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Escouter Newsletter March 2013 |
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Are You Tougher than a Boy Scout? Starting March 4th, six episodes of a new reality TV show, "Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout?" will air weekly on the National Geographic Channel at 7 p.m. Central time. The series will pit a team of Boy Scouts against a team of adult outdoorsmen to determine whose outdoor problem-solving skills are better. Watch the exciting trailer and get series updates at www.ToughScout.com
Houston Arboretum offering
spring break offerings for Scouts
Houston Museum of Natural Science offers Eagle Week with Eagle-required badges...more
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| 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. Register for your free booth and be a part this amazing event. We have over 300 units signed up, and more registering everyday. Online registration will remain open until March 31st.
Enter for your chance to win Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwiches for a year (consists of 52 Free Chicken Sandwiches). Submit the form for every 15 Scout Fair Coupon Packs sold. View leaders page for more event info and Scout Fair Coupon Pack sales. Make your online reservations for store front selling at Kroger stores click here.
Maximize your fundraising with these sale turn-in dates*:
Mar. 1 - Mar. 21.....Extra 3% commission
Mar. 22 - Apr. 4.....Extra 1% commission
*consult your District Ticket Sales Chairman for turn-in procedure
Winners for Chick fil-A Drawing...congratulations!
The drawings occur every Friday Feb 8th - April 12th with the prizes distributed at Scout Fair on April 13th. Increase your chances to win...for every 15 Coupon Packs sold, you qualify for one entry! The next winner could be YOU
Week 1 - Ryan Northrup
Pack 105 in Raven District
Week 2 - Joshua Sullivan
Troop 78 in Phoenix District
Week 3 - Tylor Jones
Troop 601 in WL Davis District
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News for Leaders |
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 more deadline for submission is May 1, 2013.
Update on Membership Policy
Prior to January 28th, the Sam Houston Area Council had no knowledge that the BSA National Executive Board was considering a discussion on the current Membership Standards Policy. On February 6, 2013, the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America directed its committees to engage representatives of Scouting's membership and listen to their perspectives and concerns regarding the BSA membership policy. In May of this year, approximately 1,400 voting members of the National Council will take action on a yet to be determined resolution at the National Annual Meeting. Key Actions and Timeline
 Spring Recruiting
Make sure we are inviting Kindergardeners to District Day Camp. This is a great opportunity to get them engaged in 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
A gift to the Sam Houston Area Council is 100% tax deductible and helps:
Recruit and train youth and leaders
Provide assistance to those in need
Keep our camps and activities affordable
Enhance programing and facilities
The success of Scouting depends on those who support it. Friends of Scouting helps recruit and provide program, facilities and leader training for Scouts and their leaders in the Sam Houston Area Council. With your generous support, we can us reach more youth and impact lives. Donate today: www.samhoustonbsa.org/annual_giving
 Join a Study on Scouting and Educational Achievement
We are looking for current Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts that attend school in the Spring Branch ISD and Houston ISD to participate in a study measuring the effects of external programs that assist in the educational process. The Sam Houston Area Council and these school districts, in collaboration with the United Way of Greater Houston and Texas A&M University, will participate to learn how Scouts vs Non-Scouts perform in school. Sign up for the study and you'll be entered into a drawing for your chance to win a Dell New Inspiron 15 Laptop Computer or a Barnes & Noble gift card valued at $350. Register
Scouting for Food Results...Outstanding!
Our annual Scouting for Food effort was a great success! Thanks to all of our Scouts and leaders that worked so hard to fight hunger in our community. We had 8589 Scouts and Leaders from 561 units serve in this project to collect 215,135 pounds to assist those in need! Watch our news coverage on KPRC with Cubmaster Ericka Medinger and Pack 1127. Our Scout Slogan is "Do a Good Turn Daily!" As Scouts, we are reminded to continue to serve others. The Journey to Excellence (JTE) tool is our way to measure and reward success. Service Hour Reporting is a key component for JTE. To reach JTE "Gold" status for Journey to Excellence, Cub Scout Packs and Sea Scout Ships must report four service projects each year. Boy Scout Troops, Varsity Teams and Venturing Crews must report six service projects each year. Follow the instructions to make sure your service hours are reported. Find your unit ID. Enter service hours here Questions, contact Kathy Bozarth at Kathy.bozarth@shac.org
 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 Scout 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 are available at www.samhoustonbsa.org/neweaglereception. Each registered 2012 Eagle Scout attending will receive a special Sam Houston Area Council Eagle Scout Medallion. Sponsorship available.
