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

Friends of Scouting

We want to thank every person who has had an opportunity to invest in Scouting and helped the Sam Houston Area Council provide life changing character, education, & leadership programs to our communities.  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. Together we are “Building Your Future” through Scouting.

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 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?

Cub Scouts Recruiting Training

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

Heat-Related Illnesses

Summer is here! Each year, heat-related illnesses strike 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.

Medal of Merit Recipients

Demonstrating exceptional character and calmness under pressure, Scout leaders Pam and Tom White came to the aid of an elderly cardiac arrest victim while on a cruise. Upon being alerted by a cry for help by her daughter, Pam and Tom immediately assessed the situation, each separately checked the victim and neither could locate a pulse. Pam called the ship’s emergency number as Tom proceeded to perform CPR. Pam then began to get information from the distressed daughter and recorded the victim's pertinent medical information. While Tom continued compressions, Pam took the daughter aside and explained what was being done for her mother, as the daughter was at risk of going into shock.

The medical crew arrived minutes later and assumed care of the patient, and continued compressions. Pam helped the crew quickly set up an IV and an AED. After the pulse was reestablished, the patient was loaded and transported by medical helicopter to a hospital in Tromso, Norway.  The treatment continued at that hospital and then a hospital back in the United States. The Whites were able to keep track of the victim’s progress over the next few months and she eventually recovered successfully.

James G., an Eagle Scout from Troop 595 and Boatswain in Sea Scout Ship 468, was selected to attend this year’s City of Houston Mayor’s Volunteer Appreciation Awards ceremony. James was recognized by Mayor Whitmire for his volunteerism within his community and was awarded with the Presidential Volunteer Service Gold Award. This honor is bestowed by the President of the United States and celebrates a citizen's dedication to a life of public service.
Congratulations James!

Arrowhead's newest unit, Troop 1204, being all of two-months young, took the "old-school" Scouting approach this holiday. Scouts spread patriotism by going door to door and encouraging local residents to post a US Flag in their front yards for the week of Memorial Day. The Scouts posted the flags with honor and pride! Job well done Scouts, job well done!

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 to be able to provide leadership so more Scouts can attend camp.

Silver Beaver Award Nominations

The Silver Beaver Award is the highest recognition a local council can bestow on a volunteer. 

To nominate a deserving candidate submit this nomination form.  Nomination forms may be submitted via email to silverbeaver@shac.org, or may be delivered to the Cockrell Scout Center. For a list of prior recipients in our Sam Houston Area Council, and more information, visit this link.

Due August 1, 2024

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.

Demontrond Auto Group

We are excited to announce Demontrond Auto Group has accepted the position of Honorary Popcorn Chair for our 2024 Popcorn sale.  In this roll Demontrond Auto Group will help by distributing media promotions throughout the sale showing the positive impact of Scouting and the importance of the Scouts selling popcorn.  Thank you Demontrond Auto Group!

Day Camp

Webelos & Arrow of Light Quest

Cub Scout Program Updates

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.  

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.

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.

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.