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. Troops and individual Scouts can attend.
July 14-20, 2024

Houston Sports Breakfast

This morning the Sam Houston Area Council held the 6th Annual Houston Sports Breakfast. Two-time world heavy weight champion and Olympic gold medalist George Foreman was on hand as our featured guest. Thanks to all of our sponsors and attendees that help support Scouting in Southeast Texas.

Friends of Scouting

We want to thank every person who has had an opportunity to invest in Scouting and helping the Sam Houston Area Council provide life changing character, education, & leadership programs to our communities. Together we are “Building Your Future” through Scouting, and we are on our way to hitting our goal for the year. If you haven’t had an opportunity to invest in Scouting yet, go to OneCause and make a secure online gift today(choose your district and/or Unit so they receive credit). If you would like to make a pledge and pay through the rest of year, contact your Family FOS Chair.

Cub Scouts Recruiting Training

The council membership growth team is holding two online training sessions on May 8^th and July 11^th to help leaders prepare for a successful recruiting season now and in the fall. To register, please visit here.

People Power

Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization, and more hands make lighter work. The Sam Houston Area Council is embarking on a campaign of “People Power” – an initiative to focus on more qualified volunteers to support Scouting for our local units, districts, and the council. With hundreds of new volunteers we can bring the Scouting program to thousands of more families across Southeast Texas by the end of the year. Take this month to consider – who can I target to recruit to make this objective a reality?

Heat-Related Illnesses

As summer is right around the corner, remember that each year heat-related illnesses strikes the unprepared. Prevention is key! Be prepared by acclimating to the environment for at least seven days before going on an outdoor adventure; drinking plenty of fluids and eating a healthy diet beforehand; and continuing to drink fluids when outdoors on hot or humid days. Be sure to drink only when you’re thirsty to avoid overhydrating. Take extra rest breaks, especially if you are exercising strenuously. For more information, please visit here.

A Tiger Cub Scouts Act of Bravery

Performing an act of service worthy of council-level recognition, Tiger Cub Scout Avery C.,7, reacted calmly and bravely as she recognized a difficult situation. Her grandfather, a diabetic, had fallen severely and gravely ill in an isolated part of a large sports store, and was unable to seek assistance for himself. His Dexcom alarm had begun to sound, indicating low glucose level.

Avery – who recently had discussions in a den meeting about emergencies - knew it was important to get help. She contacted adults in the store, first an employee, then another customer – and used the cell phone to call her father - as she sought assistance for her grandfather. Shortly after, Avery’s father arrived with rescue glucose.

Avery was instrumental in bravely speaking to strangers and quickly getting the attention of others, as well as contacting her parent, to assist her grandfather. Congratulations Avery!

Pack 261 planted six new trees at Patout Pond. The Navasota Noon Lions and Junebug Nursery helped them make a green world.

April was Pickle Ball month. Pack 361 held a pickle ball clinic with their local pick ball club.

Camperships

The council is dedicated to ensuring all Scouts can attend camp.

The purpose of campership aid is to make attending camping programs possible for deserving Scouts who otherwise would not be able to meet the fee requirements. Scouters may also need camperships to attend training and/or be able to provide leadership so more Scouts can attend camp.

Membership Fee Update

One-Time Joining Fee Eliminated

The BSA has eliminated the $25 one-time joining fee for new Scouts in the Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts programs. This is great news for families joining Scouting and especially timely during spring recruiting.

Day Camp

Cub Scout Fishing Derby

Webelos & Arrow of Light Quest

Cub Scout Program Updates

Webinar Trainings can be joined May 1 or May 15.

Summer Camp

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.  

Swim tests for Summer Camp

Swim classification tests should be renewed annually, preferably at the beginning of the season. The Sea Scouts are helping troops and Scouts prepare for summer camps by conducting swim tests at various locations around the council in May. Units can schedule swim tests.

Trail to Eagle

Trail to Eagle is a 3-day specialty camp. The program provides opportunities for Scouts to earn Eagle-required merit badges along their advancement trail. The camp is for Scouts who have been in a troop for a minimum of one year. Troops and individual Scouts can attend. July 7-10, 2024

High Adventure

Mission Lone Star is the new high adventure program for older Scouts (ages 14+) during summer camp. This exciting program includes a trip to NASA, Train Like an Astronaut Program or Underwater Helicopter Rescue Program, ATV riding, zip lining, high ropes course, COPE, climbing, shooting sports, aquatics, and primitive camping on the Lone Star Trail. 

ATV Trek

The ATV Trek is a three-day specialty camp that allows Scouts (ages 14+) to explore Camp Strake's trails while learning to drive using crème de la crème of ATV equipment at a 3-day camp. Troops, crews, ships, and individual Scouts can attend. There are limited spots for each session. July 7-10 or 10-13, 2024

Super Troop

Super Troop is a temporary troop made up of Scouts from troops around the council. Super Troop is a fantastic opportunity for Scouts to attend an extra week of summer camp, for a Scout to attend camp individually if they can't attend camp with their unit, or for those Scouts who just like to camp. July 7-12, 2024

Muslim Jamboree

Asslamualaykum! The Muslim International Scout Jamboree is a week-long camp for Muslim Scouts BSA that operates under council-retained leadership. The program provides opportunities for Scouts to earn merit badges along their advancement trail. June 30-July 6, 2024

Only a few spots remain!

National Youth Leadership Training

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an exciting, action-packed six-day council-level program designed to provide Scouts in troops, crews, and ships with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home units and other situations demanding leadership of self and others.

June 9-14, 2024 or June 16-21, 2024 - Bovay Scout Ranch

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.

Sea Scouts is a specialized program for young men and women ages 14 to 20 that focuses on water high adventure and personal development.

National Flagship Unit 

SHAC is home to the 2023 National Flagship unit for Sea Scouts BSA. On April 11, the National Sea Scout committee announced that Sea Scout Ship Invincible, Ship 502, from Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in the Big Cypress district had the best program and membership of the approximately 350 ships nationwide.  Ship 502 was also Sea Scout National Flagship in 2002.  Bravo Zulu to Ship 502.

Sea Scout Leadership Awards

2024 Sea Scout Leadership Awards are given annually to those who have accomplished great service for Sea Scouts on the Council, Territory or National levels.

Sam Houston Area Council Sea Scouts and leaders recognized include: Tony Hightower Ship 1701, Ryan K. Ship 502, Alex P. Ship 502, Tyler R. Ship 208, Valerie Richardson Ship 208, Gordon Strt, Ship 1701 Richard S. Ship 502 Todd Thrash Ship 24 Riley W. Ship 1701

Territory Seven - Chris D., Ship 502

National - Alyssa Hightower, Ship 1701

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 rates.
Space Cowboys Scout Night - May 10
Scouts Take Over with the Houston Roughnecks - May 26

Scout Day with the Astros - July 14^th

Merit Badge Classes are provided by approved council partners.

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.