April 14-16, 2023

Camp Strake
2020 Camp Strake Rd. 
Coldspring, TX 77331

Spring Sail is Territory 7’s inaugural fellowship event. It is a weekend event jam-packed full of sailing, paddling, climbing, ziplining, and fellowship with Sea Scouts and Venturers from around the territory. Territory 7 consists of Alamo Area Council, Bay Area Council, Buffalo Trail Council, Calcasieu Area Council, Capitol Area Council, Evangeline Area, Istrouma Area Council, Louisiana Purchase Council, Norwela Council, Rio Grande Council, Sam Houston Area Council, South Texas Council, Southeast Louisiana Council, Texas Southwest Council, Texas Trails Council, and Three Rivers Council.

The theme for the inaugural Spring Sail is fellowship! Sea Scouts have been through a lot in recent years. As the program rebuilds stronger and better than ever, the youth want to focus on what makes the program great, the people! So get ready to have more fun than you’ve ever had before with people you may have never met before! Follow Territory 7 on Facebook at facebook.com/nst7seascouts.

Spring Sail will kick off with an opening show, where information about the weekend activities will be shared. Throughout the weekend there will be a variety of activities and games for everyone to enjoy. The waterfront will be open, so bring boating clothes for some fun on the water. For competitive units, there will be a few competitions around camp where youth can compete with other units to see who owns the water. Be ready for some knot tying, interesting canoeing, and more. Participants are encouraged to check out the Camp Strake climbing area including the climbing tower, COPE ropes course, and zipline! 

During the afternoon, Scouts will exchange our activities for a fellowship sail! All units are encouraged to join us on the water in any lake-safe vessel of choice. Courses will be set up to race and have fun! The closing campfire will be a more traditional campfire hosted by all the council boatswains from around the territory. Winners of the competitions will be announced and fun prizes will be given out! In the spirit of fellowship, there will be many chances for Scouts to have fun surrounded by Scouts from around the territory. There will be an evening fellowship and territory-wide game Saturday night.

Printer-Friendly Version    Parent / Participant Guide

The event is being held at Camp Strake, a first-class and state-of-the-art facility for Scouts and their leaders. Camp Strake has 20 campsites with pavilions, an air-conditioned dining hall, a 28-acre lake, an aquatics center with a swimming pool and pool house, and more.


Registration

All registered BSA Sea Scouts and adults may attend. Payments are made online with a credit card or electronic check. 

Each unit must have at least two-deep leadership at all times and a minimum of one adult leader for every 10 youth. Units with young women must provide or arrange appropriate adult female leadership. Arrangements may be made to share responsibility so long as the responsible adult understands, and conscientiously accepts the increased responsibility. All adults are expected to cooperate and participate when called upon by the cruise staff. Adult participation includes safety, supervision, or other duties assigned by the chair.

Registration is typically completed by the unit leadership or individual staff member. Youth must attend with their unit; there are no provisions for supervision for individual youth.

T-shirts must be ordered by 3/31/23.

Register

Fees
The fee includes a patch and all program supplies.
   • $10 per Scout
   • $10 per adult
   • $25 for t-shirts (optional, order by 3/31/23)

To update or modify a registration and/or make a payment, go to samhoustonbsa.doubleknot.com/signon/2690 (instructions).

Refund Policy

The council refund policy can be found at shacbsa.org/refund.

Participant Guide

Scouts are expected to strive to achieve the above aims while living the principles of the Scout Oath and Law.

Camp Program 

Learn more about the exciting program being offered.

Participant Packing List

Bring seasonally and weather-appropriate clothing (including rain gear) as participants will be outdoors most of the time.  Wool, fleece, nylon, wind-proofs, rain-proofs, hats are critical to deal with cold and windy weather.  Cotton leeches heat from the body. Bring a water bottle or hydration system.

