The National Jamboree is a gathering of some 40,000 Scouts, leaders, and staff held only every four years at The Summit Bechtel Family National Reserve. Scouts attending Jamboree will enjoy more than 5 miles of zip line and challenge courses, 36 miles of mountain bike trails, and 13 acres of shooting sports ranges, on a sprawling 10,600-acre site in West Virginia designed for excitement! There are also world class venues for kayaking, rock climbing, bouldering, skateboarding, BMX, plus enjoy arena shows and more. Mr. Slutes tells us his son put the experience on the same level as Philmont. To participate, Scouts must be (A) currently registered with a Scouts BSA Troop, (B) at least First Class, and (3) will need to be 12 years of age before the start of the National Jamboree (July 22-31, 2026).  Adults are also needed, so a Scout that will age out before then can look at participating as staff!

The Texas Stars have created a ticket purchase portal specifically for members of Scouting in our council! Every ticket purchased through this link provides financial support for Scouting across our 15 counties. They have a playoffs game this Sunday at 7 PM --  Round 3 Game 2 Stars vs Admirals. If they advance, we may be able to get advance tickets to those dates. Support Scouting and enjoy Texas Stars hockey:  https://www.gofevo.com/group/ScoutsofCentralTexas. Read on to mark your calendars for more sports ticket opportunities for Scouts and families: 

Please RSVP (yes or regrets) for the May 27 meeting at the Lamar Middle School archery range. A head count would be very helpful as we prepare. We are hoping that as many scouts as possible can attend. Scouts will be instructed on archery (with qualified supervision) and will be able to complete the range requirements for the Archery Merit Badge. Also, note that participation on the archery range will also require a form to be signed by Scout and parent.  Parents that are coming, you will likely want to bring a camp chair. There will be space for people not on the range, but not a lot of places to sit. Siblings can come and watch with parents at the back, but will not be able to participate on the range, so bring a book, game, etc.

  Scouting offers a premiere STEAM day camp just across the street from St Matt's! This is a fabulous way for Scouts -- including the younger Scouts --  to earn a variety of interesting Merit Badges! TechLab provides engaging, exciting, and hands-on activities. Camp attendees will use tools like DSLR cameras, laser cutters/engravers, 3D printers, robotics kits, hydrology display boards and Adobe Creative Suite and Labview software. TechLab happens at Austin ISD's state-of-the-art Applied Technology Center at Anderson High School. Session dates: 

 Scouts aged 13-17, there's an amazing program available to you -- Aquatics School at Worth Ranch in Palo Pinto, west of Dallas. Aquatic School is a jam-packed one-week program offered just once a year. The 2025 dates are July 13-19. Scouts earn and learn to teach the skills for the Lifesaving, Swimming, Rowing, and Canoeing Merit Badges. They earn the Kayaking Merit Badge and all but 1 requirement of Public Speaking. You can also earn the Aquatics bar for the National Outdoor Award and the Mile Swim patch. Highlights of the program include cracxker barrrels, Ship and Watch competitions, a graduation party, and more. The Four Goals of Aquatic School:

  Friends of Scouting is how we support our local council, including Camp Tom Wooten, Lost Pines, the climbing equipment we use at our climbing campouts, and much more. Capital Area Council has chosen to operate using donations rather than assessing council dues on everybody. If your family budget allows, please chip in! If it works for you to give this year, please use the QR code or go to: https://givebutter.com/friendsofscouting . On the screen after you choose an amount, please select: (A) Apply my gift to: Armadillo District campaign, (B) Your Scouting Unit Type: Scouts BSA Troop, and (C) Your Unit number: 511. Thank you!