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Sept 2011 
Newsletter for Scouts, Supporters & Valued Volunteers | |
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New Zip Line at Camp El Rancho Cima |
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SPOTLIGHT: Recruitment | |
Put Your Unit on the Map
 BeAScout.org is the application that puts your Pack, Troop or Crew on the map so potential Scouts and volunteers can find you. Customize your Google 'pin' with contact information, photo and special message along with your unit website. How to get started
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General News | |
CPAs, ATTORNEYS, CFPs, & CFREs...Sept. 7
The Sam Houston Area Council is conducting a CPE and CLE Course for credit hours. The free course will be held on September 7, 2011. Visit www.samhoustonbsa.org/cpe for more information and to RSVP.
John B. Turner Memorial Golf, Sept. 19 Currently we have 45 foursomes to play on September 19th at the Kingwood Country Club. There is still time to reserve a $1,000 sponsorship or have your company submit an auction item for our Clubhouse Auction Contact Dwayne Jones 713-756-3312 or dwayne.jones@shac.org More on tournament
It's SCOUT DAY with the Astros
Sun. Sept. 25 vs Colorado Rockies 1:05 pm Tickets $9 - $24. Games start at 1:05 p.m. RECEIVE A FREE 2011 SCOUT DAY PATCH with your ticket order. Save on service charges and handling fees...order a group of 20 or more, contact Brent Broussard at 713.259.8316
Silver Beaver Awards, Oct. 10
The Silver Beaver Award is the highest form of recognition that a local council can bestow on a volunteer. Join us at the Chapelwood United Methodist Church reception to award the 2011 recipients .
Scout Night at  Houston Dynamo vs. LA Gallaxy
Oct. 23 / 6PM Tickets $16
This will be the LAST GAME AT ROBERTSON STADIUM and will feature David Beckham and Landon Donovan. Purchase your tickets now to reserve your seat! First 200 Scouts can sign up for clinic to achieve some of the requirements for Sports Advancement. more
Scout Day at King Tut Exhibit, Nov. 12
 Visit Tutankhamen: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs exhibit. Fulfill some of the requirments of art advancement with workshops designed for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Pick up a take-home bag filled with resources and materials, including a fun art activity. The exhibit times run from 11am - 12pm and ongoing workshop until 4pm. Registration begins Friday, September 2, 2011. For tickets and info, or call 713.639.7584
The Cockrell Foundation Matching Gift Program
The James E. West Fellowship Award nationally recognizes individuals who contribute $1,000 to $24,999 in cash or securities to the Sam Houston Area Council's Endowment. With The Cockrell Foundation Matching Gift Program, even $500 can become a Fellowship Member. Honor an Eagle Scout, Graduate, retiree, soldier, unit leader or leave our legacy for years to come. more
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Join the official Sam Houston Area Council Facebook page. Take advantage of news and opportunities posted on facebook that are too timely for eScouter. If we reach 3,000 fans by December 31, 2011, one lucky SHAC Facebook fan will be randomly selected to receive a $50 Scout Shop gift card and their unit will receive a $250 certificate for a SHAC Day Camp, Summer Camp, or Resident Camp. Help spread the word to your Scouting friends and family and ask them to join at www.facebook.com/SHAC.BSA
District Operations webpage...The Council has a new webpage devoted to District Operations. If you are a District level volunteer, check out this new District Operations page under leader resources.
comments? DistrictOps@shac.org
Save the Date... annual FOS Leadership Kickoff is Thursday, November 17, 2011. Reception at 6:00 p.m. and program begins at 7:00 p.m.
Scouts in uniform will receive free admission to the Big Texas Train Show benefiting the Houston Railroad Museum. Oct 8-9 at Georgia R. Brown.
Congratulations to four Eagle Scouts who received $1000 each from University of St. Thomas starting this fall. The scholarship will be in effect each year they attend their 4-year degree. Alexander Thomas Carrejo, Brian Ehlinger, Cameron P Hamilton, Joseph Paul Jurica
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As we begin our second century of Scouting, we want to ensure that every Scout receives the very best program possible. Journey to Excellence (JTE) can help achieve this vision through benchmarks on advancement, retention, training and service.
Highlight: "Outdoor Activities"
This month's Highlight is: "Outdoor Activities: The pack has activities in the outdoors. The troop conducts short-term or weekend campouts throughout the year."
"Scouting is three-quarters outing." Count 'em, the last six letters of Scouting are "outing." More important, our program is built around the outdoors. Every boy deserves to get into the outdoors. Have you heard of the "Nature Deficit Disorder?" Many people believe our youth need time in the outdoors, both structured and unstructured, to develop properly. Children living in cities don't have the chance that most adults had when they were young. Scouting is part of giving them that opportunity. It may open their eyes to possible careers, as well as provide the beginning of a lifetime of enjoying healthy, vigorous outdoor adventures with their families. Every Scout unit should plan a year-round program of outdoor activities. Many of us believe that a troop should plan a hike or campout every month.
