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. The camp staff provides the program leadership supported by the unit leaders. Units can camp for the weekend.
Questions and Support
• October: Merit badge and program portals open Wednesday, October 16th at ~8:00 pm
• October: Email sent 10/15/2024
Registration
| Cost |
Registrant Type |
Times |
Meals Included |
Notes |
| $50 |
Individual Scout |
Sat. 8 am - 5 pm |
lunch |
Parent/guardian registers the Scout; fee includes 1 merit badge class and 2+ program areas (weather and staffing permitted; some program areas have an extra fee). Scouts attend with a buddy; parents who are YPT trained can be a Scout's buddy. |
| $50 |
Scouts with a troop, ship, crew |
Fr. 6 pm - Sun. 12 pm |
lunch |
Unit leader registers the unit; fee includes camping, and 2 merit badge classes.
Units must follow all leadership requirements. Troops are asked to provide one merit badge counselor. |
| $75 |
Scouts with a troop, ship, crew |
Fr. 6 pm - Sun. 12 pm |
3 meals on Sat & breakfast on Sun |
|
| $10 |
Adult parent - Saturday only |
Sat. 8 am - 5 pm |
lunch |
Fee includes lunch. Parent and adults must have current YPT training. |
| $35 |
Adult leader (with meals) |
Fr. 6 pm - Sun. 12 pm |
3 meals on Sat & breakfast on Sun |
Fee includes camping. Adults must be registered leaders with their unit. |
Fees:
- The Scout fee is $50 and includes lunch, 2+ program areas (weather and staffing permitted; some program areas have an extra fee), a merit badge class
- The adult fee is $10 and covers Saturday lunch
- There is no fee for merit badge counselors. Volunteers are needed to have a successful event. Each troop needs to provide at least one volunteer.
- Troops camping for the weekend have the option of eating all (4 meals) in the dining hall for and extra $25 per person.
- Payments are made online with a credit card or electronic check. Council refund policy.
The names of the Scouts are not needed when initially registering. Program area sessions and merit badge classes open about a week before the event. Watch for an email with details (copies of the email will be listed below).
Click on a date to register:
| Full Throttle: (click on date to register) |
Theme |
Description |
Resources / Announcements |
| • February 14-16, 2025 |
Full STEAM Ahead! |
Get hands-on experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics; there's something for every curious mind! |
• Sign up to be notified when spring registration opens! |
| • April 25-27, 2025 |
Be Prepared |
Earn merit badges related to essential Scouting skills. |
• Sign up to be notified when spring registration opens! |
| • Previous Events |
|
|
Advancement Reports: If the Scout's advancements don't show in Scoutbook,
provide this report to your unit leader so they can input the completions.
• September 9, 2023: Advancement Completion Report
• October 28, 2024: Advancement Completion Report
• February 24, 2024: Advancement Completion Report
• April 18, 2024: Advancement Completion Report
• September 21, 2024: Advancement Completion Report
• October 18-20, 2024: Advancement Completion Report |
Program Selection Form: An optional program selection form is available for units to use. Before printing or emailing, insert the dates of camp at the top of the page and contact information, due date, and any additional instructions at the bottom of the page.
Updating Registration/Adding Classes: To update, modify the registration, and/or add the Scout's schedule (program areas), go to https://samhoustonbsa.doubleknot.com/signon/2690. Merit badge classes and program areas open a few weeks before the event. An email is sent to the person who registered the leader before the merit badge registration portal opens to give the unit time to get the Scout's preferences. Program sessions that are full will not show up in the registration system. (instructions)
Volunteers
The event staff needs certified volunteers (climbing, shooting sports, aquatics, ATV) to increase program availability and expand program options. Additional volunteers are also needed to support the certified volunteers.
Staff Application
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.
Program Areas
(select 2-3)
|
Location
|
Age
|
Prerequisites and Notes
|
|
| ATV |
|
14+ (required) |
Extra $25 fee; full-day program; see details below for prerequisites and additional items to bring. Scouts who do not do the prerequisites will not be able to participate. There are 16 spots available; registration is based on a lottery. |
|
| Archery |
|
|
|
|
Boating
(canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, rowboats) |
|
|
Be able to pass a swim test and be physically fit. (Not available in February or October). |
|
| Climbing |
|
|
Be physically fit; have good strength and balance to handle climbing and not be afraid of heights. |
|
| COPE - high ropes |
|
13+ (required) |
Be physically fit; have good balance and not be afraid of heights. |
|
| Fishing |
|
|
Bring fishing pole (for bass, sunfish, bluegill) and bait (worms, corn, jigs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, topwater lures); hooks must be barbless; catch and release only. |
|
| Hiking the Lone Star Trail |
|
|
Half-day hike for adults and youth. Will meet some rank requirements. |
|
| Rifle Shooting |
|
|
|
|
| Shotgun Shooting |
|
13+ (recommended) |
Extra $10 fee. Be physically able to handle the recoil of the gun. |
|
| Swimming (pool) |
|
|
Be able to pass a swim test.MB: Scout Skills (not a merit badge class)MB: Scout Skills (not a merit badge class) |
|
| Tentative October Merit Classes (as of 10/15/23) (select one). Final list will be based on volunteer merit badge counselors. |
| Animation |
|
|
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book. |
|
| Automotive Maintenance |
|
|
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book.
