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).

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, 2026

June 14-20, 2026 - FULL

June 21-27, 2026

July 5-11, 2026

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!

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.

Scout Devon C. receives Honor Medal with Crossed Palms

Scout Devon C. demonstrated exceptional bravery and leadership during a whitewater rafting incident. When his Assistant Scoutmaster was thrown from the raft and trapped underwater, Devon acted quickly, using a paddle as leverage to free him and prevent drowning.

Devon then took charge, guiding two younger scouts through challenging rapids for about 20 minutes to safety. His calm decision-making and decisive actions not only saved the injured leader’s life but also ensured the safety of everyone in the raft.

Devon's story was recently highlighted on Houston's KHOU (Channel 11).

Congratulations to Devon on receiving Scouting's highest honor for heroism.

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 implement 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!

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

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.

RATA Training

The council Range and Target 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!

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

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. 

Cub Scout Day Camp

June 2026

Get ready to travel back in time for an unforgettable dinosaur-themed adventure! From archery and BBs to science experiments and nature hikes, every camp is packed with excitement. Day Camp is for Cub Scouts entering grades 1-5. Scouts can attend a camp anywhere in our council.  Visit this page to find a camp that fits your family’s schedule, and for registration information.

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! Pre-order 25 years of Bovay Scout Ranch shirts here.

April 10-12, 2026 - Full

May 1-3, 2026

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

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 including activities through 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

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!

If you are looking at learning how to have fun by sailing and enjoying paddle sports, look no further than the High Adventure of Sea Scouts here in the Sam Houston Area Council.  Our adventures take us to lakes and rivers, and we enjoy sailing on Galveston Bay.

For more info, go to beascout.org or send a text message to 713-899-0783.

OA Trail Crew

We are happy to celebrate our successful OA Trail Crew which took place at Camp Strake. The weekend provided an extraordinary opportunity because our team delivered outstanding results while our candidates dedicated themselves to each task and our cheerful spirit reached its highest point. All of you who contributed to the event deserve our appreciation because you demonstrated the Order's principles and you helped us leave Camp Strake in better condition than we discovered it.

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.