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| Escouter Newsletter May 2014 |
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Quick Links
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Microsoft Galleria Store Free Advancement Sessions:
Safety Merit Badge sessions offered at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital on May 24, July 19, September 20, and November 15. from 9 AM - 12 PM. The cost is FREE. contact
cary cain
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Earn Your Segment Patches for
Celebrating A Century of Service
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Four major events will highlight the celebration of the 100th birthday of the Sam Houston Area Council.
Celebrate this milestone by purchasing your limited edition 100th Anniversary CSPs ($7.50) and Activity Patches ($1.00) as we continue to fulfill our Scout promise. (The additional four segments of the Activity Patch will be provided following each event.) Don't miss your chance to own these keepsakes that will be cherished for a lifetime.
to purchase yours today! You can also stop by the following locations to purchase: Cockrell Scout Center and Stafford, Clear Lake and 1960/Champions Scout Shops.
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Join Our List
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Celebrating a Century of Service at SCOUT FAIR
 S cout Fair 2014 on Saturday, April 12th proved to be another stellar year. Over 500 units were in participation and Coupon Pack sales generated $1.484 Million dollars directly contributing to local Scouting Programs and units in 16 surrounding counties. Congratulations to our top sellers. We celebrated our 100th birthday at Scout Fair serving a gigantic birthday cake made by Kroger, and a special ice cream called Scout Crunch, developed by Blue Bell, was created just for our party. We worked hard to gather signatures to break the Guinness World Record for "The Most Signatures on a Birthday Card." In the spirit of service, we collected 2,223lbs which will provide 1,853 meals to hungry seniors, adults and children in need.
Scout Fair offers something for everyone...Scouts, siblings, adult leaders, families, friends & our community. Thank you for your involvement and commitment to Scouting and we look forward to seeing you all again next year at Scout Fair 2015 on Saturday, April 18th! Please direct Scout Fair inquiries here
 Community Service /Land Stewardship Day, Nov. 15 Service to others is an integral component to the Scouting program. On November 15, 2014, Scouts across the council will participate in a Community Service / Land Stewardship project to benefit their local community. Scouts will earn the final segment of the Centennial Activity patch for their service. We are gearing up for a Day of Service that will cover all the communities we serve. Each unit should identify a unit Community Scout Day chair. Community Service / Land Stewardship Day. More information can be found in the leader packet. Register your unit's participation.
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| Leader's News |
 New Online Registration for Cub Scout Day Camp
Put on your space suits, find your oxygen masks and get ready to BLAST into the best week of the summer at a Day/Twilight Camp that's out of this world. Camps will be full of fun and excitement. Scouts entering 1st - 5th grade for the 2014-2015 school years 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 scout will receive a T-shirt and patch. Registration online  Volunteers for Memorial Day Activity, May 25 Please assist in placing flags in preparation for the Memorial Day Ceremony held at Houston National Cemetary at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive on May 26. Help is needed to build the avenue of flags on Sunday, May 25 at 1:00 p.m. Please call 281 447 8686, ext 200
Friends of Scouting
Packs, Troops and Crews not yet scheduled for FOS unit presentations should contact your district executive or 713.756.3318. All Friends of Scouting volunteers (presenters, schedulers, chairmen) are invited for an evening of Recognition, Instruction and Motivation! The ALL IN-er Dinner will be held May 27 at the Cockrell Scout Center, 6:30 pm RSVP here
 Membership
Gear up for Fall Recruitment season by selecting your unit's representative to coordinate your efforts. Once you have identified a volunteer, please check with your District Executive and District Membership chair to get the dates for the District Fall Recruitment Training. This training will provide them with the tools and materials to have a successful Fall Recruitment Campaign. Remember recruitment events don't have to be limited to school rallies. You can check with your local Churches, Homeowners Associations, and Business for a place to host your events. Also, recruitment events can be done for every kind of unit...Boy Scouts and Venturing Membership can make plans to invite their friends to a fun fall event for recruiting.
Just finished up a spring event? You can get a current roster from my.scouting.org or from your District Executive and check to ensure all those participating in your events are registered. This is important for all youth earning advancements to receive their awards. If you would like more information or ideas please contact your District Executive and District Membership Team.
 El Rancho Cima Horse Committee
Do you have a passion for horses? We are looking for you! If you are interested in serving on the Horse Committee, please contact Brett Lee at 713-756-3306 or brett.lee@scouting.org
Trainers EDGE, May 17 The Trainer's EDGE uses contemporary training techniques and emphasizes the importance of experiential learning, or "learning by doing." Most of the sessions not only demonstrate good training methods, but also give participants a chance to interact and actually practice what they have learned. The purpose of the Trainer's EDGE course is to provide and help develop the platform skills of a trainer. This course is intended to "train the trainer" on behaviors and resources while offering hands-on experience in methods and media. This conference is for Scouters who will be delivering training to adult leaders as well as to the young people in Scouting. ALL TRAINERS, including pack trainers, should participate in a trainer development conference. Click here to register
 Wood Badge Leader's 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. Summer Course information
SHAC 14-2 - July 28 - August 2 (Monday to Saturday, week-long course)
National Youth Leader Training (NYLT)
Registration for our summer course at Camp Strake 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 2014 course dates:
14-1 & 14-2: June 8-13, 2014.
