Snow blankets the Camp T. Brady Saunders Dining Hall, overlooking beautiful Lake Dillon, after the early December storm. Thanks to our Camp Reservation Manager, James Hinkley, for sharing the icy shot! | |
2026 Scouting America Ornaments
Limited Supply In Sock
'Tis the season for decking the halls, and the Scout Shop has officially released the 2026 Scouting America Ornaments in limited supply. With just 16 ornaments in each style, these are going to go fast. Swing by the Scout Shop at 8090 Villa Park Drive in Henrico to claim yours today. Don't forget to browse the full shop for stocking stuffers and holiday gifts (from pocket knives to cast iron) for everyone on your list, and pickup everything you need for your Pinewood Derby! See what's in store, check out our upcoming holiday and inventory schedule, and learn more about the HOVC Scout Shop below.
[HOVC Scout Shop Webpage]
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Wood Badge: Spring of 2026
Wood Badge is the premier leadership training for all registered adult Scout leaders, blending Scouting traditions with modern leadership skills. Over two weekends (April 17–19 and May 16–17, 2026) at Cub Adventure Camp, participants build teamwork, leadership, and organizational skills in a fun, hands-on environment. Along the way, they form lasting friendships and grow as impactful leaders.

[Take the Course!]
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Cub Scout Polar Bear Award
Are You Tough Enough?
Cold weather won’t stop a true Scout! The Polar Bear Award recognizes Cub Scouts who brave the winter elements and experience the adventure of cold-weather camping. The Polar Bear Award is typically a temporary insignia patch, worn on the left pocket, or sewn onto a blanket, jacket, or other Scouting keepsake. The Heart of Virginia Council Scout Shop has plenty of Polar Bear Award patches in stock!
[Visit the Scout Shop Page]
| | | Scouts BSA, Exploring, Venturing, & Sea Scouts | | | |
Patrick Henry Merit Badge Forum
January 31st at First Baptist Church

The Patrick Henry Public Speaking Forum returns on January 31, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Richmond, offering Scouts the opportunity to earn both the Public Speaking and Communication merit badges. Due to limited space in Communication classes, Scouts are asked to complete Public Speaking first, as it provides essential skills that make Communication smoother and more rewarding. Recommended prerequisites include Communication requirements 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8, and Public Speaking requirements 1, 2, and 4. We're thrilled to welcome Patrick Henry back again this year... you won’t want to miss it!
[Speak Boldly!]
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2025 Eagle Scout Commencement Ceremony
February 22nd at Randolph-Macon College
The Heart of Virginia Council invites you to celebrate the outstanding Scouts who earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2025 at the Eagle Scout Commencement, held on Sunday, February 22nd, 2026, at Randolph-Macon College. All 2025 Eagle Scouts are invited to attend free of charge, along with their parents and Scoutmaster. As in years past, there will be campus tours, openings for the Life Scout Honor Guard, and opportunities for families to celebrate their Eagle with personalized program messages. Registration is open!
[Learn More & Register]
| | | Did You Read the December Courier? | | |
Get these five stories and so much more by reading the Courier, our monthly newsletter! Scheduled for the last Friday of the month at noon, the Courier features all the news, special events, and useful information you need to get the most of your Scouting experience.
[Read This Month's Courier]
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"You do what you can for as long as you can, and when you finally can't,
you do the next best thing. You back up but you don't give up."

- Brigadier General Charles "Chuck" Yeager, United States Air Force officer, flying ace, and record-setting test pilot who in October 1947 became the first pilot in history confirmed to have exceeded the speed of sound in level flight. On this day in 1953, he reached Mach 2.43 in the Bell X-1A rocket plane.
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