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).

Scout Day at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

We are excited to have Scout Day at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on Tuesday, March 10. Scouts will be able to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the rodeo and take part in an interactive educational experience presented by AgriLife and 4-H.

Tickets must be reserved in advance. For tickets please click here. Tickets will be sent digitally via AXS and require an AXS account. Please fill out the form to confirm your AXS email address and the number of tickets needed.

Please arrive between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. in the lobby of Hall A inside of NRG Center as the tour begins at 10:15.

Parking is not provided and is the responsibility of the volunteer. For information regarding parking options, please visit here.

For more information, please contact Angela Gutierrez at 832.667.1110 or gutierrez@hlsr.com

Tuesday, March 10

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. 

In 2025, the Sam Houston Area Council welcomed 1,966 new volunteers to help shape and continue our mission.

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 Leader Dawn Venditelli receives the Council Medal of Merit

Scout leader Dawn Venditelli rendered aid at the scene of an e-bike accident. While driving home from work, she witnessed a head-on collision between a vehicle and a young male riding an electric bike and immediately returned to assist.

After securing the scene, Dawn assessed the driver, a toddler passenger, and the injured youth. Using her first aid training, she evaluated the boy’s condition, moved him to a safe area, and treated multiple head wounds, including a severe scalp laceration and a suspected concussion. She coordinated bystanders, took over communication with EMS when the initial caller became overwhelmed, and contacted the youth’s guardian.

Dawn remained on scene until first responders arrived, then continued to support the shaken driver and ensured the toddler’s safety.

Her calm, decisive actions reflect the highest values of Scouting America. Congratulations to Dawn upon receiving this prestigious award.

Congratulations to Tallen G., Eagle Scouts Troop 848

His name is Tallen G. and he is from Troop 848 in Clear Lake. For his Eagle Scout Project, Tallen led Scouts from Troop 848 as they built and installed benches around the firepit at Camp Hope, a place where veterans can go to recover from trauma and post-traumatic stress. Now complete, this project will provide the veterans who visit the facility a nice place to sit outside while they enjoy the campfire.

Great job Tallen!

Scouting For Food

Thank you for all of your hard work with this important service project!

To report the service hours and number of pounds of food collected by your unit, please visit here.

Units that submit their report by Monday February 9 can receive their patches at their district’s roundtable on Thursday February 12.

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! Complete your Summer Camp Staff application today!

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.

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.

Not All Heroes Wear Capes

Are you a medical professional or have medical training? Are you interested in helping SHAC with their healthcare needs? As we continue to schedule and prepare for 2026, we are looking for individuals that could assist with medical coverage for the many programs that SHAC has throughout the year. If you are interested and would like to know more, please click here.

Calling all Merit Badge Counselors

SHAC is offering two Trail to Eagle sessions (March 12-14 and 15-17) at beautiful Camp Strake this Spring Break and we need you! Come out and have a memorable time paying it forward by shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Teach for a day, a session, or both sessions. Food and lodging provided. To register please visit here. Volunteers must be a registered Merit Badge Counselor with the Council, have current annual Health Medical Record, Youth Protection Training, Hazardous Weather Training and complete the Adult-in-Camp Compliance/Background Check.

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!

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. 

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

Full Throttle featuring First Aid Meet!

Join us February 6-8 or 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. 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.

February 6-8, 2026

April 17-19, 2026

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

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

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

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!

Two great opportunities are upcoming. These will be designed to provide service, celebration, and fellowship activities for our lodge. 

February 20-22 - The first induction weekend is very near, and we are very excited to have new members and friends in the Order. The weekend is fully packed with challenges and experiences that are created by service, reflection, and friendship as the candidates go through their induction and eventual journey of cheerful service. Come with the mindset of working, learning, and sharing in the cheerfulness that make our lodge famous. For more information, please click here.

Date TBD - Colonneh Summit (LLD/LEC/banquet) is an evening to celebrate our lodge, applaud excellent service and savor wonderful food and fellowship. The banquet being one of the year's highlights is an event that unites members, and advisers, and guests share the joy of awards, updates, and fun. No matter whether you are a long-time member or newly inducted, this is just the right opportunity for you to unwind, meet friends, and celebrate the great things our lodge has accomplished together. For more information, please click here.

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

A few seats remain for the SHAC contingent registration.

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 22-31, 2026, including travel