Ernie Gemperle and Family to be Honored

The Gemperle Family has distinguished itself in the egg production business in the Turlock area since the 1950's. Ernie Gemperle, the patriarch, has led a family business that has transformed itself from a small family farm model to the current computer driven egg-producing company. His leadership in this industry is legendary.

Ernie and his family have also earned a reputation for supporting numerous organizations throughout the San Joaquin Valley over the years. In recognition of the Gemperle Family’s leadership and generosity, the residents of the valley will gather together on October 26th at the Modesto Convention Center to honor the family. For more information call Robin at (209) 545-6320 or email rwilson@bsamail.org

For over 30 years the family has hosted an annual Boy Scout fundraising BBQ at their home in Turlock. All local family members participate in the event. The great support that the family has given to CSU Stanislaus, the arts and the Catholic Church are exemplary. The Gemperle name is synonymous with cheerful giving.

It gives us great pleasure in honoring the Gemperle family for their leadership and generosity. The valley is richer for their having chosen to live and work here.

Does your Cub Program desperately need some attention? Could your enthusiasm and Scout Spirit use a lift? Perhaps you need an Extreme Makeover – Cub Scout Edition. Mark your calendars for November 19th. This year’s design team is waiting at Pow-Wow to help you.

The Annual Modesto Barbecue

Chief Tenaya District once again held the Modesto Barbecue as a recognition event for our corporate sponsors and a fund raising opportunity. The 2005 event was held at the home of Mr.& Mrs. Alfred Pirrone in the Del Rio neighborhood on Saturday, September 3rd. The Pirrones have been gracious hosts for several years and the Greater Yosemite Council is grateful for their kindness and hospitality.

Special thanks to Mr. Ken Elving for his stellar efforts in organizing the silent auction. This was the third year that a silent auction has been a part of the Modesto Barbecue. In addition to the auction the audience was able to get a glimpse of the Soccer and Cub Scouting program that was recently launched in Greater Yosemite Council. This program has opened Scouting up to a new youth market and preliminary results look promising.

LDS Little Philmont Conference Planned

Turlock Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will be hosting Greater Yosemite Council, BSA’s first annual Little Philmont Conference on Saturday, October 29, 2005. This conference is designed to train stake and ward leaders in Primary and Aaronic Priesthood. It will help all leaders understand that the Scouting program can be a valuable resource as they work with boys and young men, helping them achieve Primary and Aaronic Priesthood objectives.

The conference will provide specific training for all leaders involved in and overseeing the Scouting program.

Administration:
Stake: Stake Presidencies, Young Men's Presidencies and Primary Presidencies, Ward: Bishops and counselors over the Primary and Aaronic Priesthood and Young Men's Presidencies

• Commissioners: Unit Commissioners, Bishopric members and Stake Young Men Presidencies with responsibilty for LDS packs, troops, teams and crews
• Primary/Cub Scouts: Stake and Ward Primary Presidencies, Den Leaders, Webelos Leaders, Cubmasters and pack committee members
• Eleven-year-old Scouts: Assistant Scoutmasters
• Deacons/Boy Scouts: Advisors, Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters and Scout committee members
• Teachers/Varsity Scouts: Advisors, Coaches and Assistant Coaches
• Venturing: Advisors, Assistant Advisors and committee members

Turlock Stake Center
4300 Geer Rd.
8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. (lunch will be provided)

Fall Council Recruiting Campaign

A great recruiting campaign, with some excellent tools and methods, is now kicking off in our Council. The fall, 2005 campaign features “A Race to Cub Scouting”, It’s Fun at Every Turn. The program, sponsored by General Motors’ Chevrolet Division, is being unveiled at your August Roundtables and district school night kick-offs.

At the district kick-offs you will receive a great packet of recruitment materials in order to help you build your Packs. The Official Tool Kit for Packs, Den leader Packets and Cub Scout backpacks with Program Features will be distributed. There will be the official Council Recruiter Patch for all boys who invite their “Best Friend to Join Scouting” and the new item for this year is a “Race to Cub Scouting” lunch box and a “Limited Edition” Pinewood Derby kit for the first 1,000 new Cub Scouts who join. The race ticket to receive a kit is a completed Cub Scout application turned in to your District Executive at the School Night or delivered to one of the Scout Service Centers.

