Grow Scouting! - SCOUT ME IN!!!
3…2…1… BLAST OFF! The countdown to Fall Recruiting is here and with it the Sam Houston Area Council is excited to extend it’s Rocket into Scouting program. Every new Cub Scout who joins through the fall will get a rocket that he or she can launch at their local District Rocket Day! So what can you do now to make sure your Pack is “Go For Launch?”
1.
Recruit your New Member Coordinator – This member of your team will help welcome new Cub Scouts and their families to your Pack
2.
Put Rocket Days on Your Calendar!
3.
Connect with your District Membership Chair now
4.
Start advertising now! Put up signs around your neighborhood, post joining messages on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor) and put posters at the community center!
5.
Make sure your attend your District Fall Recruiting Training in August to get your supplies and valuable training resources!
6.
Start identifying and recruiting Leaders through the summer who can help with all the new Dens this fall
For recruitment resources, please click
here
.
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Popcorn
The 2018 Popcorn Sale is just a few months away! Scouts have the opportunity pay their own way through the 2018-2019 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 through an online sales platform that looks and feels like a GoFundMe page.
Show and Sell ordering is now live. Orders are due today! Show and Sell popcorn will be picked up on August 18, 2018
On August 14th 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.
Register for popcorn sales
here
.
Register for online sales
here
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The Super Heroes are back!
Fun with Family
October 19-21, 2018
Fun with Family on is an overnight campout for newly registered 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!
Registration includes an event patch, activity supplies, snacks and two meals. Register early as sessions fill up quickly.
Volunteer Registration opens soon!
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
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STAY CONNECTED, LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
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BSA Welcomes Kindergarten-Age Youth
Lions are now an official part of the BSA program! To help new
Lion den leaders
get started, Sam Houston Area Council has developed a
Lion Den Leader Orientation
, to be conducted in each district by the district’s
Lion Champion
, the point of contact for all Lion-related questions.
For the latest information on the Lion program, please visit
here
. The
Lion Program FAQs
will be updated as new details about the program become available.
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New Youth Protection Training for All Leaders due by October 1
Over the decades, the Boy Scouts of America has been a leader in developing training and policies designed to keep young people safe, but when it comes to the safety of children, our goal is to continually improve. Recently the BSA has released an updated youth protection training (YPT) which draws on research from experts in the field of child abuse and child maltreatment, as well as survivors, to identify the contributing factors and threats across the spectrum of child abuse including bullying, neglect, exposure to violence, physical and emotional abuse, as well as child sexual abuse.
This updated training is now available on
my.Scouting
.
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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Hazardous Weather Training
Effective April 30, 2018,
NEW
Direct Contact Leaders must complete Hazardous Weather training as part of the requirements to be considered trained for their position. Direct Contact Leaders currently trained in their positions will not be required to complete this training although it is highly recommended. This training is available online at any time from
My.Scouting.org
. Further information can be found
here
as well as frequently asked questions
here
.
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Enterprise Risk Management Trainings
The Enterprise Risk Management Committee has scheduled the following trainings:
Adult & Youth First Aid/CPR/AED will be held on October 21st and November 3rd
First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Course will be held on October 27th & 28th
Wilderness First Aid will be held on November 10th -11th
Please register by clicking
here
.
Space is limited. Lunch is provided
All classes will be held at the Cockrell Scout Center, 2225 North Loop West, Houston, Texas 77008.
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3 Places to get answers to your questions about Family Scouting
After the historic 2017 decision to offer our iconic programs to both to boys and girls in 2018, many people have had questions about what that means and how to introduce those expanded program offerings in their communities.
The
three key places
where you can find answers to your questions about Family Scouting, including Cub Scouts and the Scouting program for older girls, are as follows:
The Marketing and Membership
Hub
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University of Scouting
October 13, 2018
Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men
1700 Gregg St.
Houston, TX 77020
University of Scouting has something for everyone, from Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, 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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Celebrating Cultures
Thursday, November 15, 2018
McGovern Centennial Gardens
Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion
1500 Hermann Dr.
Houston, TX 77004
6:00 - 8:00 pm
The Sam Houston Area Council Boy Scouts of America recognizes that the diversity of Southeast Texas makes our community and our Scouting programs strong and special. The values, skills, and leadership learned in Scouting benefits all youth and all communities. The council wants all families of every culture to know that their children are welcome in Scouting.
