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Scout Fair is open to the public and is free; NRG parking is typically $12. There are hundreds of activities at Scout Fair that the entire family will enjoy. Packs, troops, crews, ships and posts from around the council set up interactive booths to show our community what Scouting is all about, and to share Scouting skills with fellow Scouts and Scout leaders. Booths have typically included crafts, games, rope making, orienteering, obstacle courses, first aid activities, art, hobbies, gardening, leatherworking, music, nature activities, outdoor cooking, rope bridges, putt-putt golf, catapults and much more. Scouts and parents work together to set-up and run the booth. For more information regarding booth registration, ideas and rules and regulations, please refer to the leader information. Bring comfortable walking shoes and a camera. Share your Scouting memories with us on social media and remember to tag the Sam Houston Area Council. 

Plan your day to capture the many activities at Scout Fair:

• Indoor booths -  Visit hundreds of fun, hands-on activities and crafts
• Outdoor booths - Sample dutch oven creations and other camp food delicacies
• Scouting resource booths - Receive information about the council’s exciting programs
• Scout Shop - Shop for all of your Scouting needs
• Fleet - Sea Scouts demonstrate their unique boating opportunities

The Conservation Corner has exhibitors from a variety of businesses, non -profits and city, state, and federal agencies that display information and hands-on activities related to the natural sciences, resource stewardship, and animal science. learn how to have fun in the outdoors while offering service opportunities and ideas to help manage our resources for future generations. Areas of interest on display:

Geology and Natural Resources featuring fossil and mineral identification and hunting, gold panning, conventional and renewable energy exhibits, forestry and an opportunity to have your picture taken with TRex or Smoky Bear.

Area Parks and Museums featuring program and service opportunities as well as live snakes, insects and other critters.

Aquatic Ecology featuring Fishing’s Future Aquatic Ecology Arena with touch tanks with live marine critters, casting area to catch plastic fish, fishing knot tying as well as the ability to work on parts of A Bear Goes Fishing Elective, Fly Fishing, Fish and Wildlife Management, Soil and Water Conservation, Oceanography and Kayak Merit Badges.

The STEM areas feature demonstrations and hands-on activities related to some of the latest exciting developments in science and engineering as well as often overlooked technology that makes modern life possible. Exhibits include demonstrations on robotics, astronomy in the portable planetarium, welding, etc. The University of Houston Atmospheric Science truck will also participate in two instrumented balloon launches from their research instrumented truck. It also offers an opportunity to learn about careers in related areas.

Scout Fair coupon books are a brilliant way for units to raise money and prepare Scouts to earn their own way! The Scout Fair coupon book offers great savings for the buyer, while Scouts earn commissions for every $10 coupon book purchased. Buyers support the Scouting program while receiving hundreds of dollars in valuable savings from partners such as Dick's Sporting Goods, Buffalo Wild Wings, Luby's, Fuddruckers, Houston Dynamo/Dash the Houston Astros and many more. All units receive a 30% base commission for each $10 Scout Fair coupon book sold, for funds turned in on or before Scout Fair. Participate at Scout Fair with a booth and earn an additional 10% commission. Units can also take advantage of early bird turn-in dates offering 5%, 3% and 1% additional bonus commissions. In addition, Scouts will qualify for prizes once they sell 15 coupon books. Please refer to the Scout Fair prize brochure for prizes and sales levels. 

Sign up to Sell Coupon Books       Turn-in Locations        District Contacts

Coupon Book Store Front Selling

Coupon book booths are direct sales opportunities which generally are located at retail stores, businesses, organization-sponsored events, farmers markets, sporting events, or parking lots where units have permission to set up a table/booth to sell Scout Fair to the public. Booth sales are a joint responsibility; parents and Scouts should be included in planning, decision-making, and participation. Scout Fair coupon book booths help Scouts:

1. Set goals and seek locations that would be beneficial to meet their goal;
2. Establish communications to business managers by obtaining permission to hold a booth sale; and
3. Build confidence in themselves and their abilities, as they meet people, communicate effectively, and inspire others, discuss goals, deliver the Scout Fair message and make a difference in the world.

Scout Fair coupon book booths also help Scouts expand their sales goals and encourage them to go beyond friends and family for making sales. Before contacting a business, read the booth selling guidelines.

Coupon Book Selling Guidelines

Coupon Book Sales Booth Guidelines, Rules and Procedure

Scout Fair coupon book booths are direct sales opportunities that generally are located at retail stores, businesses, organization-sponsored events, farmer’s markets, sporting events, or parking lots. Units must have permission to set up a table/booth to sell Scout Fair to the public. Booth sales are a joint responsibility; parents and Scouts should be included in planning, decision making, and participation.

Guidelines to Obtain a Booth

1. Obtain rules, regulations, and equipment supplied by the booth location organization.
2. To submit a request for certificates of insurance go to www.shac.org/forms.
3. Units will comply with local municipal ordinances and obey the Scout Oath and Law.
4. Units are not limited to their district areas, but we recommend trying to sell in your district area first prior to traveling outside of your district area.
5. Kroger Booths: Kroger has partnered again with the council. Kroger has continued to commit as a title sponsor providing discount coupons in each of the coupon books. For questions, contact mary.welch@scouting.org

Unit Scout Fair chairs are required to register for a Kroger booth through the link available at www.shac.org/scout-fair/#Coupon-Books.

