Boy Scouts of America, Sam Houston Area Council
eScouter Newsletter                                                           September 2017
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

Big Cypress

Brahman

Brazos

Copperhead

David Crockett

Flaming Arrow

George Strake

Iron Horse

Mustang

North Star

Orion

Phoenix

Raven

San Jacinto

Skyline

Soaring Eagle

Tall Timbers

Tatanka

Texas Skies

Thunder Wolf

Twin Bayou

W.L. Davis

 

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Sam Houston Area Council
Hurricane Harvey Cleanup Efforts

The Sam Houston Area Council Boy Scouts of America is committed to helping the cleanup effort in Southeast Texas. All Scouts and Scouters interested in these efforts are encouraged to participate. For more information about ways to help, please click here.

University of Scouting - CANCELLED
Due to hurricane damage at MacArthur High School, University of Scouting, originally scheduled for September 23, has been cancelled. Refunds are being processed for those who have already registered. 

Fall Recruitment
With the wide variety of school re-openings, due to Hurricane Harvey, please work with your District Fall Recruitment Chair and District Executive your unit's plan for Fall Recruitment.

Fun with Son
The Super Heroes are back!
October 20-22, 2017
Fun with Son is an overnight campout for newly registered Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scouts and their adult partner and families at  Bovay Scout Ranch in Navasota. Scouts can participate in BB guns, archery, sling shots, crafts, rockets, sports, campfire and more. Registration includes an event patch, activity supplies, snacks and two meals. 
Click here to register for the Friday to Saturday session.
Click here to register for the Saturday to Sunday session.
Fun with Son is run by volunteers. Volunteers help with check-in, run program areas (e.g., BB guns, archery, crafts, rockets), serve in the dining hall, assist with parking and staff the first aid area. Click here to register as a volunteer. For more information, please contact: Vincent B. Manning - 713-756-3380 or  vincent.manning@scouting.org.



 Leader's News

Sam Houston Area Council's annual popcorn sale is officially underway! Scouts all over the Council are busy earning their own way and learning valuable skills that will serve them through life. It is not too late for your Scouts start selling delicious Trail's End Popcorn. Simply register here and instantly get started by registering your Scouts for online sales.
In addition to earning money for Scouting adventures, Scouts can earn great prizes by simply selling $25 or more. Scout's that sell $1,800 or more will be invited to join our Top Sellers Club where they will earn special prizes and the opportunity to join other Top Sellers at a party on January 6th. Another great opportunity for our high achieving Scouts is the Trail's End Scholarship Program. Scouts that sell $2,500 or more can earn 6% back on their sales through the remainder of their time in Scouting. Scholarship funds can be used for education or mission expenses.
Do not forget about our upcoming Blitz Days! Blitz Days are a great opportunity for units to focus their Scouts on a neighborhood near their church, school, or charter partner. Scouts that Sell 20 items by September 30th can enter to win the first Blitz Day prize, a GoPro action camera.
For more information about popcorn, please click here

2017 Membership Fee Increase
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
To do this - while delivering the nation's foremost youth development program - the BSA must remain vigilant in controlling costs. Although we have been successful in reducing our expenditures in many areas, it has become necessary to evaluate our annual membership fees.
Based on feedback from both volunteers and employees, the BSA membership fee will increase to $33 for all registered youth and adult leaders, effective December 1, 2017. Membership fees support the services that are necessary to provide Scouting to youth from 7 to 21 years of age. From education to high-adventure experiences you can't get anyplace else, the BSA provides unique growth opportunities at a great value. For more information and Frequently Asked Questions, please click here.

Youth Protection Update
Effective September 1, 2017, Youth Protection Training will be required for all adult leaders at the time of registration. Paper applications from new leaders must be accompanied by a Youth Protection Training completion certificate, which must be filed with the application.

Register now for NYLT!
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an action-packed leadership course designed for Boy Scouts and Venturers. During the six days of NYLT, youth are challenged to develop leadership skills through teambuilding activities, games, and practical application. Graduates return to their home units to continue their growth and deliver the promise of the youth-led unit. Registration is now open for Winter NYLT, to be held at Bovay Scout Ranch on December 26-31. To learn requirements and more about NYLT, please click here. To register for the 2017 Winter NYLT course, click here.

