Boy Scouts of America, Sam Houston Area Council
eScouter Newsletter                                                              March 2017
In This Issue
Leader's News
Program News
Community Scout Events
Support Scouting
Order of the Arrow
Districts of the Sam Houston Area Council

Aldine Pathfinder

Antares

Aquila

Arrowmoon

Big Cypress

Brahman

Brazos

Copperhead

David Crockett

Flaming Arrow

George Strake

Iron Horse

Mustang

North Star

Orion

Phoenix

Raven

San Jacinto

Skyline

Soaring Eagle

Tall Timbers

Tatanka

Texas Skies

Thunder Wolf

Twin Bayou

W.L. Davis

 

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Scout Fair 2017 - Scouts Today. Legends Tomorrow.
Scout Fair 2017 will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at Minute Maid Park. This year's theme is "Scouts Today. Legends Tomorrow." The Sam Houston Area Council is excited to announce our partnership with the Houston Astros who will be providing our weekly drawing bonus as well as the 217 Bonus Level prize. Scout Fair is an event where scouts from all over the Council unite in one place to display Scouting fun for all ages!

Scout Fair Coupon Books Prepare Scouts to earn their own way!

The 2017 Scout Fair Coupon Book offers great savings to the buyer while Scouts earn commissons for every $10 Coupon Book purchased. Buyers receive $100's in valuable savings from partners such as: Kroger, Buffalo Wild Wings, Luby's, Fuddruckers, the Houston Astros and more.
Scouts receive one Book Batted In for every Coupon Book sold. Scouts can redeem Books Batted In for great prizes at Scout Fair and at Houston Area Scout Shops.
Click here to register your unit to sell Coupon Books.

Congratulations to John Harris Anderson of Pack 300 in the Phoenix District. John is our first weekly drawing bonus winner.  John has won 2 Astros tickets, a special Astros hat, a goody bag and a special meet and greet at Scout Fair.

Scout's Got Talent
Do you sing, play an instrument, have a special talent? If so, we are looking for Scouts to perform on the main stage during Scout Fair.
Sign up here. Deadline for submitting video auditions is March 30, 2017.

 Leader's News

2017 Cub Day Camps start June 5, 2017 
Early Registration through March 13, 2017. Register early to receive a limited edition cap.
Late Registration, May 7 - May 22, 2017
For more information, please click  here.
This year, day camp will be a safari adventure.  Free, two-sided place mats are available to use at blue and gold banquets or den meetings to help promote day camp. Download the placements  here. Jungle safari makes a great blue and gold banquet theme and ties in with the 2017 day camp theme. A variety of jungle themes resources including an opening, skits, songs, program guide and decoration ideas are available  here.

Friends of Scouting
As many of you know, the foundation of any great organization lies in its people and we have the best people you could ask for in you and those around you. We also know that in order to continue to help the Sam Houston Area Council grow and impact more lives with the Scouting program, we need to grow our resources. Resources come in many forms and in Scouting your gifts of time and talents are foremost to our efforts. However, we cannot continue to grow, reach more youth, and provide world class programs without the financial backing of donors and supporters like you. 

In the coming weeks and months, a volunteer or staff member will likely come visit your unit and ask for your financial support of Scouting for 2017. Your contribution will make it possible for the Sam Houston Area Council to keep our camps at the highest quality this summer, it will allow for us to keep camping and activity prices low, so every kid can afford to participate, and it will make Scouting possible for a child in need who otherwise wouldn't have an opportunity to be part of this program we love so much. If your unit hasn't yet signed up for a presentation, please reach out to your District Executive today, so we can arrange to have a volunteer presenter at your next Blue and Gold banquet or Troop Court of Honor. 

We ask that you please consider making a contribution to the 2017 Friends of Scouting campaign to ensure that the Sam Houston Area Council remains the very best in the country for you, your family, and your neighbors. Thank you for all you do for Scouting and we can't wait to have another outstanding and life-changing year in 2017!!

New Eagle Reception for Eagle Scout Class of 2016
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Crowne Plaza Hotel (by NRG Stadium)  
Houston, Texas
1:00 p.m. Registration Begins
2:00 p.m. Formal Program Begins
3:00 p.m. Reception & Networking
Please join the Sam Houston Area Council's annual reception for those who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2016. This is a FREE event to the Scouting community to help recognize the new Eagle Scout Class. 
For more information and to RSVP, please click  here
.