Violation of these policies may negatively impact future participation. Booths for all Kroger locations are confirmed and managed through the council. Do not contact Kroger managers directly; only units with confirmed Kroger locations may sell coupon books.

• Kroger booths are scheduled in four-hour blocks.
• Units will be permitted to register for up to four Kroger booths during the initial registration period. This allows all units to be given the opportunity to request at least one Kroger booth. The registration link will be posted on www.facebook.com/shac.bsa.
• After the initial registration period, units can then register for additional Kroger booths.
• Please remember that each unit (pack, troop, crew, ship) needs to designate only one person to schedule the unit’s Kroger booth appointments, and the designated person can only schedule for that one unit. There is no exception to this rule. Booking by more than one person subjects the unit’s appointments to cancellation.
• All Kroger booths are pending council approval. A reminder email will be sent approximately 24 hours before your appointment. This email must be on-site during the booth sale and presented to the Kroger manager confirming the date and time slot.
• Units are responsible for confirming appointments. The best way to confirm a booth appointment in real-time is to use the Genbook app available on Apple or Android or use the Genbook system.
• Appointments need to be canceled in Genbook to so another unit can use the spot.
• To cancel an appointment, use the Genbook system and click on “Manage an existing appointment” in the top right corner. Use the same email address that was used to original book the appointments. If you do not know your password, simply click “forgot your password”, enter the same email address used to book the appointments, and follow the directions.

Booth Supplies

• Coupon books
• tables and chairs
• unit displays of activities and events
• Sales Banner / Posters. Scout made posters can have the greatest impact. Make sure posts can be read from a distance of at least 15-feet.
• Decorations
• Appropriate clothing for the weather: coats, sunscreen, raincoat
• Snacks / drinks
• Canopy, if needed

Guidelines for Booth Sale

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. 

BSA Guide to Safe Scouting policies must be followed. All participants must follow youth protection guidelines. Highlights include:

• Two-deep leadership on all outings required.
• No one-on-one contact between adults and youth members.
• The buddy system should be used at all times.
• Discipline must be constructive.
• Tour plans must be filled out, but are not required to be filed. www.shac.org/tour-plans
• Scouts must be in a field uniform to identify them as a member of the Boy Scouts of America. Activity uniforms (Scout t-shirt) are not to be worn.
• The booth/table must be a minimum of 10-feet from the doorway and not block any customer’s entrance to the store. Scouts must stand next to the table and not step out in- front of a customer blocking their path in and out of the store.
• Tables must have a table cloth/covering and appropriate identification signage identifying the Scout Fair sales and the Boy Scouts of America.
• Only unit leaders or unit coupon book chair’s phone numbers may be provided to customers.
• It is up to the unit treasurer whether checks will be accepted by the unit for coupon sales, please determine this prior to booth sales. Have a cash box with change. Secure the cash box appropriately to avoid theft.
• Be sure to thank the store manager or business manager for allowing your unit to hold a booth.
• Say thank you to customers and non-customers.
• Tipping is not accepted; however, donations are accepted and must be turned in to the council toward coupon book sales. Please make this clear with parents and Scouts.

Sales Tips

Schedule Scouts in blocks no longer than one to two hours at a time. Try and rotate as many Scouts in the booth to ensure equal selling opportunity. Successful Booths typically have two to three Scouts at a time, but higher traffic locations with multiple entrances will require more Scouts. Encourage Scouts to be positive. Create scripted one-liners for the Scouts to use, “Support Scouts and get hundreds of dollars of value in coupons.” or if at Kroger, “Want to save on your purchase today?” Get creative, yet be truthful. Make attractive table displays. Display a unit goal poster and pictures of activities in which the unit has participated. Advertise your unit, its goal and how the funds will be used.

Promote

Ask parents to promote your booth sells on social media apps (e.g., Facebook, Nextdoor).

Contacts

• Scout Fair Contacts: www.shac.org/scout-fair-contacts
• District Coupon Book Turn-in Locations: www.shac.org/scout-fair-contacts
• Unit Leader Information: www.shac.org/scout-fair/#Leader-Information

Kroger Booths

Kroger managers allow units to sell Scout Fair coupon books in front of their stores. Units must register to reserve a time and location. Do not contact the store manager. Read the Kroger coupon book booth selling guidelines before registering. The registration link will be posted on Facebook.  

• Kroger booths will be scheduled in four-hour blocks.
• Each unit will be permitted up to four Kroger booths during the initial registration period.
• Units who do not follow this policy will have their registration deleted.
• After February 2, 2020, at 11:55 pm, units can register for additional booths; be courteous to other units.

Units can sell coupon books at other locations given they have permission from store management and follow the store rules and regulations and the coupon book booth selling guidelines. 

Kroger Booth Sign-up

Submit 2020 Bonus Prize Winners

 

Every pack, troop, crew, ship, and post is encouraged to host a booth at Scout Fair. This is your opportunity to show our community what Scouting is all about and to share your Scouting skills with fellow Scouts and Scout Leaders. The planning and teamwork involved in booth participation provide great fun and learning opportunities. Participate at Scout Fair, with a booth and earn an additional 10% commission when registered by March 22. Turn in your funds by early bird bonus dates and earn additional commissions.  The prize brochure features prizes for various sales levels. Scouts who sell at least 220 Scout Fair coupon book bonus level will receive an additional bonus.

