Space U Odyssey

*About the Adult in Camp Compliance / Background Check

To protect the health and safety of youth attending residential camps in the State of Texas, the Texas legislature has enacted the Texas Youth Camp Safety and Health Act, which requires the council to conduct a criminal background check and a sex offender database check on every adult who will be at camp. All adults attending camp in any capacity must complete an Adult in Camp Compliance (ACC) form at least two weeks before camp, allowing sufficient time for background checks to be completed. Completing this form allows the council office staff to complete a criminal background check on each adult in camp (regardless of time spent in camp). Visitors should also complete an ACC form. Persons who have not completed an ACC form will be required to be escorted by an adult at all times while on camp property and will only be permitted to enter camp if someone is available to escort them. Please take a photo or screenshot of the receipt for documentation of when you submitted your form. If you are not contacted by the council, it means the background check has been approved.

Participant Guide

 

Packing List 

Lodging

Campsites are nestled in shaded areas throughout the camp. Every campsite has picnic tables and a covered pavilion with 2 electrical outlets. Shower houses are located along the main campsite road and are shared by three or four campsites. Individual stalls are ADA-compliant and have a toilet, shower, and sink. Parking is located next to each campsite.

Tents: Canvas tents are available for all participants (two campers per tent) in accordance with guidelines  (i.e., separate tenting for males and females; youth and adults to tent separately). Cots are available, or you can bring your own cot. Campers can bring their own personal tent.

Adirondacks are available in select campsites. They sleep 8 youth, have 4 bunk beds with mattresses, and include 2 fans. A limited number of spots are available for an extra fee.

 

 

 

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.

Hydration at camp

Dehydration is a major issue at camp due to campers not drinking enough water. Ensure you send a well-hydrated camper to camp; campers should begin hydrating the day before arriving at camp. Water stations are available throughout camp. Mark the camper's water bottle with their name so it can be returned if they lose it. Help prepare the camp for camp by discussing the importance of always carrying a water bottle and drinking water throughout the day.

(Source) Discuss with your camper how to monitor the color of their urine by using a urine color chart to determine if they are getting enough fluids. Show them the urine color chart and discuss the signs of dehydration, which includes:

• Increased thirst (It’s said that if you’re thirsty, it’s already too late. You’re already dehydrated.)
• Headaches or muscle cramps
• Tiredness or weakness
• Dry skin and lips
• Confusion or dizziness
• Dark urine and/or decreased urine production

(Source) In high temperatures, kids don’t sweat as much as adults do, so it’s harder for them to cool off. This makes them more susceptible to dehydration and heat exhaustion. As a guideline, when it's hot, encourage at least 4 ounces of fluid every 15-20 minutes (that's 16 oz every merit badge period). Show the camper before camp how much fluid their water bottle holds and advise them on how many water bottles they should drink every day.

Personal Possessions

Camp is an outdoor experience. A camper is cheated out of a full outdoor experience by electronic devices. Personal items such as electronic games, iPads should not be brought to camp. In all cases, personal valuables (such as watches, wallets, and money) should not be left in the open at camp. It is virtually impossible to provide security for these items. It is recommended that each unit bring a lockable storage container to secure valuables while an adult is not in the campsite. All items are to be permanently marked with the camper's name. Campers should not leave any electronic device unattended while charging anywhere at camp. 

Mail

For parents planning to send mail to their campers, it would be beneficial to mail letters and packages (US Mail, FedEx, UPS) by Friday of the week before camp attendance. There is no public phone available for campers to use, but if a parent needs to contact a camper, they may call the camp office and a message will be given to the camper at the next meal during the day.

The mailing address is Camp Strake, attn: Camper's Name, Week Attending, 2020 Camp Strake Rd., Coldspring, TX 77331.

Special Accommodations 

If a participant has special medical needs, such as the need for refrigeration to store medicine, please ensure that this information is included in the online registration. CPAP machines must be battery-powered, as power outlets near campsites are scarce. However, camp staff will attempt to meet reasonable requests for timely submissions made through the registration process. Participants may need to bring specialty items to help fulfill some requests. 

Meals

The air-conditioned dining hall seats 450 people. All meals are served in the dining hall. The dining hall features commercial gas stoves and ovens, food preparation areas, a wide selection of utensils and cooling supplies, a dry goods storage area, a dishwashing area, two walk-in refrigerators, three freezers, and additional amenities. High-quality and nutritious meals will be provided on-site by a professional custom food service company. All menus have been reviewed by a certified dietician and are designed to provide active and healthy youth and adults with the nutrition and calorie intake needed for camping.

There will be self-serve stations (e.g., salad bar, pasta bar, potato bar) at every meal. Seconds are available after everyone has been served, so there is plenty of food for everyone. Snacks are available for purchase in the Trading Post.

Special Dietary Needs

Allergies and special diets are common concerns. If a camper requires a special diet, the parent or adult participant completes a dietary form at least two weeks prior to arrival. The camp's food service providers are highly experienced in accommodating a wide range of diets; however, not all dietary requirements can be met. 

