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

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 identify and recruit to make this objective a reality?

Mechanics of Successful Fall Recruiting Training

July 11, 2024 7:00 pm via zoom

The Fall Recruiting training aims to cover the fundamentals of Scout talks, sign-up nights, and marketing resources so leaders can prepare for the fall recruiting season. We encourage every unit leader to sign up for the training.

Meeting Registration - Zoom

Topics will include: 

1. Important Dates

2. Marketing & Promotion Resources

3. School Talk Training

4. Elements of a Great Sign-up Night

5. Parent Orientation – what & why

6. Application/Invitation Manager Training (My.Scouting app)

Materials for the fall recruiting campaign will be distributed to the membership teams on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 7:00 pm at the Cockrell Scout Center.

Transportation Safety

As we begin our summertime activities, please remember that the Guide to Safe Scouting states, “Transportation of passengers in a pickup or truck bed, recreational camper or towed trailer is prohibited." A limited exception for parades and hayrides is listed. For more information, please visit here.

Medal of Merit Recipient

Scout Aaron Villarreal. received the BSA Medal of Merit after successfully rescuing a fellow Scout.  Aaron administered back blows, followed by abdominal thrusts, all while demonstrating exceptional character and calmness under pressure.  

Both Scouts and their leaders were on their way home from a troop activity when they stopped for snacks. The Scout, started gagging and coughing up pieces of food. Expecting him to vomit, Aaron held up a bag to his face but the Scout continued coughing. The driver pulled into a nearby gas station. Aaron helped the choking Scout out of the vehicle, administered the back blow, and when blockage persisted, performed at abdominal thrusts which dislodged the object. The Scout was able to resume breathing normally.

Congratulations to Aaron on receiving this award.

Hundreds of Sam Houston Area Council Cub Scouts spent the last few weeks participating in Day/Twilight Camps.  Cub Scouts participated in a variety of outdoor adventures, learned new skills, and made new friends! Thank you to all of our adult and youth volunteers that made these memorable experiences for our Scouts. 

For a first hand account of Cub Scout Day Camp from Denise Adams of the Fort Bend Herald, please click here.

Popcorn

It’s POPCORN TIME!!  What a great way to fund your unit for a whole year!  Are you looking for an avenue for your Scouts to earn their own way?  Do you want your Scouts to gain public speaking skills and self-confidence, all while learning about salesmanship?  Do you want your Scouts to stay in Scouting?  We know that units that are well funded can provide their Scouts with amazing outings and adventures.  Scouts that participate in those outings and adventures STAY IN SCOUTING!  Popcorn is your answer!  Sign up to sell Popcorn now.

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!

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.

Class of 2023 Eagle Scouts and parents

In the fourth quarter of 2024, the names of the 2023 class of Eagle Scouts from our Council will be installed on the wall in front of the Cockrell Scout Center.

Please take a moment, if you have not already, and verify that your Scout’s name is formatted and spelled correctly on the 2023 list here.

Any corrections can be made at the same link as above.  Corrections completed before September 1, 2024 will be included on the panel installation that occurs in the fall of 2024.

Webelos & Arrow of Light Quest

Adventure Camp

Cub Scout Program Updates

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

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

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.

SHAC Sea Scouts will host their third annual Sea Scout Fair from 1pm-4pm on Saturday,  August 24 at the Cockrell Scout Center. Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about Sea Scouts. Activities include tomahawks, heaving line, rain gutter regatta and being on a 34-foot sailboat.

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

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.