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eScouter Newsletter August 2017
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The 2017 Popcorn Sale is here! Scouts have the opportunity pay their own way through the 2017-2018 Scouting year and earn great prizes by selling delicious gourmet popcorn. We are very excited to partner with Trail's End Popcorn. Trail's End provides three great ways to sell popcorn, traditional take-order, store front, and a new and improved online sales platform that looks and feels like a GoFundMe page.
On August 15th the Council will be hosting zone-kickoffs and unit kernel trainings. At these events, unit kernels and leaders will have the opportunity to learn about the ins-and-outs of the sale as well as the best tactics for achieving sales goals quickly. Unit kernels and leaders will also be able to pick up all sales materials, and sample popcorn at the kickoffs.
To register for popcorn sales, click
here. To register for online sales, click
here.
Fall Recruitment - Sign Up Night
As we look forward to a new school year and all the excitement of the Fall activities "Launching the Adventure of Scouting" should be on top of the list. Planning your
Sign-Up Night recruitment event should be the starting point for a great year. Every new Cub Scout will receive a special 2017 "Launch Your Scouting Adventure" patch along with an Estes Rocket!
Find out more about planning your Sign-Up recruitment event by attending your district Fall Recruitment Training.
University of Scouting 
Registration is now open!
September 23, 2017
MacArthur High School in Aldine ISD
4400 Aldine Mail Rte Rd, Houston, TX 77039
University of Scouting has something for everyone, from Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity, Venturing, Sea Scouts, Order of the Arrow, district and council leaders, and parents! University of Scouting is now a semi-annual training event that is an action-packed, fun-filled single day of supplemental training where participants choose from over 100 courses. Sessions are led by experienced volunteers who will help you enhance your ability to deliver a fun and exciting program to the Scouts. This unique day of seminars provides information, techniques, and best practices on how to improve your Scout program, regardless of whether you are new to the program or a veteran of many years! For more information, please click
here.
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Leader's News
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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 opens soon and includes an event patch, activity supplies, snacks and two meals. Register early as sessions fill up quickly. 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. Volunteer registration can be done by individuals or unit leaders. For more information, please contact: Vincent B. Manning - 713-756-3380 or
vincent.manning@scouting.org.
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.
S3-576-17-2 -
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)
Advancement Updates
Recently the Boy Scouts of America has made some changes to Boy Scout advancement. Specifically these changes effect the camping requirements for both Second and First Class rank badges and for Eagle Palms. Below are links to the articles detailing the changes. Both of these changes take effect on August 1, 2017.
For the revised campout requirements for Second Class and First Class, please click
here.
For the update regarding the way Scouts earn Eagle Palms, 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.
Order 2017 El Rancho Cima T-shirts and patches
You now have an opportunity to purchase the last El Rancho Cima Summer Camp T-shirt and "The Last Campfire" patch from the El Rancho Cima decommissioning ceremony. Purchase your shirt and patch
here. When the items arrive you will be informed by email or they will be mailed depending on your preference. Deadline to order is August 15th.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tour and Activity Plans have been discontinued, to review FAQs, please click
here.
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.
To learn more about Incident Reviews, click
here
(scroll down to the bottom of the page).
For information regarding general health & safety questions, please click
here.
For more information about Enterprise Risk Management, including First Aid/CPR/AED trainings, please click
here. For Emergency Preparedness Resources, click
here.
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| Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing, Exploring |
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 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
.
Venturing
Click
here to find all the Venturing news including, Venturing Forums, upcoming events calendars, and Crew Committee Challenge Training.
Venturing Banquet - August 12, 2017 - Council Venturing Officer Association
elections will be held at the Venturing Banquet.
Want to Know More?
Follow the SHAC VOA on Twitter @shacventuring
Instagram @shacventuring
Or FaceBook @ SHACVenturing
Sea Scouts Fleet
Minto Rendezvous
September 8-10, 2017
For more information and to register, please click
here.
Next Sea Scouts Fleet Meeting: August 16, 2017, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Cockrell Scout Center
For more information regarding 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. 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.
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Scout Days, Scout Nights
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Bellaire Coin Club - Coin and Collectable Convention
At Arabia Shriners Convention Hall Dealer Application
August 5 & 6, 2017 Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 a.m.
Arabia Shriners Convention Hall
10510 Harwin Dr. Houston, Texas 77036
Summer Scout Program at The Health Museum
Now through August 19, 2017
1515 Hermann Drive - Houston, TX 77004
Have fun during the weeks & gain BRAND NEW merit badges requirements
Scout Days with the Houston Astros 
Secure Your Spot Today!
Join us at Minute Maid Park on Sunday August 20, 2017 for Scout Day with the Houston Astros. The event will include pregame parade with postgame run the bases.
Scout Days First Pitch will be 1:10 p.m.
For more information or to purchase a group, contact Brent Broussard at 713-259-8316 or broussard@astros.com
 Wet'n'Wild Splashtown
Scout Day
Saturday, August 26
Event includes e
arly ride time and park admission, lunch in private
pavilion
, and patch.
To purchase tickets or download order form, please click here or call (281) 355-3300 ext. 116.
Overnights at the Houston Zoo! 
Are you ready for a WILD! overnight adventure?
At the Houston Zoo you can have a unique after-hours experience and work toward earning your Nova WILD! Award.
Program includes:
Pizza Dinner & Continental Breakfast
Guided Zoo tour after dark
Interactive activities
Behind-the-scenes Meet & Greet with one of our animals
Wild Winks patch
Register online or contact us for more details at education@houstonzoo.org!
Universal Technical Institute
Boy Scout Merit Badge Event
Saturday, September 23rd
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Houston Campus - 721 Lockhaven Drive
Houston, TX 77073
Register here to earn requirements for any of the following merit badges: Electronics, Automotive Maintenance, Welding, Truck Transportation, Farm Mechanics
 Scout Day with the Houston Dynamo
Saturday, September 30
7:30 p.m.
Join the Houston Dynamo as they take on the Minnesota United FC for Scout Day with the Houston Dynamo. Tickets are $25. The first 100 purchasers will recieve a Houston Dynamo Patch, post match movie at the stadium and participate in the Rally tunnel.
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, to register, please click here. For a full list of catalog of classes, please click here.
 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
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| Support Scouting |
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Golf Classic Tournament
September 27, 2017
Golf Club of Houston
Play where the pros play!
Join us for the 41st annual Sam Houston Area Council Golf Classic at Golf Club of Houston to support the Sam Houston Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. Golf Club of Houston, formerly known as Redstone Golf Club, has hosted the PGA TOUR's Shell Houston Open since 2003. Participants will play on the same course where the tournament is held. For more information, please click
here.
Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner
Celebrating Richard A. Eichler
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.
Save the Date 
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. 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.
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| Order of the Arrow |
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
.
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