Boy Scouts of America, Sam Houston Area Council
Escouter Newsletter                                               July 2014      
In This Issue
Leaders News
Program News
Community Scout Events
Support Scouting
Order of the Arrow

Quick Links

 

Summer Scout Academy for Boy Scouts at HMNS...week long classes. see flyer
all Scout classes


Safety Merit Badge sessions offered at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital
July 19, September 20, and November 15.  from 9 AM - 12 PM. The cost is FREE.
contact cary
 
1940 Air Terminal Museum launches its

Aviation Merit Badge Workshops. Located at William P. Hobby Airport. With guided tours. Scouts 12yrs+

Cost: $20 for Scouts, $10 for Chaperones July 18

more   

 

CPAs, ATTORNEYS, CFPs, & CFREs.  The Sam Houston Area Council is conducting a CPE and CLE Course for credit hours titled, "Get More Bang From Your Buck".  The complementary course will be held on September 10, 2014 from 9:00 am until 3:30 pm.  more details and to register

 

 

Earn Your Segment Patches for

Celebrating A Century of Service

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.

Join Our List

Join Our Mailing List
Bayshore-Eagle Trail Twilight Camp
     
   
 
Celebrate 100 years of Service...
Last Chance for Summer Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch 
Celebrate 100 years of Service and attend Bovay Scout Ranch this summer.  All resident camp participants will receive the camp segment to help complete the Centennial Patch.  For newly chartered Cub Packs, receive a 25% discount.  Register Now online or contact Geno Aguilar at 713 756 3304.  Special offer for unit leaders... if 50% of your unit's recharters attend Resident Camp, you'll receive a Bovay Scout Ranch Centennial Back Pack...

Earn Camp Segment at other upcoming Council camps...
-    Camp Strake Winter Camp (Boy Scouts)
-    Venturing Summit

Community Service / Land Stewardship Day
On November 15th, Scouts across the council can participate in a Day of Service with a goal of providing 100,000 hours of service to benefit their local communities.  Scouts can earn the final segment of the Centennial Activity Patch with this event.  To get ready, identify a unit Day of Service Chair.  More information / register

Leader's News
Sell Popcorn, Register for Training
Pay for your entire Scouting program and encourage your Scouts to learn life lessons by "earning their own way." The Scout Award Program motivates Scouts with incentives such as: The $600 Club, $1800 Club & the Trails-End College Scholarship Program. Sell online or sell to family, neighbors and friends during the take-order sale starting October 1st. All sales are combined and count toward the Scout Reward/Prize program. Sales materials & training are provided at one of 5 different Council Popcorn Kick-off locations. Choose which session best suits your schedule! Limited seating/two people per unit please! Dinner, Training & FREE Leader's Tools. All sessions start promptly at 7PM. All units MUST REGISTER ONLINE to sell.  Reserve your seat for training kick-off & sign up to sell here.    Please direct popcorn inquiries to [email protected]. Check out the popcorn page

Israeli Scout Performance and Social Reception, July 9th
Talented Israeli teens from the Tzofim Friendship Caravan (Tzofim means Scout in Hebrew) will offer a free musical performance at the Jewish Community Center, at 5601 South Braeswood in Houston, on Wednesday, July 9th at 6:30 pm. The local Jewish Committee on Scouting is planning a post-reception for all Scouts to meet the Israeli Scouts. Dinner available at the JCC Cafe, before or after the show. see video

All Scouts and Leaders are invited. To make reservations, call Nomi Barancik at 713-729-3200 Ext. 3288 or E-Mail: [email protected].   

Earn a Summertime Pack Award
What are you doing as a pack this summer?  A pack can qualify for the National Summertime Pack Award certificate and streamer by planning and conducting three pack activities-one each in June, July, and August. Want greater attendance at your summer pack activities?  Mention the Summertime Pack Award! Qualifying packs receive a colorful streamer for their pack flag. Dens with an average attendance of at least half their members at the three summer pack events will be eligible for a colorful den participation ribbon. Boys who participate in all three pack events are eligible to receive the National Summertime Pack Award pin, which they can wear on the right pocket flap of their uniform. A Cub Scout who actively participates in his pack's summer activities and earns the Summertime Pack Award each year earns a different pin that matches the neckerchief slide of his program level.  MORE    Don't forget to turn in your tour plans for your units summer events.  For guidelines and other information regarding Tour Plans please visit this page

  

Get Ready For Recruiting!!!!
Right now, most Packs and Troops are enjoying all the hands-on learning opportunities and the cool waters at Bovay Scout Ranch & El Rancho Cima.  For unit leaders, now is the time to prepare for our 2014 Fall Recruitment.

Each year, thousands of new youth are introduced to the Scouting program in The Sam Houston Area Council by the dedicated volunteers who go out and recruit them. Welcoming more youth to be involved in Scouting is, after all, the most important thing that we do! Council has developed an easy-to-use Fall Recruiting plan which will be rolled out in every District by 8/15/14 in conjunction with August Roundtables!  Be sure that your unit signs up to attend your District's Fall Recruiting Training so you can see all the great new resources available this year! Together, let's work toward our goal of making Scouting available to every youth!

   
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 [email protected] 
 

Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Venturing Program Updates
The next three years promise to be exciting for Scouting as all three of our traditional programs will be updated based on several years of volunteer-led research and development. Venturing will shift in 2014 with a totally new program and recognition approach focusing on progressive development in adventure, leadership, and service to others and personal growth. Check here for the Program Change Overview planned through 2016.

