December Campout : Dec 12-14th

Our December Campout is Wilderness Survival just down the road at Hidden Lake Farm.  Mr. Mims is allowing us to use his property again this year.  Sign up here: December Campout

Camping Gear

If you are looking for new or upgrade to your camping gear for Christmas, here are a few resources:

-Hiker Direct:  Hiker Direct is a free program offered to leaders, scouts, and parents in the scouting community. Being a part of Hiker Direct allows you to purchase most of the gear on this website at roughly 40% off MSRP, every day of the year! If you have a friend in the scouting community, tell them about this great program.  I have purchased a lot of gear from here, they have sales and right now and some great deals on 0 deg and 20 deg sleeping bags.  https://hikerdirect.com/

-Amazon:  Several items, one to mention is Teton Sports.  They have some great entry backpacking gear and sleeping bags. Teton Sports Amazon Page

-Sporting Good Stores: Academy has decent pricing, but smaller selection.  Scheels in the Colony has a large selection and a great Return policy, even if you use the gear.  Bass Pro has some sales.  The Scout shop usually has some good pricing for scouts. REI is a good for custom fitting of packs, and great return policy also, pricing tends to be higher. 

Thats not all, but all good places to start.  You can always ask Me or any of the Assisstant Scoutmasters if you have any questions on gear choices. 

Fundraiser- Tamales

Please see the attached flyer and post and share with your friends, families, and community groups. This is an AMAZING fundraiser in support of Tommy Tamales and Troop 709, and we’d love to spread the word! They are DELICIOUS and great for a quick family dinner or Christmas dinner! Here's the Flyer . Fundraiser runs November 26- December 9th

Merit Badge College 2026

It’s Merit Badge College time!  Join us for Orion Merit Badge College 2026 at Garden Ridge Church of Christ in Lewisville, TX on January 24th and February 21st from 8:30am - 3:45pm for an opportunity where scouts can work on up to four merit badges. 

Registration is now open and we recommend that all Orion scouts register as soon as possible.  Space is limited and registration will be opened to all districts on December 12th.  

 SCOUT SIGN UP PROCESS

There are two steps to complete registration.  The Longhorn Council site to register and pay for admission and a Google Form to capture the scouts requested courses.  Class schedules will be emailed to all scouts and unit leaders in January.

1. Please sign up and pay the $15 Longhorn Council registration fee at: https://scoutingevent.com/662-99666

2. After completing the Longhorn registration above, select your courses at: https://forms.gle/2isNTCDDMeDyNZQU9

More details on calendar event here: https://www.troopwebhost.org/FormDetail.aspx?Menu_Item_ID=45922&Form_ID=5429&Stack=0&Application_ID=961&ID=339

Scouting America Membership Renewals

Most of you are probably getting emails about membership renewals.  Please don't ignore them!  Your scout needs to be registered every year with Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). You should be able to do this via the email you receive or checking your registration status at my.scouting.org

Top Shot Shooting Sports - February Campout

Not Joking, 28 youth spots left for the distrcit.  This event is very popular and sells out early!  Reserve your spot before it sells out.  More info here: Top Shot Campout Sign-up