We are dedicating the week of September 12th for a Council-wide “big blitz” recruitment. Please attend your August Roundtable and receive all the information, details and training you will need to make your pack bigger, better and stronger with new boys and leaders!!

Call your District Executive or the Scout Service Center today. Be the first to proudly present a new lunch box/Pinewood Derby kit to a newly registered Cub Scout this fall!!! Remember, we’re limited to 1,000 kits. See you at the August Roundtable!!

Kernel Korn has a great & korny idea to reward top notch popcorn sellers in the Greater Yosemite Council. Each Scout selling $1000.00 or more will become a member of Kernel Korn's K-Klub and will be invited to attend the K-Klub pizza party in January. In addition he will receive a K-Klub t-shirt with the names of all K-Klub members printed on it.

Up To 35% Commission 2005! 

Camp Mensinger Rocks in 2005!

Mike Foster, Camp John Mensinger's 2005 Nature Director, said it best, "Camp rocks in 2005!" Camp Mensinger is located 17 miles from Strawberry on Highway 108 in the High Sierras at over 5000 feet elevation.

Scoutmasters that attended camp this summer had this to say about camp: " food was fantastic, variety of merit badges was excellent, staff enthusiasm was wonderful, camp looked the best it has in years." Even the dust was "not too bad." The wood chips have paid off.

The six hundred Scouts that attended camp enjoyed an "excellent" camp according to evaluations turned in each Friday. Camp Director Frank Biondolillo and Program Director Robert Hayden led a total of 32 staffers this summer in providing opportunities to earn over 34 merit badges in a variety of subjects from archery and archeology to weather and wood carving. High adventure programming was back at Mensinger this summer and Scouts took advantage of the mountain bikes as well as advanced hiking opportunities. The Sonora Sea Scouts came up each week to provide small boat sailing opportunities. In 2006 we plan on adding sail boarding to the program.

Sign up for 2006 on our web site! If you have not been to CJM lately:

"Try it again, for the very first time!"

We think you will like it!

Medieval Times at Camp Akela

Camp McConnell was magically transformed back to the medieval era as more than 230 young Cub Scouts, accompanied by their parents and leaders, came from across the Council seeking knighthood. Under the guidance of our Program directors, “Her Royal Highness” Kelly Hazen and “King” Laura Bryant, the young squires were led through the tests of knighthood. Sir Glenn (Hazen and Fernandez) taught them how to handle a bow and shoot a gun. Virginia Reyna and Connor Bryant led them in knightly games such as jousting, log rolling and the dragon egg toss. They planted and learned the medicinal properties of herbs, and made stepping stones for their castle gardens. Lady Bonnie Olson demonstrated the proper attire for a lady of that period and taught them how to weave straw. The royal moat was a popular respite from the warm temperatures, and several young men braved the early morning Polar Bear Swim. Sir Pamer and his magical scope guided them through the stars. They learned how a knight took care of his steed and even had the chance to sit astride one. Sir Mike Dixon regaled them with a tale of a knight’s character and values. The weekend was complete when each boy, having done his best, donned the knight’s attire he had made and knelt before the Queen and King. They were then bestowed with the honor, rights and privileges of knighthood in the Kingdom of Scouting.

Our BSA accredited camp offered 4 four-day sessions for Webelos and 2 three-day sessions for Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts. This year’s attendance increased 50 percent over last year. Thanks to Brian Ramos and his volunteers, the Western Region, BSA camp inspectors who visited our facility stated that Camp McConnell is the second most pristine camp they have inspected in recent years, surpassed only by a camp on Maui.

We offer a special thank you to the numerous businesses and individuals who made this camp experience special, including Pat McCaa and Del Monte Foods, Gemperle Farms, Dr. Steven Endsley, and Orchard Supply Hardware.

Cub Scout Day Camp for 2005

The “Knights of the Roundtable” Cub Scout Day Camps have competed their season with the recently completed Stockton Day camp. These eight day camps in Lodi, Los Banos, Tracy, Turlock, Manteca, Modesto, Patterson and Stockton were a lot of fun for our young scouts from Tiger to Webelos. Each day camp has its own unique offering. But all offered wonderful Scout spirit and a commitment to the twelve core values of Cub Scouting. The Tee shirt design put together by Lynette Day from Turlock was a particular hit this year. Limited amounts of these shirts (youth large, adult large) are still available for purchase for $10.00.