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 BB & Archery Range Master Training Anyone planning to supervise a shooting range at a District or Council event, including: Cub Scout or Boy Scout Archery, BB Guns, Wrist Rockets (Slingshots), Catapults or Rockets needs to take Range Master training. BSA requires all Cub Scout shooting sports to be supervised by a BSA certified Range Master. Range Master training covers setting up a range, safety, handling equipment, using a bow stringer, maintaining and storing equipment and instructing Scouts. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged so enough trainers and handouts are available. 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 The dates for Wood Badge courses in 2013 are...
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)
SHAC 13-3 - September 12-14 and October 10-12 (Thursday to Saturday course)
SHAC 13-4 - October 25-27 and November 22-24 (Friday to Sunday course)
Registration is open for SHAC 13-1 and 13-2. More information  National Youth Leadership Training Course
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. Registration/more info
Summer 2013 course dates:
Course #1, 13-1 June 9- June 14, 2013 (CLOSED with wait list)
Course #2 13-2June 9- June 14, 2013 (CLOSED with wait list)
Course #3 13-3 June 17 - June 22, 2013- spots available
Course #4 13-4 June 17 - June 22, 2013- spots available
 Youth Protection Training
Youth Protection Training is required for all leaders to be registered with the BSA every two years. The classroom version (per Texas law) is 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. Check here for our current Youth Protection Training Dates for Facilitators and BSA Classroom Facilitated Youth Protection Trainings. Please note: Local Tour Permits also require that one adult leader on any outing have completed Youth Protection Training within the past two years.
Stay Safe... new Risk Management Guidelines and Safety Statement
In case you missed University of Scouting last month, here is the revised Enterprise Risk Management Guidelines. Also a new National Safety Statement for Adult volunteers.
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 |
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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...New Cub Scout Packs, save 25%
If you are a newly chartered Cub Scout Pack in the Sam Houston Area Council, we have an amazing DEAL for you. Sign up to attend the 2013 Bovay Scout Ranch Summer Resident Camp and receive a 25% discount. This is our way to say "Welcome to Scouting and an introduction to the Cub Scout Camping Program" Please contact Geno Aguilar (713) 756-3304 geno.aguilar@sahc.org for further details 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.
Sea Scout, Matthew Miller, Reports to Nation
 | | Speaker John Boehner receives Report from Matthew Miller of Katy, TX. |
A delegation of eight young people from across the country- including Matthew Miller of the Sam Houston Area Council-represented the Boy Scouts of America in Washington, D.C., Feb. 23-28, to present the organization's annual Report to the Nation to top U.S. officials. The report is designated in the BSA's congressional charter and highlights the organization's achievements in 2012. Miller was selected as a delegate for his great demonstration of leadership as the National Sea Scout Boatswain.Matthew Miller is an Eagle Scout from Boy Scout Troop 584 at The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch in Katy. Matthew is also an active member of the Order of the Arrow (OA), Boy Scouting's National Honor Society, and is a member of Venturing Crew 584 in Katy and a member of Sea Scout Ship 24 in Houston. Matthew and the other Boy Scouts of America delegates visited with U.S. Cabinet, House, and Senate leadership, as well as the White House, CIA, Pentagon, and Supreme Court. The delegation delivered this year's report to Speaker of the House John Boehner.
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2013 35th Council First Aid Meet...Our Winners
On Saturday, February 16, 2013 at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, each district was allowed two Patrols from their Boy Scout Troops to attend the meet. There were 16 Patrols representing 11 districts.
