Boy Scouts of America, Sam Houston Area Council

 

Escouter Newsletter                               February 2013

In This Issue
News for Leaders
Camp Info, First Aid Meet
Support Scouting
Community Scout Events
Order of the Arrow
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links

 

Houston Arboretum offering Webelos Advancement: Forester, February 23 - Understand the importance of the forest ecosystem and how its diverse wildlife depends on these plants. Webelos: Naturalist, March 23  More info

 

Spotlight

The Best Scout Fair on Earth

On Saturday, April 13th, 2013, Scouts from 16 counties will unite at Reliant Arena to showcase their Scouting skills and participate in fun-filled activities. Participate in a unit booth to display your unit's skills, activities and show others what makes your unit the "Best Unit on Earth."  Register for your free booth  and be a part this amazing event. Also, sample great tasting food and learn some new things from our partners on the merit badge midway. View leaders page for more event info and Scout Fair Coupon Pack sales. Online reservations for store front selling at Kroger stores are OPENING TODAY, click here.

 

Important Dates: Feb. 1 - Coupon Pack sales begin; Now thru Feb. 28, earn a 5% Bonus Commission.

William Billard (left) and Alexander Bering (R) of New Faith Troop 601 

National Membership Policy Discussion

 
To Parents, Unit Leaders, District Leaders:
  
Over the past few days there has been national media coverage concerning a discussion by the BSA to change its national membership policy regarding sexual orientation and allow chartering organizations the ability to determine their own membership policy on this issue. A unit and its chartering organization would have the option to continue membership practices as before or change to best meet the needs of their organization's mission, principles or religious beliefs. BSA members and parents would be able to choose a local unit that meets the needs of their families.
    
To clarify, no decision has been made to change the existing policy. If you wish to express your feelings or feedback, please email [email protected]  or www.scouting.org/ContactUs 
News for Leaders
University of Scouting 2013 "NAVIGATING THE JOURNEY," Feb. 9
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. More
   

Ten Commandment Hike, Feb. 23 

The Sam Houston Area Council is hosting the 18th Annual Ten Commandments Hike in conjunction with Scout Sunday and Scout Sabbath which occur earlier in February. We will host four separate hikes. Our traditional hike or Museum District Hike will feature some of the older churches in the Museum District southeast of downtown Houston. Our second hike will take place in the Kingwood area and will meander through the wooded areas and view newer sanctuaries in somewhat more modern motifs. Our third hike will be the Southwest Hike which is in the beautiful Sugar Land area. The fourth hike, the Downtown Houston Hike, will take place in downtown Houston under towering skyscrapers that make Houston so unique. Participants will enjoy viewing these historic and newer places of worship and hearing a brief presentation of the history of the building, the distinctive nature of their religious beliefs and a brief explanation of one of the Ten Commandments. The hike includes an embroidered patch for each participant. This is a walking event covering the hours of 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. $8.00 per participant. Online registration  For additional information

 

Spring Recruiting 

Attention Unit Leaders Spring Recruiting is around the corner. It's never too early to recruit new youth. Make sure we are inviting Kindergardeners to District Day Camp. This is a great opportunity to get them engaged into the program. Sometimes we think we can only recruit in the Fall, but Spring is a great time to get new Tigers and their families involved as they graduate into 1st grade. More information on how to join Scouting and ideas on recruiting.

 

Friends of Scouting

The annual "Friends of Scouting" campaign enables the Sam Houston Area Council to continue providing an outstanding program to more than 60,000 youth participants and 20,000 volunteers who deliver Scouting and Learning for Life programs. Through the Scouting programs our children, families, and communities are stronger and better prepared for the future. Your gift: Recruits and trains youth and leaders; Provides assistance to those in need; Enhances programing and facilities. Friends of Scouting presentations occur throughout our Council at Court of Honors, Blue and Gold Banquets and Pinewood Derbies. During this time a presenter shares the impact Scouting makes in our community.  Please join us in supporting Scouting by scheduling your FOS presentation today.

 

Eagle Reception, May 19

In 2012, we celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the first Eagle Scout and it was also a record year for the Council as 1155 Scouts achieved the Eagle rank. The Eagle Scout Association of the Sam Houston Area Council is planning a special reception for the Class of 2012 to be held Sunday, May 19, 2013 at the Crowne Plaza in Houston, Texas, beginning at 2:00 pm. The program is FREE for all Scouts and Scouters to attend. Please mark your Calendar...online reservations coming soon.To ensure that every deserving Eagle Scout from your Unit receives an invitation to this event and is listed in the publications, please complete all 2012 Eagle Scout packets and turn them in to the Cockrell Service Center by February 15, 2013. Each registered 2012 Eagle Scout attending will receive a special Sam Houston Area Council Eagle Scout Medallion.

