Golden Gate District Leader Updates

September 2026

Hi Scouter,

Lots is coming up this fall, including Meet the Troops Night to help units recruit across the city and this Tuesday’s in-person roundtable to connect and share best practices.

We’ve also launched our FOS social campaign. Please consider sharing the FOS posts with your network, and see below my signature for more details on these updates and more.

Reminder that "liking" and "sharing" posts on our district Instagram and Facebook pages and inviting folks in your network to join event FB events helps increase awareness about scouting in SF.

Please forward this email (or this link) to anyone who may find the information relevant and feel free to respond with any questions.

Sincerely,

Charlotte Brownstone

Golden Gate District Communications

ggd.communications@gmail.com

--

General FYIs

FOS Social Media Update

See our recent FOS Facebook and Instagram posts; please consider sharing these with your network (with a personal story about the impact of scouting and ask for donations) or at least liking the posts. Friends of Scouting (FOS) is the fundraising program for scouts in the Golden Gate District. Our District's goal for 2026 is $87,000 and so far we are about 70% to our goal. Reminder: The council has also launching sponsorships for businesses. If you know any local businesses who may be interested in sponsoring scouting, please reach out by responding to this email.

Final Reminder: 2026 Eagle Scout/Quartermaster/Summit Award Scholarships

The local tax-exempt organization Eagle Scout Scholarships already has awarded $13,000 in 2026 scholarships to eligible Eagle Scouts, Quartermasters, and Venture Summit Award recipients in GGAC. Additional scholarships are still available if you apply and are selected by ESS. The new deadline to apply for the remaining 2026 scholarships is Friday October 2, 2026. For an application, contact ESS’ treasurer, John McClintic. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior or an undergraduate college/vocational student no later than completion of the third (junior) year. You can download the application file here.

Featured Event

September In-Person Roundtable

September 15 @ Freemason's Hall (1111 California St), 7pm

Check out a part of The Masonic you've likely never seen before AND have a great conversation with fellow scout leaders. At September's Roundtable we'll be talking about Unit & Member Renewals (hint: things are changing again!), and Your Biggest Scouting "Do-Over" -- what is one decision, event, conversation, or leadership approach you would handle differently now—and what can others learn from it?

T-shirt club follows Roundtable

Upcoming Event Details

Grand Moot: Outdoor Roleplaying Adventure - October 2-4 @ Camp Hi-Sierra

Embark on a magical adventure, defeat monsters, and solve puzzles at the Grand Moot! In this unique Outdoor Adventure Roleplaying Scenario (OARS), Scouts take on the role of fantasy villagers with special abilities, working together to navigate physical combat, negotiate with NPCs, and tackle quests.

More Info & Secure Your Spot Here

Coin Collecting Merit Badge Workshop - October 3 @ San Jose

Unlock the history and value hiding in your change! Join expert numismatists from the Cupertino Coin Club at the San Jose Council Service Center to earn your Coin Collecting Merit Badge. You will learn how to build a collection, get hands-on requirement guidance, and even secure a free 1-year membership to the American Numismatic Association.

More Info & Secure Your Spot Here

AMBU Oakland - October 3 @ CSU East Bay

AMBU – Oakland is hosted by the Omicron Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in partnership with the Golden Gate Area Council. One day of merit badge advancement, mentorship, leadership development, and college exposure.

More Info Here

Meet The Scout Troops Night - October 13 @ Golden Gate Park

AOL Scouts complete Bobcat Requirement #7 AND get to meet many of our Troops all at the same time! On Meet The Troops night, our Troops will host fun activities and distribute information about their regular meetings and any special AOL events they'll be holding. The event will be held in the County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park and begins at 7pm.

Latest list of Troops that will attend

Jamboree On The Air / Jamboree On The Internet (JOTA/JOTI) - October 17 @ KPIX Studios (825 Battery St)

JOTA connects scouts from across the world using the magic of radio; JOTI does the same using the magic of Minecraft. For Scouts BSA members, we'll also be offering the Radio and Journalism merit badges (some prework required to complete the Journalism merit badge). Participants will get a tour of the (very cool!) KPIX studios -- check out where the news is made!

More information and save your spot here

Sunday Streets - October 18 @ Excelsior District (Mission St)

We are looking for multiple units willing to staff Scout Zone at the Excelsior Sunday Streets. This year we will be partnering with Mission Science Workshop for an even better ScoutZone! This has been a great way for scouts to come together from across the SF and recruit, as well as showcase scouting.

Good Scout Dinner - November 4 @ Elks Lodge (SF) - Registration Open!

Save the date for our Good Scout Award dinner! Initial info below and more details & registration info to come in the upcoming weeks.

Honoree: Alberto Yepez
Time: 5:00 p.m. reception begins
Location: San Francisco Elks Lodge

Register or add your donation here

--

Upcoming Events Summary

Tuesday, September 15 - 7pm - In Person Roundtable at Masonic Center

Friday, September 25-27 - District Camporee - Unit Leaders Save a Spot

Saturday, September 26 - Safety at Sea, All Scouts 14+ or 13 and graduated 8th grade welcome

Friday-Sunday, October 2-4, Grand Moot: Outdoor Roleplaying Adventure

Saturday, October 3 - Coin Collecting Merit Badge Workshop

Sunday, October 11 - Fleet Week BBQ @ Sea Scout Base

Sunday, October 18 - Excelsior Sunday Streets (RSVP here)

Wednesday, November 4 - Good Scout Dinner - registration info coming soon

Nov 7 (door hangers) & Nov 14 (pick up food donations) - Scouting for Food

--

Scout Leader Training Roundup

See all of the Scout Leader training opportunities across nearby councils below:

Cub Scout Leaders:

Cub Scout Leader Position Specific Training

September 19 @ Milpitas

October 10 @ Camp Tamarancho

April 10 2027 @ Milpitas

Scouts BSA Leaders:

Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS)

October 10-11 @ Camp Herms

November 7-8 @ Boulder Creek

Position-Specific Training and Adventure Safety Series (Climb on Safely, Safe Swim Defense, and Safety Afloat)

September 19 @ Milpitas

April 10 2027 @ Milpitas

September 26 @ Tamarancho - Scout Leader (ScoutMaster & ASM) Position-Specific Training

October 4 & 25 @ Tamarancho - BSA Range Master Training to volunteer for Archery, BB-gun, SlingShot & Tomahawk Range & Target Activities

District Resources

Please see our website and social media links below for additional places to keep up with information on scouting in San Francisco.

You are receiving this email because you are a registered member of GGAC or you subscribed to our list. If you elect to unsubscribe, you will not receive any emails from GGAC. You may make changes to your profile by following the 'Manage preferences' link below.

This message is compliant with SYT and AB506 guidelines.