April 2009

Serving almost 38,000 young people and over 10,000 adult volunteers in 23 counties: Bell, Bosque, Cooke, Coryell, Denton, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Hood, Jack, Johnson, Leon, Limestone, McLennan, Milam, Palo Pinto, Parker, Robertson, Somervell, Tarrant, Wise and Young.

Note: Information for events from previous years will be left on the Pacesetter newsletter until replaced by the same events from the most current year.

Contact the Longhorn Council: LHCemail@aol.com Staff: Directory Page
Maps: Maps & Directions Page

Departments
Eagle's Nest 08
What's Happening
District News
In Memoriam


Links
Cub Scout News
Boy Scout News
Venturing News
Sign Up for News
Texas High Adventure
Recharter Online
Calendar
Site Map
Search
Home
Give to the Scouts

Camps 2009
Boy Scout Camp
High Adventure
Camps & Pgms 2009
Camp Leader Info
Camp Staff Jobs
Cub Scout Day Camp
Cub Resident Camp
Maps - Directions
Maps of Camps
Donations

Online Reservations
Weekend Camping
Cub Scout Day Camp

Programs& Events
Cub Scout Events
Boy Scout Events
Venturing Events
COPE Ropes Course
Orienteering Events
Soccer & Scouting
Fútbol y Los Scouts
Training
Main Page
Training Calendar
Cub Scout PowWow
Univ. of Scouting
Wood Badge
Online Courses:
Youth Protection
Entrenamiento Normas de Proteccion Juvenil
Venturing YPT
Venturing YPT: en español
Safe Swim Defense
Safety Afloat
Information
Advancement
Boy Scout Fieldbook
Commissioners
Cub 75th Awards
Directory
District Chairmen
Districts
Employment
Exploring
Forms
Friends of Scouting
Good Turn-America
GuideToSafeScouting
International Programs
Keys to Safe Driving
Lakeview Lodge
Links
Mobile Climbing Wall
National Jamboree
New Council Office
Order of the Arrow
Popcorn
Religious Awards
Scout Shops
Scout Show
¡Scouting Vale la Pena!
Sea Scouting
Strategic Plan
Venturing
World Jamboree
 
Privacy Policy
Need a Translation?

Venturing Road to Ranger Camp featured in May issue of Boy's Life
The Road to Ranger Camp will be featured in May issue of Boy's Life magazine. Road to Ranger is a challenging advancement and high adventure camp designed by Longhorn Council Venturing Crew Advisors. The program is built around the Outdoor Bronze award and the Ranger Award and some of the high adventure outposts of Chisholm Trail Adventure.

R2R is designed to help Venturers and Crew Advisors facilitate advancement to the Ranger Award. Venturers can earn the Outdoor Bronze Award and complete most of the Core requirements and many Electives for the Ranger Award. Crews can attend as a unit or individual Venturers can attend. Road to Ranger is Staffed by Longhorn Council Venturing volunteers and Texas High Adventure Base staff.


Summer Camp and High Adventure Weeks still Available
WEEK
CAMPS OPEN
June 7-13
Chisholm Trail
June 14-20
all closed
June 21-27
Wakeboarding
Jun 28-Jul 4
Chisholm Trail, SR2, Worth Ranch, Wakeboarding
July 5-11
Chisholm Trail, BRCT, Wakeboarding, Venturing Road to Rannger
July 12-18
Aquatics School, Shoooting Sport Camp, Wakeboard Advanced School
....more information

Cub Scout Railroad Safety Poster Contest
Enter in the Cub Scout Railroad Safety Poster Contest sponsored by BNSF Railway, Operation Lifesaver, and the Longhorn Council, BSA. Create a railroad safety poster of any size. Print your name, address, phone number, program level, adn pack number on the back of your poster. It's free to enter and every participant wins a special patch. 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place winners of each of the 5 program levels will receive great prizes! Entries should be taken to the Longhorn Council Hurst and Waco offices between March 1, 2009 and April 1, 2009. Only one entry per person....more information

FOS Update
  1. The 2009 Campaign is beginning. Unit Leaders should select someone to serve the role of Unit Coordinator. The Unit Coordinator works with the Presenter selected by the District. The Coordinator will send a pre event email or letter to each family to ensure that all are fully aware of the purpose of Friends of Scouting and of its importance. They will also participate in the follow up efforts.
  2. Schedule your Pack Blue and Gold and the Troop's Court of Honors for these Fos presentations.
  3. The need this year is to raise $1,900,000.
  4. Become a Dig Scouting Club member or one of our Eagle Club Members.
    ...more information.