14-3 & 14-4: June 16-21, 2014.
 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 a long-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
Purchasing Advancement Awards
Units will need to turn-in final advancement reports from Internet Advancement in order to purchase advancement awards at Houston area Scout Shops. Draft-advancement reports will not be accepted, as this indicates that the listed advancements have not yet been posted to the Scout's records. Be sure to check the bottom of your report to ensure it does not indicate "DRAFT" before going to the Scout Shop. If you should have any questions please contact the Scout office and ask for assistance with internet advancement.
Tour Plans
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.
If your unit is planning on hosting an event that requires certification (Shooting, Boating, Swimming, Climbing, etc.) you must provide certification information on your TOUR PLAN and present a copy of the certification to the Ranger / Campmaster before beginning the activity.
 Enterprise Risk Management
In preparation for the summer camp season, we are rolling out a new, simplified annual health and medical record effective March 1, 2014.Thanks to you, your volunteers, your parents, and your unit leaders for providing constructive feedback on how we could make the record easier to use while still collecting the information needed to make sure our Scouts are ready for their experience.
In order to provide better care for its members and to assist them in better understanding their own physical capabilities, the Boy Scouts of America recommends that everyone who participates in a Scouting event have an annual medical evaluation by a certified and licensed health-care provider-a physician (MD or DO), nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Providing your medical information on this four-part form will help ensure you meet the minimum standards for participation in various activities. Note that unit leaders must always protect the privacy of unit participants by protecting their medical information more
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| Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing, Exploring |
Bovay Scout Ranch
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 a year-round camping program opportunities for all levels of Cub Scouts including Weekend Adventure Camps and the new Webelos Coyote Trail Xtreme Adventure Camp October 10-12, 2014 Bovay Scout Ranch has a great swimming pool and an air-conditioned dining hall (closed on Weekend Camping dates). BOVAY Video
 Adventure Camp at Bovay
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. register
 Weekend Unit Camping at BovayTroops, Teams, Crews, Packs or Webelos Dens can enjoy the amazing beauty of Bovay Scout Ranch rolling hills, trails and vast open spaces.
Units that plan to schedule Shooting Sports Activities need to read the new Shooting Sport Manuel and complete a Tour Activity Plan. see shooting sports updates Clean campsites, restrooms and showers are available; units may design their own program activities and provide their own meals during these weekends. Trading Post is open on some weekend camping dates. more on weekend camp
Wanted: Camp Bovay Seasonal Camp Staff
Bovay Scout Ranch is looking for Seasonal Camp Staff to work weekends. Job consists of working closely with youth and parents at different program areas we call outpost. The Camp will furnish food and lodging. You will be responsible to the staff leader to which you are assigned. Ages: 15 and older. For more information contact Geno Aguilar at 713-756-3304 or geno.aguilar@shac.org application
 Bovay Scout Ranch Summer Resident Camp
Celebrate 100 years of Service by attending Bovay Scout Ranch Summer Resident Camp and receive your centennial patch segment.Newly chartered Cub Scout Packs...Sign up to attend the 2014 Bovay Scout Ranch Summer Resident Camp and receive 25% off. Registration now available Please contact Geno Aguilar (713-756-3304) geno.aguilar@sahc.org for more information. ATTENTION UNIT LEADERS...If 50% of the youth that your unit Re-charters attends the 2014 Resident Camp, receive one Bovay Scout Ranch Back Pack with the 100th Anniversary logo.
 Summer Camp at El Rancho Cima
Earn the Camping Segment Patch as part of the 2014 centennial activities.This summer at El Rancho Cima, it's the 60th Anniversary of Cockrell River Camp and 40th Anniversary of Walter Scout Camp at Horseshoe Bend!!
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 on Summer Camp for Boy Scouts
 Rough Riders at Hamman High Adventure Base
Experience Sam Houston Area Council summer camp program for older Scouts and Venturers. This will be the week you talk about for the rest of your life! Experience the longest zip line in Texas, the council's only COPE course, blacksmithing, back-country camping, black powder shooting and a specialty menu fit for a king. NO ADULT PARTICIPATION IS NEEDED as our staff covers the two-deep leadership policy of the BSA.
Only a few spots remain. Secure your reservation for this summer.
