Boy Scouts of America, Sam Houston Area Council
Escouter Newsletter                                                  February 2015
In This Issue
Leader's News
Program News
Community Scout Events
Support Scouting
Order of the Arrow
Districts of the Sam Houston Area Council

Aldine Pathfinder

Antares

Aquila

Arrowmoon

Bayshore

Big Cypress

Brahman

Brazos

Copperhead

David Crockett

Eagle Trail

Flaming Arrow

George Strake

Iron Horse

Mustang

North Star

Orion

Phoenix

Raven

Skyline

Soaring Eagle

Tall Timbers

Tatanka

Texas Skies

Thunder Wolf

Twin Bayou

W.L. Davis

 

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Thanks to the commitment of tireless volunteers, the Sam Houston Area Council is a 2014 Journey to Excellence Gold Council. The following district also received Journey to Excellence recognition:

Gold Recognition: Bayshore District, North Star District

Silver Recognition: Phoenix District, Orion District, Soaring Eagle District, Raven District, Skyline District, Aquila District, Thunder Wolf District, Twin Bayou District, Mustang District, Texas Skies District, Copperhead District, Big Cypress District, Brahman District, Aldine Pathfinder District, Tatanka District

Bronze Recognition: Iron Horse District, Tall Timbers District, Flaming Arrow District, Brazos District, Arrowmoon District, David Crockett District, George Strake District, W.L. Davis District

University of Scouting - Saturday, February 7, 2015

University of Scouting is a day of training 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. Learn more about Scouting's origins and the legacy of learning. Visit the Scout Shop for your supplies. Follow the train(ing) tracks of fun, fellowship, and learning as we celebrate a century of training in the Sam Houston Area Council.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Benjamin Davis High School
12525 Ella Blvd.
Houston, TX 77067
To see the course catalog click here.
To register click here.

     
Scout Fair 2015 - "Scouting Around the World"
On Saturday, April 18th, 2015 from 10 am - 3 pm, Scouts from 16 counties will unite at Scout Fair at NRG Arena.  Scouts can showcase their Scouting skills and take part in fun-filled activities. Celebrate "Scouting Around the World" by participating in a unit booth to display your unit's skills and show off what makes your unit unique.  Also, sample great tasting food and learn some new things from our partners at the Merit Badge Midway. Register for your free booth and be a part this amazing event.  For leader information click here. Coupon Book sales have begun! Please contact your District Scout Fair Chair if you are interested in selling! Click here to register to sell in front of Kroger stores.

New Tellepsen Scout Camp to Open Soon 
As a part of the Council's commitment to achieve its new Camping Vision Statement: "Exemplary, Sustainable Outdoor Experiences and Creative Learning for 21st Century Youth and Their Leaders," a new camp for Scout troops and Venturing crews designed for weekend camping will open in the first quarter 2015. This new camp is located at the Bovay Scout Ranch and is named Tellepsen Scout Camp.

Tellepsen Scout Camp will have eight campsites that accommodate 48 individuals per site. Each campsite will have a 30'x40' pavilion. One shower and restroom facility will be available for every two campsites. It will have the council's largest rifle range and a 41-foot climbing tower. The rifle range will consist of four 50-yard high-powered rifle stations, four 100-yard high-powered rifle stations, a five stand shotgun range, 8 shooting stations for .22 rifles and pistols and an archery range. The climbing tower will have four rappelling stations of 11 feet, 22 feet, 32 feet and 41 feet.
 
The Tellepsen family has provided leadership to the Sam Houston Area Council for decades and has had three generations of Tellepsen family members involved in Scouting. Howard T. Tellepsen, Jr. and his son, Trent Tellepsen, both serve on the Council's Board of Directors and are the Co-Vice Chairs of the Tellepsen Scout Camp Design and Development Committee. Karen Tellepsen, sister of Howard T. Tellepsen, Jr., is also a Council Member-at-large and has been an active participant on Winter Camp staff for a number of years and also hosted receptions for many international Scouters. Howard T. Tellepsen, Jr., a Distinguished Eagle Scout, served as the Council Chairman of the Board in 1999 and his father, Howard Tellepsen, Sr., served as the Council Chairman of the Board in 1952-1953.

