Roundtable
Roundtable meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Tustin LDS Building on 1800 San Juan St Tustin, CA 92780-5206 (off Red Hill Ave).

Calendar
District Calendar + District and Council Flyers

Canyons On-Line Web System
      www.cubrecruiting.info/col.php. COL has a new section titled "Community Events." This will be to record events in the communities in our District so that we can see if we are utilizing them for P.R. for Scouting. Any P.R. for Scouting - in the local papers & elsewhere, will also be entered here so that we can see if our P.R. efforts are having any impact.
If you have any info you would like entered or updated, please use the COL "Contact Us" button & let us know.

Committee Meeting
Canyon’s District Committee meetings will be held on the first Wednesday of the month, at the Trinity Presbyterian Church (in Tustin at Seventeenth and Prospect) around room 304 @ 7:00 pm(Sharp).

Amber's Corner
Happy New Year Canyons!!     Thursday, January 5, 2012 5:31 PM
First and foremost, I need to notify you of a few changes that have taken place over the last 24 hours. As of Mon, Jan 9th I will be moving to the Orange Frontier District (Los Alamitos, Cypress, Seal Beach and parts of Anaheim and Buena Park). Julie Anderson (who was the DE in Canyons from Jan. 2003-March 2005) will be taking over for me. She will have my phone extension once Monday comes. She is copied onto this e-mail as well. Julie will be at Roundtable on Thurs and I know that she will do an outstanding job in Canyons and I am sure you will get along with her great!! Julie will also continue the "Canyons News" so be on the lookout for an e-mail from her very soon. I will miss all of you, the friendships that were created and the memories that were made will be something I will cherish forever. I am still around, so if you are at Council or Scout Shop then please stop by and say hello. Thanks for treating me so well, I have thoroughly enjoyed being in Canyons and will miss it!!
Now onto some reminders...
Re-Charters...are DUE!! In fact, they are now PASTDUE!! The following units need to turn theirs into Julie ASAP. Pack 142, 233, 235, 525, 541 and 1475. Crew 1520 and LDS units 942 and 1442. Many of you have been in contact with me to let me know the status of your re-charter, please continue to do so with Julie. Keep in mind, that you are not a unit anymore therefore you should not be meeting and your kids should not be earning any advancements. Please let me or Julie know how we can assist you in getting this turned in now.
Popcorn...commission checks have been mailed out to those units who have paid in full, be sure to check your mailbox.
FOS Presentations...it's that time of year again, please let Julie know when we can present at one of your upcoming meetings.
District Dinner...is fastly approaching and will be here on March 5th. Be sure to nominate someone from your unit for the extra miler or district award of merit awards. I plan on attending as well as long as I do not have a date conflict in my new District.
Camporee...is April 20-22nd and more information will be at Roundtable this coming Thursday. See this flyer.
Roundtable...is Thursday!! This is also Webelos Transition, Troops bring some information about your Troop and Packs, come visit the Troops!
Troop Advancement Changes...Theo Geukens, our District Advancement Chair sent the following reminder e-mail and attachment. Incase you did not receive it, here it is again. All Eagle projects using the old "Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook" should have been turned in by 12/31/11 as announced at November and December Roundtables. Any projects turned in after 1/1/12 will need to be the new "Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook". If a Scout has already turned in the old workbook to the District Eagle Committee, he may continue with the old book. If he has started with the old workbook and has been to roundtable with it and has been turned down for some reason at roundtable from the District Eagle Committee, then he may also continue to use the old workbook. If he has not been to roundtable to present his project to the District Eagle Committee he must present it with the new "Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook". The new workbook is here for your viewing. From now on the Scout is required to fill in the "Eagle Scout Service Project Proposal" and present it at Roundtable for approval. More details will come on the method that we will use for the new projects as we learn from Council how they want this handled. Thank you and if you have any questions please feel free to contact Canyons District Advancement Chair- Theo Geukens at 714-343-8797.
Santa Ana Zoo...is now offering a Scout program which include a patch, see this flyer for more information.

Archive:      (Tuesday, December 6, 2011 2:00 PM)       Skip
Hi Canyons,
I hope everyone has been well, a few reminders and such. We will be closing at 4pm on Fri the 9th. Our next furlough day will be Mon, Dec. 12th. I will be on vacation Dec. 13-16th and our office will be closed Dec. 19-27th, therefore should you need anything please contact me now as I will not be returning e-mails until my return on Dec. 28th. During office hours, Dinh Thai can be reached as a back up while I am away and can be reached at ext. 182 in our office or by e-mail at dinht "at" ocbsa.org.
Silver Beavers...congratulations to John Mara and Theo Geukens for achieving Silver Beaver!! What a great honor for both to receive this special award!!
Please join me in congratulating Hayden Hall on successfully achieving Eagle rank. He is the 99th Eagle Scout from Troop 36!!
Roundtable...is this Thursday and is the final night to turn in your re-charter and make your take order popcorn payment. Announcements start at 7pm and for the Troops, we will be discussing the NEW advancement changes so be sure to send someone from your Troop to the breakout.
Popcorn...take order payments are due by Thurs night, if you are unable to bring it to Roundtable then mail or drop it by Council before then. Commission checks will be mailed out on Jan 13th.
Re-Charters...are DUE!! Thank to those who have already turned yours in, we have a full night of those turning them in on Thursday but if you don't have an appointment and are unable to bring it into Council before then turn it in at Roundtable. There may be a wait as those with appointments will be served first.
Rose Parade Decoration...interesting in decorating the floats this year? See this flyer, sign up sheet, and these rules for more information.
UC Irvine Athletics...is excited to offer the Boy Scouts of America, Canyons District an opportunity to come out and watch a NCAA Division I basketball game this season for FREE. Both our men's and women's basketball teams completed successful seasons last winter and are looking forward to continuing the momentum in the upcoming 2011-2012 season. Please forward the mens and womens Order Forms(gate lists) to all the Troops in your district so they have the opportunity to come out and enjoy a FREE game. We are excited for the new seasons and hope that you will join us in cheering on the Anteaters for one or more games mentioned on the gate list. To attend any of these games, please fill out the gate list form attached and send it to Theon Carrier at tcarrier "at" uci.edu or fax (944) 824-9353. Any questions contact Theon Carrier, Assistant Marketing Director of UC Irvine Athletics, at (949) 824-7587.
Have a wonderful holiday, see you at Roundtable!!

Archive:      (Tuesday, November 15, 2011 2:20 PM)       Skip
Canyons News!       Our next furlough day will be Wed, Nov. 23rd and Council will be closed Thurs. Nov. 24th and Fri. Nov. 25th.
District Dinner...come one, come all to the 2012 district dinner on March 5th!! This is the opportunity to recognize leaders in your units who have gone above and beyond, by nominating them for the District Award of Merit or the Extra Miler Award.
Popcorn Distribution...is this Sat, John Dykman is making appointments for 8-10:15am. Please contact John directly to schedule your appointment, if you have not yet. If would like to come and help distribute popcorn, then please come anytime from 7am-12pm and help out. It's a really fun morning, breakfast (donuts and bagels) and lunch (pizza) are provided and your youth will earn service hours for helping. Here are the Directions to Freeman's. Also, if you checked out the credit card reader then please return it this Sat, drop it off at Council or return it at Roundtable next month.
Rose Parade Float Decorations...see this flyer and registration form if you are interested in decorating floats.
Leader Specific Training...will be held at the LDS Church in OUR District on Jan. 28th beginning at 8am. This is open to ALL leaders and ALL units and it a great opportunity to get trained for your specific position!! See this flyer for more information. Below is an e-mail I recently received from National in regards to wearing the "trained" emblem on one's uniform... A Message from the Volunteer Development (Training) Team Leader, Mark Griffin:
A Scouter is considered trained for his or her Scouting position and eligible to wear the "Trained" emblem when they have completed the currently prescribed courses for that position. At this time this includes Youth Protection Training, This is Scouting, and the Specifics training for their role. For Scoutmasters, Coaches, and Advisors of outdoor program crews, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is also necessary. These courses are also included in the unit Journey to Excellence. The BSA desires that leaders take the current training because as BSA program, policies, and practices evolve it is important that leaders stay current to provide the best, safest, and most consistent Scouting program for youth. However, the BSA has long believed that a tenured leader does not need to retake "basic" training every time there is a new course - because through supplemental training, roundtables, Scouting magazine, and participation in activities, they can stay up to date with the current methods and practices of the program. With the approval of the district training committee, Scouters who were fully trained under a previous "basic" training for their current role (and of course have completed Youth Protection Training within the past two years) may be given credit as "trained" if, in the opinion of the training committee, the Scouter has continued to stay up to date with the current methods and practices of the program. These Scouters would be eligible to wear the Trained emblem, be considered "trained" in the unit Journey to Excellence, and would meet the training criteria of the various training awards for their position. Entering the qualifying training courses and proper dates taken into the Scouter's record in ScoutNET will also mark them as trained. It is the desire of the National Training Committee that leaders take the current training to be sure that they have the up-to-date information related to their role. While there may be a challenge getting tenured leaders to take the time to take a new course, in most cases these leaders can be excellent resources for the training committee to help put on Specifics or an outdoor skills course. As an instructor they should be given credit for completion of the course. We can never be "fully trained." There is always something to be learned, so we urge you to take advantage of training opportunities whenever they are available.
Troop 531 and Troop 235....are both hosting upcoming open houses, see Troop 235's flyer, Troop 531's flyer, and pass along to your Cubmaster, Webelos I and II leaders and parents.
Recharters...see the latest turn in schedule. Re-charters are due no later than Dec. 8th and many have not even logged in to the system yet!! A HUGE thanks to Packs 453, 756, Troop 756, Team 756 and Crew 756 for already turning their re-charter in!! Pack 529 and Crew 1520 still need to pick their re-charter up, please contact me do so.
Have a great week!

