We are pleased to share an exciting update about the future of Scouting in our region. On November 6, the State of California officially approved the merger between the Golden Gate Area Council and the Redwood Empire Council. We anticipate that Scouting America will complete the national merger process on November 12, marking the formal start of our shared journey as one united council.
This moment represents more than a legal milestone âit is the beginning of a fresh start and a renewed commitment to strengthening Scouting across Northern California. By joining together, we combine the community spirit and history of the Redwood Empire with the expanded resources and stability of the Golden Gate Area Council.
For our Scouters and units, this means greater support, more opportunities, and a stronger foundation. The Golden Gate Area Council operates four excellent camps, offers extensive training and leadership programs, and brings an experienced professional and volunteer network to help our units thrive. Weâre also fortunate to have District Executive support within the Redwood Empire Service Area, ensuring that local units receive hands-on help in growing membership and strengthening their programs.
Even before the merger became official, this merging process gave new energy to our entire service area. Many leadership roles that had been vacant for years, particularly District Chair positions, are now filled with capable, engaged Scouters who are stepping up to serve. This renewed commitment at the local level is one of the most encouraging signs of our shared progress.
Many former Redwood Empire leaders are now serving in key Golden Gate Area Council positions, including at the executive level, such as Vice President of Program, helping to carry forward our traditions, values, and voice as we move ahead together.
While change always brings some uncertainty, it also brings possibilities. This merger gives us the opportunity to build something stronger than either council could achieve alone. Together, we can ensure that Scouting remains vibrant, sustainable, and deeply rooted in the communities we serve.
Thank you for your continued leadership, patience, and dedication. The road ahead is bright âand itâs one weâll walk together, guided by the same spirit of service and adventure that has always defined the Redwood Empire.
Randy, Peter and Jeff
Council News & Updates đď¸
A Heartfelt Thank You and Farewell to Terri and Tracy
As part of the merger process between REC and GGAC, weâve been able to transition REC council-level responsibilities and workload to GGAC, freeing our local volunteers to focus where weâre needed most â on local programs, units and membership. In parallel, the fulltime staff at the local Santa Rosa Service Center has evolved this summer and fall as well.
As Scouting professionals Jeff Smith and David Carter have come on board to focus on Redwood Empire youth and units, Moe McCoolâs role has expanded to include both Santa Rosa Trading Post management and multiple additional responsibilities within the Scout Office and RESA. We have also bid a fond farewell and thank you to two of our longstanding support staff in the Santa Rosa Service Center, Terri Forrest and Tracy Good.
After many years serving as a volunteer in the council office, Terri Forrest joined the full-time staff as office manager in 2011. Terri has been a steady pillar in the Santa Rosa center for volunteers and families through the numerous staff rotations, facility moves, Scouting transitions, and REC programs, projects and fundraisers. Terri retired on October 31st. We thank her for her many years of service to Scouting and wish her all the best in her retirement.
Tracy Good joined the full-time REC team as registrar in 2013 after serving as Trading Post manager in the Santa Rosa facility beginning in 2010. Tracy was the go-to person for answers to so many questions, well beyond the scope of her registrar title. She, too, was deeply committed to supporting our local Scouts and Scouters and was an invaluable contact by phone or email through the many evolutions of REC and Scouting. Tracy left the Santa Rosa team at the end of June. We deeply appreciate all she has done for REC and wish her happiness and success in her next adventures.
SANTA ROSA TRADING POST HOURS
The Santa Rosa Trading Post is open Monday - Friday, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Saturday hours are by appointment - call the office to schedule. The Trading Post is closed on Sunday and most holidays. Visit us at 1000 Apollo Way, Suite 106, Santa Rosa | (707) 546-8137
Bookmark the RESA Website
Your RESA Communications & Marketing Team is excited to announce the launch of our brand-new website â now live on the Golden Gate Area Council (GGAC) Redwood Empire Service Area website!
This project has been a true team effort. Our very own Damon Van Hoesen led the design with creativity and vision, while Nick Hall, a talented volunteer on the GGAC Communications & Marketing team, brought the site to life with his expert development skills.
The new site is your go-to hub for everything RESA, featuring past, present, and future highlights from across our service area. Youâll find:
đŹ Past editions of the Redwood Roundup newsletter đ Resources for potential Scouters interested in joining or volunteering đď¸ Upcoming events and stories that celebrate Scouting in our community
Weâd love to hear your thoughts! Send your feedback or suggestions to resacam@goldengatescouting.org.
Fall Membership Drive:
Delivering Scouting to More Youth
As fall settles in, this is one of the most important and energizing times of the Scouting year â when new families walk through the doors of our packs, troops, and crews for the first time. Membership season isnât just about numbers on a spreadsheet; itâs about opening more doors for youth to discover adventure, leadership, and belonging.
Across our Service Area, weâre already seeing signs of growth. Many packs are reporting successful join nights, and troops are planning ways to welcome Webelos as they cross over this winter.
