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November 2011 
Newsletter for Scouts, Supporters & Valued Volunteers | |
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General News | |
 Rice Owls vs Tulane Dragons, Nov. 19
Scout Day at Rice University Stadium, tickets half price...$10 for lower bowl. Kick-off 2:30 pm. Individuals or groups may purchase tickets at the link provided with the promotional code boyscouts2011. Questions, call 713-522-OWLS and ask for Chad
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. The exhibit times run from 11am - 12pm and ongoing workshop until 4pm. For tickets and info, or call 713.639.7584
Scout Day at Texas Bowl, Dec. 31
11am kick off for the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas at Reliant Stadium. Receive a commemorative Scout patch, participate in pre-game flag ceremony and game ticket for $20. Call 832 667 3219 or warren.caguioa@houstontexans.com
Honor a Scouter
Like many of us, we are so thankful for that special Scouter. They do an outstanding job for your Unit, District, or Council and deserve more than anyone can give them. This year, consider a lifetime membership in the James E. West Fellowship to endow the outstanding programs we now have and provide the funds to meet future needs. While the James E. West membership is $1000, your donation of only $500 can bestow this honor. Due to the generosity of The Cockrell Foundation Matching Gift Program, you donation will be matched dollar for dollar for endowment gifts of $500-$25,000. These gifts can be pledged and paid over several months as long as they are paid in full by December 15, 2011. Your honoree will receive a certificate, a knot for his uniform, and a lapel pin. For more information. Contact Devin.Koehler@shac.org or (713)756-3321
 Donate Your Car for Scouting
Our vehicle donation program is now supported by a national agreement with Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc. and One Car One Difference. Once your vehicle has been sold, proceeds will be processed through the BSA national office and returned to Sam Houston Area Council. Learn more here
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For nearly six months, Distinguished Eagle Scout Mick Fossum, who is an active Scouter in Houston, will be working at the International Space Station as part of Expedition 28. His flight, aboard Russia's Soyuz TMA-02M spacecraft, launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on June 7. Follow Fossum
New advancement info on scouting.org. For Eagles, a new Eagle Scout Rank Application and Service Project Workbook. Check out the new Guide to Advancement. A hard copy will be in Scout Shops soon.
Save the date...17th Annual Ten Commandments Hike, Sat. Feb. 18th. Three hikes this year... The Downtown Hike, The North Hike, and the The Southwest HIke.
Tour various churches, learn about their teachings and earn advancement requirements. Registration coming soon.
Join us for Scout Day with the Harlem Globetrotters, January 29, 2012 @ 2 p.m. The first 200 Scouts to purchase tickets for the January 29th game may attend a pregame Harlem Globetrotters Skills Camp, "Hoops and Health." Fulfill some requirements for Sports Advancement and learn Around the World, Magic Cirlce and Alley 'Oop tricks. Contact courtneya@rocketball.com or at 713-758-7577. Tickets $15 and up.
Come celebrate the 30th anniversary of Grave Digger as the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam returns to Reliant Stadium, February 4th at 7 p.m. Scout Night includes $10 tickets, a Monster Jam Scout Patch and a free pit pass per ticket. For questions, information or to order groups please contact Christina Benavides 281-367-9717
The ExxonMobil Foundation offers a volunteer incentive program to help the Sam Houston Area Council for hours served individually or as part of an approved team project. Recent changes in this program allow districts to benefit - but each district needs to apply in order to participate. Read more or contact match@shac.org or (713) 756-3318
Join the official Sam Houston Area Council Facebook page. Take advantage of news and opportunities posted on facebook that are too timely for eScouter.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.
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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: "Re-register and assess"
This month's Highlight is: "Reregister on Time" Bronze Level (25 points). Complete reregistration, obtain all signatures, and submit paperwork to your council office prior to the expiration of your charter. Annual Assessment. Bronze Level (25 points). Conduct an annual unit assessment using this form and submit it, completed and signed, with the charter renewal forms.