Selling Scout Fair coupon books not only sustains the Scout Fair event and other council programs, but it also provides a great fundraising opportunity for your unit and prepares Scouts to earn their own way. Each coupon book sells for only $10 but offers $100's in savings. When Scouts sell 15 or more coupon books, they'll earn the Super Salesman patch, qualify for entry in weekly drawings and earn great prizes from the Scout Fair coupon book prize brochure. All units receive a 30% base commission for each $10 Scout Fair coupon book sold, with funds turned in on or before the day of Scout Fair.

A variety of resources are available for leaders:

      Coupon Book Turn-in Locations    District Contact     Coupon Books     Resources    Contacts

 

 

Scout Fair Booths

Every pack, troop, crew, ship, and post is encouraged to participate in Scout Fair. Units that participate at Scout Fair with a booth earn an additional 10% commission on Scout Fair coupon book sales. Units must register for a booth by March 20, 2020. 

Every unit is encouraged to sponsor a booth at the fair. This is your opportunity to show our community what Scouting is all about and to share your Scouting skills with fellow Scouts and Scout leaders. In the past, booths have included craft stations (Cub Scouts), rope making (Scouts), orienteering (Venturing), and law enforcement (Exploring). Keep it simple and fun. By involving all the Scouts and parents in your unit, booth preparation and set-up, manning and takedown can be shared to keep it simple and make it fun. Each unit hosting a booth will receive a ribbon.

Booth Registration

The unit leader needs to register the booth by March 20, 2020. 

Unit Booth Registration

Booth Set-Up: Booths are set up on Saturday from 6:00 - 10:00 am. Booth assignments will be posted on council Facebook page no later than Thursday before Scout Fair.

Booth Breakdown: Booths must remain until 3:00 pm, even if you run out of supplies. When one unit begins to tear down early, other units follow. This is disrespectful to the participants who may not have had a chance to visit all the booths. No exceptions will be made. Place trash in receptacles before leaving. For more information regarding booth rules and regulations, please refer to the Scout Fair booth safety guidelines. For questions, contact your district Scout Fair chair or district executive.  

Booth Safety Guidelines

Booth Safety Guidelines

General    Outdoor    Shooting Sports    Climbing    Miscellaneous

The safety of our youth, volunteers, staff, and employees is an important part of the Scouting experience. Youth develop traits of citizenship, character, fitness, and leadership during age-appropriate events when challenged to move beyond their normal comfort level, and discover their abilities. This is appropriate when risks are identified and mitigated. The Scouting program, as contained in our handbooks and literature, integrates many safety features. However, no policy or procedure will replace the review and vigilance of trusted adults and leaders at the point of program execution. Commit to creating a safe and healthy environment by:

• Knowing and executing the BSA program as contained in our publications
• Planning tours, activities, and events with vigilance using the tools provided
• Setting the example for safe behavior and equipment use during the program
• Engaging and educating all participants in discussions about hazards and risks
• Reporting incidents in a timely manner

Thank you for being part of the Scouting movement and creating an exciting and safe experience for every participant.

Preface

All participants at Scout Fair must be familiar with and adhere to the requirements in this manual. In addition, all applicable Boy Scouts of America practices, policies, and guidelines apply to this event and program areas. In the event these requirements conflict with BSA documents/policies or local, state or federal laws the more stringent requirement applies. Activities not covered by this document or another BSA practice, policy or guideline must be approved by event coordinators and the Scout Fair Risk Management Chair. Participants that do not meet or follow the following safety requirements will not be allowed to participate or may have their booth activity stopped.

General Safety Requirements

All Scout Fair booths and activities must meet the current Guide to Safe Scouting.

Adult Supervision: Adults/leaders must be present in booths at all times. For safety reasons, there should be at least one leader and one additional adult in the booth at all times. Per BSA policy, there is never to be one-on-one contact between an adult and a youth (unless it’s a Scout with his or her parent/guardian).
www.shac.org/two-deep-leadership-2018-02-06. It is recommended that all adults volunteering in the booth take Youth Protection Training (YPT) at My.Scouting.org.

Age-appropriate Activities: Activities and booths must adhere to the Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities. This means some booth activities may be appropriate for older Scouts but not Cub Scouts.

Chemicals/Fuels: Flammable liquids, chemicals, or harmful hazardous substances are prohibited. This includes propane tanks of any size.

Emergency Equipment/Exits: All fire extinguishing equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, fire hoses, etc.) must be unobstructed and accessible at all times. All exits and aisle ways to exits shall be maintained free and clear at all times.

Extension Cords: All electrical cords/wires must be in good condition. Cords on the floor must be taped to the floor to restrict movement and prevent tripping.

Fires: No fires or open flames inside NRG Arena. Charcoal off the ground fires will be permitted outdoors.

Injuries: Call 911 for emergency situations and immediately contact the Health & Safety Team and/or your Hall Coordinator. Non-emergencies should be referred to the NRG First Aid Station located in the main lobby.

Noise: Booths shall not conduct activities that generate continuous load noise (≥ 90 decibels for more than an hour) or is deemed a nuisance to adjacent booths by the Safety Team.