The camps all featured woodworking, leather craft, and other challenging crafts build around the “Knights of the Roundtable” theme. Making tunics, swords, helmets and shields were part of the crafts in many of the camps and great fun for all. Specialty activities such as jousting, archery and BB guns also happened. Quite a bit of water activity also occurred in the camps. Some day camps were cooled off by fire trucks from their local fire departments, some camps had catapults hurling water balloons and one camp had daily fun in the local community pool.

Thanks to the Cub Scout Day Camp Directors, Program Directors and their staff that worked so hard this year to bring a quality program to each of the day camps. Rumor has it that plans are being made even now by this dedicated group for next year’s day camps!

2005 National Jamboree

On July 19th a large number of excited Scouts, Scouters and parents assembled at the council service center for the start of what promises to be a real mountaintop experience. While the parents and siblings had to stay behind, 205 Scouts and 27 troop leaders boarded six busses for the ride to either Oakland or San Francisco International Airports. From there it was off to the East Coast and the 2005 National Jamboree.

The weather made everyone look forward to the arrival of the air-conditioned busses since the Scouts could get cooled off and their parents could get into their air-conditioned cars. We can all blame Onis Lentz and Jim Horner for selecting such a warm day for departure. It’s apparent that they have already learned their lesson since the troops will be returning at 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. August 5th and 6th.

Special thanks are also due to Mr. Kalani Schreiner for his pictures sent from the jamboree and our council Webmaster, Mr. Rick Pushies for posting the pictures on a regular basis to our council web site. (www.yosemitescouting.org) Check frequently to find out what the Scouts are up to and where they have been.

Brenda Sue Hickey Retires

Brenda Sue Hickey will be retiring on July 31st after thirty–three years of service to the Boy Scouts of America. She has seen a lot of changes in her thirty-three years with the Council. She started with the Yosemite Area Council on March 1, 1972. As she said in a recent interview: “I was sent to the Boy Scouts by the “Unemployment Office” for a two week stint as a typist at $1.25 per hour.”

Ed Liljeblad, the Scout Executive, “hired (me) because I was fast on a manual typewriter and at that time all Sustaining Enrollment Cards (fundraising) were typed by hand one at a time!”

When Brenda arrived at the Council office in 1972 there were no computers. The copy machine was a mimeograph. The address-o-graph plate machine had to be hand cranked and if you wanted to type a letter it was done on a typewriter.

“I kept being asked to return week after week and given more and more responsibility. I became the primary typist for 8 district executives. I did all of their secretarial work and scheduling of appointments,” Brenda said.

“After 9 months I was offered a permanent position of Typist/Clerk and
after about 1½ years I was offered the position of Registrar. I did that until we merged with the 49’er Council in 1998. Virginia Reyes came down from Stockton to become our Registrar for the newly formed Greater Yosemite Council.”

Brenda has kept all of the camp records…. All advancement records….processed all Eagles….processed awards to adult volunteers….did out-reach training on Eagle processing and re-chartering….Did research for any unit or individual requesting information. She has been the receptionist, registrar, secretary, print-room tech, bathroom cleaner and floor moper. You name it, she has done it. “ I did whatever it took,” Brenda stated.

Brenda closes her 33 years as an office employee in Scouting with this statement: “Now I fold my tent away and steal into the night. It’s been quite a journey! One that I wouldn't’t trade with anyone else!”

We salute Brenda’s dedication to the job and to the boys of the Greater Yosemite Council. Thanks, Brenda, we will miss you! A retirement reception in her honor will be held on Saturday, August 27 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Rogers Service Center, 4031 Technology Drive, Modesto, CA. Please call 545-6320 for more information.

Roy E. Stone
Aug. 10th.,1907-July 7th.,2005

Roy Stone on the occasion of the 50th. Anniversary of his Ordeal Camp Mensinger 2002

Many of the Scouts and Scouters of the former Yosemite Area Council and the Greater Yosemite Council, BSA gathered recently to remember Roy E. Stone who passed away on July 7th.

Roy was a very active Scouter from the mid 1940’s until his retirement from active scout duties in the 1980’s.

Roy has served in just about every scout leadership role the is including Scoutmaster of Troops 42 and 46 in Riverbank, as Unit Commissioner, Merit Badge Counselor, and was most notably the founder and Advisor of Post 961 known as The Chetonska Indian Dancers. In addition, Roy was instrumental in organizing a Scout Band and a Sea Scout Ship in Riverbank. in the 1940’s .

