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).

All Scouts in the following units will be entitled to 50% off Day/Twilight camp fees (Pack) or 50% off Full Throttle weekend (Troop, Crew, Ship). 

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

Space U Odyssey at Camp Strake

A Five-Day Overnight Adventure for Ages 11-17

This summer, Camp Strake becomes a launchpad for discovery as Space Center Houston’s Space U joins forces with traditional summer camp adventures for an experience unlike any other. Campers won’t just learn about space—they’ll live it, diving into hands-on STEM programs inspired by real-world space exploration, all while enjoying the timeless fun of camp life.

To learn more and register, please click here.

Session 1 - June 28-July 3, 2026

Session 2 - July 12-17, 2026

Super Troop

Do you want to attend summer camp, but can’t go with your troop? Maybe you had so much fun at summer camp and you want to go again!

Consider joining us for Super Troop!

Super Troop is for Scouts who can't attend camp with their troop and/or for Scouts who want to attend an extra week of camp. 

Camperships are available for this opportunity. 

Sign up now by clicking here!

July 5th - 11th

Safety Moment - First Aid Kits

Summertime is approaching fast and all Scouts and Scout leaders should “Be Prepared.” This includes having a First Aid Kit ready and available at all activities and campouts. Your kit might be simple or more complex if you are trained to use it properly. But the kit must always be on hand and stocked with every essential item.

For more information on First Aid Kits, please follow the link below here.

Scout Jackson S. receives Medal of Merit

Scout Jackson S. demonstrated exceptional calm and leadership when his mother fell and broke her arm and damaged her glasses while hiking the Lone Star Trail. Jackson quickly provided first aid by using a splint provided by a passing hiker and the skills he learned through Scouting. He stabilized her injury, reviewed trail maps to find the safest route out, and guided her to the nearest highway. Once they reached cell phone service, he contacted his father and led his mother to the pickup location so she could be transported to the hospital. Jackson’s quick thinking and compassion exemplify the values of Scouting America, and he was awarded the Medal of Merit for his actions.

Congratulations to Jackson on receiving this award.

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

Camp Strake was recently featured on CW39 H-Town Live, showcasing the exciting experiences awaiting Scouts this summer. The segment highlighted the camp’s dynamic summer programming, along with a preview of Space U Odyssey—an innovative, STEM-focused adventure set to take place right here at Camp Strake. To view the segment, please click here.

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-A few seats remain

July 19-24, 2026-several seats remain

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.

Fall Adventure Camp

Trail or Treat

We are thrilled to be celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Bovay Scout Ranch. Bring your pack out for the ultimate Trail or Treat Adventure Camp being held this fall. Register now

October 2-4, 2026     

October 16-18, 2026

October 23-25, 2026

October 30 - November 1, 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

Aquatics Weekend

Looking for something to do before you head back to school? Camp Strake is offering an awesome opportunity to camp at an aquatics themed weekend camp! 

Earn merit badge requirements, enjoy some time in the water, or participate in your favorite aquatics activities. We plan to offer swimming, canoeing, kayaking, rowing, climbing, shooting and more! 

Mark your calendars and save the date! 

August 7th - 9th

Full Throttle

It’s never too early to plan for the fall camping season, and the fall Full Throttle dates are set!

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.

Stay tuned for more information about our themes. Theme previews are listed below. Be first to know when registration is live by clicking this!

September 18th - 20th (Teamwork and COPE/Climbing Themed)

December 4th - 6th (Marksmanship Weekend and RATA Themed)

Upcoming VOA Events


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!

Applications for the 2026-2027 SHAC Fleet Boatswain and Fleet Quarterdeck are due soon. Please contact Fleet Commodore Neal Farmer at nfarmer07@att.net if interested.

SHAC Corps and FCE

SHAC Corps and First Class Emphasis (FCE) are service initiatives geared towards assisting troops, ships, and crews participate in the Ordeal weekends. Through the services, we shall be able to assist the troops, ships, and crews to be able to participate in the Ordeal weekends by carrying out service projects which will help to sustain and enhance our OA camp. With the SHAC Corps and FCE, we shall be able to render services to our Scouting Community by helping to maintain our facilities.

SHAC Corps and FCE will be held at the May Inductions and service weekend at Camp Strake from May 8th-10th. Sign up for the May Inductions weekend now!

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.

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