  
Outdoor Ethics Trainer Course, Mar 8-10

The BSA offers a carefully selected group of specialized outdoor ethics training courses to assist youth and adult members seeking to bring cutting-edge outdoor ethics to their outdoor programs. This course specializes in preparing adult and youth leaders to teach the new BSA Outdoor Ethics Program. The course begins at 6 PM Friday evening and ends 11 AM Sunday morning. Your $55 fee includes all course materials, 3 meals Saturday and breakfast on Sunday.   more    

    

Nominations for Silver Beaver Award

The Silver Beaver Award was introduced in 1931 and is a council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered Scouters who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the Council. This is the highest recognition a council can bestow on an adult volunteer leader. To nominate a person for the Silver Beaver Award for 2012, the deadline for submission is May 1, 2013. more  

 

 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. registration for our 2013 Spring courses 

SHAC 13-1 - March 1-3 and April 5-7 (Friday to Sunday course)
SHAC 13-2 - March 21-23 and April 18-20 (Thursday to Saturday course)

 

Seabadge, Nov. 15 - 17

is an advanced leadership training program designed for experienced Scout adult leaders. It is an intense leadership and management training focused on the "how-to" aspects of a successful Scout program. Course participants and staff function as a model ship to help participants understand how a ship or crew should function. The curriculum includes twenty-three sessions, with established objectives, that are presented in a motivating and informative forum.more

 

 
 
 
Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing, Explorers

  Cub Scout Day Camp

Put on your sunglasses and sunscreen for a Day Camp down by the sea at Cub Scout Island. Camps will be full of fun and excitement. Scouts entering 1st - 5th grade for the 2013-2014 school year may attend. Scouts will make new friends and share all kinds of new experiences such as earning rank advancements, shooting BB guns and archery, learning new skills, playing sports and games and making crafts. Each camper will receive a t-shirt and patch. You can attend any camp...Locations/more info. Day Camp advancements supplement the exciting program offered at Bovay Scout Ranch Resident Camp. Check out the Day Camp Advancement opportunities.

 

Destination BOVAY

You are invited to explore and enjoy all the wonder and beauty of the east Texas rolling hills and lakes at Bovay Scout Ranch. Bovay Scout Ranch has a variety of camping opportunities for everyone from Cub Scouts to Boy Scout Troops and Venture Crews. Bovay Scout Ranch has year round camping program opportunities for all levels of Cub Scouts including Weekend Adventure Camps and the new Webelos Coyote Trail Xtreme Adventure Camp. New Leader's Guide   More 

 

Bovay Scout Ranch Summer Cub Scout Resident Camp

Join a three-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. All (8) Sessions are now open for registration on-line, register early!

Adventure Camp

Join a weekend camp out for Cub Scouts and their families. Admission covers three meals in the air conditioned dining hall, the Scout's activity supplies and a camp patch for the Scouts. Packs, Dens and individual families may register.
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. Clean campsites, restrooms and showers are available; units may design their own program activities and provide their own meals during this type of weekends. register 

Webelos Coyote Trail Xtreme

Enjoy 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 Boy Scouts patrol method. Nov. 15-17, 2013.  Save the date! Registration will be available soon.

 

Blue and Gold Placemats 

We have placemats to use at your Blue and Gold banquet to help promote Day Camp. They can be customized with your district's day camp date, location and website. There are two sizes available (8.5 x 11 and 11 x 17) and can be printed in black and white. Scouts will love coloring them during the banquet. They are available at: www.shac.org/daycamp 

 

National Youth Leader Training (NYLT)

 

Registration for our summer course at Cs is now OPEN. 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. Summer 2013 course dates: June 9- June 14, 2013 and June 17 - June 22, 2013  Register  

 

Trainer's Edge Extreme, March 11-15 

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. 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 activitiesMore 

 

El Rancho Cima Weekend Programs

Getaway for a weekend at El Rancho Cima.  Take advantage of Horseback rides, canoeing, the shooting ranges and on some weekends the ZIP LINES. Weekend program ends in May. For more information  or contact Tami Kinn at 713-756-3309

 

Now Taking Summer Camp Reservations

Have you secured your summer camp reservation at El Rancho Cima? With all the new and exciting programs and troop activities you don't want to miss this opportunity. Reserve now to secure the week you want to attend. visit  www.samhoustonbsa.org under camping and activities, El Rancho Cima weekend programs. Register:  Cockrell River Camp   Walter Scout Camp at Horseshoe Bend   Rough Riders at Hamman High Adventure BaseCheck out our Facebook group page: http://www.facebook.com/ElRanchoCima#!/groups/2399608450/?fref=ts

 

National Jamboree 2013 - LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE!!!