Re-registration should be a reasonably simple process. If you are a December unit, as about half our units are, start NOW. Internet rechartering opens up 60 days in advance of your charter expiration. You should have a paper recharter package in hand one month prior. If you have been adding boys and adults since the paper roster was printed, print out your current membership roster from the Internet Advancement program. Determine who you must drop (graduated, moved, etc.) and who you should follow up on to determine if they will be active next year. Ideally, your unit dues will pay the reregistration and insurance fees. Determine who will get Boy's Life, again unit dues should allow you to buy Boy's Life for all boys. Follow the instructions in the packet, get the signatures needed (chartered institution head, unit leader, and commissioner), turn in your package to your commissioner before or at your roundtable charter night. Turning it in at recharter night gives a chance to fix any errors that may identified. Last-minute turn-ins very often have errors!
Please note....Next Year, for all units who recharter in December through February and on, there is a new Journey to Excellence scoresheet for the coming year. Some requirements are getting easier. Some are different. There is a new category - Fitness. Review the scoresheet, set your goals for the coming recharter year, and plan on reviewing them in your unit committee meeting every month.
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Leader Updates | | FOS Kick-off Dinner, Nov. 17
Board members, key district leaders and spouses are invited to the 2011-12 Friends of Scouting (F.O.S) kick off on Thursday, November 17, 2011 at St. Martin's Episcopal Church (717 Sage Rd). Guest speaker, Scott Parazinski, an Eagle Scout, will share how Scouting has influenced his life path as a medical doctor, Olympic athlete, astronaut, and Mt. Everest summit achiever. Reception at 6:00 p.m. with program beginning at 7:00 p.m. 2012 FOS campaign pledges will be collected during the evening. Please R.S.V.P. to Dwayne Jones at dwayne.jones@shac.org Please
also let your district executive know you will attend. Help jump-start the campaign for the upcoming year that will serve over 48,000 youth members.
Schedule Your 2012 FOS Presentation
 The Friends of Scouting (FOS) program is the annual fundraising campaign that supports Council-wide programs, camps, training and helps close gaps so that EVERY boy can join Scouting and none are left behind. Please review your unit's spring schechule and identify a date for a FOS Family Presentation. Consider your upcoming Blue and Gold Banquets and "non-Eagle" courts of honor to help Scouting continue to stay strong and grow in our community. Our goal is 100% participation from all of our Scouting families, so that we can continue to meet the needs for youth and leaders. Any investment counts, no matter the size. Pledges can be broken down into annual, semi-annual, quarterly or monthly installments.
Contact your local District Executive for questions and to arrange your preferred presentation date on or before Monday, November 28
Trainer's Edge Course, NOv. 19
Trainer's EDGE is BSA's trainer development course designed to help Scouters put into practice the EDGE training model and gain self-confidence through hands-on training experiences.
The course is designed for individuals who will be delivering training to adults and youth leaders in all parts of the Scouting program: District and council trainers, Merit badge counselors, Roundtable staff members , Pack trainers , Commissioner trainers, NYLT & Wood Badge staff, Troop guides or instructors and Unit Leaders. Our next Trainer's Edge course take place at St. John the Divine Episcopal. more information, register
 Scouting for Food
Our Council's annual good turn will be kicking off very soon Make plans now to be a part of Scouting for Food. Scouting for Food is your opportunity to help fight hunger in the Sam Houston Area Council. Join us along with the Souper Bowl of Caring, Houston Food Bank, and Papa Johns to help our local community. Look for more information at your District Roundtables. Click here for more information and to sign up your unit
New Community Service Forum
Check out the new COMMUNITY SERVICE WEB FORUM now located on the home page. Service Projects are listed by Scouting program and geographic area. Know about any service requests you can't fulfill yourself? Share the Community Service Forum link so they can register the project for more or ongoing help.
For Your Monthly District Committee Meeting...