Reservations for unit camping have begun for March camping dates.  Please remember unit reservations are subject to change depending on readiness of campsites and activity/program areas.
    
      
 Leader's News

 


Friends of Scouting
Support Scouting in your community! The Sam Houston Area Council needs your help ensuring that every family in your unit get a chance to hear the message of Scouting. Every year it costs $200 to provide the Scouting program to one youth in the Sam Houston Area Council. Please contact your District Family Friends of Scouting Chair or District Executive to schedule your unit's presentation for your next Court of Honor, Blue and Gold, Bridge of Honor, or Crew Gathering. Remember that all donations to Friends of Scouting go to deliver the Scouting program to over 58,000 youth in the Sam Houston Area Council.

Membership Recruitment 

Howdy and Happy 2015 Scouters! The Scouts of the Sam Houston Area Council are excited to get started on another calendar year of Scouting, and now that recharter is out of the way, we can begin to focus on building our units back up to full force! Hopefully, each of your units had an increase in retention of Scouts this year, meaning that you aren't worried about keeping your units alive and healthy with Scouting spirit. Now is a great time to double check your rosters to make sure that every Scout is registered. Maybe you had a Scout that wasn't coming to meetings at the end of 2014 and was dropped, but has started coming again. Let's look at all those dropped Scouts as an opportunity to re-engage a family into Scouting.
To assist in this process, the council has some great fliers and invititations left from Fall Recruiting that would be a great tool to give to all those old Scouts, inviting them to come back to the Pack or Troop and test it out again. Got a hankering for some new resources? Check out these PSA's from Scouting.org, which may be a great tool to play at Sunday school. Remember that every Scout recruited is also a family recruited whose lives will forever be changed through the fun and values of Scouting. 

 

Souper Bowl of Caring

A Cub Scout promises to "give goodwill" and a Boy Scout promises "to help other people at all times." There was no better way to show our Scouting Spirit than by participating in the annual Scouting for Food Drive in conjunction with the Souper Bowl of Caring. Hundreds of units participated in the door hanger distribution and thousands of pounds of food were collected for local food banks. Scouting for Food is the leading service program for Boy Scouts of America and is a part of the national BSA program - Good Turn for America. 

Calling all Journey to Excellence recognition Units!
If your unit received either Bronze, Silver or Gold Journey to Excellence recognition level for 2014, please submit your completed form to your District Executive no later than February 6th, 2015.


37th Annual Sam Houston Area Council First Aid Meet

Please make plans to attend the Sam Houston Area Council First Aid Meet on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at the Houston Fire Department Training Center, 8030 Braniff St. Houston, TX 77061. Each district is allowed two representative patrols from Boy Scout Troops within their districts. Patrols will compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. The cost for the 2015 Sam Houston Area Council First Aid Meet is $25.00 per patrol. The participation fee must be paid in advance by Monday, February 9, 2015. This may be the only opportunity some Scouts have to participate because not all districts have a District First Aid Meet. No fees will be accepted at the meet. For more information please click here or call Donna Burke at 713-756-3322. 

 

 

Philmont Training Center
The Sam Houston Area Council would like to invite you to participate in one of the conferences offered at the Philmont Training Center in Cimarron, New Mexico, during the summer of 2015! 
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. 

While Scouters are involved in a conference, their spouses and family members are able to enjoy a range of activities led by the Philmont Training Center 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.  For more information, click here.

 

 

Powder Horn: "Unveil Tomorrow's Odyssey!"

April 10-12, 2014 at KOA Campground in Conroe and April 24-26, 2014 at Sea Scout Base - Galveston.
Powder Horn is an action-packed, hands-on, six day course to help Scouts 14 and older and adult Scouters learn how to implement high adventure activities into their troop, crew, team, or ship. Powder Horn Training brings in many experts, or "consultants," to teach sessions. Participants will be exposed to high adventure ACTIVITIES, RESOURCES, NEW IDEAS AND EXCITEMENT! Ultimately this will support them to operate a successful high adventure program in their home units. Click here for more information.

