Iron District Newsletter

The Iron District newsletter is a monthly newsletter that contains information about upcoming district and council events and activities that is distributed at roundtable. Soon, the newsletter will be sent electronically. Sign up below. After you sign up for the newsletter, you will receive a confirmation email.  You must respond to the email in order to complete the subscription.  If you don't respond to the confirmation email, you will be deleted from the system after 90 days, 

June Newsletter        Sign-up for Electronic Newslette

Iron Horse District Roundtable

September 14, 2017

Roundtable is a district monthly meeting typically held the second Thursday of the month at the LDS Church (16331 Hafer Rd, Houston, 77090) 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 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. 

University of Scouting

September 23, 2017

University of Scouting is a training for leaders of all program areas to come together for a day of fun, fellowship and learning. University of Scouting has 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. University of Scouting also offers several youth courses.

Register            Course Catalog            Learn More          

Camping Report

Due August 31, 2017

The council conducts an annual camping survey of troops, crews and ships to determine how many youth participated long-term camping and high-adventure activities. The information is included in the council's annual report and Journey to Excellence. The unit leader should complete the short survey for the period of September of 2016 through August of 2017 by August 31, 2017.

Camping Report

Fall Recruiting

The fall membership campaign focuses on recruiting new families to the fun and adventures of Cub Scouting. 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 Lance Campbell.

         Learn More        Order Fall Recruiting Night Fliers 

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. New for this year, units that sell over $12,000 will receive free home popcorn delivery. For more information, contact the district popcorn kernel, Tina Adams.

Sign your unit up for Traditional and Online Sales             Learn More   

Why Sell Popcorn?

• Increase your unit and council income – 73% stays in the local area.
• Scouts pay for their way for various Scouting programs and activities.
• Scouts learn life lessons by earning their own way.
• There are loads of incentives to motivate Scouts: cool prizes, $650 club, $2K club.

District Calendar

Download the Iron Horse District calendar for June 2017 to July 2018. The council calendar and council toolkit provides additional information on upcoming council events.

District calendar for June 2017 to July 2018

Annual Planning

A common element of strong units is they all have a good annual program planned a year in advance. The plan is then shared with all families in the form of an annual program calendar. Two other key elements of successful units are trained leaders and having the right leaders.

North Division Program Guide         Leader Resources

Cub Scout Planning       Boy Scout Planning       Venturing Planning

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

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, you will have an opportunity to combine those skills and experiences in a career that values and respects others. Scouting is a profession with a purpose!  Check out the current openings at www.shac.org/employment.

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.

Philmont Advisor Skills School (PASS)

December 9 or 10, 2017

Philmont Advisor Skills School (PASS) is designed to help prepare Philmont advisors to lead a successful trek. PASS is an 8-hour course taught by experiences Philmont staffers that covers backcountry and logistical fundamentals of Philmont. Participants will enjoy a trail lunch and sample a trail dinner in between training sessions. At the conclusion of the course, advisors will receive PASS materials to share with crew members. The December 9th course will be held at Camp Brosig and the December 10th course will be held at the Cockrell Scout Center. The cost is $40.

Learn More and Register

Webelos Coyote Extreme

November 10-12, 2017

Webelos Coyote Trail Extreme is an annual council event for 4th and 5th grade Webelos Scouts. During this fast paced fun filled weekend Scouts work on advancements and are introduced to the patrol method, giving them a unique experience into the importance of teamwork and other skills they will need for their first Boy Scout camp out such as fire lays, basic knots, lashings, and more.  

 Learn More and Register

OA Day of Service

September 30, 2017

Order of the Arrow members will be leading a service project on National Public Lands Day. This service opportunity is open to all Boy Scouts, Scouters, family members and Venturers. This project will serve to meet the Life Scout conservation project hours. The event is being held at Double Lake Recreation Area (301 FM 2025 Rd, Coldspring, TX 77331). The cost is only $5 per person and includes lunch. Registration can be done by individual Arrowman or units (troops, teams, crews, ships). Units may camp overnight; request this during registration.

Learn More and Register

Fun with Son

October 20-21 or 21-22, 2017

Fun with Son is an overnight campout for newly registered Cub Scouts and their adult partner and families at Bovay Scout Ranch (3450 County Rd 317, Navasota, TX 77868). Scouts can participate in BB guns, archery, sling shots, crafts, rockets, sports, campfire and more. The registration fee is $24 per participant and includes an event patch, activity supplies, snacks and two meals. Register early as sessions fill up quickly.

Fun with Son is run by volunteers. Volunteers are needed to help with check-in, run program areas (e.g., BB guns, archery, crafts, rockets), serve in the dining hall, assist with parking and staff the first aid area. Volunteer registration can be done by individuals or unit leaders.

Learn More and Register      Volunteer Sign-Up

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