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An Enhanced BeAScout Experience
BeAScout has launched a refreshed look designed to make finding and joining local units easier than ever for prospective families.
To help families find the right fit, Unit Leaders can now fill out several new fields in their Unit Pin via Organization Manager on My.Scouting.org:
Meeting Details: Days, start/end times, and frequency
Cost Transparency: Unit fees and whether fundraising helps cover costs
Trial Visits: Option to mark if prospective families are encouraged to visit a meeting
Take a few minutes to update your unit's pin today!
Update your BeAScout Pin today – logon to My.Scouting.org -> Organization Manager -> Unit Pin
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Popcorn
Every Scout should learn the value of hard work and earning their own way. Selling popcorn is the perfect opportunity to teach this life lesson while funding the most exciting year of Scouting yet! To make it easy, the council handles the heavy lifting—eliminating the need for units to vet vendors, calculate returns, or design promotional materials. Ultimately, the popcorn sale isn't just about fundraising... it's about promoting Scouting in our community! For more information, please click here.
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Join our team!
We are continually searching for potential employees who would like to work in a profession that has a meaningful, rewarding purpose. Learn more about our current job opportunities, including Membership Onboarding Specialists and Entry Level District Executives, by clicking here.
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Safety Moment - Is it Scouting?
To determine if an activity is within the scope and guidelines of the Scouting program, it is beneficial to ask the following question.
- Is the activity appropriate for Scouting?
- Is it age appropriate?
- Which book are you in, and what page are you on?
For more information on these and other safety considerations, please click here.
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Scout Devon C. highlighted in Scout Life Magazine
Sam Houston Area Council Scout Devon C. was recently highlighted in Scout Life Magazine after demonstrating exceptional bravery and leadership during a whitewater rafting incident. For his actions, Devon received the Honor Medal With Crossed Palms. To read Devon's heroic story, please click here.
| | Tag the Sam Houston Area Council on Facebook and your story might be featured. | | | | Troop 1845 from the Thunderwolf District proudly participated in the flag ceremony at Sugar Land's public reading of the Declaration of Independence, hosted by the Exchange Club in celebration of America's 250th anniversary. The event was especially meaningful as communities across the nation gathered simultaneously to read the Declaration and honor our country's history and freedoms. Troop 1845 represented Scouting with excellence, demonstrating a strong commitment to service, citizenship, and character in their community. | | | | |
New Process for Eagle Scout Board of Review
Eagle Scout applications are now processed electronically both before and after the Eagle Scout Board of Review (EBOR). This streamlined process eliminates the need to travel to the Cockrell Scout Center for pre-EBOR application verification or to submit paperwork after the board of review. Once approved, Eagle Scout credentials may be picked up at your selected Scout Shop or mailed for a nominal fee. For more information, please click here.
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Updated Online Merit Badge Policy
Online merit badges emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow Scouts to continue advancing while group gatherings and in-person interactions were restricted. While the post-pandemic demand for online options has significantly decreased, online badges remain a valuable alternative in specific situations, such as when a Scout is ill. For a full update of all merit badge policies, please click here.
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RATA Training
The Range and Targets Activities Committee is offering some trainings very soon! Sign up now, join us at Camp Strake, and get certified to help with Rifle, Shotgun, or Archery.
Visit our here to learn more.
September 18-20, 2026
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COPE and Climbing Training
The COPE and Climbing Committee is offering you the opportunity to get trained! Come to Camp Strake and learn from the best as you gain the skills and certification needed to help support your unit, district, and council climbing programs.
Visit our here to learn more.
October 23-25, 2026
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International Scouting Day
As you plan your unit's fall calendar, be sure to save October 17 for an exciting international adventure right here in Houston! Through JOTA-JOTI (Jamboree-on-the-Air and Jamboree-on-the-Internet), Scouts can connect with millions of youth worldwide, explore new cultures, and experience the global Scouting movement—all without leaving home. For more information, please click here.
October 17, 2026
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College of Commissioner Science
The College of Commissioner Science is an annual training event designed to provide continuing education for commissioners in a structured, college-style format. This program helps commissioners stay up to date with the latest tools, techniques, and best practices for unit service. Keynote speaker will be Glen Pounder, Scouting America's Chief Safeguarding Officer. Registration will open soon and you do not have to be a commissioner to attend.
Camp Strake
November 13-14, 2026
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First Aid Training
To help leaders keep themselves and Scouts safe, the SHAC Enterprise Risk Management team offers several safety training opportunities throughout the year, including First Aid/CPR/AED, Wilderness First Aid (required for Philmont and many other high-adventure treks), and instructor training for those interested in joining the safety training team.
For course details, upcoming training dates, and registration information, click here and scroll down to the First Aid section.
| | To view the latest promotional offers from the Scout Shop, please click here. | | | | |
Fall Adventure Camp
We are thrilled to be celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Bovay Scout Ranch. Bring your pack out for the ultimate Adventure Camp being held this fall. Register now
October 2-4, 2026 - Limited Spots Remain
October 16-18, 2026 - FULL
October 23-25, 2026 - FULL
October 30 - November 1, 2026
November 20-22, 2026
December 11-13, 2026 - FULL
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Full Throttle
Relive the excitement of Camp Strake and join us for one of the fall Full Throttle weekends! Scouts spend a half-day participating in program areas such as shooting sports, climbing, and ziplining, and a half-day working on a merit badge. Individual Scouts can attend on Saturday; troops can camp for the weekend. Campership opportunities are still available. Sign up here.