2009 FOS Goals


Make an FOS Presentation
Each Unit needs to schedule a Friends of Scouting presentation. Call your DE or send Michael Wright an email to make it happen before the end of the year. Concerning the Community outreach for Alumni and Civic Leaders, speak with your District Executive or Michael to find out how best to utilize your influence and talents in Friends of Scouting.

Donors above $1000 are most appreciated. Our current list is found here - Eagle Club Members


Are You a Dig Sponsor?
Dig Scouting is a finance recognition club for those that pledge a commitment of $1.00 or more per day. First time joiners receive a very distinctive Shovel, then each succeeding year a new 'thank you' is offered. In 2008 a specially embossed belt buckle was given. In 2009 a specially printed pad is given.
Dig Scouting Members in 2008 are found here - Dig Scouting Members

Endowment Update
Congratulations to Gerald Robinson for submitting an application for a James E. West Fellowship.
2008 James E. West

Nuts for Scouting
2009 Sale Information
Scouts can earn the cost of Scouting. Choose from two plans:
The unit can keep the 30% commission up front as they pick up the product,
OR
choose to allow the boys to earn 40% return on their sales by turning in the total money and 40% will be returned to the boy as a Gift Card to any Scout Shop or online for Scouting supplies.....more information

Public Service - Flag Ceremonies

An Invitation from Ann Pope, Secretary of the City of Euless

We would also like to make you aware of an opportunity for your troop leaders to have their scouts participate in flag ceremonies at one of our City Council meetings.

Our meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, beginning at 7:00 PM at City Hall, 201 N. Ector Drive, Euless, Texas 76039. The scouts are free to leave following the Pledge, but are welcome to stay for the duration of the meeting. Parents are most welcome and many bring cameras for a group picture in front of the city emblem located in the lobby.

Anyone who is interested may contact Ann Pope at apope@ci.euless.tx.us or 817-685-1427. We have an open calendar starting with November 25.


National Jamboree 2010
The National Jamboree will be held July 26 through August 4, 2010. The Longhorn Council contingent will leave July 22 and return August 6, 2010...more information

National Jamboree Brochure (cover)
National Jamboree Brochure (inside)


Legends Program
The new Legends Program and James E. West Fellows List can be found at the link below and on the Memorials page.

Legends Programs and James E. West Fellows List


Spring Canoe Race
A 6-mile Fun Race from Worth Ranch to the Highway 4 bridge and a 14 mile Race for experienced canoeists from Possum Kingdom Lake Dam to Worth Ranch. 100-yard War Canoe Race in the afternoon. Parent/Youth teams welcome. ... more information.

Register Online for the Spring Canoe Race.


Pack Resources
The Pack's First Three Months
(in English - 7.14 MB download)

The Pack's First Three Months
(in Spanish - 7.14 MB download)

Pack Meeting Planning Sheet Campfire Program Planner
Meeting Place Inspection Checklist
Cub Scout Leader Recognition Awards
Where to Find Cub Scout Leader Training Courses
What Does a Pack Trainer Do?
Cub Scouting's 12 Core Values
Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award
BSA Online Learning Center
Cub Scout Leader Fast Start
Youth Protection Training


Aggie Eagle Program
The Aggie Eagle Program provides a unique opportunity for Scouts to visit a world-class university. Texas A&M is home to the Corps of Cadets, an organization whose values align with the fundamental attributes upheld by many Scouts. Find out more by clicking here.


Cub Scout and Webelos Resident Camp
Both Cub Scout Resident Camp sessions at Camp Tahuaya are now Webelos Camps! Join your fellow Cub Scouts and Webelos for outer space FUN and adventure at the 2007 Galactic Explorer Cub Scout Resident Camp at SRS or at the Webelos Resident Camp at Camp Tahuaya. ... more information.


