Big Cypress District

(7/27/20) The leadership of the Sam Houston Area Council would like to present this, our tenth update, on our response to the COVID-19 outbreak and protocols for Scouting operations going forward. We appreciate your continued patience as we navigate this situation as best we can. 

• Any units wishing to conduct small-scale meetings or activities should do so only if able to meet specific preventative guidance from the State of Texas and the Center for Disease Control and upon consultation with and approval from their chartered organization.
• All in-person district and council meetings through September 30^th are cancelled or postponed unless conducted over teleconference or online. This includes district committee meetings, district roundtables, and council committee meetings.
  • Council Coordinated Meeting, scheduled for August 20^th, will be conducted virtually. Please visit here to register in advance (required).
• No overnight district or council activities may be conducted through September 30^th.
• Day-only activities by a district or the council may be conducted, with prior approval of the council’s Enterprise Risk Management committee. Only approved activities will appear on the council and district official websites. All events must meet strict social distancing protocols that have been shared with District Key-3 leadership.
  • Merit Badge Days will continue to be held at Tellepsen Scout Camp on Saturdays in August and in September, they will extend to Camp Strake. More information, including how to register, may be found here and will be updated as more days are added.
• Weekend camping for Cub Scouts at Bovay Scout Ranch is cancelled through December 31^st. This cancellation includes, but is not limited to, Cub Scout Adventure Camp, Fun with Family, and Webelos Coyote Extreme.
  • All packs registered for weekend camping for the Fall at Bovay Scout Ranch will receive a full refund.
  • Additional “Outdoor Sports Days” will be conducted at Bovay Scout Ranch during the fall. Activities will include BB guns, archery, water activities, fishing and a closing ceremony. More information, including registration, will be available in August.
• The Cockrell Scout Center remains open for drop off only with hours of 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday.
  • Any interaction needed with staff members must be conducted through phone and email. If you need assistance determining the appropriate person to contact, please refer to our updated “who to call directory,” or contact the receptionist at (713) 659-8111 during our office hours to be directed to the appropriate person.
  • Field-based staff (District Executives) will be working remotely during this time and are available by phone and email.
• The 5 Scout Shop locations are open to limited retail traffic. Please visit here for more store information, including updated store hours.
• Our council program team is currently looking at alternative planning for major council events later in the Fall - including University of Scouting, Order of the Arrow Events, and Winter Camp. More information regarding those events will be made available as the situation evolves.

Learn More

August 1, 2, 8, 9

Scouts in troops can participate in one-day merit badge classes held at Tellepsen Scout Camp on Saturdays and Sundays in July and August.

Classes will be held from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.  State of Texas and Center for Disease Control requirements will be followed and class sizes will be limited. Classes will stay together for the day and will not mix with other groups. Parents will drop off and pick up their Scout at the merit badge class. Scouts will go through a medical screening up arrival.

Learn More and Register

July 20-24, 2020

Day camp is going virtual. Get ready to grab your electronic device this summer for some virtual Cub Scout camp fun! Even though the camp is virtual, it is also intended to be a chance for the Scouts to get up, create things, get moving, and do activities outdoors again. 

The free virtual Cub Scout camp is a council-hosted event for Cub Scouts entering 1^st through 5^th grade for the 2020-2021 school year. There is no registration fee.

Cub Scouts can work on three rank specific adventures or electives on Monday through Friday from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, live events will be held from 1:00 - 2:00 pm with ceremonies, special guests, and a service project. For a list of supplies needed, visit the www.shac.org/virtual-day-camp.

Learn More and Register

The Sam Houston Area Council is conducting a survey of parents and leaders of Scouts BSA to help our volunteers determine what additional activities and events are needed to help Scouts earn their rank, keep their Scouting skills sharp, and have fun learning at home.

Cub Scout Survey          Scouts BSA Survey         Volunteer to Help           

Scouting at Home Activities

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: May 2020

Cub Scouting / Scouts BSA / Venturing / Sea Scouting Rank Advancement and the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Questions regarding advancement have arisen as we deal with closures, cancellations, or other issues caused by the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Although there are difficulties and constraints, advancement can continue. Youth, parents, and leaders should work together to implement creative, common sense ways to facilitate advancement while adhering to the Guide to Safe Scouting and following the rules of youth protection.

Learn More (link update frequently)

As the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) welcomes girls into Cub Scouts and older girls into the Scouts BSA program starting on February 1, it is important that families understand the program or organization they are joining.

There have been some instances where our volunteers may have inadvertently used the name or trademarks of the Girl Scout of the USA (GSUSA) brand in spreading the word that girls are or will soon be part of all BSA programs. GSUSA recently have filed a lawsuit asserting that these instances have caused confusion. While we don’t believe there has been any such confusion, we respect and support the GSUSA and their rights to their brand.

To ensure that we promote our programs in a clear and Scout-like manner, we have developed resources to make sure our leaders are aware of the do’s and don’ts in promoting BSA programs.

The Scouts BSA Brand Guidance Training is one of the efforts underway to be sure Scouters have a clear understanding of what they can do. This builds on the infographic, and the guidance provided to councils in April.

Scouts BSA Brand Guidance Training     Infographic 

This training should be shared with all volunteers to bring this understanding to all parts of our community. While our goal is to encourage youth to join our program, we must always be clear in our communications about the program they are joining.

• We are The Boy Scouts of America.
• The Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the USA are different organizations.
• We support all other youth organizations and do not disparage them.
• We encourage parents to enroll all youth in a character development program that meets their needs – and the BSA is certainly ready to welcome them.

To aid you in this effort, councils and volunteers are encouraged to use these intro talking points as you host info sessions and launch efforts for Scouts BSA. Additionally, please use this resource to help address any questions you might get in the community about this matter.

Learn More