Are you a Venturer or Boy Scout who will be First Class rank by 2013? Participation includes a 3 day tour of Washington DC, all food, Jamboree gear, and travel. Price for this exciting adventure is $2150. Whitewater, climbing, zip lines, mountain biking, and much, much more. The Summit, in beautiful West Virginia...it's going to be big. It's going to be wild. JULY 15, 2013- JULY 24, 2013. For more information 

Support Scouting
Over $1 Million Raised for Endowment in 2012 

The Sam Houston Area Council, BSA is excited to announce that the Endow 500 Campaign was a big success. Special thanks to our 60 volunteers who gave their time and effort to promote the Cockrell Match Program to the Scouting Community. During 2012, we increased the number of match-able gifts by 22.6% to 228 gifts and increased the dollars raised by 15.0% to $544,761.50 in 2012. Total gifts to Endowment which include The Cockrell Foundation Match are $1,096,238 from 242 donors.

 

Planned Giving
Planned Giving offers significant strategic advantages, including determining how to best benefit your heirs, potential tax breaks and possibly increasing your own income now or in the future. Sign up

 Sporting Clays

The 17th Annual Sporting Clays Tournament, chaired by Wendel Skolaski, will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at Rio Brazos Hunting Preserve in Simonton, Texas. Teams for the shoot start at $1,750 and sponsorships start at $250. Lunch and dinner are provided and each shooter gets a gift for participating! More information 

 

It's a Match Gift!

Many corporations match employee contributions made to the Boy Scouts - these gifts are known as "Matching Gifts".  Additionally, some companies will make contributions on behalf of volunteer time given to Scouting. If your company matches donations, you will need inform them about your Scouting donation. Any employee with ExxonMobil should contact [email protected]  Is your company on the list? http://www.samhoustonbsa.org/giving/annual_giving/matching_gifts   If your employer matches or participates in programs funding the Boy Scouts but is not listed please contact [email protected]  

 

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

Scout Days, Scout Nights
  

Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam, Feb. 2 

$11 ticket includes patch and pit party. Monster Jam, starring the biggest performers on four wheels: Monster Jam monster trucks. These twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over - OR smash through. contact Christina at 281-367-9717 or email at [email protected]. more

 

 

 

Feb. 17th, in honor of Black History Month, Dream of Doors in partnership with Express Children's Theatre. at Cockrell Scout Center from 2pm-5pm. Includes 50 minute performance and Theater Advancement session. Tkts $7...call 713 682 5044. Brought by The African American Committee on Scouting.

 

  

HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO SCOUT DAY

Wed., March 13... Tickets $10

Attend a special presentation to fulfill some of the requirements for the "Horsemanship" Merit Badge for Boy Scouts, and the "Horseback Riding Sports Belt Loop and Pin" for Cub Scouts (subject to approval by a merit badge counselor, Den Leader, or Cubmaster). Time:2 to 3 p.m. in the Reliant Reliant Arena Sales Pavilion. RodeoHouston begins at 6:45 p.m. Entertainer Jake Owen begins at approximately 8:45 p.m. http://www.ticketmaster.com/scoutday
Order of the Arrow

 

  
Ordeals
Congratulations if you have been elected into the Order of the Arrow in Fall 2012.  You can now register to attend your Ordeal.  Each candidate must complete their Ordeal in 2013.  Register at www.colonneh.org/ordeals

OA Dues
It is now time to renew your dues for 2013.  Remember that you must be dues paid in order to wear you Lodge flap and also be a registered member of BSA.  You can now also order extra lodge flaps when paying your dues online that will be shipped to you along with your membership card.  Pay your 2013 dues at www.colonneh.org/dues
  
Lone Star Fellowship (Section Conclave) @ Lost Pines Scout Ranch, March 15-17
The Lone Star Fellowship is an annual gathering of Order of the Arrow members from all over Texas. It is hosted by Southern Region Section 2-3 South, and is the largest and premier OA event in Texas. This year, the Lone Star Fellowship will be held March 15-17, 2013 at Lost Pines Scout Reservation in Bastrop, TX.  Register at www.sr23s.oaevent.com

Arrowman Bash @ Camp Strake, April 5-7, 2013
Arrowman Bash is the first of Colonneh's two yearly lodge events.  This year's theme is the Arrow Games! It's also Colonneh Lodge's 75 anniversary, so its going to be bigger and better than ever! Friday night we'll stay up until 2am playing sports, watching movies, play video games, and much more. The next morning, we have a late breakfast and help give back to the camp through a cheerful service project. You even get to talk! After lunch, its FUN, FUN FUN! There will be 12 Districts, each with their own cool activities. There will be agility challenges, shooting sports, obstacle courses, an all-day photo scavenger hunt, native american crafts, sports, slip n slides, movies, video games, a huge Pow Wow and much more! It is going to be a ton of fun! Our goal is to get as many people as possible to come and see what the OA has to offer, so come out and have a great time with your fellow arrowmen! See you there!  Register at www.colonneh.org 

Congratulations to our new Lodge Officers:
Lodge Chief- Nolan Hurd
Vice Chief of Service- Kyle Thomas
Vice Chief of Communications- Dylan Dornbusch
Vice Chief of Programs- Lane Randall
Vice Chief of Administration- Kevin Dunnican
Vice Chief of Inductions- Zach Muldrow