Below you will find a list of upcoming Council -wide events for Los Padres Council. To register and/or pay for any of these events, click on the line and it will take you directly to the registration page. For events beyond the last date, click on the link to the calendar
Thank you for taking the time to read our Los Padres Council News.
If you have a newsworthy article that you would like to see published or topic you would like covered in Los Padres Council News, please send all of your information, including contact name and e-mail address to postmaster@lospadresbsa.org
The November edition will be published on Friday, November 2, 2012. Submission Deadline is: Monday, October 29.
The Unit and District Tools will be the first step in moving toward a more user-friendly, self service oriented BSA. This new website will be the first piece in the new Membership database that is currently being built. This new BSA web site will replace MyScouting.org with a much more user friendly site.
Similar to MyScouting.org, Unit Tools will eventually give unit leaders, volunteers, parents, Scouts, etc., the opportunity to create a profile, take/track training, perform rechartering, maintain advancement, plan activities, and more. In addition to the previously mentioned items, the new Unit and District Tools application will also give the unit Key 3 the ability to log in, set up the administration function (to grant administration access to three additional registered leaders), access their rosters, assign people into dens and patrols, and perform attendance tracking.
The new website to be used for accessing Unit Tools will be my.scouting.org (note the extra period between “my” and “scouting”). Not to worry though, the old myscouting.org will continue to be accessible (and will still demonstrate the same features) until the new Membership system is completely built.
Unit Tools will be released in multiple phases. Phase I (set be released soon) will include the basic items, while Phase II (set for release later this this year) will include more detailed, position-oriented items. The release of the other phases will be relayed at a later time.
The new features that will be introduced in Phase 1 for units are the following:
My.Scouting new account creation: Expands beyond members to include non-members
Person Profile: Allows updating of contact fields in membership record (excluding name and birth date)
Security Administration: The unit Key 3 (unit leader, committee chairman, chartered organization representative) will have full administration on all unit-modifiable fields
Unit Access: All unit registered adults will have read-only access to rosters, calendars, announcements, etc.
Unit and District Calendar: Ability to publish calendar events for respective viewing by organization-specific adult leaders/volunteers
Unit and District Announcements: Ability to publish important information for respective viewing by organization-specific adult leaders/volunteers
Unit Roster: Unit roster will be made available on my.scouting.org
The new features that will be introduced in Phase 1 for districts are the following:
My.Scouting.org new account creation: (Same as above)
Person Profile: (Same as above)
Security Administration–District: The Key 3 (district chairman, district commissioner, district executive and professional management staff) will have full administration on all district-modifiable fields.
Unit and District Calendars: (Same as above)
Unit and District Announcements: (Same as above)
District Roster: District roster will be made available on my.scouting.org.
Another communication will be sent out soon communicating the features that will be made available for units and districts during the fall rollout of Unit Tools. Making Scouting software easier for volunteers and employees alike is the primary goal of the team behind the creation of Unit Tools.
College of Commissioner Science
Date: Saturday, October 27, 2012 Registration Begins: 7:45 a.m. Closing Begins: 3:15 p.m. Location: Pacific Christian Church 3435 Santa Maria Way
The College of Commissioner Science is a training format for Scouting Commissioners modeled after college courses and degrees. The college borrows terminology from higher education. Session topics become “courses” with course numbers.
Courses in the “curriculum” are divided into three program levels:
bachelor’s program
master’s program
doctor’s program
Awards are called degrees:
bachelor of commissioner science
master of commissioner science
doctor of commissioner science (Ph.D.)
Commissioners primarily provide unit service. Unit service is one of four important functions of every local council, the others being membership, finance, and program.
The commissioner helps chartered organizations and the leaders of their units achieve the objectives of Scouting. The primary objective is to help each and every unit provide a quality Scouting program happen for all our youth members.
Two changes become effective January 1, 2013 that will impact every registered Scout unit:
What has been known as the “unit charter fee” will change its name to the more-descriptive “unit liability insurance fee.”
The cost of this fee will increase from $20 a year to $40 a year.
The annual membership fee for individuals will remain unchanged at $15.
As a result, the new fee will begin with units that have December 31, 2012 charter expiration dates (a charter period beginning Jan. 1, 2013).
All units, including Exploring posts, are required to pay this annual fee — 100 percent of which goes into the general liability insurance program when submitting their charter renewal applications. This fee helps defray expenses of the general liability insurance program.
The reasons for the changes include:
The reserves for open claims have increased significantly over the last several years.
The average cost per claim has nearly doubled in the last five years.
Claims payments have doubled in the last two years compared to a five-year average from 2005–2009.