New Work Plans for District Committee members are now available. The Work Plans include the agenda for the monthly committee meeting and forms for each district committee: Activities, Advancement, Camping, Finance, Membership, Training. Click here
Are all your new members Registered?
 Almost 8,000 new youth have joined Cub Scouts since the month of September to experience our quality programs of Fun with a Purpose. New Scouts are anticipating Fall Camping trips and other fun activities planned in the unit. They will also want to get started on advancing. Make sure that all boys are officially registered so that they earn their patches and their progress is tracked with online advancement.
New Leader Training
Training of youth and adult leaders is very important to the success of the Boy Scout Program. Adult training begins with Fast Start and Youth Protection Training. The next step is an introduction to Scouting called "This is Scouting" also available online This session is designed to acquaint you with the overall Scouting goals and organization. Training continues with Leader Specific Training for the Scouting position that you are registered for. There are several training opportunities available in the Sam Houston Area Council. Please consult the council training calendar for a session that best fits your schedule.
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
Day Camp Training, Nov. 4-6
Training specifically for day camp and program directors will happen at Camp Strake. Register
 Adult Scouters....College of Commissioner Science, Dec. 3
You don't have to be a commissioner to take advantage of the courses offered at the 2011 College of Commissioner Science. In fact, this year's college promises highly informative training and instruction on the latest Scouting developments. We'll also recognize our Distinguished Commissioners and degree recipients. There will be fellowship, inspiration and fun for commissioners, professionals and all adult Scouters. Register online, now, from a selection of over 40 courses. "Cockrell Hall" will open its doors at 8 AM on Saturday, December 3, 2011. A course schedule and complete catalog of courses can be found on the council website. For information and registration
Woodbadge Leadership Training
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. If you haven't had the wonderful opportunity to take Wood Badge training, take a look at our newly added Spring schedule. Make sure that you have completed your basic training for your position and then get your applications in to the council office , Program Services Department. For more information
Philmont Training in 2012
Since 1950, Philmont Training Center in Cimarron, New Mexico has served as the National Training Center of the Boy Scouts of America. Each summer, conferences are conducted at "PTC" by the various departments and committees of the BSA national council. In 2012 there are dozens of exciting conferences. Register by December 31, 2011to qualify for the early bird registration price!
Enjoy the magic of Philmont with your family while you learn the "best methods" of Scouting in your conference. see flyer Your family members will enjoy hikes into the Philmont backcountry, horseback rides, crafts, games, and so much more! You'll also have plenty of opportunities to explore Philmont and the surrounding area together as a family. To register and more details
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Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing, Explorers | |
No Cook Meals
Don't let the burn ban affect your next campout or Scouting activitiy! There are still lots of fun and excitement to be had in spite of the weather conditions and fire bans. If you plan ahead for "no-cook meals" and bring high-calorie power foods, you can make sure your body receives the sustenance it needs. Remember to drink plenty of water with every meal.
Day Camp Meetings
Lot's to know about setting up your District Day Camp. We'll meet the third wednesday of the month at 6:30 to discuss plans and actions. Join us at the Cockrell Scout Center on November 16. Camp and Program directors are strongly encouraged to attend
Weekend Adventure 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
New Conservation Class
The SHAC Conservation Committee will host a Ranger Conservation program at the Spring Creek Nature Center. On Dec 17, we will cover how to design, develop and execute a conservation project. Feb 18 will cover International Conservation efforts and site investigation. The event is free, but please pre-register so that instructional materials will be available in the correct quantity.
 Reserve for El Rancho Cima, Save $20 per Scout
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 713 756 330 or visit camp registration page.
Hurry...Registration Limited 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
Eagle Scout Announcements
Proud parents and scoutmasters of this year's new Eagle Scouts, save the date: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 for the annual Eagle Scout Association-SHAC reception for new Eagle Scouts. Reception begins at 6 p.m. Free to all 2011 Eagles and those who complete their board of review by February 24, plus their Scoutmaster and two family members. Program to be held at the Merrill Center in Katy, TX.