Prohibited Activities/Items:

• Aerosol cans
• Animals (except for service animals and vendor-approved animals)
• Bicycles, motorbikes, skateboards, scooters, hoverboards, roller skates/blades/shoes or the like
• Climbing on any statues or permanent structures.
• Drones
• Fireworks
• Human pyramids
• Helium inflatables or balloons
• Live or cut trees, hay or straw
• Noisemakers (e.g., air horns, cowbells, etc.)
• Sand, gravel, dirt or topsoil
• Weapons (e.g., firearms, mace, etc.) – Knives four inches or less are allowed
• Whistles, air/fog horns, etc.
• Any item deemed inappropriate or hazardous by the BSA safety team

Security: Security is provided on the day of the event to help ensure the safety of equipment inside NRG Arena. Valuable items left in your booth area are at your own risk.

Setup: There is no booth set up on Friday evening. Booth setup is only from 6:00 am – 10:00 am Saturday morning. The event starts at 10 am sharp. All necessary personal protective equipment (e.g., helmets, safety glasses, gloves, etc.) must be worn during set up/tear down.

Smoking: No smoking or use of tobacco products are allowed inside NRG Arena, at the entry/exit ways, or around Scouts.

Staffing: Proper staffing (in addition to adult/leader supervision) must be provided to control people waiting to participate in booth activities. Control must be maintained to keep people safely lined up and to not interfere with any other activity.

Surface Safety: Exhibits featuring jousting, climbing, or other possibilities of youth falling, must provide padding equivalent to gym mats (aerobic/exercise pads are not acceptable). Also, age-appropriate (sized) protective clothing, helmets, and gloves must be provided. Frames made to contain pads must be padded and all bolts/nuts must be padded. All balls or projectiles used to knock down objects such as paint cans, plastic bottles, must be contained within the booth boundary.

Tools: Use of any gasoline power tools is prohibited. All tools require adult supervision.

Vehicles in NRG: Vehicles cannot drive inside NRG Arena to set up booths. Bring your own dollies, hand-trucks and/or wagons, etc. to transport items to your designated booth. Vehicles for outdoor booths to transport large displays (e.g., boats, etc.) must coordinate with the safety/security team at the event. Liquid and gas-fueled vehicles and equipment displayed at the fair must adhere to the following:

1. Batteries must be disconnected
2. Fuel in the tank shall not exceed the greater of one-quarter tank or two gallons
3. All vehicles must have a lockable gas cap
4. Fuel tank openings shall be locked and sealed to prevent the escape of vapors

Water Usage: Unit exhibits involving water must provide and use mops to keep floors and walkways dry at all times to avoid a slip and fall.

Outdoor Booth Requirements 

Cooking/Fires

1. Fires will only be fueled by charcoal. No liquid fuel, such as propane, can be used to ignite charcoals on the premises.
2. No other fuels are permitted. This means no wood, grass, straw, hay, etc.
3. Cooking fires cannot be built directly on the pavement. Use a steel plate, garbage can lid, concrete blocks, BBQ grill with legs, etc. to keep cooking fires up off the pavement.
4. Ashes cannot be left or scattered, they must be placed in specially marked receptacles located outside or taken with you.
5. Two fully charged multipurpose (ABC) fire extinguishers must be provided by each unit and displayed in an easily accessible location in the booth. Sand and/or water buckets are not acceptable.
6. Hot pad gloves and safety glasses must be worn by people for protection against hot grease splatters.
7. Disposable serving gloves are to be worn by participants serving food samples.
8. Wash stations must be provided for handwashing by all units participating.

Flint and steel

1. All fires must be made in a proper fire pit - such as a tuna tin can with no sharp edges. Scouts staffing the activity as well as participants must wear age-appropriate safety glasses.
2. Frayed rope is the only material acceptable to use as tender at Scout Fair.
3. Leather gloves should be used by all Scouts and staffers when holding the flint.
4. Age-appropriate safety goggles must be worn by all participants and staffers.

Vehicles/Parking

1. There will be someone outside in the area to assist in locating your booth space.
2. Vehicles towing trailers will not be permitted to park in the parking lots containing outdoor booths during the duration of the show.
3. All vehicles must be removed from the outdoor booth display area one hour before the show begins and will not be permitted to re-enter the area until after 3:00 pm.
4. Security and law enforcement personnel will be on-site to answer any questions. 

Shooting Booth Requirements 

All shooting activities must adhere to the BSA National Shooting Sports Manual. The Archery activity will be sponsored by the Sam Houston Area Council Shooting Sports Committee.

Archery

1. If there is only a display of bows, arrows, and accessories, the booth may be anywhere in NRG Arena. Displays must be supervised at all times.
2. If arrows are to be shot, the booth must be at the end of the aisle and the archery range must be placed so two sides of the building forms two boundaries of the range. The other two boundaries must be well marked and some distance from the shooting lanes.
3. Commercial, institutional quality indoor archery targets (such as Ethafoam) must be used. (Bales of hay and common Styrofoam blocks cannot be used).
4. Targets must be placed in front of one of the solid walls.
5. Bows must be lightweight, pulling less than 25 lbs.
6. Arrows must have target points.
7. Shooting will be done only by trained members of the unit carrying out the demonstration and under the constant supervision of an adult.
8. All equipment must be safely stored out of reach of visitors.

BB Gun/Air Rifle: This activity will not be offered this year.

Rubberband Guns/Slingshots

1. Age-appropriate safety glasses must be worn by all participants.
2. A safe backstop must be in place.
3. A safe firing line must be in place.
4. Shooting must be at targets only. No shooting at each other. Human form and zombie silhouette targets are not approved for use.
5. The activity must be contained within the assigned area.
6. Slingshots are not an age-appropriate activity for Cub Scouts at this event.
7. A range master must be present and a 1-to-1 adult-to-youth ratio must be used.

