Full Throttle is a weekend event for troops, crews, and ships. Scouts spend a half-day participating in program areas such as shooting sports (rifle, shotgun, archery), climbing, COPE (high-ropes course), swimming, ziplining, and boating (canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, rowboats) and a half-day taking a merit badge class. Units can camp for the weekend.
Volunteers: Every troop is to provide at least one merit badge counselor. The camp staff provides certified leadership in the program areas and is supported by the unit leader volunteers.
Questions and Support
• Questions and support link.
• Updates and announcements are posted here.
• The program portal for the weekend of Oct 3-5 is open
Registration
| Cost |
Registrant Type |
Times |
Meals Included |
Notes |
| |
| Individual Registrations |
| $50 |
Individual Scout - Saturday only |
Sat. 8 am - 5 pm |
lunch |
Parent/guardian registers the Scout. Scouts attend with a buddy;
parents who have taken Safeguarding Youth Training taken online at my.scouting.org can be a Scout's buddy. |
| $10 |
Adult parent - Saturday only |
| |
| Unit registrations with lunch only |
| $50 |
Scouts with a troop, ship, crew |
Fr. 6 pm - Sun. 12 pm |
lunch |
Unit leader registers the unit; fee includes camping.
Units must follow all leadership requirements. Troops are to provide one merit badge counselor. |
| $10 |
Leader |
| |
| Unit registrations with lunch only |
| $75 |
Scouts with a troop, ship, crew |
Fr. 6 pm - Sun. 12 pm |
weekend meals |
Unit leader registers the unit; fee includes camping and 4 meals (3 meals on Sat & breakfast on Sun).
Units must follow all leadership requirements. Troops must provide at least one merit badge counselor.
Adults must be registered leaders with their unit. |
| $35 |
Adult leader |
- Scouts select 1 merit badge class and 2 program areas (weather and staffing permitted; some program areas have an extra fee)
- Volunteers are essential for a successful event. Every troop needs to provide at least one merit badge counselor. Sign up using the registration link.
- Payments can be made online using a credit card or an electronic check. Council refund policy.
- The names of the Scouts are not needed when initially registering.
- Program area sessions and merit badge classes open approximately one to two weeks before the event. An email will be sent to the registration contact when merit badge registration opens.
- Before registering: Before registering, "a Scout must meet with their unit leader or their delegate … this meeting is a required part of the merit badge process, and that it should be documented … in Scoutbook Plus or other method.” (Source, p.40, 7.0.0.3)
- Member ID Number: Have the Scout's Member ID number ready before registering. The ID number can be found in Scoutbook (click on My Dashboard, then click on name of Scout, and select Edit Profile)
Click on a date to register:
Full Throttle
(click on date to register) |
Theme |
Description |
Announcements |
| • October 3-5, 2025 |
Zombie Preparedness
Training |
Learn essential skills that could be useful in a survival scenario. |
• The program portal is open |
| • December 5-7, 2025 |
Top Shot |
|
• Merit badge and program selections will open
after counselors have been recruited. |
| • February 6-8, 2026 |
TBD |
|
• Merit badge and program selections will open
after counselors have been recruited |
| • April 17-19, 2026 |
TBD |
|
• Merit badge and program selections will open
after counselors have been recruited |
| Fall 2026 |
|
|
• Sign up to be notified when fall registration opens |
Volunteers
Every troop is to provide at least one merit badge counselor. The camp staff provides certified leadership in the program areas and is supported by the unit leader volunteers. Certified volunteers (merit badge counselors, climbing, range and target activities, aquatics, ATV) are also to increase program availability and expand program options. Additional volunteers are also needed to support the certified volunteers.
Volunteer
Program
Scouts can participate in two program areas and one merit badge class. When Scouts are not participating in a program area, the troop leadership is responsible for programming in the campsites. Camp staff will provide leadership in the program areas.
October Program Areas
(select 2)
|
Location
|
Age
|
Prerequisites and Notes
|
|
| ATV |
|
14+ (required) |
Extra $25 fee; half-day program on Sat. morning, Sat. afternoon or Sun morning; there are limited spots available; registration is based on a lottery. When registration opens, you can sign up for both the ATV waitlist and for merit badge classes and program areas. An email will be sent to those selected, and the $25 will then be charged.