Clothing

  • Field uniform (Scout uniform) for meals
  • Activity uniform (Scout t-shirts) 
  • Shoes (closed-toe) or hiking boots 
  • Cap or hat 
  • Pajamas or sleeping clothes
  • Rain gear (pants and jacket) 
  • PFD (personal flotation device), if you have one
  • Modest swimwear or set of clothes that can get wet
  • Towel
  • Wet socks or water shoes (required for all waterfront events including sailing); no bare feet
  • Shoes to remain dry
  • Dirty clothes bag 
  • Sweater or light jacket
  • Time-keeping device (e.g., watch, phone)

Camping Gear

  • Tent (check with Skipper)
  • Sleeping bag or blankets, sheet 
  • Pillow 
  • Cot or pad or air mattress
  • Flashlight and extra batteries 
  • Personal first aid kit 
  • Water bottle
  • Backpack (day pack)
  • Insect repellent (non-aerosol) 
  • Mosquito netting  
  • Camp chair  
  • Lockable storage container, recommended to keep clothes dry, available at big box stores)

Personal Items

  • Towels and washcloth 
  • Soap and shampoo 
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste 
  • Comb, brush, mirror
  • Shaving gear (if needed)
  • Medicated body powder
  • Personal medications: prescriptions (listed on medical form) and over-the-counter, in original containers
  • Sunscreen 

Optional

  • Spending money for trading post (cash, debit, credit)
  • Backup phone battery, rechargeable, fully charged
  • Camera 
  • Book of Faith
  • Frisbee (for Frisbee golf course), football, soccer ball, kickball
  • Fishing pole (to catch bass, sunfish, bluegill) gear, and bait (worms, corn, jigs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, topwater lures); hooks must be barbless; catch and release only

Adults

  • Wifi hotspot, if reliable internet is needed
*Mark all items with name and unit number.  Electricity is limited. ​

Don’t Bring: Flip-flops, tank-tops, halters, tube-tops, open-toed shoes, valuables, electronics, fireworks, sheath or hunting knives, pets, personal firearms and ammunition, jewelry, personal bows and arrows, generator, hammocks that hang from a tree [free-standing hammocks and hammocks with leave-no-trace straps can be used; hammocks without leave-no-trace straps (aka., thin straps or ropes) cannot be us.]

Unit Equipment

  • Trash bags, 55-gallon
  • First aid kit 
  • Lanterns 
  • Matches/lighters 
  • Firewood (if no burn ban) 
  • Pushpins for bulletin board

Cooking Equipment

  • Meals (Saturday breakfast, non-cooking lunch, Saturday dinner; Sunday non-cooking breakfast)
  • Stove, small propane or firewood
  • Cooking gear – pots, pans, utensils, food
  • Cleaning gear – dishwashing soap, buckets, scouring sponge/dishcloth
  • Water containers with lids to carry water

Vessels

Vessels to support the program (kayaks, paddleboards, canoes) to use at Camp Strake

Optional

  • Power strip
  • Clothesline and clothespin (do not hang on trees or the pavilion)
  • Zip ties (20"+, wide, industrial-strength) or twine. All items must be removed be leaving camp.
  • Painter's tape. Painter's tape is the only tape allowed to be used on camp buildings or pavilions. Do not use any other tape (e.g., Duct tape).
  • Hose
  • Hand washing station to put next to the water spigot, recommended (e.g., small bucket, bar of soap)
  • Folding chair
  • Sports equipment (e.g., fishing poles/equipment, Frisbee, football, soccer ball, kickball)

Each campsite has one covered pavilion with picnic tables, two electrical plugs, a bulletin board, a firepit and a water spigot. A limited number of cots are available for rent. There are no washers and dryers at camp (laundromats are located in Livingston, TX).  

Required Paperwork

The following paperwork will need to be provided by the unit leader during check-in.

  •  Medical Forms Two copies of the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (see specific instructions)
  •  Swim Tests Swim test paperwork (for youth and adults), if completed prior to camp. Swim tests can be conducted at camp.

Billeting

Participants will sleep in tents provided by individuals or the unit. Each individual is responsible for their own sleeping equipment.

Uniforms

The official uniform for Scout and adults is the Sea Scout field uniform and activity uniform. Participants should wear the Sea Scout field uniform for the evening flag ceremonies and evening meals. Activity uniforms (Scout t-shirts and caps) are appropriate for day wear, including morning flag ceremonies. Campers should carry a daypack with rain gear and a water bottle. There are water stations located around the camp for filling water bottles.

Personal Possessions

Camp is an outdoor experience. A Scout 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 (watches, wallets, money) should not be in the open at camp. In all cases, personal valuables (watches, wallets, money) should not be 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 Scout's name and unit number. Scouts should not leave any electronic device unattended while charging anywhere at camp. 

Special Accommodations 

If any participant requires any special accommodations, let the unit leader know. The unit leader will notify the camp staff using the online registration system of any requests. The camp staff will do whatever they can to accommodate. 