Tabletop Catapults

1. Only tabletop catapults are acceptable.
2. Age-appropriate safety glasses must be worn by participants as well as those staffing the activity.
3. All apparatus, including projectiles, must stay within the confines of the booth.
4. Only soft objects are acceptable as projectiles.
5. No exposed sharp edges, corners or exposed bolts or nuts. Must be padded.
6. Only fixed targets are acceptable. (No catching of any type of projectile).
7. Staffing (in addition to activity supervisor) must be provided to control people waiting to participate in the activity. Control must be maintained to keep people safely lined up and to not interfere with any other activity. 

Climbing / Pioneering Requirements 

Climbing

1. Climbing activities and portable structures must adhere to the BSA Belay on Manual.
2. Structures must be structurally sound.
3. Climbing activities or demonstrations that would require a belay system (i.e., climbing above shoulder height) is not allowed.
4. Climbers must be protected by spotters. In addition to spotters, mats or pads should be placed at the base of structures.
5. Bolts used to secure hand or footholds must be load rated for climbing purposes. No bolts used from a home improvement store (e.g., Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc.).
6. .A picture/diagram of the exhibit along with a detailed description of the operation must accompany your unit participant’s application. Email your pictures/diagram to Dennis Olheiser at dennisolheiser@gmail.com.

Monkey Bridges

1. Monkey bridges may not be constructed higher than 5 feet above the surface nor may they be longer than 40 feet.
2. The shoulder height of the crosser should be at least the distance between the hand ropes and the foot rope. (4 feet tall at the shoulder if the distance between the hand rope and the footrope is 4 feet).
3. Only one person is allowed to cross at a time (no one else even touching the ropes).
4. Each youth crossing the bridge must be accompanied by two adults (one on either side) walking beneath them to serve as "spotters". One of the adults must be a member of the unit (one adult may be the youth's parent).
5. Floor pads are not required for monkey bridges (due to requirement No. 4).
6. No swinging or any form of horseplay is to be tolerated.
7. A picture/diagram of the exhibit along with a detailed description of the operation must accompany your unit participant’s application. Email your pictures/diagram to Dennis Olheiser at dennisolheiser@gmail.com.

Pioneering

1. Adult leadership must be present in the booth at all times (during construction, during display and during takedown).
2. The structure shall be structurally sound. Ties and lashings must be strong, tight and substantial. They must be checked frequently.
3. Anchoring ropes must avoid friction against sharp edges of the supporting structures.
4. Climbing on structures such as signal towers, etc. that have walking surfaces above 5 feet, must be limited to members of the unit putting on the display.
5. Only one person is allowed to climb on a structure at a time and a "spotter" must be used at all times.
6. More than one person will be allowed on bridges with a spotter on and next to the entry and exit ramps as well as on the bridge itself. Adequate handrails, (at least two and preferably three) must be provided for the walking area as well as entry and exit ramps.
7. Pioneering Projects that have the potential of a participant falling and/or slipping, must provide a helmet (age appropriate) and the individual must be secured by rope and belayed with proper equipment. Mats (per floor safety requirements) must also be provided.
8. A picture/diagram of the exhibit along with a detailed description of the operation must accompany your unit participant’s application. Email your pictures/diagram to Dennis Olheiser at dennisolheiser@gmail.com. 

Miscellaneous Requirements

Can Crusher – Recycling

1. Provide age-appropriate eye protection/safety glasses and gloves.
2. Guard against pinching of hands and fingers.

Cub Pushmobile: This activity will not be offered this year.

Jousting

1. The ends of the device used for jousting must be well padded.
2. All participants must wear age-appropriate helmets, safety glasses, and leather gloves.

Knife Handling

1. Provide age-appropriate leather gloves for each participant.
2. Provide a guard on “Mill Files” for sharpening.
3. Utilize safe practices as outlined in the Whittling and Totin’ Chip

Nails and Hammer

1. Age-appropriate safety glasses and leather gloves must be worn by all participants.
2. Nails must be started by an adult pre-nailing it in a board.
3. Aluminum nails are suggested.

Tire Safety

1. Tires must be safe with no exposed metal belting that can cause injury upon contact.
2. Stacked tires must be secured so as not to fall over.
3. Tires must be taken after the event. In addition, laws prohibit the disposal of tires in commercial trash dumpsters.

Booth Planning and Ideas

Booth Planning and Ideas

How to Organize a Scout Fair Booth

• Units must name a booth chair.
• Pick an idea for your booth.
• Register your unit for booth through our online registration system. Booth participation registration must be completed on or before March 27, 2020.
• Start planning now and get your activity ready.
• Practice the game, craft or skill with the rest of your unit and have the Scouts learn their duties.
• Please note: Units selling coupon books that register by March 20, 2020, receive a 10% participation bonus on all monies turned in on or before the day of Scout Fair.