Roy was the recipient of Yosemite Area Council’s Silver Beaver Award, and was a Yosemite Lodge Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor member.

For those who may have attended Camp McBride and participated in OA activities may well remember the beautiful ceremonial ground with it’s granite alter, podiums, and fire ring that were single-handedly constructed by Roy.

If you were fortunate enough to know Roy, you know the kind of leadership and friendship that he had to offer.

If you did not have the opportunity, know that Roy was the kind of person whom, like so many scout leaders, devote so much of their time to serving our youth, that their absence will truly be missed. What they have accomplished in the development of leadership and character will live on.

Stanford Sea Scout Cup 2005

Vanguard 420 Length - 13 feet 9 inches Beam - 5 feet 5 inches Draft - 3 feet 2 inches Sail Area - 110 square feet Spinnaker Area - 95 square feet Hull Weight - 230 pounds

The Stanford Sea Scout Cup 2005 (Stanford Cup) is a sailing regatta qualifier for Western Region Sea Scout teams for the 2006 William I. Koch International Sea Scout Cup (www.seascoutcup.org). Five (5) competing teams and five (5) alternate teams will be decided at this regatta. The event will be held September 17, 2005 at the Redwood Rendezvous. The Race Committee and Organizing Authority are the Sea Scouts of the Pacific Skyline Council, Boy Scouts of America. The event is hosted by the Sequoia Yacht Club and the Stanford Sailing Center. Non-competing Sea Scouts supporting their racing teams are encouraged to participate in the Redwood Rendezvous.

The Stanford Sea Scout Cup is an invitational regatta. Due to the size of the Western Region, only twelve (12) teams will be able to participate. Each “Area” will be able to send three (3) teams to sail in the Stanford Cup. A Ship may only send one team, but may have a second team “wait-listed” in the event space becomes available. Youth wishing to compete must submit a resume of sailing activities, Sea Scout experiences, a written statement on why they wish to compete in the Stanford Cup, and how they can represent Western Region at the Koch Cup. Teams will receive invitations based on these resumes and written statements. Any Area sending less than three teams will have their spaces reallocated to others where the need is the greatest. All applications must be completed by both youth and submitted by August 17, 2005. See the "Preliminary Notice of Race" for more details.

Area Breakdown:
Area 1: Alaska, Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.
Area 3: Northern California to Bakersfield, Hawaii, and Reno.
Area 4: Southern California and Arizona.
Area 5: Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico.

William I. Koch International Sea Scout Cup

Sea Scouts from around the world are heading to sun filled Miami, Florida where they will compete at the Third Annual William I. Koch International Sea Scout Cup, July 23-29, 2006. This youth sailing regatta is open to young men and women between the ages of 14 and 21 who are actively registered in the Sea Scout program. The five-day event will be held at the Coral Reef Yacht Club in the Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami. Teams from the United States and 20 countries will test their seamanship and leadership skills as they sail on the waters of Biscayne Bay aboard Vanguard 420’s.

Come join the fun. Scouts will get a chance to meet some of the world’s premier sailors and will also learn tips from several top collegiate sailing coaches. Prizes will be awarded for camaraderie, sportsmanship, and, of course, sailing. Winning sailors earn the right to have their names permanently engraved on one of youth sailing’s top prizes – the William I. Koch Cup. So if you want action and adventure on the high seas - while making a little history, then here is your chance!. More information available at: www.seascoutcup.org

South Stockton — Soccer and Scouting

Soccer and Scouting is getting under way in South Stockton. Under the leadership of Darrell Pedersen, Field Director and Richard Gross, Nightingale School Outreach Coordinator, teams (Packs and Dens) are now being formed. We have received funding from United Way of San Joaquin County to implement this outreach program. We are starting with 5 units with 35 boys, organized around the concept of half soccer/ half den meetings and are set to kick off officially in September.

Soccer and Scouting is an already proven method to include the Hispanic population that might not understand Cub Scouting, but does understand soccer. Soccer is used as a vehicle to acquaint people with the great program of Cub Scouting.

We’ll keep you posted as we progress!!

