Our most sincere congratulations to Danielle with Troop 736G on the completion of her Eagle Scout Service Project benefitting the Cultural Arts Center in Glen Allen. Danielle created and installed a beautiful custom LOVE sign on their campus on Mountain Road. Learn more about 736G!
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Scout Safety Moment: Fire Safety with Backpacking Stoves
Fall camping is around the corner, and with it comes delicious camp meals! Stoves made for the outdoors can extend the range of your travels by giving you a reliable way to safely cook anywhere and in any weather. Typically, backpacking stoves use white gas, kerosene, propane, butane, or isobutane gas as a fuel. Ultralight trekkers also favor alcohol stoves. Learn important safety tips for operating a backpacking stove, and how to apply Leave No Trace Principles to your next camp meal by clicking the "Learn More" link below, and take the time now to inspect your fall camping equipment to ensure a safe and exciting adventure for all.
[Learn More]
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🚨 2026 Richmond-Times Dispatch THE BEST Contest
Vote for Camp TBS through August 2nd
Thanks to you, Camp T. Brady Saunders has made the Richmond Times-Dispatch "The Best" voting list for Best Summer Camp! This is our third year in the running, and last year we took the #1 spot. Mark your calendars and vote for us every day (in the Entertainment category) through August 2nd and help us secure The Best spot again in 2026!
[Vote Each Day]
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TikTok & Reel Challenge
This is the Fun We Have in Scouting
This summer, the adventure doesn’t stop when the meeting ends, and we want to see it! The Heart of Virginia Council TikTok / Reel Challenge is officially on, and Scouts are invited to share the incredible fun, friendships, skills, and memories they’re making through Scouting. From campfires and canoe trips to hilarious moments and high adventure, show the world “This is the fun we get to do in Scouts!” using #VAScouts for your chance to win awesome prizes for your unit and yourself. Contest runs June 1st through August 8th, so charge those phones, get creative, and let the adventures roll!
[Download the Event Flyer]
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University of Scouting, Save the Date
Saturday, September 26th
Whether you’re a Den Leader, Scoutmaster, Committee Chair, or any other volunteer, University of Scouting is your one-stop opportunity to sharpen skills, discover fresh program ideas, and connect with fellow leaders. This day of learning is designed to help you grow in your role, explore new resources, and find creative ways to make Scouting even more rewarding for the youth and families you serve. From unit management tips to program inspiration, advanced topics to peer-to-peer brainstorming, the Heart of Virginia Council’s University of Scouting has something for everyone. Great leaders inspire greatness in others, and University of Scouting is here to help you unlock your potential. We hope you'll mark your calendars and join us for a day of learning, growth, and adventure planning.
[Stay Updated!]
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Champions for Nature Challenge
Replaces the World Conservation Badge
The Champions for Nature Challenge is World Scouting's newest international environmental award, replacing the former World Scout Environment Programme and serving as the next generation of the international World Conservation Badge. Scouts of all ages will explore nature, discover how ecosystems work, investigate real environmental challenges in their communities, and work together to create meaningful solutions. Along the way, they'll develop the skills to observe, plan, lead, serve, and inspire others...skills that will help them make a positive impact wherever life takes them. Every Scout has the opportunity to become a Champion for Nature.
[Be a Champion!]
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Build the Adventure Program Planning Event Surveys
Replay the Videos, Get the Resources, Take the Surveys
Each year, all Scout units should hold a summer program planning meeting where the calendar and program plan for the next year is discussed, mapped out, and set. For Cub Scout Packs, this meeting usually includes all pack volunteers and Cub parents. In Scout Troops, these program planning meetings typically include the Patrol Leader’s Council, the Troop Committee, and Scoutmasters. We hope you joined us for a very special Facebook Event on May 27th where we discussed program planning for Packs, Troops, Crews, and Posts, shared great tips and tricks, and learned more about upcoming training and fundraising opportunities. Your feedback is important — please take our Build the Adventure Surveys!