Wood Badge Adult Leadership Course
Wood Badge is a six-day advanced leadership course offered at Bovay Scout Ranch three times in 
2015. This training course is for Scout Leaders involved in all program levels- Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing. Participants will learn techniques to become better leaders. Click here for more information.

SHAC 15-1 March 20-22, 2015 and April 10-12, 2015 (Friday to Sunday course)
SHAC 15-2 September 18-20, 2015 and October 16-18, 2015 (Friday to Sunday course)
SHAC 15-3 October 29-31, 2015 and December 3-5, 2015 (Thursday - Saturday course)

National Youth Leader Training
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an exciting, action-packed program designed to provide youth members with leadership skills and experiences they can use in their home troops and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. Registration for the summer course at Bovay Scout Ranch is now open. 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. For more information about NYLT click here.

Summer 2015 course dates:
15-1 & 15-2: June 7-12, 2015.
15-3 & 15-4: June 15-20, 2015.

BSA Leave No Trace Trainer's Course Registration 
The 16-hour Leave No Trace Trainer's Course is coming up on February 27-March 1 at Camp Brosig in Sealy, Texas, and registration is OPEN. This overnight course is for individuals, ages 14 and up (including adults) who wish to serve as Leave No Trace trainers. Trainers are the backbone of Scouting's outdoor ethics program by providing instruction to individuals and units wishing to adopt cutting edge outdoor ethics into their unit programs. Trainers are specially commissioned to teach the BSA Leave No Trace 101 Course and to qualify individuals for the BSA Leave No Trace Awareness Card. Completion of this course is required for a youth to hold the Boy Scout/Varsity Scout Leave No Trace Trainer position of responsibility in their unit. Each BSA Trainer course is taught by a recognized Leave No Trace Master Educator, and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Participants receive a Leave No Trace Trainer card from BSA, BSA Leave No Trace 101 Course Guide, and Leave No Trace Trainer certificate from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. All meals are included in the course fee.   
To register, click here 
For additional information, please contact Cesiah Molina at [email protected]

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. For more information and to nominate a person for the Silver Beaver Award, click here. The deadline for submission is May 1, 2015.

New Eagle Scout Reception, Sunday, May 17, 2015
New Eagles will not want to miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be recognized by two accomplished Eagle Scouts: Distinguished Eagle Scout Award Recipient Glenn Adams and Eagle Scout Michael Garfield.  
Glenn Adams, who will be the guest speaker of the event, is the creator and founder of the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. Adams has also been honored with the BSA National Alumnus of the Year Award. 
Eagle Scout Michael Garfield, radio personality and celebrity spokesperson also known as the "High-Tech Texan," will be the emcee for the program. Eagle Scout pictures will also be offered at the New Eagle Scout Reception. The 2014 Eagle Class will be named in Honor of Stan C. Stanley.  For more information please click here.  To RSVP please click here.

Ten Commandments Hike, Saturday, February 21, 2015

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. The Ten Commandments Hike will host three 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 and the Downtown Houston Hike, will take place along towering skyscrapers that make Houston so unique. Participants will view historic and modern places of worship and hear a brief explanation of one of the Ten Commandments at each location. The hike includes an embroidered patch for each participant. This is a walking event covering the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., $5.00 per participant. For additional information, contact: George Etier, 713-677-4159 or email [email protected].

Eagle Scout Association
The Eagle Scout Association (ESA-SHAC) has several upcoming meet ups, breakfasts, and alumni events. To find information about the next event click here. If you would like to receive more information on the ESA-SHAC please email [email protected] and also sign up to receive the free newsletter here.