Order of the Arrow — Toloma Lodge

Trail to First Class is an advancement weekend for ALL Scouts working on Tenderfoot, Second Class, & First Class October 14, 15, 16, 2005 Camp McConnell. Take a BIG step on your Trail to Eagle Scout here is an opportunity to get signed off on some of those outdoor and swimming requirements so you can get your advancement. Camp overnight or just come for the day. Attend by yourself, with a Patrol or bring the whole Troop. Be sure to bring your Scout Handbook

Participant Flyer

Staff Flyer

2005 W3B Conclave

September 16-18, 2005

Sonoma Country Day School
Santa Rosa, California

IMPORTANT CONCLAVE INFORMATION:

• All participants under the age of 18 must bring a signed medical and release form. The form will be posted by May 1st.
• NO Arrivals at Sonoma Country Day School prior to 5 PM
• Bring Soft Sole Shoes for the GYM
• Special Needs Requests (Power for sleeping aids, etc) need to be sent to ray@sectionw3b.org
• The Orcas Snack Bar will have Friday Night Meals available. Coupons will be available in The SHAFT this spring and summer.

Dress Code:
Full and complete Scout uniform with sash is required for the entire weekend. You must also wear any conclave identifying material given to you. Bring athletic gear for conclave competitions.

Flyer

Since its inception, the Ancient Mariner Regatta has been guided by the ideals and traditions of Sea Scouting. Its main purpose is to give Sea Scouts an opportunity to come together and demonstrate knowledge and skills with good fellowship toward the advancement of the program.  A Sea Scout regatta is similar to a Boy Scout camporee with ships (units) competing to show their competence in appropriate skills.

The Ancient Mariner is an individual regatta conducted to serve the membership of Northern California Councils. Units in other councils may participate on a non-transferable invitational basis. The Regatta is held on Memorial Day weekend each year.

Sea Scouts is a specialized co-educational segment of the Venturing program, which was organized to address members' boating skills and promote knowledge of our maritime heritage.

Sea Scout units, called "ships," focus on sailing and cruising either sailboats or power vessels. During the boating seasons, Sea Scouts learn to maintain and operate their vessel, with a focus on learning the safe and proper methods of handling boats. Sea Scouts also learn the meaning of buoys and lights, how to take advantage of wind and tide, and how to drop anchor or approach a dock.

Most ships hold formal meetings conducted in either full dress or work uniforms. Swimming, lifesaving, first aid, Coast Guard Auxiliary Sailing and Seamanship courses are often taught to the ship's crew by their our own officers. Occasionally movies are shown, contests between crews are held, or internship visits are arranged.

The Stockton Sea Scouts were host to over 500 Sea Scouts and Leaders on the occasion of the 53rd Annual Ancient Mariner Regatta. Ships (units) from the Bay Area and Southern California competed for honors in nautical events which included Flotilla Drill (precision rowing), Hoisting the Scuttlebutt, Rigging the Breeches Buoy, Obstacle Course, Mariner's quiz, Navigation, Marlinspike seamanship, knots, Ring buoy toss, Heaving line and Close order drill. Trophies were awarded to first place teams and class ratings given to units based on their overall performance.

The events were followed on Sunday evening with a Ribs and Chicken BBQ and a dance. Units arriving in training vessels included the:

105' Northland (Oakland),
95' Intrepid (Palo Alto),
95' Liberty-Maritime (Sacramento),
90' Chaser (Napa)
65' Compass Rose (Petaluma).
Hosting ship, Ship 13, the 125' Morris (Stockton).

The event started Friday afternoon with the arrival of the Ships and crews traveling by cars. Tents were set up in the grassy area of the Stockton Base.

The 2005 Ancient Mariner Regatta was chaired by Craig Lyman and officers from the Napa Ship 90 with guidance provided by Senior Skipper Carl Shellhorn and the Area 3 Commodore Robert L. French. Gratitude is expressed to the Port of Stockton, the Stockton School District and adjacent property owners for the generous use of their facilities.

Stockton based Sea Scout Ships meet 7-9 pm weekly at the Stockton Sea Base located on Monte Diablo Road across from Waller Park. Youth 14 years and older and their parents are invited to attend a weekly meeting of local ships.