The Sam Houston Area Council is Now Hiring!
We continually search for potential career employees who would like to work in a profession that has a meaningful, rewarding purpose. Bring to the BSA your varied life experiences, education, and perspective, and in return you will have an opportunity to combine those skills and experiences in a career that values and respects others. Scouting is a profession with a purpose!
Check out our current openings  here .  

Be A Scoutreach Volunteer
-Use your experience to help Scouting's neediest youth 
-Help expand Scouting into new parts of Southeast Texas
-Volunteer according to your schedule and availability

Scoutreach is the Sam Houston Area Council's program to build scouting in traditionally under served communities. 7,000 Scouts participate in this program, which are primarily led by paid employees. Most unit activities are held in elementary and middle schools throughout Houston. The goal of the Scoutreach program is for all participants to have the same experiences and opportunities as those in traditional, volunteer led, programs. Scoutreach parents are not typically available to provide the support enjoyed by traditional volunteer units. Experienced Scout Volunteers are needed to bring the skill components to the Scout's experience.
SHAC's new Scoutreach Volunteer program will fill this gap and ensure a high quality program is delivered to these Scouts. Volunteers are needed to help in ScoutReach Boy Scout Camping and Merit Badge Classes, and Cub Scout Day Experiences. Campout assistance is generally needed for day only classes, although leaders that can stay over night are needed from time to time.
Volunteers must be registered Scouters and have completed youth protection training. Please contact Lionel Jellins at  lionel@jellins.ne t to volunteer to let us know your areas of interest and knowledge. Scoutreach will develop a calendar of events where volunteers are most needed and we will be happy to match you with an opportunity to serve.  Opportunities will include:
-Spring and Fall Overnight Camping - Teach Tenderfoot through 1st Class Skills
-Spring and Fall Merit Badge Event - Conduct a One Day Merit Badge program
-Pinewood Build and Race Derby - Assist Scouts in building a Pinewood Derby Car, assist in conducting a ScoutReach Wide Pinewood Derby
-Training and Roundtable Events for Program Specialists - Help teach our Program Specialists the skills they need to implement a high quality program

Join the Eagle Scout Hunt!
The SHAC Eagle Scout Association is looking for all Eagle Scouts in our area - active or not. Please encourage any Eagle you know, particularly those not currently active in Scouting, to register at  www.iamaneagle.org   to receive more information as plans progress.

Eagle Scout Scholarships
The National Eagle Scout Association will award nearly $700,000 in scholarships to Eagle Scouts based on their academic performance, Scouting background, college plans and financial need. The window for the latest round of National Eagle Scout Association scholarships opened Aug. 1, 2017. It will close for good on Oct. 31, 2017. Scholarship recipients will be notified by mail on July 15, 2018, and money will be disbursed to these deserving Eagle Scouts in fall 2018. For more information, please click here.

Camp Strake - Patsy & Stan Stanley Arena
Stan Stanley was a loving father and husband, businessman, community leader and a dedicated Scout volunteer.  His service to the Boy Scouts includes Scoutmaster of Troop 209, District Commissioner for the Mustang District, numerous council committee positions, Council Commissioner for the Sam Houston Area Council from 2007-2012, Co-Chair of the 2014 "A Century of Service Celebration", and Co-Chair of the site selection committee for the new Camp Strake.

Stan would have not been able to do what he did for Scouting and his community without the involvement and support of the love of his life, and his head cheerleader, Patsy Stanley. Patsy is a retired Texas school educator. She continues to be involved and supportive of Scouting. She is a very active volunteer with Stanley Elementary and St. Peters United Methodist Church. 

When Patsy and Stan met, Patsy was involved in outdoor education. On their first date Stan was asking Patsy about her job. She said "If you are familiar with the Boy Scouts of America, I use the Boy Scout manual as my curriculum guide". Stan replied that he indeed was familiar with Scouting and that he was an Eagle Scout and a Scoutmaster. The rest is history. Patsy believes that she and Stan were made for each other. 

