Escouter News

Join us at Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow and experience a day of fun learning the tools and resources to help your Cub Scouts have the BEST Scout Program possible! Pow Wow is a training convention that takes place in a festive atmosphere designed for pack leaders. Cubmasters are encouraged to take all Cub Scout leaders to this learning extravaganza. Come to learn new things, share ideas and see what the other packs are doing. We will be offering over 50 sessions to choose from! For more information, please click here .

Grow Scouting!
It's everybody's business to grow Scouting. Scouts, leaders and parents all have a role in growing membership. We should be sharing with our families, friends and colleagues the fun and exciting experience our members have every week and every month in Scouting. Fall is a great time to invite youth and families to join Scouting and enjoy the great adventures that your unit has planned.
Here some ways you can promote Scouting membership in your community.

School and Neighborhood Newsletters
Write an article for your school and neighborhood newsletters, spotlighting Scouting and all the activities and good things your unit is doing to make an impact in your local community and at your school...include pictures!

School Open House/PTA Meeting
This is a great time to have a booth set up to show off Scouting and explain what your unit does best.

Peer-to-Peer Cards
Give these cards to your Scouts so they can distribute them to their friends with the date, time and location of your next meeting. These cards are available for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturing.

Email Invitations (parent to parent)
Ask the families in your unit to send an email invitation to all of their friends that have Scout-age boys. People like to join organizations where they know other people. An email message helps them understand their friends are involved, too.

Social Networking
Ask parents who are on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. to update their status to talk about your unit's website and the activities your Scouts are planning or have completed.

Remember a successful fall recruitment is not just about growing your unit, it is also about giving every youth a chance to be in the Scouting Program! Let's make a difference in our community!

Leader's News

Popcorn

Congratulations on a fantastic popcorn sale! In just a few short weeks the popcorn will be delivered and Scouts will begin distributing the popcorn to their customers. Scouts in 520 units had the opportunity to earn their own way in Scouting by selling Camp Masters popcorn.

Please keep in mind the following dates:

-November 19th: Unit Top Sellers due ($1,800 and above) to District Popcorn Chairman

-November 19th: Unit Distribution Pick Up

-November 19th: Unit Payments Due

-January 7th: Council Top Seller's Bash (for the council top three sellers and the $1,800 Club members)

-February 15th: Online commissions issued and mailed to the committee chair on file for the unit

Contact your district popcorn "Kernel" or District Executive to find specific date and time for popcorn distribution. Distribution does vary by district so please verify through your district website.

Winter Camp

Be a part of the Winter Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch. Registration is now open! Space is very limited and will fill up extremely fast. We will offer Merit Badges that are hard to find at Resident Camp. Get your reservation in today. For more information please click here.

To be a part of the Winter Camp Staff (YOU GET SWAG) click here to apply.

2017 National Jamboree

Price has now been reduced to $1975 per participant.

JULY 16, 2017- JULY 28, 2017

The Summit in West Virginia...Live Scouting's Adventure.

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE!!!

This will be the trip of a life time. Available to all Venturers and Boy Scout who will be First Class rank by 2017. All food, Jamboree gear, and travel are included. Activities include whitewater, climbing, zip lines, mountain biking, patch trading, SCUBA, arena shows, and Technology Quest.

For more information, please click here, or contact Brett Lee at Brett.Lee@scouting.org.

Summer Camp 2017 - REPUBLIC OF CIMA

You will not want to miss what we have planned for summer camp 2017. We are busy updating our program and merit badges list. We will continue to make improvements to our program and facilities. To register, click here
Do not miss out on our 2017 Boy Scout Summer Camp Incentive Program:

1. Any Troop that registers and pays deposit by December 31, 2016, Camp leader will receive a special camp chair.
2. Any Troop that is paid in full by the May 1st, 2017 deadline, each participants will receive a special council shoulder strip that will only be made available to participants attending El Rancho Cima.
3. Troop Flag Streamer for each unit attending El Rancho Cima
4. Special Gift for each Senior Patrol Leader attending El Rancho Cima
5. For Troops that attend El Rancho Cima with a 5% increase over 2016 Scout participation* will be provided with an Ice Cream Party in their campsite.
6. For Troops that attend El Rancho Cima with a 10% increase over 2016 Scout participation* will be provided with 2 tumbler mugs with Special Council Shoulder Patch design.
7. For Troops that attend El Rancho Cima with a 25% increase over 2016 Scout participation* will be provided with 2 steel vacuum sealed mugs.
*If your Troop did not attend El Rancho Cima in 2016, percentage is based on 25% of your December 31, 2016 recharter.
For more information, please contact Brett Lee at Brett.Lee@Scouting.org

The Sam Houston Area Council is Now Hiring!

