California Inland Empire Council                      Monday Memo

Welcome to our March 21st, 2011 Monday Memo

High Desert District Troop 357 "Scouts in Action"

While working on an Eagle Project for Scout Daniel Janzen, The Scouts of Troop 357 witnessed some youth starting a fire near by. The Scouts immediately called 911 and then started to put out the fire themselves.  By the time the Fire Department arrived, the boys had the fire under control and almost out. Thanks to the boys from Troop 357 for their great work in handling a safety issue for the City of Hesperia.

Super Saturday Training

Your council’s training team is working to build 3 area teams whose goal is to supplement District Training events for required training for Adult Leaders.   This training extravaganza will be known as “Super Saturday”.

Our council has goals that are outlined in the “Journey to Excellence” award program and your Council Training area wishes to help our units and districts in supporting the council's goal for mandatory training completion.  “Super Saturday” is an easy way to get an entire organization trained in one day.   The training venue will contain Charter Organization, Cub Scout Leader Specific, Scoutmaster / Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specifics, Varsity Leader Specifics, Venturing Leader Specifics and Outdoor Leader Skills.  

Each Super Saturday training area will hold one event quarterly, however, you will be able to find one taking place each month even though it may not be in your district.  You are allowed to attend any training event within council.  Please keep in mind, if you are trained as a Wolf Den Leader, you will need to attend training again to qualify as a trained Webelos Den Leader.  This is a great place and chance to be trained ahead of time and be better prepared to understand the progression of the program. 

Please watch for more information and fliers about this great training opportunity. In addition, if you want to be a part of this council training team, please email Armstrong_sl@msn.com.

Journey to Excellence – A Trained and Active Committee Leads to Gold!

The BSA’s new performance recognition program, “Scouting’s Journey to Excellence” is designed to reward success and measure the performance of our Scouting units, with the ultimate goal of providing a great Scouting program to more kids. Crucial to the success and growth of a Scouting unit are leaders who can plan and deliver an exciting program that engages youth through fun activities and outdoor adventure. Not to be forgotten is the valuable contributions and support that an active unit committee provides to Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, Varsity coaches and Venturing advisors.

To qualify for the bronze level, your Scouting unit must have at least three committee members who have completed This is Scouting, Fast Start, and Youth Protection Training. In addition the unit leader, assistant leaders and den leaders also need to complete the listed trainings. To qualify for the silver level, all leaders and committee members are to have completed Leader Specific Training for their position. To earn gold level, packs must participate in a BALOO and OWLS training. Troops, teams and crews will need to hold youth officer elections by November 15th.

Committee members and Cub Scout leaders can complete almost all of their trainings online through their MyScouting account. Leader Specific Training for Boy Scout, Varsity Scout and Venturing Leaders are offered throughout the year by your district. Be sure to check the calendar for specific dates and locations.

Earthquake Preparedness 

Would you be ready to ride it out if an earthquake hit today? San Bernardino County Fire is Prepared, are YOU?

San Bernardino County Fire urges residents to be prepared in the event of a catastrophic earthquake. 

The old saying it takes something drastic to happen to make us take notice is more prevalent than ever these days. Recent natural disasters such as the devastating earthquakes in Japan, New Zealand, Haiti and Chili underscore the importance of individual preparedness.

California’s Emergency Management System is the envy of the country, with Fire, Law Enforcement and Emergency Management Mutual Aid available across the state. Even so, Volunteers from programs like CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) may have to provide help and rescue until the first responders can arrive.

San Bernardino County Fire stands prepared to respond to a major earthquake. We are one of eight California fire departments that are certified by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to host a Regional Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Force. A Regional USAR Task Force includes 29 personnel specially trained for USAR duty. Urban Search and Rescue teams respond to events such as earthquakes or terrorist incidents that cause widespread damage to a variety of structures and entrap up to hundreds or thousands of people. Other examples of USAR events can range from mass transportation accidents with multiple victims to single-site events such as a trench cave-in or confined space rescue involving only one or two victims. This status also allows for County Fire’s Regional USAR Task Force to respond to requests for assistance from other agencies in California when requested through the Master Mutual Aid System.

Since 2006, San Bernardino County participated in the annual Golden Guardian Exercise, a statewide disaster preparedness program sponsored by the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and hosted by the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services. These exercises provide first responders from local government and state agencies with the opportunity to see what works and what doesn’t when they put their plans into action. One important lesson already learned is that no single city or county can meet all the needs of its residents and businesses in a catastrophic situation.

Yes California is the leader in developing and using seismic building codes. However, earthquakes will happen and damage will occur. There is no such thing as “earthquake proof”. According to the California Emergency Management Agency, most residents of California will not be killed or injured by the next earthquake, but they will be inconvenienced by damage to freeways, utility grids, and the telephone system It is up to every individual, family and business to take the earthquake threat seriously and be ready. If you are ready, you will be a resource to your family and community.