This community and business leader networking event will celebrate African-American, Asian and Hispanic cultures, and highlight the wonderful and unique food, beverages, dress and customs of these prominent cultures in Southeast Texas. For more information, please click
here
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Council Recognition Reception
November 27, 2018
Chapelwood United Methodist Church
11140 Greenbay St., Houston TX 77024
The Council Recognition Reception is held annually to honor the recipients of the Silver Beaver Award and Heroism Awards. Join your fellow Scouters in recognizing the recipients of the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award a council can bestow on a volunteer Scouter, as well as the William H. Spurgeon III Award and Lifesaving and Meritorious Awards. This year’s event will take place on November 27th at 7:30 PM at Chapelwood United Methodist Church. For more information on the event or this year’s recipients or past years’ recipients please click
here
.
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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 team building 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
.
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Merit Badge Counselor Training Requirements for Selected Merit Badges
With over 135 merit badges being offered in Scouting programs, there are plenty of opportunities for young people to earn merit badges from Robotics to Basketry. Several of these merit badges require specialized training in order to teach Scouts as well as to ensure their safety. In order to confirm that all merit badge counselors for these selected merit badges meet the safety requirements, the council will be asking all registered merit badge counselors, for these selected badges, to provide proof current of their training (this is above the required youth protection training) by the end of the year in order to continue teaching those merit badge(s).
Merit Badges with Counselors Needing Additional Training:
Archery
Canoeing
Climbing
Kayaking
Lifesaving
Rifle Shooting
Rowing
SCUBA Diving
Shotgun Shooting
Small Boat Sailing
Swimming
Whitewater
To find out more about the required training please click
here
. Those counselors for the effected merit badges will be receiving a letter in the mail as well as an email detailing the required trainings and how to provide proof of those trainings.
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Exploring
Exploring is career education for young men and women, ages 14-20. These students receive hands-on experience and find out if a particular 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.
There are many exciting NEW Exploring opportunities focusing on the following areas:
- Aviation- La Porte Flight Lines
- Dental Health-Quail Valley Family Dental & Rite Smile Dental
- Law enforcement- Texas Medical Center Police Department & Houston Police Department
- Law and Government- Estes Law Firm
- Skilled Trades:
- (Construction)- Texas Millwrights & Carpentry Training Center
- (Welding)- Elite Pipe Welding Academy
Please click
here
for more information about registering for these new programs.
Please click
here
to find a posts near you.
Please click
here
to complete the exploring interest survey and we will notify you of open houses and when a new Exploring post is starting near you.
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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.
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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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Be A ScoutReach Volunteer
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. For more information, please contact Lionel Jellins at
lionel@jellins.net.
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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.
Click
here
to view information about lightning safety.
Click
here
to view information about drowsy driving.
Click
here
to view information about adult physical fitness.
Click
here
to view recent Safety Alerts.
Click
here
for Incident reporting information.
Click
here
for Safety moment topics.
Click
here f
or Emergency Preparedness Resources.
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Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, 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, Boy Scout Troops and Venturers. Bovay Scout Ranch has year round camping program opportunities for all levels of Cub Scouts including Weekend Adventure Camps.
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Webelos Coyote Trail Extreme Camp
November 9-11, 2018
Webelos Coyote Trail Extreme Camp (WCTX) is a specialty weekend camp out for 4th and 5th grade Webelos. Scouts will work on Webelos skills (e.g., knots, flag etiquette, first aid, navigation, etc.) 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, and lashings). Scout fees include four meals (Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday breakfast), activity supplies, t-shirt, patch, and water bottle. Adult fees include meals only.
Cost is $115 for Webelos and $40 for adults. For more information and registration, click
here
or contact
Geno Aguilar 713-756-3304
To view the Leader’s Guide, click
here
.
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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
.
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World Scout Jamboree
July 22 - August 9, 2019
The 24th
World Scout Jamboree
is an educational event that brings together the world's young people to promote peace and mutual understanding and to develop leadership and life skills. The jamboree will feature the hallmarks of past world jamboree programs, such as the Global Development Village, the World Scout Centre, a special sustainability initiative, and the socialization elements that allow participants to make lifelong friends from around the world. To learn more, please click
here
.
