Winter Camp
December 26 - 31, 2019
Bovay Scout Ranch
Winter Camp 34 is coming to Bovay Scout Ranch the week of December 26-31st. This years theme will be Wild West!! Please make plans to attend and enjoy this fun week of Scouting. For more information please click
here
.
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Recharter
Click
here
to read the Boy Scouts of America's updates on increase recharter fees and background check disclosures. Please click
here
to read the National BSA membership fee increase.
Renewing Your Scouting Membership - Unit Recharters Due December 15th
Every December, all units (packs, troops, crews, posts) are required to renew their affiliation with Scouting. The Sam Houston Area Council Boy Scouts of America issues charters to community organizations to enable them to use the Scouting program under their own leadership as a service to their youth and families. “Rechartering” is the process of renewing the charter agreement between the BSA and the organization, and renewing the registration of youth and adult members.
Rechartering on time is critical for units to continue registration without interruption. With an expired charter a unit may not receive rank advancement and other awards for their Scouts, and may have a lapse in insurance coverage.
A representative of each unit completes the paperwork for renewing a charter online. Through the process, information on the chartered organization, youth members and adult leaders is updated as well as BSA National registration fees, Scout Life's subscriptions, and accidental insurance premiums are collected/paid. For many years the Sam Houston Area Council has been able to offer accidental insurance for $1 per participant per year despite the rising costs of accidental insurance. During the 2019-2020 rechartering process there will be a fee of $3 per participant per year for accidental insurance that will help mitigate the rising insurance costs.
If this is your first time to be involved with recharter, or if you need to brush up on how recharter is done, please click
here
to learn more. Or contact your District Executive or Unit Commissioner.
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Attention! Popcorn Sale To The Rescue!
The online popcorn sale is a way to offset the cost of the additional membership fee increase! By selling 4 items online by the end of the year the average Scout earns over $25 dollars in commission which can help offset the 2020 membership fee increase.
Learn more by clicking
here
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STAY CONNECTED, LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
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Grow Scouting! - SCOUT ME IN!!!
Hey Scouters! Congrats on a great Fall Recruitment Season! Now that we have all those new scouts and our units are full of lively energy, it’s time to focus on unit recharters. This is the time to do your roster inventory to check if scouts and adults are registered within your units. If not, you will need to have an application for each new youth and adult. The fee for a new youth and adults are $2.75 each for the month of December. Getting these new members registered now is crucial so they are present once you recharter.
Getting ahead of any defects in your recharter will help to ensure that your unit clears the registration process on time. For adult applications, don’t forget to ensure submit background check form that comes with the adult application, as well as the additional background and disclosure form all adults are required to submit with their recharter this year. Finally, provide all necessary youth protection certificates, including one for every adult application submitted. Making sure that all applications are filled out correctly will save you headaches and frustrations in the long run.
If you have any questions, contact your District Commissioner or District Executive. Happy Holidays!
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Souper Bowl of Caring/Scouting for Food
Scouting for Food is a council-wide service project to care for people in our local communities who are hungry and those in need. In partnership with the Souper Bowl of Caring, the project begins Saturday, January 25, 2020, as Scouts distribute door hangers in their neighborhoods to announce the upcoming food drive. Scouts return the following Saturday, February 1, 2020, to pick up and deliver donations to their local food banks and pantries. Click
here
for more information and to register.
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Scout Fair 2020
We are excited to announce the 2020 Scout Fair Kick Off! We are also thrilled to announce our Scout Fair partner Top Golf. There are exciting new coupon partners as well, and we have added PAGES of value to the book. Mark your calendar for the January 23, 2020 Scout Fair Coupon Book Training. Some of our new partners include Dish Society, Blue Baker, Monster Jam and more…
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Super Troop
Is your troop not going to Camp Strake in 2020 but you want to go? Super Troop may to the answer for you!
Super Troop is a temporary troop made up of Scouts from around the council and is a fantastic opportunity for Scouts to attend an extra week of summer camp, attend camp individually if they can't attend with their unit, or for those Scouts who just like to camp. Super Troop is staffed each week by experienced volunteer Scouters. There will be two Super Troops in 2020; July 12-18, 2020 and July 19-25, 2020. For more information or to register please click
here
.
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Camp Staff
Camp staff is an experience that is truly unforgettable. It is a chance to spend your whole summer working at a beautiful camp while teaching kids and having fun. Every day is fully rewarding to you as a staff member and to the campers in whose lives you have made a difference. Camp work is often demanding as we keep a packed schedule running the campers we serve; but the opportunities, rewards and experiences available to you on camp staff are endless. Serving on camp staff is the best way to spend a summer. For more information, please visit our Camp Staff page by clicking
here.
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Scoutbook
TIP: The two best ways to prevent errors and frustration when using Scoutbook are:
A: Submit applications to the Council registrar office, before attempting to edit any part of that person’s record on Scoutbook.
B: Remember that each separate account (Scouts who are 13 or over can have their own accounts) must be started by a unique email address.
Council staff can only confirm if a person is registered correctly, for further help these steps are suggested-
- Vist the Scoutbook Knowledge Base.
