Phoenix Newsletter

The Phoenix roundtable newsletter is a monthly newsletter that contains information about upcoming district and council events and activities and becomes available the first Thursday of the month. The electronic newsletter is sent on a weekly basis and is in addition to the roundtable newsletter.       

Phoenix District Calendar for June 2018 - July 2019    

 Roundtable Newsletter           Sign up for our newsletter

 

Phoenix District Roundtable

December 6, 2018   |   7:00 pm

Stay Informed, Attend Roundtable graphicRoundtable is a district monthly meeting typically held the first Thursday of the month at Klein LDS Center (16535 Kleinwood Dr, Spring, 77379) at 7:00 pm to help unit leaders plan and carry out their own program. Roundtable is a form of supplemental training for volunteers. The objective of Roundtable is to give leaders program ideas, information on upcoming events and trainings, and an opportunity to share experiences and enjoy fun and fellowship with other Scouting leaders. As a result of the Roundtable experience, unit leaders will be inspired, motivated, informed, and able to provide a stronger program for their Scouts. Follow our Facebook page.

Cub Scout Roundtable flyer

Webelos Woods

December 7-9, 2018

Webelos Woods is a campout designed to introduce 4th and 5th grade Webelos to the many outdoor adventures of Boy Scouting. This awesome weekend event includes patrol-method camping and Scout activities. Webelos will have an opportunity to:

  • Work with Boy Scout troops in a number of skills, activities, and games.
  • Experience a Boy Scout campfire program and Scout’s Own Service (non-denominational)
  • Have fun and get a taste of Boy Scout camping.

On Saturday morning, Webelos patrols compete in Webelos skills (first aid, fire building, camping skills, games, knots) and during the afternoon local Boy Scout troops teach basic Boy Scout skills. The patrols are judged on patrol flag and yell, resources, leadership, teamwork, skill demonstration and Scout spirit. The evening will finish off with an entertaining campfire program. After the campfire troops, crews and ships will host a cracker barrel where Webelos and their parent/guardian can tour their campsites and ask questions. The event is being held at Spring Creek Park (15012 Brown Road, Tomball, TX 77375). Pre-registered Webelos Scouts will receive an event patch and water bottle; registration includes activities supplies. Late registration is $21.50 and begins 12/5/18; patches and water bottles are not guaranteed. Onsite registration is $26.50. Registration is typically completed by the den or unit leader. 

Learn More and Register

Recharter

Every year, all units (packs, troops, crews, ships) are required to renew their affiliation with Scouting. The BSA issues charters to community organizations to enable them to use the Scouting program under their own leadership as a service to their children, youth, and families. Re-chartering is the process of renewing the charter agreement between the BSA and the organization, and renewing the registration of youth and adult members. 

Rechartering on time is critical. It is required for Journey to Excellence. It is required for units to continue registration without interruption. It is required to ensure Scouts are registered, critical for receiving rank advancement and other awards, and for insurance coverage.

The Internet Recharter (IR) site will officially open up on November 1, 2018, but there's a lot units can be working on right now to make the recharter process go smooth.  
 

1. Send a representative from the unit to one of the district recharter training sessions:   

  • October 4, 2018 at Klein LDS Center (16535 Kleinwood Dr, Spring, 77379) at 7:00 pm (during roundtable)
  • October 11, 2018 at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church (14301 Stuebner Airline Rd, Houston, TX 77069) at 6:30 pm
  • November 1, 2018 at Klein LDS Center (16535 Kleinwood Dr, Spring, 77379) at 7:00 pm (during roundtable)

2. Prepare unit's roster:

  • Process new Scout and leader applications
  • Update unit Roster
  • Check adult Youth Protection Training (all adult leaders must have taken the new YPT online since February 1, 2018)
  • Check top leader training (Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Crew Advisor must all be fully trained to recharter)

3. Resources:

  1. Sign up for district newsletter
  2. Review council resources
  3. Contact your unit commissioner, assistant district commissioner, or district commissioner for assistance

4. Please provide the unit representative's contact information to the Phoenix District Commissioner Kevin Renfro as soon as possible.

Rechater Summary Handout              Unit Contact Information Sheet                    2018 Recharter Training

 

The Scouting Trail

The Scouting Trail is a monthly handout provided to units at roundtable describing upcoming council events for the next quarter. This is a great resource for Scouters and parents.

The Scouting Trail: October 2018

Youth Protection Training 2

The BSA has announced bold, wide-ranging updates to its Youth Protection program as part of an ongoing effort to protect young people from child abuse. An enhanced Youth Protection Training course debuted in February; all Scouters who took Youth Protection Training prior to February 2018 need to complete the updated course by Oct. 1, 2018.

The updated course will take about an hour to complete. It includes cutting-edge research from the top experts in the field of child abuse prevention. It covers topics like bullying, neglect, exposure to violence, physical and emotional abuse, and child sexual abuse.

Finally, beginning June 1, 2018, all adults who will be present at a Scouting activity for 72 hours or more must register as volunteers and complete a background check and Youth Protection Training. This includes parents, merit badge counselors and any other adult who will be there for an extended time.

The BSA is serious about fighting child abuse, and you’re an important part of that fight. Thanks for your vigilance and dedication. To take the new online Youth Protection Training, please visit www.my.scouting.org.