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Venturing
Click
here
to find all the Venturing news including, Venturing Forums, upcoming events calendars, and Crew Committee Challenge Training.
The next Venturing Meeting is September 26, at 7:00 p.m. at the Cockrell Scout Center.
The next Venturing Forum is October 16, at 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
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Sea Scouts Fleet
The next Sea Scout Committee is September 19, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
2018 Sea Scouts Minto Rendezvous
September 7-9, 2018 – Registration is open! Click
here
.
2018 Fall Regatta
October 6, 2018
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The event hosts general sailing, racing, motor boating, and instruction. This is a free event, please bring a lunch as it will not be provided. For more information, please contact Peter Cushman at
pacushman@comcast.net.
2018 Safety At Sea
November 3, 2018
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
$10 per Scout, adult and staff
Safety at Sea will be a day of fun activities, wet adventures, and learning at the Coast Guard Base Galveston. Price includes a hot dog lunch. SHIRTS: Long sleeve moisture wick shirts must be pre-ordered for $20. Registration is required and may require a driver’s license or other ID for the Coast Guard. For more information, please contact Len Meyers at
lenmeyers@hotmail.com
or Bay Area Council at 409-744-5206.
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
.
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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.
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 Night with the Houston Dynamo
Saturday, September 15
8:00 p.m.
Join the Houston Dynamo for Scout Night 2018. Tickets are only $24 and include Scout Patch, Pregame fitness achievement event, and fitness achievement/health charts. To purchase tickets click
here
, or contact Patrick Clark at
pclark@houstondynamo.com
or (713) 276-7521.
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Scout Days at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
STEM Nova Day at HMNS on September 22
nd
from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Bear, Wolf, and Webelos STEM/Nova Awards:
Fearful Symmetry and Uncovering the Past.
Boy Scouts STEM/Nova Awards:
Let it Grow!
and Shoot!
Discounted prices for general admission, Planetarium and the Giant Screen will be available at the STEM Nova check in desk.
Adventure classes will be offered from 1pm to 3pm to meet requirement 2 for the Nova.
Boy Scout classes will be offered from 12pm to 4pm.
Saturday Scout classes for Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Bears and Webelos work towards Adventures in two-hour classes. Up to two classes can be taken in one day, and entrance to the permanent exhibits is included for the Scout and one parent/chaperone.
There are 17 Merit Badges available during the school year for Boy Scouts 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.
HMNS is proud to support “Scout Me In” Family Scouting Program.
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Texas A&M Football - Scout Day
Saturday, October 6 - Kyle Field
Come Cheer on the Aggies as they take on the Kentucky Wildcats.
The first 50 Scouts to sign up will receive and exclusive campus tour. All Scouts will receive an inaugural Scout Day Patch and a specialty price$30 ticket to the game.
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2018 Scout Sleepover at AT&T Stadium
Friday, October 12
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Ticket prices include - Free Parking, Sleepover Admission, Giveaways, Field access, Games & Activities, Breakfast & Dinner, Popcorn with Movie, and Scout Sleepover Patch.
Individual Admission - $60 Per person
Group Admission - $55 Per person (groups of 20 or more)
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Camp out with the Rice Owls at Rice Stadium
Saturday, October 13
Rice vs. UAB 6:00 p.m.
Tickets are $20 per person and includes game ticket, stand on the field pregame as a Rice University Anthem Buddy, on-field camping after the game, movie on the video board, and a patch.
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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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OA Day of Service
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Double Lake Recreation Area
301 FM 2025 Rd, Coldspring, TX
Order of the Arrow members will be leading service projects on National Public Lands Day. This service opportunity is open to all Boy Scouts, Scouters, and Venturers. Projects include clearing of underbrush, removing invasive species, and erosion control. For Star Scouts, these projects will serve to meet the Life Scout requirement for conservation project hours. The cost is only $5 per person and includes lunch. Units may camp Friday and/or Saturday night. Request this during registration. Schedule details and the registration information, can be found
here
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