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 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.
2. Troop Flag Streamer for each unit attending El Rancho Cima
3. Special Gift for each Senior Patrol Leader attending El Rancho Cima
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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

Summer Camp Staff
If you have ever wanted to be on Summer Camp Staff at El Rancho Cima - now is your chance.  Being a member of camp staff provides a wonderful opportunity to expand your Scouting Experience, while earning a weekly salary with lodging and all meals.  Camp staff is also an opportunity to make friends for lifetime.  Click here to fill out an electronic application.

SAVE THE DATE
July 15th, 2017 El Rancho Cima Staff Reunion
Calling all past members of the El Rancho Cima Staff - we will be hosting an all staff reunion at El Rancho Cima on Saturday July 15, 2017. More details and online registration will be available in the coming weeks. For more information, please contact Brett Lee at brett.lee@scouting.org.

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.

2017 National Jamboree, Sam Houston Area Council Patches
Patch orders will be taken until May 15th, 2017 Patches will be mailed or available for pick up on May 15th, 2017.
Patches may be ordered separately or in sets. A set consists of all CSP's (each Jamboree
Troop/Crew has its own CSP), Order of the Arrow Flap, Staff Patch and the Backpack Patch.
If you are not a participant, the only way to get the Limited Edition CSP is to order the set.
Click here to order 2017 these patches.

Video request - What does Scouting mean to you?
The Sam Houston Area Council needs your help.  We would like to have a collection short videos to use for promotional, 
fundraising, membership, and advertising
 purposes. 
Please record a short video (less than 30 seconds) about what Scouting means to you and email the video to  shane.burks@scouting.org.  These videos can be record using your cell phone or camcorder. 

First Aid Meet Winners
Congratulations to the 39th Council First Aid Meet winners.
This year we had another great First Aid Meet with 17 teams competing.  The Houston Fire Department Training Academy Center was a great location to conduct the competition. A few firemen were able to participate as judges and also gave a tour of their training facility. To review photos click here.
Winners:
First Place - Zombies Patrol, Troop 577, David Crockett District
Second Place - Beaver Patrol, Troop 30, Skyline District
Third Place - Pioneer Patrol, Troop 30, Skyline District
Highest MEGA Scenario Score - Roaring Lions Patrol, Troop 1922, Flaming Arrow Patrol

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)

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. THERE ARE STILL A COUPLE OF SPOTS OPEN - don't wait, they will be gone soon! Click here for more information.

Philmont Training Center
Leaders are invited to participate in one of the conferences that will be offered at the Philmont Training Center in Cimarron, New Mexico, in the summer and fall of 2017. Trained leaders play a very important role in the success of Scouting in the lives of youth.
At these conferences leaders will have the opportunity to meet and share ideas with Scouters and trainers from across America. The conference faculty, selected by regions and national committees, consists of some of the most talented and skilled men and women in Scouting. While participants are involved in a conference, their spouses and their family members will be able to enjoy a variety of activities led by the PTC staff. There will also be plenty of time for you to enjoy participating in activities with them.
Philmont's unique blend of Scouting, history, family activities, and the magic of the northern New Mexico mountains will make the conferences a memorable family experience. For more about all PTC conferences, click here.  

BSA Leave No Trace Trainer Course
April 21-23, 2017 -Camp Brosig
Are you and your Scouts following proper Leave No Trace principles? As members of the Boy Scouts of America, we should be good stewards of our environment through knowledgeable use of resources. We all must take responsibility for our decisions when we use the outdoors, and we should treat the environment with respect so that future generations can enjoy the outdoors as we do today. Let's do our part to leave a legacy for the next generation.
Be sure to attend the BSA Leave No Trace Trainer Course on April 21-23 at Camp Brosig in Sealy, TX. This 16-hour, overnight course is for individuals, ages 14 and up who wish to serve as Leave No Trace trainers. Trainers are the backbone of Scouting's outdoor ethics program, providing instruction to individuals and units wishing to adopt cutting edge outdoor ethics into their unit programs. Individuals planning trips to National High Adventure Bases, camp staff members, unit leaders and those in District or Council training positions are urged to attend. For more information, please click here. To register, please click here.

