Scouting: It All Starts Here

From adventure and creativity to community and teamwork—it all starts here! This fall, we are inviting families to discover how Scouting lays the foundation for a lifetime of fun, values, and unforgettable experiences.

Be The Spark

Have you ever considered the power of a single spark? How it can ignite a flame, bringing warmth, energy, and a sense of purpose? That's the core of our new campaign, "Be the Spark: Ignite a Future Leader," and we invite you to be that spark for the next generation. We believe that every individual has the potential to inspire and empower young people. Just as a spark can ignite a roaring flame, one dedicated leader can transform the lives of countless youth. 

Volunteers are needed throughout our area. Please sign up today!

Winter Camping Safety

As seasons change, there’s a special magic in winter camping—one of the most challenging outdoor adventures. Cold weather, unpredictable conditions, and unique hazards make preparation essential. Staying warm is the key to safety. Remember the C-O-L-D method:

C – Clean: Keep clothing clean and fluffy for best insulation.

O – Overheating: Avoid sweating; layer up or down and stay hydrated (skip energy drinks).

L – Loose Layers: Wear several loose, bright layers to maintain circulation and visibility. Always wear a hat.

D – Dry: Stay dry—wet clothing cools your body quickly. Brush off snow before entering heated areas. For more information, please click here.

Anonymous Scouts Honored for Exceptional Service

In the aftermath of the devastating July 2025 floods in Central Texas, two Scout troops from the Sam Houston Area Council performed extraordinary acts of service. Wishing to remain anonymous, eight Scouts and two Scout leaders assisted in disaster relief after a flash flood from the Guadalupe River struck camps near Hunt, Texas, causing severe damage and tragic fatalities.

The Scouts and leaders coordinated with county disaster officials, mobilized quickly, and worked tirelessly in the Texas heat—recovering and cleaning victims’ personal belongings, restoring damaged camp facilities, and assisting other relief teams. Their dedication exemplified the Scouting spirit of preparedness, resilience, and cheerful service.

In recognition of their outstanding efforts, each of the ten individuals received Scouting’s Medal of Merit. Out of respect for those affected, they have requested to remain unnamed, choosing quiet service over public recognition.

 Tag the Sam Houston Area Council on Facebook and your story might be featured.

Congratulations to one of SHAC's newest Eagle Scouts, Naviya, from Crew 62!

For her Eagle Project, Naviya designed and built a large outdoor community garden and beautification project for the

Sri Satyanarayana Temple in nearby Hockley. As projects go, she had to respond to many changes in the overall design and site installation, all while keeping communications flexible and flowing with sponsors and project volunteers to get the project done on time.

Congratulations Naviya!

The Silver Beaver Award is the highest form of recognition that a local council can bestow on a volunteer. Congratulations to the 2025 Silver Beaver recipients:

George Abercrombie

Zain Ali

Kurt Brochu

Dan Churay

Tom Heinzler

Mike Mathena

Steven Plumb

Angela Teague

Kyle Verret

Nancy Waldrip

Tess Wall

Volunteer to help at Adventure Camp!

Adventure Camp is your opportunity to make an impact on Cub Scouts and their families. You and your entire troop can volunteer alongside adult leaders to assist with Adventure Camp programming.

Younger Scouts will also get to see leadership in action while they meet your troop and learn what's in store for them in Scouts BSA! For more information, please visit here.

College of Commissioner Science

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

The role of Commissioner is one of the oldest and most vital positions in Scouting, guiding and supporting units to deliver the best possible program to Scouts. To help you thrive in this role, we invite you to a weekend of inspiration and growth at the College of Commissioner Science! This year we are fortunate to have Devang Desai, Scouting America’s National Commissioner as our keynote speaker!

Visit here to register and learn more. Overnight camping is available. Cabins are double-occupancy and first come, first served.

Camp Strake

November 7-8, 2025

RATA Training

The council Range and Targets Activities committee wants you to know about all of their available training courses! Help your unit, district, and council and become a certified rangemaster or NRA Instructor. Sign ups are available now! Click here to see more!

Scouting For Food-Our largest council-wide service project

Register your unit here!

Food banks need help from YOUR unit to fight hunger.