Sign Up for Program News
Click here to sign up for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturing and other Scouting news! Sign Up for News

Longhorn Council Strategic Plan 2007-2011
Click on the title to see the Longhorn Council's 2007-2011 Strategic Plan. The plan was developed by dozens of volunteers on 12 Strategic Plan committees aassisted by outside experts in various fields. The Strategic Plan is the operational guide for the Longhorn Council for the next 5 years.

Internet Advancement Records System Open
Units can do their advancement records online
Units can now use BSA’s Internet Advancement system to record their youth member advancements from any online location—at home or at the office. You will find this new method to be easy, convenient, and accurate because you will enter the information yourself.

The system is separate from Internet Rechartering, but uses a similar concept. Unit leaders can record awards, ranks, and merit badges directly to BSA's official youth member records with the online system.

The unit advancement processor can now print a unit roster at any time. The roster is the most current information from BSA's ScoutNET system, and will include the person ID for each adult and youth member. See the Advancement Page for more info and to try the new system.


Rebuild Hurricane Damaged Scout Camps
Get a Hurricane Relief CSP!
Get a Hurricane Relief Patch to support of relief efforts for the Boy Scout Camps and Councils damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Help save scouting in these hard hit areas!!! The Patches cost is $10. All funds raised by the sale of this patch go to the Boy Scouts of America fund to rebuild Scouting facilities in the hard hit areas along the Gulf Coast. Only 2500 were produced. Click on the title for details. Click here to see the full size Hurricane Patch Image.

New BSA Online Trainings
New Leader Essentials Training is now "THIS IS SCOUTING" Training Online:
17 online training courses are now available for Scouters:
- This is Scouting
- Youth Protection Training
- Troop Committee Challenge
- Varsity Leader Fast Start
- Venturing Advisor Fast Start
- Venturing Crew orientation
- Venturing youth PRotection
- Unit Commissioner Fast Start
- Staffing the District Committee
- Scout Parents Unit Coordinator
- Climb On Safely
- Trek Safely
- Safe Swim Defense
- Safety Afloat
- Hazardous Weather Training
- Generational Diversity
- Den Chief Training

See the Training Page for more information.


Map of LHC Districts
Now on Maps & Directions Page
There is new map page showing the boundaries of the Longhorn Council's Districts on the Maps and Directions Page. Detailed maps of individual districts and their boundaries are also in the works.


New Religious Emblems Page
The Boy Scouts of America has always been committed to the moral, ethical, and spiritual development of our youth. Click on the title for information on the Religious Emblems that can be earned by your youth.


Viking Ship Dedication set for Memorial Day Weekend
The Longhorn Council's new viking Ship will be delivered by the shipwright in mid May. A christening ceremony will be held on Memorial Day weekend on Lake Bridgeport.


Click here for more information on new programs and facilties at our summer camps and Texas High Adventure Base: New Programs 2009. Like the new Area 51 Program, new F-16 Flight Simulator Center, new SR2 Multimedia Program, new Covert Ops Program headquarters, new Road to Ranger Venturing Camp, new Viking Ship and medieval combat program, new Fast Draw Program, new Tahuaya Railroading Program, and more.


Spring Canoe Race Awards
Click on the title for Spring Canoe Race awards.

100 Years of Scouting Generations
Was your grandfather a Cub Scout, mom a Den Mother, uncle a Merit Badge Counselor? Or are you the first in your family to go down the Scouting trail? No matter what your Scouting legacy, we invite you to celebrate your family with the 100th Anniversary Generations Connection program.

For 100 years, Scouting has given American families opportunities to build memories, share experiences, and develop strong values. We invite all Scouting families to share your stories and continue the tradition. For those without a long history of Scouting, you can start today!


USA Archery Basic Archery Instructor Course
(formerly NAA Level 1)

This course is good for adults who would like to run an archery program for their Boy Scout Troop, Varsity Team, or Venturing Crew, and for Archery Merit Badge and summer camp counselors. Upon completion, students will receive the Basic Archery Instructor certification and NADA instructor card valid for 4 years, and Instructor Manual.

Register Online for Boy Scout and Venturing Events:
NRA Range Safety Officer Course
Spring Canoe Race

Register Online for Cub Scout Events:
Cub Family Adventures
Cub Scout Day Camp





Philmont 2010 Council Contingent Treks
Philmont 2010 Contingent-
Last Chance!
Register NOW before April 20.

Looking for Boats, Trucks, Sailboats: Our Camp Rangers are looking for Trucks, Tractors, Trailers, Sailboats, Ski Boats, Pontoon Boats
The Longhorn Council is expanding our camping, sailing, skiing, wakeboarding programs for Boy Scouts and Venturing Crew members. If you have a truck or a sailboat or power boat in good condition that you no longer use or do not wish to continue paying slip fees for, please consider a tax-deductible boat donation to the Longhorn Council's summer camp program. We will accept donations of used sailboats and power boats that are in good condition
, with trailers, in all sizes. Click here for more information on boat donations.


Highland Games on for Nov. 14
The 2008 Highland Games was rolled into the Council Camporee. The 2009 games will be at Camp Tahuaya on Saturday, November 14, 2009.

Approved Locations for Cub Scout Pack Family Camping
In order to meet BSA standards and to be covered by BSA liability insurance, all Cub Scout Pack Family camp-outs must include a Baloo and a YPT certified leaders and must be held at a facility that has been inspected and approved by the Council Camping Committee.

The Longhorn Council Camping Committee has approved locations throughout the council for Cub Scout Pack Family Camping. Click here for the Longhorn Council’s Family Camping Policy and list of approved campsites.


Unit leaders assume personal liability for campouts that are not conducted at an approved facility or that do not follow BSA policies. Camp Rangers will not allow Packs set up camp without a Baloo or YPT certified leader onsite.

BALOO is the Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation. Camp Rangers will not allow a Pack to camp without a BALOO certified leader onsite. Rangers cannot grant any exceptions to this BSA policy. Please remind all those that take their Packs Family Camping that the person with the BALOO Training Card should bring their BALOO card - the Ranger WILL ask to see it - and should arrive at camp first so that other Pack members do not have to wait at Check-In for the Baloo Card to arrive.
Popcorn 2009 Campaign
We have had an outstanding popcorn season and topped 2,200,000 in sales! Thanks to all of the districts kernels popping away to make sure everything was handled. Our retreat for the year had over 350 leaders trained and we contribute the success of our campaign to that and some highly motivated popcorn salespeople. Units that sold 10,000 and above will be listed on the website for your review. It has been a pleasure to work with so many great leaders that care about the future of scouting! Thanks again, and here is to a popping 2009!Renee Horton
Popcorn Council RepresentativeCongratulations to Topsanah District for being the top seller with over $261,000!!Congratulations to Troop 98 of Trailblazer District as our top unit with over $32,000!

2008 Popcorn Combo Sales


Fantom Fun House 2009
2008 was great! The crowd was huge at the park and the weather couldn't have been nicer. Tens of Thousands of park goers mustered up enough courage to make it through the Phobia, and Bloody Mary's Circus of Fear. Part of the proceeds raised every year goes to help build council programs and maintain our camps. Many volunteers came out to help this year making it a tradition for many scouting units in the council. Thank you so much for another successful year at Six Flags. Make sure to put in on your calendar for next year. We are always looking for a dedicated actors and helpers. Make sure to watch for the sign up form and other information for 2009.

The Fantom Funhouse is an opportunity for anyone age 14 and older to earn free admission to Six Flags' Fright Fest for
themselves and their family (spouses, siblings, etc.). Free admission is earned by committing to help scare park-goers for two to three hours in one of the Council's haunted houses…That's right, for just two hours of fun you and your family can all enjoy Six Flags Fright Fest for FREE!! Best of all, a portion of the Park's proceeds during this time will go to benefit anyone age 14 and older is welcome to work in the Funhouse. All Troops, Crews, Teams, and Posts are encouraged to take part in this unique program. Cub Scout Packs can participate too!! Just have mom and/or dad or even a big brother or sister
work a shift and all can go to the park free. You don't even have to be registered in Scouting. The Funhouse is a perfect way for Scouting and even non-Scouting groups to serve their community and be rewarded for doing so.


