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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 and 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 sincerely appreciate your continued support. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to share the Scouting story and highlight the meaningful impact of our program with your unit’s families. We are also grateful for the chance to invite them to support our annual Friends of Scouting campaign by investing in the future of Scouting. 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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Safety Moment - Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is considered “any activity that diverts the driver’s attention away from driving,” according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The distractions can include a wide range of a driver’s or passenger’s personal actions or activities while in a vehicle. Even if a driver is only trying to keep Scouts in their seats while the vehicle is in motion, that is a distraction. For more information, please click here.
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Scout Osahar R. receives the Medal of Merit
Eagle Scout Osahar R. demonstrated exceptional service by quickly responding when his neighbor fell in his garage and suffered a serious leg injury. Remaining calm, Osahar retrieved first aid supplies, elevated the victim’s leg, cleaned the wound, and applied direct pressure and bandaging, successfully stopping the bleeding.
After stabilizing his neighbor, Osahar contacted his mother, who transported them to urgent care and then to a hospital emergency room. Osahar remained by his side until he was safely transferred to medical staff.
Because the neighbor was home alone, Osahar’s prompt actions were critical in preventing further harm and ensuring proper medical care. His response reflects the highest values of Scouting America, and he was awarded the Medal of Merit.
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Triple Eagle Scouts!
Congratulations to Daniel W., Aaron P., and Kian G. from Troop 878 in the Iron Horse District! All three Eagle Scouts chose to do beautification service projects in their community.
Community service is an essential value of Scouting America and youth development. In every act of service, Scouts live out the core values of Scouting, making the achievement of Eagle Scout one of the highest honors in our program. Awesome work, Scouts!
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National Youth Leadership Training - Note the new summer schedule
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.
Summer Courses:
June 7-12, 2026
July 19-24, 2026
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Volunteer Opportunities at our Council Camps
If you’re looking to make a lasting impact in the lives of Scouts while serving at camp, we offer a wide range of opportunities where you can put your talents, skills, and passion to meaningful work.
For Cub Scout Adventure Camp opportunities, please click here.
For Food Service and Kitchen Team opportunities, please click here.
For Medic Team opportunities, please click here.
To volunteer to be a Trail to Eagle Merit Badge Counselor, 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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University of Scouting
Outdoor Adventures
Camp Strake
Join fellow Scouters for hands-on courses that can only be fully experienced in the great outdoors — from Rangemaster and Climbing/COPE training to the Range Safety Officer course.
Each session is led by experienced volunteers dedicated to equipping leaders and parents with the knowledge and confidence to deliver a safe, fun, and exciting program for Scouts. For more information, and to register for courses, please visit here.
May 1-3, 2026
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Campership
The council is dedicated to ensuring all Scouts can attend camp. The campership program seeks to increase the number of Scouts enjoying outdoor experiences at our council camps and programs by providing financial assistance for deserving Scouts who otherwise would not be able to meet the fee requirements.
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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 now - spots are filling up fast!
March 27-29, 2026 - Full
April 10-12, 2026 - Full
May 1-3, 2026
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Trail to Eagle Scout Camp
Spend part of your Spring Break at Camp Strake for our 3rd annual Trail to Eagle Camp! This is a council-led advancement opportunity designed to help scouts on their path to Eagle. Earn Eagle required badges, enjoy recreational badges, or recreational activities.
Camperships for scouts are available.
March 12-14, 2026 March 15-17, 2026
| | We’re also calling all registered Merit Badge Counselors to help make this experience possible! Volunteer for a day, one session, or both, and play a meaningful role in shaping tomorrow’s leaders. Food and lodging are provided. To serve, volunteers must be registered with the Council as a Merit Badge Counselor and have a current Annual Health & Medical Record, SAFE Guarding Youth Training, Hazardous Weather Training, and completed Adult-in-Camp Compliance/Background Check. Come be part of an unforgettable week of growth, leadership, and Scouting excellence! | | | | |
Full Throttle
Join us April 17-19 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. Register now by clicking here.
At this Full Throttle, we’re excited to partner with the Council’s Venturing Officers’ Association to present the Venturing Challenge!
The theme — Top Secret Challenge — invites you to test your skills during a high-energy weekend of adventure and teamwork. Operatives will take on missions such as orienteering, climbing, mock crime-scene analysis, and other high-stakes challenges designed to push your limits.
Camp for the full weekend, join the Super Crew, or participate for the day and connect with friends. Venturers and interested Scouts ages 14 and up are invited to accept the challenge! Click here to learn more!
Camperships for scouts are available.
April 17-19, 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.
- 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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Upcoming VOA Events
Venturing Challenge
Test your skills in a weekend of adventure and teamwork! Operatives will tackle missions including orienteering, climbing, mock crime-scene analysis, and high-stakes challenges. Camp for the weekend, join the Super Crew, or attend the activities for the day and hang out with friends.
April 17–19, 2026 | Camp Strake
Venturing Banquet
Celebrate the year with a catered dinner and a fun evening! VOA elections will be held; nominate yourself or a fellow Venturer.
May 3, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 pm | Cockrell Scout Center
For more information about these events, including pricing and registration information, visit this page, or reach out to voashac@gmail.com with any questions!
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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, ziplining 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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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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