Boy Scouts of America, Sam Houston Area Council
eScouter Newsletter                                                                October 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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Fun with Son
The Super Heroes are back!
October 20-22, 2017
Fun with Son is an overnight campout for newly registered Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scouts and their adult partner and families at  Bovay Scout Ranch in Navasota. Scouts can participate in BB guns, archery, sling shots, crafts, rockets, sports, campfire and more. Registration includes an event patch, activity supplies, snacks and two meals. 
Click  here to register for the Friday to Saturday session.
Click  here to register for the Saturday to Sunday session.
Fun with Son is run by volunteers. Volunteers help with check-in, run program areas (e.g., BB guns, archery, crafts, rockets), serve in the dining hall, assist with parking and staff the first aid area. Click  here to register as a volunteer. For more information, please contact: Vincent B. Manning - 713-756-3380 or  vincent.manning@scouting.org.



 Leader's News

Fall Recruitment
Greetings Scouters! First, the Council Membership Team is sending out its thoughts and prayers to all of those who were impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Our community saw so much damage, but through it all, our citizens came together to show how amazing of a place Southeast Texas is to call home. It was as if the Scout Law came alive! We thank each one of the first responders, emergency personnel and volunteers who made such an amazing impact on the community. And a huge thanks to all of the Packs, Troops, Crews & Ships who have been out there helping your communities recover through an assortment of relief efforts. The imprint left by all of the good work of BSA members throughout Southeast Texas will be a far more powerful legacy than the storm itself.

Membership season is here, and with the impact of Harvey, we know that your Meet the Teachers, Boy Talks & Sign Up Nights were very likely pushed back a few weeks. This time of year is so important to close to 10,000 new Scouting families that will get involved in the movement this year as it signifies the start of their adventure! Scouts returning from summer activities and camps will help pave the way for the new recruits with their stories of adventure, excitement and new found skills. There is no doubt that this is a great time to be a Scout and all of the new families entering this movement will be positively impacted by all of the recruiting efforts your District & Unit Membership Teams have put forth.

Don't forget to follow up with all of the families who attended rallies and didn't sign up that night. Also, remember to check your District's Calendar to find out when you can turn in all the new youth that have joined your Unit. Getting applications turned in completes the registration process and ensures that Scouts get all of the benefits that being a Member of the BSA offers. Remember that your unit's October Pack, Troop, Team, Crew or Ship meeting is a great place to have a second recruitment night for all those who could not make it the first time around. Your District Executive can help you order your second round of flyers for this event. Good Luck & Happy Recruiting!!!


Sell Popcorn...Blitz Days are Coming
Sam Houston Area Council's annual Popcorn Sale has officially started! Once your unit hosts their unit kickoff, Scouts may begin selling! To assist you in your sale, click here and look under the "resources tab" for tons of materials including tips and scripts for improving your unit's sale. It's not too late to sign up to sell. Contact your district popcorn kernel or district executive to find out how to get started. Every year thousands of Scouts and families participate to earn funds to help maintain and improve their Scouting program. There are also cool new prizes added to the prize program this year, along with bonus prizes that include the $600 Club and $1,800 Club. Scouts learn valuable life lessons, gain self-confidence and have fun developing salesmanship techniques. For every dollar earned, over 73% goes directly to local Scouting. For those with families outside the Houston area, Scouts and Parents can set up online sales and encourage friends and family to purchase their favorite flavors and the popcorn will be shipped directly to them.

Popcorn Blitz Days are designated days in which units are encouraged to sell popcorn as a group by canvasing their neighborhood. Every Scout that meet the items sold count indicated for each date will qualify for entry in the drawing for one of three GoPro Hero Sessions.

October 14, 2017- Sell total 40 items by this date
October 30, 2017- Sell total 60 items by this date 

Please note, the Take-Order timeline has been extended by 3 weeks. Orders will be due to the council on Monday November 20th by 4:00 pm. Product distribution to units will be on Saturday December 9th. Any unit that sells $12,000+ in retail Take-Order sales will be eligible for home product delivery. Dates for the unit home delivery will be provided at a later time.

Hurricane Harvey Service Ribbon
Units who helped with rescues, recovery fundraisers, clean-up, and other volunteering efforts after Hurricane Harvey are eligible for a ribbon (2.5" x 24") for their unit flag.
The unit leader or designated unit representative should request the ribbon by clicking here.

2017 Membership Fee Increase
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
To do this - while delivering the nation's foremost youth development program - the BSA must remain vigilant in controlling costs. Although we have been successful in reducing our expenditures in many areas, it has become necessary to evaluate our annual membership fees.
Based on feedback from both volunteers and employees, the BSA membership fee will increase to $33 for all registered youth and adult leaders, effective December 1, 2017. Membership fees support the services that are necessary to provide Scouting to youth from 7 to 21 years of age. From education to high-adventure experiences you can't get anyplace else, the BSA provides unique growth opportunities at a great value. For more information and Frequently Asked Questions, please click here.