[Visit the Build the Adventure Resource Page]
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Scoutreach Gear Giveaway
Saturday, August 8th at the Leadership Center
Over the past several years, our Scoutreach program has received an incredible donation of camping gear... more than one program could ever use. Rather than let it sit on a shelf, we're sharing it with the Scouting units that can put it to work! Join us on Saturday, August 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Heart of Virginia Council Leadership Center to browse donated backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, cooking gear, and more. It's first come, first served, and we hope this equipment helps even more Scouts discover the adventure waiting just outside their tents.
[Learn More About Scoutreach]
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Summer Fishing Derby
Saturday, August 15th at Camp T. Brady Saunders
Our Summer Fishing Derby kicks off at 9am and ends with a closing ceremony and prize presentations at noon! Stick around and fish a little longer if you’d like. This event is FREE for registered HOVC Scouts with your Season Pass, but we do need to know if you are attending, so sign up using the link below. Please park at the Camp T. Brady Saunders Admin. Building. This event counts toward the Cub Scout Summertime Fun adventure!
[Fish On!]
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Waterfront Adventures at Lake Dillon
Two Sessions: August 22nd and 29th
Make a splash this summer at Waterfront Adventures on beautiful Lake Dillon! Scouts can build confidence on the water by completing their Swim Test, earning Cub Scout adventures or the Kayaking Merit Badge, and trying exciting activities like kayaking and other paddlecraft. Whether your Scout is just getting comfortable in the water or looking to sharpen their paddling skills, this event offers a fun, supportive environment to learn, grow, and explore. With separate morning and afternoon sessions designed for different age groups, there's an adventure waiting for every Scout (from Bear to Eagle).
[Take the Plunge!]
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24th Annual Sporting Clays Classic
Thursday, October 8th
Join us on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the beautiful Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation for the 24th Annual Heart of Virginia Council Sporting Clays Classic. This signature event offers an unforgettable day for both experienced shooters and first-time participants, with two course options and flexible morning or afternoon flights. Guests will enjoy a hot breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon reception featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and cigars, along with exciting drawings, a silent auction, and great prizes. Best of all, every shot supports and grows Scouting programs across Central Virginia.
[Register]
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Jamboree on the Air / Internet
October 16th-18th
JOTA-JOTI, the world's largest digital and radio Scouting event, returns October 16-18, 2026. This incredible weekend gives Scouts and Scouters the opportunity to make new friends, explore different cultures, share ideas, and participate in exciting activities with participants from across the globe, all without leaving home. Registration is open!
[Register]
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Women on Target Pistol Clinic
November 21st, Camp T. Brady Saunders
Discover the exciting world of shooting sports at the Women on Target® Pistol Clinic on Saturday, November 21, at Camp T. Brady Saunders from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Designed for women of all experience levels, this hands-on clinic provides certified instruction in firearm safety, marksmanship, and confidence-building in a welcoming and supportive environment. Whether you're new to pistol shooting or looking to improve your skills, you'll leave with valuable knowledge and practical experience.
[Learn More & Register]
| | | Fall Fundraising & Scholarships | | | |
Register Your Unit for the Fall Popcorn & Peanut Fundraiser
Set your unit up for a successful year by participating in the Fall Popcorn & Peanut Sale! This fundraiser provides the tools, training, and incentives your Scouts need to reach their goals and fund their adventures. Register your unit to reserve materials and gain access to helpful resources. RSVP to attend a kick-off event to pick up supplies and learn tips for a smooth and rewarding sale. The official sale begins August 22 - sign up today and get started!
[Register Your Unit Here!]
[Pop Over to PopcornVirginia.org]
[Attend the September 5th Costume-Making Workshop]
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Fall Fundraiser Kick-Offs
We're kicking off your Fall Fundraising with several great district events aimed at getting you the most up-to-date popcorn and peanut sale details, prize information, important dates, and more! Make sure you have one (or more) on your calendar.
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August 3: Crater Kick-off, 7pm
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August 4: Arrohattoc Kick-Off, 7pm
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August 5: Dogwood Kick-Off, 6:30pm
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August 11: Huguenot Trail Kick-Off, 7pm
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August 13: James River Kick-Off, 7pm
[Register for Kick-Off Details!]
