Texas Trails Council | Boy Scouts of America

2015 Summer Camp Programs | Camp Tonkawa

Boy Scouts - June 14-20 and June 21-27
Campsites are still available for troops.Also, Provisional units are available for individual Scouts who would like to attend. Programs include merit badges, James Beard Program, Top Shot, Climbing, and BSA Lifeguard. Adults will also be able to participate in contests and activities.Read More

Webelos Resident Camp - June 28 - July 2
Applications are still available for this year's camp. Webelos Resident Camp is a fantastic way for Cub Scouts to become introduced to the summer camp experiences they will have in the Boy Scouts. Read More

Cub Day Camp - July 12-16
Day Camp is available for Tigers, Wolves, Bears and Webelos Read More

New/Renovated Facilities at Camp Tonkawa

Bath House (next to QM)
Cell Phone Charging Station (next to QM)
Drinking fountatin (next to QM)
New doors for the maintenance barn
Renovated latrines in Kiowa and Ute campsites (flush toilets and increased privacy)
Remodeled Staff Huts
Gaga Pit (Israeli dodgeball)

Camp Billy Gibbons Closed for Construction
June 1 to September 1

Friends of Scouting

Thank you for your consideration to become a Friend of Scouting or renew your Friends of Scouting support! Our Friends of Scouting greatly assist the Texas Trails Council in supporting the programs and services provided to each youth, family, scout unit and chartered organization. Donate online

Penateka Lodge - Order of the Arrow

July 24-26 - Penateka Lodge Summer Fellowship
This will be a great opportunity for Ordeal Candidates to seal their ties to the Order.
Aug 3-8 - NOAC - National Order of the Arrow Conference
Over 15,000 Arrowmen will gather at Michigan State University to celebrate 100 years of service to Scouting. The event has been sold out for months. Read More

Buy-A-Brick – Texas Trails Council Scouter’s Walk
Create a lasting memory for family and friends by purchasing a brick for the Scouter’s Walk. The bricks will be placed around the flag poles at Camp Tonkawa, Camp Billy Gibbons, and the new Service Center. Proceeds will be designated to the council’s capital funds. Read More

Scoutreach - Making Scouting Available in Schools/Communities

The Scoutreach program gives special leadership and emphasis to urban and rural Scouting programs by ensuring that all young people have an opportunity to join Scouting. The Texas Trails Council's program is named "Texas Trails Stars" and has over 180 Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts at units in Abilene, Brownwood, Coleman, and Santa Anna. This year, Scouts have gone camping, travelled to Corpus Christi, and attended the Tarleton Merit Badge Seminar. Contact Randy Linn, Scoutreach Director, for more information.

SAVE THE DATE - Council Camporee, September 18-20
Brownwood, Texas. "A Tribute to Those Who Served" in honor of our veterans and in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Camp Bowie. Events include participation in Brownwood Reunion parade, WWII re-enactment, touring of new museum exhibit, and veterans' memorial event at Camp Bowie. Registration materials will be sent out in early May. Contact Eric Morrow

Cub Scouting Program Changes

Multiple changes are coming to the Cub Scout program:

Advancement
Handbooks
Leader training
Program Material

2017 National Jamboree The next National Jamboree will be July 19-28, 2017. The theme and logo were recently announced by the BSA. This will be the 2nd National Jamboree to be held at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. Jamboree Website Texas Trails Council will be communicating more information in the coming weeks for youth and adult registration. Questions? Alan Clute, 325.691.4217 office, 325.672.1632 home, aclute@hillcrestonline.com

Annual Program Planning for Troops

Has your troop began planning for the next 12 months? Annual program planning is an important process for a successful Scouting program. It is essential for the youth and adults in your troop to plan meeting agendas, merit badges, campouts, summer camp, and other events. Download the planning guide.

Michael Surbaugh - Next Chief Scout Executive

Michael Surbaugh presently serves as Group Director for HR, Innovation, Exploring and Learning for Life. He will replace Wayne Brock who retires in October. Read More

2015 Training Programs at Philmont - Youth and Adults

Did you know training is available for youth and adults at Philmont? The 2015 conference schedule is now available. Philmont Training Center

NAYLE - National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience

The National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) is conducted for older Scouts and Venturers who have the potential for being on the staff of the council junior leader training or youth leader training conference. Philmont Training Center will offer 7 sessions in the summer of 2015. Read More.

New Award Helps Scout Units Commit to Health and Fitness
Scouts know the value of health and fitness – and now, with the SCOUTStrong Healthy Unit Award, they can show they’re committed to this value at meetings and gatherings. This award centers around 3 helathy principles: drinking clean water, eating fruits and vegateblas for snacks, and engaging in physical activities during meetings. Read More

2015 Eagle Scout Directory Update

NESA has retained PCI to create and publish a 2015 Eagle Scout Directory and update NESA's database. You may receive phone calls, postcards, or emails requesting that you provide updated contact info. Please participate in this survey ... Read more

Making A Difference Through Scouting: The Adventure of the Muddy Lions:
Troop 491 developed a video and curriculum to help youth in their community with smnart decision making. The video promotes character, leadership, teamwork, and self-esteem and contains messages that resonate with today’s youth. Download the video and materials. Read More

2014 Merit Badge Rankings

The Boy Scouts have 136 merit badges. The 2014 rankings show that Cooking has been ranked #1. First Aid moved to 2nd place after 5 years in first place. Read More

Magic Johnson: A Fan of Boy Scouts

Basketball legend and former LA Lakers' Magic Johnson spoke at the annual Friends of Scouting Breakfast in Midland, Wisconsin.Read what he has to say about dreams coming true. Read More

New Merit Badge: Signs, Signals, and Codes
New merit badge encourages youth members to explore alternative languages, including the increased use of sign language, morse code, text messaging and emoticons Read More

Scouts Meet The President
A group of Scouts had the opportunity to visit the White House as part of Report To The Nation. Since 1910, United States Presidents have served as honorary presidents for the Boy Scouts of America. Read More

Eagle Scout Presents Alzheimers App

Eagle Scout Kenneth Shinozuka developed an app to help protect people with Alzheimers. He had the opportunity to showcase the app in the White House Science Fair and on the Good Day America show. Read More