Register now for NYLT!
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an action-packed leadership course designed for Boy Scouts and Venturers. During the six days of NYLT, youth are challenged to develop leadership skills through teambuilding activities, games, and practical application. Graduates return to their home units to continue their growth and deliver the promise of the youth-led unit. Registration is now open for Winter NYLT, to be held at Bovay Scout Ranch on December 26-31. To learn requirements and more about NYLT, please click here. To register for the 2017 Winter NYLT course, click here.

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 .  

Be A Scoutreach Volunteer
-Use your experience to help Scouting's neediest youth 
-Help expand Scouting into new parts of Southeast Texas
-Volunteer according to your schedule and availability

Scoutreach is the Sam Houston Area Council's program to build scouting in traditionally under served communities. 7,000 Scouts participate in this program, which are primarily led by paid employees. Most unit activities are held in elementary and middle schools throughout Houston. The goal of the Scoutreach program is for all participants to have the same experiences and opportunities as those in traditional, volunteer led, programs. Scoutreach parents are not typically available to provide the support enjoyed by traditional volunteer units. Experienced Scout Volunteers are needed to bring the skill components to the Scout's experience.
SHAC's new Scoutreach Volunteer program will fill this gap and ensure a high quality program is delivered to these Scouts. Volunteers are needed to help in ScoutReach Boy Scout Camping and Merit Badge Classes, and Cub Scout Day Experiences. Campout assistance is generally needed for day only classes, although leaders that can stay over night are needed from time to time.
Volunteers must be registered Scouters and have completed youth protection training. Please contact Lionel Jellins at  lionel@jellins.ne t to volunteer to let us know your areas of interest and knowledge. Scoutreach will develop a calendar of events where volunteers are most needed and we will be happy to match you with an opportunity to serve.  Opportunities will include:
-Spring and Fall Overnight Camping - Teach Tenderfoot through 1st Class Skills
-Spring and Fall Merit Badge Event - Conduct a One Day Merit Badge program
-Pinewood Build and Race Derby - Assist Scouts in building a Pinewood Derby Car, assist in conducting a ScoutReach Wide Pinewood Derby
-Training and Roundtable Events for Program Specialists - Help teach our Program Specialists the skills they need to implement a high quality program.

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.

Eagle Scout Scholarships
The National Eagle Scout Association will award nearly $700,000 in scholarships to Eagle Scouts based on their academic performance, Scouting background, college plans and financial need. The window for the latest round of National Eagle Scout Association scholarships opened Aug. 1, 2017. It will close for good on Oct. 31, 2017. Scholarship recipients will be notified by mail on July 15, 2018, and money will be disbursed to these deserving Eagle Scouts in fall 2018. For more information, please click here.

Camp Strake - Patsy & Stan Stanley Arena
Stan Stanley was a loving father and husband, businessman, community leader and a dedicated Scout volunteer.  His service to the Boy Scouts includes Scoutmaster of Troop 209, District Commissioner for the Mustang District, numerous council committee positions, Council Commissioner for the Sam Houston Area Council from 2007-2012, Co-Chair of the 2014 "A Century of Service Celebration", and Co-Chair of the site selection committee for the new Camp Strake.

Stan would have not been able to do what he did for Scouting and his community without the involvement and support of the love of his life, and his head cheerleader, Patsy Stanley. Patsy is a retired Texas school educator. She continues to be involved and supportive of Scouting. She is a very active volunteer with Stanley Elementary and St. Peters United Methodist Church. 

When Patsy and Stan met, Patsy was involved in outdoor education. On their first date Stan was asking Patsy about her job. She said "If you are familiar with the Boy Scouts of America, I use the Boy Scout manual as my curriculum guide". Stan replied that he indeed was familiar with Scouting and that he was an Eagle Scout and a Scoutmaster. The rest is history. Patsy believes that she and Stan were made for each other. 

In honor of the example of service that Patsy and Stan Stanley have provided, the Sam Houston Area Council has plans to raise $500,000 for the naming rights of the Council Arena at the new Camp Strake. The arena will be named the Patsy & Stan Stanley Arena.