Greater Yosemite Council Ships meet as follows:

• Monday: SSS MORRIS (male crew) Skipper Bob French
• Tuesday: SSS POINT WEBER (male crew meets 6-8 pm) Skipper Chris Mazzanti
• Tuesday: SSS TUOLUMNE (male crew) Skipper Doug Champion in Modesto
• Thursday: SSS SIREN SONG (female crew meets 6-8 pm) Skipper Jackie Watanabe

For more information on Sea Scouts program visit:
Sea Scouts BSA or Venturing BSA

Merit Badge Counselors Needed

The merit badge plan is based on the concept that a boy works with an adult knowledgeable in one or more fields, an experience invaluable to a Boy Scout. The counselor introduces the Boy Scout to subjects that may lead to a career choice or to a lifetime hobby.

Earning merit badges gives a Scout the kind of self-confidence that comes from overcoming obstacles to achieve a goal. Through the merit badge program, a Scout also learns career skills, develops socially, and may develop physical skills and hobbies that give a lifetime of healthful recreation.

The essence of quality Scouting is having sufficient qualified adult leaders. Nowhere does this become more apparent than in the recruitment of adults to serve as merit badge counselors. Because counselors must be knowledgeable in specialized areas as well as able to have a good rapport with Boy Scout­age boys, we have a challenging task in recruiting, approving, and training merit badge counselors, and in helping units to do the same.

All counselors must have an understanding of their role in Boy Scout advancement. The district advancement committee is responsible for making the appropriate counseling material available to the counselors and for providing the essential training to the counselors recruited by the units and by the district.

A Guide for Recommending Merit Badge Counselors is used to obtain names of prospective counselors at parents' meetings and from schools and universities, service clubs, religious institutions, government agencies, industries, armed services, and the chartered organizations.

Special attention must be paid to areas within a district or council where qualified counselors are scarce. Special attention must be paid to areas within a district or council where qualified counselors are scarce.

Merit badge counselors are required to maintain their registration with the BSA every year they serve as a counselor. Merit badge counselors are not required to pay a fee if they are only registered as merit badge counselors.

For additional information on the qualifications of merit badge counselors click here.

Merit badge counselors are always needed throughout the council for any number of merit badges. Currently in the Modesto /Oakdale areas we need qualified counselors for Horsemanship and Coin Collecting. If you know good people willing to serve our youth as a merit badge counselors have them contact Brenda Hickey at the Scout Service Center 209-545-6320.

Your participation in this important program with our Boy Scouts is much appreciated!

* Scout Buddy System
A Scout must have a buddy with him at each meeting with a merit badge counselor. A Scout's buddy can be another Scout, a parent or guardian, a brother or sister, or a relative or friend. From his Scoutmaster, the Scout obtains a signed merit badge application and the name of the appropriate merit badge counselor. The Scout sets up his first appointment with the counselor. The counselor should explain the requirements to the Scout. The Scout and his buddy then meet as appropriate with the counselor until the Scout completes the badge's requirements.

Calling All Campers!

Greetings Campers!

I have accepted the position and challenge of being Council Camping Chairman for 2005. I will be working with Council Staff, District Camping Chairman and all volunteers to ensure our Council Scouts go camping and have a great experience. Hopefully all Scout Troops have their camping agenda confirmed for this summer.

• District Executives/District Chairman - Do all district's have a Camping Chairman?
• District Camping Chairman - Please determine if all Troops in your District have a summer camp commitment.
• Scoutmasters - Please communicate with your Unit Commissioners about your camping plans.

There will be lots of activities & opportunities this year for getting your Scouts "outdoors:" Camp Akela, Day Camps, Summer Camps, Order of the Arrow Ordeal's (Has your unit held elections yet?) and district Camp-O-Rees just to name a few. I look forward to a successful Camping Program in 2005 with your help!

G. Bruce Olson
Council Camping Chairman

Tour Permits

Why bother?

Well there are a lot of very important reasons to bother, check it out!

International Scouting Committee

The purpose of the Greater Yosemite Council's International Scouting Committee is to promote through program activities international hosting, foreign exchange programs, world friendship fund support, promote attendance on international camp staff , inform Scouts and Scouters about world wide Scouting activities, and promote world jamboree attendance.

Video Lending library

Looking for a Scouting related video? Check the Greater Yosemite Council's list of videos that are available to check out from the council office.

Nationally Approved Historic Trails

More than 300 trails have been approved for Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Venturers, and family campers. The Boy Scouts of America strongly recommends that hikers use only historic trails that have been nationally approved.

This includes our California Gold Rush Historic 49'er Trail