Houston Trade-o-ree, March 27-28, 2015
The Houston Trade-o-ree is an event held for the primary purpose of buying, selling, or trading Scout memorabilia. The Trade-o-ree is being held from Friday and Saturday March 27-28, 2015 at the Cockrell Scout Center. The entry fee is $5 however, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers in uniform attend free.  All proceeds from the trade-o-ree go to the Colonneh Lodge National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) scholarship fund which helps send youth, in need of assistance, to the 2015 National Order of the Arrow Conference at Michigan State University. The Colonneh Caf� will be open throughout the trade-o-ree selling food and drinks.  For more information, please click here.

Youth Protection Training
Youth Protection Training every two years is a requirement for all leaders to be registered with the BSA. 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 websites of neighboring districts and click here for more information.

  

Tour Plans

Don't forget to turn in your tour plans for your unit's events.  For guidelines and other information regarding Tour Plans please click here.

You do not need a tour plan for Council sponsored activities or camping at Council camps.


Certification Required

If your unit is planning to host 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. For more information please click here.


 

Campmaster Program 

Do you consider the "OUT" in ScOUTing to be an important part of the BSA program? Have you enjoyed weekend camping at any of the Sam Houston Area Council camps? Would you be willing to help others get the same enjoyable experience? Can you commit just 2 weekends per year to helping others? If so, then the new SHAC Campmaster Corps is the place for you!  

Teams are now being formed for Camp Brosig, McNair Cub Adventure Camp and Tellepsen Scout Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch.  For more information click here.
 
Enterprise Risk Management
Are you a Scout Leader that needs to take a First Aid Class? Do You Want to Become a First Aid Instructor and help deliver First Aid Classes to others in your Unit, District and Council? The Sam Houston Area Council Enterprise Risk Management Committee will be holding First Aid Classes and First Aid Instructor Training with the American Red Cross this year.
Current Adult/Child CPR/AED and First Aid certification is a prerequisite.  For more information about First Aid training, please click here. Double knot registration will be added February 6, 2015

For updates regarding Enterprise Risk Management click here For suggestions and comments please contact [email protected] and [email protected]

   Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing, Exploring
   

McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch

You are invited to explore and enjoy all the wonder and beauty of the east Texas rolling hills and lakes at McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch. McNair Cub Adventure Camp has a variety of camping opportunities for everyone from Cub Scouts to Boy Scout Troops and Venture Crews. McNair Cub Adventure Camp has year round camping program opportunities for all levels of Cub Scouts including Weekend Adventure Camps and the new Webelos Coyote Trail Xtreme Adventure Camp. McNair Cub Adventure Camp has a great swimming pool and an air conditioned dining hall (closed on Weekend Camping dates). The Trading Post will be open on some Weekend Camping dates. 

Click here to see the BOVAY Video



Please reserve your attendance now for Spring 2015 dates at McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch

McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch is an overnight, full program camp for all family members. Tigers, Wolves, Bears and Webelos and their families will enjoy an exciting variety of activities at several program areas that is subject to change and food service in the camp's air conditioned dining hall (The kitchen offers a Vegetarian and Turkey patty supplement as requested). All the program activities are open every session during Cub Resident Camp. A staff member in each area will provide program supplies and support the parents who will be invited to assist in leading the activities. Pack, Dens, and individual families may register. For more information click here.

Weekend Camping at McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch

Troops, Teams, Crews, Packs, or Webelos Dens can enjoy the amazing beauty of McNair Cub Adventure Camp's rolling hills, trails and vast open spaces. Clean campsites, restrooms and showers are available; units design their own program activities and provide their own meals during this type of weekend camping. Units that plan to schedule Shooting Sports Activities need to read the new Shooting Sport Manual and complete a Tour Activity Plan. For more information click here.
The Trading Post will be open on some Weekend Camping dates.



