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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. For more information, and register here.
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Scouting For Food
Register your unit here!
Food banks need help from YOUR unit to fight hunger.
The primary dates are:
January 24, 2026-door hanger distribution
January 31, 2026-food collection
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Friends of Scouting
Friends of Scouting is our annual giving campaign for all Scouting families in which we offer the opportunity to invest in the character, education, and leadership programs of Scouting by making a tax-deductible gift. Every dollar donated stays right here in our council to support local Scouts.
As we prepare to kick off the 2026 FOS campaign, your help is needed. Please contact your District’s Family FOS Chair or Key 3 to get more details & to give your Blue & Gold or Court of Honor date so proper presentation planning can be made. If you haven’t had an opportunity to invest in Scouting yet, go to OneCause and make a secure online gift today (choose your district and/or Unit so they receive credit).
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We will continue our incentive program from last year for all units. Units will have a unit FOS goal, and when the unit meets its goal by the end of March, all the Scouts in the units will be entitled to 50% off Day/Twilight camp fees (Pack) or 50% off Full Throttle weekend (Troop, Crew, Ship).
We appreciate your continued support and thank you for allowing us to be able to tell the Scouting story and the vast impact of our program to your unit’s families and for offering them a chance to support our annual Friends of Scouting campaign by investing in our program. To learn more about how your investment impacts the program, listen to SHAC Talk Podcast here.
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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!
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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.
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Scout Sanam M. Recieved the Council Certificate of Merit
Performing an act of service truly worthy of council-level recognition, Scout Sanam M. took it upon herself to research hair donation and, with her parents’ permission, donated her own hair to Locks of Love. Her generous gift, paired with a personal financial contribution, will support the creation of wigs for pediatric cancer patients and others experiencing hair loss due to illness or similar circumstances.
Sanam also shared her experience in an inspiring video, hoping to raise awareness for those affected by hair loss and to encourage others to consider donating their excess hair to help those in need.
In recognition of her compassion, initiative, and leadership, Sanam has been awarded the Council Certificate of Merit.
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Troop 889 celebrates 200 Eagle Scouts
Troop 889 has reached a remarkable milestone with the induction of its 200th Scout into the troop’s Eagle Scout Honor Roll.
Over the course of 26 years, Troop 889 has been shaped by countless Scouts, leaders, families, and supporters whose time, dedication, and mentorship helped make this achievement possible. Each Eagle represents years of growth, service, and leadership, building a legacy that continues to inspire future Scouts.
Pictured is Scoutmaster Tim Yagley alongside Landon, the 200th Eagle Scout in Troop 889’s history—a moment that reflects both the troop’s proud past and its strong future.
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Family Troops
The National Executive Board for Scouting America approved the implementation of the combined troop option.
The family troop option will become available to all chartering organizations as a third option on December 15, 2025. The chartered organization must be a part of the discussion to decide to change to a family troop, and they must approve the decision to change the model.
Troops will continue to be able to organize as boy troops and girl troops. For more information, please click here.
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Summer Camp Staff Opportunity
The council has an opportunity each year to provide Scouts and Scouters who attend our camps with a great camping experience. We are looking for dedicated individuals to apply to be on staff for summer camp at Camp Strake. The requirements are stiff, the jobs are demanding, and the experience is exhilarating. Must be at least 16 years of age during camp (youth ages 15 can serve as a counselor-in-training). Submit your application today! We are having an in-person interview day on January 24th which requires sign-up and will be opening soon. Complete your Summer Camp Staff application today!
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Volunteers needed 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.
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Volunteers needed in Food Service and Kitchen Teams!
Our camps depend on dedicated volunteers to help create a positive, memorable experience for every Scout who attends. We are currently seeking enthusiastic volunteers to join our Camp Food Service and Kitchen Team.
We are looking for volunteers who can assist with:
- Meal preparation and cooking
- Serving meals and dining hall support
- Maintaining kitchen cleanliness and organization
- Following food safety and sanitation guidelines
- Supporting special dietary needs (training provided)
For more information, please click here.
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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!
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Adventure Camp
25 Years of Bovay Scout Ranch
We are thrilled to be celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Bovay Scout Ranch. Bring your pack out for the ultimate Adventure Camp being held during four weekends in the spring. Cub Scouts will have engaging opportunities to create and learn through our exciting program that is still being perfected! Of course there will also be BB guns and archery. Register your Pack or family for Adventure Camp by January 15, 2026 to guarantee our 2025 pricing before prices increase. Register now - spots are filling up fast!
February 27-March 1, 2026
March 27-29, 2026
April 10-12, 2026
May 1-3, 2026
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Full Throttle featuring First Aid Meet!
Join us February 6-8 for a fun-filled weekend. Spend a half day earning a merit badge and the other half enjoying all the activities Camp Strake has to offer. The First Aid Meet comes to Camp Strake during our exciting Full Throttle weekend. Scouts will race through challenging scenarios, sharpen lifesaving skills, and enjoy a day of high-energy adventure. Register now by clicking here.
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Trail to Eagle Scout Camp
Trail to Eagle Scout Camp is a camp for Scouts BSA, similar to summer camp that operates under council-retained leadership. The program provides opportunities for Scouts to earn Eagle-required merit badges along their advancement trail. The camp is for troops and individual Scouts who have been in a troop for at least one year. We have TWO opportunities for this - come to one or both! March 12-14, 2026 March 15-17, 2026
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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 Summer Camp 2026
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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. June 7-13, June 14-20, June 21-27, and July 5-11, 2026
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Sea Scout Long Cruise
Long Cruise will be held at Camp Strake during two separate sessions to accommodate area spring breaks. Join us for range and target activities, zipline and, of course, sailing. We have added CPR certification, a Sea Scout high adventure trek and Venturing advancement. For more information, click here.
March 11-15 or March 14-18, 2026
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Wren H. from Iron Horse District has been elected as Colonneh Lodge’s first female Lodge Chief, a historic milestone for the second largest lodge in the nation. Founded in 1938, the 87-year-old Colonneh Lodge serves the Sam Houston Area Council.
Wren joined Scouting in 2022 and was elected into the Order of the Arrow in March 2023. Since then, she has served as North Area Chief and Vice Chief of Inductions, demonstrating exceptional leadership in a short time. When she’s not at an OA event, Wren can often be found staffing council camps and serving as a Senior Patrol Leader for NYLT. Beyond Scouting America, she is also a recipient of the Stars and Stripes Award from American Heritage Girls.
Wren attributes her success to her faith, her dedicated inductions team, and her perseverance. To the scout she was in 2022, and any scout who has just joined the Order of the Arrow she would say, “Stay active, be patient and work hard, there is great success on the other side of what is hard.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 a 10-day period, 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
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