2008 Council Camporee
More than 7200 Scouts, Cub Scouts, venturers, and adults attended the Council camporee. The program was great, although we ALL froze in that cold wind!
Congratulations to John Park and his outstanding management team for planning and running the largest event in the history of the Longhorn Council !!

Camporee Chairman: John Park, Troop/Crew 75, jpark.1@charter.net

Logistics Chairman: Michael Cawood, Troop 43, cawoodmd@swbell.net


Cub Scout Chairman: Debra Furst, Pack 771, Debra@Furstranch.com

Cub Scout Program Vice Chairman: Angie Wilson, Pack 450, wilsonjam3@yahoo.com

OA Newsletter Online
Find out more about what's going on in the Order of the Arrow this year by clicking here.

Venturing Kondersteg Trip 2009 in Switzerland
July 7-16, 2009 Kandersteg International Scout Centre (“KISC”) is the only world center of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). The Centre began in 1923 with Lord Baden-Powell, who, after the first world Jamboree had a dream about a place where all Scouts from all over the world could meet. His dream came true and now YOU have the opportunity to visit Kandersteg International Scout Centre and live your dream! Mandatory informational meeting for participants and their parents will be on November 20, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. at the Scout Service Center, 850 Cannon Drive, Hurst. For more information and for answers to your questions, contact Keira Quam (817) 233-6010 or Tom Lucas (817) 792-3055.KISC Application (PDF document)
KISC Application (doc file)


KISC Flyer (PDF document)
KISC Flyer (doc file)


Catholic Scout Retreats
The 11th annual Catholic Cub Scout Retreat will be held at Worth Ranch on Saturday October 11, 2008 from 9am-5pm. The 48th annual Catholic Boy Scout Retreat will be held at Worth Ranch on October 10th-12th. Click on one of the links below for more information.
Catholic Cub Scout Retreat Flyer

Catholic Boy Scout Retreat Flyer


Districts News Updated
Check out our District News page for updates on what's going on in our Council's districts. Just click on each district's name to find out what's new with them.

Endowment News - "The Gift that Keeps on Giving"
Congratulations to our newest member: Cody Michael Smith, Eagle Scout of Angelia and Brock Smith from Decatur.
....more information.
Annual Business Dinner
The Council Recognition Banquet and Annual Business meeting will be held on April 30th. Click here for Council Annual Recognition Banquet details and registration.
Philmont International Scouting Trek
The International Division of the Boy Scouts of America is organizing the first Philmont International Scouting Trek. The ages of eligible Scouts are 16 to 19 years by the date of the trek. The date of arrival in Dallas, Texas (all participants depart Dallas for Philmont), is June 18, 2008; departure to home city is June 29, 2008. The method of selection will be a written essay. Essay DEADLINE is February 1st, 2008. ... more information.

New Eagle Scout Rank Application
May 1, 2008 was the effective date for the new Eagle Scout rank application. It now requires the name of the Eagle Scout project and the grand total of hours devoted to it. Please download the new application by clicking on Eagle Scout Award Application under Eagle Project Info and Forms on the Advancement page or by clicking here.
Lockheed Community Grant Information
Information for the Lockheed community grant has been added to the Friends of Scouting page...more information
Eagle Scout News

TOTAL EAGLE SCOUTS for 2008: 556

Lakeview Lodge Retreat and Conference Center
Lakeview Lodge is a full service conference and retreat center serving church retreats, family gatherings, Scout groups, and corporate meetings since 1970. Lakeview is located on a rustic wooded 3000-acre ranch on Lake Bridgeport, 65 miles northwest of the Dallas Fort Worth Airport ... more information


Twin Arrows JLT Courses
Click on the ttile or visit the Training section for more information and registration forms on 2007 Twin Arrows Youth Leader Training Courses.


Scouting Anniversary Award
Click on the title for the recognition award form for Scouting Anniversary Month activities and service projects.


Scouting for Food Drive
Click on the title for information and resources for conducting a Scouting for Food drive for your local food pantries.


Philmont Training Center Courses
Click on the title for the Philmont Training Center conference schedule and Family Program information.


Support Our Troops!!
The Rest and Recuperation program at DFW International Airport has put out a call for volunteers to help welcome our troops as they arrive home for a two-week leave from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. The R&R flight arrives daily around 10:30 a.m. at Terminal B, Gate B39. This very successful, nationally-recognized program gives a great morale boost to our troops and a sense of pride to the greeters. DFW Airport would welcome any BSA Packs, Troops, Teams, and Crews that could volunteer to help welcome our Troops back home to the USA. If your unit or your church or chartered organization would like to help, please contact Liz Samuel, 972-621-0400, liz@ntc-dfw.org.


BSA Good Turn for America
Good Turn for America is a national call to service by the Boy Scouts of America to address the issues of hunger, homelessness, and poor health in our nation. In this effort, the Boy Scouts of America is partnering with some of the nation's most respected service organizations, including The Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity. These organizations, and thousands of others, will work to provide opportunities for youth and volunteers to fight hunger and homelessness, and teach the habits of healthy living.

Youth and volunteers are looking for ways to serve their communities. At the same time, service organizations need dedicated volunteer help. By working together, we can improve our young people, our communities, and the nation.

In order to fight hunger, provide shelter, and teach the habits of healthy living, the Boy Scouts of America asks your assistance. If your unit/group participated in a service project to benefit your community, we ask that you report the details on the national Good Turn For America website. A username and password that will enable each unit to enter details about it's service projects was listed on the label on each unit's Fall Program Packet at the August Roundtables (and was distributed at Roundtables in the spring). If you need your unit's access code, please contact your district executive.
Good Turn for America Info
Good Turn for America Log-In Page


Last Updated: Friday, May 8, 2009 1:16 AM

Cub Scout Program News
Boy Scout Program News
Venturing Program News

News & Updates
Texas High Adventure Video CD
New Online Training Courses:
New Religious Emblems Page
Eagle Processing Changes
District & Council Training Event Calendar

Cub Scout Family Camping Policy
Camps & High Adventure
Council Philmont Contingent 2010 Guidelines
Jamboree 2010 - Celebrate 100 Years of Scouting

Program Calendars
Cub Scout Events Calendar
Boy Scout & Varsity Events Calendar
Venturing Events Calendar

New Training Calendars

Coming Events

NRA Range Safety Officer
Cub Family Adventures
Spring Canoe Race

Council Recognition Banquet
Cub Scout Day Camp

Summer Camp Weeks Still Available - 03-31-09


General News
Council Philmont Contingent 2010 Guidelines
Author Reviews Chisholm Trail Adv.
Philmont Training Classes
Cub Scout Family Camping Policy
New State Parks for Family Camping
Guidelines for Pre-Camp Swim Tests
Scouting Magazine Features Score-O
Youth Protection Policy
Unit Accounts
YPT Instructor Materials Order Form
Changes in Insurance
Climbing and Rappelling Policy







Wood Badge Courses


Wood Badge is the premier adult leadership develop course for the Boy Scouts of America. It teaches contemporary leadership and team-building skills in a comfortable outdoor setting. Go to the Wood Badge page to see a photos of the recent Wood Badge courses. Course Information for the Spring Wood Badge Course at Sid Richardson Scout Ranch is now posted on the Wood Badge page.

Campmaster Corps
Campmasters are the Scouters who help our Camp Rangers support your unit's weekend camping trips at the camps. The Campmaster Corps is looking for new Campmasters for SR2, Worth, and Tahuaya. It's a fun, rewarding service you can perform in a few weekends each year. For more information contact: Russ Johnson 940-575-4160.


Spirit of the Eagle Award
Honorary Posthumous Recognition
The Boy Scouts of America has created the Spirit of the Eagle Award as an honorary posthumous special recognition for a registered youth member who has lost his/her life in an accident or through illness. Click on the title or go to the Forms page for a copy.

This award is bestowed by the National Court of Honor as part of the celebration of life of this young person. It recognizes the joy, happiness, and life-fulfilling experiences the Scouting program made in this person’s life.

The intention is also to help heal and comfort the youth member’s family, loved ones, and friends with their loss. Because the Scouting program was so appreciated, loved, and enjoyed by the youth, this award will serve as a reflection of the family’s and friends’wishes as a final salute and tribute to their departed loved one.


Electronic Eagle Scout Application Process
The Longhorn Council Service Centers can no longer certify Eagle Scout Applications without an appointment. BSA has a new program and process that all Councils must use when certifying Eagle Scout Applications.

