September 25-27, 2026

Trail to Troop is a campout designed to introduce Webelos (4th graders) and Arrow of Light Scouts (5th graders) to the many outdoor adventures of Scouting. Scouts can camp with a troop and experience the awesome adventures of Scouts BSA firsthand.
Why Cub Scouts and their parent/guardian should attend.
- Meet Scouts and key leaders from neighborhood troops
- Visit with area troops to learn about the transition to Scouts BSA, ask questions, and find the best troop fit for your Scout
- Tour and camp with a troop at Camp Strake
- Work on required adventures towards rank
Registration
Registration can be completed by parents, the den leader, or the unit leader. This event is designed for the Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts; there is no program for siblings.
Every Cub Scout is to attend with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s). A Webelos Scout or Arrow of Light Scout whose parent or legal guardian cannot attend may participate under the supervision of at least two registered leaders. The leaders and a parent or legal guardian must agree to the arrangement, and all youth protection policies apply. (source)
Payment is completed online with a credit card or electronic check; there is no onsite registration. Council Refund Policy.
Register Camp Strake Leader's Guide
| Registration Fees |
| $40 |
Per person |
| Important Dates |
| 8/13/26 |
Early-bird discount ends |
| 9/21/26 |
Late fee begins |
Program
Troop Fair
Troop will have a table so that the Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts and their parents can visit and learn more about Scouting in your troop. It is a great opportunity to share what makes your troop special. Troops are encouraged to have an activity and fliers.
Merit Badge Program
Troop Scouts can participate in merit badge classes. Merit badge counselors are needed; volunteer during registration.
What to Bring
Medical Form
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Personal gear:
- Tent with ground cloth
- Sleeping bag or bedroll
- Pillow
- Flashlight
- Jacket, raingear, hat
- Mess kit (bowl, utensils, cup in mesh bag)
- Water bottle
- Personal items and medications
- Field uniform (Scout uniform for flags and chapel)
- Activity uniform (Scout t-shirt for daily activities)
- Extra change of clothes
- Sleep wear
- Closed-toed shoes and socks
- Hat
- Scout appropriate swimwear or shorts & t-shirt for the Cool Zone
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Personal first aid kit
- Pocket knife or Leatherman (must have Whittling Chip)
- Compass
- Handbook and pen
Optional
- Hand sanitizer and wipes
- Camp chair
- Fishing pole and bait; hooks must be barbless
- Frisbee (for Frisbee golf course), football, soccer ball, kickball for Gaga ball
- Cards or other tent games
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Troop gear:
- Camping gear
- Cooking gear
- Food for Friday night cracker barrel, Saturday breakfast, non-cooking lunch, dinner, Sunday non-cooking breakfast, and snacks.
- First aid kit
- Trash bags (55-gallon)
- Troop Fair activity and supplies (e.g., Cub Scout appropriate craft or actvitiy)
- Optional: troop flag, troop sign, giveaways, information fliers
- Roster
- Optional items: extra table, marshmallows and sticks, wood (if you want a fire), five-gallon buckets and shovel (to remove all ashes and unused wood), glow sticks, Scout Handbook
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Campsites
Campsites are nestled in shaded areas throughout the camp. Every campsite has picnic tables, a covered pavilion with electricity. 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.
Typical Schedule
Friday
|
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| 6:00 pm |
Check-in begins at the main gate. Set up camp |
Main gate |
| 9:30 pm |
Cracker barrel meeting for Scoutmasters, senior patrol leader, and den leaders and Cubmasters |
Grand Pavilion |
| 10:30 pm |
Lights out |
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Saturday
|
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| 7:00 am |
Reveille & breakfast |
Campsites |
| 8:30 am |
Opening flag ceremony (in front of dining hall) |
Dining Hall Flags |
| 9:00 am |
Program activity rotations |
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| 10:30 am |
Parent Talk |
Grand Pavilion |
| 11:00 am |
Troop Fair |
Grand Pavilion |
| 11:30 am |
Lunch in campsites |
Campsites |
| 1:30 pm |
Parent Talk |
Grand Pavilion |
| 1:30 pm |
Program activity rotations |
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| 5:45 pm |
Flag ceremony |
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| 6:00 pm |
Dinner |
Dining Hall |
| 7:30 pm |
Campfire |
Camfire Arena |
| 10:30 pm |
Lights out |
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Sunday
|
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| 7:30 am |
Non-cooking breakfast |
Campsites |
| 9:00 am |
Interfaith worship service |
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| 9:15 am |
Closing flag ceremony |
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| 11:00 am |
Break camp, clean campsites and check-out |
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Meals
Troops will be asked to host Cub Scouts (typically within a shared charter organization). Hosting troops are encouraged to work with Cub Scouts and to include Cub Scouts into troop meal planning for the weekend. NOTE: Saturday dinner is a districtwide BBQ at the pavilion.
These meals include:
- Friday night cracker barrel (optional)
- Saturday breakfast
- Saturday lunch
- Note: Saturday dinner is covered with a catered BBQ for the entire district
- Sunday low cook / no cook breakfast
Dessert Cook Off
A dessert cookoff will be held on Saturday during dinner. There are two competition classes – adult leaders (troop and/or pack) and Scouts BSA.
Cracker Barrel
A cracker barrel is an evening snack and time for fellowship with other Scouts or Scouters. The term cracker barrel is most thought to come from the time when people would shop at their local general store and gather around the cracker barrel to sit and visit with others in the community, much like the modern-day water cooler. The food is typically kept simple, such as cheese and crackers, summer sausage, chips and cookies. On campouts, many troops have a Friday night cracker barrel with the leaders and youth leadership to review the weekend schedule.
A cracker barrel will be held on Friday and Saturday night for for Scoutmasters, senior patrol leader, and Webelos den leaders where last-minute information and changes will be communicated. Please bring a cup and pen.
Interfaith Worship Service


