A Fresh Start: What It Means for RESA and Our Scouting Community When the Redwood Empire Council merged into the Golden Gate Area Council, it marked a significant moment in our Scouting story. For some, it was a time of uncertainty. For others, it was a chance to build something better. That’s why, as the Redwood Empire Service Area (RESA) began to take shape, your new leadership team chose “A Fresh Start” as one of our guiding themes.
But what does A Fresh Start really mean?
First, it means listening. During the merger discussions, we heard from many Scouters—volunteers like you—who shared honest feedback. Some said they didn’t know what the Council did, why it existed, or how it helped them. Others felt that they only heard from the Council when it was time for fundraising. Whether or not those perceptions reflected the full picture, they mattered, and we took them seriously.
So, A Fresh Start means building a new kind of connection—where your voice is heard, where questions are answered, and where support is real.
Second, it means focus. RESA exists to help Scouting thrive in Miwok, Pomo, Yokayo-Logger, Lake, and Pacific Rivers Districts. That means offering meaningful programs, removing barriers, and supporting the volunteers who make it all happen. From district events to commissioner service to unit-level coaching, we are here to help your Scouts grow, and to help you succeed.
Third, it means accountability. We are rebuilding our leadership around people who believe change is not only possible—but essential. We’ve launched this newsletter, the Redwood Round-Up, to keep you informed. And we are working hard to build a Service Area that’s responsive, transparent, and aligned with your needs.
This isn’t a rebranding. It’s a recommitment—to values that have always defined Scouting: service, integrity, and community. It’s our promise that we will earn your trust, one conversation, one camporee, one act of service at a time.
So, if you’ve felt disconnected…welcome back. If you’ve been carrying the torch, thank you. And if you’re wondering what’s next—stay with us. A Fresh Start is only the beginning.
—The RESA Leadership Team
Updates: We welcome Dale Radcliff to the Service Area Committee as our interim Fund Development Chair. This key role could not be left vacant, so Dale has stepped up to drive our near term fund development activities and lead the effort to recruit a longer term chair. The Fund Development Committee is actively seeking volunteer committee members. Join us.
Merger update from the Scout Executive, Mike Hale: We are excited to see that the merger integration is coming along smoothly with our Districts and various volunteer committees. We are still waiting on the State of California to complete the merger in the State systems and hope to see that completed in the next couple of weeks. The National Council will then integrate some of our support systems. It has been a very good summer for our units’ activities and the fall has some of the best opportunities coming up so be sure to get yourself registered. We look forward to the Camp Noyo certification and the program there. It is going to be an exciting fall.
Council News & Updates 🗞️
Camp Noyo 2025
The Camp Noyo session ended last week - a quick report from the Camp Director: Over 70 people attended Camp Noyo, a mix of experienced, enthusiastic staff and resident (6-day) and family (3-days) campers. We ran Range, Handicrafts, Eagle Claw, and Nature programs. GGAC loaned us an Aquatics-certified Director, allowing us to open our waterfront for a couple days. Our evening scorpion hikes were consistently successful. One provisional Scout represented the GGAC program where a troop can attend a GGAC camp, and the SPL can attend a different GGAC camp for free. Boards of Review were held for one Eagle, one Life, and one Tenderfoot Scout. Scouts earned a wide variety of Merit Badges at camp. Visitors included two senior GGAC professionals, the National Camp Assessment Program team, a prospective Aquatics Director for next year, an entire CalFire company, and a local forester.
We noted the session as the last camp held by the Redwood Empire Council as we integrate with GGAC. Join us in 2026!
Your Voice Matters đź“Ł
Brendan Sweeney
Hi Redwood Empire Scouters—my name is Brendan, and I'm one of the RESA Communication and Marketing Committee volunteers. I'm taking over the Your Voice Matters section this month to talk about a couple of new ways that you can share your feedback with the Service Area leadership. We are launching two new tools to help ensure your voice is heard.
