Camp Strake Pre-Registration
August 5 - 12, 2019
Summer camp 2020 will be held at the new Camp Strake, a first-class and state-of-the-art facility for Scouts and their leaders. Sam Houston Area Council units are being given the first opportunity to attend the inaugural camp.
Activities will include shooting sports, Wild Hex, zip lines, climbing, rappelling and COPE. Learn more at
www.shac.org/summer-camp
.
|
|
2019 McNair Cub Summer Camp
McNair Cub Summer/Resident Camp is a three-night campout at Bovay Scout Ranch for Cub Scouts entering the first through fifth grade the following school year. From Cub Scout skills to rank advancements, these camps are full of fun and learning. All newly chartered Cub Scout Pack in the Sam Houston Area Council who sign up will receive 25% off registration. For more information click
here
or contact Geno Aguilar at 713-756-3304 or
geno.aguilar@shac.org.
To register, click
here
!
|
|
BSA Parents
The mission of BSA Parents is to recruit, inform and amplify voices of those who believe:
- That the Boy Scouts of America is a vital organization that plays an indispensable role in the formation of character and values in America’s youth.
- That the Boy Scouts of America is invaluable to our communities.
- That the Boy Scouts of America is a welcoming and inclusive organization that should live on and thrive for generations to come.
- That the Boy Scouts of America has a social and moral responsibility to continue to protect youth and it needs to continue to live out this duty every day.
|
|
BSA BEST Study
Building Evidence in Scouting Together (BEST) study
The National Office of Boy Scouts of America, the Institute for Research on Youth Thriving and Evaluation at Montclair State University, and the American Institutes for Research are partnering to explore the Scouting experience in a first-of-its-kind national study. The Building Evidence in Scouting Together (BEST) study is being conducted between 2018 and 2020 and is generously funded by the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation.
The research team seeks to understand how adult troop leader practices foster the development of Scouts.
We are asking Scouters at all levels to help encourage and promote study participation among selected troops. Selected Scoutmasters will be asked to help recruit and register Scouts and Assistant Scoutmasters in their troops to participate in the study.
If your troop is selected, you’ve either already heard from the researchers or will soon. Watch your email inbox for a message from YourVoice@BSABESTstudy.org.
For more information about the study, please click
here
.
|
|
STAY CONNECTED, LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
|
|
Popcorn
Looking for a great way for your Scouts to support their own way? Want your Scouts to gain self-confidence while learning about salesmanship? Popcorn is your answer! The
popcorn sale is kicking off
is August 13th. New to Show and Sell this year, each unit is able to build their own bundle! There is a minimum order of $3,000 for the initial show and sell order, ordering begins July 1st and due by August 1st. If your unit is on the fence about Show and Sell come to the Council’s Show and Sell Orientation, July 25, 2019 at 7 pm at the Cockrell Scout Center.
This year your unit will have the opportunity to purchase a Trail’s End Table Banner for your sale. The program specific banner will help your booth get noticed and advertise the ability to accept credit cards!
Order a Banner Here
, you have until July 12
th
to purchase which banner is right for your unit.
Your Scouts have an amazing opportunity to sell all over the county online with FREE SHIPPING on every online order. Also new this year there are no transactions fees when using a square reader for purchases made using the NEW Trail’s End app. Learn how Scouts of all ages are successful with Show and Sell, see a booth set up, and get a list of ideal locations for Scouts to sell. Sign up your unit to sell popcorn
here
. (works best in Firefox or chrome)
|
|
Get Ready For Recruiting!
Right now, most Packs and Troops are enjoying the hot sun and cool pools at summer camps throughout the country. Summer is the time when most youth learn through hands on experience, getting to enjoy days in the sunshine and nights under the stars. For us unit leaders, now is the time to prepare ourselves for our 2019 Fall Recruiting Campaigns!
Each year, thousands of new youth are introduced to the Scouting program in The Sam Houston Area Council by the dedicated volunteers who go out and recruit them. Getting more youth involved in Scouting is, after all, the most important thing that we do! To help us out, the Council has developed an easy to use Fall Recruiting plan which will be rolled out in every District by August 14, 2019, many of which will take place at the August Roundtables! It should be the goal of every unit leader (or an excited representative from your unit) to attend their District’s training. Make sure that your unit signs up to attend so you can see all the great new resources the Council is providing this year! Together, we can make this the best year of recruiting that SHAC has seen in Century of Scouting, and truly live up to our goal of making Scouting available to every youth!