• Prerequisites: See details below for prerequisites and additional items to bring. Scouts who do not do the prerequisites will not be able to participate. |
|
| Climbing |
|
|
• Prerequisite: Be physically fit; have good strength and balance to handle climbing and not be afraid of heights. |
|
| COPE - high ropes |
|
13+ (required) |
• Prerequisite: Be physically fit; have good balance and not be afraid of heights. |
|
| FCE (First Class Emphasis) |
|
|
First-year Scouts learn skills for ranks leading to and including First Class. |
|
| Rifle Shooting |
|
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| Shotgun Shooting |
|
13+ (recommended) |
Extra $10 fee. • Prerequisite: Be physically able to handle the recoil of the gun. |
|
| October Merit Classes (select one). Final list will be based on volunteer merit badge counselors. |
| Chess |
|
|
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered: #6 (complete after class)
• Bring chess board, completed worksheet |
|
| First Aid |
|
|
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Not covered: #2b
• Bring: #2b (first aid kit), highly recommend preparing & bringing completed worksheet |
|
| Fishing |
|
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• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book
• Not covered: #10 might not be completed if fish isn't caught |
|
| Nature |
|
|
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: #3 |
|
| Sustainability |
|
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• Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet.
• Requirements not covered: #8a
• Bring: highly recommend preparing & bringing completed worksheet |
|
| Wilderness Survival |
|
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• Prerequisite: Read merit badge pamphlet
• Bring: completed worksheet |
|
| Additional activities (on your own with buddies): |
|
| Frisbee Golf |
|
|
Bring frisbee. |
|
| GaGa Ball |
|
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Bring kickball (must have adult supervision). |
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| |
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Program area sessions and full merit badge classes will not appear in the online registration system. Program areas will all be open, weather and staffing permitting.
ATV Program
The ATV program is a half-day program for older Scouts (ages 14+). For ATV riding, participants must bring:
- must wear a long-sleeve shirt and long pants that can get dirty.
- must wear ankle-high boots
- other items recommended: ATV face mask, riding gloves, headbandana, bag to carry muddy clothes, change of clothes
- ATV Consent Form (signed by a parent/guardian), required by ATV Safety Institute.
- proof of completing the ATV Safety Institute E-Course online before camp. There is no charge to take the 1-2.5 hour course (direct link).
First Class Emphasis (FCE)
The Scout Skills Program is a program designed for first-year Scouts, focusing on the adventure of Scouting. The instructors will not sign off on the requirements taught; the staff will provide a document for each participant that reflects the requirements that have been taught. The Scout must then demonstrate the skills learned to their Scout leader. After demonstrating proficiency in each skill, the Scoutmaster or designee will then sign off on the requirements in the Scout Handbook and Scoutbook. Sign up Scouts for this program in the online registration system, just like signing up the Scouts for merit badge classes.
Tentative Schedule
Friday
|
| 6:30 - 8:30 pm |
Unit check-in |
| 6:30 - 8:30 pm |
Swim checks (for participants scheduled for swimming or boating) N/A for Oct and Feb |
| 9:30 pm |
Leaders' meeting (dining hall) and
Schedule changes will be made after the leader's meeting.
Note - leaders can make classs changes online. |
Saturday
|
| 7:00 - 8:00 am |
Individual (Saturday only) participants check in; eat breakfast before arrival |
| 7:00 - 8:00 am |
Breakfast (provided by units in campsites or in dining hall for units that purchased the weekend meal option) |
| 7:30 - 8:00 am |
Swim checks. N/A for Oct and Feb |
| TBD |
Morning program or merit badge class |
| TBD |
Lunch for all participants (dining hall) |
| TBD |
Afternoon program or merit badge class |
| 5:30 pm |
Individual (Saturday only) participants check out and depart |
| 6:00 - 7:00 pm |
Dinner (provided by units in campsites or in dining hall for units that purchased the weekend meal option) |
| 7:30 - 9:30 pm |
Evening program |
Sunday
|
|
| 8:00 - 10:00 am |
Breakfast (provided by units in campsites or grab and go from dining hall for units that purchased the weekend meal option) |
| 10:30 am |
Units break campsites and check out |
Swim Checks
On Friday evening, after Scouts drop off their gear at their campsite, Scouts participating in boating or swimming should change into swimsuits, take a towel and report to the aquatic area. Buddy tags will be issued based on the level of swimming proficiency. Adult assistance is needed to hand out the buddy tags during the swim check.
Swim Checks Before the Event. Units may complete their swim checks locally before the event following the Swim Classification Procedures or bring documentation of swim checks conducted during summer camp. The unit-level swim check must be conducted by one of the following certified people: Aquatics Instructor; Aquatics Cub Supervisor; Lifeguard; Swimming & Water Rescue; or other lifeguard, swimming instructor, etc. When swim tests are conducted prior to camp, the camp aquatics director shall reserve the authority to review or retest all participants to ensure that standards have been maintained for the safety of everyone.
Swim Classification Procedures Record and Classifications
What to Bring
|
Mark all items with Scout's name and troop number.