We continually search for potential career employees who would like to work in a profession that has a meaningful, rewarding purpose. Bring to the BSA your varied life experiences, education, and perspective, and in return you will have an opportunity to combine those skills and experiences in a career that values and respects others. Scouting is a profession with a purpose!
Check out our current openings here.

Interested applicants should send their resumé to our Director of Membership Development, Dustin Dupuis, at dustin.dupuis@scouting.org.

National Youth Leadership Training Registration is now open!

Limited Space Availiable!

December 18-23, 2016

Bovay Scout Ranch

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an exciting, action-packed program designed for youth members. Leadership skills and experiences can be used in home troops and other situations that demand leadership of self and others. Join us at Bovay Scout Ranch in Navasota, TX the week of December 18-23. Through activities, presentations, challenges, discussions, and audio-visual support, NYLT participants will be engaged in a unified approach to leadership that will give skills and confidence. This course fills up very quickly. For more information, please click here.

Wood Badge Adult Leadership Course

Wood Badge is a six-day advanced leadership course offered at Bovay Scout Ranch three times in 2017. This training course is for Scout Leaders involved in all program levels- Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing. Participants will learn techniques to become better leaders. Click here for more information.
S3-576-17-1 - March 17-19 and April 7-9, 2017 (begins Friday at 7:30 am, ends Sunday at 5:00 pm)
S3-576-17-2 - September 8-10 and October 6-8, 2017 (begins Friday at 7:30 am, ends Sunday at 5:00 pm)
S3-576-17-3 - September 14-16 and October 12-14, 2017 (begins Thursday at 7:30 am, ends Saturday at 5:00 pm)

Wood Badge Jacket & Polo Shirt

If you have taken the journey to attend Wood Badge training, you can now purchase a special keepsake that will preserve your amazing experience! Purchase your very own Wood Badge jacket or polo shirt and wear it proudly! Jackets are black 100% spun soft polyester fleece with non-pill finish surface with Front-zip pockets, non-roll elastic cuffs. Polo shirts are black Port Authority, silk touch. Both jackets and shirts will have the Sam Houston Area Council Wood Badge logo embroidered on the left, front-side. Logos will not have specific course numbers. For a limited time, the offer is extended to all past participants of Wood Badge training. We've extended the order deadline to November 17th. There will be another opportunity to purchase jackets in the spring '17. To purchase, please click here.

Powder Horn: "ADVENTURE ROYALE!"

April 7-9, 2017 at Tellepsen Scout Camp and April 28-30, 2017 at Galveston Island.

Powder Horn is an action-packed, hands-on, six day course to help Scouts (14 and older) and Scouters learn how to implement high adventure activities into their troop, crew, team, or ship. Powder Horn Training brings in many experts, or "consultants," to teach sessions. Participants will be exposed to high adventure activities, resources, new ideas and excitement! Ultimately this will support them to operate a successful high adventure program in their home units. REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! The course is already over half full - don't wait to sign up! Click here for more information.

Advancement News
Advancement News is the official e-letter of the Boy Scouts of America national Advancement Team and the national Advancement Committee. The intent is to support and clarify procedures found in the Guide to Advancement, announce various changes and updates in advancement, and to assist advancement committees in making decisions that can help increase the rate of advancement.
Advancement News is designed for council and district advancement chairs and their committees, unit advancement coordinators, advancement staff advisors, and Eagle processors. However, any Scouting volunteers or professionals who may find the News helpful are encouraged to subscribe. Click here for the latest issue.

Boy Scout Requirements: 2016 Transition Period Ends January 1, 2017

On January 1, 2016, a new set of Boy Scout requirements became effective for all who joined Boy Scouts on or after that date, and were included in updated editions of both the Boy Scout Handbook and Boy Scout Requirements. However, for those who were Boy Scouts prior to this year, a transitional process was established for calendar year 2016:

-Those already working on requirements for the Scout badge were given the option to continue using the existing requirements or to convert to the new requirements for Scout only. Thereafter, all further ranks required use of the new requirements.

