Canoe Rental. The Sam Houston Area Council has a limited number of canoes (flatwater & whitewater) for rent to Boy Scout, Varsity, Venturing and Exploring units for use at Camp Strake or off property at approved canoeing areas provided there is a trained adult with the SHAC Canoe Training Card for the appropriate canoe trip (FW/WW). There are six canoes to a trailer and must be rented as a trailer of six (no individual or less than six rented). Canoe reservations are taken up to 12 months in advance, you must have a Sam Houston Area Council Card on file to rent Council canoes. The person with the canoe card must accompany the unit on the canoe outing or activity. NOTE: Canoes are not rented out during the summer months due to summer camp. Contact Camp Strake Camping Services at (936) 756-7411, (936) 756-1387 or toll free 1-877-272-2267 (1-877-BSA-CAMP) for reservation information.

Canoe Trip Safety. All unit canoeing programs and trips must file an APPLICATION TO CONDUCT A CANOE TRIP and a tour permit. Both must be approved by SHAC before your canoe trip. Both forms are available from the council website www.samhoustonbsa.org. - All canoe trips both flatwater and white water require an adult trained with a SHAC canoe training card for each trip.

Canoe Training. Youth and adult canoe training programs are available through several Scout related training groups. The Sam Houston Area Council Canoe Committee works closely with these groups to insure a quality program. The Council Canoe Committee uses the American Red Cross canoe/kayak training programs along with a module that involves BSA policies and how to plan and conduct a SAFE unit canoe outing as the basis for canoe training courses. Attendance, participation and successful completion of the entire course will qualify you for the Sam Houston Area Council “Yellow Card” (flatwater) and/or the “River Card” (whitewater) which is required for all canoe trips.

Cub Scout Canoeing. Canoeing and Rafting for Cub Scout (including Webelos Scouts) is to be limited to council/district events on flat water ponds or controlled lake areas free of powerboats and sailboats. Prior to recreations canoeing, Cub Scouts are to be instructed in basic handling skills and safety practices.

Cub Scout Canoeing and Rafting does not include “trips” or “expedition” and are not to be conducted on running water (i.e., rivers or streams); therefore, some procedures are inapplicable. Suitable weather requires clear skies, no appreciable wind, and warm air and water. “Guide to Safe Scouting” No. 34416D, 2004 Printing (Orange cover with tan insert) pages 12-13.

For canoe training courses, youth (Canoeing & Whitewater Merit Badges) and adult courses (including Instructor) contact these groups for available programs and course dates: