We’re Hiring in RESA! As we build momentum this fall, RESA is growing its professional team! We’re currently hiring for two key positions to help drive membership, support volunteers, and expand the impact of Scouting across our service area.
The first position is a Unit Growth Executive, a full-time position focused on starting new Scout units and growing existing ones in under-served areas. This role is ideal for a dynamic self-starter who can connect with schools, community leaders, and parents to build strong, lasting Scouting programs.
The second position is a Membership Growth Specialist, focused on outreach and support for our Latino community, particularly in Sonoma County. This part-time role needs a bilingual - bicultural community-builder who understands the Latino community and the value of Scouting, and wants to help more families experience the benefits of scouting.
Both roles are critical to the success of our fall campaign and beyond—and we’re looking for the right people who believe in the mission and energy of Scouting. If you or someone you know has a passion for youth development, community engagement, and getting things done, we want to hear from you.
Interested candidates should contact Assistant Director of Field Services Jeff Smith by emailing J.Smith@scouting.org.
Council News & Updates 🗞️
Growing Scouting in RESA – Fall Membership The Fall Membership season is underway, and our council-wide effort is focused on two key strategies: school-based Sign-Up Nights (SUNs) and digital marketing support for all units. These two efforts work hand-in-hand to grow Cub Scout packs and support traditional unit growth—including Scouts BSA troops—across every district in RESA.
The SUN strategy is centered around in-school Scout Talks, paper flyer distribution, and evening Sign-Up Nights, where new families can learn about Scouting and join on the spot. The tried-and-true formula of Scout Talk + Flyer + Incentive (this year’s incentive is a free model rocket!) is still one of the most effective ways to welcome new Cub Scouts. Our goal is simple: SUNs at every elementary school possible—and with the help of volunteers and staff, we’re on track to make it happen.
To help troops and other traditional units, we’re rolling out a new digital marketing support system. Every unit will have the chance to benefit from geo-targeted ads, online interest forms, and shared follow-up tools to connect with prospective families. This effort complements the Cub Scout SUN strategy while ensuring older youth programs have the visibility and access they need to grow.
Stay tuned for your invitation to the RESA Membership Meeting, where RESA Membership Chair Sherry Kearney and Assistant Director of Field Services Jeff Smith will outline the full Fall Membership Plan, walk through tools available to volunteers, and share how you can get involved. Together, we’ll make this a season of strong, visible, lasting growth for Scouting in every corner of RESA.
Your Voice Matters đź“Ł
Brendan Sweeney
Make your voice heard by the Redwood Empire Service Area! Scouts, scouters, and parents are encouraged to take our quick monthly survey and to share your feedback on local Scouting.
Thank you to those who shared your feedback after the July Redwood Round-Up. In response, the RESA communications team is working with GGAC to investigate possible fixes for the Round-Up being flagged as spam in some email programs. In the meantime, if a fellow scouter tells you that they aren’t receiving the Round-Up, please encourage them to check their junk folder and mark the Round-Up email as “not spam.” Also, they can contact Brendan Sweeney to get added to the distribution list. You can reach Brendan at resaroundup@goldengatescouting.org.
Survey:
Please take our quick survey to help RESA leadership understand how our scouting community is feeling about the Service Area transition. It’ll take less than 5 minutes -- promise!
Use the below link to share your concerns and ideas regarding local Scouting. Communications volunteers will monitor the tool and share your submissions with the appropriate Service Area leaders.
We are committed to making Your Voice Matter in this new, exciting era for the Redwood Empire Service Area.
National News ⚜️
Our Name Changed Six Months Ago - But Our Mission Remains the Same Six months ago, on February 8th, 2025, the Boy Scouts of America officially rebranded to Scouting America. The change was made to reflect our ongoing commitment to welcoming every youth in America to experience the benefits of Scouting.
Have you made the change? Are you comfortable with your ability to explain the change to your families, neighbors and community? Are you able to highlight the positive impacts of Scouting and the difference it makes in our communities?
While our name changed, so much didn’t change: our mission didn’t change; the Scout Oath and Law didn’t change; the Scouting programs (and their names) didn’t change. Scouting America continues to prepare young people for lives of purpose and impact, and to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. This rebranding was a simple but very important evolution as we welcome every youth and family in America to experience the benefits of Scouting.
for information about these if your unit is planning changes to its digital presence.
Popcorn 🍿
We are happy to report that Connie Duncan, current Popcorn Kernel at the district level, has agreed to step up and be the Popcorn Kernel for our Redwood Empire Service Area. She is coordinating with the GGAC Popcorn Kernel, Angela Winders, who has just posted a training video on the GGAC website for unit and district leaders.
To locate the video, go to the “Give” section of the GGAC website, click on “Popcorn”, then scroll down below the popcorn pictures to the “GGAC Popcorn Training Webinar” button. Note the passcode is displayed just below the button. Press that button and off you go! Be aware however that there is a 5 minute lag before the content actually starts, so fast forward so as not to waste your time.
Registration for the 2026 National Jamboree is now open, but space is limited—only 28 spots remain for the Male Troop, 35 for the Female Troop, and 18 for the Venture Crew. Scouts and Scouters from the Golden Gate Area Council, Piedmont Council, and Greater Yosemite Council are invited to join what promises to be one of the largest contingents traveling to the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.
Open to ScoutsBSA members who will be 12 or older by the departure date and all Venturing members, this unforgettable adventure begins July 19, 2026, with a flight from SFO to Philadelphia. Participants will explore historic sites like the Liberty Bell and Washington, D.C., before arriving at the Jamboree on July 22 to join over 20,000 other Scouts in a week packed with activities and camaraderie.
The total cost for this all-inclusive trip is $4,950, covering airfare, hotels, meals, gear, and more. Payment plans are available starting at $550 per month from May 31, 2025, with scholarships and fundraising opportunities offered to help offset costs. A mandatory Shake Down trip will take place on Memorial Day weekend 2026 to prepare for the event. Only 10 adult Scouter slots are available and will require an interview.
Ahoy matey! For those that dare to embark on the journey, the 2025 Conclave is nearing. Join us at Wente Scout Reservation for the 2025 Section G17N Conclave. Open to all OA members.
YPT is Dead! Long Live SYT! Youth Protection Training (YPT) has been replaced by Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT). The training is new, but Scouting America’s commitment to keeping our youth safe remains the same.
The new training is available 24/7 in your My Training module on My.Scouting.org. You must complete the new course before your current YPT training expires. That date, too, is in your My Training module on My.Scouting. Unlike YPT, Safeguarding Youth Training will be good for one year (rather than two years). However, you will not need to retake the entire SYT course for your annual renewal. Instead, the renewal / refresher training is expected to only take five to ten minutes to complete each year. As always, keeping your YPT/SYT training status current is a requirement to maintain your membership and ability to participate in Scouting events.
The Redwood Empire Service Area is collaborating with Marin and Piedmont Councils on a Wood Badge course to be offered the first and last weekends of September at Camp Tamarancho in Fairfax. The course is filling but needs more participants. Wood Badge is life-changing leadership training available to adult scouters. Wood Badge flyer
The Redwood Empire Council calendar is in the process of being merged with the Golden Gate Area Council calendar. If you don't see an event you are looking for, please also be sure to check the council calendar. We apologize for any inconvenience during the transition.