1st place - Troop 1630 - Eagle Patrol - Brazos
2nd Place - Troop 604 - Yellow Jackets Patrol - Skyline
3rd Place - Troop 148 - Recon Patrol - North Star
 SHAC Police Explorers Place 1st in Skill Tests
In late January, HISD PD Police Explorers competed in the Lack Jackson Police Explorer Competition. The Police Explorers placed 1st in Building Search, 1st in Physical Agility, and 1st in Accident Investigation. The top 5 teams were recognized and HISD PD Police Explorers were recognized in the 4th place Overall Team out of 70 Police Texas agencies.
Trash Bash, March 23
Each year, beginning in 2012, the Sam Houston Area Council will select a Council-wide service program to educate youth on local environmental issues, serve our community and increase awareness of Scouting's impact. Find a full listing of projects and sign-up info at trashbash.org More on conservation projects
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. visit www.samhoustonbsa.org under camping and activities, El Rancho Cima weekend programs. For more information or contact Tami Kinn at 713-756-3309
 Summer Camp... merit badges announced
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. Check out the Merit badge schedule for Cockrell River Camp and see schedule for Horseshoe bend in description. Merit badge online sign up will begin on April 1st.
Summer Camp Staff Interviews
SHAC Office: Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 8 AM to 12 PM (room 119)
El Rancho Cima: Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 9 AM to 12 PM (CRC Camp Director's Residence)
SHAC Office: Saturday, March 16, 2013 from 8 AM to 12 PM (room 119)
SHAC Office: Saturday, April 6, 2013 from 8 AM to 12 PM (room 119)
Contact Tami Kinn (713-756-3309) to schedule.
National Jamboree 2013 - 17 SPACES 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 The El Rancho Cima Leaders Guide is now available Register camp: Cockrell River Camp Walter Scout Camp at Horseshoe Bend Rough Riders at Hamman High Adventure Base. Check out our Facebook group page: http://www.facebook.com/ElRanchoCima#!/groups/2399608450/?fref=ts
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Support Scouting |
 70% of Americans pass without a Will.
Do you have a will? Does it reflect your current wishes? Make sure this vital document is in order by looking over the helpful information below. You can do a lot with your will. In fact, it can even be used to make a gift to your favorite charity. If you're interested in learning more, attend one of our Seminars or Workshops
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 match@shac.org 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 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.
 Distinguished Family Dinner Award, The Walter Family
The Sam Houston Area Council is proud to recognize the Walter Family Legacy with the 2013 Distinguished Family Award on March 26th at the HIlton Americas. As Scouting celebrates its 99th year in Houston during 2013, it is fitting to honor a family whose tradition of service to faith, community and country has been passed from one generation to the next, with yet another generation in the wings. Through their collective philanthropy, they have ensured their generosity will help others at all times, now and in the future.
Widely recognized as a distinguished alumnus of The University of Texas, where the geology library bears his name, Joe, "the wildcatter" combined his petroleum engineering and geology education with business acumen to build Houston Oil and Minerals Corporation followed by Walter Oil & Gas Corporation. He created lasting value and imbued his family with a legacy of giving. Today his beloved alma mater in Austin, as well as St. Luke's United Methodist Church, The Methodist Hospital System and the Sam Houston Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, are many institutions which continue to benefit from the Walter Family's tremendous generosity. More information on the upcoming gala
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
Donate Your Car or Boat for Scouting |
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Scout Days, Scout Nights |
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
Scout Day - Rice University Baseball Rice vs Tulane.....
2PM Sat., March 30th at Reckling Park.
Tickets $10 includes Advancement event from 12:15 - 1:45 to fulfill some of the requirements for the Sports Merit Badge and Baseball pin. more download flyer
Scout Night - Houston Dynano vs Sporting Kansas City
7PM Sat., May 12th at BBVA Compass Stadium
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 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. This year, the Lone Star Fellowship will be held March 15-17, 2013 at Lost Pines Scout Reservation in Bastrop, TX. You'll have a really good time with excellent food, competition, and fellowship among the Arrowmen of the nine lodges of southern Texas! We're looking for 500 GREAT ARROWMEN to attend the Conclave. You're one of them. Bring yourself and a buddy! Friday evening's opening show and ice cream social and the Saturday morning training and chapter midway will be memorable. You can find the Registration Portal here.
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 |
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