- Visit the Scoutbook discussion forum.
- Contact support by submitting a request.
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National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
December 26 - 31, 2019
Bovay Scout Ranch
NYLT is an exciting, action-packed six-day council-level program designed to provide Scouts in troops, crews and ships with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home units and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. For more information, please click
here
.
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Wood Badge
March 13-15 and 28-29, 2020
Wood Badge is the Boy Scouts of America's ultimate leadership training designed to meet the advanced leadership needs of Scouters in all aspects of the BSA, whether unit, district, or council level – from assistant den leaders to Scoutmasters, from Cubmasters to Venturing Advisors, from committee members to commissioners. It is a fun, energetic and inspiring course guaranteed to infuse your unit with fun and meaning – all designed to fulfill the mission of the BSA, and ensure our youth is getting everything they are promised from the program. Click
here
for more information.
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Nominations Now Open for Philmont 2020!
LIMITED TIME!
The Sam Houston Area Council is now accepting nominations for its Houston Philmont Crews treks for the summer of 2020. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for young men that will be 14 or older by June 23, 2020.
Houston Philmont Crews is a program established for Scouts in the Sam Houston Area Council that would like the unique opportunity to experience the most celebrated of high-adventure and backpacking in a Scouting environment. The Philmont experience can be a life changing event and this program is being offered to Scouts that meet certain requirements and would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend because of financial challenges. For eligible Scout youth all fees, use of ultra-light equipment, backpacking clothes, food and transportation will be provided.
A personal commitment to participate in all meetings and training activities from Scouts chosen is mandatory.
A financial commitment of $100 is required to participate.
To apply, or nominate a Scout: Contact Sam Houston Area Council Michael Moore at
Michael.Moore@scouting.org
or (713) 865-9154.
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Eagle Scout candidates in soon-to-expire LDS units
In order to properly give credit to Scouts who are registered in units sponsored by the LDS church, and who will complete their Eagle Scout Rank requirements prior to January 1, 2020, information must be gathered and given to the district advancement chairs, who will pass the information along to the council support service department.
No rank requirements are changing, a Scout registered in an LDS-sponsored unit must complete all Eagle requirements before January 1, 2020, or the Scout’s 18th birthday, whichever comes first. This is a matter of preparing the Eagle credential system to expect these names to be entered, even after the unit’s charter has expired.
Please be on the lookout for notifications to come from the district advancement chairs to units affected by this update.
Please click
here
for more information.
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International Peace Light
The International Peace Light is an eternal flame originating at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Similar to the Olympic flame, it is spread around the world each year with a message of peace and brotherhood.
All are welcome to receive the Peace Light in a candlelight ceremony on Tuesday, December 10, 7:00 p.m. at Cockrell Scout Center, or Thursday, December 19, 7:00 p.m. at Josey Scout Lodge in Huntsville. Candles will be provided for all participants, but if you wish to take the flame home, bring an enclosed candle or lantern and a safe way to transport it. For more information, contact Karla Christian at
scoutmomchristian@gmail.com
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Sam Houston Area Council First Aid Meet
February 8, 2020
8:00 a.m. - noon
Houston Fire Department Training Center
8030 Braniff St, Houston, TX 77061
The First Aid Meet is an event that challenges Scouts in troops to perform first aid in simulated real-life situations. Patrols compete in practical first aid problems, displaying hands-on skills from the Scout Handbook, First Aid Merit Badge pamphlet and current American Red Cross guidelines. Click here for more information.
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Youth Protection Training
Youth Protection Training (YPT) is designed to help keep youth safe from abuse. During YPT, participants learn the Boy Scouts of America’s
Youth Protection Guidelines
, signs of abuse, and how to report suspected abuse. After each section of material, participants will answer questions about that section’s topic. This course must be completed by all registered leaders, and is highly recommended for parents and other adults working with youth.
To increase awareness of youth protection and to create even greater barriers to abuse than already exist today in Scouting, the Boy Scouts of America has implementing several youth protection policies.
- Youth Protection Training (YPT) is required for all registered volunteers, at the time of registration.
- Youth Protection Training (YPT) must be taken every two years. If a volunteer’s Youth Protection Training (YPT) record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be re-registered.
For more information, please click
here
.
For an update on National BSA's Consideration of Bankruptcy, please click
here
.
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ScoutsFirst for Help with Questions, Concerns and Reporting:
The ScoutsFirst Helpline also makes it easier for volunteers and families to address dangerous situations. If a leader or parent has a question about a situation, or something they've seen or if they want to report a possible incident, they can contact the Helpline for assistance. In cases of abuse, they should also notify the local authorities. ScoutsFirst Helpline (844)-Scouts1 or (844)726-8871.
ScoutsFirst for Counseling and Support:
The Boy Scouts of America is committed to providing ongoing support to victims and their families, including counseling. We want to help victims heal, on their own terms, with a professional counselor of their choice. Through the ScoutsFirst Helpline, the Boy Scouts of America offers assistance with counseling to any youth member, former youth member, or the family of any youth member who suffered abuse during their time in Scouting. To reach the ScoutsFirst Helpline, call (844)-Scouts1 or (844)726-8871, or email
scouts1st@scouting.org
. Support is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
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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
.