The general liability insurance policy provides primary liability insurance coverage for registered adults and for all chartered organizations on file with the BSA for liability arising out of their chartering a traditional Scouting unit. This policy provides coverage for claims alleging negligent actions that result in either personal injury or property damage.
A chartered organization is an organization that has applied for and received a current Boy Scouts of America charter to operate a Scouting unit. A chartered organization as defined within the policy shall include the chartered organization, its board of directors and/or trustees, and its officer and employees, in their official and individual capacities. This definition also includes a specific position: chartered organization representative.
Chartered organizations do not need a certificate of insurance. The chartered organization endorsement is a part of the insurance policy contract and is enforceable under the policy contract. Old Republic Insurance Company provides the first $1 million in coverage. Additional policies — all providing primary coverage to the chartered organization — have been purchased so that more than $5 million in primary coverage is provided.
There is no coverage for those who commit intentional or criminal acts. Liability insurance is purchased to provide financial protection in the event of accidents or injury that occurs during an official Scouting activity.
The Los Padres Council provides accident and sickness insurance for all registered youth and adults with support from the annual Friends of Scouting campaign.
BSA Insurance Coverage - A brief outline of insurance coverages available to volunteers and chartered organizations.
Spurs & Spice Success!
Spurs & Spice Gourmet Tailgate Party Raises $20,000 for Local Scouting Programs
Congratulations to Spurs & Spice Chair, Steve Jordan, along with committee members, Laurie Tamura, Frances Romero, DeWayne Holmdahl, Jim Glines, and Jim Anderson for their leadership of this year’s successful fundraiser! The annual event raised nearly $20,000 to directly provide local Scouting programs throughout the Santa Maria valley while supporting a great community resource like the La Purisima Mission.
On hand to enjoy the great food provided by Fresh Manna Catering and toe tapping music of the Agin Brothers were sponsors APIO, Baroda Farms, Beachside Produce, Crop Protection Services, Diani Construction, McDonalds McMogul, Santa Maria Morning Rotary, Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, Santa Maria Energy, Urban Planning Concepts, Vaquero Energy and Velasquez Packing.
We are looking forward to a great 2013 Spurs & Spice!
Poptober is Here!! Poptober is Here!!
Can Your Unit Use a $500 Gift Card to the Scout Store?
Did you know that more popcorn is sold in October than any other month!! And, did you also know that for the unit that has the highest percentage of sales increases per district, a $500 gift certificate to the Scout Store will be presented?
How do you know where your unit stands in the race to sell more popcorn? The only way to know how you are doing compared to others is by reporting your popcorn sales totals for the week to Council Popcorn Advisor, Justin Jepsen at 805-967-0105. He will be sending out tracking reports highlighting the best popcorn sales of the week. Don’t miss out!
And, remember, sales totals include Show & Sell, Take Order and online sales!! Use all three to be successful. All unsold popcorn from Show & Sell must be returned on Super Saturday – October 27 to the Santa Maria distribution site - Certified Truck Line, 1344 White Court, Santa Maria, CA
9 units $35k
For over 40 years, the Major Member Dinner has had a history of raising much needed funds to support Scouting programs in our communities and provide opportunities for young people to experience the best and oldest youth program there is - Scouting!
We are proud to announce that Rabobank has stepped up to be the Event Sponsor for this year’s dinner on Wednesday December 5, 2012 at the Embassy Suites in San Luis Obispo. As proud partners in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) initiative, the Boy Scouts are proud to host Astronaut, Space Shuttle Mission Commander, pilot and Eagle Scout, Rick Searfoss who will share how the Scouting program helped him to find the real “right” stuff with spectacular video and still imagery of his amazing journey!
Additionally, several local businesses and organizations have committed to be Table Sponsors: 5 Cities Mens’ Club; Allan Real Estate; Bay Osos Kiwanis; Century 21 Hometown Realty; Cygnet Aerospace; Founders Community Bank; Mattison Law Firm; and Viborg Sand & Gravel.
Thank you for your ongoing support of Scouting!
Drugs: A Deadly Game! is the drug abuse prevention awareness program from the Boy Scouts of America and Boys’ Life magazine.D: ADG! presents a set of easily understood facts that will get children talking and learning about the dangers of drug use and abuse. Drugs: A Deadly Game! is for all youth, boys and girls not just Scouts first grade through high school.
Choose to Refuse
Choose to Refuse is the official youth booklet of Drugs: A Deadly Game!. The 18-page booklet features five drug-free kids who speak to today’s youth about many of the drug-related issues they may possibly face. Choose to Refuse includes a foldout body chart that illustrates the calamitous ill affects caused by drug abuse.
