Mustang District Roundtable

May 9, 2019

Stay Informed, Attend Roundtable graphicRoundtable is a district monthly meeting typically held the second Thursday of the month (except for June and July) at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church (12955 Memorial Drive, Houston, 77079) 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 upcoming events and trainings, 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.     

New District Executive

We are excited to announce the selection of Justin Schiro as the district executive of the Mustang District.  His role as district executive will be to provide leadership and support to the volunteers within the district with a focus on district operations, membership recruiting, unit service, family Friends of Scouting, and product sales.

Justin grew up in Sugar Land, TX. After graduating from Fort Bend ISD, Justin attended University of Texas at San Antonio earning a bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in Political Science. Following college, Justin began teaching middle school in Fort Bend ISD.  After two years of teaching 8th grade US History, he made the decision to serve his country in the United States Army.  At the conclusion of his active duty contract, with a deployment to Paktika Providence, Afghanistan, he earned an Honorable Discharge for his time in Service. Following his service, he taught for two more years and earned his Masters in Education. Justin is married, and his wife’s name is Leah. Justin can be reached at justin.schiro@scouting.org.

Camporee

April 20-22, 2019

Boy Scout on a compassCamporee is a weekend camp out for troops in the districts.  Patrols and individual Scouts compete in various competitions and are judged on leadership, teamwork, skills and Scout spirit.  The event is being held at Tellepsen Scout Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch (3450 County Road 317, Navasota, TX 77868).

Registration is done by troops. The troop needs to RSVP with an approximate head count for planning purposes by February 28, 2018. Every troop is expected to help at the camporee (e.g., run an activity or demonstration, emcee the campfire, Scouts Own Service, logistics, administration, registration). 

The registration fee is $10 per person (Scouts and adults) and covers facility fees, Saturday lunch, and patch. There is an activity package fee of $20 per youth and adult who wish to participate. The activity package fee covers unlimited archery, 10 shotgun shells, 10 rifle shots and the climbing tower.  Only those Scouts and adults signing up to participate need pay this activity fee and bring a consent form.

Learn More and Register

Pinewood Derby

April 28, 2019  |  1:30 check-in / 2:00 races begin

The pinewood derby is one of the most popular and successful family activities in Cub Scouting. Pinewood derby cars are small wooden models that Cub Scouts make with help from their families. Then they race the cars in competition. The cars are powered by gravity and run down a track. Cub Scouts can design and build their own car to enter in the race. Win or lose, Cub Scouts will take pride in having done their best. Cub Scouts learn craft skills, the rules of fair play, and good sportsmanship—things they will remember for life. 

Registered Cub Scouts ( kindergaren through 5th grade) and youth considering joining Scouts may register for this event. Registration is $11.50 for the first Scout and $10 for each additional Scout and includes a patch for those pre-registered. 

Learn More and Register

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.

The Scouting Trail: April 2019

Silver Beaver Award Nominations

Due May 1, 2019

The Silver Beaver Award is the highest form of recognition that a local council can bestow on a volunteer. In 1931, BSA President Mortimer L. Schiff recommended to the national board that an award be devised for recognition of distinguished service to youth in the area of a local council, and the concept of the Silver Beaver Award recognition was established. Submit nominations forms by May 1, 2019, to silverbeaver@shac.org. The Silver Beaver Awards will be presented at the Council Recognition Reception on November 19, 2019. 

Silver Beaver Nomination Form                Complete list of Silver Beaver Recipients

New Eagle Scout Reception

Sunday, May 5, 2019   |  2:00 pm

The New Eagle Scout Reception recognizes the previous year’s Eagle Scout class. The council continues its tradition of providing this reception free of charge for new Eagle Scouts and their guests. Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Eagle Scout alumni, Scouters, Scoutmasters and Cubmasters are all encouraged to attend this special program to recognize the 2018 Eagle Scout class, the Adams Project of the Year Award, and NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award recipients. Eagle Scouts and their families will not want to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to be recognized by accomplished Eagle Scouts. The evening is underwritten with generous sponsorships by many Eagle Scout alumni, charter members and patrons. The event is being held at Crowne Plaza (8686 Kirby Dr., Houston, TX 77054).

Learn More and RSVP

Resident Camp

Resident camp is a three-night campout at Bovay Scout Ranch for Cub Scouts entering the first through fifth grade the following school year. From Cub Scout skills to rank advancements, these camps are full of fun and learning. Cub Scouts attending resident camp are also encouraged to register for day camp, as the advancements offered at resident camp add to those offered at day camp. Resident camp includes activities such as riding BMX bikes, shooting archery and BB guns, playing sports, canoeing, fishing, making crafts, learning about STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), exploring nature, stargazing, branding, and splashing in the pool. In addition, the resident camp program will focus on the program electives:

Learn More and Register

New Scouts BSA Brand Guidance Training

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