Relaunch Scouting!!!
We have Liftoff! Fall Recruiting has launched and with it the Sam Houston Area Council is excited to extend its Rocket into Scouting program. Every new Cub Scout who joins through the fall will 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 is All Systems Go?
- 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.
-
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. It's never too late to join Scouting!
- Get those new leaders trained! Not only do trained 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
STAY CONNECTED, LIKE US ON FACEBOOK |
|
Fun with Family
October 8-10, 2021
Fun with Family is an overnight campout for newly registered Lions, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scouts and their adult partner and families at Bovay Scout Ranch. Scouts can participate in BB guns, archery, sling shots, crafts, rockets, sports, campfire and more.
Click here to register for Friday - Saturday
Click here to register for Saturday - Sunday
Registration includes an event patch, activity supplies, snacks and two meals.
|
|
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!
|
|
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.
|
|
Popcorn
This first weekend in October is our first Cyber Weekend for Popcorn. All online sales made this weekend until 11:59pm Sunday night (October 5) will enter Scouts into a drawing for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card! Share your online Popcorn Store with friends and family.
Continue to sell using the Take Order forms throughout the month! Your unit kernel will be asking for order forms and prize selections for the council order deadline of November 2nd! Make sure you and your Scout pick out which prize they would like to earn as a reward for all of their hard work throughout the sale!
Our next cyber weekend and chance to win will be November 5th-7th.
Show and Sell replenishments are going on! Order your unit’s popcorn on Sunday to pick up that Friday. Scouts from across the council have reported great success at storefronts and selling popcorn door to door. Replenishments will go through 10/22. If your unit is new to Show and Sell reach out to your District Kernel for more information!
|
|
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 fast. For more information and to register for winter camp click here.
|
|
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.
|
|
Rocket League BSA Esports Championship!
We're excited to announce our first esports tournament for the Boy Scouts of America!
Gather your fellow Scouts and get ready to compete in Rocket League for the championship title. Starting in October, players from Austin, Fort Worth, and Houston will compete in a 4-week series to qualify for a spot in the playoffs in late November.
This tournament is only open to Scouts aged 13-18. Teams are required to have at least 1 BSA member on the roster but are also welcome to invite their own friends to the team.
Tournament Details
- Dates: October 22 - November 16
- Team Size: 3v3 (3 starters, 1 optional substitute)
- Platforms: PC, Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo Switch
- Eligibility: Ages 13-18, 1 BSA Member required per team
- Prizes: $100 gift card per player to the BSA Scout Store
How to Register
-
Visit the BSA Esports website
- Create an account by logging in with your BSA credentials
-
Check out our FAQ blog on how to create a BSA account
- Create or join a team on the competition page
- Join your Council's community. (Optional)
If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback about the BSA Esports Championship, please check out our FAQ Blog or contact our Tournament Admins on our Discord or via email.
We look forward to seeing you compete!
|
|
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 will launch nationwide 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.
Starting on September 22nd, a Sandbox environment was opened for units to begin training on the new system. This sandbox, available here, will allow your unit to “test” the recharter process before committing the actions permanently in the new recharter system. To access, units will enter their same usernames they would normally use to access Scoutbook.com or My.Scouting.org, except a new, generic password will be used to access the sandbox system. If you did not receive the generic password, please contact your District Commissioner or District Executive for assistance.
To view a sample of the new system and how it works, check out this video.
|
|
Campmasters
We are looking for volunteers to be part of the Camp Strake, Bovay Scout Ranch, and Camp Brosig campmaster corps. Campmasters serve at council weekend camps whenever Scouting units/families are using any part of the camp property. Campmasters select their own time and frequency of service, but they usually serve two to four times a year. Anyone interested in serving as a Campmaster should contact Erick Simmons at erick.simmons@scouting.org.
|
|
Eagle Scout Advancement
Reminder-before either an in-person Eagle Scout Board of Review (EBOR) or virtual EBOR, the application must be verified in the Office of Support Services at the Cockrell Scout Center. Several attempts have been made recently by units to go around this process, doing so violates policy and delays the recognition a Scout has earned. Be sure to consult here for more Eagle Scout verification and certification procedures, including recent changes.
|
|
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.
-
Follow correct method to invite a parent (who is not registered) to join Scoutbook and connect with their child.
|
|
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.
|
|
Lifesaving and Meritorious Action Awards
Remember that story of the SHAC Scout hero that was on the SHAC Facebook page last May? That Scout was first on the scene when a pedestrian was hit by a pickup truck and was badly hurt. This is one example of a Scout nominated for a Lifesaving and Meritorious Action Award.
