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November 2012 
Newsletter for Scouts, Supporters & Valued Volunteers | |
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| General News |
 Santa's Scout Shop
Stop by your Scout Shop for holiday shopping and enjoy refreshments and special events for the kids. We'll help them write a letter to Santa or make a BSA holiday ornament. Shop our holiday specials and register for a chance to win a stocking full of Scout items. Dec. 1 or Dec. 8 based on location; info soon
 Scout Nights
Houston Rockets vs Utah Jazz
Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012
7:00pm @ Toyota Center
For the first 150 tickets purchased, you will have the opportunity to participate in the Basketball Skills Workshop to fulfill some of the requirements to earn a Sports Merit Badge, a Basketball Loop or a Sports Pin. Everyone will receive a commemorative Houston Rockets Gift! (while supplies last). Pricing Order Your Tickets: Call: Cathy Veniegas @ 713-758-7231 Fax: 713-758-7343 Email: cathyv@rocketball.com
 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas Friday, Dec. 28th / 8:00 PM Reliant Stadium
Tickets $20. Receive a commemorative Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas Patch with each ticket! All seating in the Gridiron...Please wear your Scout uniform.The first 200 Scouts to order tickets can participate in our pre-game flag ceremony on the field. flyer and map Call Warren at 832 667 2319 or warren.caguioa@houstontexans.com |
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Scout Night with the Original Harlem Globetrotters is Jan. 27. Enjoy ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and one-of-a-kind family entertainment...more
Scout Night at Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam is back...$11 ticket includes patch and pit party on Feb. 2...more
Boy Scout First Aid Meet...The 35th Annual Council First Aid Meet will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer at Edloe St. Each district is allowed TWO representative teams from Boy Scout Troops. Winning teams representing the district must be from regular existing patrols. Each team should be composed of five members.more
Montgomery County Residents...apply for a $1500 scholarship if you are a high school senior or college student planning a career in science or engineering. For details, contact grbuckley419@comcast.net
Attention Boy Scouts, Sea Scouts...The Department of Educational Outreach at Texas A&M University at Galveston offers a variety of field trips and programs in Fall and Spring that assist with advancement.View flyer
Wildlife Conservation, Map & Compass Pins... the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center offers two programs: November 10, 9-11 a.m Understand the importance of our natural resources and why we should conserve them. Participate in a service project to help the Arboretum habitat and learn how to address your backyard habitat. December 8, 9-11 a.m. Come learn all about maps and compasses while hiking the Arboretum trails. Make your own compass to take home.Register
New Fall Schedule for Scout programs at Houston Museum of Natural Science | |
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Leader Updates | |
Popcorn Sale now through Nov. 26
Selling gourmet Trail's End popcorn allows units to earn funds to support their entire year of Scouting. Units earn 30% commissions and Scouts earn rewards and incentives reaching different levels. Scouts can sell online! Join the $600 Club! ...sell $600 in popcorn and earn a $20 Gift Card (Wal-Mart or Amazon) and also earn two free tickets to the Aeros Hockey Scout Night. Popcorn Sale ends November 26; Online sales count from Aug. - Nov.15
Items due by November 26 at midnight: Unit Popcorn Order, Unit Reward and/or Incentive Order, Aeros Incentive Registration. Items due by December 8: Unit Popcorn Pick Up (Distribution Site), Unit Payment due to council
Top Sellers Form Trail's-End Log-In,Kernel Guide and more on POPCORN!
 Scouting for Food, Jan. 26 & Feb. 2
A Cub Scout promises to "give goodwill" and a Boy Scout promises "to help other people at all times." There is no better way to show our Scouting Spirit than by participating in the annual Scouting for Food drive in conjunction with the Souper Bowl of Caring. Now is the time to show our community the Scouting values of being loyal, helpful, kind and cheerful. Scouting for Food is scheduled for January 26 and February 2, 2013, when Scouts throughout the Sam Houston Area Council help make a difference to fight hunger. Scouting for Food is the leading service program for Boy Scouts of America and is a part of the national BSA program - Good Turn for America. Click here for more information and to register
General Liability Insurance Fee
Effective Jan. 1, 2013, what is known as the "unit charter fee" will be renamed the "unit liability insurance fee" and will increase in cost from $20 to $40 yearly. The new fee will begin with units that have Dec. 31, 2012 charter expiration dates (a charter period beginning Jan. 1, 2013). All units, including Exploring posts, are required to pay this annual fee when submitting their charter renewal applications. All funds will be applied to the general liability insurance program and help defray expenses. more
New Health and Medical Record
An updated Annual Health and Medical Record will be mandated by Jan. 1, 2014. Accurate medical information is vital to keeping Scouts safe and healthy at all Scouting events. This new format will make it easier for Councils and volunteers to have a completed AHMR-as required for all participants. Please link to the AHMR host page
 Cub Scout Pow Wow This Saturday
Every Scout deserves a trained leader! This is the training event of the year you don't want to miss it! Come out and learn how to make Cub Scouting fun and exciting, and keep your Pack moving onward and upward! Training classes are led by other experienced and successful Scouting leaders who will be passing on their tips and tools on everything CUB SCOUTING! We will allow for walk-in registration on a limited basis. Click here for more information
 Friends of Scouting 2013
Friends of Scouting is an opportunity for families, friends, alumni, businesses and community organizations to support Scouting. Help us provide the resources necessary to make sure every youth can benefit from Scouting's fun, adventure-filled activities that foster character, honesty, respect and life-long values. Schedule your unit's Friends of Scouting presentation by contacting your District Executive today. Your FOS contribution: Helps keep camps affordable, Keeps programs current, Enhances programming and facilities, Keeps activity costs low, Provides communication tools for volunteer leaders.