Booth Regulations:

• Standard booth sizes are 10’ x 10’, 10’ x 20’ or 20’ x 20’
• For safety reasons, there should be at least one leader and one additional adult in the booth at all times. Per BSA policy, there is never to be one-on-one contact between an adult and a youth (unless it’s a Scout with his or her parent/guardian). www.shac.org/two-deep-leadership-2018-02-06. It is recommended that all adults volunteering in the booth take Youth Protection Training at My.Scouting.org.
• Bring your flag or banner to identify your unit and sponsor.
• Tables and chairs can be rented through the online registration system in advance and must be paid for at that time. They will also be available for rental on the day of the event. You are welcome to bring your own tables and chairs.
• Activities and displays using tents will need to be self-supporting; there is no area to put stakes in the ground.
• Review the Booth Safety Guidelines for all booth safety requirements. www.shac.org/booth

Booth Set-up and Clean up:

NRG Arena set-up time is on Saturday from 6:00 -10:00 am. Please refer to the Unit Leaders Guide for parking fees on Scout Fair day. Vehicles will not be allowed to enter the building. Units may drop their items near the designated overhead doors and then park their vehicles. Vehicles may not be left at the doorways while items are moved inside. The overhead doors will be closed at 9:00 am and will not be opened until after 3:00 pm. Your booth should be set up and ready by 10 am Saturday. The show area must be completely clean at the conclusion of the Scout Fair. All equipment and material must be removed at the end of the show - not before!

Booth Planning:

Keep these tips in mind when planning your booth:

• Make it alive and fun! Be sure all youth members get in on the act- this is their show. Schedule a rotation of dens, patrols, or squads and don’t forget the adult supervision.
• Subject Knowledge Youth members should be conversant with the topic of the booth. Scouts should be able to describe activities in their own words and answer questions about their booth.
• Audience participation! Involve the audience. Invite them to try their own cooking, be a participant in a game, take a quiz, try a skill, paint them like a clown, or take a fingerprint. You will get more people to stop at your booth if they can do something.
• Proper uniform is essential. Everyone is encouraged to wear the Scout uniform.
• Have the booth going at all times. Be sure to not leave before the end of the fair, or begin late. Scout Fair usually has an influx of visitors at the beginning and at the end, as well as a steady stream throughout. Having an empty or unmanned booth does not help promote your units. Remember a shift roster should be made for every booth. PEOPLE GO WHERE THE ACTION IS!
• Do not sell items, charge, or ask for donations as part of your booth.
• A Scout is courteous at all times, especially when others are speaking or waiting in line.

Selecting your Booth Theme:

Units are encouraged to decorate their booth or demonstrate an activity based on this year’s theme. The top booths reflecting this theme will be recognized with a unique ribbon.

There are numerous booth ideas available. Start with monthly Cub Scout themes or achievements and electives. There are also many resources in merit badge books, and from commissioners and other Scouters. You may choose to focus on your community and its history, people, landmarks and activities. Select one that is fun and interesting to keep your Scouts excited and engaged, as well as entertaining for the visitors. The list of possible booths is endless. Have youth and adult leaders brainstorm booth possibilities, then determine which is best for your unit and Scouts.

Remember the following when choosing your theme:

• Experience is valuable, but not necessary.
• The size of your unit may determine the amount of space you’ll need.
• Thoughts to consider: What do your Scouts do best? What are their interests? What recent activities were the most successful? What hidden resources, hobbies and talents are out there?
• Preparation time required and available.
• Transportation needs.

Theme Ideas

Air and water pollution	Communications	Games of Skills	Leatherwork	Pottery	Teepee making
American folklore	Comparisons	Games of the past	Leave no trace	Puppets	Texas history
American heritage	Compass	Gaming	Leaves (leaf prints)	Putt-putt golf	The world of sound
American history	Cooking	Gardening	Maps	Puzzles	Tile crafts
Antique plaque making	Cowboys	Geology	Marbles	Railroading	Tin-can craft
Astronomy	Craftsman activities	Harmful habits	Model cars	Raingutter regatta	Tinfoil crafts
Atomic Energy	Cub Scout chef	Health and Safety	Model trains	Rappelling	Toothpick crafts
Aviation	Cub Scout field day	Health careers	Models Morse code	Recycling	Toymaking
Backpacking	Cub Scout sports	High adventure	Mountain men	Rocket derby	Toy soldiers
Backyard camping	Decoupage	Hiking	Mountaineering	Rocket making	Traffic safety
Basketball catapults	Dinosaurs	Historical merit badge	Museums	Rocks and minerals	Trail to Eagle
Beadwork	Drawing	History of Scouting	Music	Rope making	Transportation
Beanbag games	Drum making	Hobbies	Native American crafts	Sand art in a bottle	Tricks and puzzles
Bicycle safety	Dutch oven cooking	Hockey	Native American dancing	Scouting history	Troop leadership
Bike repair	Electric games	Home gardens	Nature crafts	Scouting uniform and insignia	Tube crafts
Birdhouses and feeders	Electricity	Home safety	Nature trails	Scrapbook making	Veterinary medicine
Block printing	Emergency kits	Homemade games	Neckerchief slides	Sculpturing	Weather
Bottom of the sea	Emergency rescue	Homemade ice cream	No trace camping	Sea adventure	Wet sponge toss
Box hockey	Face paint	Horsemanship	Obstacle course	Search & Rescue	Whittling
Camp Songs	Famous Americans	Hunting safety	Oceanography	Showman activities	Wilderness Survival
Camping merit badge	Famous Scouts	Indian lore/crafts	Old-time radio	Signal tower	Wildlife conservation
Camping techniques	Feats of skill	Indian Signs	Orienteering	Silhouettes	Wildlife habitats
Candle decorating	Finger painting	Insects	Outdoor games	Small boat sailing	Winter camping
Card making project	Fingerprinting	International Scouting	Panning for gold	Soap sculptures	Wire crafts
Carnival games	Fire prevention	Jewelry	Passports	Space exploration	Woodcarving
Catapults	Firearms safety	Jigsaw puzzle	Patriotism	Sports carnival	Woodworking
Ceramics	First aid	Jungle tales	Personal Fitness	Stamps	World around us
Chess	Fishing	Kayak building	Pets	Star study	World foods
Citizenship	Fitness	Keep America beautiful	Photography	Star trek	World travel
Clay modeling	Flag etiquette	Kite building	Physical fitness	Stencil crafts
Clothespin craft	Flag history	Knots and lashings	Pinewood derby	Stone painting
Coin collecting	Fly tying	Law enforcement	Pioneering	String art
Collections	Forestry	Leather crafts	Plaster casting	Survival techniques