Do you also enjoy reading the Scouts in Action stories in Scout Life magazine? Those stories come from scouts just like ours in SHAC. Scout leaders can receive these awards too! Helpful contacts, the link to the application, and other information can be found on the Council website here.
|
|
Houston Philmont Trek 2022
June 10-25, 2022
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 who 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. For more information, please click here or contact Michael Moore at Michael.Moore@scouting.org Office 713-865-9154 Mobile 281-352-3033 To apply or nominate a Scout, please click here.
|
|
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.
|
|
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 marcus.jackson@scouting.org.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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, financial products, and services can be accessed through 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE.
|
|
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 Shooting Sports Activities 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.
|
|
Fun with Family
October 8-10, 2021
Fun with Family is an overnight campout for newly registered Lions, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scouts and their adult partner and families at Bovay Scout Ranch. Scouts can participate in BB guns, archery, sling shots, crafts, rockets, sports, campfire and more.
Click here to register for Friday - Saturday
Click here to register for Saturday - Sunday
Registration includes an event patch, activity supplies, snacks and two meals.
|
|
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
|
|
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 fast. For more information and to register for winter camp click here.
|
|
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.
|
|
Houston Philmont Trek 2022
June 10-25, 2022
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 who 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. For more information, please click here or contact Michael Moore at Michael.Moore@scouting.org Office 713-865-9154 Mobile 281-352-3033 To apply, or nominate a Scout, please click here.
|
|
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!
Venturing Forums are held three times a year and are a great resource and fun opportunity for your entire Venturing crew. Each forum includes a chance to get to know fellow Venturers from across the council and features a program packed with ideas and opportunities for your crew to take advantage of and implement into its annual program plan. Bring the entire crew to the next forum (fall festival themed party) being held at the Cockrell Scout Center on October 12, 2021. RSVP by clicking here.
|
|
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.
|
|
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 fast. For more information and to register for winter camp click here.
|
|
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.
|
|
Scout Night at Monster Jam
Saturday, October 23 at 7:00 p.m.
NRG Stadium
Exclusive Scout Offer
SAVE up to $6 on tickets plus FREE Monster Jam Scout Patch and FREE Pit Party PASS!
Scout ticket prices range from $16 to $41 based on seating location.
Monster Jam® is an action-packed motorsport with world-class athletes locked in intense competitions of speed and skill. Witness heated rivalries, high-flying stunts and fierce head-to-head battles for the Event Championship. Engineered to perfection, these 12,000-pound monster trucks, including the legendary Grave Digger®, Max-D™, El Toro Loco® and more push all limits in Freestyle, Skills, Donut and Racing competitions. Monster Jam also features breathtaking Freestyle Motocross exhibitions. This is full-throttle family fun. The Official Monster Truck SeriesTM only at Monster Jam.
Free pre-event Pit Party Pass with your ticket: The Pit Party is your opportunity to get an up close look at the amazing trucks of Monster Jam and receive autographs from your favorite Monster Jam drivers. The Monster Jam Pit Party will take place from 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. No Pit Party admission after 5:00 p.m.
Order Your Tickets Today: For information or to order groups of ten or more, contact Christina at 281-367-9717 or email at christina@texasgrouptickets.com.
For orders of 8 or less, please visit here.
Visit Ticketmaster.com and use the password SCOUT6 under “Unlock.” Note that service and handling fees will apply for online purchases. After purchasing tickets online, call Christina at 281-367-9717 or email at christina@texasgrouptickets.com to request patches and pit passes. Deadline to purchase is October 14, 2021.
|
|
Boy Scouts of America UTI Merit Badge Fair
Saturday, October 23, 2021
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
721 Lockhaven Drive
Houston, TX 77073
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) will host a SCOUTS BSA MERIT BADGE FAIR on Saturday, October 23, 2021. UTI licensed Automotive and Collision Instructors, who are also Merit Badge Counselors, will teach Automotive Maintenance, Electronics, Farm Mechanics, Truck Transportation and Welding. For more information, please click here.
|
|
Scout Day at Rice University!
Saturday, October 30
Kickoff @ 1:00 p.m.
Calling all Scouts! Join us for our first annual Scout Day at historic Rice Stadium as the Rice Owls take on the North Texas Mean Green!
All Scouts in attendance will receive a limited edition Rice Owls Scout patch and access to participate in the on-field fan tunnel before the game!
To purchase tickets please click here.
For any further questions please contact Blake Bachheimer at bb65@rice.edu
|
|
Scout Days at the University of Houston
October 30 and 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.
|
|
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
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Colonneh Lodge has had a busy summer September with our Ordeal and SHAC Corps at Bovay. In total giving over 1000 service hours over the weekend to Bovay Scout Ranch. We are eager to continue this push into the fall with more exciting events coming up. Our upcoming SHAC Corps on October 8-10 is open to all members and non-members for a weekend of service and fun at Camp Brosig. Remember to check out oa.shac.org for more information on how your unit can hold an OA election.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