Meals and Dietary Restrictions

Meals are eaten with the unit (ship or crew). Let the unit leader know about any special dietary requirements or food allergies

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication

Scouts who require medication should bring enough of the medication to last the entire week. Be sure to check (Yes or No) on Part B2 of the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record whether non-prescription (over-the-counter) medications (e.g., acetaminophen, antibiotic ointment, antacids, antihistamine, hydrocortisone cream) can be administered at camp. For more information, visit the Medical Issues section of the Leader's Guide.

Scouts and adults who require medication should bring enough of the medication to last throughout camp, but only the amount of medication needed at camp. If requested, 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.

The taking of prescription medication and over-the-counter (OTC) is the responsibility of the individual taking the medication and/or that individual’s parent or guardian. Unit leaders should ensure that prescription medications for their Scouts are properly stored and administered.

Youth Leaving and Returning

Youth will only be allowed to check out from camp prior to final checkout by an adult authorized on Part B of the Scout’s BSA Annual Health and Medical Record. Please ensure that parents in your unit have included all authorized adults on this form. Without this authorization on the form, only an adult from the Scout’s unit registered for camp or the parent signing the form will be allowed to remove the child from camp prior to the final checkout. No one, including a Scout leader or parent, will be allowed to leave camp with a person under the age of 18 without having checked out at the camp office and receiving a ticket which will be taken by security just before you reach the exit of the camp.

Nonparticipants in Camp

For liability reasons, unregistered youth, younger siblings or friends, that are not registered as a member of the Boy Scout of America in a unit are not allowed to participate in camp programs. 

Lost and Found

If any lost items are found, they should be turned in at headquarters as soon as is reasonably possible. Likewise, if anyone from your unit has lost an item while at camp, check with the headquarters to determine if it has been returned there. 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., donated to a non-profit organization, returned to the council office, thrown 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 and unit number marked on them.

Trading Post

The trading post is located in the camp headquarters building and is stocked with merit badge pamphlets, t-shirts, Scouting literature, handicraft supplies, 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 at any Scouting event 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 or 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/drone photography may be in progress at any time at an event. Your entrance constitutes your agreement that the district has the right to reproduce your likeness in videography/photography for promotion (e.g., publications, internet, newspaper).

Questions

Parents of campers should contact their unit leaders with questions about the Spring Sail. Many of the adult leaders are quite experienced and can answer questions.

Tentative Schedule

Friday

 
6:00-7:00 pm Camp opens, unloading, parking, set-up campsite.  Check-in Building
7:00 pm Evening activities Assembly Field
9:30 pm Opening Campfire at the Arena Arena
10:15 Popsicle Social Grand Pavilion
10:15 pm Leaders Meeting for Skippers, boatswains, crew Advisors, and crew presidents (or their designees) Grand Pavilion
11:00 pm Lights out  

Saturday

 
7:00 am Breakfast preparation and cleanup Campsites
8:00 am Opening flag ceremony and welcome at the flagpole Assembly Field
8:30 am Morning program Climbing Tower
11:30 am Lunch Campsites
1:00 pm Afternoon program Waterfront
6:00 pm Dinner Campsites
7:30 pm Evening flags Assembly Field
8:30 pm Campfire Arena
11:00 pm Lights out  

Sunday

 
7:00 am Reveille, breakfast and cleanup Campsites
9:00 am Interfaith worship service and closing flag ceremony. Grand Pavilion
9:30 am Clean up and check-out Campsites
11:00 am Camp closed  

Boarding Manual / Leader's Guide

Courtesy: Leaders should impress upon their members the necessity of exemplary conduct at all times. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated!

Adult Responsibility: Leaders are responsible for the youth, the unit's campsite, and collectively for, dining and bathroom facilities. Facilities will be inspected prior to checkout.

Swimming: Swimming in the pool or lake is not permitted except as part of scheduled cruise events with appropriate supervision.

Leader's Meeting

On Friday evening, there is a leader's meeting for Skippers, boatswains, crew Advisors and crew presidents (or their designee) at the Grand Pavilion.

Camp Arrival and Check-in

Arrival

Units should arrive on Friday between 1800-2200. Saturday check is available upon request by contacting the event chair.

Check-in

during check-in, medical forms and any required forms will be collected, and campsites will be assigned.

Sunday Specifics

Because we are leaving camp on Sunday, we need your help cleaning up. After you’ve left for the day, there should be no evidence you were ever there: let’s practice Leave No Trace. Specifics about unit duties and procedures will be communicated during Sunday morning at flags. 