January 24, 2026-door hanger distribution

January 31, 2026-food collection

Support for Online Tools

SHAC has introduced a new ticket system to assist volunteers who need support with online tools. This system allows staff to process requests more efficiently—especially when screenshots or photos of error messages are included as attachments.

This support is for:

Scoutbook and Scoutbook Plus (for tracking advancement, activities/attendance, service hours and more unit items)

My.Scouting (provides access to personal training and records, unit membership management, unit administrative resources, and recruiting tools).

Please complete this form if you need specific assistance. While these systems are created and managed nationally by Scouting America, our council is committed to assisting our members.

University of Scouting

Lone Star College-Tomball

January 17, 2026 | 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

University of Scouting is a semi-annual supplemental training program. Sessions are led by experienced volunteers who will help leaders and parents enhance their ability to deliver a fun and exciting program to the Scouts. Reach more information, and register here

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 NOW!

Marksmanship Weekend! - December 5-7, 2025

9-1-1, What’s Your Emergency?  Career Merit Badge Day Classes

Merit badges will focus on safety, law, fire, first responder, and search and rescue. Career Merit Badge Day classes are led by industry professionals, with many classes held at related facilities around town. Class sizes are kept small to enhance the Scout’s experience through hands-on participation so don’t miss your chance to register!

Visit this page for more information and to register.

December 13, 2025 (registration opens in November)

Mission Lone Star

Join us at Camp Strake and sign up for our transformational, action-packed High Adventure Program: Mission Lone Star

Take advantage of all the unique things Camp Strake has to offer and our council’s partnership with NASA.

  • Soar through the air on a zipline.
  • Conquer your fears on the high ropes course.
  • Ride an ATV (ages 14+).
  • Test your aim with cowboy action shooting, knife throwing, and tomahawk chucking.
  • Scuba dive where astronauts train.
  • Experience an exciting astronaut training simulation.

Must be 13 years or older to enroll. 

Camperships and Super Troop opportunities are available. 

For more information, please click here.

Mission Lone Star is available during the following camps:

Campsgiving November 22-25, 2025

Winter Camp December 26-31, 2025

Summer Camp 2026

Campsgiving

Sign up now to be a part of the 1st ever Campsgiving at Camp Strake!!! Earn merit badges, explore a STEM trek and go on a trip to NASA, or enroll in our action packed High Adventure program. Campership and Super Troop opportunities are available. Click here to register.

November 22-25, 2025

Winter Camp

Winter Camp is just around the corner! Join us at Camp Strake for another amazing opportunity to have some fun. Earn merit badges, enjoy our high adventure experience and NASA partnership, and participate in some awesome evening programs! This year’s theme will center around 70s music! So, get ready to Tune into the 70s at Camp Strake! Campership and Super Troop opportunities are available. Click here to register! 

December 26-31, 2025

NYLT - A few seats remain for winter 2025 course

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 at other times. Held at Bovay Scout Ranch, courses are offered in June and December. For registration details visit here. 

Winter 2025 Course December 26-31, 2025

Summer Camp 2026

Join us at Camp Strake in 2026 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 and get those early bird specials for Summer Camp 2026! June 7-13, June 14-20, June 21-27, and July 5-11, 2026

Join Sea Scouts

The Sea Scouts annual Awards Dinner is 7 p.m., Wed., Dec. 16, at the Cockrell Scout Center. Council Sea Scout Leadership Awards will be given at this dinner. All are welcome to attend and learn about Sea Scouts, but need to RSVP at nfarmer07@at..net, or text Commodore Neal Farmer at 713-899-0783.

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.

Vehicle Donations 

Scouting America partners with CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) for turnkey vehicle donations. This third-party service will work directly with councils and donors to facilitate title transfers, vehicle pick-up and delivery in all 50 states.  

Now Hiring

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 job opportunities.

National Jamboree 2026-Contingent registration is Open!

The National Jamboree is Scouting’s flagship event. There’s no shortage of opportunities at the Bechtel Summit in West Virginia to build Scouting memories. Over 10 days, join 40,000 Scouts, leaders and staff, showcasing everything great about Scouting, stadium shows, pioneer villages, Garden Ground hikes, adventure sports, patch trading, and more. Registration is OPEN for our council contingent, visit this page.

July 20-August 2, 2026

Join our local contingent leadership for a ZOOM information session in September. 

Choose either September 16, 17 or 18. 

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn