Exciting News for the Redwood Empire Service Area!
Thanks to the merger with GGAC and the ability to repurpose funding, we are thrilled to share that for the first time in 5 years, we have welcomed a new District Executive/Unit Growth Executive to serve the Redwood Empire Service Area.
Meet David Carter!
David is a lifelong Scout, beginning as a Tiger Cub and earning his Eagle Scout Award before continuing on to serve Scouting in many capacities. Since 2014, he has dedicated five summers to Camp Wolfeboro, most recently as Business Manager, helping guide operations and strengthen the camp experience for hundreds of Scouts.
Scouting has always been a cornerstone in David’s life, inspiring him with leadership, outdoor adventures, and deep connections that ultimately led him to pursue Scouting as a profession. A graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (Art and Design, 2021), David brings both creativity and dedication to his new role.
He will lead the charge in growing membership, supporting units, overseeing product sales and managing operations for the service area.
Beyond Scouting, David has professional experience in customer service, management, retail, food service, and even running his own freelance design business. His wide-ranging skills—especially in communication and marketing—will be an asset as he supports and grows Scouting in our area. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him outdoors camping, staying active, or exploring new creative projects.
We couldn’t be more excited for all of you to meet him, welcome him into your districts, and see the impact he will bring to Scouting in the Redwood Empire.
New Membership Renewal Process & Council Program Fee
Starting this year, families in the Redwood Empire Service Area will see a Council Program Fee added to the National membership fee at registration and renewal. This change brings us in line with other Golden Gate Area Council districts and ensures that part of your registration fee now stays local to support camps, programs, staff, and infrastructure.
Why This Matters On average, it costs about $400 per Scout each year to deliver Scouting in our council. The new program fee is just one part of the funding picture. We also rely on our Unit Program Partnership (UPP)—our local version of Friends of Scouting—to help provide:
✔ Camps and camp maintenance ✔ Trained professional staff ✔ Leadership training and youth programs ✔ Scholarships so no Scout is left behind
Financial Assistance If these costs present a challenge, please reach out. No Scout will be turned away due to inability to pay. 📧 J.Smith@scouting.org | 📞 219-380-9805
For district and unit leaders and Scouters: A companion discussion guide is available from the RESA Key 3 to use at Roundtables and Commissioner meetings to help us collectively chart the best path forward for supporting Scouting beyond the program fee.
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.
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.
GGAC Contacts ⚜️
Our opportunity: GGAC has SO many Scouting professionals to help support local Scouting.
Our challenge: GGAC has SO many Scouting professionals to help support local Scouting that it can be hard to know who to contact for help.
Here is the link to the GGAC staffing roster with each person’s role, phone number, and email to help you find answers and connect with the right professionals for your area of responsibility.
Erin Storm is the Office Assistant in the GGAC Pleasanton office. If you don’t know who to contact on the council staff, Erin will likely be able to route you to the right person. 925-674-6102, erin.storm@scouting.org
Maureen (Moe) McCool is the Manager of our local Santa Rosa trading post. 707-546-8137, maureen.mccool@scouting.org
Terri Forrest is the Office Manager of our Santa Rosa Scout Service Center. 707-546-8137, theresa.forrest@scouting.org
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.
YPT is Dead! Long Live SYT! Youth Protection Training (YPT) has been replaced by Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT). The training is new, and Scouting America’s commitment to keeping our youth safe remains the same. Keeping your YPT/SYT training status current is a requirement to maintain your membership and ability to participate in Scouting events.
The new training is available 24/7 in your My Training module on My.Scouting.org, including your expiration date. You must complete the new course before your current YPT training expires.
Unlike YPT, Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) will be good for only one year (not two years). The good news is, your SYT renewal is expected to take 5 to 10 minutes to complete each year.
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 Scouts 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.
Join us for the Fall Camporee at Wente Scout Reservation in Willits where your scout skills will be put to the ultimate test! Bring your courage and camping gear for an unforgettable adventure filled with exciting challenges. Registration is now open, so secure your spot before the zombie horde takes over!
Get ready for one of the Pacific Rivers District’s most legendary traditions—the 41st Annual Spook-E-Ree!