McNair Cub Adventure Camp Summer Resident Camp 
McNair Cub Adventure Camp Summer Resident Camp Online Registration is NOW OPEN!!!  All new chartered Cub Scout Packs in the Sam Houston Area Council receive 25% discount when they sign up to attend the 2015 McNair Cub Adventure Camp Summer Resident Camp. For more information click here or contact Geno Aguilar (713-756-3304) [email protected] 

Camp Brosig Weekend Camping
Camp Brosig is a 92 acre property located 6 miles north of Sealy, TX and is available to all registered units for weekend camping year round. With 20 campsites, a large covered pavilion and meeting room available for your use, it is the ideal place to hold your next event. Kitchen facilities are available for an additional fee. The camp was made possible through a bequest from Alva Brosig in 1981 and was dedicated on April 17, 1982. For more information and registration click here

 

El Rancho Cima Weekend Programs

Want to camp at El Rancho Cima in the winter?  Well, now you can. Take advantage of the cooler weather and visit a "different" El Rancho Cima. Experience horseback rides, canoeing, the shooting ranges and on some weekends the ZIP LINES. For more information click here or contact Tami Kinn at 713-756-3309.  

 

Rough Riders at Hamman High Adventure Base

Experience the Sam Houston Area Council High Adventure Program, designed 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, backcountry camping, black powder shooting, paintball and a special menu fit for a king.  NO ADULT PARTICIPATION IS NEEDED as our staff covers the two-deep leadership policy of the BSA.  Hamman High Adventure Base was voted the best HIGH ADVENTURE PROGRAM by both youth and adults.  To secure your reservation for 2015 summer, please click here.

 

El Rancho Cima Summer Camp

This past summer was a great summer at El Rancho Cima.  You will not want to miss what we have planned for next year's summer camp.  We are busy updating our program and merit badges list.  We will continue to make improvements to our program and facilities. To register for camp, please click here.  Click below to see the new El Rancho Cima Video

OA Camp Promo Video: El Rancho Cima
OA Camp Promo Video: El Rancho Cima

Two specialty weeks planned for the 2015 summer camp at El Rancho Cima
Boots and Saddles: PARDNER are you ready for the "ride" of your life? The horses at El Rancho Cima are ready for you to saddle up!  There are only 15 spaces available per week. This is a perfect opportunity to get some "real" horse sense with qualified cowboys. You will work with the horse, overnight trail rides, rodeo, swim and qualify for Horsemanship, Animal Science and Veterinarian Merit Badge. Cost is only $300.00. Week 5 and 6 at Walter Scout Camp at Horseshoe Bend.

Trail to Eagle: Designed for those Scouts that need to work on Eagle required merit badges.  Trail to Eagle will be offered Week 5 and Week 6 at Walter Scout Camp at Horseshoe Bend.  Cost is $275.00.  Visit here for more information.

 

SHAC Corps, February 20-22, 2015

SHAC (Scouts Helping At Camp) 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 Venturers. Campers only need to bring their personal camping gear. The camp will be providing food and a special council shoulder patch that will only be available to those who provide service. Service projects will include creating new campsites and clearing new programs areas for activities. Letters will be given to youth who need school service hours. Units or individual Arrowmen (OA members) may register for this free event. SHAC Corps is being held during the weekend of February 20-22, 2015 at Bovay Scout Ranch and during the weekend of May 29-31 at El Rancho Cima. For more information, click here. 

 

Is Your Eagle Scout Service Project the Best of the Best of the Best? 
After all of the planning, sweat, and effort involved in your Eagle Scout's service project, what do you do next? Is his service project the "best of the best of the best?" How would you like to have your Eagle Scout's project recognized nationally?  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. For more information click here.

 

 

The Summit Bechtel Reserve

The Summit Bechtel Reserve is the newest addition to the High Adventure bases within the BSA. With activities ranging from a broad coverage of C.O.P.E., biking, skateboarding, rock climbing, and zip-lining, to more focused programs such as The River (canoeing and kayaking) or The Marksman (archery and shooting), The Summit has something for everyone.  For more information please click here.
   