For more information about your district’s Fall Recruiting Training dates, please contact your District Executive, your District Membership Chair, check your district website, or contact the council at 713-659-8111.
|
|
Exploring – Discover your future
The Exploring program is career education for young men and women, ages 14-20. These students receive hands-on experience and determine if a career field is right for them. They will also get to fellowship with others sharing their same interests. Exploring can be the first step in identifying career possibilities while having fun in an exciting and informal environment. See description & contact information below:
|
|
Aviation Exploring
Aviation Career Exploring combines exciting hands-on activities with interactions with aviation professionals representing a wide range of careers. You will experience firsthand what it's like to be a pilot, aircraft mechanic, flight engineer or air traffic controller. You will learn from leaders who will share their experiences and expertise to help support you as you learn about the aviation field.
- Lone Star Flight Museum, 11551 Aerospace Ave., Houston, TX 77034. For more information and details, please attend our Open House\Kick-off on Saturday, August 10th at 10:00 AM at the Lone Star Flight Museum. Contact Michelle Phillips at michelle.phillips@scouting.org for additional information.
|
|
Fun with Family
October 12-13, 2019
Save the Date!
The Super Heroes are back!
Fun with Family on is an overnight campout for newly registered Lions, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scouts and their adult partner and families at Bovay Scout Ranch (3450 County Rd 317, Navasota, TX 77868). 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.
Fun with Family 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 Contact: Vincent B. Manning – 713-756-3380 or
vincent.manning@scouting.org
.
|
|
Wood Badge
Wood Badge is BSA’s ultimate leadership training for adults, designed for leaders of all BSA programs. Wood Badge consists of two parts. The first is a six-day practical program usually offered in two 3-day camping weekends (Friday at 7:30 am through Sunday 5:00 pm). The second part, completed over the following 18 months, requires participants to apply the skills they have learned by completing five goals (tickets) leading towards the participant’s vision of a better Scouting future. For more information and to register, click
here
.
|
|
University of Scouting
November 2, 2019
Join hundreds of your fellow Scouters for a day of training and fellowship. Choose from classes that include cooking for Scouts with food allergies, Annual Planning and Budgets for Cub Scout Packs, or Scoutbook for Troops or STEM NOVA for Troops and Crews. Our Spring event focuses upon preparation for Summer camp and activities. The course catalog will be available later this Summer.
|
|
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
.
|
|
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.
|
|
Houston-Chiba Scout Exchange 2020
The Houston-Chiba Scout Exchange (“HCSE”), which began in 1984, is a long-running program between SHAC and Chiba Council (Japan) allowing Scouts to experience each other’s country through homestay, council camporees, sightseeing, and local community activities. Houston and Chiba are also sister cities.
SHAC will be sending a contingent of 10-12 persons (youth and adults) to attend Chiba Council’s Camporee next summer. Accommodations will be provided by Japanese Scout families. The travel dates will be late July through early August 2020 (exact dates to be determined). In December 2020, we will reciprocate by hosting Chiba Scouts here in Houston and taking them to winter camp at Bovay Scout Ranch.
The HCSE program operates as a high adventure activity, therefore the minimum age and rank to participate is 14 years old and First Class. Because of the limited number of spots available for this program, Scouts and Scouters must apply for a position.
Over the course of the coming months, those who are interested in participating in this program will be involved in contingent member selection activities, trip planning, team-building exercises, cultural awareness, basic language skills, safety/risk management, and more.
If you are interested in participating, there will be a general information meeting in August to learn more about the details about this great opportunity. In the meantime, contact John Brogan at
jtbrogan001@gmail.com
to be added to the contact list.
|
|
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
ScoutReach is the Sam Houston Area Council's program to build Scouting in traditionally under served communities. 9,500 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. For more information, please contact Lionel Jellins at
lionel@jellins.net.
|
|
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.
Safety Moments are exactly what the name implies: it is an opportunity to prepare for activities, review safety measures, and report incidents correctly. Topics of this new series include incident reporting helps, safe use of medication in Scouting, your tour and activity plan, weather-related safety, summer activity, and summer sports. Click
here
to view recent Safety Alerts.
