Popcorn orders due December 2^nd!

Key Dates/Reminders

 Leader Training Requirement
Through the implementation of required training for leaders, Councils all over the nation experienced an increase in youth retention, camp attendance, advancement, and overall membership.  These results show how much training affects the health of your Pack, Troop, Crew, Ship, Team or Post. Our goal is training for all of our unit leaders. For the upcoming re-charter in December, 2013, make sure all top unit leaders are trained.  Top leaders are Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, Advisors, Skippers, and Coaches. For information on what is required to be a trained leader, click here  SHAC training schedule  submit training records

  

 Friends of Scouting

Friends of Scouting provides the resources necessary to make sure every youth can benefit from Scouting's fun, exciting, adventure-filled activities that foster character, honesty, respect and life-long values. The money raised through Friends of Scouting helps offset the cost of recruiting, training and providing programming to youth and adults in the Council.  Sign up for your 2014  Friends of Scouting presentation at your unit's biggest gathering (typically the Blue and Gold Banquet or a Troop Court of Honor).  The presentation informs parents and leaders of all Council services, and gives an opportunity to help support the Council in expanding the Scouting program to more youth. To sign up for your unit's FOS presentation, please contact your District Executive at http://www.samhoustonbsa.org/district_directory

  

College of Commissioner Science, Dec. 7

Commissioners and Adult Scouters who are interested in pursuing Commissioner of Science degrees at the Bachelors, Masters, or even the Doctoral level are encouraged to begin or continue their studies at this year's college. You may view your College of Commissioner Science Transcript online through the link on College of Commissioners Science page   Register here

  

Re-chartering

Alll units and districts are now on the same schedule with recharters due no later than December 15, 2013. See SCHEDULE for key dates for unit rechartering.

         
Recharter Turn-In

12/5/13 -  District #1 Turn-In - Roundtable / District Committee Meeting.

12/12/13 -District #2 Turn-In - Roundtable / District Committee Meeting.            12/14/13 -Council #2 Turn-In - Council Office - Saturday - 9:00am - Noon.         
  

Recruitment

BSA membership fee increased to $24
The Boy Scouts of America will increase its annual membership fee for youth and adults to $24 from $15, beginning January 1, 2014.  This fee will be prorated at $2 per month for all new members starting after January 1st. This does include all Sam Houston Council units with a December 31, 2013, Unit Charter expiration date. 

Scout Fair 2014 "Celebrating a Century of Service"

Join us in "Celebrating a Century of Service" for the Sam Houston Area Council's 100th Birthday at the 2014 Scout Fair which will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2014 from 10 am - 3 pm.. Scout Fair offers units the opportunity for Council-wide fellowship and a forum to showcase their many Scouting skills. The planning and teamwork used to create booth displays provides Scouts many program and learning opportunities. Scout Fair is FREE and a fun event for the entire family. View Flyer for leaders   Register your unit booth now! Scout Fair Coupon Pack District Kickoff/Distribution held January 23, 2014 within each district.

Placemats for Blue & Gold Banquets

These place mats are perfect for Packs to use during your Blue & Gold banquets to promote Day Camp and Resident Camp.  Customize them with your District's Day Camp information.  Click for Printable PDF 

Messengers of Peace Projects
Messengers of Peace is a global initiative designed to inspire millions of young men and women to work toward peace. This initiative lets Scouts from around the world share what they've done and inspire fellow Scouts to undertake similar efforts in their own communities. The initiative is inspired by the World Scout Committee, administered by the World Scout Bureau, and driven by youth volunteers worldwide.
Any Scout or Scouter who participates in a project that has had a significant impact on the community in any one of these three areas can qualify as a Messenger of Peace.

The new online tour and activity plan has been developed and is active.　Please go to www.myscouting.org. You do not need a tour plan for Council sponsored activities or camping at Council camps. For the Council's Guidelines on when to file a tour plan, Click Here.

Enterprise Risk Mgmt Guide for Units 

a. Energy Drinks

STEM- Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics

STEM is part of an initiative the Boy Scouts of America has developed to encourage the natural curiosity of youth members and their sense of wonder about these fields through existing programs. From archery to welding, Scouts enjoy the wide range of STEM-related activities. Nova Awards program provides youth recognition for their efforts.  We are seeking experts in these fields to support our Scouting programs and help create STEM programs for 2013-2014. If you would like to share your expertise and join the new SHAC STEM committee, please contact  Michelle     more

 

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. Check here for more info.

  

Save the date...University of Scouting 2014

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 8, 2014, location TBD

  

Ten Commandment Hike, Feb. 22 

Come enjoy a suburban hike with your church class, scout group or family and tour 10 different churches, find out about their teachings, and have a brief presentation of one of the Ten Commandments at each of the churches. The Downtown Hike will visit some of the Historic Churches Downtown. The Museum Hike will feature some of the beautiful older churches of the Museum District.  The North Hike will meander through wooded Kingwood and view newer sanctuaries.  The Southwest Hike will tour beautiful Sugar Land and will include newer sanctuaries. Each hike will be at least 5 miles long. Space is limited. For more information email George Etier;

You are invited to explore and enjoy all the wonder and beauty of the east Texas rolling hills and lakes at Bovay Scout Ranch. There is 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.  Bovay Scout Ranch has a great swimming pool and an air-conditioned dining hall (closed on Weekend Camping dates).

Bovay Scout Ranch

 

Register for Summer Camp at El Rancho Cima

 New Eagle Scout Reception, May 18

The event will be held at the Crown Plaza Hotel at Loop 610 and Kirby by Reliant Stadium. The doors open at 2:00pm for a reception in the Eagle Scout's honor and a photo opportunity for a fee taken by Eagle Scout professional photographers.  Additional photo booths will be located in the reception area where family and friends can take pictures with their cameras to capture this honorary moment. Each 2013 Eagle can have their picture taken with a special presentation of the Council Eagle recognition ribbon medal for his achievement.  Register now 

Endow NOW by Dec. 15 - Help the Council "Be Prepared" for the next Century of Scouting
From now until December 15, all individual gifts made to Endowment in the amount of $500 - $25,000 with a lifetime cumulative maximum of $25,000 will be matched dollar for dollar by The Cockrell Foundation. more  Gifts to the Sam Houston Area Council's permanent endowment ensure that our Council will continue to offer the outstanding programs we currently have and allow for growth to meet the future needs of our youth and communities.Endowment gifts allow individuals to make a financial commitment with a long term view on the work of the Council. Check out the Mobile App  Thank you for your support and commitment to the youth of the Sam Houston Area Council.  All gifts to Endowment through 2016 will be included in the Leaders of Tomorrow Campaign providing essential resources for future needs in Capital and Endowment. 

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. MORE

Do you work with Exxon Mobil?
ExxonMobil foundation allows districts and sub-districts in the council to establish accounts.  If you are employed by Exon Mobil and would like to apply for VIP grants please call 713-756-3318 on how to proceed.  Volunteer grants help districts achieve their Friends of Scouting goal