Trail's End 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! There will be three different training opportunities in July for unit leaders. All Popcorn trainings will be held in July this year. Come and learn all about popcorn and the Amazon eGift cards Scouts can earn!

There is no minimum to order Show and Sell orders. Ordering begins July 1st and is due by July 24th. If your unit is on the fence about Show and Sell come to the Council’s Show and Sell Orientation, July 24, 2022 at 7 pm at the Cockrell Scout Center. 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. Your units can sign up to sell popcorn here.

Popcorn Trainings are coming up this month. Check out which popcorn training is closest to you and works best for your calendar on the council popcorn page under “Dates.” Someone from every unit needs to be trained on the 2022 popcorn sale. Popcorn supports your Scouts, the unit, and the council!

You can also check out the Webinars hosted by Trail’s End for additional training the Popcorn sale! 

Safety Moment

Are you taking Scouts near any body of water this summer—whether it’s a pool, lake, river, or ocean— they have a natural desire to go swimming. Once Scouts have learned how to swim, they naturally want to progress into other aquatics activities, including sailing, rowing, canoeing, and rafting. There are plenty of age-appropriate aquatics activities for youth to enjoy.

But before that swim or row, we want everyone to have a plan and be on the same page when it comes to aquatics safety in the BSA program. The two key training prerequisites are Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat. These are not learn-to-swim or learn-to-paddle courses; they are the BSA way to conduct a safe and fun aquatics program. Both courses can be found on my.Scouting.org and be taken online anytime.

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Membership

Summer is here and Scouts all across the country are launching the adventure. Camps are opening and Scouts everywhere are escaping the indoors for the excitement and adventure offered through Scouting. Though many Packs and Troops lower the amount of weekly activity during June and July, there is still ample opportunity to get new families involved now. Share the adventures of you and your Scout to your network and help drive the excitement for new families to get involved!

Cub Scout Fall Recruiting Training (for pack leadership)

July 27, 2022 | Virtual

All Cub Scout Leaders, Pack Membership Chairs, and members of Scouting interested in recruiting are encouraged to register and attend the Fall Recruiting Training to help you begin a successful fall recruiting campaign. You can sign up at www.shac.org/pack-recruitment-resources and click the REGISTER FOR 2022 FALL TRAINING link!!!

We want to reach out to each potential Scout and their family with a personal invitation to join Scouting, where they will learn positive values, new skills and have fun with friends. Fall is a great time to focus on recruiting new families to the fun and adventure of Cub Scouting. Invite a family to join Scouting and learn more about membership recruitment at www.shac.org/recruiting.

Annual Registration Fees

The Boy Scouts of America has worked to keep the membership fee as low as possible. As you know, costs continue to rise, and the annual fee must be increased to address the fiscal realities we face to deliver a safe and quality Scouting program. 

To ensure we have the resources to fulfill the promise of Scouting, the following national membership fee structure will take effect August 1, 2022: 

• $75 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts participants
• $45 for Exploring participants
• $45 for all adult volunteers (includes cost of background check)
• $100 for a unit charter/affiliation fee
• $25 one-time joining fee for new program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts (Not pro-rated)
• $15 for Scout Life magazine; this is the first price increase since 2005 

The national membership fee helps cover the cost of essential services, including program resources, liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, criminal background checks, youth protection, and the development of intellectual property for national, council, and unit programs. As we move forward, we will continue to look at the membership fee structure and how we deliver the Scouting program for future generations. 

Alexander L. receives the Council Certificate of Merit

By performing a significant act of service that is deserving of special council-level recognition, Scout Alexander L. recognized a female toddler was in a dangerous situation being in a locked car, outside and in warm weather, and alerted her parents to affect a rescue.

While Alexander’s troop was delivering bark mulch, he thought he saw something moving in a parked car. On his own initiative he followed-up and saw a small girl inside the locked car, red-faced and crying. Alexander alerted her parents, who were inside their home, and quickly came out and rescued their child. The girl had – without the parents noticing – gone into the car to retrieve a doll, and the door had been accidently shut. Given the heat of the day, and lack of ventilation, Alexander’s observation and action likely prevented an unspeakable tragedy.

Congratulations to Alexander on his reception of this award.