Patsy and Stan Stanley Arena at Camp Strake
To help the Sam Houston Area Council with the goal of naming the Camp Strake Arena in honor of Patsy & Stan and to support the Leaders of Tomorrow Campaign please complete a Leaders of Tomorrow Pledge form and identify Patsy & Stan Stanley Arena on the Other / Additional Instructions line. This will also qualify your gift to be matched at 50% by the Mabee Foundation. For more information call Jim Rees at 713-756-3315 or visit here
 

Scouts with Disabilities
Summer can present some different challenges for Scouts with disabilities. With changes in schedules and routines it is important for both parents and leaders to be prepared for camping experience. To help ensure that both parents and leaders are as prepared as possible the Sam Houston Area Council has a portion of its website dedicated to helping Scouts with Special Needs. Please visit here for FAQs, resources, other information to ensure that Scouting is accessible and enjoyable to all Scouts.
For specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Janet Kelly with the Disabilities Awareness Committee.

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. 
Effective September 1, 2017, Youth Protection Training will be required for all adult leaders at the time of registration. Paper applications from new leaders must be accompanied by a Youth Protection Training completion certificate, which must be filed with the application.

Enterprise Risk Management Committee
The purpose of the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) committee is to prepare adult leaders to conduct Scouting activities in a safe and prudent manner. 
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Committee has scheduled training for 2017 and 2018:
Adult & Youth First Aid/CPR/AED:
2017 Dates: Oct. 22nd and Nov. 4th
2018 Dates: Feb. 3rd, Mar 17th and May 19th
Wilderness First Aid:
2017 Dates: Nov. 11th & 12th 
2018 Dates: April 21st & 28th
First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Course - Oct. 28 & 29, 2017
All classes will be held at the Cockrell Scout Center. Please register here space is limited. Lunch is provided.
For information regarding Emergency Preparedness, click here
For more information about Enterprise Risk Management, including First Aid/CPR/AED trainings, please click here. For Emergency Preparedness Resources, click here
For suggestions or comments please contact  yeldellse@yahoo.com  or Mike Narvaez coachmike19@gmail.com
   Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing, Exploring
   

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 Cub Scouts, Boy Scout Troops and Venturers. Bovay Scout Ranch has year round camping program opportunities for all levels of Cub Scouts including Weekend Adventure Camps. 

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. For more information, please click  here.

McNair Cub Adventure Camp
McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout 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 more information, please click here.


Webelos Coyote Trail Extreme
Webelos Coyote Trail Extreme is a specialty weekend (November 10 - 12, 2017) 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, click here
 
Summer Camp 2018 - Lost Pines Scout Reservation
We cordial invite all Sam Houston Area Council Troops to come spend their summer with us at the beautiful Lost Pines Scout Reservation on Lake Bastrop! We have an exciting summer planned with fun for all. Here are just a few of our camp highlights:
Set on 500 beautiful acres of loblolly pines on the north shore of Lake Bastrop
Friendly, experienced staff.
Scuba Open Water Dive Certification Program
Our Silver Pines program combines both on and off camp adventures for older scouts
Unique extra programs such as Action Archery, Bikathlon and the LPSR Triathlon
Living History Program night with branding, tomahawk throwing and many more fun opportunities
Adult leader trainings offered daily
NEW - Aquatics focus week July 8-12 with special programs and opportunities for Sea Scouts too!
We are offering seven weeks of camp this year from June 10 through July 28. For more information, click here. or you can register today by contacting Keri.Smeaton@scouting.org.
Questions? Contact Teresa Northcutt at Teresa.northcutt@scouting.org or 512-617-8650.

2018 Philmont Trek
Philmont Scout Ranch is the Boy Scouts of America's largest national High Adventure Base. Its 34 staffed camps and 55 trail camps provide an unforgettable adventure.
The Sam Houston Area Council will have 3 2018 Philmont contingents. The 2018 dates are:
Contingent #1: June 17, 2018 - June 29, 2018
Contingent #2: June 29, 2018 - July 11, 2018
Contingent #3: July 11, 2018 - July 23, 2018
For more information, please click here. Or contact Vincent.Manning@scouting.org

Philmont Advisor Skills School - Houston
This fall, Philmont is running the Philmont Advisor Skills School (PASS) program to better train adult advisors and to give them the tools necessary to appropriately prepare their crew. More information about the PASS program can be found here

Venturing
Click here to find all the Venturing news including, Venturing Forums, upcoming events calendars, and Crew Committee Challenge Training. 
The next Venturing Forum will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, 7:00 p.m. at the
Cockrell Scout Center

Want to Know More?
Follow the SHAC VOA on Twitter @shacventuring
Instagram @shacventuring
Or FaceBook @ SHACVenturing

Sea Scouts Fleet
Next Sea Scouts Fleet Meeting: October 18, 2017 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 
Cockrell Scout Center
For resources, events, activities and more information 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. Annually, the 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE answers over 957,600 calls for help. 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 Days at iFLY
Are you ready to take flight? Join us Sunday, October 22nd (Memorial location) or  Sunday, October 29th  (The Woodlands location) or  for a special Scout Day at iFLY Houston. Fly with your friends, family and fellow Scouts at a discounted rate especially for Scouts.
When you come to iFLY get ready to be blown away - literally. It's thrilling. It's amazing. Experience the feeling of freefall as you float on a smooth cushion of air. There's no parachute, no jumping, and nothing attaching you to planet Earth. It's just you FLYING in the air. Super fun, super safe and super cool! For more information, click here.

