Redwood Empire Service Area
Redwood Empire Service Area
Notes from Our Key 3
Each February, Scouts around the world celebrate Scout Week, a time to reflect on the anniversary of Scouting, which began in the United States on February 8, 1910. It is a special day dedicated to honoring the invaluable contributions of both youth and adults to the Scouting movement.
On this significant occasion, typically celebrated on the Sunday preceding February 8th, scouts are encouraged to actively participate in religious services. This observance allows us to reflect on our duty to God and enhances our spiritual growth. By attending services, we reaffirm our commitment to faith and recognize the importance of reverence in our lives, embodying the 12th point of the Scout Law: “A Scout is Reverent.”
Scout Sunday also highlights the essential role that religious institutions play in supporting the Scouting program. Many faith communities welcome Scouts into their services, showcasing the collaborative relationship between Scouting and faith-based organizations. This partnership enriches our lives and strengthens the fabric of our communities.
Scout Sunday stands as a testament to the dedication and service of Scouts of all ages. Through this observance, Scouts are empowered to uphold their values, recognize their spiritual duties, and contribute meaningfully to both their faith and their communities. I always look forward to wearing my uniform alongside fellow leaders in our church while leading the worship service. It is a day that truly embodies the spirit of Scouting.
Randy Huffman
RESA Chair
Notes from Our Key 3
As we step into the New Year 2026, we welcome a season of transformation and renewal. This year marks a significant milestone as we officially finalize our merger with the Golden Gate Area Council (GGAC), opening a new chapter for all our communities. With this transition, we are now part of the Redwood Empire Service Area, which includes additional districts such as Lake and Pacific Rivers
(Humboldt and Del Norte Counties).
Within the Redwood Empire Service Area, we are excited to announce the formation of a new RESA committee. Our team, energized with fresh ideas and perspectives, is committed to working collaboratively toward the shared goals of GGAC. We warmly invite you to join us on this exciting journey. If you’re inspired to contribute, please feel free to reach out to me or any of our leaders.
As part of the evolving GGAC, our council will soon welcome newly elected leadership – a dynamic mix of experienced individuals and fresh faces, many from our area. This new leadership team will bring diverse perspectives and innovative ideas, all dedicated to addressing key priorities such as infrastructure improvements, economic stability, and sustainable growth. Their ambitious vision sets the stage for meaningful progress in the year ahead.
Let us embrace this new year with a shared commitment to serving our Scouting community with integrity, transparency, and creativity. Together, we can create a brighter future for everyone involved. While challenges may arise, our determination to make a positive impact remains unwavering. With renewed purpose and unity, our leadership team is ready to turn our goals into achievements, paving the way for a thriving GGAC and RESA in 2026.
The start of a new year brings hope, and with your support and involvement, the promise of progress feels more attainable than ever. Here’s to a year filled
with growth, collaboration, and shared success.
Randy Huffman
RESA Chair
Notes from Our Key 3
This year has been marked by growth and transformation. As we transitioned from the Redwood Empire Council to officially merging with the Golden Gate Area Council on November 12th, we embraced a vision for enhancing Scouting programs for all. While we are now part of GGAC, we have retained our
identity as the Redwood Empire Service Area (RESA), preserving our unique culture and strengths while benefiting from the resources and opportunities of a larger organization. This journey has not been without its challenges. The process of communication, integration, and alignment continues, and I know that
there is still more work ahead. appreciate that everyone is striving to approach these efforts with constructive collaboration and a shared sense of purpose. For both our volunteers and professional staff, this means fostering mutual appreciation and remembering our shared mission to serve more families and support them in developing leadership and character in their youth. This mission is one of profound importance – working together we can continue to build and grow a thriving Scouting community in the Redwood Empire Service Area. As December unfolds, it brings an opportunity for reflection, hope, and gratitude. Let us extend grace to one another as we navigate this journey within GGAC, fostering a spirit of unity and joy. Together, we can make this next chapter for the Redwood Empire a success as RESA flourishes.
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 —it 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. We’re 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 —and it’s one we’ll walk together, guided by the same spirit of service and adventure that has always defined the Redwood Empire.
Randy, Peter and Jeff
October 15, 2025
With the Redwood Empire Council merger with GGAC virtually complete, we’ve recognized that our collective attention to our critical 2025 Friends of Scouting (FOS) campaign has suffered. We now need to put in a special effort to reach our annual FOS goal and finish strong.
It costs approximately $400 per Scout to provide our Scouting program here in Northern California. Nobody is asking for units and families to cover the entire cost of delivering local Scouting to their Scouts. But our unit families are the direct beneficiaries of these programs, and we all see the benefit our Scouting programs have provided our kids. Everyone is asked to contribute what they can.