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.
We are still recruiting new families to the fun and adventure of Cub Scouting. It's not too late to invite a family to join Scouting and learn more about membership recruitment. |
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Packs are encouraged to hold a second recruiting night that could be held at a pack meeting or event in October and utilize our "It's not too late to Join" fliers. Discover promotional ideas and key strategies to make your recruitment season a success.
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It's Recharter Time |
The annual unit recharter season for 2024 starts today.
Get Ready!…by appointing a recharter champion to lead the recharter process and conduct a membership inventory to determine the members planning to recharter. Get Set!…by creating the unit’s recharter roster with Internet Rechartering 2.0 on November 1st. |
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Get Done!…by submitting an approved recharter roster by December 15th and then promptly taking any needed corrective actions.
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Day of Service |
Join thousands of Scouts and leaders for our inaugural Day of Service. Schools, churches, chartered organizations, parks, and other agencies need expert and enthusiastic service provided by our Scouts, leaders, and families. December 9, 2023 |
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Youth Protection |
The BSA has adopted many policies for the safety and well-being of its members (Guide to Safe Scouting). These policies primarily protect youth members; however, they also serve to protect adult leaders. All parents and caregivers should understand that our leaders are to abide by these safeguards. FAQs
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Honor Medal with Crossed Palms Awarded |
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Kristian was with friends in his junior high school gym when he heard someone scream and saw that a boy had scissors in his hand – holding it much like a knife - and was moving quickly toward another boy. The boy sought safety in a storage closet, and the aggressor followed.
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Kristian sprinted to the storage closet, while another youth ran for adult help. Kristian, as he entered the storage closet, observed the aggressor holding the boy with one hand and with his other hand raised above his shoulder with the scissors pointed down. Kristian reached in and grabbed the aggressor’s arm to restrict him from using the scissors, giving the boy time to safely escape the aggressor’s grasp and exit the storage closest. Kristian then pushed the aggressor deeper in the storage closet and ran out himself.
Then, with the help of at least one other, Kristian closed and barred the door to prevent the aggressor from escaping until the adults arrived. Kristian’s quick actions thwarted the stabbing attempt and prevented injury to the boy, and likely himself and others too. There can be little doubt that the aggressor meant to harm others. For his actions, Kristan was awarded The Honor Medal with Crossed Palms - BSA's highest award for bravery. Kristian was also featured on KHOU for his accomplishment. Congratulations to Kristian on receiving of this prestigious award.
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Tag the Sam Houston Area Council on Facebook and your story might be featured.
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Eagle Scout Project Featured |
Life Scout Christian of Fulshear was featured on the front page of the Fort Bend Herald for his impactful Eagle Scout Project. Check out the story about the Library Book Exchange boxes he built with the help of Troop 941.
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SHAC Presents First DCSA |
Eagle Scout Joseph of Troop 828 was the first Scout in the council to earn the Distinguished Conservation Service Award. The BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Awards program encourages and recognizes Scouts, Sea Scouts, and Venturers who design, lead, and carry out conservation projects that are based on sound scientific principles and practices. |
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Popcorn Fundraiser Success Story |
Popcorn sales are underway! The popcorn sale is the perfect opportunity to teach this valuable life lesson and fund the most exciting year of Scouting ever. The Scouts of Pack 370 chartered to The Church Without Walls has had incredible success selling $25,406 in popcorn via storefront sales. Congratulations to these Scouts. |
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Example of School Collaboration |
Pack 989 was the beneficiary of the supportive school staff at Mandarin Immersion Magnet School in HISD. These schools graciously allowed Scout Talks during the day, followed by allowing highly attended Sign-Up-Night resulting in 24 new Scouts. This outstanding achievement is a testament to dedication and the collaborative spirit of the community. |
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Mintos Rendezvous Recap |
The Sea Scouts recently held the Minto Rendezvous at Bovay Scout Ranch with 13 ships from six councils. Sea Scouts participated in knot-tying, first aid, nomenclature, ring toss, radio, piloting, and made boats out of cardboard and duct tape for the big event: Some boats stayed afloat and others...well didn't.
