University of Scouting &
College of Commissioner Science
November 13, 2021
Camp Strake
2020 Camp Strake Rd.
Coldspring, TX 77331
University of Scouting is a semi-annual training event for leaders of all program levels, district and council leaders and parents.
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. Whether you are new to the program or a veteran of many years, University of Scouting has something for you.
This fall we welcome the College of Commissioner Science into the University of Scouting programming. Classes for commissioners will now be offered at this event, alongside classes in the Colleges of Cub Scouting, Webelos Leaders, Scouts BSA Leaders, Venturing and Sea Scouts Leaders, Outdoors and High Adventure, Conservation, Advancement and STEM/NOVA.
To register, please click here.
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Scouting has Relaunched!!!
Scouting has relaunched in Southeast Texas and thousands of new families are now enjoying this amazing program! Its not too late to join! Please make sure that every family in your community has the chance to join Scouting! We still have some rockets left, so every new Cub Scout who joins through get a rocket (while supplies last) that he or she can launch at their local District Rocket Day! So what can you do now to make sure your pack continues the efforts to invite families to the adventure?
- Engage new families now! New members of your Pack need to feel welcome and excited about joining! Personally thank them for joining and keep inviting them back.
- Activate your New Member Coordinator – This member of your team will help welcome new Cub Scouts and their families to your Pack
- Have a bring a friend day! Tell each new Scout to invite a friend to the next meeting. Those whose friends join will be eligible for the recruiter patch, a super cool patch to get at their first awards ceremony
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Attend your District Rocket Day! Click here to find your local Rocket Day!!!
- Keep advertising! There are still families that want to join your Pack! Put up signs around you neighborhood, post joining messages on social media (Nextdoor, Facebook, Twitter) and put posters at the community center. Its never too late to join Scouting!
- Get those new leaders trained! Not only do trainer leaders provide a better program to Scouts, they are more likely to stay engaged and volunteer at higher levels within the Pack
- Connect with your District Membership Chair & District Executive now.
For recruitment resources, please click here.
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Youth Safety - Our ongoing commitment to keeping kids safe
The safety of children in our programs is the most important priority of the Boy Scouts of America. The BSA’s safeguards are key parts of our multilayered approach to help keep kids safe. These measures were informed by respected experts in the fields of child safety, law enforcement, and child psychology, and are among the strongest safeguards found in any youth-serving organization. To learn more, please click here.
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Rocket Days
New Scouts...get ready for your first adventure! If you joined Scouting in the fall of 2021, you were given, or will soon be given, a free rocket as a THANK YOU for joining Scouts! Your scout can design, build and launch your rocket at your District’s Rocket Day. Click here to sign up. You are encouraged to attend the Rocket Day that is closest to you, but any Rocket Day that fits your schedule is available for you and your Scout to attend. Get ready to launch your Scouting Adventure in 3...2...1!
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Popcorn
Congratulations to The DeBrock Family for winning the first Cyber Weekend!
The next cyber weekend is November 5th – 7th. Scouts who make an online sale during the Cyber Weend will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Amazon Gift Card. Sales from 12:01am Friday to Sunday at Midnight will be counted as entries.
"Take order" pick up will be here before we know it! Work with your unit Kernel to confirm your units pick up! Unit Kernels will sign up for a time to pick up the popcorn on November 20th at Freeway Logistics **New Location** 8288 Taub Road. Units will need to pay with a unit check or money order when picking up the order.
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12 year-old Scout Scarlett H. Receives Medal of Merit
For performing an act of service reflecting an uncommon degree of concern for the well-being of another, Scarlett was awarded the Medal of Merit, Scouting's 4th highest award for lifesaving and/or meritorious action.
On May 30, 2021, at Garner State Park, Scarlett and another Scout were approaching their campsite when they noticed a Scout choking. Scarlett, then a Tenderfoot Scout, recognized the urgency of the situation asked, “Are you choking?” Quickly received confirmation, Scarlett then performed the Heimlich maneuver.