Sea Scout Base - Galveston  

Looking for an on-the-water "High Adventure" experience at one of the nation's premier state-of-the-art facilities? Then look no further, than Sea Scout Base - Galveston (SSBG), located on the nation's third coast in Galveston, Texas!!!
2 great High Adventure experiences are lined up for the summer of 2015 that only require a crew of 6 participants 13 years of age or older, traditionally made up of 4 youth & 2 adults. 
-The Galveston Nautical Adventure offers the perfect mix of small boat sailing, kayaking, big boat sailing and crew-to-crew competition.
-The SCUBA Certification Adventure offers the chance for a crew to pick up their PADI Open Water Certification, which serves as a great first step toward other diving experiences in the future for your unit!
Plus if you know any Cub Scouts/Webelos out there hoping to dive into some fun, The Cub Scout Splash Weekend offers a truly unique adventure for them as well!!!

STEM Opportunities for Scouts
Boy Scouts are invited to attend the Science & Engineering Fair of Houston (SEFH) at the University of Houston on Sunday, March 1st from 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. This is a free event with hundreds of STEM research projects showcased by 7th-12th grade students from 22 surrounding counties. Take advantage of the opportunity to interact with student researchers, ask questions and experience STEM at its best. Also, SEFH needs Scouters to assist in judging these students science projects on Saturday, February 28. Between 400-600 volunteer judges are needed for this event! The judging requirement is to have a Bachelor's degree and experience in industry. Please volunteer if you are able.  SEFH invites you to participate to judge and help encourage this generation of students to continue their passion for scientific research. This is also an opportunity for Scouters to get project and/or program ideas for youth in their units. For more information click here

Aviation Merit Badge Workshop 
Soar to new heights this year in science, math and history with the 1940 Air Terminal Museum's Aviation Merit Badge Workshops! Located at William P. Hobby Airport, these exciting one-day programs serve as an excellent introduction for youth to aviation while helping them earn their aviation merit badge. Scouts will learn about the forces of flight, types of engines and functions of aircraft instruments and control surfaces. Guided tours of the 1940 Air Terminal Museum and presentations by career speakers will also inform participants of commercial aviation's rapid growth and various job opportunities available in the Houston Area. For more information contact Molly Duncan at (713) 454-1940 or email [email protected]

Texas A&M Merit Badge University
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity, is hosting a Merit Badge University for Boy Scouts at Texas A&M University in College Station. Over 30 merit badge classes are being offered, including some Eagle Scout required badges. This event is for Sam Houston Area Council registered Scouts and there is a cap of 300 Scouts. For more information, visit their here

American Cultures Merit Badge Workshop
Saturday, May 9 from Noon - 2:00 p.m.
Come to the Asia Society Texas Center, 1370 Southmore Boulevard, Houston 77004, where you can earn requirement for the American Cultures Merit Badge! The workshop will focus on how immigrant groups contributed cultural traits to the United States of America. The topics will include arts, languages, religious traditions and social customs from Asia and Europe. The day will end with a guided tour of The Other Side: Chinese and Mexican Immigration to America and a project based on ancestry and heritage.
Cost: $10 per scout, adult chaperones and scout leaders free of charge
For more information, contact: Paul Pass at [email protected] or 713-496-9915

 

Scout Days, Scout Nights

Overnight Programs at the Houston Zoo - NEED UPDATE  

February 20 and February 21

Join the Houston Zoo for an overnight stay and an exclusive exploration of what animals leave behind: poop! We'll create a fun craft, cruise through the Zoo to observe some of our animals with the most interesting excrement (cube shaped poop?!) and even meet a few animal ambassadors.  We hope to see you soon! Open to families, individuals, groups, and Scouts. 

For more information and to register, click here

 

 

Scout Nights with the Houston Rockets

Scouts and their friends and families can receive specially priced tickets for upcoming Rockets games! The Houston Rockets Scout Nights will be on Friday, February 27, Tuesday, March 17, Thursday, March 19, Wednesday April 1, and Sunday, April 12.  The first 100 Scouts will receive a gift! Purchase tickets here (use the promo code: SCOUT) For more information or questions you can contact Melissa Barousse at 713-758-7231. 