Save the Date

National Court of Honor

Sunday, August 21, 2:00 p.m., Cockrell Scout Center

Please save the date for a very special National Court of Honor for Chief Scout Executive Roger Mosby and Brigitte Therivel. Both of these long time Scout volunteers will be honored for their service to youth and to the Scouting Movement on the national and world level.  Roger Mosby, the current President/CEO & Chief Scout Executive of the BSA will be recognized for having received the Bronze Wolf Award, which is the only award presented by the World Scout Committee.  Brigitte Therivel will be receiving he Silver Buffalo Award which is the national-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Please plan to attend this special ceremony.

Class of 2021 Eagle Scouts and parents

In the fourth quarter of 2022, the names of the 2021 class of Eagle Scouts from our Council will be installed on the wall in front of the Cockrell Scout Center.

Please take a moment and verify that your Scout’s name is formatted and spelled correctly on the 2021 list found here. Any corrections can be made at this same web address.

NOESA Nominations

Do you know an adult Eagle Scout who has distinguished themselves in their profession and community who are worthy of the high honor of the NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA) in the Sam Houston Area Council? We are now accepting nominations for the 2022 NOESA Class.  

The Outstanding Eagle Scout Award was established by the National Eagle Scout Association during the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America in 2010. Popularly known by its acronym, “NOESA,” the award recognizes Eagle Scouts notable for their local, state, regional or national distinguished service who do not yet meet more stringent nomination requirements for the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA).  

Candidates for the NOESA have inspired others through their positive actions reflected by recognized accomplishments and devotion to their profession, avocation, community, and beliefs. Previous recipients include authors, explorers, television personalities, military flag officers, scientists, medical doctors, government officials, prominent businessmen, and entrepreneurs. 

Nominations are determined by the local council NESA committee, Scout Executive, and council president.

Each recipient’s record of service and accomplishments should elevate the public stature and reputation of Eagle Scouts.

To nominate a candidate please send Travis Briner (travis.briner@scouting.org) a full professional bio of the candidate as well as date and location the candidate received their Eagle Scout Award. Nominations are due by July 21, 2022.

Silver Beaver Award 

The Silver Beaver Award is the highest form of recognition that a local council can bestow on a volunteer. Recipients of this award are chosen after many years of self-sacrifice, hard work, and dedicated service to the Scouting program and to the community.

Nominations for the Silver Beaver Award are due annually on August 1st. More information can be found here. 

Merit Badge Days

October 8 and December 3, 2022

Cockrell Scout Center

Earn, Learn and Explore

Many scouts have said that a merit badge sparked their interest, becoming a lifelong career or hobby. Join us this fall for a new program. Merit badge classes taught by career professionals will provide an opportunity to learn about great job and career opportunities. Stay tuned to the SHAC website for more details including prerequisites, registration and more. Registration will open in the late summer for Merit Badge days this fall. 

Citizenship in Society Eagle Scout Requirements

As announced prior to November 1, 2021, Eagle Scout requirements change effective July 1, 2022, when Citizenship in Society becomes an Eagle Required badge. Eagle Scout candidates will continue to use the current rank requirements until June 30, 2022.  If requirements 1-6 have been completed by a Scout before July 1, 2022, then the CIS badge is not required for that candidate to receive permission to schedule the Eagle Board of Review. 

Starting July 1, 2022, Eagle Scout candidates will be required to complete all Eagle Scout requirements including the new Citizenship in Society merit badge. More information about this new Merit Badge can be found here.

Checklists for Eagle Verification within our Council can be found here

Prevent Duplicate accounts (and prevent difficulty for members in your unit)

To prevent the inconvenience of having to remove duplicates in Scoutbook, My.Scouting or Internet Advancement:

1. Register or transfer all Scouts and adults correctly (do not create them from scratch within Scoutbook).
2. Then, look for the Scout or leader in Scoutbook, Internet Advancement or My.Scouting.
3. Make sure the same spelling and format is used in each listing of a person's name. Duplicates will be created, for example, if a middle name is used in place A but not in place B.
4. Follow correct method to invite a parent (who is not registered) to join Scoutbook and connect with their child. 

For most answers to Scoutbook challenges look here. If you have a duplicate entry that needs to be removed from Scoutbook, contact 576volunteersupport@scouting.org 

Reminder about Digital verification of Eagle Scout credentials 

Since March 2020, in response to guidelines issued by our National Council, email verification of Eagle Scout paperwork has been available to all units.  Within SHAC this option had previously been available only to outlying districts.