September 18-20, 2026
December 4-6, 2026
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Campsgiving
Sign up now to be a part of our second ever Campsgiving at Camp Strake!!! From outdoor activities and program showcases to fellowship around camp and opportunities to earn merit badges, Campsgiving is the perfect opportunity for this! Campership opportunities are available. Sign up here.
November 21-24, 2026
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Winter Camp
It’s never too early to start thinking about Winter Camp at Camp Strake!
Earn merit badges, enroll in High Adventure, and enjoy a variety of fun evening program activities. With more than 70 merit badge classes to choose from, there’s something for every Scout. Classes are taught by experienced Scouters who bring real-world knowledge and experience from the field.
Just like Summer Camp, Super Troop and Campership opportunities are available to any Scout who wants to attend camp. This Year’s Winter Camp Theme Is… WESTERN! Sign up to reserve your spot here.
December 26-31, 2026
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Summer Camp 2027
Join us at Camp Strake Summer Camp in 2027 for a week of high-energy fun, skill-building, and unforgettable memories! From swimming and shooting sports to climbing, merit badges, and evening campfires, Camp Strake offers Scouts an action-packed experience in the heart of the Texas pines. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the adventure. Click here to register for Summer Camp 2027!
June 6-12, 2027
June 13-19, 2027
June 20-26, 2027
and June 27-July 3, 2027
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National Youth Leadership Training
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an action-packed six-day council-level program that provides Scouts in troops, crews, and ships with leadership skills and experience they can use in their units and throughout life.
For registration details please visit here.
December 26-31, 2026
| | The 2026-27 Venturing year kicks off on Sunday, September 20, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Butler Hall, Trinity Episcopal Church in The Woodlands! Scouts ages 14 and older are invited to join the SHAC Venturing Officers' Association for an afternoon of adventure previews, college and career readiness resources, tailgate games, treats, and introductions to the new VOA officers. Wear your favorite college T-shirt or Venturing field uniform, bring a friend, and get ready for an exciting year ahead! For more information visit our council Venturing page. | | |
Minto Rendezvous is Almost Here!
Set sail for the Minto Rendezvous Skills Competition over Labor Day weekend at Bovay Scout Ranch, September 5-7. This exciting annual event brings together Sea Scouts and Ships from across our council and the surrounding region for a weekend of friendly competition, camaraderie, and maritime skills.
Participants will compete head-to-head in events such as knot tying, buoy throwing, canoe racing, first aid, and more. For additional details and registration information, please click here.
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Mark Your Calendar: Safety at Sea
SHAC Sea Scouts will also participate in Safety at Sea on Saturday, October 17 (times to be announced). During this hands-on experience at the U.S. Coast Guard's Sector Houston-Galveston headquarters, participants operate water cannons, extinguish live fires, deploy flares, and practice water rescue techniques in Galveston Bay.
Scouts age 14 and older who are currently in a troop can join a Sea Scout Ship at no cost and take part in this unforgettable experience. Learn more about Sea Scouts by clicking here.
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September Induction Weekend
The September Induction Weekend is just around the corner! Join us at Bovay Scout Ranch, September 11-13, for a memorable weekend of service, fellowship, and leadership development.
We are currently seeking luminaries and ceremonialists. If you have completed the new Induction Experience, we need your help in making this event a success. If you have not yet completed the new Induction Experience, this is the perfect opportunity to participate and learn firsthand. Even if neither of these roles applies to you, we can still use your help as a member of the general staff.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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National Leadership Seminar (NLS)
The National Leadership Seminar (NLS) will be held at Camp Strake, September 25-27.
NLS is an intensive weekend leadership development program for Order of the Arrow youth and adult members. The course focuses on adaptive leadership, personal growth, team development, and practical leadership skills that participants can apply within their lodges, units, and communities.
Don't miss this opportunity to grow as a leader and bring new ideas back to your chapter and lodge.
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Section Induction Experience (SIE)
The Section Induction Experience (SIE) will take place at Camp Strake, October 9-11.
SIE offers a unique opportunity to meet Arrowmen from lodges across the section while experiencing the new Induction Experience together. Participants gain hands-on training, learn about induction team roles and responsibilities, and develop the skills needed to strengthen the induction process in their home lodges.
Whether you're new to inductions or looking to deepen your involvement, SIE is an outstanding opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. Sign up today and be part of this exciting experience!
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Two Scout Days with Texas A&M Aggies
The 12th Man Foundation and Aggie Football invite Scouts and their families to Kyle Field to yell for the Aggies! The Texas A&M football team will be defending their home field.
September 5, 2026: Aggie Football Scout Day 2026 vs. Missouri State | 6:00 PM
September 19, 2026: Aggie Football Scout Day 2026 vs. Kentucky | 2:30 PM
If you have any questions or require ADA seating, please contact Pierce Bradley. Gig' Em!
Order tickets by clicking here. Use Promo Code - AFSD26
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University of Houston Football Scout Day
Saturday, October 3, 2026
In celebration of the incredible impact of Scouting across Southeast Texas, Houston-area Scouts can purchase group tickets for just $16! Scouts from across the council are encouraged to our Built By Houston - Wear Blue Game.
For ticket information, please click here.
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Scout Days
Scout Days are awesome opportunities to get your Scouts, friends, and family together for exciting experiences around the area with other Scouting families at discounted rates. Click here for more details.
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Merit Badge Days
The construction-themed Merit Badge Day is an opportunity for Scouts to work on the Electricity, Plumbing, or Safety Merit Badge. Classes are sponsored and taught by instructors from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Houston and Construction and Maintenance Education Foundation. For a list of prerequisites and to register, please click here.
October 10, 2026
For a complete list of upcoming Merit Badge Days, please click here.
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