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Ian Coddington Philmont Scout Ranch Scholarship
Established by Gil & Martha Grattan
The Heart of Virginia Council is proud to introduce the Ian Coddington Philmont Scout Ranch Scholarship Fund - an incredible new opportunity designed to help more Scouts experience the adventure of a lifetime at Philmont Scout Ranch. Thanks to the generosity of Gil and Martha Grattan, this permanent endowment will support at least three Scouts each year who might not otherwise be able to attend. Named in honor of longtime Scouter Ian Coddington, who has inspired generations of youth and led more than 20 Philmont treks, this fund ensures that financial barriers won’t stand in the way of life-changing experiences.
[Learn More & Apply]
| |
Jon-Christian Carroll Memorial Eagle Scout Scholarship
The Jon-Christian Carroll Memorial Eagle Scout Scholarship is established to honor the legacy of Jon-Christian “Jon-Jon” Carroll, a beloved Son, Brother, Friend, Eagle Scout and United States Marine who prematurely departed this world in 2020. He is missed dearly by all who knew him. Jon-Jon began his Scouting career as a Cub Scout in Pack 544 later transitioning to Troop 544 and attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Jon-Jon attended the first National Jamboree held at the Summit Bechtel Reserve and numerous summer camps. He loved Scouting and being active in his troop. This scholarship aims to support Eagle Scouts who demonstrate exceptional leadership, community service, and academic achievement.
[Learn More & Apply]
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NCCS Scholarship Portal Opens September 1st
Submit Applications Through Spring of 2027
Are you or someone you know a service-oriented high school senior who’s Catholic and in a Scouting America program? Great news! The National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS) is awarding 13 college scholarships totaling $36,000 for 2027. Applicants submit one application to be considered for any of the 13 possible scholarships. Since 2005, the NCSS has awarded $348,000 in scholarships to 146 Scouts nationwide. The application portal is open now through March 1st, 2027.
[Learn More & Apply]
| | Recruitment, Registration & Renewal | |
Join Scouting Night Events and Resources
We are busily holding Join Scouting Night events for elementary (and some intermediate) schools in Central Virginia. Parents, unit leaders, and Scouts can help spread the word by sharing those events on their Pack Facebook pages and groups, their personal pages, and neighborhood groups. It also helps to interact with those posts on the Heart of Virginia Council's own Facebook page by liking and/or commenting. Did you know that we have peer-to-peer recruitment cards available? Scouts can invite their friends to visit your unit directly, and possibly earn the Recruiter Strip for their uniform!
[Heart of Virginia Council's Facebook Page]
[Heart of Virginia Council's Recruitment Materials]
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Earn the Recruiter Strip
The Most Important Patch in Cub Scouts
Could the Recruiter Strip be the most important patch in Scouting? This special recognition is awarded to Scouts who invite a friend to join Scouting, helping another young person discover adventure, leadership, service, and lifelong friendships. Best of all, the Recruiter Strip is free! Simply complete the Recruiter Strip form after your friend joins and bring it to the Heart of Virginia Council Scout Shop to receive this meaningful symbol of growing the Scouting movement, one friendship at a time.
[Get the Details]
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Military Family Fee Waiver
National Youth Registration Fees Waived as of June 1st
For military families, life often comes with frequent moves, changing schools, and rebuilding community connections. Scouting provides a place where youth can quickly make friends, grow in confidence, and develop leadership skills no matter where life takes them. That’s why Scouting America is proud to expand access to Scouting for military-connected families through a new Military Family Registration Fee Waiver beginning June 1, 2026. Under this new national initiative, the $85 National Youth Registration Fee will be waived for eligible military families through an online verification and discount code process. This benefit applies to both new and renewing youth members and is funded nationally through philanthropic support.
[Read All About It!]
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Celebrate the Scout Rank Promotions
We've kicked off a brand-new series of social media posts focused on each rank in the Scouting program, from Lion to Eagle! Each Wednesday at 11am, we'll share fun details about what Scouts learn as they progress through the Cub Scout and Scouts BSA programs, and invite the community to Celebrate the Scout by sharing stories and photos in the comments.
Starting off with a big roar, our first spotlight focuses solely on the youngest among us, our proud Lions! Visit our Facebook and Instagram accounts to share a photo or two and tell us all about your Lion's favorite Scouting adventure.
[HOVC Facebook]
[HOVC Instagram]
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New, Simpler Renewal Cycle for All Members
Big Changes Coming by February 2028
Scouting America announced an important change at the National Annual Meeting (NAM) that will simplify the membership and unit renewal process nationwide. By February 2028, all members and all units will have a single, common renewal month of February. This change is in response to feedback from unit leaders and other Scouters who asked for a simpler, more consistent renewal experience. We appreciate and value their input.
[Read the Full Article]
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Monthly Payment Plan
for New Scouts and Adult Leaders
The Heart of Virginia Council is proud to offer a monthly payment plan to help new families join Scouting without the burden of paying the full annual registration fee upfront. This option is for new families who wish to pay a monthly registration fee like Netflix or Apple Music to be registered members of Scouting America instead of paying for all the registration up front. The payment plan would be recurring each month on a credit card or debit card.
[Learn More!]
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2026 Season Pass for the Heart of Virginia Council
Savings for Everyone
The Heart of Virginia Council is excited to introduce a new $85 youth program fee, which now includes a 2026 Season Program Pass packed with value for all Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA youth in our council. The Season Pass offers free or discounted access to popular council events like the Spring Cub Camporee, Pinewood Derby, Fishing Derbies, and Summer Camp discounts. With over $111 in value, families will see more benefits and opportunities for their Scouts to participate in exciting, well-run programs.
[Learn All About It]
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BeAScout Upgrade Coming August 3rd
Update Your Unit Pins ASAP
Helping families join Scouting is about to get even easier! Beginning August 3, BeAScout will feature an enhanced experience that gives prospective families more of the information they're looking for before they contact a unit, including meeting details, unit fees, estimated joining costs, fundraising opportunities, and whether families are welcome to attend a trial meeting. Unit leaders are encouraged to review and update their Unit Pin in Organization Manager before August 3 to ensure families see the most accurate and complete information when the new BeAScout experience launches. It's a simple update that can make a big difference in helping new families find the right Scouting unit.
[Learn How to Update Your Pin]
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BeAScout Leads & Invitations
Regularly Check My.Scouting Membership Manager
Hey Unit Key 3! Are you keeping up with your BeAScout leads and applications? More families than ever are discovering the excitement of Scouting online, and they’re ready to jump in—don’t leave them hanging! Now’s the time to review, follow up, and welcome new members to your pack, troop, or crew. Want to manage those leads like a pro? Take action when you receive lead and invitation notification emails, and reach out to your District Executive with issues or questions.
[Become A Membership Manager Pro]
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Den, Pack and Troop Driven Recruitment Guide
for New Scouts and Adult Leaders
Every fall, the Heart of Virginia Council conducts a Join Scouting Night Campaign to invite new families to join packs, troops, crews, and posts. This fall we will again hold a JSN campaign, primarily utilizing promotions efforts through local schools. However, your den, pack, or troop can hold additional recruiting events that leverage social media and word-of-mouth marketing to invite new families out to one or more of the fun activities that your unit is already doing. Use our helpful guide and planning worksheet to help you hold a successful recruitment event.
[Learn More!]
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Recruitment Materials Webpage
The Heart of Virginia Council Recruitment Materials page offers a variety of tools to help units grow their membership. Resources include printable peer-to-peer recruitment card templates, custom unit-specific QR codes, and direct BeAScout.org joining links to streamline the sign-up process. Leaders will also find helpful guides for planning effective recruitment events, promoting their unit, and using social media to reach new families. Whether you're organizing a Pack night or building an online presence, this page has what you need to succeed.
[Check It Out!]
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Outdoor Activity Metrics
Every campout, hike, service project, fishing trip, bike ride, or outdoor adventure tells the story of Scouting in action... but only if it gets counted. Adult leaders, please take a few moments to log your unit’s outdoor connection metrics on my.scouting.org so we can better showcase the incredible adventures happening across our council. These numbers help highlight program impact, celebrate your hard work, and demonstrate the value of Scouting to families and communities. If your Scouts are getting outside, learning skills, and making memories, make sure it counts.
[Learn How to Track This Metric]
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Cub Adventure Camp Photo Albums
You wore the Viking's helmet and bore the Knight's sword. You found all of the magical dragon eggs, saved the day, and still found time to catch a fish or two. While you've been adventuring at Cub Adventure Camp, we're sure you've taken photos to commemorate the excitment of Summer Camp, and we would love to see them. Please consider dropping your photos into our individual session Google Photo albums!
[Session 1]
[Session 2]
[Session 3]
[Deep Run Day Camp]
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Save the Date for Cub Scout Creepy Hollow
October 17-18 and 24-25
The sun is high, the days are bright, but autumn's creeping into sight! Deep in the woods where the tall trees sway, the pumpkins are dreaming of Halloween day. The ghosts stretch and giggle, the bats start to swoop, "The Cub Scouts are coming!" they whisper, "Whoop! Whoop!" Save the dates: October 17–18 and October 24–25 for two weekends of family-friendly Halloween fun at Cub Adventure Camp. Whether you're braving the Haunted Trail, painting pumpkins, trying your hand at archery, or gathering around the campfire, there's something for every Cub Scout family to enjoy.
[The Creatures of Creepy Hollow Are Waiting!]
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Save the Date for Tiger & Lion Rally
Saturday, November 7th
Get ready for a day of adventure at the Tiger & Lion 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 just $8 per participant 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 Tiger & Lion Fun!]
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Cub Chat Live, 3pm on Fridays
Each Friday at 3pm Eastern, Scouting Magazine hosts Cub Chat Live broadcasts on Facebook and YouTube. Each week, they talk about useful tips, tricks and ideas that help your den or Pack!
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July 31: Kicking Off a Great Cub Scout Year
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August 7: Onboarding New Families
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August 14: Onboarding New Leaders
Did you miss the recent episode where they talked about Fall Recruitment Rallies? Catch up on the archives using the link below.
[Tune In to Cub Chat Live]
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Customized Weekend Experiences
As you plan your program year, now is the perfect time to consider booking a customized Weekend Experience at the Heart of Virginia Council Scout Reservation. Craft adventures around the activities your Scouts enjoy the most, like camping, fishing, range & target sports, climbing, boating, sports, and more! Weekend Experiences are a great opportunity to take advantage of our Cub Adventure Camp and T. Brady Saunders properties and amenities. Imagine fishing and boating on Lake Dillon, diving into STEM activities, going on a nature hike, climbing the Patty Dunn Tower, and participating in marksmanship activities this spring!
[Plan Your Weekend Experience]
| | | ⚜️ Scouts BSA, Exploring, Venturing, & Sea Scouts | | | |
Wildland Fire Management Merit Badge
Fire is one of nature's most powerful forces, and understanding it is more important than ever. The new Wildland Fire Management Merit Badge introduces Scouts to the science of wildfire, prevention strategies, ecosystem management, and the role fire plays in healthy forests. Along the way, Scouts will explore careers in forestry, conservation, and emergency management while learning how to help make homes, camps, and communities more resilient to wildfire. It's a timely new merit badge that combines outdoor skills, conservation, and public service in a meaningful way.
[Read All About It!]
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Competitive Gaming Merit Badge
Gaming isn't just about winning—it's about teamwork, strategy, and leadership. The new Competitive Gaming Merit Badge introduces Scouts to the exciting world of esports while exploring communication, sportsmanship, online safety, and responsible digital citizenship. Along the way, Scouts will discover the technology, teamwork, and career opportunities behind one of the world's fastest-growing industries. It's a modern merit badge that helps turn a favorite hobby into valuable life skills.
[Level Up With This Merit Badge]
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National Youth Leadership Training - NYLT
September 2026
Registration is now open for the Heart of Virginia Council's 2026 National Youth Leadership Training Course! This year, the course is being held over the period of two weekends this fall on the Cub Adventure Camp side of the Goochland Scout Reservation.
September 4th–7th & Septemer 18th–20th
Register today to shape your leadership abilities, develop meaningful relationships, and discover a Scouting experience like no other!