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International Scouting Day |
Scouting happens all around the world. On International Scouting Day, Scouts will be able to participate in a variety of hands-on activities to learn about international Scouting. Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI) and Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) events will also be held. October 21, 2023 |
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College of Commissioner Science
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Get ready for a weekend that will elevate commissioner skills to new heights when commissioners come together for the annual Commissioner Retreat and College of Commissioner Science. Any BSA adult leader interested in the numerous resources available in the Scouting movement is invited to attend. November 10-11, 2023 |
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University of Scouting
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Packed with support for brand-new Cub Scout parents and leaders, University of Scouting sessions are led by experienced volunteers willing to help new leaders deliver a fun and exciting program to the Scouts. Lone Star College Tomball. November 18, 2023 |
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ScoutBook
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Learn tips to avoid hassles for new families by registering members correctly and prevent having to remove duplicates in Scoutbook, My.Scouting or Internet Advancement. Contact us if you have a duplicate entry that needs to be removed from Scoutbook. FAQs
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Fall Adventure Camps |
Adventure Camp is a weekend campout at Bovay Scout Ranch. Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Bears, and Webelos Scouts and their families will enjoy an exciting variety of activities at several program areas. |
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Fun with Family |
Fun with Family is an overnight campout for newly registered Cub Scouts and their families at Bovay Scout Ranch. Scouts can participate in archery, sling shots, crafts, launching rockets, sports, campfires, and more. October 6-7 or 7-8, 2023 |
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Family Camping |
When a Scout joins Cub Scouting, they join an organization that values the fun and excitement of experiencing the outdoors. Each Cub Scout pack is encouraged to provide its youth members with enriching, positive outdoor activities. Family camping can be an exciting addition to your pack's program. |
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Webelos Coyote Xtreme
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Webelos Coyote Trail Xtreme is a campout for Webelos Scouts (4th and 5th graders) at Bovay Scout Ranch. During this fast-paced, weekend Webelos Scouts will be introduced to the patrol method and will learn the importance of teamwork and other skills they will need for their first campout with a troop. November 10-12, 2023 |
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SPL Focus Group |
All senior patrol leaders, assistant SPLs, and Scoutmasters are invited to an interactive focus group session to directly influence our council's camps and programs by sharing your thoughts and suggestions. October 11, 2023. Learn More and RSVP |
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STEM Camp |
STEM Camp is a new extraordinary opportunity for Scouts to work on STEM-related merit badges and Nova awards. Scouts can engage in hands-on learning and explore exhilarating STEM programs, exhibits, and activities. Troops, crews, ships, and individual Scouts can attend! November 19-23, 2023 |
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Winter Camp |
Winter camp is a wonderful opportunity for troops to camp and Scouts to earn merit badges. Over 80 merit badge classes are taught by Scouters with real-life experiences in the field. Individual Scouts can also attend. December 26-31, 2023 |
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Camp Staff |
The council has a great challenge each year to provide Scouts and Scouters who attend our camps with a great camping experience. We are looking for dedicated individuals to apply to be on camp staff for seasonal weekend events and/or summer camp at Bovay Scout Ranch and/or Camp Strake. The requirements are stiff; the jobs are demanding; the experience is exhilarating. |
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Strake Odyssey |
Embark on an extraordinary journey with Strake Odyssey, Camp Strake’s new space-focused camp. Dive into the wonders of astronomy, rocketry, and cosmic exploration, igniting young minds with hands-on activities and captivating simulations that bring the universe to life. July 14-20, 2024 |
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Summer Camp 2024
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Summer Camp is a week-long council-organized overnight camp for Scouts BSA that operates under council-retained leadership. There are unique programs for first-year Scouts and experienced Scouts to take part in our new ACE (Advanced Camper Experience) program. |
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Camp Improvements |
The Camping and Outdoor Committee is bringing the COOL to Camp Strake by transforming the lakefront and aquatics area into a place to have fun, get wet, and/or just relax in the outdoors! Throughout the camp, we are adding fans to the campsite pavilions and merit badge pavilions, misters, more bottle-filling stations, and improved ventilation in every shower house. |
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In the lakefront area, we are building a new, one-of-a-kind Cool Zone, adding a pavilion for a shaded workspace or a place to enjoy snack bar items, and adding more hammocks, along with shading canopies.
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Full Throttle |
Full Throttle is a weekend event for troops, crews, ships, and individual Scouts. Scouts spend a half-day participating in program areas such as shooting sports, climbing, swimming, ziplining, and boating, as well as a half-day working on a merit badge. Individual Scouts can attend. |
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New Camp App |
The Camping and Outdoor Committee is thrilled to introduce a new camp app for use at Camp Strake and Bovay Scout Ranch. The app will serve as a vital communication tool for all camp attendees, offering convenient access to essential resources such as the camp |
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map, schedule, program updates, emergency announcements, and much more. Find the app by searching for "Sam Houston Area Council" on both Apple and Android platforms.
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Merit Badge Days
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Merit Badge Days are an opportunity for Scouts in troops, crews, or ships to work on requirements for one or more merit badges. Classes are taught by career professionals and Scouters with real-life experiences in the field. October 7 or December 2, 2023 |
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Colonneh Lodge is the Sam Houston Area Council's Order of the Arrow Lodge.
The Order of the Arrow is the national honor society of the Boy Scouts of America and recognizes Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives.
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Fall Fellowship |
Fall Fellowship is Colonneh Lodge’s premier event with a weekend full of gripping competition, exciting games, thrilling shows, and so much more. Order of the Arrow members are invited to register for three days of nonstop fun and fellowship at Camp Strake. November 3-5, 2024
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Scout Days
Scout Days are awesome opportunities to get your Scouts, friends, and family together for some exciting experiences around the area with other Scouting families at discounted prices.
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October 18, 2023: Sam Houston State University
October 28, 2023: Rice University University
November 5, 2023: Houston Texans Scout Day
November 10, 2023: Houston Rockets Scout Day
November 18, 2023: University of Houston
Merit Badge Classes by our official sponsors |
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Estate Planning
Are you ready to plan your will or trust? We can help you to successfully plan your estate and avoid 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 a 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 Sam Houston Area Council in your estate plans.
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Kroger Community Rewards Program
Support the Scouting simply by shopping at Kroger. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address, and a Rewards card. For existing Kroger Rewards members:
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1. Visit kroger.com and login to your Kroger account
2. Search for Sam Houston Area Council Boy Scouts of America or account CU704
3. Click Enroll
4. Swipe your Rewards card or enter your rewards number at check-out and a percentage of your purchase will be donated to the council.
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Donate Your Vehicle or Boat
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Help ensure the success of Scouting in the Sam Houston Area Council with meaningful gifts including company matching gifts, company volunteer grants, or by donating stocks, bonds, mutual funds, securities, uniforms, camping equipment, and yes, even services. To donate a car, truck, RV, trailer, boat, or motor to the council, visit One Car One Difference.
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We continually search for potential employees who would like to work in a profession that has a meaningful, rewarding purpose. Learn more about our job opportunities.
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Silver Antelope Awards Reception |
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October 30, 2023 | 4:00 pm
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The Silver Antelope Award is bestowed by BSA Regions/Service Territories for outstanding service to the Scouting movement. There are only two awarded for each territory. Everyone is invited to celebrate our two honorees, Steve Taylor and Forrest Bjerkaas. The reception is being held at the Cockrell Scout Center. For more information contact Brigitte Therivel.
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January 13, 2024 |
Council Recognition ReceptionThe Council Recognition Reception is held annually to honor the recipients of the Silver Beaver Award and heroism awards. |
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