Facility Guidelines

  • Camp Strake facilities shall be treated with respect.
  • No running anywhere.
  • Stay out of the way of other camp guests
  • Personal gear should be kept in assigned location and not left out.
  • Do not leave camp except in an approved group outing.
  • Close-toed shoes are to be worn at all times.
  • The gate is to be closed 30 minutes before taps every evening.
  • The buddy system WILL be used at all times.

Sleeping arrangements/After hours

  • No person of the opposite gender will enter any sleeping quarters at any time or for any reason.
  • After taps no one is allowed out of their designated sleeping area unless it is for a worthy reason, and an adult or responsible youth leader has been notified and has given permission.
  • Taps means lights-out and sleeping. No music, etc.
  • No one will be on the waterfront after dark.
  • All adults will be assigned duty to clear the grounds and building of all youth at curfew.

Youth Protection

Two-Deep Leadership

"Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required at all Scouting activities, including meetings. There must be a registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit serving females. A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth. Notwithstanding the minimum leader requirements, age- and program-appropriate supervision must always be provided." (Source)

"One-on-one contact between adult leaders and youth members is prohibited both inside and outside of Scouting." (Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse FAQs)

Health, Medical, and Safety Issues

The BSA'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. The Boy Scouts of 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. 

BSA 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 BSA National Health and Safety Committee and the Council Services Division of the BSA National Council have developed the "Sweet Sixteen" of BSA 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  Sweet Sixteen  Enterprise Risk Management

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.

BSA Annual Health and Medical Record

All persons coming to the Spring Sail, whether youth or adult and regardless of the amount of time spent in camp, must have a completed BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (AHMR) consisting of Parts A, B. The form must be completed in its entirety and must contain all applicable signatures. Forms can be downloaded at www.scouting.org/scoutsource/healthandsafety/ahmr.aspx.

BSA Health and Medical Record

At check-in, the unit is to provide two copies of the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A, B) signed by a physician for every camper (youth and adult). Parts A and B should be stapled for one person. One copy should be placed in a 3-ring binder and labeled with unit number with all forms alphabetized to be kept in the health lodge. Do not provide original forms; it is best to provide copies. The unit will keep the second copy at the campsite. The unit can pick up the binder before leaving camp. Any forms left at camp will be destroyed. 

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication

Scouts and adults who require medication should bring enough of the medication to last throughout camp, but only the amount of medication needed at camp. If requested, 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.

The taking of prescription medication and over-the-counter (OTC) is the responsibility of the individual taking the medication and/or that individual’s parent or guardian. Unit leaders should ensure that prescription medications for their Scouts are properly stored and administered. 

Swim Checks

All participants participating in boating activities must complete a swim check. Buddy tags will be issued based on the level of swimming proficiency.

Swim Checks Prior to Camp. Units may complete their swim checks locally prior to the event following the Swim Classification Procedures. The unit-level swim check must be conducted by one of the following certified people: Aquatics Instructor, BSA; Aquatics Cub Supervisor; BSA Lifeguard; BSA Swimming & Water Rescue; or other lifeguard, swimming instructor, etc. When swim tests are conducted prior to camp, the camp staff 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

Health Lodge

The Health Lodge is located in the Headquarters Building. The Health Lodge at camp is available 24 hours a day and is prepared to handle minor injuries and illnesses. The buddy system should be followed at all times.

Should any participant at Camp Strake require medical treatment beyond the first-aid capabilities provided by camp staff at the health lodge, they will be evacuated to the nearest medical treatment facility. Special arrangements for treatment of more serious cases have been made with physicians and hospitals at the nearest hospital, Conroe Regional Medical Center, 504 Medical Center Blvd, Conroe, TX. If such treatment is required, the camper's parent(s) will be notified by telephone, and their desires concerning further treatment will be respected.

In the event that a camper requires the attention of a doctor or the services of a hospital, the following procedure must be followed:

  1. The responsibility of the unit leadership is to provide transportation for unit member(s) requiring services from a doctor or hospital.
  2. One adult leader from the unit will accompany the unit member(s) requiring services from a doctor or hospital and is asked to carry insurance forms in for completion. He must obtain the individual's health record from the health officer before going to the doctor or hospital.
  3. Parent(s) or guardian(s) will be immediately notified by the camp health officer of any serious illness or injury. If parents will not be at home during the week of camp, have them advise you where they can be located.
  4. The camp will provide transportation only when a unit has none available.
  5. Directions to doctor's offices and hospitals will be available at the health lodge.
  6. All cases requiring outside medical care must be cleared by the camp health officer. This is an agreement with the local health services facilities, insurance company, and a claim procedure.
  7. Check back in with health officer upon return to camp and return health form.