Wood Badge Adult Leadership Course
Wood Badge is a six-day advanced leadership course offered four times per year for Scout Leaders involved in all program levels- Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing. Participants will learn techniques to become better leaders. Info and registration for our 2013 Spring courses
BSA to use Scout Oath and Scout Law for all programs
It's official: The resolution to move to one Oath and Law for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity, Sea Scouts, and Venturing was approved by the Boy Scouts of America's executive board. Essentially, this means every Scout of any age will use the Scout Oath and Law instead of reciting separate, program-specific sayings. Cub Scouts will recite the Scout Oath and Law instead of the Cub Scout Promise and Law of the Pack. Similarly, Venturers will no longer use the Venturing Oath and Venturing Code These changes are not immediate, and will take time to transition to this new approach. The Venturing change will not happen until late 2013 or early 2014; the Cub Scout change will take effect in mid-2015. Additionally, the newly adopted resolution replaces the full-hand Venturing sign and salute with the three-finger Boy Scout sign and salute.
University of Scouting 2013"NAVIGATING THE JOURNEY"
University of Scouting is designed for ALL adult leaders in the Boy Scouts of America regardless of function or program area. Learn from these sessions and add quality to your program - GUARANTEED! Discover the opportunities available for meetings and outings. Learn about Council activities to support your program. Visit the Scout Shop for your supplies. Learn more about Scouting's origins and the legacy of learning. Saturday, February 9, 2013 at Aldine High School. Registration will be opening very soon
Voice of the Scout
This survey program is key way to collect experiences and deliver upon the expectation of our members as they participate in Scouting. Parents, Scouts & Venturers over 14, volunteers and chartered organizations will begin seeing brief surveys delivered to their email inboxes for Voice of the Scout. Surveys will stay open for three weeks, then information will be referenced for making key decisions to drive Scouting forward, as guided by our members. We will launch these surveys twice per year, with no household receiving more than one survey every six months. Due to the sheer volume of surveys in this program, we must deliver via email. To make the most of this program, please email pam.proctor@scouting.org with your most recent email address.
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Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing, Explorers |
 Destination BOVAY for Summer 2013
Cub Scout Resident camp is a 3-night camp out for Scouts entering 2nd - 5th grade the following school year. From Scout skills to rank advancements, these camps are full of fun and learning. Scouts attending resident camp are also encouraged to register for District Day Camp as the advancements offered at Resident Camp add to those offered at Day Camp. Resident Camp 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. 2013 BSR Summer Resident Camp On-line registration will be available Friday Nov. 16, 2012.
Weekend Camping at Bovay Scout Ranch
Enjoy all the wonder and beauty of the east Texas rolling hills and lakes at Bovay Scout Ranch. Conveniently located just 75 minutes from downtown Houston. To register for programs below or call 713 756 3304. Round Table presentation request Find us on the web
Adventure Camp is a weekend camp out for Cub Scouts and their families. Nov 30 - Dec 2, 2012 Adventure Camp Weekend still available. Admission covers three meals in the air conditioned dining hall, the Scout's activity supplies and a camp patch for the Scouts. Activities typically include BB guns, archery, water park (weather permitting), BMX bikes, dino dig, lost mine, nature center, Indian village and more. Bovay Scout Ranch certified trained staff members provide the program supplies and lead the activities. Packs, Dens and individual families may register.
 Freestyle Weekend Unit Camping: Troops, Teams, Crews, Packs, or Webelos Dens can enjoy the amazing beauty of Bovay Scout Ranch rolling hills, trails and vast open spaces. Dec 7 - 9 is still available. Clean campsites, restrooms and showers are available; units may design their own program activities and provide their own meals during these weekends.