National Youth Leadership Training Registration is NOW OPEN! 
June 4-9, 2017 or  June 11-16, 2017
Bovay Scout Ranch
Leadership is a key factor in the development of a Scout. One of the most valuable things Scouting offers youth members is the opportunity to be a leader and to develop his\her leadership skills. The National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) course provides an exceptional opportunity to do just that.
NYLT is an intensive six-day training experience for Senior Patrol Leaders, Assistant Senior Patrol leaders, Patrol leaders, Crew leaders and other youth leaders as well as prospective Troop/Crew leaders. For the Scout who desires to be a better and more effective leader NYLT is an unparalleled opportunity!
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 so make plans now. For more information, please click  here  and be a part of it!

Spanish language Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader Training courses
Spanish versions of leader position-specific training courses are now available. Both Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader position-specific training courses can be found on the scouting.org website. Please visit here to view these exciting new training courses.

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 

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. 

Advancement Resources
One of the highlights in Scouting is advancing from rank to rank. To advance, a youth member must fulfill specific requirements, usually including active participation, skill achievement, service to others, and leadership experience. Advancement is a key component in the Scouting program. It provides opportunities for youth to learn and grow, to develop character and to become good citizens. It is fun with a purpose. For more information please find the following links to the most current resources and materials of interest for Scouters who are involved in the administration of advancement.  Advancement Resources web page and  Advancement Educational Presentations

BSA addresses gender identity
For more information and frequently asked questions, click here.

Scouter Code of Conduct
We ask our Scouts to follow the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Adult leaders, though, are held to an additional standard.
It is called the Scouter Code of Conduct. To read more about the 10 standards for adult behavior, please click here.

Disabilities Awareness Committee
The Sam Houston Area Council prides itself in being inclusive of Scouts of all abilities. The Disabilities Awareness Committee believes that inclusion helps focus on building positive relationships with everyone in the unit so that all Scouts learn from each other and work together. In doing so, everyone advances in the program to the best of their abilities.
Unit leaders who include a youth with a disability into the unit will learn about the disability by talking to the parents, and find out what adaptations are needed to make the program successful for that Scout. 
The Sam Houston Area Council Disabilities Awareness Committee actively aligns with Boy Scouts of America's National Disability Awareness Committee. It is the purpose of the committee to help parents and Scouting volunteers to improve their understanding, knowledge, and skills related to including and serving the special needs population. For more information, please contact Alyssa Hightower at hightowerscouts@gmail.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.

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. 
Safety Moments are exactly what the name implies: opportunities to prepare for an activity, review safety measures, and report incidents correctly. Topics of this new series include incident reporting helps, safe use of medication in Scouting, the tour and activity plan, weather-related safety, winter activity, and winter sports. 
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
You are invited to explore and enjoy all the wonder and beauty of the east Texas rolling hills and lakes at McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch. McNair Cub Adventure Camp has a variety of camping opportunities for everyone from Cub Scouts to Boy Scout Troops and Venture Crews. McNair Cub Adventure Camp has year round camping program opportunities for all levels of Cub Scouts including Weekend Adventure Camps and the new Webelos Coyote Trail Xtreme Adventure Camp. McNair Cub Adventure Camp has a great swimming pool and an air conditioned dining hall (closed on Weekend Camping dates). The Trading Post will be open on some Weekend Camping dates.

Please reserve your attendance now for the 2017 Spring dates at McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch because many dates are closed. Click here to see the Bovay Video.

McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch is an overnight, full program camp for all family members. Tigers, Wolves, Bears and Webelos and their families will enjoy an exciting variety of activities at several program areas that is subject to change and food service in the camp's air conditioned dining hall (The kitchen offers a Vegetarian and Turkey patty substitute as requested during your registration). All the program activities are open every session during Cub Resident Camp. A staff member in each area will provide program supplies and support the parents who will be invited to assist in leading the activities. Pack, Dens, and individual families may register. For more information click here.

Weekend Unit Camping: Troops, Teams, Crews, Packs, or Webelos Dens can enjoy the amazing beauty of Bovay Scout Ranch rolling hills, trails and vast open spaces. Clean campsites, restrooms and showers are available; units may design their own program activities and provide their own meals during this type of weekends. Units that plan to schedule Shooting Sports Activities need to read the new Shooting Sport Manuel and complete a Tour Activity Plan For more information click here.  

McNair Cub Summer Camp
Online Registration is NOW OPEN!!! All newly chartered Cub Scout Packs in the Sam Houston Area Council will receive 25% off your registration to attend the 2017 McNair Cub Summer Camp. For more information click here or contact Geno Aguilar (713-756-3304) geno.aguilar@shac.org 

Camp Staff
McNair Cub Summer Camp is currently looking for 2017 Cub Summer Camp Staff. McNair Cub Summer Camp has a great working environment. Summer Camp Staff will consists of working closely with youth and parents at different program areas that we call them outpost. The camp will furnish summer uniform, food, and lodging. The positions available are Aquatic Director, Shooting Sport Director, Camp Staff (Male or Female), and Kitchen Support/Cooks. The Aquatic Director and Shooting Sport Director must be 21 yrs. old and will need to National Camp School (NCS) training to recieve certification. For more information contact Vincent B. Manning at 713-756-3380 vincent.manning@scouting.org or Geno Aguilar at 713-756-3304 or geno.aguilar@shac.org

Venturing
Click here to find all the Venturing news including, Venturing Forums, upcoming 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.

Next Next Venture Committee Meeting  - March 29, 2017 at Cockrell Scout Center

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.

Want to Know More?
Follow the SHAC VOA on Twitter @shacventuring
Instagram @shacventuring
Or FaceBook @ SHACVenturing
Sea Scouts  
Said Daze
Saturday, April 15, 2017 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Shell Beach, Shore Areas 
Cost: $10.00. 
For more information, contact: Cassie Johnson at ch.johnson@sbcglobal.net , or 281.748.6549.

March 15, 2017, 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Cockrell Scout Center

The Sam Houston Area Council is blessed with an abundance of water, and water activities are what Sea Scouts are all about. SHAC's fleet of 19 ships can be found sailing large cruising craft on Galveston Bay, racing on Clear Lake, sailing smaller boats on nearby lakes, and paddling with canoes and kayaks on our many bayous.
Sea Scout units, called ships, are coed for youth 14 to 21. Sea Scouting builds character through high adventure. As a Sea Scout, you can learn to sail, to row, and to keep a boat in shape, scuba dive, cruise local waters or go sailing on long cruises far from home, plus, you can participate in camping, social events, tours, regattas, excursions, and seamanship contests and inter-ship Sea Scout Keelboat racing team. We are looking for Scouts (and Scouters) from your ships who want to learn how to race. There are several offshore regattas as well. Although there are fees to enter many of these regattas, there will be no cost to any crew member except for food. For more information, contact: Freas, Royal B. at rbfreas@UTMB.EDU

For more information regarding Sam Houston Area Council Sea Scouts, please click  here .
For information regarding Texas Sea Scouts, please click here.  
For information regarding Southern Region Sea Scouts, please click here.

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 Skills Clinic and Night with the Houston Rockets
Wednesday, March 15th
Toyota Center
Scout Skills Clinic 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Rockets game 7:00 p.m.
Scouts are invited to join the Houston Rockets for the annual Scout Clinic with the Houston Rockets! For the first 150 tickets purchased, Scouts will have the opportunity to participate in the Basketball Skills Workshop as well as earn your very own Houston Rockets badge.
Bring out your family and friends to watch James Harden and the rest of the Houston Rockets take on the L.A. Lakers.
Purchase your tickets:
By contacting Melissa Barousse at 713-758-7231 or email: melissab@rocketball.com
Or visiting here using promo code: Scout

Schlitterbahn Spring Scout Day
Saturday, April 1, 2017
9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Join Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark 
for Scout Day on Saturday, April 1, 2017. All Scouts receive an exclusive use of the Wasserfest tower attractions from 9:00am-10:00am before it opens to the public on this special day, with all-day park admission and a FREE 2017 Schlitterbahn Scout Day Patch.. You must be a member of a Scout Group to participate.
Event Admission is $18.00 + tax per person, all ages. SAVE $9.99 off the full gate price of $27.99 + tax.
For more information, please click here.

Scout Night and sleepover with the Sugar Land Skeeters
Saturday, June 10th
Calling all Scouts and Troops! Join the Sugar Land Skeeters for the 6th Annual Boy Scout Night Sleepover at Constellation Field on Saturday, June 10th. The game starts at 6:05 PM and the sleepover will run from the end of the game until 8:00 AM on Sunday morning. The sleepover package includes: a field box ticket to the Skeeters game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, pre-game parade on the field, post-game fireworks, one of a kind Skeeters patch, midnight snack, movie on the Texas-sized video board, campout on the field and complimentary breakfast the following morning. Tickets are officially on sale!
Ticket Prices:
$26.00 - Sleepover, Game Ticket, Food Voucher
$20.00 - Sleepover & Game Ticket
$19.00 - Game Ticket & Food Voucher
$13.00 - Game Ticket Only
This event sells out each season, so act quickly to participate in 2017. For more information or to reserve your Troop or Pack's spot, contact Skeeters representative Sunny Okpon at 281-207-9120 or sokpon@sugarlandskeeters.com.

Scout Days at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science offers a variety of classes for Scouts. Tigers, Wolves, Bears and Webelos can work towards Adventures in two-hour classes. Up to two classes can be taken in one day and entrance to the general exhibits is included. Classes are offered throughout the school year on Saturdays.
18 merit badges are available during the school year for Boy Scouts at HMNS, including five Eagle Scout required badges: Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications, and Emergency Preparedness. 
All Scouts can spend the night at the museum during the Scout Overnight! Scouts can all have an exclusive adventure through the museum exhibit halls, with activities and a special program in the Burke Baker Planetarium, where Scouts have a clear night adventure under the stars!
For more information, contact scouts@hmns.org!
Support Scouting      

Sporting Clays
The 21st Annual Sporting Clays Tournament will be held at Westside Sporting Grounds in Katy on April 27, 2017. We are excited to announce that Schlumberger is continuing as our Title Sponsor and Aguila Ammunition is continuing as our Ammunition Sponsor. Dave Miller, the Guiness Book of World Records shooter, will be attending as our Guest Shooter and offering his expertise to the highest bidder.
The tournament runs from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with lunch, auction, raffles and reception. We expect over 400 attendees to join us. This is a fun shoot and is designed for any and all interested participants, no matter your shooting ability.
For more information and to register for the tournament, 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
 

Houston Trade-o-ree
March 3-4, 2017
Cockrell Scout Center
Friday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Onsite registration is $5.00. Scouts in uniform can attend at no charge.
The Houston Trade-o-ree is an event held for the primary purpose of buying, selling, or trading Scout memorabilia. All proceeds from the trade-o-ree go to the Colonneh Lodge National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) scholarship fund which helps send youth, in need of assistance, to the National Order of the Arrow Conference.

Arrowman Bash 2017 Registration is Open!

Colonneh Lodge invites your entire troop to join us at our 2017 Arrowman Bash at Bovay Scout Ranch on March 31-April 2.
We are bringing back our fantastic program where we will use the most experienced scouts to create an exciting program and engaging trainings for all scouts in the Sam Houston Area Council.
Friday we will have check in, our opening show, and various activities. Saturday morning, we will teach a variety of classes including trail to first class midway, merit badges and exciting leadership classes. Saturday afternoon will be filled with thrilling activities like climbing, shooting sports, field games and much more! We will end the evening with a surprise activity and movie to end the weekend with a bang!
We plan to include
GaGa Ball Competition, Dodge-Ball (Dodge ball), Climbing Tower, Field Games, First Class Emphasis, Merit Badges (Non-Eagle), Movie Night, Shooting Sports, Archery, Tomahawk Throwing, Canoeing, Leadership Training, Clan-Sash Crash Course,  ROOT BEER and m ore to come...
Registration is live for ordeal, arrowmen, and troops. Click here for more details.

Ordeals
Boy Scouts who were elected into the Order of the Arrow (OA) by their troop must complete an Ordeal within one year, in order to become a member of Colonneh Lodge. If a candidate does not attend an Ordeal during 2017, then the candidate has to be re-elected by their unit. There are several Ordeal opportunities in 2017. A candidate can only complete his Ordeal in Colonneh Lodge. For more information, click 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

The Order of the Arrow is the Scouting National Honor Society.  For 101 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 .