Any clarification of the above procedures may be obtained by discussing them with the health officers on duty at the health lodge. 

Emergency Preparedness

The camp has emergency phone numbers posted near all camp office telephones and FM radio communication throughout the camp. In an emergency, the camp director, or designee, will initiate emergency procedures depending upon the situation. During emergencies, adult leaders should supervise their own unit’s response appropriately.

Emergency signals

There are two types of emergency alarms. The first is a solid tone for general emergencies. When you hear the camp alarm (siren), you must immediately assemble with your unit at your campsite, take a headcount, have the boatswain report your attendance to the staff member in charge, and await further instructions. If for whatever reason the campsites are unsafe, the staff will direct people to the grand pavilion as a secondary assembly area. Stay at the assembly area until the all-clear is given.

The second type of alarm will be a pulsing siren. This signifies a weather emergency. This part of Texas is prone to afternoon thunderstorms, with the potential for the formation of tornados. Whenever a serious storm approaches, everyone in the camp should move into the nearest designated shelter. All permanent structures at Camp Strake are suitable shelters during an emergency.

Emergency Evacuation

In the event of a fire or other hazardous condition that requires evacuation of the camp, instructions will be provided by the camp staff at the Grand Pavilion on procedures to follow to exit camp as quickly as possible, while maintaining accountability of staff and campers.

Every person must report to their campsite when the alarm is sounded, drill or no drill!

Transportation

Each participant is responsible for transportation to and from camp.

BSA National Vehicle Insurance Requirements

Each unit is responsible for safe transportation to and from camp and meets the requirements as laid out in the current version of the Guide to Safe Scouting.

Use of Vehicles / Trailers In Camp

Camp Strake has been designed to minimize driving on the site. There is parking close to each campsite.

Upon arrival at camp, drivers of vehicles will be provided parking passes. Drivers are required to write their name and cell phone number on the parking pass itself and keep it visible on their dashboard at all times the vehicle is present on camp property. The name and phone number on the parking pass will allow the security staff to contact the vehicle owner in the event the vehicle needs to be moved or if any other issues with the vehicle arise. Once personal vehicles have been checked in at the camp entrance, drivers will be directed to the appropriate parking area for their campsite. Vehicles will be parked near the assigned campsite and remain there during the week.

The camp trail system and facility layout affords easy foot traffic to all camp activity locations. It is not necessary, nor permissible, to drive personal vehicles around the camp.

Adults or Scouts with mobility concerns should coordinate with the camp director for assistance in meeting transportation needs. Unit trailers will be parked in the same lot as other vehicles.

Vehicles must stay on roads at all times. Passengers are not permitted to ride in the bed of trucks or in trailers. Vehicles without proper parking permits found on the property may be towed at the owner’s expense. Under no circumstances should a vehicle or trailer enter the campsite itself at any time. The entry of vehicles into the campsite could leave unsightly ruts in the campsite and could possibly damage plumbing located close to the surface. Parking areas are provided at designated locations for leaders who drive vehicles. Only camp vehicles are permitted beyond the parking lot on camp service roads.

Unit trailers are to be parked off of the service road in the available parking areas in front of each campsite.

The speed limit in camp is 20 mph on blacktop roads (unless otherwise posted).

Drivers who continue to violate rules regarding the operation of vehicles in camp will be asked to leave camp immediately.

General Information

Trading Post

The trading post is located in camp headquarters and is stocked with an assortment of collectible items, camp essentials, merit badge pamphlets, t-shirts, handicraft supplies, camp patches, mugs, cold drinks, ice cream, and candy. The trading posts accept cash, checks and credit cards (Master Card, Visa, American Express and Discover) for your convenience. Hours for the trading post can be found on the doors to the trading post.

Internet Access

Internet and WiFi are limited at camp. If internet access is required, it is recommended that you provide your own hot spot.

Shower Houses

Each campsite has modern restroom and shower houses within walking distance. Each latrine comes complete with two private modern toilets and a handwashing station. Each shower has individual showers for each Scout or adult. It is the responsibility of the unit leadership to monitor the behavior of the Scouts at the showers.

A schedule will be provided at the leaders' meeting assigning units for cleaning the shower/restroom facility that is nearest their campsite. Cleaning material will be at each facility and additional materials may be obtained for the camp quartermaster.