-Those already working on requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, or First Class ranks were given the option to continue using the existing requirements or to convert to the new requirements through First Class. Thereafter, ranks above First Class required use of the new requirements.

-Those working on ranks above First Class have were given the option to continue using the existing requirements or to convert to the new requirements for the rank they were working toward. Thereafter, the remaining ranks, if any, required use of the new requirements.

January 1, 2017 will be the date that all new requirements become mandatory for all ranks, regardless of a Scout's current rank or his progress in completing the requirements for his next rank. Consequently, it is important to encourage Scouts to complete the requirements for the rank they are currently working toward on or before December 31, 2016. This will make their transition to the mandatory new requirements, an easier process.

Join the Eagle Scout Hunt!

The SHAC Eagle Scout Association is looking for all Eagle Scouts in our area - active or not. Please encourage any Eagle you know, particularly those not currently active in Scouting, to register at www.iamaneagle.org to receive more information as plans progress.

National Eagle Scout Associations's Outstanding Eagle Scout Award

The Outstanding Eagle Scout Award will be presented by the Eagle Scout Association - Sam Houston Area Council (ESA-SHAC) to adult Eagle Scouts who have distinguished themselves in their life work and their talents with their communities on a volunteer basis.

Nominations must be submitted by an adult who has either served with the nominee or who is otherwise personally familiar with the nominee's record. Individuals may not nominate themselves.

Online nominations must be received by January 15, 2017. Recipients will be selected by a group of Sam Houston Area Council Distinguished Eagle Scouts and Outstanding Eagle Scouts.

Please click here for a list of awardees and the online application.

Disabilities Awareness Committee

The following are tips from the Disabilities Awareness Committee regarding effective leadership techniques for Scouts (with special needs):
* Maintain eye contact during verbal instruction (please note that for some Scouts with autism, they may find it difficult to look you in the eye.)
* Make directions clear and concise. Be consistent with instructions
* Simplify complex directions. Give one or two steps at a time
* Make sure the Scout comprehends the instructions before beginning the task
* Allow time for the Scout to "process what you say"
* Repeat instructions in a calm, positive manner, if needed
* Help the Scout feel comfortable with seeking assistance
If you have any questions or need any assistance, please contact the Disabilities Awareness Committee here.

Religious Emblems are the outward expression of the BSA that manifests our "Duty to God" and a "Scout is Reverent" as in the Scout Oath and Law. They are often the only visible sign that these precepts of the Scouting movement are being followed. As 82% of our Charter Organizations are faith based, they can be that big help in Unit relations with their Charter Organization. If a Scout is to "Help other People" and a "Scout is Helpful", why do we keep track of service hours? Same thing with Religious Emblems.

As many of you know, Religious Emblem signup and starting meetings are beginning now for most Cub Scout and some Boy Scout Religious Emblems.
Cub Scout Religious Emblems are almost always a family based program with the parents being the facilitator for the faith adventure that is a Religious Emblem. Religious Emblems of each faith are always administered by the respective faith group. They set the rules, the requirements and timing for their Emblems, not the BSA.
Boy Scout / Venture Crew Emblems are, as a general rule, facilitated by someone approved by the faith group and done in a class-style environment. Again, the faith group determines this in each and every case, not the BSA. Some faith groups see their Scout Emblems as a year long faith journey, others in a shorter time frame. Those using the year-long journey tend to start in April or May and those using the shorter time frame start in September or October. For more information please contact Zeke Zetelski at bobzetelski@hotmail.com

Youth Protection Training

Youth Protection Training every two years is a requirement for all leaders to be registered with the BSA. The classroom version (per Texas law) is required within the past 2 years for all adults participating in a long-term camping experience in the State of Texas. (This includes day camp scheduled over consecutive days, Cub Scout/Webelos Scout resident camp, summer camp, and winter camp.) Adults must complete the test with a score of 70% or higher to be considered trained and will receive a training card. A copy of each test will be on file for two years. Classroom Facilitated Youth Protection Training will be available in districts leading up to summer camp and day camp. You may also check websites of neighboring districts and click here for more information.