Archive:      (Tuesday, November 8, 2011 2:44 PM)       Skip
Hi Canyons!       Things sure have been busy lately, just a few reminders...
PurpleStride Orange County...A note from Dan Grimes, Scoutmaster of Troop 538 in Anaheim Hills regarding his wife and upcoming walk...Lisa Grimes is continuing chemotherapy treatments. They are making her tired and nauseous among other symptoms, but she is getting through it with determination to beat this cancer. The rest of her family wanted to do something new to show our love and support for her by supporting the medical community that is helping her with the fight. We have joined together as "Lisa's Team" and will be participating in the PurpleStride Orange County Make a Move for the Cure walk on November 12, 2011, which is hosted by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. We will be doing a 5k walk in William Mason Park in Irvine. Lisa will join us at the event if she is able. This will support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's effort to advance research, support patients and create hope. Please join us in supporting this cause which means so much to our family. Please follow This Link to visit "Lisa's Team" web page and join our team or make a donation to support Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Thank you for your support! Visit www.pancan.org to learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Thank you, for all you’ve done for Scouting. Dan Grimes-Scoutmaster Troop 538
Scouting for Food recap...Mark Senesac, Theo Geukens and myself would like to thank all of the units that participated with the Scout for Food drive on October 29th. Both of the locations in Canyons District did a great job and collected 10378 pounds of food. This number could go up as more items are turned in at the Albertson's barrels. The Girl Scout participation was down from last year and I am sure the economy has a great deal to do with the number difference. Last year we had 14372 pounds. Overall Orange County totals were lower than last year. with 2010 at 136419 compared to 2011 at 91018. We believe we did our best and we made a difference by helping the Second Harvest Food Bank feed those that have nothing to eat. Our numbers might be low, but our spirits are high and we could not of done this without the help from all of you. You can see our totals by site.
Scouting Promo Video...thanks for Greg Brown for sharing, not from our Council but definitely a great video!
Venturing Leadership Award...New, Youth-Only Venturing Leadership Award Qualifications Announced The Venturing Leadership Award is presented by councils, areas, regions, and the National Council to youth Venturers who have made exceptional contributions to Venturing and who exemplify the Venturing Code and Oath. To qualify for one of these award levels, nominees must do the following:
      Be registered and involved as a Venturer for at least one year.
      Be a youth member when nominated for the award.
      Hold a leadership position or an office at the unit, district, council, area, region, or national level, as appropriate for the level of the award presented.
      Show exceptional dedication and give outstanding leadership and service to Venturing and Venturers (on the level appropriate for the award).
Please note: Councils may select adult council VLA’s for this year using the current guidelines if the paperwork has been submitted to them before December 31, 2011. For more information on the Venturing Leadership Award, download the VLA guidelines. Please contact Scouting.Org with any questions. This means that after 2011, Adults can no longer earn the award. So nominations for Adults need to be turned in by 12/31/11 and no later. After that date, Adult nominations will no longer be accepted.
Thanks for all you do...see you at Roundtable!

Archive:      (Tuesday, October 25, 2011 3:36 PM)       Skip
Hi Canyons,       Just a few reminders to keep you all up to date and on track with things happening in the District.
Furlough dates...Due to our current budget deficit that we are projecting for year end, Council will be closed on the following days: 10/31, 11/23, 12/5, 12/12 and 12/27. All Scout Shops will not be affected by this and will remain open as they are owned by National.
Advancement...here is the link to the new advancement guide.       Thank you,

Archive:      (Tuesday, October 18, 2011 5:23 PM)       Skip
Hi Canyons!
Camping...the Where to go Camping Guide has been just released. Also here is the summer 2012 camp application for the Schoepe Scout Reservation at Lost Valley.
9/11 Patch...if you have any leftover patches from participating in a 9/11 ceremony then please let me know as we have a Pack that is need of some more. They are willing to purchase them from you as well.
The National Court of Honor...has released a new nomination form for the National Youth Leadership Society, whose purpose is to recognize youth members of the BSA who have learned and practiced outstanding leadership skills. This recognition is open to troop, crew, and ship youth members. downloadable version of the new nomination form can be found on scouting.org. Please pay close attention to the last page of the form, which has changed significantly. Also note that before the framed certificate can be shipped to the council, the presentation date of the induction ceremony is required. Please contact Rhonda DeVaney or call 972-580-2189 with any questions.
A Plug for Scouting...see this link.
Have a nice week!

