document Reviews are taking place all online - Get your Unit's Recharter Specialist Registered  HERE 
  

Craig Duerr

 Assistant District Commissioner

Required Training

YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING is required for all BSA registered volunteers and is a joining requirement

 Youth Protection training must be taken every two years.

 (If a volunteer’s Youth Protection training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be re-registered.)

 Download the How-To Guide for taking Youth Protection Training

DO IT NOW !!!