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
Registration
Types of registration:
- Unit registration (troop, crew, ship): The unit leader will register the troop. Units can camp for the weekend and provide their own meals (except Saturday lunch). Units must follow all BSA leadership requirements. Every troop must provide one merit badge counselor
- Individual registration: Individual Scouts can attend on Saturday. A parent/guardian registers the Scout. Have the Scout discuss which merit badges and program areas they should sign up for with their Scoutmaster. It is recommended that Scouts attend with a buddy. Parents who are YPT trained can be a Scout's buddy.
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 lunch
- 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 opens about a week before the event. Watch for an email with details.
Click on a date to register:
| Full Throttle |
Theme |
Description |
Updates |
Resources / Announcements |
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If the Scout's advancements don't show in Scoutbook,
provide this report to your unit leader so they can input the completions.
• September 8-10, 2023: Advancement Completion Report
• October 27-29, 2024: Advancement Completion Report
• February 23-25, 2024: Advancement Completion Report |
| • April 27, 2024 |
Zombie Preparedness
Training |
Learn essential skills that could be
useful in a survival scenario |
• Email update |
• Program Selection Form
• Scout's names can now be added in the registration
• Merit Badge class registration opens April 21st at 7:00 pm. |
| Registration opens for the following sessions soon. When registration opens, it will be announced on Facebook. |
| • September 20-22, 2024 |
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| • October 18-20, 2024 |
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| • February 14-16, 2025 |
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| • April 25-27, 2025 |
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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)
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Location
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Age
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Prerequisites and Notes
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| ATV |
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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. |
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| Archery |
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Boating
(canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, rowboats) |
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Be able to pass a BSA swim test and be physically fit. (Not available in Feb). |
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| Climbing |
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Be physically fit; have good strength and balance to handle climbing and not be afraid of heights. |
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| COPE - high ropes |
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13+ (required) |
Be physically fit; have good balance and not be afraid of heights. |
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| Mountain Biking |
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Can bring your own bike |
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| Rifle Shooting |
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| Shotgun Shooting |
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13+ (recommended) |
Extra $10 fee. Be physically able to handle the recoil of the gun. |
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| Swimming (pool) |
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Be able to pass a BSA swim test. (Not available in Feb). |
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| Tentative April Merit Classes (select one). Final list will be based on volunteer merit badge counselors. |
| Athletics |
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• Prerequisite: #2b, Read merit badge book
• Bring: Must bring 2b (Physical; using Scout medical examination form Part A, B, C)
• Not covered: #3a, 3d, finishing #5 |
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| Citizenship in the Community |
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• Requirements not covered: #2, 3, 4, 7, 8
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book
• Not covered: 3, 4, 7, 8
• Bring #2 (community map and government chart), completed worksheet |
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| Citizenship in the Nation |
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• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book. Start watching the national news.
• Not covered: #2, 3, 6
• Bring #8 (letters) and recommend bringing completed worksheet |
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| Communication |
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• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book. Prepare #3 (800+ words depending on rate of speaking)
• Requirements not covered: #5, 8
• Bring #7, completed workbook |
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| Cooking |
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• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book.
• Requirements not covered: #4c, 5d, 53, 6d |
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| Dentistry |
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• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book.
• Requirements not covered: #3 |
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| Emergency Preparedness |
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• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book, #1 (already earned First Aid Merit Badge) is a required prerequisite
• Requirements not covered: #2c, 7a, 9
• Bring: #8b (picture of family emergency pack) |
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| Fire Safety |
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• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book.
• Requirements not covered: #6, 11 |
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| Orienteering |
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Prerequisite: Read merit badge book.
• Not covered: #10 |
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| Pioneering |
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• Might be a partial if Scout is unable to splice at camp
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book |
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| Public Health |
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• For Scouts ages 13+ due to mature course content (e.g., STD/STI's)
• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book
• Not covered: #1, 7, 8 |
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| Wilderness Survival |
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• Prerequisite: Read merit badge book.
• Bring photo of #5 (survival kit) |
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| Additional activities (on your own with buddies): |
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| Fishing |
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Bring fishing pole (for bass, sunfish, bluegill) and bait (worms, corn, jigs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, topwater lures); hooks must be barbless; catch and release only. |
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| Frisbee Golf |
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Bring frisbee. |
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| GaGa Ball |
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Bring kickball. |
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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.
Schedule
Friday
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| 6:30 - 8:30 pm |
Unit check-in |
| 6:30 - 8:30 pm |
N/A for Oct/Feb - Swim checks (for participants scheduled for swimming or boating) |
| 9:00 pm |
Leader's meeting meeting (dining hall) and
Schedule changes after leader's meeting (add/drop form). Note - leaders can make schedule changes online. |
Saturday
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| 7:00 - 8:00 am |
Individual participants check-in |
| 7:00 - 8:00 am |
Breakfast (provided by units in campsites) |
| 7:30 - 8:00 am |
N/A for Oct/Feb -Swim checks |
| 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 participants check-out and depart |
| 5:00 - 6:00 pm |
Dinner (provided by units in campsites) |
| 6:30 - 8:30 pm |
Evening program |
Sunday
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| 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, 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 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)
- BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (part A&B for all Scouting events) for every participant
- Download Camp Strake app on phone
- 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
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
- Scouts (ages 14+) enrolled in the ATV program have additional items to bring.
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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)
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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
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^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 BSA Bike Safety.
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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 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 SAFE Checklist 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 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