Thanks to Scarlett, the person expelled the food, settled down, and resumed normal breathing. Through all of this, Scarlett remained calm. To an adult leader who arrived on the scene as the action was concluding, Scarlett succinctly stated, “Good thing I took the First Aid Merit Badge." Congratulations and thanks to Scarlett!
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Winter Camp
Winter camp is a wonderful opportunity for troops to camp and Scouts to earn merit badges. Merit badge classes are taught by Scouters with real-life experiences in the field. Winter camp is held at Camp Strake, a first-class and state-of-the-art facility for Scouts and their leaders. Over 60 merit badge classes are offered, including many merit badges that are not normally offered at summer camp. Registration is open and filling up fast. For more information and to register for winter camp click here.
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Summer Camp 2022
Summer camp is a week-long council-organized overnight camp for Scouts BSA that operates under council-retained leadership. The program provides opportunities for Scouts to earn merit badges along their advancement trail. Summer camp is held at Camp Strake, a first-class and state-of-the-art facility for Scouts and their leaders. Program areas include shooting sports (rifle, shotgun, archery, sporting arrows), climbing, rappelling, swimming, merit badge classes and more. Registration is open and space is filling up. For more information and to register for summer camp, click here.
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Spring of Service
Join units across our council for our first ever Spring of Service starting. Your unit already performs service-why not be recognized for it? Service is encouraged to chartered organizations, schools, parks and more. For more information please click here.
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Citizenship in Society
On November 1, the Boy Scouts of America launched the Citizenship in Society merit badge, its newest merit badge for youth in the Scouts BSA program (ages 11-17). The Boy Scouts of America has a commitment – both to developing a culture where every youth, volunteer, and employee feels a sense of belonging, and to building communities where every person feels respected and valued. The Citizenship in Society merit badge is an important initiative within that larger commitment. All key facts and information about this merit badge can be found at www.scouting.org/dei.
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The NEW Internet Recharter System is Here!!!
As many of you have recently seen, the BSA National Organization has created a streamlined, more user friendly recharter interface which is integrated in the www.myscouting.org platform. This new system, called Internet Recharter 2.0 launched nation wide on October 15, 2021. The National Organization has created an FAQ, along with an Internet Recharter User Guide, to give you the opportunity to review the new platform, as well as to provide the necessary tools for your team to be prepared for this year’s recharter cycle. This year you DO NOT need an access code, so every unit should start rechartering now!!! If you have questions or comments, please reach out to your District Commissioner or District Executive for assistance!
To view a sample of the new system and how it works, check out this video.
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Friends of Scouting
As we prepare for Scouting in 2022 your help will be needed, now more than ever, to bring financial support to the Sam Houston Area Council. Friends of Scouting is our annual appeal to all Scouting families in which we offer them the opportunity to support the character education and leadership programs of Scouting. Your gifts are crucial to our success. Family Friends of Scouting dollars that are contributed to the Sam Houston Area Council are always used locally to continue offering our great program. For more information and to donate, please click here. A district volunteer will be contacting your unit to schedule our annual Friends of Scouting presentation for 2022. We appreciate your help in making sure that we are able to tell the Scouting story and the vast impact of our program to your unit’s families and in offering them a chance to support our annual Friends of Scouting campaign.
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Scoutbook and other digital accounts
To prevent creating duplicates in Scoutbook, my.scouting or internet advancements and the hassle of removing duplicates:
- Make sure a person is registered correctly (or transferred correctly). None of the digital recordkeeping methods will work correctly if this step is skipped.
- Then, look for the Scout or leader in Scoutbook, Internet Advancement of My.Scouting.
- Make sure the same spelling and format is used each time a person registers. The system will create a duplicate if a middle name is used in place A but not in place B.
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Follow correct method to invite a parent (who is not registered) to join Scoutbook and connect with their child.
