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Aligning Districts for a Stronger Future
The council is undertaking a district realignment initiative designed to better serve Scouts, families, volunteers, and communities across Southeast Texas. Learn more about the plan to create a district structure that strengthens volunteer support, enhances program delivery, and positions Scouting for continued growth across Southeast Texas.
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Popcorn Sales Still Popping
Popcorn sales are in full swing, and there’s still plenty of time to reach your sales goals through November 1, giving Scouts more opportunities to get out in the community, connect with customers, and build valuable skills along the way. Whether you’re selling at a local business, community event, or neighborhood booth, we want to see your Scouts in action! Tag or PM us your booth photos so we can celebrate your Scouts and share their popcorn-selling success.
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Council Coordinated: Connecting Leaders. Coordinating Success.
District leaders are invited to RSVP and attend Council Coordinated, a triannual meeting designed to provide important council updates, resources, and information. The program begins with a general opening session, followed by breakout sessions focused on key topics and opportunities for district leaders.
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Join our Team!
We're always looking for people who want to work in a meaningful, rewarding profession. Learn more about our current full-time and part-time job opportunities, including food service at council camps, membership onboarding specialists, and district executives.
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From Cooler to Campfire: Keep Food Safe
Food-borne illnesses peak in the summer months because of warmer temperatures and improper food handling. Keep your meals and your Scouts safe during hikes, campouts, and other outdoor activities with careful menu planning and safe food-handling practices. Remember the three “C’s” to keep your food safe: Keep it COLD, keep it CLEAN, and COOK it thoroughly. Learn more about food safety.
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Troop Celebrates 8 Eagle Scouts
Ten years, eight Scouts, and one unifying mission: Earn the Eagle Scout!
Congratulations to the Scouts of Troop 731 from Thunder Wolf District who recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout! John K., Lincoln F., Kyler K., Dimitri S., Jackson K., Cole B., Philip D., and Ivan R. have all been together since meeting as Tigers in Cub Scouts!
| | Now, many of them are entering their final year of high school, preparing for the next chapter of their lives. These wonderful Scouts were able to reflect on their Scouting story and what they value most from the experience together. | | Tag the Sam Houston Area Council on Facebook and your story might be featured. | | | | |
Gold-Medal Moment at a Popcorn Booth
11-time Olympic Medalist Simone Biles stopped by a popcorn stand today and supported the adventures of Kaia, a Wolf Scout from Pack 346!
Thank you, Simone, for being such an incredible inspiration and for supporting our local Cub Scouts!
Tag or PM us your booth photos so we can celebrate your Scouts and share their popcorn-selling success. Learn how you can support popcorn sales in your district.
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Offer Scouts a Second Chance to Join
A second-chance Scout recruitment event is a follow-up sign-up opportunity held weeks after initial school or community joining nights to catch families who missed out or needed time to decide. These events give families a convenient chance to learn more about Scouting, ask questions, meet leaders, and discover the opportunities available through their local unit. Request second chance flyers.
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- Follow-Up Invitations: Send personalized emails, phone calls, or digital invites to families who attended or expressed interest in the first event but didn't officially register.
- Fun-Focused Pack Meetings: Promote the next pack meeting or a special drop-in event as an open, welcoming opportunity to join, with an engaging activity rather than a formal presentation.
- Centralized Community Nights: Host drop-in tables or neighborhood rallies to maximize visibility where families already gather.
- Digital Boosting: Use low-cost targeted social media events or local community calendar postings to expand your reach past the initial school night
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Discover the World Through Scouting
Scouting happens all around the world. On International Scouting Day, Scouts of all ages can connect with millions of youth worldwide, explore new cultures, participate in a variety of hands-on activities, and experience the global Scouting movement through Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) and Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI), either in-person at the Cockrell Scout Center or online. October 17, 2026
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Building Better Commissioners
The College of Commissioner Science provides commissioners with continuing education in a structured, college-style learning environment. Participants will explore the latest tools, techniques, and best practices to strengthen unit service and better support Scouting units. This year’s keynote speaker is Glen Pounder, Scouting America’s Chief Safeguarding Officer. November 13-14, 2026
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Camp Needs You!
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 food service and kitchen team, medic team, and to serve as merit badge counselors at council events. Learn how you can help at Camp Strake and/or Bovay Scout Ranch.
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Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader
Training is an important part of becoming an effective leader.
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Gear Up and Save!
Get ready for camp season with new arrivals, fresh spring gear, and expert services to help your Scout look and feel their best. Check out the latest Scout Shop Newswire to stay updated on Scout Shop happenings!
- October Deals
- Cub Scout Roll-up Pants (now $19.99)
- Cub Scout Skort ($9.99)
- Uniform bottoms (10% off) with matching top
- Full uniforms (20% off)
- New arrivals: belts, t-shirts, pajamas
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Fall Into Adventure
Adventure Camp is a fun-filled weekend campout at Bovay Scout Ranch designed for Cub Scouts and their families. Enjoy a wide variety of activities across multiple program areas throughout the weekend, then relax and recharge with meals served in the air-conditioned dining hall.
Sign up to be notified when spring registration opens.
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October 2-4, 2026 - Registration Closed
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October 16-18, 2026 - Full
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October 23-25, 2026 - Full
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October 30 - November 1, 2026 - Trail to Treat: The Halloween schedule has been adjusted so campers who want to leave Saturday afternoon can still enjoy all the activities.
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November 20-22, 2026 - 25th Anniversary of Bovay Scout Ranch
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Scouting, Fishing, & Friendly Competition
Dive into the excitement of the Angler Adventure, the ultimate fishing derby for Scouts in troops, crews, and ships hosted at the breathtaking Camp Strake! Nestled in the heart of nature's embrace, this event brings together passionate anglers for an unforgettable fishing experience. October 24, 2026
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Thanksgiving, Scouting Style!
Make your Thanksgiving break an adventure! Whether your troop is looking to earn merit badges, participate in high adventure, or just enjoy the great outdoors, Campsgiving is the perfect way to spend part of the holiday break. Individual Scouts can attend with Super Troop. November 21-24, 2026
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Aim High. Go for Full Throttle.
Top Shot is the theme for the December Full Throttle. Whether you’re a Scout, a sharpshooter, or just eager to try something new, Top Shot is one event you won’t want to miss. 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, crews, and ships can camp for the weekend. December 4-6, 2026
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Boots, Badges & Winter Fun!
Round up your patrol, dust off your boots, and get ready for a Winter Camp adventure you won’t want to miss! The Western-style camp experience is filled with merit badges, high adventure, and plenty of fun around the campfire. With more than 70 merit badge classes to choose from, every Scout can find an opportunity to learn something new and earn their next badge. Troops and individual Scouts can attend.
December 26-31, 2026
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Make This Summer Count!
Join us at Camp Strake Summer Camp in 2027 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.
June 6-12, 2027
June 13-19, 2027
June 20-26, 2027
June 27-July 3, 2027
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Develop Leaders. Strengthen Scouting
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an action-packed, six-day, council-level program that gives Scouts in troops, crews, and ships leadership skills and experience they can use in their units and throughout life. Through hands-on activities, teamwork, and real-world leadership challenges, participants build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and learn how to lead others effectively. December 26-31, 2026
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Build Skills. Reach First Class.
First Class Emphasis (FCE) Day is a program designed for first-year Scouts. Colonneh Lodge is hosting the event. Scouts can work on Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class rank requirements. The event provides hands-on instruction, guidance, and opportunities for Scouts to build the skills needed to advance toward First Class. Individual Scouts can attend. Troops can camp Saturday night. December 19, 2026
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Help Shape Scouting's Future
Troops and crews are needed to support Adventure Camps. Sign up your troop to volunteer and enjoy free camping and meals while contributing to the future of Scouting!
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Reach New Heights
Learn to teach Scouts how to climb and rappel at unit, district, or council events. The training covers the skills and information needed to staff climbing and COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) programs. Gain the confidence and practical skills to safely lead Scouts through challenging climbing and rappelling activities. October 23-25, 2026
| | Venturing is a youth-led program for youth ages 14-20 all about building adventures with friends. | | | |
Venturing is Off to a Great Start
Venturing Rallies are youth-led (VOA) meetings that provide a valuable resource and fun opportunity for crews across the council to connect with fellow Venturers, share ideas, discover new opportunities, and learn about programs that can help your crew thrive. RSVP and join us for the next Venturing Rally, an event of fellowship, crafts, soda, and all things Venturing! November 15, 2026
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Make an Impact: Sign up to volunteer with the VOA at Cub Scout Adventure Camp while contributing to the future of Scouting! Individual Venturers can volunteer for the day; crews can camp for the weekend. October 23-25, 2026
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Angler Classic - Sea Scouts are hosting the event. Volunteers are needed to help Scouts hone fishing and boating skills. October 24, 2026
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Top Shot / Full Throttle - Scouts can participate in range and target activities as part of Sea Scout advancement. Individual Venturers can attend just for the day; ships can camp for the weekend. December 4-6, 2026
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Build Skills. Strengthen Your Crew.
The Venturing Officer Association (VOA) is hosting various trainings throughout the year. RSVP for Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews (ILSC), which covers the core skills, responsibilities, and attitudes needed for effective crew leadership and successful crew operations. October 3, 2026
| | Sea Scouts is a youth-led program for youth ages 14-20 with a special interest in aquatic activities. | | | |
Chart the Course!
Fleet Meetings give ship youth and adult ship leaders a chance to gather and discuss program updates, upcoming events, and training opportunities for youth and adults. October 21, 2026
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Angler Classic - Sea Scouts are hosting the event. Volunteers are needed to help Scouts hone fishing and boating skills. October 24, 2026
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Make an Impact: Sign up to volunteer at Cub Scout Adventure Camp while contributing to the future of Scouting! Individual Sea Scouts can volunteer for the day; ships can camp for the weekend. October 2-4 and 16-18, 2026
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Top Shot / Full Throttle - Scouts can participate in range and target activities as part of Sea Scout advancement. Participants can attend just for the day; ships can camp for the weekend. December 4-6, 2026
| | The Order of the Arrow is the official national honor society of Scouting America, recognizing Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Scout Law in their daily lives. | | | |
Friends, Fellowship & Scouting
Order of the Arrow members are invited to attend Colonneh Lodge’s premier event with a weekend full of gripping competition, exciting games, thrilling shows, and so much more. Enjoy three days of nonstop fun and fellowship. Arrowmen will not want to miss out on Fall Fellowship! November 6-8, 2026
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A Weekend of Service & Tradition
To become a member of Colonneh Lodge, Scouts who were elected into the Order of the Arrow (OA) by their unit must attend a lodge Induction and Service Weekend. The next induction weekend is being held December 18-20, 2026.
In September, the lodge held the first induction weekend with the new experience. Congratulations to all the new members within our lodge!
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Strengthening the Induction Experience
Changes are being made to the induction process while staying aligned with the principles of Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, and Service.
All Arrowmen are invited to see and take part in this new process for themselves at the Section Induction Experience being held at Camp Strake. October 9-11, 2026
| | 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. | | | | |
Scouting, Football & Cougars
Watch the University of Houston Cougars take on UCF at TDECU Stadium!. Scouts and their family and friends can buy discounted tickets to the Built By Houston - Wear Blue Game. Go Coogs! October 3, 2026
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