 

Scout Night with the Rice Owls
Saturday, February 28, 2015 7:00 p.m.
Watch the Rice University Men's Basketball team take on Charlotte.
Scouts will also have the opportunity to take a pre-game tour of Rice University and stand on the court for the National Anthem.
Tickets are only $10
To purchase tickets click here and use promo code: BSA
For more information please contact Shu Muthyala at (713) 348-8253 or [email protected]

Scout Day at the Houston Rodeo
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Presentation Time: 2 - 3 p.m.
Presentation Location: NRG Arena Sales Pavilion
Attend a special presentation of "Horsemanship." This presentation may fulfill some of the Merit Badge requirements for Boy Scouts, and a Sports Belt Loop and Pin for Cub Scouts.

Scout Day with the University of Houston Cougars
Sunday, March 8, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.
Come watch the University of Houston Men's Basketball team take on East Carolina University.
Please click www.uhcougars.com/ticketing and enter promo code SCOUT for a 20% discount on ticket,
plus receive an exclusive behind the scenes tour of TDECU Stadium, Hofheinz Field and Cougar Field before tip off.
For more information contact Jeremy Bowler at [email protected]

Support Scouting      
Thank you, Donors! 

Thank you to the 161 donors helped the Sam Houston Area Council "Be Prepared" by giving over $369,000 to the Endowment. These gifts were all matched by The Cockrell Foundation. All gifts made by individuals to the Endowment in the amount of $500, up to a lifetime cumulative of $25,000, were matched. 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.
 

19th Annual Sporting Clays Tournament
The 19th Annual Sporting Clays Tournament, sponsored by Schlumberger, will be held on April 30, 2015. Please note the new location of Westside Sporting Grounds, in Katy. Your participation in the tournament supports traditional Scouting, Learning for Life in-school programs, Exploring and outreach programs for at-risk youth.
The event is open to the first 100 teams that register. Teams registered by March 1 are eligible for the early bird prize drawing sponsored by Leyh, Payne & Mallia, PLLC. Every member of the team that wins the early bird prize drawing gets a new shotgun!  For more information and to register, please click here.

5th Annual Corporate Dodgeball Tournament
Sponsored by Anadarko Petroleum & Noble Energy
On Saturday, June 6, 2015 up to 60 teams will vie for the 5th Annual Dodgeball Championship at Competitive Edge Sports, in Spring, TX. 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).

Special thanks to the following major sponsors -
Title Sponsor - Anadarko Petroleum
Lunch Sponsor - Noble Energy
Ball Sponsors - Technip, Savage, Schlumberger

The tournament is open to all businesses, clubs and civic groups. Teams are encouraged to wear uniforms! The tournament promises to be an exciting day of fun, fast-paced action and team-building. Rise to the challenge and live on in the annals of Dodgeball lore!
Register a team by clicking here. Registrations will be accepted until May 30.

Flexible Deferred Gift Annuity
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Trusts to Protect Children
Trusts are an excellent way to provide for the support and care of children while protecting them. Two important reasons to create a trust are to care for minor children or for a child with special needs. Click here to read 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. Click here for more information.  Please contact Devin Koehler at [email protected] or 713-756-3321 for additional support.

 

 

Do You Work With ExxonMobil?

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 contact Devin Koehler at [email protected] or 713-756-3321 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. Click here for more information. 

 

Order of the Arrow
The Order of the Arrow is the Scouting National Honor Society.  For 99 years, the Order of the Arrow (OA) has recognized Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This recognition provides encouragement for others to live these ideals as well. Arrowmen are known for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long-term resident camping, developing leaders, and providing cheerful service to others. OA service, activities, adventures, and training for youth and adults are models of quality leadership development and programming that enrich, support, and help to extend Scouting to America's youth. For more information, contact your OA chapter.
 
