Redwood Empire Service Area
Redwood Empire Service Area
School will be out very soon so what to do with all that spare time? No brainer . . . it’s Camping Season! And there’s a great selection available. Residential Summer Camp, Local High Adventure with Ocean to the Redwoods and Wolfeboro Trek, Day and Twilight Camps, Family Camp, and Cub Camping.
Hello and Goodbye!
Peter Carlson is now serving as the RESA Vice Chairman and Oren Noah is the new RESA Commissioner.
Oren has been the Pomo District Commissioner for the last ten years. Before that he was the Scoutmaster for Troop 14 in Sebastopol. He and his wife raised an Eagle Scout from Tiger Cubs on. He himself was a Scout in Troop 10 in San Rafael and an Explorer with both the San Rafael Police and Fire Departments.
Awards . . .
More than 120 people came to lunch on Saturday, March 7, at the San Ramon Community Arts Center to celebrate this year’s class of Silver Beaver Honorees. Amongst the twenty well-deserving volunteers being honored with this award were our own Staci Smilie and Oren Noah. The Silver Beaver is the highest honor a local Scouting Council can present to an adult registered volunteer, and honorees are nominated not only for their Scouting volunteer
work but also for service to other community organizations.
Also, each year, the National Woods Services Award is given to one or two Scouting volunteers for exceptional service and leadership in the field of Special Needs Scouting. RESA Scouter Anne Bruner-Welch was presented with this award. The Woods Services and Residential Treatment Center, in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, presents the award every year. The award was established in 1978 in memory of Luther Wellington Lord, a residential supervisor for more than 23 years at the Center. An active Scouter, the award was established in recognition of his service to youth through Scouting at the local and national levels.
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