What we do now, before the earthquake, will determine what our lives will be like after. The following are key actions from the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety (www.daretoprepare.org):

• Do a "hazard hunt" for items that might fall in your home during earthquakes and secure them,
• Create a personal or family disaster-preparedness plan,
• Plan for your family's specific needs (seniors, disabled, children, pets),
• Teach all household members how to use a fire extinguisher,
• Create wallet cards for each family member with essential contact information,
• Organize or refresh your emergency supply kits,
• Store at least one gallon of water per person, per day, for 3 days and ideally for 2 weeks,
• What else would you need to be on your own for up to 2 weeks?
• What would you need if you are in your car or office when the earthquake strikes?
• Identify your building's weaknesses. Ask a local earthquake retrofitting contractor for a free structural inspection of your home or building. Also, review your insurance coverage, whether home-owner or renter. Consider whether earthquake insurance is right for you.
• Create a game where everyone responds to a signal by practicing Drop Cover and Hold On. Talk to your children about what to expect during and after an earthquake,
• Enroll in a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training to learn more about how to take care of yourself and your family when you are "on your own" after a disaster,
• Provide non-English speaking members of your family, neighborhood or community with written information in their language.

Don’t become complacent, now is the time to prepare. Resident should be familiar with their Family Disaster Plan, evacuation routes and should have a store of emergency supplies. Residents can download a copy of the Family Disaster Plan, and other earthquake preparedness tips from www.sbcfire.org/oes and clicking on the Disaster Preparedness link. Information on how to become a CERT member may also be found at this site.

University of Scouting Save the Date – November 5, 2011

University of Scouting (aka Megaversity) is a one day supplemental training event that is designed for ALL Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity, Venturing, District, Commissioners, and Council Leaders, plus Venturing youth regardless of experience.  

Our goal is to provide quality opportunities for leaders and Venturers, like you to improve your skills, advance your knowledge, and increase your confidence in helping you to deliver a quality Scouting program to the youth we all serve.

It is a fun-filled, hands-on, experience-laden opportunity to network with other Scouters, along with being a true learning adventure.   Don’t be the only one not attending this great learning opportunity. 

So save the date of November 5, 2011 and attend C.I.E.C’s University of Scouting. 

Camp and Scout Center Improvements

It’s been a busy winter at our camp properties. Although snow is still falling at Camp Helendade, Cal-Fire began a fire mitigation project at camp to thin trees and remove branches. In addition, San Bernardino County and Southern California Edison will be planting tree seedlings throughout the fire damaged areas around camp.

Camp Emerson’s Wednesday’s Work Crew has been busy working on a variety of projects, including a renovation of the main lodge’s bathrooms, including new floor tile, paint and other repairs. A work weekend is scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend.

The Jack Dembo Scout Center, with support from The Home Depot and private donors, continues to upgrade the landscaping around the building.

Below are a list of projects at each of our properties:

If you can help with donated items and/or skilled labor, please contact Kevin Gustafson at: (909) 793-2463 ext 139 or Kevin.gustafson@scouting.org.

Major Gifts Fellowship Week - Take your pick of location - Florida Sea Base or Philmont Training Center

This is a great week for fun with a purpose. Sound familiar?
The mornings are spent together as a class discussing the fundamentals of major gifts
and include sessions on gift planning and raising more major gifts for your council.
Afternoons are for exploration of the high adventure base and the local area.

Click on www.scouting.org/financeimpact for more information.

Ask The Experts

The Eagle project—that last mile on the long, satisfying climb toward Scouting’s highest honor—tests a boy’s ability to organize a meaningful service project and then lead his peers in its completion. It’s all outlined in the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project workbook, available here (link opens PDF). The “leading others” element of the project was on the mind of Dave Lannom of the Middle Tennessee Council recently.

Here’s his question: Can the hours worked by family members of an Eagle candidate be counted in his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project? What if the candidate has siblings in the Scout troop or Venturing crew? Can those hours be counted? First, let’s clarify one thing. There is no minimum number of hours required for an Eagle project.

Yes, a boy must record the number of hours that he and each participant worked, but there’s no required number. The workbook specifically states, “The length of time spent should be as adequate as is necessary for you to demonstrate your leadership of two or more individuals in planning and carrying out your project.”

In other words, a boy should consult his Scoutmaster, Coach, or Advisor to determine whether the time planned will be “adequate.”

But which names should be recorded in the workbook? The instructions tell boys to record “Scouts, Venturers, or Other Individuals” who participate in the project. That can include family members, says Christopher Hunt, team leader of advancement at the BSA. Here’s what he told me:

The requirement simply indicates the Scout must give leadership to others.