• Not covered: #11 |
|
| Chess |
|
|
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book
• Not covered: #6 (complete after class)
• Bring chess board, completed worksheet |
|
| Engineering |
|
|
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book.
• Requirements not covered: #2, 3, 9 |
|
| Painting |
|
|
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book. |
|
| Scouting Skills |
|
|
• Not a merit badge class
• Scouting skills for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class will be taught |
|
| Sustainability |
|
|
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book |
|
| Traffic Safety |
|
|
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book |
|
| Welding |
|
13+ |
• Ages 13+; mature Scouts who can follow safety instructions
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book.
• Bring: 2 pens; must wear hiking boots (no running shoes, or plastic or nylon shoes) and a 100% cotton shirt and pants (e.g., jeans). AWS provides welding jackets, gloves, and helmets. |
|
| Woodwork |
|
|
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book. Completed the Totin' Chip.
• Bring: proof of earning Totin' Chip. |
|
| Additional activities (on your own with buddies): |
|
| Frisbee Golf |
|
|
Bring frisbee. |
|
| GaGa Ball |
|
|
Bring kickball (must have adult supervision). |
|
| |
|
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Program area sessions and merit badge classes that are full will not show up in the online registration system. Program areas will all be open weather and staffing permitted.
ATV Program
The ATV program is a half-day program designed for older Scouts (ages 14+). For ATV riding, participants must bring:
- several long sleeve shirts and long pants
- ankle-high boots
- other items recommended: ATV face mask, riding gloves, head bandana, and a bag to carry muddy clothes.
- Bring ATV Consent Form (signed by a parent/guardian), required by ATV Safety Institue.
- Complete the ATV Safety Institute E-Course online before camp. There is no charge to take the 1-2.5 hour course (direct link).
During the morning, participants will complete a 4½ hour course to learn how to properly ride the ATV which will certify the participants to ride the ATVs on the trails with the instructors on any open ride weekends. The course includes videos, pictures, and interactive lessons to address basic ATV safety principles. During the afternoon/evening sessions, participants will ride the trails.
Scout Skills
The Scout Skills Program is a program for first-year Scouts that focuses 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 and tested. The Scout will then need to demonstrate the skills learned to their Scout leader. After demonstrating proficiency in each skill the Scoutmaster or designee will then sign off 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.
Scouts will be given an opportunity to work on these skills (tentative plan):
Tenderfoot: 5a-c (hiking)
Second Class: 3a-d (navigation), 5a-5d (aquatics)
First Class: 4a-4b (navigation), 6a-6e (aquatics)
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 |
Leader's meeting meeting (dining hall) and
Schedule changes after leader's meeting.
Note - leaders can make schedule changes online. |
Saturday
|
| 7:00 - 8:00 am |
Individual (Saturday only) participants check-in |
| 7:00 - 8:00 am |
Breakfast (provided by units in campsites) |
| 7:30 - 8:00 am |
Swim checks N/A for Oct and Feb |
| 8:00 - 12:00 pm |
Morning program or merit badge class |
| 12:00 - 12:45 pm |
Lunch (dining hall) |
| 1:00 - 5:00 pm |
Afternoon program or merit badge class |
| 5:00 pm |
Individual (Saturday only) participants check-out and depart |
| 5:00 - 6:00 pm |
Dinner (provided by units in campsites) |
| 6:30 - 8:30 pm |
Evening program |
Sunday
|
|
| 8:00 - 10:00 am |
Breakfast (provided by units in campsites) |
| 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 Prior to the Event. Units may complete their swim checks locally prior to 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
Personal Gear* (check with Scoutmaster)
- Annual Health and Medical Record (part A&B for all Scouting events) for every participant
- Field uniform (Scout uniform)^
- Activity uniform (Scout t-shirt)
- For merit badge class bring:
⇒ Merit badge book (available from the Scout Shop; read prior to the Merit Badge Fair
⇒ Proof of completed prerequisites and any items noted to bring
⇒ Documentation of any requirements not covered (optional, but highly recommended; learn more about partials)
⇒ Completed Merit Badge Worksheet (optional, but recommended to prepare)
⇒ Blue cards are not required
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Download the Camp App (search "Sam Houston Area Council" on Apple or Android platforms)
- Scouts (ages 14+) enrolled in the ATV program have additional items to bring.
If camping:
- 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
- Food for breakfast on Saturday, dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday
- 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
|
^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 required at all times while riding bicycles. Learn more about Bike Safety.
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Camp App
We are thrilled to introduce our brand-new camp app, which will serve 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 book prior to the Merit Badge Fair. Merit Badge books can be purchased at an area Scout Shop. Scouts are to be prepared to answer the questions to each of the requirements before the merit badge fair; Scouts are highly encouraged to print and complete the worksheets available at http://usscouts.org/usscouts/mb/worksheets/list.asp to help them prepare. Some merit badges require additional prerequisites to be 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 blue card, given to the Scout at the completion of the class. Scouts will need to complete the badge with a registered merit badge counselor approved for that particular badge back with their unit. Merit badge counselors are not usually available to serve as a counselor after merit badge fair ends unless arrangements are made. 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.
Advancements Completed: An Application for Merit Badges (blue cards) is not required; a few weeks after the event, all of the completed requirements will be posted directly into Scoutbook by the merit badge counselor. Scouts will also receive a list of requirements completed before leaving the event.
How to Register or Update a Registration
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