Below are three great videos that educate unit leaders on three serious risks in Scouting:
Propane Stoves safety
“Stoves made for the outdoors can also extend the range of your travels by giving you a reliable way to generate heat anywhere and in any weather”. A propane camp stove has a lot of versatility. Two-burner propane stoves tend to be used more for base camping where the stove is setup and used in one location during the camping trip. There are some single burner propane stoves, although they tend to be a bit bulky and not always suitable for long backpacking trips. As with any fueled stove, there are a few safety measures that should be followed, for more information please click
here
.
Click
here
for Incident reporting information.
Click
here
for Safety moment topics.
Click
here f
or Emergency Preparedness Resources.
|
|
Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and 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, 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
.
|
|
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
.
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). The Trading Post will be open on Adventure Camp dates.
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 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
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
.
|
|
Venturing
Click
here
to find all the Venturing news including, Venturing Forums, upcoming events calendars, and Crew Committee Challenge Training.
The Venturing Banquet will be held on August 10, 2019
Follow the SHAC VOA on Twitter @shacventuring
Instagram @shacventuring
Or FaceBook @ SHACVenturing
|
|
Sea Scouts Fleet
The next Sea Scout Committee is July 17, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.
Scoutmasters, please click
here
for a better understanding of Sea Scouts and activities and how you may tap into some expertise for water activities.
Bay Area Park facility is now open. Requests for space or storage can be sent to Bennett, Barton
bbennettclaims@yahoo.com.
Contact Royal B. Freas,
rbfreas@UTMB.EDU
for more information regarding Sea Scouts.
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.
|
|
Typhoon Texas Scout Days
Typhoon Texas is excited to announce it's 2019 Scout Days and packages for July 20th.
Scout Day Prices
Scout Supreme- $29.99
Includes: Admission, Hamburger Meal, Typhoon Texas Fun Patch, unlimited drink pass
Season Pass Holder - $15.00
Includes: Hamburger Meal, unlimited drinks & Typhoon Texas Fun Patch
|
|
Houston Astros Scout Day and Parade
Sunday, August 25th
1:10 p.m.
Parade time: TBD
Watch the Houston Astros take on the Baltimore Orioles and participate in a pre-game parade. For ticket and parade information, please contact Brent Broussard at (713) 259-8316 or
broussard@Astros.com
|
|
METRO's Summer of Fun is back!
Students K-12, plus college and university students ride free from June 1 – Aug. 31, 2019, with a Student METRO Q® Fare Card.
Simply keep using your existing Student METRO Q® Fare Card and no value will be deducted, and you're good to go! Visit place like The Houston Zoo, Minute Maid Park, Museum District, NRG Stadium, George R. Brown Convention Center, Toyota Center, Discovery Green, and much more.
For more information, please click
here
.
If you don’t have a Student METRO Q® Fare Card, please click
here
.
|
|
Houston Dynamo Scout Night 2019
Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 7:30 PM
BBVA Stadium
2200 Texas Ave., Houston, TX 77003
Calling all Scouts! Houston Dynamo Scout Night will be on September 21st as the Dynamo host Orlando City SC. Tickets start at $19 and include a ticket to the match, a limited-edition Scout Night patch, Food AND Drink. Yes, it’s all included!
For more information, please click
here
.
|
|
Scout Days at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
Weeklong Summer Scout classes are still available at our Hermann Park and Sugar Land locations for July and August. Scouts BSA, Webelos, Bears, and Wolves can earn Merit Badges or Adventures while exploring the exhibits of the Houston Museum of Natural Science. For more information, please click
here
.
Save the Date!
STEM Nova Day at HMNS on September 21st from 9 to 1.
Bear, Wolf, and Webelos STEM Nova Awards: Science Everywhere and Tech Talk.
Scouts BSA STEM Nova Awards: Splash! and Whoosh!
Fulfill requirement 2 for the STEM Nova Awards with classes in the afternoon. Scouts BSA from 12 – 4 and Cub Scouts from 1 – 3. Cub Scouts and Webelos, looking to get an early start on your STEM Nova Award? Participate in our annual STEM Nova Overnight on September 20th to get a head start on your Tech Talk STEM Nova Award. E-mail
overnights@hmns.org
to be put on the notification list for additional information. Overnight registration opens on July 19th, so sign up early!
Like us on our Scouts@HMNS Facebook page
here
.
|
|
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
.
|
|
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
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
