Cub Scout Fun Day and Rocket Launch Day
October 29, 2016
Cub Scout Fun Day is an action-packed evening for Cub Scouts. Scouts will enjoy shooting water rockets and STEM (science, technology, engineering) activities. Boys who join Cub Scouts this year before September 30th will receive a rocket that they can design, build, and launch at Rocket Day. Boys in first through fifth grade who are interested in joining Scouting may also attend. We will help you find a pack near you and get signed up for Scouting. Rockets are not guaranteed for Scouts who join after September 30th. Rocket Day is being held at Bethany United Methodist Church (3511 Linkwood Dr, Houston, TX 77025) at 6:00 pm.
More Information and Registration
District Executive
Effective September 6, 2016, Stacie Collins will be the district executive for Aquila District. Stacie started working for the Sam Houston Area Council in April of 2014 and has served in the Phoenix, Eagle Trail, and San Jacinto districts. She is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in Sociology and English. She enjoys reading, yoga, cycling and hosting dinner and game nights for friends and family. Stacie can be reached at stacie.collins@scouting.org or (713) 259-9170.
Aquila District Roundtable
October 13, 2016
Roundtable is a district monthly meeting typically held the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm at Bellaire United Methodist Church (4417 Bellaire Blvd. Bellaire, TX 77401) 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 policy, events, and training opportunities; 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.
Training
Training is an important part of learning to become an effective leader. Trained leaders impact the quality of programs, leader tenure, youth tenure, and a whole lot more. A trained leader is better prepared to make the Scouting program all it can be! Every Scout deserves a trained leader. For more information, contact Jeremy Penner.
What to Bring to Training Council Training Schedule
Recharter Training Workshop
October 2, 3 and 4, 2016
Every unit should send at least one representative to Recharter Training. The training is being held at TBD.
Every December, all units are required to renew their affiliation with Scouting. Units are to complete the internet recharter and submit the signed paperwork by December roundtable. Some important things to remember:
- Plan ahead to get recharter done early, as this time of the year is typically very busy. It takes time to gather information and collect fees and signatures
- Ensure all registered leaders have taken Youth Protection Training (YPT)
- Ensure the top unit leader (i.e., Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Venturing Advisor, Varsity Coach) has completed BSA training for his or her position
- Submit internet advancements and service hours by December 31st
- Read the important information at www.shac.org/recharter
More Information Journey to Excellence
Popcorn Sales
Hundreds of thousands of dollars go back to the Scouting program in the Sam Houston Area Council as a result of the annual popcorn sale. 70% of all dollars collected during the sale support local Scouting. The popcorn sale is a way for a Scout to support his or her way through the various activities during the year. There are three options to sell popcorn: traditional take order sales, sell online to friends and family out of town and show-n-sell. For more information, contact the district popcorn kernels, Richard and Susan Smith. The council is using a new vendor for popcorn the year, Camp masters.
Learn More
Fall Recruiting
The fall membership campaign focuses on recruiting new families to the fun and adventures of Cub Scouting. Begin your planning by attending fall recruiting training. Involve all your pack leaders in recruiting by inviting everyone to the training! The council provides a variety of support materials for your pack. We are excited to announce that the fall recruiting campaign will be Rocket Into Scouting. Boys who join Cub Scouts will receive a rocket patch for joining. Scouts who join in September will also receive a rocket that they will be able to design, build, and launch at a fall district event. For more information, contact Sherry Dieckmann.
Learn More Order Fall Recruiting Night Fliers Checklist
Put your unit on the map
Calling all unit leaders: now is the perfect time to put your unit is on the map at www.BeAScout.org with a Google pin! Update your unit information with your new unit leaders, and make it EASY for new Scouting families to find you.
- Sign into MyScouting
- Under “Unit Tools” select BeAScout
- Select “Unit Pin Management”
- Update your unit information
If you are the current unit leader and are unable to update your unit pin, please contact your district executive and ensure that you are currently registered as the Cubmaster or committee chair.
Help us promote Scouting
The 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