YPT Updates     Take YPT     Learn More about Youth Protection

Celebrating Cultures

November 15, 2018  |  6:00 - 8:00 pm

The Sam Houston Area Council Boy Scouts of America recognizes that the diversity of Southeast Texas makes our community and our Scouting programs strong and special. The values, skills, and leadership learned in Scouting benefits all youth and all communities. The council wants all families of every culture to know that their children are welcome in Scouting.

Celebrating Cultures, presented by Allegiance Bank and HEB Tournament of Champions, is a community and business leader networking event which celebrates African-American, Asian and Hispanic cultures.  The event highlights the wonderful and unique food, beverages, dress and customs of these prominent cultures in Southeast Texas. In 2017, Houston was named the most diverse city in America, and Scouting is reaching out towards both under-served and emerging communities all over our area.

All proceeds will support the development of Scouting programs in Southeast Texas. Come out and taste the global cultures of our area and enjoy entertainment from around the world, all in one place. The event is being held at McGovern Centennial Gardens Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion (1500 Hermann Dr., Houston, TX 77004).

Participants will have a great time, and help us ensure that all youth are given a chance to live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tickets are $45.

Learn More and Register

College of Commissioner Science

December 1, 2018  |  8:00 am - 4:00 pm

The College of Commissioner Science is a day of training for commissioners from Commissioner Basic Training through advanced learning experiences in unit service. The objectives are to help commissioners expand their skills and unit service philosophy. The goal of this experience is to promote the increased effectiveness of the individual commissioner. This ongoing training opportunity will benefit new commissioners and experienced unit commissioners. Participants do not have to be a commissioner. Any adult leader that is interested in the numerous resources available in the Scouting movement is also invited to attend. During third period, all participants will attend the feature presentation by Ellie Morrison, National Commissioner on national program updates on family Scouting and Scouts BSA. The registration fee is $25 and includes lunch. The deadline to register to have a print copy of your session schedule is November 28, 2018.

Learn More and Register

Winter Camp

 December 26-31, 2018

Winter camp is a wonderful opportunity for troops to camp and Scouts to earn merit badges. Merit badge classes are taught by Scouters with real-life experiences in the field. The 33rd annual winter camp will be held at Bovay Scout Ranch (3450 County 317, Navasota, TX 77868), just three miles outside of Navasota, TX. Over 50 merit badge classes are offered, including many merit badges that are not normally offered at summer camp.

Learn More and Register

Kodiak Challenge

December 26-31, 2018

Kodiak Challenge is an adventure that pushes the boundaries of every participant— one that will encourage Venturers and Sea Scouts to try new things that may be out of their comfort zone. It is an experience—but one that has its underpinnings in the application of the leadership skills they learned in the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) or Crews (ILSC), National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), and/or National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE). It is, as is all of Scouting, an adventure with a purpose. The event is being held at Bovay Scout Ranch (3450 County 317, Navasota, TX 77868).

The Kodiak Challenge is taught by older/more experience unit youth leaders to give participants experience in values and vision, effective teams, communication, decision making, and planning. The Kodiak Challenge is open to registered Scouts ages 14-20 in a crew or ship who are looking for an opportunity to grow personally and are ready for a leadership challenge. Venturers are expected to strive to achieve the above aims while living the principles of the Scout Oath and Law. The cost for each Scout to attend camp is $295. Registration can be completed individually by parents or the crew and ship can register together. Adult leadership from the unit is not required for participation. Staff applications are being accepted; please e-mail the camp registrar for more information.

 Learn More and Register

Scout Days

Scout Days are awesome opportunities to get your Scouts, friends and family together for some exciting experiences around the area with other Scouting families. All Scout Days are offered at a discounted price of admission. Also, many of our partners offer merit badge classes and advancement workshops for Cub Scouts and Webelos.

Learn more about Scout Days

Donate to Scouting

SHAC CSP with car keysHelp ensure the success of Scouting in the Sam Houston Area Council with meaningful gifts including donating cars, trucks, RVs, trailers, boats, motors, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, securities, uniforms, camping equipment, memorials and tributes, planned giving and yes, even services.

Many corporations match employee contributions made to the Boy Scouts. Some companies even make financial contributions for volunteering time to Scouting. Numerous local companies recognize volunteer time through the donation of cash grants to non-profits in which their employees volunteer. This means that for each hour of volunteer time, employers donate funds to support the Sam Houston Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. Volunteer time is money with volunteer grants.

Employment Opportunities

The Sam Houston Area Council is continually searching for potential career employees who would like to work in a profession that has a meaningful, rewarding purpose. Bring to the BSA your varied life experiences, education, and perspective, and in return, have an opportunity to combine those skills and experiences in a career that values and respects others. Scouting is a profession with a purpose!  

Job Openings

 

Help us Promote Scouting

SHAC FacebookThe Sam Houston Area Council is focusing on leveraging the power of social media through Facebook.  The more Scouters share and repost, the more powerful our marketing can be.

We are compiling a list of unit social media sites so we can work together to spread the word about Scouting by tagging, liking commenting and sharing each other posts. 

Learn More          Take our Social Media Survey