In honor of the example of service that Patsy and Stan Stanley have provided, the Sam Houston Area Council has plans to raise $500,000 for the naming rights of the Council Arena at the new Camp Strake. The arena will be named the Patsy & Stan Stanley Arena.

Patsy and Stan Stanley Arena at Camp Strake
To help the Sam Houston Area Council with the goal of naming the Camp Strake Arena in honor of Patsy & Stan and to support the Leaders of Tomorrow Campaign please complete a Leaders of Tomorrow Pledge form and identify Patsy & Stan Stanley Arena on the Other / Additional Instructions line. This will also qualify your gift to be matched at 50% by the Mabee Foundation. For more information call Jim Rees at 713-756-3315 or visit here
 

Scouts with Disabilities
Summer can present some different challenges for Scouts with disabilities. With changes in schedules and routines it is important for both parents and leaders to be prepared for camping experience. To help ensure that both parents and leaders are as prepared as possible the Sam Houston Area Council has a portion of its website dedicated to helping Scouts with Special Needs. Please visit here for FAQs, resources, other information to ensure that Scouting is accessible and enjoyable to all Scouts.
For specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Janet Kelly with the Disabilities Awareness Committee.

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.

Enterprise Risk Management Committee
The purpose of the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) committee is to prepare adult leaders to conduct Scouting activities in a safe and prudent manner. 
For information regarding Emergency Preparedness, click here
Safety Moments are exactly what the name implies: opportunities to prepare for an activity, review safety measures, and report incidents correctly. Topics of this new series include incident reporting helps, safe use of medication in Scouting, the tour and activity plan, weather-related safety, winter activity, and winter sports. 
To learn more about Incident Reviews, click  here  (scroll down to the bottom of the page).  
For information regarding general health & safety questions, please click here.
For more information about Enterprise Risk Management, including First Aid/CPR/AED trainings, please click here. For Emergency Preparedness Resources, click here
For suggestions or comments please contact  yeldellse@yahoo.com  or Mike Narvaez coachmike19@gmail.com
   Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing, Exploring
   

Bovay Scout Ranch
Enjoy all the wonder and beauty of the central Texas rolling hills and lakes at Bovay Scout Ranch. Bovay Scout Ranch has a variety of camping opportunities for Cub Scouts, Boy Scout Troops and Venturers. Bovay Scout Ranch has year round camping program opportunities for all levels of Cub Scouts including Weekend Adventure Camps. 

Weekend Unit Camping
Troops, Teams, Crews, Packs, or Webelos Dens can enjoy the amazing beauty of Bovay Scout Ranch rolling hills, trails and vast open spaces. Clean campsites, restrooms and showers are available; units may design their own program activities and provide their own meals during this type of weekends. For more information, please click  here.

McNair Cub Adventure Camp
McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Camp is a weekend campout 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. Activities typically include BB guns, archery, BMX bikes, dino dig, lost mine, nature center, and more. McNair Cub Adventure Camp certified trained staff members provide the program supplies and lead the activities. Packs, Dens and individual families may register. For more information, please click here.


Webelos Coyote Trail Extreme
Webelos Coyote Trail Extreme is a specialty weekend (November 10 - 12, 2017) campout for 4th and 5th grade Webelos. Scouts will work on Webelos skills (e.g., knots, flag etiquette, first aid, Navigation), and be introduced to the patrol method giving them a unique experience into the importance of team work and other skills they will need on their first Boy Scout campout (e.g., Outdoors, Camping, lashings). Scout fees include four meals (Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner and Sunday breakfast). Activity supplies, t-shirt, patch, and water bottle. Adult fees include meals only. Cost: $115 for Webelos and $40 for adults. For more information and registration, click here
 