If you’ve never experienced a Spook-E-Ree, imagine a Camp-O-Ree, but with a spooky twist. The competition heats up when the sun goes down—events run from 11:00 pm to 3:00 am under the cover of darkness. Then, after a few hours of sleep (or not…), the morning brings even more thrills: a jog to wake you up, pumpkin carving contests, the infamous Bloody Head Hunt, and an awards campfire.
This year’s theme: The Lord of the Rings 🧙♂️⚔️—so bring your costumes, rally your fellowship, and prepare for an epic adventure.
Want to stay a second night? You can! Camp overnight Saturday to catch up on sleep or explore Camp Riggs in the daylight.
September 26 - 27, 2025 | Solano County Fairgrounds
What: The inaugural NorCal Advance-o-Rama, sponsored by the Golden Gate Area Council When: Sept 26 & 27th, 2025 Where: Solano County Fairgrounds Who: Scouts BSA members and adults
Saturday, November 1, 2025 | Marriott Hotel & Spa, Napa
This year RESA will collaborate with the Golden Gate Area Council (GGAC) to present the Annual Wine Harvest Auction! The event will be held on November 1, 2025 in Napa at the Marriott Hotel & Spa.
GGAC has hosted the Wine Harvest Auction every autumn for many years. After much fact finding and discussion, and in the spirit of a Fresh Start, your key RESA volunteers recommended to the RESA Key 3 that we join forces with GGAC for the Wine Harvest Auction, in lieu of a RESA annual Gala this Fall. RESA leadership agreed, with the condition that we explore holding the legacy Redwood Empire Council Gala in the spring of next year.
We are encouraging all RESA volunteers to attend the Wine Harvest Auction this Fall. To be full collaborators and contributors, we encourage you to help source all types of auction items from our Service Area and to attend the event with your invited guests, prepared to bid on what is always an incredible array of both silent and live auction items.
Celebrate Leadership. Celebrate Service. Celebrate Community. Honoring Henry & Marilyn Hansel
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | Wild Oak Saddle Club, (Oakmont) Santa Rosa
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we honor two of Sonoma County’s most inspiring leaders — Henry and Marilyn Hansel — at the Redwood Empire Distinguished Citizen Dinner.
For over 40 years, this beloved tradition has celebrated visionaries whose generosity and leadership shape the future of our community. This year, we will gather at the historic Wild Oak Saddle Club in Santa Rosa — founded by the late Henry Trione, the very first Distinguished Citizen honoree in 1982.
Few families have given as deeply and consistently as the Hansels. Best known for their long-standing role in Sonoma County’s auto industry, Henry and Marilyn’s legacy goes far beyond business. Together, they have championed countless causes that uplift, heal, and inspire:
$10 million gift to Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, creating the Hansel Family Care Center
Founding leadership of Rebuild North Bay after the devastating firestorms
Sponsorship of the Marilyn & Henry Hansel Family Resource Center at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
Generous support for the Green Music Center and numerous other local organizations
Their story is one of compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to making Sonoma County stronger for generations to come.
✨ Evening Highlights✨ 5:00 p.m. Reception & mingling with community leaders, followed by dinner and an inspiring program honoring the Hansels.
🎟️ Tickets: $180 per person 🤝 Sponsorships available – with reserved seating and program recognition
Reserve your place today and be part of this powerful celebration of leadership and community spirit:
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.
Special Events by Unit
⚜️Pomo Troop 32B, Troop 32G, Pack 32 Open House for Kindergarten - Age 17: Monday, October 13, 2025, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, Santa Rosa Bible Church, 4575 Badger Rd, Santa Rosa.
We will be showcasing our Boys Troop, Girls Troop, and our Cub Scout Pack with hands-on activities, games, and food. Contact: scoutmaster@troop32.org
⚜️Pomo Troop 55 - Webelo and Arrow of Light Scouts, and ages 11-17:
Open House on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 6:30 - 8:00 pm, Earle Baum Center, 4539 Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa. Come visit our troop!
Campout on Saturday, October 25 - Sunday, October 26, 2025 at Sugarloaf
