The TEXAS Award

THE TEXAS AWARD

The Texas Award is designed to encourage Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts and Explorers to learn about Texas history and culture through activities such as hiking and camping at historic spots, studying local Indian lore, learning about the traditions of ethnic groups living in Texas, service projects and other activities related to Texas.

Scouts must pass the requirements before a Texas Award counselor. Earning the Award is challenging, and is probably about the level of difficulty of earning two merit badges for most Scouts. A Scout must expect to spend at least several weeks working on the activities which qualify him for the Award.

To help Scouts earn the Award, an illustrated brochure is available, at no cost to unit leaders. The brochures, as well as application forms for both the Award and for those adults interested in registering as counselors for the Award are available through the Resource Center at the Scout Service Center.

When a Scout has earned the Award, and the application has been approved by the unit leader and counselor, he is entitled to receive the handsome Texas Award medal, which may be purchased at the Scout Service Center.

NOTE: The Texas Award is avalible from the Scout Office. Each may be purchased for $10.00 at the time the appropriate application is submitted.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Be an active Boy Scout, Explorer or Varsity Scout registered in a Troop, Post or Team in Texas.

STATE SYMBOLS:

Describe the flag of Texas and explain the significance of its parts. (see Texas Flag)

Give the name of the state bird of Texas and show that you can identify it in the field, by sight or call. (see Texas Flag)

Give the name of the state flower of Texas and show that you can identify it in the field. (see Texas Flag)

Sing or recite the words of "Texas, Our Texas".

STATE HISTORY:

Describe the first six flags of Texas. Describe some of the major events which occurred in Texas while under each flag. (see Six Texas Flags)

Pick any year before 1960. Describe important events that happened in Texas that year and how they influenced the future of Texas.

Choose any famous Texan. Tell why you chose that person. Read one or more biographies of this person and explain the person's importance to Texas. (see Texans)

Identify a site or trail in Texas of historical significance. Tell why it is important to Texas history. With one or more companions, hike for at least two miles near the site OR camp overnight at or near the site. (see Attractions)

Assist a voluteer organization which preserves or perpetuates Texas history or culture by performing a service project (approved by your counselor) for at least 3 hours..

STATE CULTURE:

Identify an Indian tribe which, at any time, lived, camped or hunted near your community. Report its culture. (see Indians)

1. Choose any ethnic group (other than the Indians in requirement above), of which you are not a member. Give a brief history of the group and tell of any special customs and observances it has. 2. Participate in and describe at least one special observance, feast or holiday this group celebrates, and explain its origin. 3. Prepare one traditional food of this group to serve four (4) people.

Read at least one book (fiction or non-fiction) by a Texas author on a Texas subject (in addition to the biography for requirement III.C). OR read at least three short stories by one or more Texas authors on Texas subjects, OR read at least three poem by one or more Texas authors on Texas subjects. (see Library Books at FBISD)

Describe the work of five voluteer groups which support cultural activities in Texas.

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Texas, Our Texas
Texas, Our Texas is the Texas state song. It was not written by a native Texan, but by an Englishman, William J. Marsh. He was living in Fort Worth at a the time he wrote the music and, with native Texan Gladys Yoakum Wright, the words. Their combined efforts won a statewide contest sponsored by the Legislature in 1929 to find an original state song.

The lyrics we sing today are not those originally penned. The line "Biggest and grandest, withstanding every test" was changed by necessity in 1959 when Alaska entered the Union, to "Boldest and grandest, withstanding every test". Anyway, here are the words, try to memorize the first verse and the chorus:

Verse 1
Texas our Texas! All hail the mighty State!
Texas our Texas! So wonderful so great!
Boldest and grandest, Withstanding every test
O Empire wide and glorious, You stand supremely blest.

Chorus
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.

Verse 2
Texas, O Texas! Your freeborn single star
Sends out its radiance to nations near and far.
Emblem of Freedom! It sets our hearts aglow,
With thoughts of San Jacinto and glorious Alamo.

Verse 3
Texas, dear Texas! From tyrant grip now free,
Shines forth in splendor your star of destiny!
Mother of Heroes! We come your children true,
Proclaiming our allegiance Our Faith Our Love for you.

What to hear the music ?

Indians
Indian days. When the first Europeans arrived, about 30,000 Indians lived in what is now Texas. The largest group was the Caddo Indians, in the eastern part of the region. These Indians lived in permanent homes and were farmers. Some of the Caddo (296 K image ) tribes, including the Nacogdoches, Nasoni, and Neche, formed a league called the Hasinai Confederacy. The Arkokisa, Attacapa (236 K image), Karankawa, and other smaller tribes lived along the coast. The Coahuiltecan Indians occupied south Texas. Warlike Lipan Apache lived on the Edwards Plateau in the west.Comanche and Tonkawa Indians roamed the Rolling Plains and the Prairie Plains. See Texas Indians for more info