Webelos Coyote Trail Xtreme is a specialty Adventure Camp weekend for 4th and 5th grade Webelos. During this fast-paced fun-filled weekend, Webelos work on Arrow of Light requirements while trekking across the Ranch to exciting outpost program areas. Webelos are introduced to the patrol method giving them a unique experience into the importance of team work and an introduction to Boy Scouts. Space is limited. Registeration closes Nov. 5th.
 The Getaway Weekends at El Rancho Cima
Want to camp at El Rancho Cima this fall, now register here online. Getaway to El Rancho Cima and make it your troop's weekend camping destination in the fall and winter. Take advantage of Horseback rides, canoeing, the shooting ranges and on some weekends the ZIP LINES. For more information contact Tami Kinn at 713-756-3309.
Winter Camp
Winter Camp 2012 is right around the corner for Boy Scouts. A "TOP SECRET, Spy Theme" will entice your Scouts to attend and participate in the exciting activities. Look for the merit badge info on November 15th Take this opportunity to register your unit now. Register here
 The Finest Scout Camp in the Hillcountry
Check out the new El Rancho Cima summer camp brochure...don't wait to secure your place! Troops that sign up by Dec. 31 will save $20 per Scout. Register: Cockrell River Camp Walter Scout Camp at Horseshoe Bend Rough Riders at Hamman High Adventure Base
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE PART OF THE FIRST JAMBOREE AT THE NEW SUMMIT? Are you a Venturer or Boy Scout who will be First Class rank by 2013? The Summit, in beautiful West Virginia...it's going to be big. It's going to be wild. JULY 15, 2013- JULY 24, 2013 more |
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Order of the Arrow |
OA Award Nominations Due Nov. 11
Each year Colonneh presents several recognitions to Youth and Adult Arrowmen. If you know of a youth or adult Arrowmen who has performed above and beyond the call of duty in service to Scouting, Community, and the Lodge, please nominate them for the Colonneh Numbered Certificate, the OA Founder's Award or the James West Fellowship Award by November 11. Awards will be presented at the Lodge banquet. www.colonneh.org for a nomination form.
 Save the date...OA Banquet, Jan. 5
Arrowmen gather for a night of celebration at the annual Colonneh Lodge OA Banquet on January 5 at the Cockrell Scout Center. Together we share our appreciation for the outgoing officers, recognize the Chapter of the Year, award recipients and to celebrate the past year's accomplishments. Registration will be available soon at www.colonneh.org
Save the date...Lodge Leadership Development, Jan. 5
All Arrowmen are invited to attend Lodge Leadership Development, a dynamic annual leadership training event, to learn more about the OA and Colonneh Lodge and how to become a better leader on January 5 at the Cockrell Scout Center. Youth and Adult training classes include leadership development, event planning, goal setting, and other tools needed to improve chapters. Attendance is required for all members of the Lodge Executive Committee; which includes Chapter Advisers and Chapter Chiefs. Registration will be available soon at www.colonneh.org
OA Elections
Elections run from September 1, 2012, and must be concluded by November 16, 2012. Please contact the OA Chapter Adviser in your District to schedule an election for your unit and to receive your election forms. It is mandatory that the OA Chapter's (District's) team conduct the OA candidate election (with support from the Unit Arrowman, Unit OA Representative, and Unit Leader). The youth and adult membership requirements remain the same for 2013; however, the number of adults nominated are now based on the number of youth elected. Contact your OA Chapter Adviser for more details. more |
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Support Scouting | |
Cockrell Match Program closes Dec. 15
 Thanks to the generosity of the Cockrell Foundation, gifts from $500 - $25,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. Be sure to take advantage of this program between now and December 15th, 2012. Help secure the future of Scouting with a program that provides financial support in perpetuity. Provide camperships to Scouts in need, camp improvements, and general support to strengthen the Scouting Program of the Sam Houston Area Council. You can also arrange an annual gift to recognize someone special. Endow 500 seeks to achieve 500 gifts of $500 to $25,000 from 500 future-thinking donors by December 15, 2012. These gifts will raise $1 million which will be matched by The Cockrell Foundation. A total $2 million will return $100,000 back to Scouting in perpetuity. Help us achieve 500 gifts by making a pledge or gift today. Gifts can be made online or by mail at www.samhoustonbsa.org/endowment
Corporate Match
Many corporations match their employees' contributions made to the Boy Scouts. Some companies even give financial contributions on behalf of volunteer time given to Scouting. Is your company on the list? If your employer matches or participates in programs that fund the Boy Scouts but is not listed please contact match@shac.org
Send a Memorial or Tribute
Are you looking for a unique way to recognize those close to you? Give a memorial ("in memory of") or Tribute ("in honor of") so that those extraordinary individuals in your life will be acknowledged and handled with great care. Visit The Memorial Tribute Fund to learn more or make a gift.
 Donate Your Car for Scouting
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 Boy Scouts of America, Sam Houston Area Council
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