These moments donât happen by accident â they come from dedicated leaders who invest time in making Scouting visible in their schools, neighborhoods, and faith communities.
If your unit hasnât yet held a fall recruiting event, thereâs still time. The earlier new families join, the more they benefit from the full Scouting year. Our commissioner and membership teams are here to help with ideas, flyers, and school access support â and your District Executive, David Carter, david.carter@scouting.org, is also an excellent resource. If you need help planning or promoting a recruiting event, David can help connect you with the right tools and people.
As we welcome new youth, letâs also take time to welcome their parents into leadership roles. Every strong unit grows because new families quickly find their place to contribute.
Thank you for all you do to keep Scouting vibrant in our communities. Together, weâre not just growing membership â weâre growing the next generation of leaders.
Volunteer Opportunities đ˘
Redwood Round-Up Chief Copy Editor
Unleash your inner editor! Join our team in bringing this Redwood Round-Up newsletter to RESA leaders and families each month.
What youâll do:
Edit article content submitted by other Scouters
Prepare submitted articles for fellow volunteers who format, finalize and automate the Round-Up Proof-read submitted content, editing for clarity, accuracy and RESA key messaging
Work in collaboration with fellow RESA Communications and Marketing (RESACAM) team members and RESA Committee leaders to gather and communicate important information to RESA members each month
Do you have digital skills? RESA needs you! Volunteer as a Digital Media & Website Assistant
The Redwood Empire Service Area (RESA) of the Golden Gate Area Council is looking for a volunteer to help share the great stories of Scouting in our area. It's a great opportunity for undergrads, grads, or any Scouter with average digital skills, and a wonderful way to share Scouting's values with our community. It's a part-time, flexible role, and there's a robust support team in place to help you be successful.
Saturday, January 10, 2026 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (Check in begins at 8:30 am) LDS Church on Peterson Ln. 1725 Peterson Ln, Santa Rosa
Mark your calendar TODAY for the 2026 University of Scouting to be held on January 10th 2026. This is a ânot-to-be-missedâ supplemental training day designed for any leader or parent involved with a Scout Troop or Cub Scouts. Select from a variety of classes intended to give you the Scouting information you need. Come learn more about Scouting and get fresh ideas for bringing the program to your Scouts. Pick the classes that fit your needs and enjoy a day of training and camaraderie.
Last University of Scouting, we had over 75 Scouters attend. Here are some of their comments: âSo great to be with Fellow Scoutersâ, âGreat Instructorsâ, âVery helpful and practical informationâ, âFood & Fellowship is excellentâ, âEverything was great! Thank you!â.
There will be new classes and new instructors for 2026, updated information, a great venue (per LDS policy, there will be no coffee served at this event). At the incredible cost of $25.00, this is a day you wonât want to miss.
For anyone interested in purchasing the 2026 year pin for an additional $3.00, you may do so when you register for your classes. Some previous year pins may be available, and if you want to purchase those pins, you can do so at registration. Patches will only be given to new attendees. If you lost your patch, there will be some available for purchase at registration. Questions? Email Peggy Bimbi at peggy.bimbi@comcast.net!
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.
As it has since 1982, The Redwood Empire Service Area held its annual Distinguished Citizen Dinner to honor and celebrate local community leaders.
This year we honored Marylyn and Henry Hansel on October 22nd at the Wild Oak Saddle Club for their many contributions to the community, including supporting Boys and Girls Clubs, Sonoma State University, and especially a $10 million donation to Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for a womenâs health clinic. We are now honored to have them join us in celebrating Scouting as well. The event was a tremendous success thanks to the hard work of Chris Smith and Jennifer Masterson, co-chairs of the festive evening.
GGAC 46th Annual Harvest in the Vineyards Wine Auction on November 1
For the first time, the Redwood Empire Service Area joined in the GGAC 46th Annual Harvest in the Vineyards Wine Auction - held at the Napa Marriott Hotel and Spa on Saturday, November 1st.
We made significant contributions with RESA vacation packages and wine lots, as well as Monica Zumstein and Bruce Mayfield joining the event committee.
Our longtime REC Gala auctioneer, Sam Dolcini, was the auctioneer extraordinaire for the event, which raised (from around 200 attendees) at least $125,000 according to a preliminary tally.
Write to Us
If you have an event, activity, or general news for consideration for the next Redwood Round-up Newsletter, email us at: Redwood Round-Up
SHARE THE REDWOOD ROUND-UP
Do you know of a fellow Scouter or Scout family who isnât receiving this newsletter? We have found that some mail programs are filtering out the Redwood Round-Up and sending it to SPAM folders.
While GGAC continues to work on this issue, please forward your copy of the Round-Up to these fellow Scouters and tell them that they should check their SPAM folder and âwhitelistâ the Redwood Round-Up and other GGAC emails.
Those Scouters can also send their email address to resacam@goldengatescouting.org so we can confirm that they are in the distribution database.
Golden Gate Area Council - Scouting America, 6601 Owens Drive #100, Pleasanton, CA 94588