Do not bring valuables.
|
Personal Gear* (check with Scoutmaster)
If Camping* (check with Scoutmaster)
- Tent and ground cloth
- Sleeping bag, blankets, sheet
- Pillow
- Cot or pad
- Shoes (closed-toe) or hiking boots
- Cap or hat
- Pajamas or sleeping clothes
- Rain gear (pants and jacket)
- Swimsuit and towel (if participating in swimming or boating), water shoes are optional
- Personal items (e.g., deodorant, comb, medications, toothpaste, toothbrush)
- Personal medications: prescriptions (listed on medical form) and over-the-counter, in original containers
- Camping gear
- Insect repellent (non-aerosol)
- Mosquito netting
|
Troop Equipment
- Trash bags, 55-gallon
- Ice chest
- Troop first aid kit
- Lanterns
- Lockable storage container
- Firewood (if no burn ban)
- Cooking gear and food for breakfast on Saturday, dinner on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday, if not ordered with registration
- Hose, optional
- Hand washing station to put next to the water spigot, recommended (e.g., small bucket, bar of soap)
- Sports equipment, optional (e.g., Frisbee, football, soccer ball, kickball)
|
Optional
- Spending money for trading post (cash, debit, credit)
- Backup phone battery, rechargeable, fully charged
- Portable chair or camp stool
- Fishing pole and bait (worms, corn, jigs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, topwater lures); hooks must be barbless; catch and release only
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^The field uniform is not expected to be worn as part of the weekend programming, so check with the Scoutmaster before packing.
*Mark all items with name and troop number. Electricity is limited.
Don’t Bring: Valuables, electronics (e.g., iPad), fireworks, sheath or hunting knives, pets, hammocks, personal firearms and ammunition, jewelry, personal bows and arrows, or hammocks.
#Bikes (non-motorized) are allowed on all paved roads to access the campsites and program areas, and on the marked mountain bike trail by the bike barn. There are bike racks near the climbing tower, shooting sports area, Grand Pavilion, and campsites 1 and 20. All other trails, including sidewalks and grassy areas, are off-limits. Helmets, proper safety protocols, and procedures are always required while riding bicycles. Learn more about Bike Safety.
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Camp App
The camp app serves as a vital communication tool for all camp attendees, offering convenient access to essential resources such as the camp map, schedule, program updates, emergency announcements, and much more. You can find it by searching "Sam Houston Area Council" on both Apple and Android platforms.
Safety
Buddy System
All Scouts should adhere to the buddy system throughout the camp. Scouting’s buddy system calls for Scouts to pair up with a friend or two for all activities. This helps ensure safety and accountability and teaches Scouts to have responsibility for others. No Scout should ever be found wandering through camp alone. It can be difficult to implement the buddy system when a Scout does not schedule classes with fellow members of their troop. Troop leaders are encouraged to pair Scouts in classes as much as possible. If this is not feasible, the Scout should walk with other Scouts in the class to the location of the merit badge class. Due to the number of Scouts and the short amount of time between classes, this should be a relatively simple exercise.
Prerequisites, Requirements Not Covered and Partials
Attending a merit badge class does not guarantee that a Scout will complete the merit badge, but it is an opportunity for Scouts to meet with qualified counselors, to help them work on the requirements needed to complete a merit badge. The merit badge fair should not be considered another school where the pupils sit and stare for hours on end. Scouts should come prepared to participate. The counselor's job is to encourage self-discovery and then check that each Scout has the minimum knowledge and does the requirements. Scouts should be ready to take notes and come prepared with notetaking materials and writing utensils. Remember one goal of the merit badge advancement system is to develop individual growth and initiative.
Prerequisites: All Scouts are to read the merit badge pamphlet prior to the Merit Badge Fair. Merit Badge pamplets are available online. Scouts are to be prepared to answer the questions to each of the requirements before the merit badge fair; Scouts can complete the worksheets available at http://usscouts.org/usscouts/mb/worksheets/list.asp to help them prepare. Some merit badges require prerequisites that must be completed before the merit badge fair.
Merit Badge Worksheets
Requirements not covered: Some of the requirements cannot be completed during the class. The Scout should bring documentation of requirements not covered. Scouts are encouraged to complete requirements not covered before the merit badge fair and bring proof of completion; otherwise, the Scout will receive a partial.
Partials: If the Scout does not complete the requirements not covered and bring documentation to the class, the Scout will receive a partial completion of the merit badge. The partial completion will be noted on the advancement report. Scouts will need to complete the badge with a registered merit badge counselor approved for that particular badge with their unit. Merit badge counselors are not usually available to serve as a counselor after the event unless arrangements are made with the counselor. Find a list of merit badge counselors by logging into http://scoutbook.scouting.org with your my.scouting userID and password, click on My Dashboard, Administration, your unit and scroll down the page. Remember that a youth member must not meet one-on-one with an adult. Sessions with counselors must take place where others can view the interaction, or the Scout must have a buddy: a friend, parent, guardian, brother, sister, or other relatives—or better yet, another Scout working on the same badge.
Merit Badge Completions
A few weeks after the event, all of the completed requirements will be posted in BlackPug, the registration system. The Scoutmaster, committee chair, or registrant contact (i.e., person who registered the unit for the event) can log in to BlackPug and view the reports.
How to Pull Advancement Reports
- Go to https://scoutingevent.com/000/Login/
- Click on profile name (top right)
- Click on View Activity (tabs: Summer Camp & Activities or Year-Round Camping)
- Select the activity
- Click on Reports Tab (provide these reports to the unit advancement chair)
⇒ Unit Advancement Summary: summarizes all advancements completed at camp (e.g., merit badges, rank advancements)
⇒ Unit Advancement Detail: list of all advancements completed at camp in a grid (one page per Scout)
⇒ Scoutbook Export: is a report of all merit badge completions that can be uploaded into Scoutbook. Note: rank advancements have to be entered manually. This report exports merit badge data in Scoutbook format using Scoutbook's "advancement.csv" template. Chrome Users - an extension is available that allows direct import of this data into Scoutbook. This extension can be obtained here: Feature Assistant Extension for Scoutbook. Firefox Users - a similar extension for Firefox can be obtained here: Feature Assistant - Scoutbook. A document describing the upload process can be found here: Importing Data from Black Pug Software
- Video: How to view Reports
Registration Support
Helpful Registration Videos
Reports
A variety of reports are available:
| |
- Preparing for Full Throttle |
⇒ Class Schedule Checklist Sheet: report Scouts can use to indicate which classes they are interested in (print a copy for each Scout)
⇒ Unit Roster: Scoutmaster report with a list of all Scouts attending with check boxes to keep track of things like medical forms
⇒ Unit Roster Registrant: Scoutmaster report with a list of all Scouts by registrant type attending with check boxes to keep track of things like medical forms
⇒ Prerequisites by Scouts: a report for Scouts listing prerequisites they should work on before the event (one page per Scout).
⇒ Prerequisites by Unit: summarizes all prerequisites that Scouts should work on before the event, making it useful for planning troop meetings le |
| |
- Print Before Arrival |
⇒ Class Schedule or Participant Class Schedule: two types of reports for Scouts with their merit badge schedule (one page per Scout)
⇒ Scout Summary: summarizes all Scouts' schedules.
⇒ Period Summary: lists where every Scout should be each period.
⇒ Class Summary: lists Scouts taking each class
⇒ Scoutmaster QR Codes: QR codes for the unit and each Scout used to access class and merit badge schedules on mobile devices. |
| |
- After the Event |
⇒ Scoutbook Export: is a report of all merit badge completions that can be uploaded into Scoutbook so Scouts get credit for advancements completed. Note: rank advancements have to be entered manually.
⇒ Unit Advancement Summary: summarizes all advancements completed at camp (e.g., merit badges, rank advancements)
⇒ Unit Advancement Detail: list of all advancements completed at camp in a grid (one page per Scout) |
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- Resources |
⇒ Class Data: Excel report listing all Scouts and merit badge classes
⇒ Customer Invoice: shows all payments
⇒ Event Additional Fees: lists any additional fees |
Scouting Safely
The Scouting America's Commitment to Safety is ongoing and we want you to know that the safety of our youth, volunteers, staff, and employees cannot be compromised. Scouting America puts the utmost importance on the safe and healthy environments for its youth membership. The Sam Houston Area Council takes great strides to ensure the safety of its youth as well as the adult volunteer leadership that interacts with them.
Guide to Safe Scouting policies must be followed. All participants must follow Youth Protection Guidelines at all Scouting events. Highlights include:
- Two-deep leadership on all outings required.
- One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is prohibited.
- The buddy system should be used at all times.
- Discipline must be constructive.
Health and safety must be integrated into everything we do, to the point that no injuries are acceptable beyond those that are readily treatable by Scout-rendered first aid. As an aid in the continuing effort to protect participants in a Scout activity, the National Health and Safety Committee and the Council Services Division of the National Council have developed the SAFE Checklist of safety procedures for physical activity. These 16 points, which embody good judgment and common sense, are applicable to all activities.
Youth Protection Guidelines Guide to Safe Scouting SAFE Checklist Enterprise Risk Management
Contacts
Parents of campers should contact their troop leaders with questions about Full Throttle. Many of the adult leaders attending summer camp are quite experienced and can answer most questions.
For answers not addressed on this page, click here.
Questions and Support