Arrowman Service Award
Registered Order of the Arrow members in good standing with the BSA, SHAC and Colonneh Lodge will be able to commemorate our organization's centennial by working to complete the Arrowman Service Award. This award, which some are referring to as "the sash patch," will be recognized as one of the few patches that have ever been approved by the national Order of the Arrow committee to be worn on an OA sash. The purpose of the Arrowman Service Award (ASA) is to encourage Arrowmen to recommit themselves to the ideals of the Order, increase their level of service to their local unit and council, and participate in the 100th anniversary celebration of the OA. The award will have three categories of criteria with various requirements that Arrowmen can complete. These include components on personal growth, service to Scouting, and participation in the centennial celebration.  For an application, click  here.


Ordeals
Boy Scouts who were elected into the Order of the Arrow (OA) by their troop must complete an Ordeal within one year, in order to become a member of Colonneh Lodge. If a candidate does not attend an Ordeal within one-year, then the candidate has to be re-elected by their unit. There are seven Ordeal opportunities in 2015. A candidate can only complete his Ordeal in Colonneh Lodge. For more information, click here.

Centurion Award
For nearly 100 years, the Order of the Arrow has purposefully recognized Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. Therefore, our organization's centennial provides a unique opportunity to commemorate those among us who are exemplars of the "high ideals and purpose of the Order of the Arrow." The Centurion Award aims to highlight "Hometown Heroes," or Arrowmen who have meaningfully contributed to the forming, maturing and ongoing operational excellence of their local council's lodge, and who, in doing so, inspired others to follow in their footsteps.
This award is a one-time recognition associated with the centennial anniversary of the OA that is bestowed by the national Order of the Arrow committee. It is modeled after a similar program in the BSA's 100th anniversary celebration, the 2010 National Hall of Leadership. Accordingly, this recognition is an opportunity to highlight lodge development over the last century and the many individuals, both youth and adult, who were instrumental to this success. These honorees will serve as exemplars of leadership, modeling to others a commitment to cheerful service as the Order of the Arrow enters its second century.  To apply for the award click here.

Golden Ticket
The Golden Ticket is as a pass for Arrowmen to lodge events and unlimited ordeal staffing. For one low price of $137 receive $200 of event registration value plus a limited quantity Golden Ticket patch. Lodge events include with your Golden Ticket: 2015 Arrowman Bash, 2015 Fall Pow Wow, Staff all 2015 Ordeals, 2016 Lodge Leadership Development Conference, 2016 Lodge Banquet. The Golden Ticket Patch will be available for pick up at 2015 Arrowman Bash trading post. Purchase your Golden Ticket today! For more information, click here.


Mark your calendar
Arrowman Bash will be held on the weekend of May 1-3, 2015 at Bovay Scout Ranch. Arrowman Bash is a fun, weekend event that allows Arrowmen to recommit themselves to the principles of our order: brotherhood, cheerfulness and service. For more information, please click here.  

ArrowTour is coming to Section Conclave on the weekend of July 17-19, 2015 at Texas State University. ArrowTour is one of three programs that comprise a year-long celebration of the Order of the Arrow's centennial anniversary. In the summer of 2015, four delegations of youth Arrowmen will travel to council camps and Scouting events to bring our national centennial experience to Scouts, Arrowmen, and communities throughout the country. ArrowTour will provide opportunities to reflect, connect, and discover the Order's Centuries of Service, both past and future. Youth leaders from around the country are already hard at work building the ArrowTour program. The program has been designed for all Scouts, OA members and non-members alike. Whether a first year camper or a seasoned volunteer, the ArrowTour program will offer something for everyone. For more information click here.



 

Pay Your Dues Online

Colonneh Lodge dues are renewed annually.  An active member in Colonneh Lodge is someone who is a currently registered Scout or Scouter in the Sam Houston Area Council with current dues paid. With active membership, you are entitled to attend all functions of the lodge appropriate for your honor level. It also entitles you to wear your OA flap. Technically, if you don't pay your dues, you are not a member, and the flap should be removed from your uniform.  For more information please click here