Quick Links

Help with Souper Bowl media event, sort food / TV coverage.  Two  a.m. shifts (5:30 - 7; 7-8:3am) on Jan. 15.  Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts needed.  

Request more info 

 

nomination form / past recipients

 Friends of Scouting

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

Celebrating a Century of Service

On Saturday, April 12th, 2014 from 10 am - 3 pm, Scouts from 16 counties will unite at SCOUT FAIR 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 special during the "Century of Service" celebration.  Register for your 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. Scout Fair is FREE and a fun event for the entire family. View Flyer for leaders and Register your unit booth  now! 

Important Dates: Jan. 23- District Kick off (Locations found on Scout Fair Page on Jan. 6); Feb. 1 - Coupon Pack sales begin.

Eagle Scout Applications, Jan. 18

Many Life Scouts are completing their Eagle applications. We want to remind you to be sure the Eagle Scout Applications are turned into the Cockrell Service Center  by Jan. 18, 2014 so Scouts can receive invitations to the New Eagle Scout Reception - 2014 on May 18th, 2014 at the Crown Plaza Hotel near Reliant Stadium.  You and your Troop is welcome to attend as well to honor all 2013 Eagle Scouts in the Sam Houston Area Council.  The event is free to all Scouting Families.  RSVP/More

 

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 

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 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. more here

  

 University of Scouting, Feb. 8 

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. Follow the train(ing) tracks of fun, fellowship, and learning as we celebrate a century of training in Sam Houston Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. Saturday, February 8, 2014 at Davis High School in Aldine ISD, 12525 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77067. Registration opens on January 2, 2014.
More

 

Ten Commandment Hike, Feb. 22 

The Sam Houston Area Council is hosting the 19th Annual Ten Commandments Hike in conjunction with Scout Sunday and Scout Sabbath which occur earlier in February.  We will host four different routes: The Museum District Hike will feature some of the older churches in the Museum District southeast of Downtown.  A Kingwood area hike will meander through the wooded areas and view newer sanctuaries with somewhat more modern motifs.  The Southwest Hike is in the beautiful Sugar Land area.  The Downtown Houston Hike, will take place along towering skyscrapers that make Houston so unique.  Participants will enjoy viewing these historic and modern places of worship and hearing 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 9:00AM to 4:00PM. $5.00 per participant.  For additional information, contact: George Etier, 713-677-4159 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

 

Summer Camp at El Rancho Cima

In 2014, we have two camp anniversaries to celebrate...60 years of camping at Cockrell River Camp and 40 years at Walter Scout Camp at Horseshoe Bend.  Join the celebration during your week of camp. Don't wait, secure your week at El Rancho Cima NOW!!!  If you sign up and follow the payment plan, each Scout and adult will receive an El Rancho Cima T-shirt.   If 50% of the youth that your unit recharters  come to camp,  the unit leader will receive a Fishing Shirt with the 100th anniversary logo.  OR If 75% of the youth that your unit recharters come to camp, the unit leader will receive a satchel with the 100th anniversary logo  (must follow the payment plan for these offers)   More

 

  

Nat'l Award for your Eagle Scout project, apply by Jan. 18

After all of the planning, sweat, and effort involved in your Eagle Scout's service project, what do you do next?  How would you like to have your Eagle Scout's project recognized nationally?  Is his service project the "best of the best of the best"? The Sam Houston Area Council Eagle Scout Association is looking for Eagle Scouts to submit their service project documentation for the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award.  The first step in this process is to complete the online submission form at http://www.shac.org/adamsaward.   Deadline is Jan. 18, 2014. Parents, mentors, or leaders of the Eagle Scout can complete the form on behalf of the Eagle Scout. 

 

Cooking Merit Badge

Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the Cooking merit badge is required to obtain Eagle Scout rank. Scouts beginning the merit badge prior to Jan. 1 may use the current requirements. A Scout who has already earned the merit badge will not have to re-earn it with the revised requirements   Read more here

 

 

 

First Aid Meet, Feb. 15

The 36th Council First Aid Meet is Saturday, February 15, 2014 at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer at Edloe St. Each district is allowed TWO (There can be no ties) representative teams from Boy Scout Troops. (This is a Boy Scout program only). Winning teams representing the district must be from regular existing (natural) patrols. . Each team should be composed of five members.  For each problem, there will be four performers and one victim and any other patrol members must "sit out". The Patrols will compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. The cost for the 2014 Council First Aid Meet is $25.00 per patrol. more

 

 

 

23rd World Scout Jamboree - Kirara-hama, Yamaguchi, Japan (July 28-Aug 8, 2015)

Eligible participants must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America as a Boy Scout or Venturer and have been born between July 27, 1997 and July 28, 2001. These age ranges are set by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and are not negotiable. For more information including Staff, Registration and Payment, click here

 

New Eagle Scout Reception, May 18

Sporting Clays, April 24th

Join the 18th Annual Sporting Clays Tournament at the Rio Brazos Hunting Preserve in Simonton, TX scheduled for Thursday, April 24th to support the Sam Houston Area Council's Scouting programs for at-risk youth. Each 4-person team registered before March 1, 2014 will be entered into a drawing to win FOUR (4) Browning Maxus 12 gauge shotguns - one for each member of your team!  Remember that payment is not due at the time you register, so don't delay!  The drawing will be held at the event.  Need not be present to win.  To register, contact Charlie Tinsley at 713-756-3370 or charlie.tinsley@scouting.org

 . 

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