Council Activities

The Sam Houston Area Council offers a variety of activities in which packs, troops, crews and ships are invited to participate. Check out the council calendar for specific dates.

January / February    |    Spring   |   Summer    |    Fall    |   December   |   Year Round


   
January / February

Spring of Service is an opportunity for units to show our Scouting spirit by participating in a community service project! From public health drives, to caring for the environment, to assisting neighbors in need, Scouts have always been a force for positivity and goodness in our communities. Now more than ever, our world needs that Scouting spirit once again. Let’s step up! Together, we can answer the call to make a positive impact in our neighborhoods and communities. Join us today, with projects big or small, in a Spring of Service!
silver beaver awardThe Recognition Reception is an opportunity for the council to recognize the recipients of the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award a council can bestow on a volunteer Scouter.
 
Order of the Arrow logo The OA Lodge Leadership Development is a dynamic annual youth and adult leadership training event for Order of the Arrow members to learn more about the OA and how to become a better leader.  The day ends with a lodge banquet.
University of Scouting graphicUniversity of Scouting is a one-day training opportunity for leaders of all program areas to come together for a day of fun, fellowship and learning. University of Scouting offers over 100 different classes, presented by some of the most experienced volunteers in the council covering leader-specific training, information on how to train youth, conservation, program ideas and more.
 
Council First Aid Meet patch
Council First Aid Meet is held each year and is an event that challenges Scouts in troops to perform first aid in simulated real-life situations. Patrols compete in practical first aid problems, displaying hands-on skills from the Scout Handbook, First Aid Merit Badge pamphlet and current American Red Cross guidelines.
Scout Sunday graphicScout Sunday and Scout Sabbath is an opportunity for units are urged to participate in the religious service of their chartering organization. Units are encouraged to attend en masse in uniform, do a flag ceremony, speak about Scouting, and/or formally thank them for their support throughout the year. Why not also have a recruiting information table in the foyer or hospitality area? This is also a great time to distribute the religious awards earned by Scouts.
 
Baden PowellThe Baden Powell Dinner is an evening of fellowship for adult Scouters who have participated in Wood Badge or National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) courses. Attendees from the previous year share memories of their leadership training experience through slide shows, stories, and regalia presentations.

 

 
Spring

Scout Fair graphicSpring Fundraiser is an opportunity for units to raise money and is designed to help Scouts earn their way to support their Scouting programs (e.g., day camp, summer camp).
 
Order of the Arrow logoOA Spring Fellowship is a weekend event for Order of the Arrow members. The day starts with Arrowmen giving back in cheerful service to the camp followed by fun events and activities, pow wows and more.
 
Venturing logoThe Venturing Rendezvous is a weekend campout at a council camp for Venturers. This event is intended to be an opportunity for the youth to bring prospective Venturers and Sea Scouts to a council-wide activity. The weekend is filled with games, movies, crew against crew competitions, campfire program, shooting, the world famous “pony hop” races and much
 

 


 

 

 


 

  

Summer

SHAC camping logoSummer Camp hosts a variety of summer experiences where Scouts in troops can earn merit badges and learn and practice their Scouting skills.
 
resident camp graphicCub Scout Resident Camp is a three-night summer camping program at Bovay Scout Ranch during July for Cub Scouts. Cub Scouts can participate in BB gun shooting, archery, sling shots, crafts, sports, games, campfire, and lots more.
NYLT graphicNational Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an exciting, action-packed six-day council-level program designed to provide Scouts and Venturers who are 13 years and older with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home units and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. Content is delivered in a unit and small group outdoor setting with an emphasis on immediate application of learning in a fun environment. Courses are held in June and December. Courses fill up early.
 

   

Fall

popcorn graphicSelling popcorn is a wonderful opportunity for units to earn funds to support their entire year of Scouting by selling gourmet popcorn. Online sales begin August 1st. Traditional take-order sales run in the fall.
 
recruiter patchFall Recruiting Nights are an opportunity to reach out to each potential Cub Scout and their family with a personal invitation to join a pack within our council, where they will learn positive values, new skills and have fun with friends. The fall recruiting campaign will focus on recruiting new families to the fun and adventures of Cub Scouting.
 

 


 

 

Fun With Son patchCub Scout Fun with Family gives newly registered Cub Scouts and their families an opportunity to experience and overnight campout and exciting activities such as BB guns, crafts, archery and more! 
 

University of Scouting graphicUniversity of Scouting is a one-day training opportunity for leaders of all program areas to come together for a day of fun, fellowship and learning. University of Scouting offers over 100 different classes, presented by some of the most experienced volunteers in the council covering leader-specific training, information on how to train youth, conservation, program ideas and more.
 
Order of the Arrow logoThe OA Fall Pow Wow is a weekend event full of ceremony and dance classes, competitions and pow wows; sports; exciting games; shows; expos; and more for Order of the Arrow members from across the council.
 
Webelos Coyote Extreme logoWebelos Coyote Xtreme Camp is a two-night camping program that focuses on the Arrow of Light Award requirements and skills needed for Scouting while trekking across the Bovay Scout Ranch to exciting outpost program areas. Fun, excitement, and adventure is the name of the game at Webelos CTX camping program!
 

   

December

SHAC camping logoWinter Camp is held between Christmas and New Years and is a wonderful opportunity for troops to camp and for Scouts to earn merit badges. Merit badge classes are taught by Scouters with real-life experiences in the field. 
 
NYLT graphicNational Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an exciting, action-packed six-day council-level program designed to provide Scouts who are 13 years and older with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home units and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. Content is delivered in a unit and small group outdoor setting with an emphasis on immediate application of learning in a fun environment. Courses are held in June and December. 
 

   

Year-Round Activities

cub scout in a tent graphicAdventure Camps are weekend campouts for Cub Scout packs at Bovay Scout Ranch. Families will enjoy eating in the air-conditioned dining hall and activities such as BB guns, archery, swimming, sports, crafts, games, BMX biking and more.
 
SHAC convervation committee logo
Conservation activities are a great way to educate youth on local environmental issues and serve our community.
COPE graphicCOPE is an acronym for Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience. It comprises a series of outdoor challenges, beginning with basic group initiative games and progressing to more complicated low-course and high-course activities.
High Adventure is an opportunity to captures the interest of older Scouts (those who are at least 13 years old or have completed the seventh grade) who seek challenge and variety through diverse high-adventure and outdoor opportunities. Scouting not only provides adventure but also emphasizes values through ideals that reinforce God, country, and personal growth. 
 
Scout Days graphicScout Days are opportunities for Scouts to receive discounts on events with our community partners such as Scout Day with the Houston Astros, Schlitterbahn Galveston, Monster Jam, Harlem Globetrotters, Houston Rodeo and more.
 
action logo shooting archery
Shooting Sports: The shooting sports committee offers a variety of trainings, merit badge completion days and programs for BB guns, archery, pistol, rifle, muzzleloader, and shotgun.
NOVA award graphic
STEM activities engage youth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 
 
Wood Badge graphicWood Badge is a six-day advanced leadership course offered four times per year for Scout leaders involved in all program levels. Wood Badge is some of the best (and definitely the most fun!) leadership training you will find anywhere. Leadership skills developed through Wood Badge will make you a more effective leader at work, in Scouting at home and in other volunteer roles. During the course, participants will define their personal vision of success for your Scouting position, and then outline five significant goals to bring that vision to life.