Leader Guide
The Leader Guide helps adults to effectively present Choose to Refuse to boys and girls, first grade through high school. Use the Order Form to order bulk copies of Choose to Refuse and the Leader Guide. For single-copy sales, call you local Scout council service center.
Order Form
Use this form to order program materials.
Season 5 of “Scouting for Adventure,” the Boys’ Life magazine TV show, will kick off on the Outdoor Channel at 10 a.m. Eastern on October 5.
Each episode will be broadcast on Fridays at 10 a.m. Eastern, with repeats each week on Saturdays at 2 p.m. Eastern and Wednesdays at 7 a.m. Eastern. Check your local cable listings for the Outdoor Channel schedule in your area.
Hayrides and Holiday Parades
Fall officially arrived September 22 and the time for hayrides and holiday parades is just around the corner.
The Sweet 16 of BSA Safety should be used in all of your parade planning. It’s important to remember that parades present unique hazards you might not normally encounter, such as moving vehicles and machinery, animals, fireworks, large and often unruly crowds, and the potential for thrown objects. Be prepared for weather conditions by checking reports and bringing suitable clothing and protection.
The BSA rule prohibiting the transportation of passengers in the backs of trucks or on trailers may be tempered for parade floats or hayrides, provided that the following points are strictly followed to prevent injuries:
Transportation to and from the parade or hayride site is not allowed on the truck or trailer.
Those persons riding, whether seated or standing, must be able to hold on to something stationary.
Legs should not hang over the side.
Flashing lights must illuminate a vehicle used for a hayride after dark, or the vehicle must be followed by a vehicle with flashing lights.
On Saturday, July 22 volunteers distributed $35,000 worth of popcorn to nine Scouting units in Del Norte District. It is clear some Scouts have been very busy selling popcorn in the Paso Robles area. The volunteers found out buttered popcorn is heavier than non-buttered popcorn!
Once upon a time, we used maps printed on paper to find our way. We studied laminated sky charts to identify constellations. We counted seconds after thunder strikes to locate storms.
What were we thinking?
Today, thanks to the ubiquitous smart phone, we can do all that and more with a few taps.
As Scout leaders, we can now carry a library, GPS, weather radio, compass, map, camera, and field guide in our pocket. But which apps are worth downloading or — in some cases — paying for?
The NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award was launched in January 2011. Since that time 247 of them have been awarded by local councils.
Los Padres Council Recipients:
Don Cone, 2011
Karl Haws, 2012
The Outstanding Eagle Scout Award is on the same level as the Silver Beaver Award and North Star Award. It is awarded to an Eagle Scout for accomplishment and recognition at the local or regional level. Each council may award one annually, with additional ones possible based on the number of Eagle Scouts the council had the prior year.
Entitled “Safety Afloat and Aquatics Supervision: Paddle Craft Safety”, this DVD contains the BSA® Safety Afloat training material for use in group settings such as Roundtable Meetings or Council/District training events.
Scout Units may also use this DVD for training adult and youth members in the policies and procedures of Safety Afloat, which is part of the "sandwich" method of preparing for a safe outing involving the use of watercraft.
Produced under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. Item: #612934 $3.99
Volunteer Development Training at the National High Adventure Sea Base
Want to escape the winter weather next January? Save the date now to attend a fun and informative week at the Florida Sea Base. There's sure to be a conference that will apply to your role in Scouting.
A handsome, approved uniform addition, this silver-finish, bar-style pin is worn on the shoulder to secure the merit badge sash and eliminate sliding.
Oval center design features the Eagle Scout® logo along with lettering: "Eagle Scout Centennial 1912-2012". Pin measures 2" wide x 7/8" high and includes two 7/16" posts with butterfly clutch.
Part of the best-selling Eyewitness series known for its in-depth, comprehensive look at its subjects and signature style for integrating words and pictures. Written by Bob Birkby, Boy Scouts of America offers a unique look at the history of Scouting, covering a wide range of topics and events, including:
How Scouting began
Scouting adventures
Merit badges
Major BSA events
Famous Boy Scouts
Skills and leadership qualities
And much more!
Featuring material from the official BSA archives, this book is fully illustrated with colorful photographs, maps, and illustrations. Format appeals to readers ages 7 and up, so it’s a great resource for Scouts, parents, and leaders alike. Hard cover, 64 pages. Item: 614780 $16.99
Troop 413 is hosting a special event station for the 55th Annual Jamboree-On-The-Air, or JOTA, an annual Scouting event that uses amateur radio to link Scouts around the world, around the nation, and in our own community.
When: Noon to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, October 20, 2012
Where: 490 E. Cherry Lane, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Local amateur radio operators (HAMs) will be setting up radios and will help Scouts use the radio to communicate with other Scouts across town, across the country, or even around the world! Scouts from all over Los Padres Council are invited to share ideas and Scouting experiences with their Scouting peers around the world using two-way amateur radio. More than 500,000 Scouts in 100 countries from Algeria to Zimbabwe participate in JOTA each year.
The event is open to all Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, adult leaders, family, and friends.
We are pleased to announce that the Los Padres Council's 2013 National Jamboree Troop is almost full. There are just a few openings remaining for Boy Scouts, so please encourage your friends who interested in attending this very special Jamboree to sign up right away, at www.bsajamboree.org!
This will be the very first National Jamboree held at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.
Updates for the Los Padres Council 2013 National Jamboree Troop have been posted on the Los Padres Council web site, that include:
Introducing your Jamboree Troop Adult Leadership
Calendar of Jamboree Troop Meetings and Campouts
Popcorn Sales Reminders
Jamboree Payment Reminder
Miscellaneous
Start thinking about your questions for our first 2013 National Jamboree Troop Meeting on October 27!
Thanks, and I look forward to seeing you all at our first Jamboree Troop Meeting on Saturday October 27!
Mr. von Dohlen, Scoutmaster
Los Padres Council 2013 National Jamboree
The Guide to Advancement is the official source for administering advancement in all Boy Scouts of America programs: Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, Venturing, and Sea Scouts. It replaces the Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures and Advancement and Recognition Policies and Procedures, which are no longer valid.
Be aware that statements or interpretations offered from unofficial websites and other such sources may be out of date or incorrect. They will not be considered in resolving advancement questions and issues. In situations not specifically covered in this guide, advancement chairs, coordinators, or other administrators should make decisions based on the aims and mission of the Boy Scouts of America, as well as the Scout Oath and Scout Law — and common sense.
Regardless the program — Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, Venturing, or Sea Scouts—where advancement takes place, it is nothing more and nothing less than a method. It is a means toward accomplishing the Boy Scouts of America mission. It is not an end in itself. When as advancement administrators — both volunteer and professional—we recognize this, we can expect success. To see it otherwise is to indicate we have forgotten our purpose.
“Advancement is one of the eight methods used by Scout leaders to help boys fulfill the aims of the BSA.”
—Scoutmaster Handbook
“Every Scouting activity moves boys toward three basic aims: character development, citizenship training, and mental and physical fitness.”
—Scoutmaster Handbook
Regardless the program — Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, Venturing, or Sea Scouts — where advancement takes place, it is nothing more and nothing less than a method. It is a means toward accomplishing the Boy Scouts of America mission. It is not an end in itself.
Advancement is not an end in itself.
Be aware that statements or interpretations offered from unofficial websites and other such sources may be out of date or incorrect.
When advancement administrators — both volunteer and professional — recognize this, we can expect success. To see it otherwise is to indicate we have forgotten our purpose.
Knowing and appropriately applying the BSA policies on advancement is key to allowing the advancement method to serve our Scouts effectively. The policy on unauthorized changes is important for everyone to follow.
BSA Policy on Unauthorized Changes to Advancement Program No council, committee, district, unit, or individual has the authority to add to, or subtract from, advancement requirements. There are limited exceptions relating only to youth members with disabilities. For details see the Guide to Advancement 2011, section 10, “Advancement for Members With Special Needs.”
Advancement is a well know method in Scouting and sometimes volunteers find the policies of advancement a little confusing. Here are a few online resources to help clarify BSA advancement policies.
Guide to Advancement (GTA):
The Guide to Advancement is the official source for administering advancement in all Boy Scouts of America programs: Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, Venturing, and Sea Scouts.
Advancement Team on Twitter:
The national Advancement Team of the Boy Scouts of America is responsible for advancement policies and procedures and support of the national BSA Advancement Committee. This Twitter account is a good source of up to date information on advancement in the Scouting program. https://twitter.com/AdvBSA
Advancement News:
The Advancement News published by the Boy Scouts of America first appeared in October of 2011 when it announced the release of the Guide to Advancement. This electronic newsletter is available online at Advancement News Archives.
You will find this video embedded on the Archives web page, May 2012 National Annual Meeting, Advancement Session Video. This advancement video is about 48 minutes long and has some very good current information presented by members of the National Advancement Committee chaired by volunteer Diane Cannon. The video is well worth the time to watch if you have an interest in Scouting advancement.
To subscribe to the Advancement News by e-mail, do the following.
Send a message to advancement.team@scouting.org, with “SUBSCRIBE” in the subject line. Indicate your name, e-mail address, and council in the message text.
