“The elementary schools help with sign up, but some of the largest sponsoring organizations are local churches,” said Jamie Mount, assistant director of public information for Humble ISD.

Many of the packs and troops are sponsored by the school’s PTA, but charter partners come from a variety of areas.

Because the Boy Scouts foster character, many of the local churches such as the Atascocita United Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church in Humble, and Kingwood United Methodist Church, host Boy Scouts.

In addition to schools and churches, many organizations that serve the community become linked to Scouting. In Huffman, both packs and troops are sponsored by The Huffman Lions Club. The Atascocita Fire Department partners with a troop as does the Humble Optimist Club.

“We have a very active troop,” said Patrick Evans, associate pastor, of Kingwood United Methodist Church.

He said that his group had produced many Eagle Scouts over the years, each committed to a community service projects. Each year the church has between 80 and 90 boys participating in the program, ranging in age from 11 to 18. He said some of the Scouts just finished an exciting Adventure Scouting program where they hiked at 12,000-feet in the mountains of New Mexico.

The wilderness experience lasted 10 days and turned out to be quite an adventure.

“It’s like being at a dude ranch without the cowboys,” said Evans.

He said Scouts know there are bears, panthers and snakes in the ares. He said while his son was the trip, he saw two bears and a panther.

“It rained and hailed while they were there,” he added.

John Flemming, the Scouting coordinator for the troop said the strength of the Scouting for older boys is that it fosters independence, citizenship and character.

“Ours is a rough and tumble group. They like repelling, kayaking and hiking,” said Fleming.

Flemming said the troop is 36 years old. He said it was an ambitious group committed to community service. Their Eagle projects have benefited local schools, parks and hospitals.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Atasca Oaks is another large Scout sponsors.

“Because the Scouting is a morals-based program, our church uses it as the youth program. All of our boys who sign up for youth group become Scouts,” said Steve Bales who heads up the program.

He said they rely on the program because it builds character and self-esteem and “keeps a boys’ welfare as priority one.”

Bales is the youth minister at his church but he has also served as Scout president overseeing 10 congregations and as Bishop of the Humble Ward.

“It is a challenge these days to carry the boys all the way to Eagle Scout,” he said. “Only two or three percent who enter the program make it all the way to Eagle Scout. It is a wonderful program and you don’t have to be a member of this church to join.”

For scouting opportunities near you, check your local elementary school or for an extensive list of packs and troops, visit www.samhoustonbsa.org/home/districtsites/districts.

Photo: Ryan Maples is earning badges and developing character through the Scouting program.