It does not say who the “others” may or may not be. Neither does it say how many others are to be included; thus it simply must be at least two.

Long story short, Dave, the answer is: Yes, a boy should record the efforts of his siblings just as he would any project volunteer.

Thanks for the question!

 

Weekly Camping Report

Camp Emerson	Dates	Units	Youth	Adults	Camp Wiley	Date	Units	Youth	Adults
WK#1	6/26 to 7/2/11	11	104	23	Session #1	7/1/ to 7/4 2011	12	90	77
WK#2	7/4 to 7/9/11	4	44	10	Session #2 Closed	7/7 to 7/10 2011	7	129	96
WK#3	7/10 to 7/16/11	13	141	39	Session #3 Closed	7/14 to 7/17 2011	7	130	121
WK#4	7/18 to 7/23/11	22	217	57	Session #4 Closed	7/21/ to 7/24 2011	9	131	124
WK#5	7/24 to 7/30/11	14	127	27	Session #5 Closed	7/28 to 7/31 2011	7	76	76
WK#6	7/31 to 8/6/11	7	81	17	Session #6	8/4 to 8/7 2011	9	79	75
Ranger Quest				0	Session #7	8/11 to 8/14 2011	1	18	21
Subtotal		71	714	173	Subtotal		52	653	590
Camp Wisumahi					Transition Camp	6/20 to 25 2011	5	21	6
Session #1	6/20 to 25 2011	14	43	26
Session #2	7/25 to 30 2011
Subtotal		14	43	26	Grand Total		142	1431	795

 

Camp Emerson Attendance Report

Camp Emerson		Week 1			Week 2			Week 3			Week 4			Week 5			Week 6
Campsite	Tr #	Youth	Adult	Tr #	Youth	Adult	Tr #	Youth	Adult	Tr #	Youth	Adult	Tr #	Youth	Adult	Tr #	Youth	Adult
Big Oak (50)										MR-360	5	2
										MR-6	6	2
Bridger (20)										GB-229	9	3	5N-100	9	2
										HD-456	7	3	3P-371	6	2
Broken Arrow (40)
Coil (30)	SU-262	13	3				OC-700	21	6	HD-465	8	2	AH-40	22	3	HD-559	8	2
	WLA-508	6	3							HD-470	10	2
										TQ-824	10	3
Dan Boone (15)							GB-14	4	2	OB-348	7	2	SU-268	12	2
										Tm-133	5	2
Eagle Nest (25)							AH-10	20	5	GB-117	10	4
Firestone (25)							AH-448	9	2
Freemont (15)							SG-650	12	3	OC-887	6	4
Harris (30)	AZ-209	21	2				SD-722	21	4	SD-726	22	3	MR-506	6	2	SD-45	23	4
										TQ-924	7	2	AH-115	10	2
Hayes (20)										HD-756	9	2
										HD-161	12	3
Lewis & Clark (10)							GB-8	6	4	OC-887	8	2
Mellor (40)	LV-849	10	3	AH-200	20	4	MR-2	25	5	AH-512	13	2	SD-950	20	2	GB-44	5	2
	LV-948	12	2				GB-317	5	2	AH-45	20	4	AH-502	5	2	SD-626	20	2
	LA-985	5	2										MR-156	6	2	3P-119	3	2
Swartzel (20)	SD-651	2		5N-495	12	2	MR-270	1	1	WLA-708	5	2	MR-141	2
	OB-2000	7	2				SD-109	2		MR-433	6	2	3P-007	1
													HD-858	12	4
Goldware (14)	MR-8	6	2	SD-704	7	2	OB-303	10	3	OC-610	12	2	TQ-300	9	2	OC-1149	12	2
	HD-152	4	2
Owls Roost (20)	MR-129	18	2	TM-733	5	2	AZ-46	5	2	OC-678	13	2	SU-180	7	2	SU-77	10	3
										TQ-910	7	2
Capacity 255/ wk		Youth	Adult		Youth	Adult		Youth	Adult		Youth	Adult		Youth	Adult		Youth	Adult
		104	23		44	10		141	39		217	57		127	27		81	17
	Youth	Adults
GRAND TOTAL	714	173

 

Positive Quote
-----------------------

"The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.”

Henry Van Dyke (American short-story Writer, Poet and Essayist, 1852-1933)

 

Have a great Scouting week!
Yours in the Spirit of Scouting,

Joe Daniszewski Scout Executive/CEO California Inland Empire Council, BSA 1230 Indiana Court Redlands, CA 92374 909.793.2463, Ext. 120 877.732.1450 909.793.0306 Fax