Wild Animals

Camp is an outdoor experience, and as such, we are visitors to the camp’s natural area. As Scouts, we must remember to live up to the Outdoor Code and be considerate in the outdoors. Throwing rocks at or attempting to catch animals such as rabbits, snakes, armadillos, etc is not only dangerous to the animal, but to campers as well. Please report any troubles with snakes or other animals to the camp staff immediately.

Leave No Trace

Instilling values in young people and preparing them to make moral and ethical choices throughout their lifetime is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America. Leave No Trace helps reinforce that mission, and reminds us to respect the rights of other users of the outdoors as well as future generations. Appreciation for our natural environment and knowledge of the interrelationships of nature bolster our respect and reverence toward the environment and nature. Leave No Trace is an awareness and an attitude rather than a set of rules. It applies in your backyard or local park as much as in the backcountry. We should all practice Leave No Trace in our thinking and actions–wherever we go.

The principles of Leave No Trace might seem unimportant until you consider the combined effects of millions of outdoor visitors. One poorly located campsite or campfire may have little significance, but thousands of such instances seriously degrade the outdoor experience for all. Leaving no trace is everyone’s responsibility. All participants are asked to follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly (Pack It In, Pack It Out)
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Camp Policies

Smoking / Vaping Policy

Per the Guide to Safe Scouting, smoking or vaping by youth at any Scouting event shall not be tolerated.

"An important way adult leaders can model healthy living is by following the policies on alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Leaders should support the attitude that they, as well as youths, are better off without tobacco in any form and may not allow the use of tobacco products at any BSA activity involving youth participants. This includes the use of electronic cigarettes, personal vaporizers, or electronic nicotine delivery systems that simulate tobacco smoking. All Scouting functions, meetings, and activities should be conducted on a smoke-free basis, with smoking areas located away from all participants. As outlined in the Scouter Code of Conduct, Scouting activities are not a place to possess, distribute, transport, consume, or use any of the following items prohibited by law or in violation of any Scouting rules, regulations, and policies: alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, including marijuana. In addition, the Code of Conduct specifies that if you are taking prescription medications with the potential of impairing any functioning or judgment, you will not engage in activities that would put Scouts at risk, including driving or operating equipment." Source

Smoking by adults is not permitted in any tent, pavilion or building. Smoking is also not permitted in the dining hall at any time. While we highly discourage smoking while in camp, adults who choose to do so in the designated areas and must not smoke within sight of any youth. Moreover, in the event of a burn ban, smoking may be prohibited on the property. Please check with the camp office to determine whether such a burn ban is in place.

Alcohol, Illegal Drugs or Stimulants

The consumption, possession or use of alcohol or illegal drugs or controlled substances while participating in the program is not permitted. The camp staff will enforce all local, state, and federal laws when a violation involving the above substances is reported. Violators will be asked to leave the camp immediately.

Personal Firearms

Personal firearms, ammunition, bows and arrows, and fireworks are not allowed in camp. Ammunition for Scouts working on the rifle or shotgun shooting merit badges is provided as part of the overall camp fees. Camp Strake is private property and does not allow concealed carry or open carry of firearms.

Fires, Liquid Fuels, and Propane

Depending on conditions, fires may be built in the campsite firering with proper supervision. There may also be a controlled firefighting practice in which every Sea Scout is expected to participate.

Liquid fuels are not permitted. Propane is to be used only under adult supervision. Empty cylinders and cans must be given to the camp quartermaster for disposal. National policy prohibits the use of open flames in tents and includes mosquito coils, catalytic heaters, gas lanterns, stoves, candles, and smoking materials. (Source

Camp Strake Location

Camp Strake is located at 2020 Camp Strake Rd., Coldspring, TX 77331 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. All facilities at Camp Strake are ADA compliant. Many of these facilities, including the dining hall, are air-conditioned. 

 

Camp Map    Google Map    Learn More About Camp Strake

 

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
  • 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

Contacts

Parents of campers should contact their unit leaders with questions. Many of the adult leaders attending are experienced and can answer most questions.

For answers not addressed on this page, contact:

 

Tom Trefny
Spring Sail Advisor / Commodore National Service Territory 7
 tom.trefny@gmail.com

Jewell Norris
Spring Sail Chair / Boatswain for National Service Territory 7
 jjnscouting@gmail.com

 

Erick Simmons
Camp Strake Director
 (979) 204-1526, Camp Strake office
 (713) 756-3315​
 erick.simmons@scouting.org
​Include unit number.