The following diets can be accommodated: vegetarian, kosher, halal, no pork, no beef, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and lactose intolerant. Shellfish is not served at camp. The only peanut product served in the dining hall is peanut butter in the extra food bar. Not all diets can be accommodated. If the camper has a unique request, the details should be entered into the online registration system along with an email, and the food service provider will notify them if the request cannot be met.

• While at camp, campers could participate in various dining styles, including family-style dining, cafeteria-style dining, and self-serve bars.
• It is expected that all campers possess the necessary knowledge of their dietary needs and can effectively manage their food choices.
• Camp staff cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment. Careful consideration needs to be taken for campers with severe allergies, particularly those susceptible to airborne transmission.
• If a camper has a severe allergy or dietary restriction, don't hesitate to get in touch with the camp directors to discuss whether the camp staff is properly equipped to manage their needs.
• While the staff works to meet all dietary requirements, food is prepared in an area where milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, and fish are present, and cross-contamination may occur.
• Upon arrival at camp and prior to their first meal eaten, it is the camper's responsibility to identify themselves to the kitchen staff; then cooperate in helping the camp staff meet their need(s).

Depending on the need, campers with special dietary requirements may need to bring food items to supplement those available at camp. Participants with special dietary needs can request access to refrigerators, freezers, and microwaves to heat food; however, actual cooking must be done at the campsite.

Dietary Form   

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication

Please review completely to ensure full compliance with Scouting America and State Regulations. These are required and could result in fines from the Health Department.

All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC)  medications are the responsibility of either the individual taking the medication or that individual’s parent or guardian.

A leader, after obtaining all the necessary information and permission, can agree to accept the responsibility of making sure a youth takes the necessary medication at the appropriate time, but Scouting America does not mandate or necessarily encourage the leader to do so. (Source) .  The following MUST be done:

• Camper and adults who require medication must have all medications listed on the Annual Health and Medical Record. Be sure to check (Yes or No) on Part B2 of the Annual Health and Medical Record whether non-prescription medications (e.g., acetaminophen, antibiotic ointment, antacids, antihistamine, hydrocortisone cream) can be administered at camp. 
• Send enough of the medication in sufficient quantities in the original container to last throughout camp, but only send the amount of medication needed at camp. If requested, most pharmacists will provide a second labeled container for medications so only the needed prescription can be sent to camp and the remainder can be kept at home in a labeled container.
• Medication must be in the original container with the prescription label. Daily pill containers are not acceptable.
• Place all medications in a zip-lock-type plastic bag with the camper’s name on it. 
• A Routine Drug Administration Record must be filled out by the unit leader when medications are dispensed at camp and then turned in to HQ at the end of the week.
• All information on administration, including any specialized equipment or medication (e.g., insulin injections, insulin pumps, and emergency medications) should be provided by parents/guardians to unit leaders.
• Campers should not stop taking any maintenance medications unless instructed to do so by their doctor.
• During camp, all medications must be placed in a lockable storage or other secure location that is not accessible to campers. If a medication needs to be refrigerated, contact the camp health officer.
• Ensure medications are not expired, including inhalers and EpiPens.
• Emergency medications (asthma inhalers or epinephrine auto-injectors) that may be needed for an emergency or on an urgent basis may be carried by the youth participant. A buddy or a responsible adult should be sure the youth has the emergency medication. • Youth need to know how to use the medications. • The youth participant must notify the adult leader immediately upon self-administering the emergency medication. • In many cases, an evaluation or further treatment by a healthcare provider may be needed after the use of some emergency medications, e.g., epinephrine, even if the youth member feels OK. It may also be necessary to obtain an additional supply if no additional doses are available. • Planning should address how the emergency medication will be administered and include how to develop the adult leader’s comfort in assisting the youth if necessary. • The parent or guardian should be notified of the use of emergency medication.
• If permission to administer over-the-counter (OTC) medications is not checked on the medical form, medical personnel must attempt to contact the parent or guardian for permission to administer such medications (e.g., Tylenol, Pepto-Bismol). If the health and safety staff is unable to reach a parent/guardian, the camper will need further medical evaluation by the designated camp physician or a hospital facility.
• Resources:
  • Routine Drug Administration Record       
  • Medication Use       
  • Safe Use of Medication

Youth Leaving and Returning

Parents are encouraged to allow the camper to stay at camp for the entire week. This reduces unnecessary traffic in and out of camp, allowing youth to have the complete camp experience. Youth will only be allowed to check out from camp prior to final checkout by an adult authorized on Part B of the Annual Health and Medical Record. Only people listed will be allowed to remove the child from camp.

Lost and Found

If any lost items are found, they should be turned in at the camp commissioner’s office in HQ as soon as is reasonably possible. Lost items will be kept in the camp commissioner’s office through the end of camp. After camp, the camp director will dispose of the items left at camp (e.g., donating them to a non-profit organization, returning them to the council office, or disposing of them in the trash). Neither the council nor its staff shall be held responsible for any lost items.