The Scout Law teaches, "A Scout is reverent. A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.” It is important that Scouts be taught to recognize the beliefs of other Scouts and to respect those beliefs. There will be an interfaith worship service on Sunday morning. All Scouts and Scouters should plan on attending this service. Field uniform should be worn.
An interfaith service will be conducted for all participants on Sunday morning. An interfaith service is a brief worship or meditation, specifically designed for Scouting events where there may be members of more than one faith group. The intention of an interfaith service is to provide a spiritual focus during a camping experience that does not reflect the views of a particular denomination or faith. An interfaith service can be defined as a gathering of Scouts held to contribute to the development of their spirituality and to promote a fuller understanding of the Scout Oath and Law, with emphasis on one’s Duty to God.
Advancements
Trail to Troop is the perfect opportunity to work on camping adventures.
Webelos
Let’s Camp Webelos is an adventure that allows Scouts to plan and participate in a campout or other outdoor activity. Along the way, Scouts learn how to be prepared for extreme weather events, and you’ll also demonstrate how to Leave No Trace when outdoors.
Arrow of Light
The Arrow of Light Outdoor Adventurer is an exciting camping experience where Scouts plan and participate in a campout. Along the way, they learn how to pack properly, help plan a safe outing using Scouting America’s SAFE Checklist, set up camp, and discover the fundamentals of Scout camping.
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Before Camp |
Arrow of Light |
• Outdoor Adventurer #1: Learn about the Scout Basic Essentials.
• Outdoor Adventurer #2: Determine what you will bring on an overnight campout — including a tent and sleeping bag/gear — and how you will carry your gear.
• Outdoor Adventurer #3: Review the four points of Scouting America SAFE Checklist and how you will apply them on the campout.
• Outdoor Adventurer #4 Digital or #4 Paper: Locate the campsite where you will be camping on a map. Camp Strake Digital Map. Paper Map |
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Upon Arrival |
Arrow of Light |
• Outdoor Adventurer #6: Upon arrival at the campout determine where to set up your campsite: kitchen, eating area, tents, and firepit. Help the patrol set up the patrol gear before setting up your own tent. |
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During Camp |
Arrow of Light |
• Outdoor Adventurer #7: During Saturday breakfast or Saturday lunch: Explain how to keep food safe and the kitchen area sanitary at the campsite. Demonstrate your knowledge during the campout. |
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When Leaving |
Arrow of Light |
• Outdoor Adventurer #8: After your campout, discuss with your patrol what went well and what you would do differently next time. Include how you followed the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace Principles for Kids. |
Photographs
Notice! Please be advised that promotional videotaping/photography may be in progress at any time at an event. Your entrance constitutes your agreement that the council and district has the right to reproduce your likeness in videography/photography for promotion (e.g., publications, internet, newspaper).
Late-breaking Information
For late-breaking news and announcements, join our district Facebook page and sign up for our district e-mail list.
About Camp Strake


Camp Strake is a first-class, state-of-the-art camp at a rural site near the Sam Houston National Forest, close to the community of Evergreen.
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.
Google Map Map Camp Policies
Camp Strake has 20 campsites with pavilions; modern restrooms and shower houses; climbing and rapelling tower; zipline; an aquatics center with a swimming pool, lake, canoes, and kayaks; a shooting sports complex with rifle, shotgun, and archery range, including a sporting arrows course; and more.
About 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 located at 2020 Camp Strake Rd., Coldspring, TX 77331(latitude and longitude: 30.608901, -95.230270)
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Directions from Houston:
- Take I-45N to exit 94 (FM 1097) toward Willis
- Turn right onto Montgomery St. (.7 mi)
- Turn left onto Danville St. (360 ft)
- Turn right onto FM 1097 / Stewart St (9.6 mi.)
- Turn right onto TX-150E (8.8 mi)
- Turn left onto FM 945N (3.6 mi)
- Turn left into Camp Strake at the sign.
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Scouting Safely


Scouting America's Commitment to Safety is ongoing, and the safety of our youth, volunteers, staff, and employees cannot be compromised. Scouting America puts the utmost importance on 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 is 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 Scout activities, the National Health and Safety Committee and the Council Services Division of the National Council has developed the SAFE Checklist of safety procedures for physical activity. These points, which embody good judgment and common sense, are applicable to all activities.
*About Medical Record: Scouting America requires all participants to bring an Annual Health and Medical Record to every Scouting event. The Scouting adventures, camping trips, and having fun are important to everyone in Scouting—and so is your safety and well-being. Completing the Annual Health and Medical Record is the first step in ensuring you have a great Scouting experience. Completing a health history promotes health awareness, collects necessary data, and provides medical professionals with critical information needed to treat a patient in the event of an illness or injury. It also provides emergency contact information. Please download the form and have it with you at all Scouting events for every member of your family.
^Closed-toed shoes are highly recommended for all Scouting events. Many of our outdoor venues have snakes and sticks that can injure toes. Many of our activities include active games, so shoes that Scouts can run in (e.g., tennis shoes) are recommended.
Youth Protection Guidelines Guide to Safe Scouting SAFE Checklist Enterprise Risk Management
Contacts
For questions, contact the Trail to Troop chair or district activities chair.