Tour and Activity Plans

Don't forget to turn in your tour plans for your unit's events. Sam Houston Area Council recommends a Tour and Activity Plan be submitted for all activities. Tour and Activity Plans are submitted online at My.Scouting.org. For more information, click here.

Certification Required

If your unit is planning to host an event that requires certification (Shooting, Boating, Swimming, Climbing, etc.) you must provide certification information on your Tour Plan and present a copy of the certification to the Ranger / Campmaster before beginning the activity. For more information please click here.

Enterprise Risk Management

The purpose of the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) committee is to prepare adult leaders to conduct Scouting activities in a safe and prudent manner.

The Sam Houston Area Council Enterprise Risk Management Committee (ERM) will be holding First Aid Classes and Wilderness First Aid Training with ERM Committee. For more information, click here.

Read about Texas Trailer Inspection updates here .

To view the ERM Guide for Units, which includes revisions to the Tour and Activity Plan, please click here.

To learn more about Incident Reviews, click here (scroll down to the bottom of the page). There are three documents that walk you through real-life incidents that have happened in Scouting. It provides you with key points (lessons learned) and discussion questions.

For information regarding general health & safety questions, please click here.

For information about creating an emergency preparedness plan, click here.

For more information about Enterprise Risk Management, including First Aid/CPR/AED trainings, please click here.

For First Aid Instructor Training and suggestions or comments please contact yeldellse@yahoo.com and hfuglaar@hotmail.com

Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing, Exploring

McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch

Enjoy all the wonder and beauty of the central Texas rolling hills and lakes at Bovay Scout Ranch. Bovay Scout Ranch has a variety of camping opportunities for everyone from Cub Scouts to Boy Scout Troops and Venture Crews. Bovay Scout Ranch has year round camping program opportunities for all levels of Cub Scouts including Weekend Adventure Camps. Conveniently located just 75 minutes from downtown Houston.

McNair Cub Adventure Camp is a weekend campout for Cub Scouts and their families. Admission covers three meals in the air conditioned dining hall, the Scout's activity supplies and a camp patch for the Scouts. Activities typically include BB guns, archery, BMX bikes, dino dig, lost mine, nature center, and more. McNair Cub Adventure Camp certified trained staff members provide the program supplies and lead the activities. Packs, Dens and individual families may register. For online registration, please click here.

Webelos Coyote Trail Extreme Camp

November 11-13, 2016

Webelos Coyote Trail Extreme Camp is a specialty weekend campout for 4th and 5th grade Webelos. Scouts will work on Webelos skills (e.g., knots, flag etiquette, first aid, navigation), and be introduced to the patrol method giving them a unique experience into the importance of team work and other skills they will need on their first Boy Scout campout (e.g., Outdoors, Camping, lashings). Scout fees include four meals (Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner and Sunday breakfast). Activity supplies, t-shirt, patch, and water bottle. Adult fees include meals only. Cost: $115 for Webelos and $40 for adults. For more information and registration, please click here.

Tellepsen Scout Camp

Get ready for camping at our newest Scout camp! Tellepsen Scout Camp is located at Bovay Scout Ranch. Tellepsen Scout Camp has eight campsites that accommodate 48 individuals per site. Each campsite has a 30'x40' pavilion. One shower and restroom facility is available for every two campsites. It is the home of the council's largest rifle range and a 41-foot climbing tower. The rifle range consists of four 50-yard high-powered rifle stations, four 100-yard high-powered rifle stations, a five stand shotgun range, 8 shooting stations for .22 rifles and pistols and an archery range. The climbing tower has four rappelling stations of 11 feet, 22 feet, 32 feet and 41 feet. Weekend Camping is available to troops, teams, ships and crews. For more information and registration, please click here.

Camp Brosig Weekend Camping

Camp Brosig is a 92 acre property located 6 miles north of Sealy, TX and is available to all registered units for weekend camping year round. With 20 campsites, a large covered pavilion and meeting room available for your use, it is the ideal place to hold your next event. Kitchen facilities are available for an additional fee. The camp was made possible through a bequest from Alva Brosig in 1981 and was dedicated on April 17, 1982. For more information and registration click here.

El Rancho Cima Weekend Programs

El Rancho Cima is available on the weekends. Take advantage of the cooler weather and visit a "different" El Rancho Cima. Take advantage of hiking, shooting ranges, camping and, on certain weekends, the zip line. For more information click here .

-Activities available at Cockrell River Camp include s hooting ranges, c amping (staff site and parade ground on top of hill), c limbing tower, c anoeing (reopening this fall), p rimitive camping along the river

-Activities available at Hamman High Adventure Base at Iron Wheel Mesa include Round House, c amping, t ower zip line (selected weekends only)

-Activities available at Walter Scout Camp at Horseshoe Bend include c amping, c limbing tower, s hooting ranges, d istrict camporee sites available

Venturing is Here!

Click here to find all the Venturing news including n ew officers elections, v enturing forums, Venturing Leadership Award (VLA) recipients, u pcoming events calendars, and Crew Committee Challenge Training. Crew Committee Challenge is intended to provide Venturing crew committee members with the basic information they need to help manage a crew. The training takes about two and a half hours to complete.

Venturing Camping - is available for crews at Camp Brosig, Tellepsen Scout Camp and El Rancho Cima. The Getaway at El Rancho Cima is a program available for units who are camping at El Rancho Cima. Units can shoot rifle and shotgun, ride the horses, or zip down the longest zip line in Texas.

United Way of Greater Houston's 211 Helpline and THRIVE

2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE

If you need help finding child care, food stamps, care for an aging parent or a haven from domestic violence, 2-1-1 is the number to call when you don't know who to call. The United Way of Greater Houston's trained HELPLINE specialists are good listeners, blending understanding and expertise to provide information and referrals drawn from a comprehensive database of social services. The 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE answered a record 957,600 calls for help in 2015. Basic needs, like food, utilities and health care, topped the list of requests last year, followed by rent assistance and help finding shelter.

Additionally, other resources such as United Way THRIVES's workforce development offerings, financial coaching and education opportunities and financial products and services can be accessed through 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE.

Scout Days, Scout Nights

Scout Day and Merit Badge College at Rice University

November 5th, 2016

Rice Owls vs Florida Atlantic University Football game

Scouts will work towards completing requirements for the Scholarship Merit Badge and then attend the Rice vs FAU football game at Rice Stadium. In addition, participating Scouts will also receive the opportunity to partake in our pre-game Anthem Buddies where they will stand on the field during the playing of our National Anthem.
For more information, please contact Matthew Brandsema at:
(713) 348-8256 or Matthew.Brandsema@Rice.edu
To register scouts and purchase additional family tickets, please click here and enter Promo Code: bsa2016
Deadline to register is Wednesday, November 2.
Scouts should meet at Reckling Baseball Park at 11:00 a.m.
Scouts Registration Fee-$20.00
Includes: Merit Badge Course, Ticket for Rice vs FAU Football Game, One (1) $5.00 food voucher, Scout Leaders and additional family tickets-$15.00

Scout Day with the Houston Rockets

It's time for the November Houston Rockets Scout Offer of the 2016-2017 Regular Season! Come support MVP candidate James Harden and the Houston Rockets as we kick off a new season and let's make the Toyota Center a true home court advantage!

The first Scout offer of the 2016-2017 regular season includes:
All Scouts, as well as their family and friends will receive a special offer!
Saturday, November 12th vs. San Antonio Spurs: Game time is at 7:00pm at Toyota Center.
Monday, November 14th vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Game time is at 7:00pm at Toyota Center.
Thursday, November 17th vs. Portland Trailblazers: Game time is at 7:00pm at Toyota Center.
Saturday, November 19th vs. Utah Jazz : Game time is at 4:00pm at Toyota Center.
Wednesday, November 23rd vs. Toronto Raptors: Game time is at 7:00pm at Toyota Center.
Order your tickets online here and enter promo code: SCOUT
or contact Melissa Barousse at 713-758-7231 or melissab@rocketball.com.
If your troop is interested in presenting the colors at a Houston Rockets game please contact Melissa.

Scout Day at The Harlem Globetrotters

Tuesday, December 27 at 7:00pm

NRG Arena
Special Scout Offer
$18.50-$30.50 tickets

For information or to order groups of ten or more, contact Christina at 281-367-9717 or email at christina@texasgrouptickets.com or purchase tickets online by clicking here, use the CBSCOUT code.
Includes Official Harlem Globetrotters Scout Patch! PLUS Exclusive Pre-game Meet and Greet for the First 100 Scout Tickets Purchased For Scout Day! Can't come on Scout Day? Get your discounted tickets and patch for one of our other games! Choose from Monday, December 26 at 2:00pm or 7:00pm.

The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the most electrifying athletes on the planet, will bring their spectacular show to a city near you during their 2017 World Tour. The famed team will feature a star-studded roster that includes Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm - plus female stars TNT Lister and Ace Jackson* - the Globetrotters' one-of-a-kind show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment. Every game will showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction.
Deadline to order tickets is Tuesday, December 20, 2016.

Scout Night at Monster Jam

Saturday, February 11 at 7:00pm
NRG Stadium
Exclusive Scout Offer
SAVE up to $10 on tickets plus FREE Monster Jam Scout Patch and FREE Pit Party PASS!
Scout ticket prices are $27 or $17 based on seating location.

For information or to order groups of ten or more, contact Christina at 281-367-9717 or email at christina@texasgrouptickets.com. Or purchase tickets online by clicking here, use the password BSCOUT under "Offer Code". After purchasing tickets online, call Christina at 281-367-9717 or email at christina@texasgrouptickets.com to request patches.

Monster Jam® is the perfect sports entertainment brand that mixes racing, showmanship, the ultimate fan connection and accessibility into one incredible show. Featuring the world's most famous 1,500 horse power Monster Jam trucks, Monster Jam events are the only place where fans will see legendary behemoth machines, including: Grave Digger, Max D, Man of Steel, El Toro Loco, Batman and many more, compete in jaw-dropping spectacles.
Free Pre-event Pit Party Pass with your ticket: The Pit Party is your opportunity to get an up close look at the amazing trucks of Monster Jam and receive autographs from your favorite Monster Jam drivers. The Monster Jam Pit Party will take place from 2:30 pm-5:30 pm. No Pit Party admission after 5:00 pm.

Deadline to order tickets is Friday, February 3, 2017.

Support Scouting

Eagles Among Us

November 2, 2016

Hilton Americas

In 2016, the Sam Houston Area Council is celebrating 100 years of Eagle Scouts in our Council. Please join us for a special evening showcasing the history of Eagle Scouts in our council. Rex W. Tillerson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Exxon Mobil Corporation will be the keynote speaker.

Proceeds benefit the many youth development programs of the Sam Houston Area Council. For more information, please click here.

It's a Match Gift!

Many corporations match employee contributions made to the Boy Scouts - these gifts are known as "Matching Gifts." Additionally, some companies will make contributions on behalf of volunteer time given to Scouting. Click here for more information. Please contact Victoria Ochiche at Victoria.Ochiche@scouting.org at 713-756-3314 for additional support.

Do You Work With ExxonMobil?

ExxonMobil Foundation allows districts and sub-districts in the Council to establish accounts. If you are employed by Exxon Mobil and would like to apply for VIP grants please contact Victoria Ochiche at Victoria.Ochiche@scouting.org at 713-756-3314 regarding how to proceed. Volunteer grants help districts achieve their Friends of Scouting goal.

Send a Memorial or Tribute

Are you looking for a unique way to recognize those close to you? Give a Memorial ("in memory of") or Tribute ("in honor of") so that those extraordinary individuals in your life will be acknowledged. Click here for more information.

Order of the Arrow

The Order of the Arrow is the Scouting National Honor Society. For 99 years, the Order of the Arrow (OA) has recognized Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This recognition provides encouragement for others to live these ideals as well. Arrowmen are known for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long-term resident camping, developing leaders, and providing cheerful service to others. OA service, activities, adventures, and training for youth and adults are models of quality leadership development and programming that enrich, support, and help to extend Scouting to America's youth. For more information, contact your OA chapter.

Lodge Communications

The lodge has a variety of tools to communicate with Arrowmen including text messages, electronic newsletters, Facebook and more. Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters can sign up for the OA Troop Representative newsletter. Learn more by clicking here.

Pay Your Dues Online

Colonneh Lodge dues are renewed annually. An active member in Colonneh Lodge is someone who is a currently registered Scout or Scouter in the Sam Houston Area Council with current dues paid. With active membership, you are entitled to attend all functions of the lodge appropriate for your honor level. It also entitles you to wear your OA flap. Technically, if you don't pay your dues, you are not a member, and the flap should be removed from your uniform. For more information please click here