 

Indoor Booths: Indoor booths are free, and are available in two sizes (10'x10' or 10'x20'). Booths will have drapery hung from aluminum tubing. The booths have 8' high drapery across the back and 3' high drapery on the sides. If an activity is too large for a booth, an indoor activity area can be requested (20'x20'). Indoor activity areas have twine tied to 3' high stanchions to define the area. For more information, read the safety guidelines. 

Chairs can be rented for $5 each and 6-foot tables for $15; these must be pre-ordered when registering for a booth. Units may bring tables and chairs. Tables and chairs will not be available for rent the day of the event. All materials must be carried; trailers are not be allowed inside. Bring dollies or wagons to carry supplies. Electrical outlets are available for $110 per single outlet (indoor booths only). These outlets are 115 - VAC, 10 amp circuits and will not handle coffee pots or hot plates. Electricity must be ordered when signing up for a booth. 

Outdoor Booths: Outdoor booths are free, and are available in one size (20'x20') on the pavement. Bring sandbags to hold down canopies; stakes or spikes cannot be used on the pavement. All fires must be in elevated fireplaces. Cooking areas will be designated. Bring your own chairs and tables. For more information, read the safety guidelines. 

Scout Fair Booth Judging

Units are encouraged to decorate their booth or demonstrate an activity based on this year’s theme.  The top booths reflecting this theme will be recognized with a unique ribbon.  

Medical Forms

The unit leaders in charge of exhibits must bring an Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A & B for all Scouting events) for each person attending Scout Fair.

 

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Promotional Article

2020 Scout Fair

April 4, 2020  |  10:00 am - 3:00 pm  

The Sam Houston Area Council, Boy Scouts of America is hosting Scout Fair on April 4, 2020. Scout Fair is free of charge and open to the public. Scouts of all ages converge to showcase their Scouting skills. Families will enjoy visiting hundreds of interactive booths. Sample the amazing dutch oven creations and other delicacies in the outdoor cooking area. Enjoy live entertainment on the center stage. Watch demonstrations, and interact with booths from our community partners...pick up free offers. The kids will enjoy many fun activities and crafts. Bring comfortable shoes and your camera. The event is being held at NRG Arena from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm; NRG parking is typically $12.

El Consejo del Área de Houston Sam, Boy Scouts of America está organizando la Feria Scout, el 4 de abril de 2020. Feria Scout es gratis y abierto al público. Scouts de todas las edades convergen para mostrar sus habilidades de scouts. Las familias disfrutarán visitando cientos de puestos interactivos. Traten las sorprendentes creaciones del horno holandés y otras delicias en el área de cocinar al aire libre. Disfruten de entretenimiento en vivo y demostraciones de nuestros socios de la comunidad...include do las ofertas gratis. Los niños podrán disfrutar de muchas actividades divertidas y artesanías. Traigan zapatos cómodos y su cámara. El evento se llevara a cabo en NRG Arena de 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Se aplican cargos de aparcamiento en la zona.

Promotions

Right-click and save these images to use for flyers, newsletters, and websites.

      

       

District Contacts  / Coupon Book Turn-in Locations

Unit Kickoff. At the Scout Fair kick-off, unit leaders will receive coupon books, training, and leader tools. Every unit should send at least one representative. 
Turn-ins: Check the district website for additional turn-in dates and locations. 
For more information, contact your district popcorn kernel or district executive. 