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Council Recognition Reception
Please join us on January 8, 2022 as we recognize the 13 Silver Beaver recipients of the class of 2021. For a list of recipients of the silver beaver and more information, please click here.
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National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) registration is open for the December 26-31, 2021 courses
NYLT is an exciting, action-packed, six-day council-level program designed to provide Scouts with leadership skills and experience. Click here for more information.
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Wood Badge
Registration is now open for the March 2022 course.
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 and is comprised of two weekends of in-person training at camp and completion of a 5-part plan (aka ticket) over the following 18 months. For more information and to register, please click here.
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Quartermaster Equipment
The council maintains equipment for district and council year-round events at various locations around the council. The council is divided into quartermaster zones which are different from the divisions.
- North Zone (George Strake, Iron Horse, Orion, Phoenix, Soaring Eagle)
- East Zone (Raven, San Jacinto)
- Northeast Zone (Flaming Arrow)
- West Zone (Big Cypress, Copperhead, David Crockett, Mustang, Texas Skies)
- South Zone (Apollo, Arrowhead, Brahman, Brazos, Thunder Wolf, Twin Bayou)
- Central Zone (Lone Star, Scoutreach)
- Bovay Scout Ranch (Arrowmoon)
It is important that all of the equipment that is checked out is returned. Please take good care of the equipment and report any broken equipment.
The event chair or their designee should order all equipment for district and council events. For more information, please click here.
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Now hiring!
Part-time Onboarding Specialists
The Sam Houston Area Council is looking for staff members to assist the council in our initiative for new unit development. The part-time onboarding specialists will guide new Scouting units (Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, and Venturing) through the steps of new unit organization. Through this process, they will assist new chartering organizations in the identification of new adult volunteers, assist these new adult volunteers with program planning, budgeting and scheduling, guide the new adult volunteers through district and BSA resources for training, and guide the new adult leaders through the start-up of the new unit's programming to ensure the program is launched and the new unit is chartered.
Candidates must have knowledge of the Scouting programs with an understanding of unit organization. Interested applicants should send their resumé to juan.hernandez@scouting.org.
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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.
SHAC Communication for COVID-19 Response- For more information, please click here.
Plan and prepare for Hurricane Season with these resources.
Emergency Preparedness Awareness Resources: Hurricane Season (June-October)
For 2021 First Aid/AED/CPR, Wilderness Remote First Aid, and First Aid/AED/CPR Instructor Classes, please click here.
All Classes will be held at Cockrell Scout Center, 2225 N Loop West, Houston, TX 77008
*Class fees include lunch
Visit the Enterprise Risk Management page by clicking here.
Click here for safety moment topics.
Click here for a listing of recent safety alerts.
Click here for incident reporting 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. This course must be completed by all registered leaders, and is highly recommended for parents and other adults working with youth. For 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. 2-1-1 can also be a needed resource during hurricane season.
Additionally, other resources such as the United Way's THRIVE workforce development offerings, financial coaching and education opportunities, financial products, and services can be accessed through 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE.
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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 and has year-round camping program opportunities for all levels of Cub Scouts including Adventure Day. For more information, please click here.
McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch
Please reserve your attendance now for McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch by clicking here.
Weekend Unit Camping
Units that plan to schedule a Shooting Sports activity need to read the new Shooting Sport Manual. Crews can enjoy the amazing beauty of Bovay Scout Ranch rolling hills, trails and vast open spaces. For more information click here.
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Webelos Coyote Trail Extreme Camp
November 12-14 2021
Webelos Coyote Trail Extreme Camp 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 Scouts BSA campout (e.g., outdoors, camping, lashings). Scout fees include four meals (Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday breakfast) activity supplies, t-shirt, patch, and water bottle. Cost: $115 for Webelos and $40 for adults (adult fees include meals only). For more information, please click here.