Trainers EDGE, July 19
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. More

SHAC 14-2 - July 28 - August 2 (Monday to Saturday, week-long course)
SHAC 14-3 - September 26-28 & October 24-26, 2014
SHAC 14-4 - October 16-18 & November 13-15, 2014

Philmont Training Center: Summer and Fall 2014
We want to invite you to participate in one of the conferences offered at the Philmont Training Center in Cimarron, New Mexico, in the summer and fall of 2014!  course list

Each conference features the latest tools and techniques, audiovisuals, discussions, idea sharing, and activities led by a faculty of experienced Scouters. All registered Scouters are invited to attend training center courses; council approval is no longer required. At these conferences you will have the opportunity to meet and share ideas with Scouters and trainers from across America. The conference faculty, selected by our regions and national committees, consists of some of the most talented and skilled men and women in Scouting.

While Scouters are involved in a conference, their spouses and family members are able to enjoy a range of activities led by the PTC staff. Philmont's unique blend of Scouting, history, family activities, and the magic of the northern New Mexico Mountains will make the conferences a memorable family experience.


Recording Service Hours
Has your unit served in a project to benefit others this year? Did you participate in Scouting for Food, or several other projects already in 2014? Chances are, the answer to this question is yes. Every unit does service whether they realize it or not, many of the awards and advancements the boys can earn have service built into them from the Wolf and Bear ranks all the way up to Life and Eagle. Many units do annual clean ups or service projects for their charter organization or the school that they are associated with. If your unit has performed a service project, make sure and enter that service into the Journey to Excellence tracker. It is important for all of our units to track their service so that as a Scouting movement we can report on our positive impact. Check these instructions how to enter your hours.

Advancement Education Tools
Advancement is a key component of the Scouting program and leads to retention and successful units. Check here for several presentations that will enhance your Scouting advancement program.  Other resources

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

   

  

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 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. Councils, districts or units are not allowed to have electronic med forms. 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

   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   

   

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   

 

METRORail offers Railroading Merit Badge, July 26

Experience a fun day on the METRORail and earn your Railroading merit bad  ge in the "Think Rail" safety training at METRO's Rail Operations Center on July 26. The newest light-rail line extension opened last December, and two new light-rail lines are opening in Houston later this year. Join METRO to learn about railroading and safety, get a tour of where the light-rail trains live and take a ride on the Red Line. Two classes will be offered on July 26. For more details and to sign up with your leader or parent. Space is limited. 

 

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 

Scout Days, Scout Nights
Astros Scout Day
Sunday, September 21, 2014

Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners
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 [email protected]
  
For less than 20 tickets go to:www.astros.com/scout    Password:scout 
See flyer for more information


Scout Night, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Friday, July 18 at 7:30pm
Reliant Stadium

Scouts and their families SAVE $7!
Scout Prices: $27, $21 & $12

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey �  Presents Built To Amaze!, the 143rd edition of the Greatest Show On Earth. Surprise and wonder delights audiences with over the top feats of strength, agility and courage.  Magnificent elephants, ferocious tigers, astonishing acrobats and awe-inspiring aerialists are engineered into one spectacular performance.  Come one hour early to meet our animals and performers at the All Access Pre-Show - FREE with your ticket!  Each Scout will receive a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Scout Patch.

For information or to order groups of ten or more, please contact Christina at 281-367-9717 or email at [email protected]

Purchase individual tickets here. Use the password BSCT.  Note that service and handling fees will apply for online purchases.  After purchasing online, to receive your patches call Christina at 281-367-9717 or email at [email protected].   Deadline to order is Fri, July 11. 

 

 

Schlitterbahn, Oct. 25
Event Admission is $17.00 + tax per person, all ages. SAVE $11
 
All Cub Scouts receive an opportunity to participate in requirements for the Swimming Loop and Pin, with all-day park admission and a FREE Schlitterbahn Scout Day Patch. The advancment circuit runs from 9 - 1 for Cub Scouts. The park is open to the public 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. More 

Support Scouting      
Sam Houston Golf Classic, Oct. 9
The 38th Annual Golf Classic will be held on three courses at Kingwood Country Club on Thursday, Oct. 9th.  A new all-day VIP PGA Golf Clinic & Pro-Am will be conducted at the Forest Course. The Island and March courses will host our traditional afternoon golf tournament. Prizes will be awarded for the top 3 foursomes on each course, as well as for the closest to the pin and longest drive. More information on the tournament. Help support our Scouting Programs and treat your employees or clients to a special day of golf!

  

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
  
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 

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, July 18-20
The annual Lone Star Spring Fellowship otherwise known as CONCLAVE starts July 18th.  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
  For
  
American Indian Weekend, Aug. 15-17
American Indian Weekend is an opportunity for Boy Scouts and Venturers (OA membership not required) to learn more about the American Indian culture and expand your dance and craft skills at Bovay Scout Ranch.  August 15-17.  more

The OA Troop/Team Summit  
OA Troop/Team Representative Summit is a training experience for OA troop/team representatives and their advisers at the Cockrell Scout Center. The summit focuses on building leadership skills, providing service to the troop and working with the OA troop/team representative adviser.  August 17
  more


Houston Trade-O-Ree, August 22-23
Take this opportunity to buy, sell, and trade Scout memorabilia at the Cockrell Scout Center. All proceeds from this inaugural event go to help send youth, in need of assistance, to the 2015 National Order of the Arrow Conference. August 22-23more


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!