Scout Night at Monster Jam
Saturday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m.
NRG Stadium
Scouts can SAVE up to $10 on tickets plus FREE Monster Jam Scout Patch and FREE Pit Party PASS!
Monster Jam is the most action-packed live event on four wheels where world-class drivers compete in front of capacity crowds in both monster truck racing and freestyle competitions. The pit party for this special October edition includes fall festival activities like a Monster Jam Ride Truck* * Driver autographs * Photo opportunities with Monster Jam trucks * Create a Monster Jam mask * "Design a Pumpkin" station - pumpkin to be crushed in the Monster Jam show Rock climbing wall * Zip lining
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 p.m. -5:30 p.m. No Pit Party admission after 5:00 p.m.
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 password TXGRP under "Offer Code".  
Not available with any other offer. Deadline to order tickets is Friday, October 13, 2017.

The International Committee 2017 JOTI (Jamboree On The Internet)
October 21, 2017
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Cockrell Scout Center
Join us to participate and learn about the largest Scouting event held each year by WOSM (World Organization of the Scouting Movement), JOTI (Jamboree On The Internet). The International Committee will again be hosting the JOTI@SHAC event open to all scouts and scouters. Walk ins welcome! We will also feature BSA's CyberChip as part of the JOTI experience. Participation is all day, average time to participate is 15 to 30 minutes. For more information, please click here.

Local Heroes Family Fun Day
Saturday, October 28, 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. 
on the grounds of the HPD Training Academy 
17000 Aldine Westfield.
The Houston Police Department will be hosting its First Annual Local Heroes Family Fun Day. T he event will kick-off with a special program, recognizing First Responders from Police, Fire, Military, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Department of Public Safety (DPS). Attendees will see displays of SWAT vehicles, Mounted Patrol, rescue helicopters and boats, fire trucks, defense demonstrations, public safety presentations, a controlled car chase and whole lot more!! Participants will get the opportunity to interact with local heroes and learn about their exciting careers. 
The event is free and open to the general public. Free parking will be available. 
For more information contact HPD's Public Affairs Office, 713-308-3200.

Texas A&M Football  Scout Appreciation Day
Saturday, November 11
All scouts and their families are invited to Kyle Field on Saturday, November 11th, as the Texas A&M Aggies take on the New Mexico Lobos on Veteran's Day. Tickets start at $35.
Order your tickets here and enter promo code: scouts
For more information on how to purchase tickets please call Josh Massey at 979-260-7958 or email groups@12thmanfoundation.com . 

Scout Geology Day
Saturday, November 11, 2017
at the Houston Gem and Mineral Society's Annual Show
Humble Civic Center
8233 Will Clayton Parkway (½ mile east of Hwy 59)
Humble, Texas 77338 (Free Parking!)
Learn about the three types of rocks: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic. Also, learn the basic properties of minerals, field methods and safety, the economic uses of minerals, geoscience careers, and Fossils.
Admission tickets available at the door: $8, children 10 and under free
RSVP Required. To RSVP, please contact ackeiffers@aol.com or 281-830-9641 or filling out the form here.
For additional information, contact Show Chair Scott Singleton fossilwood@comcast.net or  832-524-8382

Support Scouting      
 

Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner
Celebrating Richard A. Eichler
and Heroes of Hurricane Harvey
October 11, 2017
Marriot Marquis Houston
Each year, the Distinguished Citizen/Family Award Dinner affords an opportunity to honor individuals or families who have made a distinct difference in the fabric of the Southeast Texas. The 2017 Distinguished Citizen Award is being presented to Richard A. Eichler. For more information about the Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner, please click here.

Celebrating Cultures
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Buffalo Soldiers Museum
3816 Caroline St.
Houston, TX 77004
Plan to join us as we celebrating the contribution of the African-American, Asian-American, and Hispanic-American cultures while celebrating the uniqueness of Southeast Texas and the Boy Scouts of America. Ticket prices start at $25.  For more information, please click here.

Donate your vehicle
To donate a car, truck, RV, trailer, boat or motor to the Sam Houston Area Council, please visit One Car One Difference, found here.  For more information about One Car One Difference, the Boy Scouts of America's Vehicle donation program, please click here.
Order of the Arrow
 

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 .