Last Winter Camp in Conroe, Register now
This will be the last event at Camp Strake in Conroe. Registation will open today. Space is very limited and will fill up extremely fast. Get your reservation in today. For more information
 Boy Scout Camp Summer Staff
Contact the appropriate Camp Director for the Camp you would like to work for:
Cockrell River Camp: Camp Director Derek Spier 713-825-3100 or foxeaglespier@yahoo.com
Walter Horseshoe Bend: Camp Director; Pat Whitnel 713-826-0322 or campdirectorwhb@gmail.com
Rough Rider Program; your interview will be at another time. Mary "Omega" Stringer; Rough Rider Camp Director at 361-876-8990 or
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 Eagles honored, May 18
The hard work is done, now reap the rewards. Eagles and their families do not want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be recognized Outstanding Eagle Scout Scott Parazynski, MD . Scott Parazynski, medical doctor, former astronaut, physician and inventor will be our guest speaker. Currently he serves as the Director and Chief Medical Officer of UTMB's Center for Polar Medical Operations in Galveston. Michael Garfield, KPRC radio and talk show host for 950 AM will be the emcee for the program. This event is free for Eagles and their Families . Event details |
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Scout Days, Scout Nights
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 Astros Scout Day, June 29
Houston Astros vs. Detroit Tigers
Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX
1:10 PM
Tickets $10 and up. The first 2000 Scouts will be mailed a Scout Day Patch with this offer. For groups of 20 or more or questions contact: Brent Broussard 713-259-8316 Broussard@astros.com
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| Support Scouting |
 Dodgeball Challenge, June 7 On Saturday, June 7, 2014, friends. family. co-workers will challenge each other to prove what it takes to become a true champion. At Competitive Edge Sports, 60 ten-player teams will square off against each other, throwing, blocking, catching, running and dodging their way through the games as they vie for the roar of the crowd, a chance at glory and the Patches O'Houllihan Championship Cup. Teams consist of 10 players (6 on court with up to 4 alternates; age 18 or over; no special co-ed requirements). More at www.samhoustonbsa.org/dodgeball  Sporting Clays Nearly 300 shooters came out for a great day of fun to support our local Scouting programs with the Sporting Clays on April 24th at the Rio Brazos Hunting Preserve in Simonton, TX. Northern Trust, Deloitte & Touche and DLA Piper were the top 3 class winners. Mr. Houston Radcliff was the highest overall shooter, with a score of 98. A special thank you to Mr. Wendel Skolaski, Event Chairman, and his committee for all the hard work and support they provided to ensure our event was a huge success
We would like to thank the following major sponsors for their support of the 18th Annual Sam Houston Area Council Sporting Clays Tournament held on April 24, at the Rio Brazos Hunting Preserve.
Anadarko Petroleum
Bisso Marine
Cadence Bank
Chemject International Coamerica Bank
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Enterprise Products Company (EPCO, Inc.)
Gaither Petroleum
Innovative Energy Services
Kirby Corporation
M3 Midstream
Silver Eagle Distributors, LP
Stewart Title Company
Tanglewood Corporation
The Cockrell Foundation Match
The Cockrell Foundation has renewed the Cockrell Match Program for 2014. Thanks to the generosity of The Cockrell Foundation, gifts from $500 up to a lifetime cumulative maximum of $25,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. Take advantage of this program now until December 15th, 2014. More
 Wills & Trusts May Seminars
Whether you are married, single, widowed, or divorced, you need a will. Without a will, your estate will not be distributed to those family members and organizations that you care about. The State can also decide who takes care of your young children when you are gone. Join us for a FREE WILLS AND TRUSTS SEMINAR in Spring, TX on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm at the Augusta Pines Country Club. In Katy, a seminar will take place on Thursday, May 20, 2014 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Troop 424 Scout Hut. The speaker will be Michael C. Riddle & Karen Akiens, board certified estate planning attorney and Scouting Volunteer FAQ . Register online
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 Exxon 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 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. More |
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| Order of the Arrow |
The Order of the Arrow is the scouting national honor society. We have several exciting activities and opportunities coming up in the coming months
Lone Star Fellowship
The annual Lone Star Spring Fellowship otherwise known as CONCLAVE is coming up in a few short months! Colonneh lodge is working hard this year and trying to have the biggest attendance we have ever had at CONCLAVE. Our goal is to get 750 arrow men to come out for this weekend full of games, adventures, parties, shows, and fun. This first class event is being held at Texas State University on July 18th- 20th. Registration is open on www.colonneh.org. For
SHAC Corps...Camp Strake (May 9-10), El Rancho Cima (May 30- June 1)
SHAC Corps is an opportunity for troops and crews to give back to camp in the form of a day of service. The Order of the Arrow is leading this opportunity, but this service project is open to all Boy Scouts and Ventures. All you have to bring is your personal camp gear. Camp is providing the food and a special Shoulder Patch that will only be available to those who provide service. You can attend more than one weekend to collect more of the SHAC Corps CSP's. Those who attend all three SHAC Corps will receive a special Triple Crown patch! Service projects will include creating new campsites and clearing new programs areas for activities such as zip lines. Letters will be given to youth who need school service hours. Units or individual Arrow men (OA members) may register.
Pay Your Dues Online
Don't forget to pay your dues! It's quick and easy online. Visit the Colonneh Lodge web site (colonneh.org) to pay your dues for this year. Check out the new patches too!
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