See goals associated with this element of JTE. Each month you can review your progress with this aid to tracking reports
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Leader Updates | |
Council Training for Popcorn Sales Get Council Trained and meet ONE of 3 requirements to meet the new MISSION POSSIBLE Challenge
 Selling gourmet Trail's End popcorn allows units to earn funds to support their entire year of Scouting. Units earn 30% commissions and Scouts also earn gift card prize incentives reaching different levels. New this year...Units can also earn an additional 2% Bonus Incentive based on their total sales by meeting the MISSION POSSIBLE Challenge.
see Council Kick-off Training Dates & Location Areas
Have you created your on-line selling account? Online sales are already in process and count towards commissions. Traditional Take-Orders start Oct. 1st thru Nov. 29th
New Cub Scout Leader BALOO, Sept. 10
 BALOO...Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation for Cub Scout leaders is a one-day training event that introduces participants to the skills needed to plan and conduct Pack outdoor activities, particularly pack camping. This course, offered in both English and Spanish, will be held Saturday, September 10 from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at the Cockrell Scout Center. At least one adult per pack must have completed BALOO training to take your Cub Scouts camping. More... Please RSVP by Sept. 7 with your language preference.
Cub Scout Leaders Pow Wow, Nov. 5
Join in for a Cub Scout leader's learning extravaganza - a big fun-filled experience where Cub Scout leaders and parents can increase their knowledge, improve their skills, and gain enthusiastic attitudes about Cub Scouting. Offered only once per year, you get to choose from a wide variety of activity and learning sessions. Walk away with useful resources and tons of ideas! Click here for more information
Recharter training, Sept. 21
 A recharter workshop for Commissioners will be held at the Cockrell Center located at 2225 North Loop West at 7:00pm. Session will assistin helping units successfully navigate through the recharter process. The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) requires each Scouting unit - whether Pack, Troop, Team, Crew, Ship, or Post - to renew its Charter annually. This assures that the Chartered Organization will continue using Scouting's programs to serve youth in their community and assures that the unit roster is up to date at least once a year.
Wood Badge
Boy Scouts of America offers leaders with a progression of training opportunities to give adult volunteers the skills they need to provide leadership for Scouting and leadership for America. Wood Badge is BSA's ultimate leadership training for adults, where participants are immersed in a six-day course covering the theory, practice, and experience of appropriate skills for leading others within Scouting and in many environments beyond the BSA.
Journey to Excellence Resources
You'll find the Journey to Excellence page for Districts to use to see how they are measuring month to month towards the end of year GOLD qualification. District Journey to Excellence criteria is in the final phase. The most critical item on the form is item #1; unit participation in Journey to Excellence. All Unit Commissioners and District Committee members are encouraged to mention this every opportunity you have at the unit level.
October 27, 2011 is the next Council Coordinated Meeting, 7PM at the Cockrell Scout Center. We will be demonstrating a formal district committee meeting for all to see. Everyone will participate in this during the general session. Please encourage your committee to attend.
Fall Unit Health Status Report Interview
Commissioner staff will be contacting unit leaders to review the 2011 Fall Unit Health Status Report. The form and corresponding short interview by the commissioners allow them to work together with unit service staff in identifying both the strong and weak points in their program. Think about your concerns, specific unit needs and options for improvement when you schedule your interview
Online and On-site Training
The National Office offers some Basic Adult Leader Training and supplemental training online. You can take Youth Protection Training, Fast Start, Safety Afloat, Safe Swim Defense and Troop Committee Challenge through the Online Learning Center. To start For training on-location, please consult the council training calendar for a session that best fits your schedule.
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Cut Scout / Boy Scout / Venturing Updates | |
 Fun with Son
Fun with Son is an overnight campout for newly registered Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scouts and their adult partner at Camp Strake or Camp Bovay. Sessions run from October 21 - 23. Scouts will enjoy BB guns, archery, sling shots, crafts, sports, games, campfire, and more. This fall we will be hosting 4 sessions of exciting Cub Scouting activities on October 21-23 at Camp Strake and Bovay Scout Ranch. Click here for more.
Pack Outing Weekends
On designated weekends, a pack will allowed to camp at Bovay Scout Ranch with all program planned and meals cooked and carried out by their own pack. Campsites, restrooms and showers will available. This will allow the packs to have use of the facility, but without the cost of food, staff and program. Call 713 756 9123
Weekend Camping
Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and family members who come to Cub Adventure Camp will have their day filled with an exciting variety of activities. Advancement is the ticket. Hold a place
National Leadership Training (NYLT), Dec. 26-31
 National Youth Leadership Training is an exciting, action-packed program designed to provide Scouts with the leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops/crews and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. Every troop/crew should have at least one representative at NYLT 2011, space is limited to forty-eight (48) participants. Next course Dec. 26 - 31 at Bovay Scout Ranch. More
Head to El Rancho Cima next summer
Have a blast at Cima this year? Don't wait to secure your place for next summer. New programs for older scouts including high adventure Rough Riders. Senior Patrol Leaders and Scoutmasters who sign up their unit by Dec. 31 will save $20 per scout and receive a special edition belt buckle. Lasso two units who didn't come last year and you'll get a custom branding iron for your unit. To sign up, call Tami Kinn at 713 756 3309 or visit camp registration page.