If you have any questions/inquires, please feel free to contact: Steve Ware steveneware842@gmail.com or 713-828-7870 0r Geno Aguilar 713-756-3304
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Winter Camp
Winter camp is a wonderful opportunity for troops to camp and Scouts to earn merit badges. Merit badge classes are taught by Scouters with real-life experiences in the field. Winter camp is held at Camp Strake, a first-class and state-of-the-art facility for Scouts and their leaders. Over 60 merit badge classes are offered, including many merit badges that are not normally offered at summer camp. Registration is open and filling up fast. For more information and to register for winter camp click here.
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Summer Camp 2022
Summer camp is a week-long council-organized overnight camp for Scouts BSA that operates under council-retained leadership. The program provides opportunities for Scouts to earn merit badges along their advancement trail. Summer camp is held at Camp Strake, a first-class and state-of-the-art facility for Scouts and their leaders. Program areas include shooting sports (rifle, shotgun, archery, sporting arrows), climbing, rappelling, swimming, merit badge classes and more. Registration is open and space is filling up. For more information and to register for summer camp, click here.
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SHAC Venturing
Venturing is a youth development program for young men and women 14 years of age through 20 years old. Find a crew near you here.
The Venturing Officers' Association, or VOA, consists of a team of youth officers who are supported by advisors. It provides leadership opportunities that prepare young people for their respective futures and gives them a voice to help strengthen the Venturing program. Congratulations to the newly elected 2021-2022 VOA administration: Carrie Schoech, Emma Mills, Joshua Hightower, and Adrianna Walsh!
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Sea Scouts Fleet
Sea Scouting builds character through high adventure. Join for the water, stay for the fun
Resources, Events and Activities. Learn more by clicking here.
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Winter Camp
Winter camp is a wonderful opportunity for troops to camp and Scouts to earn merit badges. Merit badge classes are taught by Scouters with real-life experiences in the field. Winter camp is held at Camp Strake, a first-class and state-of-the-art facility for Scouts and their leaders. Over 60 merit badge classes are offered, including many merit badges that are not normally offered at summer camp. Registration is open and filling up fast. For more information and to register for winter camp click here.
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Summer Camp 2022
Summer camp is a week-long council-organized overnight camp for Scouts BSA that operates under council-retained leadership. The program provides opportunities for Scouts to earn merit badges along their advancement trail. Summer camp is held at Camp Strake, a first-class and state-of-the-art facility for Scouts and their leaders. Program areas include shooting sports (rifle, shotgun, archery, sporting arrows), climbing, rappelling, swimming, merit badge classes and more. Registration is open and space is filling up. For more information and to register for summer camp, click here.
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Scout Days at the University of Houston
November 19
Join your fellow Scouts at TDECU Stadium to cheer on the Cougars! We are offering Scouts and their families a special discounted rate for two games at TDECU Stadium as the Cougars take on SMU and Memphis.
For ticket information, please click here.
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Scout Geology Badges
Saturday, November 13, 2021
Houston Gem and Mineral Society’s Annual Show
Humble Civic Center
8233 Will Clayton Parkway (½ mile east of Hwy 59)
Humble, Texas 77338 (Free Parking!)
Tickets available at the door: $8, children 10 and under free
Scout badge program free with show admission
Sessions begin on the hour from 10 AM to 3 PM
RSVP required—first come, first served (limited to 50 Scouts per session)
5 minerals provided, additional specimens for collections may be purchased at show
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
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Houston Museum of Natural Science Scout Programs
For more information on our in-person or virtual classes click here! Our Spring 2022 schedule will be coming out soon. Hope to see you at University of Scouting, and for the latest information on what is going on with Scouts@HMNS, follow our Facebook page by clicking here.
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Amazon Smile
Activate AmazonSmile on Your Mobile Phone to Support Scouting. With a few simple steps, adding this no-cost feature can help support Scouting with every eligible purchase. To learn more, please click here.
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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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Remember to check out oa.shac.org for more information on how your unit can hold an OA election.
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