Scout Fair 2020
We are only weeks away from the 2020 Scout Fair Coupon Book Sale Kick Offs. With new coupons and our exciting partnership with TOPGOLF we are teeing up for a great Scout Fair Fundraising Season. This year we have more coupons and exciting prizes for Scouts. Be on the lookout for the prize brochure in the mail addressed to your Scout!
Scout Fair Coupon Book sales are a great way for your unit to raise funds with no risk. You can earn up to 45% commission on every book sold, it’s a great way for Scouts to learn about salesmanship, goal setting, public speaking, and self-confidence.
Sign up for the Kick-Off Meeting closest to you by clicking
here
.
Scout Fair will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2020. For booth registration and more, click
here.
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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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Family Friends of Scouting
As we begin 2020, we are asking for your continued support of the Friends of Scouting Campaign. 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 program that they believe so much in. Your gifts to Scouting are crucial to our success as one of the largest and most successful Boy Scout Councils in America. The Sam Houston Area Council will spend $250 per youth member in 2020 to guarantee our youth are getting the best program possible. Please consider helping us offset that cost by making a contribution at this level, or more. Any gift of any amount is greatly appreciated and will ensure that the Sam Houston Area Council can continue to offer the world class programming that you have come to know. As always, your contributions are 100% tax deductible and may be matched by your employer. Family Friends of Scouting dollars that are contributed in the Sam Houston Area Council are always used locally within our Council to be able to continue offering our great program. For more information and to donate, please click
here
. If they haven’t already, a district volunteer will be contacting your unit to schedule our annual Friends of Scouting presentation for 2020. 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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STAY CONNECTED, LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
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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. The next interview date will be Saturday, January 18 at the Cockrell Scout Center from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 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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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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University of Scouting
March 21, 2020
University of Scouting is a semi-annual training event for leaders of all program levels, district and council leaders and parents. It 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. Whether you are new to the program or a veteran of many years, the University of Scouting has something for you. 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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2020 District Day Camp / Twilight Camp
Put on your Spacesuits and get ready to elevate into the best week of the summer at a Day/Twilight Camp that's “2020 A Scout Odyssey.” Camps will be full of fun and excitement. Scouts entering 1st – 5th grade for the following school year may attend. Scouts will make new friends and share all kinds of new experiences such as earning shooting BB guns and archery, learning new skills, playing sports and games and making crafts. Each Scout will receive a T-shirt and patch. To register, please click
here
. Day Camp advancements supplements the exciting program offered at
Bovay Scout Ranch
Resident Camp. Required Day Camp training, January 25, 2020 for Day Camp leadership.
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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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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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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 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 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 – Get to know fellow Venturers from across the council and participate in the 20th anniversary celebration of our program.
Bring the whole crew – and prospective Venturers! Venturing Forum start at 7:00 pm and is held at the Cockrell Scout Center.
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.
Also, three youths and two adults received Sea Scout Leadership Awards at the ceremony.
The youths were Chris DeBetta, Ship 502, Foundry United Methodist Church; Eric Pinteralli, Ship 502, Foundry United Methodist Church; and Martha Fields, Ship 1996, Peace Community Church.
The adults were Joy Ang, Ship 993, Sugar Grove Church of Christ, and Tony Scharp, Ship 993, also Sugar Grove Church of Christ.
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Tony Scharp, left, is sworn in as the new commodore for the SHAC Sea Scout Fleet. He took over from Dan Wilson, right, who was SHAC’s Sea Scout commodore for 25 years. In the middle of T.W. Cook, who is the national Sea Scout commodore and is from Austin.
The Sea Scout Committee Potluck Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 7 p.m. at the Cockrell Scout Center.
Sea Scout Academy – January 18-20, 2020 at Lost Pine Scout Reservation
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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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, 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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Universal Technical Insititue
Scouts BSA Merit Badge Fair
Saturday, February 29th
Houston Campus
721 Lockhaven Drive Houston, TX 77073
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Register to earn requirement for the following Merit Badges: Electronics, Automotive, Welding, Truck Transportation, and Farm Mechanics
Sign up now, by clicking
here
. For answers to your questions and info, please follow the link.
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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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