Earn recognition for your Eagle Scout Service Project (and a possible $2,500 cash prize) by submitting your project for the Adams Eagle Scout Service Project Award. We will recognize several SHAC finalists and one SHAC winner will be considered for the national award. Apply here
Apply for Eagle Scout Scholarships for 2012 at www.nesa.org
National Jamboree
The next BSA National Jamboree will be held in August 2013 at the new Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in the mountains of West Virginia. This Jamboree will be the first at this premier new facility. If you want to be part of breaking in the new site adjacent to the New River Gorge National River as part of the Sam Houston Area Council contingent, now is the time to register. Parents can register their scouts by completing the online registration forms. The application will require a small registration fee. Once applications are completed online, they must be printed out, approved and signed by the scout's Scoutmaster, and returned to the Sam Houston Area Council. More
High Adventure Session at REI, Dec. 4, 11
Whether you are heading to Philmont or planning another high adventure outdoor experience, you are invited to Scout Night at REI for an informative evening on gear. Experienced REI staff members will facilitate sessions on Camping Gear, Backpacks, Sleeping Bags & Pads, Footwear, and Outerwear. The stores will be closed except for participants to this event. Event is Free. Registration is required. Sessions from 7pm - 9pm. Register Galleria location on Dec. 4, Register Willowbrook location on Dec. 11.
Veterinary Medicine Merit Badge at Texas A&M, Register by Nov. 18
The Boy Scouts Veterinary Medicine Merit Badge event at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine will take place April 14, 2012. You must register Nov. 14-18. Frequently Asked Questions
 William I. Koch Int'l Sea Scout Regatta Trials
On October 15th, ten teams from five Texas councils headed to Galveston on to earn a spot racing for BSA in the international Sea Scout Regatta sponsored by William I. Koch. Parents, siblings, Skippers and mates watched from the Galveston Sea Base facility. The top two teams will represent Texas as part of the American team. The top five teams were:
1. Schwinn/Fitzsimmons, Ship 809, Ft. Worth
2. LaQuey /Marshall, Ship 809, Ft. Worth
3. Carrette/Duffy, Ship 45, Galveston
4. Tuten/ Florence, Ship 911, Georgetown
5. Brazzil/Brazzil, Ship 777, Houston
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Order of the Arrow | OA Elections
There is still time for your Troop or Team to sign up for the Fall 2011 Order of the Arrow elections. Elections run through 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
Colonneh Lodge banquet, Jan. 14
Arrowman will gather for a night of celebration at the annual Colonneh Lodge OA Banquet on January 14, 2012 at 6pm. Together we share our appreciation for the outgoing officers and welcome the new incoming lodge officers. The Lodge Banquet will be held at the Cockrell Service Center and is an opportunity to recognize the Chapter of the Year, new Vigil Honor Members, Colonneh Lodge Numbered Certificate recipients, Founders Award recipients and to celebrate the past year's accomplishments. It's also a time to look back at all of fun that was had over the past year and to spend time with your fellow Arrowman. For more information, visit www.colonneh.org
Leadership Development, Jan. 14
All Arrowman are invited to attend the Lodge Leadership Development, David Hinds Memorial Training, a dynamic annual leadership training event on January 14, 2012 from 8:30 am till 4:00 pm. Learn more about the OA and Colonneh Lodge and how to become a better leader. Youth and Adult training classes include leadership development, event planning, goal setting, and other tools needed to improve chapters. This important training is held at the Cockrell Service Center and is open to all Arrowman, but is required for all Lodge and Chapter Officers and Advisers. For more information, visit www.colonneh.org
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: 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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year. Media coverage on TV and print will direct families to BeAScout.org to find a unit in their area. Make sure your information is current. Customize your Google 'pin' with contact information, photo and special message along with your unit website. 