April 2012 

Newsletter for Scouts, Supporters & Valued Volunteers   

SPOTLIGHT:  Scout Fair 2012

General News

 Leader Updates

Silver Beaver Award Nominations May 1

Journey to Excellence for the District is a resource for Districts to use to see how they are measuring month to month towards the end of year GOLD qualification. Some of the needed reports are mathematically intensive so we are working on getting these posted monthly. If you are a District Level volunteer and have questions about the Journey to Excellence District form ONLY, please e-mail questions to jtedistrict@gmail.com

New Youth Protection Policy

Youth Protection Training is required for all leaders to be registered with the BSA every two years. The classroom version (per Texas law) is now required within the past 2 years for all adults participating in along-term camping experience in the state of Texas.  This includes day camp scheduled over consecutive days, Cub Scout/Webelos Scout resident camp, summer camp, and winter camp. Adults must complete the test with a score of 70% or higher to be considered trained and will receive a training card. A copy of each test will be on file for two years. Classroom Facilitated Youth Protection Training will be available in Districts leading up to summer camp and Day Camp. You may also check web sites of neighboring districts for a class that will work for you. more  Please note: Local Tour Permits also require that one adult leader on any outing have completed Youth Protection Training within the past two years.

New Leader Training

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. 

Updating Your Training Record

Having trouble finding your internet advancement unit ID #? We publish and regularly update the list of all pack, troop, crews, ships, and team ID numbers located here

Wood Badge

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 beyond the BSA.   schedule. You must complete basic training for your position and then get your applications in to the council office , Program Services Department. For more information 

National Youth Leadership Training

NYLT is an exciting, action-packed program designed to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. The NYLT course centers around the concepts of what a leader must BE, what he/she must KNOW, and what he/she must DO. The key elements are then taught with a clear focus on HOW TO.  more information    2012 course Camp Strake dates: 12-1 (A/B): June 3- June 9, 2012; 12-2 June 11 - June 17, 2012

Trainer's EDGE-XTREME. July 7-11

For NYLT staff, potential staff, and unit youth leaders who have completed NYLT there will be a special Trainer's EDGE five-day training program at Camp Strake beginning Saturday, July 7. Participants will learn how to prepare effective presentations using various media styles which will WOW those you train. As you improve your self-confidence and presentation skills, you and your teammates will be enjoying the benefits of outstanding activities. more 

Powder Horn High Adventure Training

Powder Horn is a fun six day course designed to expose adult and older youth leaders of Venturing, Sea Scout, Boy Scout and Varsity units to resources and experts available to southeast Texas Scouting units and to provide hands-on experience with exciting activities for older youths. Powder Horn exposes participants to high adventure activities for older youth; provides an introduction to the resources available to successfully lead Crews, Ships, Teams and Troops through a program of high adventure; and helps leaders feel comfortable offering challenging outdoor activities, while balancing fun with safety, health and responsibility.  May 4-6 and May 18-20, 2012 Registration and more

Destination Bovay...Cub Scout Resident Camp

Cub Scout Resident camp is a three-night "comfort" campout with pre-set campsites, modern showers/restrooms, fully prepared meals in air-conditioned dining hall, amphitheater and lighted pavilions.  For Scouts entering 2nd - 5th grade for the '12-'13 school year, they'll learn Scouting skills and rank advancements. Resident include activities such as: seeking treasure in the Lost Mine, archeological quest at the Dinosaur Dig, high speed pedal action at the BMX Bike Track, Robin Hood Style adventure at the Archery Range, marksmanship at Fort Bluebell's BB Gun Range, action at the K.S. "Bud" Adams Sports Field, Pow Wow at the Indian Village, exploring camp at the Nature Center, and splashing in the water at the David Weekley Family Water Park.  Choose from one of eight sessions in June and July.  Registration

NEW...Webelos Coyote Trail Extreme