Advancement News is designed for council and district advancement chairs, advancement staff advisors, and Eagle processors. However, any Scouting volunteer or professional may subscribe.
"There is nothing so difficult as initiating change."
— Machiavelli
Web Site of the Month
Open Letter to Our Parents
While we continuously evaluate and strengthen our Youth Protection programs, we recognize that abuse can happen anywhere, even in Scouting. You may have heard recent news surrounding the release of certain Ineligible Volunteer Files. BSA Ineligible Volunteer Files, still in use today, help keep people deemed to be unfit leaders out of Scouting. Still, we believe constant vigilance is the best protection. In Scouting, we tell everyone involved with our programs that “Youth protection begins with you.”™ That means that each of us has a role to play in keeping kids safe.
We want to ensure that you are aware of our Youth Protection programs, policies, and procedures, so you know what to expect of our organization. Our safeguards include the following:
All volunteers must complete a rigorous application and screening process before joining Scouting. As part of this requirement, applicants must provide references and submit to a national criminal background check. We also verify that our organization has not received any prior allegations of misconduct on the volunteer’s part by checking names in our Ineligible Volunteer Files. Our goal is to ensure that all adult volunteers represent the values and character outlined in the Scout Oath and Scout Law and are good leaders for your child.
All volunteers are required to complete Youth Protection training and must renew the training every two years. This training is accessible to the general public online at www.Scouting.org, under the Youth Protection tab. Please review the training, as it provides important information about detecting and preventing abuse, no matter where it may occur.
Scouting’s two-deep leadership policy requires at least two adults to be present for all Scouting activities. No youth should ever be alone with a Scout leader for any reason.
Every Boy Scout and Cub Scout handbook includes a pamphlet to help parents teach their children how to recognize, resist, and report abuse. If you haven’t done so already, please immediately review and discuss this information with your child. A copy of the pamphlet and other youth-oriented literature is available under the Youth Protection tab on our website.
All Scouting activities are open to parents, and we encourage families to enjoy Scouting together.
Anyone suspected of inappropriate behavior will be immediately and permanently banned from Scouting. If you ever have any concerns about your child’s safety, please contact the BSA immediately through your local council. You can find the contact information by typing “Local Council Locator” into the search bar on our website.
Internationally recognized child abuse prevention expert and former law enforcement professional Mike Johnson today leads Scouting’s Youth Protection program. Johnson, formerly a police detective investigating child abuse, working in close coordination with other experts in law enforcement, psychology, and other disciplines, is building upon these and other existing policies to further enhance Scouting’s safety, educational, and training programs.
These measures are by no means the full extent of our efforts, but given the media attention youth-serving organizations including Scouting have recently received, we wanted to share some of the most important aspects of our program. Additional information and resources can be accessed by visiting www.Scouting.org and clicking on the Youth Protection tab.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your local Scout executive. Thanks for all you do to support Scouting and help us keep kids safe.
Scouting and Autism With Dr. Temple Grandin, Ph.D.
In this video, the world's most accomplished autistic woman Dr. Temple Grandin, professor of animal science at Colorado State University, offers thoughts on how Scout Troops can welcome and accommodate scouts with autism, Asperger's and other sensory issues. In her inspiring way, Dr. Grandin tells these scouts, "If I can get my Ph.D., you can get your Eagle Scout."
In This Issue
Los Padres Council
BSA 100 Years
Boys' Life Magazine
Scouting Magazine
Philmont Scout Ranch
Summit Bechtel Reserve
Northern Tier
Florida Sea Base
Order of the Arrow
The new website to be used for accessing Unit Tools will be my.scouting.org (note the extra period between “my” and “scouting”). Not to worry though, the old myscouting.org will continue to be accessible (and will still demonstrate the same features) until the new Membership system is completely built.
Date: 
Two changes become effective January 1, 2013 that will impact every registered Scout unit:
Spurs & Spice Gourmet Tailgate Party Raises $20,000 for Local Scouting Programs
Fall officially arrived September 22 and the time for hayrides and holiday parades is just around the corner. 
The BSA rule prohibiting the transportation of passengers in the backs of trucks or on trailers may be tempered for parade floats or hayrides, provided that the following points are strictly followed to prevent injuries:
From Bryan on Scouting
Volunteer Development Training at the National High Adventure Sea Base
A handsome, approved uniform addition, this silver-finish, bar-style pin is worn on the shoulder to secure the merit badge sash and eliminate sliding. 
Troop 413 is hosting a special event station for the 55th Annual Jamboree-On-The-Air, or JOTA, an annual Scouting event that uses amateur radio to link Scouts around the world, around the nation, and in our own community. 