Summer Camp 2018 - Lost Pines Scout Reservation
We cordial invite all Sam Houston Area Council Troops to come spend their summer with us at the beautiful Lost Pines Scout Reservation on Lake Bastrop! We have an exciting summer planned with fun for all. Here are just a few of our camp highlights:
Set on 500 beautiful acres of loblolly pines on the north shore of Lake Bastrop
Friendly, experienced staff.
Scuba Open Water Dive Certification Program
Our Silver Pines program combines both on and off camp adventures for older scouts
Unique extra programs such as Action Archery, Bikathlon and the LPSR Triathlon
Living History Program night with branding, tomahawk throwing and many more fun opportunities
Adult leader trainings offered daily
NEW - Aquatics focus week July 8-12 with special programs and opportunities for Sea Scouts too!
We are offering seven weeks of camp this year from June 10 through July 28. For more information, click here. or you can register today by contacting Keri.Smeaton@scouting.org.
Questions? Contact Teresa Northcutt at Teresa.northcutt@scouting.org or 512-617-8650.

Venturing
Click here to find all the Venturing news including, Venturing Forums, upcoming events calendars, and Crew Committee Challenge Training. 

Want to Know More?
Follow the SHAC VOA on Twitter @shacventuring
Instagram @shacventuring
Or FaceBook @ SHACVenturing

Sea Scouts Fleet
Due to the massive damage to Houston and the greater Gulf Coast, it has been determined that it will be best that we cancel the Minto rendezvous for 2017. 

For more information regarding Sea Scouts, please click here

United Way of Greater Houston's 211 Helpline and THRIVE
2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE
If you need help finding child care, food stamps, care for an aging parent or a haven from domestic violence, 2-1-1 is the number to call when you don't know who to call. The United Way of Greater Houston's trained HELPLINE specialists are good listeners, blending understanding and expertise to provide information and referrals drawn from a comprehensive database of social services. Annually, the 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE answers over 957,600 calls for help. Basic needs, like food, utilities and health care, topped the list of requests last year, followed by rent assistance and help finding shelter.
Additionally, other resources such as United Way THRIVES's workforce development offerings, financial coaching and education opportunities and financial products and services can be accessed through 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE.

Scout Days, Scout Nights

Scout Days at iFLY
Are you ready to take flight? Join us Sunday, September 17th (The Woodlands location) or Sunday, September 24th (Memorial location) for a special Scout Day at iFLY Houston. Fly with your friends, family and fellow Scouts at a discounted rate especially for Scouts.
When you come to iFLY get ready to be blown away - literally. It's thrilling. It's amazing. Experience the feeling of freefall as you float on a smooth cushion of air. There's no parachute, no jumping, and nothing attaching you to planet Earth. It's just you FLYING in the air. Super fun, super safe and super cool! For more information, click here.

Universal Technical Institute
Boy Scout Merit Badge Event
Saturday, September 23rd
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Houston Campus - 721 Lockhaven Drive
Houston, TX 77073
Register here to earn requirements for any of the following merit badges: Electronics, Automotive Maintenance, Welding, Truck Transportation, Farm Mechanics

Scout Day with the Houston Dynamo
Saturday, September 30
7:30 p.m.
Join the Houston Dynamo as they take on the Minnesota United FC for Scout Day with the Houston Dynamo. Tickets are $25. The first 100 purchasers will recieve a Houston Dynamo Patch, post match movie at the stadium and participate in the Rally tunnel.
For more information, please contact Patrick Clark pclark@houstondynamo.com (713) 276-7521

Local Heroes Family Fun Day
Saturday, October 14, 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. 
on the grounds of the HPD Training Academy 
17000 Aldine Westfield.
The Houston Police Department will be hosting its First Annual Local Heroes Family Fun Day. T he event will kick-off with a special program, recognizing First Responders from Police, Fire, Military, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Department of Public Safety (DPS). Attendees will see displays of SWAT vehicles, Mounted Patrol, rescue helicopters and boats, fire trucks, defense demonstrations, public safety presentations, a controlled car chase and whole lot more!! Participants will get the opportunity to interact with local heroes and learn about their exciting careers. 
The event is free and open to the general public. Free parking will be available. 
For more information contact HPD's Public Affairs Office, 713-308-3200.