Do not bring valuables to camp. To assist in returning items to their rightful owner, please ensure that all items brought to camp have the owner’s name marked on them.

Trading Post

The trading post, located in the camp headquarters building, is stocked with t-shirts, camp patches, mugs, camping equipment, cold drinks, ice cream, and candy. The trading posts accept cash, checks, and credit cards (Master Card, Visa, American Express, and Discover). 

Illegal Substances 

Smoking or vaping by youth will not be tolerated. If a youth is caught smoking at camp, the youth’s parents or guardians will be contacted by phone and shall be required to pick the youth up from camp immediately. The consumption, possession, or use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or controlled substances at camp is not permitted. All local, state, and federal laws will be followed when a violation involving the above substances is reported. Violators will be asked to leave the camp immediately.

Photographs    

Notice!  Please be advised that promotional videotaping, photography, and drone photography may be in progress at any time during an event. Your entrance constitutes your agreement that the district has the right to reproduce your likeness in videography and photography for promotional purposes (e.g., publications, internet, newspapers).

Program 

The program is a five-day program designed for youth ages 11-17. Program includes:

• Camping at Camp Strake, a premier, state-of-the-art camp nestled in a rural area near the Sam Houston National Forest, close to Coldsping, Texas.  Sleep in wall tents or upgrade to an Adirondack.
• Meals
• Field trip to Space Center Houston (includes bus transportation to and from camp) with behind-the-scenes access to exciting tours of actual astronaut training and work facilities, such as NASA Johnson Space Center and Rocket Park.
• Connect directly with guest speakers about what it takes to work at NASA and the projects that prepare humans for space exploration.
• Interact with an astronaut through a live presentation, gaining firsthand insight into space exploration and mission life.
• Hands-on, engineering-based activities and data collection technology integration for real-world analysis.
• Interactive, project-based learning activities inspired by current space exploration tasks and practices, promoting collaborative teamwork and global awareness development.
• Swimming 
• Canoeing
• Small Boat Sailing
• Kayaking
• Water Obstacle Course
• Target and Range Sports (archery, rifle, and shotgun)
• Climbing Course
• COPE Course (high ropes challenge)
• Ziplining
• ATV (additional fees for youth ages 14+)
• Graduation ceremony and completion certificates

 

ATV Riding

The ATV Program is optional and offers certified safety training and off-road adventures for youth (ages 14+), teaching safe operation and ASI certification.

The ATV program allows participants to learn how to properly ride all-terrain vehicles (ATV)  and explore Camp Strake's trails while learning to drive the crème de la crème of ATV equipment. Participants also receive safety instruction vetted by a company with 60 years of industry expertise.  See the participant guide for links to the required online safety course, permission slip and extra items to bring.

 

 

NASA Stars & Stem Program

Campers will take a bus to Space Center Houston to participate in the Stars & STEM program. This program allows campers to get a more in-depth experience to the current science and projects being
worked on at NASA. Includes:

1. NASA Guest Speaker
2. Catered Lunch
3. Private Tram Tour to Johnson Space Center
4. Robotics Workshop 
5. Explore Space Center Houston
6. Guided Starship Gallery Tour

 

 

                               

 

Schedule

Coming Soon

Camp Strake

Camp Strake is located on 2,816 acres between New Waverly and Coldspring near the community of Evergreen, Tx. Lake Livingston is 10 miles east of the property. The camp is a 1.5-hour drive from downtown Houston and close to I-45 and the Grand Parkway. Camp Strake is surrounded on three sides by the Sam Houston National Forest and has the Lone Star Hiking Trail close to one corner of the property.

Camp Strake is situated on 2,816 acres and is surrounded on three sides by the Sam Houston National Forest, with the Lone Star Hiking Trail located near one corner of the property. There are 20 campsites with pavilions, an air-conditioned dining hall, a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) center, a 28-acre lake, an aquatics center with a swimming pool and pool house, extensive trail system, sports fields, shooting sports complex, climbing and rappelling tower, high-ropes course, COPE course, chapel and more. The camp has been designed and built to meet both ADA and Scouting America requirements. 

 

Camp Map    Google Map

 

Google Map of Camp Strake

Click on the icon () in the upper right-hand corner to make the map full screen.

Facilities and Program Areas

20 campsites with pavilions Air-conditioned dining hall (450 person capacity) Camp Headquarters building Large program pavilion STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) center Merit badge pavilions Extensive trail system Order of the Arrow ceremony site Arena for 1,200 people 2 chapels  Modern restrooms and shower houses 40 summer camp staff huts

Aquatics Center with a swimming pool and pool house Aquatics Center with lake, observation deck and canoe storage Aquatics training pavilion Shooting Sports Complex with rifle, shotgun, and archery range, including a sporting arrows course Bikes and all-terrain vehicle ATV area Climbing and rappelling tower Aerial Adventure Program (High Rope Elements) Climbing pavilion Sport fields Zipline

Camp Strake Facilities

All facilities at Camp Strake are ADA-compliant. Many of these facilities, including the dining hall, are air-conditioned.