Neither chilly winds nor rainy skies could keep these hearty adventurers from storming the shores of the Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation! Creepy Hollow brought plenty of spooky fun to Cub Adventure Camp, while the Pirates of the Appomattox Scouts BSA Camporee had crews of swashbuckling Scouts making merry at Camp T. Brady Saunders (see the photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/xwSgKrc65fD4LNAD6). We hope you're enjoying this incredible season at camp, and we can't wait to welcome you back for another round of adventure soon.

Hello, Scouter!

October 23rd, 2026

News You Can Use

New Cold-Weather Gear in the Scout Shop
8090 Villa Park Drive in Henrico

🍂Forget sweaters, it's BEANIE WEATHER! The season is changing, temperatures are dropping, and so is brand new cold-weather gear at the Scout Shop. From beanies to hoodies, we have you covered... literally. Don't forget that the Annual Uniform Sale is still underway, with great deals on your new Scouting uniform through the end of the year. Visit us at 8090 Villa Park for all your Scouting needs, and follow the HOVC Scout Shop on Facebook for deals and special announcements.

[Follow the Scout Shop on Facebook]

Updated Hazardous Weather Training

Become Weather Smart Before Your Next Outing

Scouting America has launched an updated Hazardous Weather Training course designed to help leaders make informed decisions before and during outdoor activities. The training covers monitoring changing conditions, understanding watches and warnings, recognizing severe-weather risks, developing emergency action plans, and taking appropriate protective action during situations such as thunderstorms, extreme temperatures, flooding, and hurricanes. Whether you’re planning a campout, hike, service project, or high-adventure trek, every great outing begins with preparedness.

[Get Hazardous Weather Trained]

Cub Scouts

Registration is Open for the Lion & Tiger Rally

Saturday, November 7th

Get ready for a day of adventure at the Lion & Tiger Rally on Saturday, November 7th at Cub Adventure Camp! Families will enjoy activities designed especially for kindergarten and 1st grade Scouts, including archery, wrist rockets, fishing, BMX biking, crafts, and more. Registration is FREE for Lions & Tigers (just $8 per parent and sibling) and includes all activities and a commemorative patch, with cafeteria lunches available for $5. Older Scouts and siblings are welcome to join in the fun, so bring the whole family for an afternoon packed with excitement!

[Get Ready for Lion & Tiger Fun!]

Scouts BSA, Exploring, Venturing, & Sea Scouts

Hampden-Sydney College Merit Badge Day

Saturday, November 7th

Explore new interests and earn merit badges at the 2026 Hampden-Sydney College Merit Badge Day on Saturday, November 7! Scouts can choose from 18 exciting merit badge opportunities, including Robotics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Entrepreneurship, Archaeology, Fly Fishing, Emergency Preparedness, and more! With full-day and half-day sessions available, there's something for just about every interest. Adult Leaders, there's something for you, too! Take advantage of Wilderness First Aid training or enjoy a guided three-mile hike along the beautiful Wilson Trail while learning about the college's rich history.

[Don't Miss Out - Register Today!]

Glenn A. & Melinda W. Adams Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award (ESSPY)

The ESSPY Award recognizes a service project of an exceptional nature by a Scout to a religious institution, a school, community, or other entity. Each year, local councils select a council-level winner, and from that pool, each service territory selects a territory-level winner. A national winner is then selected from the 16 territory finalists. Nominations are due by the end of January, 2027.

[Learn More and Make an ESSPY Nomination]

Did You Read the 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]