District (click for website)	Contact	Turn-in March 5, 2020 (5% bonus commission deadline)	Turn-in March 19, 2020 (3% bonus commission deadline)	Turn-in March 30, 2020 (1% bonus commission deadline)
Aldine Pathfinder	See Lone Star
Aquila	Ross Cunningham 832-865-8157	Westbury Methodist Church 5200 Willowbend Blvd Houston, TX  77096	Westbury Methodist Church 5200 Willowbend Blvd Houston, TX  77096	Westbury Methodist Church 5200 Willowbend Blvd Houston, TX  77096
Arrowhead	Valerie Throgmorton 281-732-3985	St. Martin's Lutheran Church 1125 Burney Rd Sugar Land, TX 77498	Parkway Methodist Church 5801 New Territory Blvd Sugar Land, TX 77479	Parkway Methodist Church 5801 New Territory Blvd Sugar Land, TX 77479
Arrowmoon	Luis Guzman	Fire Station 6 610 Universtiy Dr. E College	Peace Lutheran Church 2201 Rio Grande Blvd College Station, TX	Peace Lutheran Church 2201 Rio Grande Blvd College Station, TX
Big Cypress	Chris Kubiak 281-382-2643 Shelley Bruno 832-748-1419	Good Shepherd UMC  20155 Cypresswood Dr Cypress, TX 77433	Good Shepherd UMC 20155 Cypresswood Dr Cypress, TX  77433	Plum Coffee Shop 11688 Barker Cypress Rd ​Cypress, TX 77433
Brahman
Brazos	Janet Potts 281-750-5331	Starbucks 19908 SW Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479	Starbucks 19908 SW Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479	Starbucks 19908 SW Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479
Copperhead	Sheryl Hope 832-493-7721	Weekley Center 8440 Greenhouse Rd Cypress, TX 77433	Weekley Center 8440 Greenhouse Rd Cypress, TX 77433
David Crockett	Michelle Hokanson 832-798-6693	Waller Methodist Church 1260 Smith Street Waller, TX 77484	Waller Methodist Church 1260 Smith Street Waller, TX 77484	Waller Methodist Church 1260 Smith Street Waller, TX 77484
Flaming Arrow	Jeff Hammonds
George Strake	Therese Wind 832-606-2137	MGL Conference Room 8780 Technology Forest Place, Suite 100 The Woodlands, Texas 77381	100 I-45 North Suite 100 Conroe, TX (1st floor of the 6 story red brick building next door to county library at 45 and 2854 (Metcalf St)	100 I-45 North Suite 100 Conroe, TX (1st floor of the 6 story red brick building next door to county library at 45 and 2854 (Metcalf St)
Iron Horse	Elizabeth Doyle	Bammel Church of Christ 2700 Cypress Creek Parkway Houston, TX 77068	Bammel Church of Christ 2700 Cypress Creek Parkway ​Houston, TX 77068	Bammel Church of Christ 2700 Cypress Creek Parkway ​Houston, TX 77068
Lone Star	Stephen Ramsey 510-847-4815 Alma Watson 713-419-8263
Mustang	Jason Griffin 281-748-3087 Susan Schwartz 832-264-4478	Memorial Methodist Church 12955 Memorial Dr Houston, TX 77079	Memorial Methodist Church 12955 Memorial Dr Houston, TX 77079	Memorial Methodist Church 12955 Memorial Dr Houston, TX 77079
Orion	Brenda Lehrer 713-876-0863	Church Of The Good Shepherd 801 E Main St Tomball, TX  77375	Church Of The Good Shepherd 801 E Main St Tomball, TX  77375	Church Of The Good Shepherd 801 E Main St Tomball, TX  77375
Phoenix	Sarah Matthews 281-755-5824	Cypress Creek Christian Church 6823 Cypresswood Dr Spring, TX  77379	Cypress Creek Christian Church 6823 Cypresswood Dr ​Spring, TX  77379	Cypress Creek Christian Church 6823 Cypresswood Dr ​Spring, TX  77379
Raven	Jennifer Gonnering 713-876-9213	Highlands UMC 107 W Houston St. Highlands, TX 77562	Starbucks 5017 I-10 East Freeway Baytown, TX 77521	Starbucks 5017 I-10 East Freeway Baytown, TX 77521
San Jacinto	Cassidy Clark 832-368-8316	Deer Park United Methodist Church 1300 E. 13th St Deer Park, TX  77536	Deer Park United Methodist Church 1300 E. 13th St Deer Park, TX  77536	Deer Park United Methodist Church 1300 E. 13th St Deer Park, TX  77536
Skyline	See Lone Star
Soaring Eagle	Kim Ho 713-835-2432	Starbucks 17405 Northwest Frwy Houston, TX  77065	Starbucks 17405 Northwest Frwy ​Houston, TX  77065	Starbucks 17405 Northwest Frwy ​Houston, TX  77065
Texas Skies	Stacie Hernandez 713-553-9860	Epiphany Catholic Church 1530 Northwalk Dr Katy, TX 77450	Epiphany Catholic Church 1530 Northwalk Dr Katy, TX 77450	Epiphany Catholic Church 1530 Northwalk Dr Katy, TX 77450
Thunder Wolf	John Pyle 281-639-8555	Missouri City FUMC 3900 Lexington Blvd Missouri City, TX 77459	United Way 12300 Parc Crest Dr. Stafford TX 77477	United Way 12300 Parc Crest Dr. Stafford TX 77477
Twin Bayou		Campension Coffee House 2602 Waugh Dr. Houston, TX 77006	Campension Coffee House 2602 Waugh Dr. Houston, TX 77006	Campension Coffee House 2602 Waugh Dr. Houston, TX 77006
W. L. Davis	Kendra Quincy 346-228-4750	Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Christian Life Center 3826 Wheeler Ave Houston, TX 77004	Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Christian Life Center 3826 Wheeler Ave Houston, TX 77004	Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Christian Life Center 3826 Wheeler Ave Houston, TX 77004

 

 

Contacts

Coupon Books	Unit leader or district Scout Fair representative
Prizes	Unit leader or district Scout Fair representative
Scout Fair participation patches	Unit leader or district Scout Fair representative
Unit Booth Registration	Jennifer Ausmus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please note: By attending or participating in district or council events, you give permission for your photograph to be used to promote Scouting, Scouting recruitment and/or donations/solicitation flyers.