Register NOW for Winter Camp
Troop and Staff applications are being accepted for Winter Camp at Camp Strake beginning Dec. 26th. Limited number of positions available...900 Scouts and 300 adults.Troop registraion Staff application. More on Winter Camp
SHAC Corps is an opportunity for troops and crews to give back to camp in the form of a day of service. The Order of the Arrow is leading this opportunity, but it is open to all Troops, Teams, and Crews. All you have to bring is your personal camp gear. Camp is providing the food and a special Council Shoulder Patch for SHAC Corps. Service projects will include creating new campsites and clearing new programs areas for activities such as zip lines.
Minto Rendevous For Sea Scouts, Sept. 9-11
Summer Camp Sea Scouts from across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas join Sam Houston Area Sea Scouts every year for the Annual Minto Rendezvous. Minto is a traditional rendezvous where youth test their nautical skills and maritime knowledge. In addition to the standard events, this year a Flotsam Flotilla race will be run. Each ship is encouraged to design and build a boat made of nothing but packing tape and cardboard. Competition promises to be fierce and hilarious. Minto will be held at Bovay Scout Ranch. Contact Cassie Johnson at ch.johnson@sbcglobal.net
World Affairs Forum
All High School Students are Invited to Attend World Affairs Council Houston's Young Leaders Forum, Monday, October 17 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Hear Andrew J. Tabler, expert on US-Syria relations talk about Syria Youth Today. Free for students. Registration required. Click here for details. At this event, get more details on the new World Affairs Council Exploring Post after Forum. www.learningforlife.org/exploring
SHERIFF GARCIA PARTNERS WITH POLICE EXPLORERS PROGRAM
Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia will soon launch the Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) Police Explorers program, a career and value-oriented initiative that will give young adults the opportunity to explore a career in law enforcement by working with deputies of the HCSO.
The program will have posts in Houston, Humble, Spring and Tomball. It is open to teenagers and young adults between the ages of 14 (must have completed the 8th grade) and 21 interested in a career in law enforcement. Scout Master Joseph (Al) Blendermann, who also is a veteran Sergeant of the Harris County Sheriff's Office, will lead this important program. Please call (713) 697-6304 to participate.
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Order of the Arrow | |
 Fall PowWow, Oct. 14-16
Fall PowWow is Colonneh's premier Lodge event and is an inspirational and unforgettable experience full of fellowship, training, adventure, and lots of fun at Camp Strake. It is a combination of sports, exciting games, competitions, shows, Native American activities, Vigil callout, and many surprises. This year's PowWow will also include Lodge Officer elections. Arrowman will camp with their Chapter for a weekend of non-stop fun, food, fellowship and celebration. All Arrowman are invited to "Catch the Spark, Ignite the Passion. more
OA Elections
Now is the time for your Troop or Team to sign up for the Fall 2011 Order of the Arrow elections. Elections run from September 1 - November 15, 2011 for the 2012 class of candidates. If your District's/Chapter's Unit Election Committee has not yet contacted you, please contact the Chapter Order of the Arrow Adviser in your District to schedule an election for your unit. The OA is pleased to announce that we are once again offering Call-outs, Election, and Ordeals at El Rancho Cima. Election Forms Ordeal Registration Forms
Brotherhood Ceremonies
Have you been in the Order of the Arrow for more than 10 months? An Ordeal member's commitment is to return in service to their unit, a duty that should never be neglected. The Brotherhood honor is a step that an Ordeal member should take when ready to seal their membership within the OA. Take part in a spectacular Brotherhood ceremony marking the completion of induction into the Order of the Arrow. Add "bars" to your sash at one of the upcoming ceremonies: Sept 10 at 4:00 at Strake Dining Hall, Oct 15 at Fall PowWow, Nov 19 at 4:00 at Strake Dining Hall, or Dec 28 at Strake Seaton Lodge at 7:00. more
National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC)
Colonneh Lodge is taking a contingent to the 2012 National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) which will held at Michigan State University from July 30 through August 4, 2012. NOAC will feature a number of unique events, including ceremonies, drum, and dance, evening shows, the OA history museum, awesome recreation competitions, Founder's Day Parade, the Grand Hodag, inter-Region dodge ball and more. Cost is $800-$900. Deposit is due by January 1. Space is limited |
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 Boy Scouts of America, Sam Houston Area Council
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