This option works well if everything submitted is complete, in usable formats, and the information is accurate.  Otherwise, it results in a lot of back-and-forth transactions, and the person would have been better off delivering the papers in person.  See checklists and resources for digital verification here.

ToolBank

If you are in need of resources for an upcoming service project or event, reach out to the Houston ToolBank. The ToolBank is a nonprofit organization that shares more than 10,000 tools with community based organizations across Southeast Texas. Available tools range from wheelbarrows, shovels and ladders to PA systems, projectors, tables and chairs. And, all troops in the Sam Houston Area Council are eligible to borrow tools from the ToolBank. Check out www.houstontoolbank.org or email Nancy.clippard@toolbank.org to learn more.

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 Moment: Annual Health and Medical Records

Plan and Prepare for Disasters

For 2022 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

Click here for safety moment topics

Click here for incident reporting information

For suggestions or comments, please contact Susan Yeldell yeldellse@yahoo.com or Mike Narvaez coachmike19@gmail.com

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 educational opportunities, financial products, and services can be accessed through 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE.

McNair Cub Summer Camp - Bovay Scout Ranch

July is the month for Cub Summer Camp, an outdoor summer experience for Cub Scouts and their families at Bovay Scout Ranch.

Cub Scouts and their families can enjoy an exciting variety of activities at several program areas. A camp staff team member in each area will provide program supplies and support the parents who will be invited to assist in leading the activities.

Admission covers meals in the air-conditioned dining hall. Activities include the Water Park, BB guns, archery, canoeing, guided nature hike, fishing, nature studies, sports, swimming and more.

NOVA Wild program and Shooting Sports Pin program are just two of the opportunities offered during the summer program.

Registration will open soon, so save some time in July to keep the outing in Scouting!

Merit Badge Days

October 8 and December 3, 2022

Cockrell Scout Center

Earn, Learn and Explore

Many scouts have said that a merit badge sparked their interest, becoming a lifelong career or hobby. Join us this fall for a new program. Merit badge classes taught by career professionals will provide an opportunity to learn about great job and career opportunities. Stay tuned to the SHAC website for more details including prerequisites, registration and more. Registration will open in the late summer for Merit Badge days this fall. 

SHAC Venturing

The VOA has a couple of events coming up this summer for Venturers around SHAC to watch out for!

August 13, 2022 will be our Venturing Banquet at the Cockrell Scout Center. Make sure to come to our banquet to vote for the 2022-2023 VOA officers. We will also have the patches from our past campout Venture Challenge for those who purchased them and were unable to pick them up.

During the Summer, keep an eye out for when we post our VLA (Venturing Leadership Award) nomination forms!

Be sure to follow SHAC Venturing on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or SHAC Venturing

Sea Scouts

For the fifth time, the Sam Houston Area Council is home to the National Boatswain, who is the top youth who leads the 360-plus units of Sea Scouts BSA.

Jewell Norris became the fourth person from Ship 502, Sea Scout Ship Invincible, to be named to the top post. 

Currently an Able Sea Scout and an Eagle Scout through Troop 156, Jewell, 18, is the inaugural Sea Scout Territory 7 Boatswain, which includes South Texas, Southeast Texas and Louisiana.

Congratulations to Jewell on this great honor.

Estate Planning

Are you ready to plan your will or trust? We can help you to successfully plan your estate and avoid an accidental disinheritance. 

Did you know that your estate planning attorney can include provisions in your will that leave a lasting legacy in the form of charitable gifts to your favorite non-profits? It could be a gift of a specific asset, a dollar amount, or a percentage of your estate. You could also designate a charity as beneficiary of your retirement plan, life insurance policy, bank or investment account.

Please contact Travis Briner (travis.briner@scouting.org) if you would like additional information or let us know if you have already included the Boy Scouts of America in your estate plans. 

Though summer might generally be regarded as a time for rest and relaxation, Colonneh Lodge has not shied away from its responsibilities to the Sam Houston Area Council this last month. Lodge members have not only assisted in setting up Camp Strake for the summer but have helped staff the camp as well. Summer camp Order of the Arrow Days occur every week on Wednesdays. During these days, OA candidates undergo their ordeals and begin their OA journeys. We are all incredibly excited to welcome the newest members of our Brotherhood of Cheerful Service! NOAC is quickly approaching!

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