Survey: The first of these is a simple periodic survey to gauge people's experience of the merger and transition over time. The survey will be available online. Each survey will be brief and need not take more than 5 minutes of your time to complete. We will send the survey link out multiple times asking you to retake it. Some of the questions will be the same in each new survey. Taking these surveys will help the RESA leadership better understand how our Scouting community is experiencing the transition to a Service Area.
Feedback tool: We are also launching an on-demand feedback tool with this newsletter. The below link will take you to a form that you can use to share your concerns and ideas regarding local Scouting. Communications volunteers will monitor the tool and share your submissions with the appropriate leaders. Check out the form at the link below, and if you already have thoughts to share, please submit them so we can begin integrating your ideas.
We are committed to making Your Voice Matter in this new, exciting era for the Redwood Empire Service Area.
Living Our Fresh Start 🌱
Peter Carlson, RESA Commissioner and Transition Leader
As RESA takes shape, we will keep you informed about the exciting progress happening across our Service Area. More updates are coming in future editions.
A Fresh Start: Camping Committee – Jeff Neuman
Camping has made meaningful progress during this transition, including a site visit to Camp Noyo by Tom Farris and Kara Posey from the GGAC Outdoor Programs and Camping team on July 17 to explore its potential role in GGAC’s camping program. With support from GGAC staff, key steps have been completed to authorize Camp Noyo’s operation in 2025. Being included in pre-camp season Zoom meetings was very helpful. I’ve also begun transitioning into the role of Outdoor Ethics Advisor for GGAC, with guidance from the current advisor. We’ll work on how best to engage Pacific Rivers and Lake County with limited resources. Communication channels will be crucial to share updates, coordinate efforts, and support continued growth in our Fresh Start.
A Fresh Start: Advancement Committee – Ray Leonard
The newly formed RESA Advancement Committee is gearing up to begin its work this fall, with our first meeting scheduled for September 2, 2025, via Zoom. We recognize that summer is a busy time for Scouting, so we're planning ahead to ensure strong participation. All are welcome to attend—RESA District Advancement Chairs are automatically included, and any interested Scouters are encouraged to join or observe. Meeting details will be shared via the monthly Round-Up newsletter, and anyone interested in participating can reach out to Ray Leonard at rayleonard2@gmail.com. We’re excited to get started and look forward to building a strong, collaborative team! A Fresh Start for all!
A Fresh Start: Communications & Marketing Committee – Sheila Dundon
Our Dream Team committee quickly mobilized to meet the urgent needs of RESA, with communication being a top priority. Under the "Your Voice Matters" initiative, we've developed two key tools launching this month: the Pulse Survey, to gauge progress toward alignment with GGAC, and the Feedback Form, to capture and address concerns in real time. Our third product, the RESA webpage on the GGAC website, will be finalized within weeks. Additionally, the Redwood Round-Up newsletter, launched earlier this year by dedicated volunteers, is debuting a refreshed format and a consistent release schedule. Navigating the technical landscape of GGAC’s online systems has been both a challenge and a valuable learning experience, made smoother by the generous support of the talented GGAC team. The shift to a service area has transformed our approach—where once there was no cohesive communication plan or structured feedback channel, we now have active volunteer engagement and a renewed sense of purpose. It truly feels like a Fresh Start, and momentum for continued growth is building.
A Fresh Start: Fund Development Committee – Dale Radcliff
The newly formed RESA Fund Development Committee, now with four members, is actively reviewing legacy fundraising efforts and exploring new strategies to improve financial outcomes and boost volunteer involvement. The team is currently evaluating event opportunities and preparing for the upcoming FOS campaign. We encourage broader community participation to support the new Service Area as part of the REC merger with GGAC and are energized by the momentum of this Fresh Start.
2026 National Jamboree
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.
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
If you have an event, activity, or general news for consideration for the next Redwood Round-up Newsletter, email Patrick O'Neillat oneill.s13@gmail.com.
Golden Gate Area Council - Scouting America, 6601 Owens Drive #100, Pleasanton, CA 94588