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Exploring Onboarding Specialist – Part Time
The council is looking for an energetic, driven, detail-oriented individual who enjoys making a difference, being part of a team, and takes pride in quality work.
Position Description: Reporting to the Exploring Field Director, this position is responsible assisting new Exploring unit development, recruiting Explorers, expanding promotions and participating in career-education promotional events.
For more information about this position, please click
here
.
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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 2019 and 2020 First Aid Trainings:
- Adult & Child First Aid/CPR/AED Blended Learning: Cost per person: $40 - February 15, March 14, April 18, May 2, 2020
- Wilderness First Aid (WFA): Cost per person: $90* - Saturday / Saturday - May 16 & 30, 2020
Click
here
for registration information for these trainings
All Classes will be held at
Cockrell Scout Center, 2225 N Loop West, Houston, TX 77008
*Class fees include lunch
Click
here
for Safety moment topics.
Click
here
for a listing of resent Safety alerts.
Click
here f
or Emergency Preparedness Resources.
Click
here
for Incident reporting information.
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Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Exploring
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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, Scouts BSA Troops and Venturers. Bovay Scout Ranch has year round camping program opportunities for all levels of Cub Scouts including Weekend Adventure Camps. For more information, please click
here
.
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McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch
Please reserve your attendance now for the 2019 Fall dates at McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch by clicking
here
. 2020 Spring Adventure Camp dates are open.
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 Scouts BSA Troops and Venture Crews. With 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). For more information click
here
.
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Weekend Unit Camping
Units that plan to schedule Shooting Sports Activities need to read the new Shooting Sport Manual. 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.
The Trading Post will be open on some Weekend Camping dates.
For more information click
here
.
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Venturing
Venturing Forums – Venturing forum is to provide training, information, and motivation to Venturing adult leaders and crew officers. The Forum should be considered supplemental training
to Venturing Leader Specific Training. The Venturing Forum provides an outstanding opportunity to continue the Venturing leader training and education that began with Venturing Leader Specific Training.
December 10 - Venturing Forum
January 8, 2020 - Committee Meeting
February 21-23, 2020 - Venturing Challenge
March 25, 2020 - Committee Meeting
April 14, 2020 - Venturing Form
August 8, 2020 - Venturing Banquet
Follow the SHAC VOA on Twitter @shacventuring
Instagram @shacventuring
Or FaceBook @ SHACVenturing
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Sea Scouts Fleet
The 2020 31st Minto Rendezvous will be hosted by the Austin, Capital Area Council in September.
The Sea Scout Committee meeting Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 7 p.m. at the Cockrell Scout Center
Sea Scouting builds character through high adventure. Join for the water, stay for the fun
Resources, Events and Activities. Learn more by clicking
here.
For more Sea Scout reference information:
SHAC Facebook page: SHAC Sea Scouts: For up-to-the-minute details.
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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. 2-1-1 can also be a needed resource for hurricane season.
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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Railroading with METRORail – December 14th, 2019
Fulfill the requirements of your Railroad Merit Badge sponsored by Houston METRO Safety Team on Saturday, December 14th, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Come and experience an informative day with the Houston METRO Safety Team at METRORail Service & Inspection Facility, located at 5880 Texas St Houston TX 77011. Please join METRO to learn information and safety around the railroads get a tour of the light-rail operations and take a ride on the light rail system.
We're using SignUp.com
Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
1. Click
here
to see our SignUp on SignUp.com.
2. Choose the spot(s) you like. Make note of any special instructions
3. Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.
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Scouting opportunities at Moody Gardens
Attend a Merit Badge Workshop Day at Moody Gardens to help continue your Scout journey, develop the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a conservation award, and make a positive impact in your community and for the environment. The next opportunities are:
Saturday, December 14, 2019 - Environmental Science, Nature Study
Saturday, January 11, 2020 - Reptile & Amphibian Study, Sustainability Merit Badge
For a complete list of workshop days and private/VIP Workshops Scout Overnight Adventures, please click
here
for more information!
Workshop price is just $30 per Scout
$30 Day Pass For family of participating scouts. (valid only day of workshop)
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Scout Days at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
Start making plans for the spring! The Houston Museum of Natural Science holds week-long classes for Scouts BSA, Webelos, Bears, Wolves and Tigers. New this spring will be two-day and one-day Merit Badge classes. A total of 39 different Merit Badge class are being taught at HMNS, including eight Eagle-required and 18 STEM Nova badges. Registration for these classes will start January 16 for HMNS family level members and on January 23 for non-members.
Classes are also offered throughout the school year on Saturdays, for dates of classes click
here
. Lions, 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 for the Scout and one parent/chaperone.
19 Merit Badges are available during the school year for Scouts BSA at HMNS, including six Eagle Scout-required badges: Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Family Life and Personal Management.
Spring Break classes will be held at our Sugar Land location March 11-13.
Like us on our Scouts@HMNS Facebook page
here
or visit
here
for more information
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Donate your vehicle or boat
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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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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