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.

July 12-17, 2026

Join our team!

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 current job opportunities, including Membership Onboarding Specialists and Entry Level District Executives, by clicking here.

Safety Moment - Distracted Driving

Summertime activities are here, which means lots of scouts will be off to camps and activities. This is a good time for all adult leaders to review distracted driving and how to avoid it. 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. For more information about how to keep Scouts safe, please click here.

Scout Leader James "Jim" Sage receives Medal of Merit

James “Jim” Sage was awarded the Medal of Merit for using his emergency response training to save the life of his toddler daughter. When she began choking on a Lego and could no longer breathe, Jim immediately recognized the severity of the situation and acted without hesitation. Drawing on the Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED training he received through the Sam Houston Area Council, he delivered a series of back blows that successfully dislodged the object, restoring her airway. Reflecting on the experience, Jim noted that while training cannot prepare someone for the emotions of a life-threatening emergency, it provides the skills needed to act decisively when every second counts. His quick thinking and effective response very likely saved his daughter’s life and exemplify the values and preparedness promoted through Scouting America. Congratulations to Jim!

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Andrew J. from Troop 329 in the Big Cypress District completed his Eagle Scout Project for Cy-Fair Helping Hands! Andrew designed and built a brand-new recycling center for the facility, putting in nearly 40 hours into the project. During this build, Andrew took on the task of learning woodworking! Through diligence, Andrew made this incredible Eagle Scout project come to life!

Congratulations, Andrew!

Military Family Fee Waivers

Effective today, Scouting America is waiving the national registration fee for children of active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve families. For more information about this opportunity, please click here.

Popcorn Training for Unit Kernels

You are invited to attend Unit Kernel Popcorn Training via Zoom.

To register in advance, please click here.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

July 7, 2026

7:00 PM

Unit Money-Earning Projects and Applications

Does your unit want to conduct a fundraiser? Here is what you need to know.

Popcorn Sales are great opportunities for money-earning projects. This project provides an almost risk-free opportunity for units to raise funds and they are the only money-earning projects pre-approved by the Sam Houston Area Council. If additional funds are needed after Popcorn Sales, a unit must submit a Unit Money-Earning Application.

When deciding on a money-earning project, refer to the Guidelines For Unit Money-Earning Projects. Understanding the guidelines will help you with your project selection. All fundraising projects (except Popcorn Sales) must be approved by submitting the online Unit Money-Earning Application.

Lifeguard Certification

An American Red Cross lifeguard class teaches participants to recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies through hands-on training in skills like water rescue, First Aid, CPR, and AED use. The program includes a prerequisite swim test and ends with final skills assessments, resulting in a nationally recognized certification that satisfies workplace requirements. For more information and to register, please click below.

August 14-16, 2026 Training

August 28-30, 2026 Training

Help our Scouts get to Jamboree!

On July 22, 116 Scouts and leaders from across our council will embark on the adventure of a lifetime as part of our contingent to the 2026 National Jamboree at The Summit.

You can help make this experience more affordable by supporting our National Jamboree Campership Patch Sale. Proceeds from every purchase help offset expenses for the Scouts and leaders representing our council.

Your support helps ensure more youth and volunteers can participate in this unforgettable Scouting experience.

Order 2026 Jamboree Patches here

Silver Beaver Award Nominations Due September 1

The Silver Beaver Award is the highest form of recognition that a local council can bestow on a volunteer. Recipients of this award are chosen after many years of self-sacrifice, hard work, and dedicated service to the Scouting program and to the community. 

To nominate a deserving candidate, submit this nomination form via email to silverbeaver@shac.org, or deliver to the Cockrell Scout Center.

For a list of prior recipients in our Sam Houston Area Council visit here.

Eagle Scouts:

A Legacy of Values-Based Leadership and Service

Through the Scouting program, Eagle Scouts build character and lifelong strengths that set them apart. To better understand these advantages, Scouting America partnered with The Harris Poll to survey thousands of adults and study how Eagle Scouts compare to people who have not participated in Scouting. To view the results, please click here.

Eagle Wall Corrections

The names of the 2025 class of Eagle Scouts are due to be etched on the wall in front of the Cockrell Scout Center around Thanksgiving of 2026.

Make sure that your Eagle is recognized correctly. Look at this page for how your Scout’s name is scheduled to be recorded on the wall. Name corrections are due here by September 1. 

Save the Date:

International Scouting Day

October 17, 2026

As you're planning your unit's fall calendar, be sure to reserve October 17 for an exciting international adventure right here in Houston!

Through JOTA-JOTI (Jamboree-on-the-Air and Jamboree-on-the-Internet), Scouts can connect with millions of youth around the world, explore other cultures, and experience the global Scouting movement without leaving home. For more information, please click here.

To view the latest promotional offers from the Scout Shop, please click here.

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 - FULL

October 30 - November 1, 2026

Scouts BSA Fall Recruitment

You are invited to attend the upcoming Scouts BSA Fall Recruitment 2026 Zoom Meeting on Wednesday, July 29th, 2026 at 7:00pm. This meeting is geared towards the Scouts BSA Troop leaders and will focus on best practices for New Scout Recruitment, PR & Marketing for both Units and what SHAC is doing, and AOL – Scouts BSA Transition. 

To register, please click here. 

Wednesday, July 29th, 2026

7:00pm – 8:00pm

via Zoom

Aquatics Summit

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! 

For more information and to register, please click here.

August 7-9, 2026

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, 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 18-20 (Teamwork and COPE/Climbing Themed)

December 4-6 (Marksmanship Weekend and RATA Themed)

Recently, the Council Venturing Officers' Association held a retreat to exchange innovative ideas and outline an engaging year comprised of adventure, targeted training, and service opportunities. Officers are enthusiastic about hosting Venturing Rallies and other dynamic programs. The first major adventure is a Survivor-inspired trek at Camp Strake during Aquatics Summit on August 7-9. Venturers and Sea Scouts will form tribes, exploring the water and terrain to discover hidden totems while fostering team building. In September, the Council V.O.A. will host a "Kick Off". More details will be announced soon.

Sea Scouts are getting ready for Minto Rendezvous Skills Competition during Laboy Day Weekend Saturday-Monday, September 5-7, at Bovay Scout Ranch. It is open to all Sea Scouts across the area. Featured will be competitions for knots, buoy throw, canoe race, first aid and more. More information will be available in the near future here.

Scout Day with Houston Astros

Come out to Daikin Park and cheer on the Astros as they face the Orioles! The first 2,000 Scouts who purchase tickets through the link below will receive an exclusive Houston Astros Scout Day patch—a special keepsake to celebrate your part in this memorable experience.

Scouts can also run the bases after the game. After the game, line up by section 132 in the line towards the center field side. Then, after they go down the steps, pick them up by section 126. To purchase tickets click here.

Sunday, July 19

Scout Day with Houston Texans

The Houston Texans are excited to welcome Scouting America to Reliant Stadium for the Texans vs. the Chargers on August 13th!

Through this special offer, all Scouting America Scouts, families, and friends will have access to a preferred ticket rate and the opportunity to sit together as a group. This is a great chance to show your Scout spirit while enjoying a Houston Texans game!

For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here.

Thursday, August 13

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. Click here for more details.

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