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2008 is the "Year of the Volunteer" Boy Scouts of America has designated 2008 as the "Year of the Volunteer".  Read more in the 2006-2010 Strategic Plan.

Popcorn Sale is Here!  America's Popcorn Sale Returns! 2008 popcorn sale has kicked off! Do you have all the tools you need for a successful sale? Download the 2008 Sales Guide, and Information about logging into Trails End. The 2008 Sales Guide is a must have for any unit selling popcorn. It outlines the sale including all the dates and deadlines as well as a list of available product for sale. Over 300 Tons of Popcorn Shipped to Military During "Operation Popcorn" Thanks to the efforts of thousands of Scouts and their families across the Country over 300 tons of Trail’s End Popcorn has been shipped to the men and women serving their country and their families. These shipments include: 20 tons of Trail’s End Popcorn shipped to Sailors and Marines in Pacific Fleet 157,000 popcorn servings sent to Air Force personnel in combat areas 20,000 cases of popcorn treats sent to the Atlantic Fleet, the Middle East and around the world 18,000 USO Care Packages of popcorn to troops around the world 11,000 boxes of popcorn to men and women serving in Southeast Asia 45,000 servings of popcorn to National Guard personnel and families 8,000 tins of Gourmet Caramel Corn to National Guard personnel and families Greater Yosemite Council supported this program in 2007 and is offering this opportunity during our Fall 2008 popcorn sale.

File BSA Tour Permits Before Trips   Be sure to file a BSA Tour Permit prior to campouts and tours. It is a valuable tool for trip planning. An approved Tour Permit qualifies your unit for BSA's insurance coverage. Here's a form you may complete and submit to the council listing approved drivers for your unit's trips. Tour permits may now be filled out online, then print, obtain the required signatures and submit to the Council Service Center.  Note: accident insurance is provided by Greater Yosemite Council for all currently chartered units and registered youth.  2008 Authorized Drivers Form

Inaugural Yosemite Classic Sporting Clays Invitational! Saturday, October 11th Camanche Hills Ione, Ca Entrance into the event gets each member of the four man team a participation pack filled with merchandise from 5.11 Tactical, two meals at the event, snacks throughout, and all ammunition provided. Following the competition there will be a live auction. Items up for bid include a guided fishing trip on the Feather River, a combination hunting/fishing trip along Montana’s Bighorn River, and a Tate English Gun Fitting Experience. For more information about sponsoring a team, forming a team, or donating an item to the auction, contact Bill Heneks at the Modesto Scout Service Center (209) 545-6320.

LDS Fall Camporee This fall's camporee's theme is "Ready-Steady-Strong" October 17th and 18th at Woodward Reservoir Flyer Ready-Steady-Strong Award

BSA Announces Eagle Scout Rank Application Changes New!  The 2007 version of the Eagle Scout Rank Application is no longer being accepted by the national office. The new form, printed in 2008, includes changes in Requirement 5 and the BSA Local Council Certification. Contact Barbara at the Council Service Center, or your District Advancement Chair to obtain a current form.

Council Announces Change in Advancement Report Procedures  Greater Yosemite Council has implemented new procedures to help units provide awards and rank advancements.  Advancement Reports are now being reviewed by a member of the council staff before the Scout Shop issues awards. Read more.

BSA Announces Boy Scout Rank Requirement Changes Several Boy Scout rank requirements have been updated for 2008. Updated requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class ranks are posted on the national web site.

James E. West Fellowships Insure the Future of Scouting A James E. West Fellowship is a great way to recognize the accomplishments of a Scout or Scouter in your unit or district. Consider a James E. West Fellowship Award through the Greater Yosemite Council. By making a $1,000.00 contribution to the council's endowment program (in addition to your Friends of Scouting contribution), you can honor a worthy individual and help create a lasting legacy to promote scouting into the next millennium. Contact the Council Service Center for more information.

San Luis Reservoir Offers Service Projects San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area is making their facilities and protected areas available to Scouting units. They are offering use of their recreational opportunities in return for service. [More]

Registration Procedures for Youth and Leaders Council Registrar requests that all adult leaders review BSA’s membership requirements and application procedures. All youth and adult applications must be filled out completely, including required signatures, to be processed. Incomplete applications will be returned to the unit. Registering Members and Leaders

P.R.A.Y. Publishing Offers Patches Promoting Religious Recognitions "FISH" PATCH WILL BE AVAILABLE THROUGH JULY The FISH segment of the Duty to God Puzzle Patch is due to go off rotation at the end of July 2008 and won't reappear until 2010. Be sure to make a presentation on the religious emblems so that your Scouts and Scouters qualify for this patch. Making a presentation is easy. Patches may be ordered online. Plan to present your patches before the end of the Scouting year! http://www.praypub.org/dutytogod.htm
Unit Money Earning Application A unit must submit a Unit Money Earning Application to the council prior to their fundraiser. The application is available from the Council Service Center and needs to be submitted to the District Executive at least two weeks in advance of the fundraiser. A copy of the approved form will be returned to the unit. The only exceptions to the above application filing requirements are the council sponsored Trails End Popcorn Sale and the spring candy sale. Whenever your unit is planning a money-earning project, be sure to consult the BSA's "10 Guides to Unit Money Earning Projects" as your guide.  It will be helpful to you as you fill out the application.  If your answer is yes to all the questions in this document, it is likely the project conforms to Scouting's standards and will be approved.
Internet Advancement is available to your unit. Your unit's Advancement person may now record advancement for the following: Add ranks (Advancement Report required!) Add merit badges Add awards (No Eagle Scout Ranks are allowed through the internet) [More Information]  Be sure to print out the Internet Advancement Report or fill one out at the Board of Review, obtain the required signatures and present it to the Scout Shop to obtain advancement recognitions!
Tell us about your Good Turn! All packs, troops, and crews which have conducted any type of community service during 2007, including Scouting for Food, are requested to report their service as part of the Good Turn for America initiative. This also includes service rendered on behalf of Eagle Scout projects. Please take a few moments and record your service by clicking here.
Donate Your Unwanted Vehicle You may donate your car, truck, boat, trailer or RV, receive a tax deduction to the full extent of the law, and benefit Greater Yosemite Council. Contact the Council Service Center for more information. Donation Form       Frequently Asked Questions
Training Opportunities
Safe Activities Begin With  Leaders
BSA Introduces Online Learning Center, offering Youth Protection Training, Cub Scout Leader Fast Start, Boy Scout Leader Fast Start, Venturing Advisor Fast Start, Troop Committee Challenge, Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, Venture Crew Orientation, and Venturer Youth Protection Training. BSA offers new supplemental training modules. These training modules are designed to provide orientation beyond the basic training offered in New Leader Essentials and leader-specific training.
Venturing Leader Fast Start training now available through e-learning portal Venturing publishes standards for the use of firearms
Calling all Cub Scout Leaders and Parents Training to be held in Modesto, September 27, 2008 and Stockton, October 25, 2008 This is a great opportunity for new leaders and returning leaders to learn the Cub Scout Way!  Please attend one or maybe both training days to learn everything you can. Modesto Flyer - September 27                                                                    Stockton Flyer - October 25 At the Stockton training - Junior Leader Training An introduction for your troop's junior leaders on the concept of leadership.  Your junior leaders will learn and practice specific leadership skills as well as the methods to build a strong leadership team in your unit.
Boy Scout Leader 3 in 1 Training September 27, October 16, and October 25 New Leader Essentials, Boy Scout Leader Specific, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills. These three Boy Scout leader training's have been scheduled into one comprehensive event.  Scout Leaders and Interested Parents are invited to attend.  Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters completing this training will meet their basic leader training requirements. Flyer
University of Scouting - Octover 11, 2008 This is another great opportunity to learn about Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.  Also being offered again this year is Den Chief Training! Flyer