Archive:      (Thursday, October 6, 2011 3:17 PM)       Skip
Hi Canyons, I hope everyone has recovered from a crazy week of recruitments, all in all it was a very successful 3 days for Canyons. Thank you all for your hard work on this campaign and trying something new this year! If you have not turned in your applications, please bring them to Roundtable next week if you do not turn them into Council before then. The following Packs still have applications that need to be turned in: 142, 217 and 233.
Roundtable...is on Thurs the 13th already!! We will have Scouting for Food sign ups and door hangers available (see this information) and will have re-charter packets available for pick up along with a re-charter training during the breakout. The re-charter system opened on Oct. 1st so be sure to come to roundtable to pick up your paperwork, the re-charter will be due no later than Dec roundtable. See this schedule and let me know which time slot you want.
Camporall...is next weekend! There is still time to sign yourself and your Webelos Scout up, see this registration and return to Council. As a reminder, a tour plan is needed for each unit attending so be sure to obtain one very soon.
BALOO, Scout Master Leader Specific, and IOLS Trainings...are taking place in the El Camino Real District.
Tustin Tiller Days...we won first place in the parade, thank you to all that participated in this great event! See this trophy.
Upcoming Flag Ceremonies at Council...need a flag salute, invocation & a great testimonial from a scout for the November 15th Executive Board meeting. They need to be here at office by 7:10 AM, for a quick run through, in full Scout uniform. They can be Cubs, Boy Scouts, Venturers or uniformed Explorers. With the 2012 Executive Board meeting schedule, we will be needing help as well: Tuesday, January 24th 6:00 PM Annual Business Meeting, Tuesday, March 20th 7:30 AM, Tuesday, May 15th 7:30 AM, Tuesday, September 18th 7:30 AM, Tuesday, November 13th TBD. If you are available to help at any of the dates please let me know.
VFW Scout of the Year Award...Some of the VFW’s earliest ties to the community involve youth groups. Few are stronger — and none more lasting — than the close relationship between the VFW and Boy Scouts of America, dating back to 1915. Each year, the VFW selects three young people — of the Boy or Girl Scouts, Sea Scouts or Venturing Crew — who have demonstrated practical citizenship in school, scouting and the community. The first-place winner receives a $5,000 award, the second-place winner receives a $3,000 award and the third-place winner receives $1,000.
      WHO CAN ENTER:
Scouts who are registered, active members of a Boy or Girl Scout Troop, Venturing Crew, or a Sea Scout Ship who have received the Eagle Scout Award, Girl Scout Gold Award, Venturing Silver Award or Sea Scout Quartermaster Award. Scouts must be at least 15 years of age and have demonstrated practical citizenship in school, Scouting and the community. Scouts must be enrolled in high school at the time of selection. Note: All applicants still in high school who reach their 18th birthday during the nomination year remain eligible if otherwise qualified.
      HOW TO ENTER:
Scouts should submit the completed VFW Scouting Scholarship form, resume of high school activities, Scouting record, community service record and letters of recommendation to a local VFW Post no later than March 1, 2012. Note: A Scout can enter through ONE VFW Post only.
      HOW THE CONTEST WORKS:
Local VFW Posts select one winner from the entries received. Posts then submit their local winner to their respective VFW Department (state) by April 1. From there, the Department selects a winner and forwards the entry to the VFW National Headquarters by May 1 for national-level judging. The Scholarship form can be found here. A list of Posts and their locations can be found here: Click on VFW / District 2 / Post Listing Info
ALSO please note: Many local Posts will select a Girl Scout of the Year, and a Boy Scout of the year, and a Cub Scout of the year, unrelated to this national Scout of the Year Scholarship contest.
2012 VEX Robotics World Championship...any Troops OR Crews interested in this? Let me know if you are... We looking for some scouting groups that would be interested in participating in the 2012 VEX Robotics World Championships which will be held in April in Anaheim . We are looking for robotics teams as well as Scouts for flag ceremonies as well. Admission to the event is free. The robotics teams participating in the competition will have to pay an entrance fee. This would be open to Venturers too and their friends. So girls, boys, Robotics Clubs—but we are hoping to see some BSA robotics teams come together for this. Here are some website links to explain more.       The video for the 2012 VEX Robotics World Championship posted on YouTube here. Check out the website, the youtube reveal, and the youtube animation.
Have a great weekend!       Visit BeAScout.org and join Scouting today!
     
Archive:     Amber's Corner