In the past, our Eagle Processor was usually available to certify a candidate’s application in approximately 30 minutes. The new certification process requires our Eagle Processor to enter all information from the Scouts application in a ScoutNet program. Click here for details:
Advancement Page.


Seven Times!
from Ellie Morrison, Membership Vice Pres.
That’s how many times a youth or a family needs to be made aware of Scouting, encouraged, or “invited” before they will seriously consider joining Scouting. SEVEN times—and usually within a 7 day period according to the latest research from BSA's National Council.

But that’s impossible, you say. Typically we send two flyers to school and do a “Boy Talk”—and that is if the school will let us in the door!

But it is possible—did you know that last year the Longhorn Council was number one in the nation for our size council for fall recruiting? We did it by thinking about the seven times rule.

Your Council Membership Committee brainstormed and came up with a list of ways to “invite” a boy to join Scouting. Some of them cost money, others don’t—but the units that utilized additional ways to invite a boy to join had great rallies. This is the latest list for you.

*Personal invitation—boy to boy, parent to parent
*Business cards—make business cards for each Scout on the computer and ask that he hand them out at school—include rally information
*Information booth at School—Back to School, Meet the Teacher, Open House, school carnivals, etc.
*Flyers on windshields—in the school parking lot, at church, at Day Camp or the first football game—the CARPOOL line
*Marquees—at school, church, bank—also think “rented temporary one”
*Newspaper ad
*Newspaper “bulletin board”—local news or church newspaper
*Uniforms at school—boys wear theirs the day of the rally, parents eat lunch at school in uniform or just come inside to pick up a child
*Magnetic sign for your car
*Sponsoring organization—they are as interested in recruitment as you are. What about something in the bulletin, newsletter, where ever they make announcements? What about Boy Talks in Sunday School—for boys and for parents? What about a letter from the pastor? An announcement on Sunday morning?
*Stickers—Council has some print your own message—distribute at school or church
*Address labels—really cheap—check the ads you get in the mail—it doesn’t have to have an address, just 3 lines of type.

Back to top.


A Message from the Endowment Committee
The Longhorn Council strives to be strong in membership, leadership, program, and facilities - especially camping facilities. Your financial support helps make it possible To initiate recruiting strategies, to develop leadership training courses, to conduct a variety of interesting programs, and to increase and maintain required facilities - especially suitable camps.

Capital expenditures are required and made each year to keep the Longhorn Council camps up to standards required by the Boy Scouts of America. Old, worn out equipment must be replaced with new equipment. Old buildings require repairs, and new buildings are needed to meet expanding needs.

You can help provide the financial support required to meet the many needs of our Longhorn Council. There are many ways in which you can do your part. Please look at your options, and then find a way to be as generous as possible in your support. All contributions are very welcome and appreciated. Click here for more information on Friends of Scouting gifts and planned endowment giving


Cub Outdoor Activity Award
Tiger Cubs, Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts have the opportunity to earn the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award. Boys may earn the award in each of the program years as long as the requirements are completed each year. The first time the award is earned, the boy will receive the pocket flap award, which is to be worn on the right pocket flap of the uniform shirt. Each successive time the award is earned, a wolf track pin may be added to the flap. Leaders should encourage boys to build on skills and experiences from previous years when working on the award for a successive year.

Texas Badge Requirements and Application on the FORMS Page
THe application and requirements for the Cub Scout and Boy Scout TEXAS BADGES are posted on the Forms Page.
Back to top.


Problems with PDF files?
Most of the printable files on the Longhorn Council website are Adobe PDF files (portable document files). To read or download PDF files you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader version 3.0, 4.0 or 5.0, a free program from Adobe.com. (Some of our files may not display properly with Acrobat 3.0) Remember that Acrobat Reader allows you to increase the viewing size of the file you are reading. Click here to get the latest free version:


file size: 28 MB (depending on your operating system.)

NOTE: If a PDF file fails to display or print correctly, try downloading the file and then opening it on your computer. On a Windows system, click the link to the PDF file with the right side mouse button, choose ["save target as"], and then select a folder to save the PDF file in. Open the file after it is saved on your system.