Scout Days at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science offers a variety of classes for Scouts. Tigers, Wolves, Bears and Webelos can work towards Adventures in two-hour classes. Up to two classes can be taken in one day and entrance to the general exhibits is included. Classes are offered throughout the school year on Saturdays.
18 merit badges are available during the school year for Boy Scouts at HMNS, including five Eagle Scout required badges: Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Family Life, and Personal Management.
All classes will use the resources at the museum's disposal to help Scouts meet requirements. For example, Indian Lore and Archaeology uses the John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas, Astronomy class uses the state-of-the-art Burke Baker Planetarium and Energy will use the New Wiess Energy Hall to meet requirements. 
Also, on Saturday, September 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Cub Scouts, Webelos, Boy Scouts and their families can participate in requirements for STEM/Nova Awards.
For more information, contact scouts@hmns.org, to register.

Texas A&M Football  Scout Appreciation Day
Saturday, November 11
All scouts and their families are invited to Kyle Field on Saturday, November 11th, as the Texas A&M Aggies take on the New Mexico Lobos on Veteran's Day. Tickets start at $35.
Order your tickets here and enter promo code: scouts
For more information on how to purchase tickets please call Josh Massey at 979-260-7958 or email groups@12thmanfoundation.com . 

Scout Geology Day
Saturday, November 11, 2017
at the Houston Gem and Mineral Society's Annual Show
Humble Civic Center
8233 Will Clayton Parkway (½ mile east of Hwy 59)
Humble, Texas 77338 (Free Parking!)
Learn about the three types of rocks: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic. Also, learn the basic properties of minerals, field methods and safety, the economic uses of minerals, geoscience careers, and Fossils.
Admission tickets available at the door: $8, children 10 and under free
RSVP Required. To RSVP, please contact ackeiffers@aol.com or 281-830-9641 or filling out the form here.
For additional information, contact Show Chair Scott Singleton fossilwood@comcast.net or  832-524-8382

Support Scouting      
 

Golf Classic Tournament
September 27, 2017
Golf Club of Houston
Play where the pros play!
Join us for the 41st annual Sam Houston Area Council Golf Classic at Golf Club of Houston to support the Sam Houston Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. Golf Club of Houston, formerly known as Redstone Golf Club, has hosted the PGA TOUR's Shell Houston Open since 2003. Participants will play on the same course where the tournament is held.  For more information, please click here.

Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner
Celebrating Richard A. Eichler
October 11, 2017
Marriot Marquis Houston
Each year, the Distinguished Citizen/Family Award Dinner affords an opportunity to honor individuals or families who have made a distinct difference in the fabric of the Southeast Texas. The 2017 Distinguished Citizen Award is being presented to Richard A. Eichler. For more information about the Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner, please click here.

Celebrating Cultures
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Buffalo Soldiers Museum
3816 Caroline St.
Houston, TX 77004
Plan to join us as we celebrating the contribution of the African-American, Asian-American, and Hispanic-American cultures while celebrating the uniqueness of Southeast Texas and the Boy Scouts of America. For more information, please click here.

Donate your vehicle
To donate a car, truck, RV, trailer, boat or motor to the Sam Houston Area Council, please visit One Car One Difference, found here.  For more information about One Car One Difference, the Boy Scouts of America's Vehicle donation program, please click here.
Order of the Arrow
 

OA Day of Service
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Double Lake Recreation Area
301 FM 2025 Rd, Coldspring, TX
Order of the Arrow members will be leading service projects on National Public Lands Day. This service opportunity is open to all Boy Scouts,  Venturers,  Scouters, and family members. For Star Scouts, these projects will serve to meet the Life Scout requirement for conservation project hours. Projects include clearing of underbrush, removing invasive species, and erosion control. 
The cost is only $5 per person and includes lunch. Registration can be done by individual Arrowman or units (troops, teams, crews, ships). Units may camp Friday and/or Saturday night (please request to camp during registration). Schedule details and the registration link are availiable 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 during 2017, then the candidate has to be re-elected by their unit. There are several Ordeal opportunities in 2017. A candidate can only complete his Ordeal in Colonneh Lodge. 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

The Order of the Arrow is the Scouting National Honor Society.  For 101 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 .