New Website
Texas Trails Council launched a new website on Nov 13. The site was created to provide timely and relevant event information & registration, reduce time and effort required to maintain the website, and provide a mobile-friendly view. Learn More

End of Year Notes

Training - Registered leaders need to complete all required training in My.Scouting by Dec. 31. This includes Youth Protection, Troop Committee eChallenge, and any courses on your learning profile.
Advancement - Please submit all advancement via Internet Advancement by Dec. 31 for it to count to 2015 Journey to Excellence (JTE).
Service Hours - Please submit service project hours for your unit and Eagle Scout projects by Dec. 31 for it to count to 2015 JTE.
Membership - Turn-in all new member applications to the Service Center by Dec. 22.
Holiday Hours - Service Center and Scout Shop Closed
- Nov 25-29 for Thanksgiving holiday
- Dec 23 - Jan 6 for Inventory
Recharter - Packets are being distributed now. Internet Rechartering will be available on Dec. 1 (reference the recharter packet for unit login info). Please contact your District Executive if you need help.

OCT District Winter Camporee - Dec 4-6
Registration is now available for this camporee to be held at Camp Billy Gibbons. Activities include tomahawk throwing, 3-D Archery, Fire Making, Knots, String Burning, Scout Law, First Aid Scenario and chili cook-off. Read More

Penateka Lodge - Order of the Arrow
Scouting's National Honor Society

Dec 12 - Penateka Lodge Banquet - Celebrating 100 Years of Service
12:00 pm at Hendrick Medical Center. Recipients of the Centurion Award will be honored. Guest speaker is John Vann, past Lodge Chief, Kotso Lodge, and past Section Chief, SR-2. $8 per person.Read More
Jan 15-17 - Section Triad - This weekend event will be held at Trevor Rees-Jones Scout Camp in Athens, TX. Arrowmen will participate in leadership training, Indian Affairs training and attend the section business meeting. Read More
Apr 15-17 - Section SR2-3N Conclave
Conclave at Trevor Rees-Jones Scout Camp. Early-bird registration will be open later this month. Read More

Annual Business Meetings

Meeting	Date	Location	Elected Office Nominations Due
Council	12/17	Council Service Center, Abilene	12/11
BM District	12/10	Council Service Center, Abilene	12/4
PV District	12/8	Mills County State Bank, Early	12/1
OCT District	12/7	TSU, Humanities Bldg, Stephenville	11/27

2015 Popcorn Sales Campaign

Dec 4 - Distribution of take-orders
Dec 16 - Take-order money due to council
Dec 19 - Popcorn Sales Party at Mr. Gatti's - 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Dec 23 - Prize orders due online

Timber Tag 94 - Jan 23, Feb 5-7, Feb 26-28

Adult leader training for Cub and Boy Scout leaders at Camp Tonkawa. Timber Tag is a great opportunity for Scouters to complete Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Training, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, and position- specific training. Read More

Tarleton Merit Badge Seminar - Feb. 19-21
Details and registration coming soon Read More

Council Banquet - Feb. 27
Details and registration coming soon. Read More

Wood Badge - April 2016 - Texas Southwest Council
Wood Badge is advanced training for adult leaders in the BSA. This includes Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity & Venturing Leaders, District and Council Committee members as well as Professional Scouters. Courses will be held at Camp Sol Mayer in Menard, Texas. Register by Dec. 31 for $200. Read More

2017 Jamboree
Texas Trails Council plans to send a contingent of 36 youth and 4 adults. Please indicate your interest by completing the online form. Scouts must be 12 years of age and a 1st class Scout at the start of the Jamboree. Scouts may not have another opportunity to attend.

See our Jamboree webpage for more information. Read More

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

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

Life to Eagle - New Resources
Texas Trails Alumni Association has been working on the development of new, online resources to help Scouts achieve their Eagle Scout award. Documents are being added and updated frequently. Read More

Highlights from Eagle Scout & Scouting Alumni Dinner
The Oct 6 dinner provided an opportunity for 50 Eagle Scouts and Scouting Alumni to reengage and reconnect. Ryan Larson and Todd Plotner shared information on alumni activities offered by the BSA. John Vann shared the vision of the Texas Trails Eagle Scout & Scouting Alumni Association. View Photos and Presentation

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 226 Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts at units in Abilene, Brownwood, Coleman, and Santa Anna. This year, Scouts have gone camping, traveled to Corpus Christi, attended the Tarleton Merit Badge Seminar, and attended resident summer camp at Camp Tonkawa. Contact Randy Linn, Scoutreach Director, for more information.

Scout Shop Orders
Units located outside of Abilene can place orders for patches, books, uniforms and other items sold throughout the Scout Shop. Orders are delivered by staff members when they visit those cities. Please submit your orders at least 72 hours prior to the need date. This will ensure we have time to fill the order and have items available. Scout Shop and Equipment Order Form

Cub Scouting Program Changes

Advancement, Handbooks, Leader training, Program Material
Read More

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.

Outdoor Inspiration Award - Nominations Due Nov. 22
Nominate a Scout or Venturer for the Outdoor Inspiration Award. The Outdoor Inspiration Awards celebrate those that inspire and encourage others in their communities to enjoy, participate in and support outdoor activities and the outdoor industry.The sixth annual Outdoor Inspiration Awards, presented by adidas Outdoor, will be celebrated during a ceremony at the Salt Palace Convention Center on Friday, January 8, 2015 at 6:00 p.m., the second night of Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. Read More

Scout to Become It's Own Rank in January
Scout, previously a joining requirement for Boy Scouts, will become it's own rank with a new badge on Jan. 1, 2016. The new Scout Rank will be tougher than the requirements for the Scout Badge.

Boys joining on or after Jan. 1, 2016 must use the new requirements. Boys who have joined prior to Jan. 1, 2016 who are working on the Scout badge may continue to work on the existing requirements, but they must convert to the new requirements upon completion of the Scout badge. Read More

Scholarships for Eagle Scouts
There are numerous scholarships available for Eagle Scouts. Read More and apply today.

Future of Scouting with BSA President Dr. Robert M. Gates
Grow Our Program ... message presented by Dr. Gates during the 2015 National Order of the Arrow Conference.

Dr. Gates also spoke at the 2015 National Business Meeting. Read More

Michael Surbaugh - New Chief Scout Executive

Michael Surbaugh replaced Wayne Brock this month as our new Chief Scout Executive. Mike is an Eagle Scout and an Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor member, and has completed Wood Badge. He also is proud to have served as camp director and a member of summer camp staffs for 12 years. Read More

Learn More about his vision for the growth of Scouting.

2016 Training Programs at Philmont - Youth and Adults

Did you know training is available for youth and adults at Philmont? The 2016 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 healthy principles: drinking clean water, eating fruits and vegetables for snacks, and engaging in physical activities during meetings. 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 smart 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