[Register for Fall NYLT]
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Automotive Maintenance Merit Badge
Saturday, October 17th
Join us at Southside Speedway for one of our most popular merit badge events of the year the Automotive Maintenance Merit Badge sponsored by Clovermotor Co.! You'll roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and discover what really makes a vehicle run. Learn how to inspect engines, identify key components, check fluids, test batteries, examine brakes and tires, and perform the same basic maintenance every driver should know.
[Roll on Over to Registration]
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Hampden-Sydney College Merit Badge Day
Rescheduled for Saturday, November 7th
Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia is hosting their annual Merit Badge Day on November 7th (rescheduled from June), open to all Scouts BSA Troops in the Heart of Virginia Council. Thanks to the support and involvement of the college administration, faculty, staff and community, we are able to offer a great day and merit badge opportunities taught by qualified instructors. While you are there, we hope you will explore their 1330 acre historic campus.
[Registration Is Open!]
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Winter Camp 2027
Don’t sit around this winter being bored – come chill out with your friends at Winter Camp! Scouts are invited out to T. Brady Saunders January 15th–18th, 2027 to get out of the house, have some fun, and earn merit badges. We can’t think of a cooler way to enjoy winter than being at camp. Save the Date and stay in the loop by bookmarking the Winter Camp page below.
[Be Cool, Go to Winter Camp]
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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]
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Troop Talk Live On Haitus
Will Return at 3pm on 2nd Wednesdays
The second Wednesday of each month at 3pm, Scouting Magazine hosts Troop Talk Live on Facebook. These brief chats cover a variety of topics, from accommodating Scouts with disabilities to uniforming, youth leadership, the Path to Eagle, and more.
[Tune In]
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Exploring Live Hour
The National Exploring Live Hour is a monthly Zoom video conference that will help engage and equip Exploring volunteers and professionals to grow, support, and learn more about Exploring. The live hours will include sharing best practices and ideas that are happening within our councils, highlighting successful growth campaigns, and inspiring new ideas through various trainings.
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August 12: Exploring Leader Training/Youth Protection Training
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September 9: Post/Club Renewals, Online Registration & Applications
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October 14: Safety First Review/Exploring Unit Metrics/ Exploring Officers Association
[Get the 2026 Exploring Live Hour Flyer]
[2026 Live Hour Registration Link]
[Visit the Live Hour Page]
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Join the TBS Amateur Radio Club
The FCC Amateur Radio Service and Scouting share a common mission: service to others. The Camp TBS Amateur Radio Club (ARC) was formed in 2019 while the affiliated operating station was constructed. The station is located at Camp T. Brady Saunders. The goal of this project is to provide a space for STEM programs in radio and teaching the Radio Merit Badge. Membership is informal and offered to Scouting America registered youth and adult volunteers at no cost.
[Join the Club!]
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Customized Weekend Experiences
As you plan your program year, now is the perfect time to consider booking a customized Weekend Experience at the Heart of Virginia Council Scout Reservation for your Troop, Crew, or Ship. Craft adventures around the activities your Scouts enjoy the most, like camping, range & target sports, climbing and rappelling, boating, welding, COPE, and more!
[Plan Your Weekend Experience]
| | Adult Training Opportunities | |
Basic Level Shooting Sports Training
To qualify to teach Rifle or Shotgun merit badge and to supervise Scouts on a pistol marksmanship range, you must be an NRA certified instructor for the firearm. A certificate showing completion of the basic course is required for registration for the instructor’s course. Additionally, a range safety officer is required to be present on the range as well. Required Basic Firearm Courses will be offered on the following dates:
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Range Safety Officer: September 19
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Basic Pistol: October 31
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Women on Target: November 21
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Basic Rifle: December 5
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Basic Shotgun: December 19
[Learn More & Register]
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Adult Leadership Training: BALOO & IOLS
October 10th – 11th
You're not seeing double! BALOO and IOLS are offered twice this fall. BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) is for Cub Scout leaders and IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills) is for Scouts BSA leaders. These hands-on courses prepare you to safely lead overnight adventures and deliver unforgettable outdoor programs. Get trained, get outside, and give your Scouts the adventure they deserve! Registration is open now for these events!
[Register for BALOO]
[Register for IOLS]
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S.A.F.E. Guarding Youth Training
Replaced Youth Protection Training
Scouting America's S.A.F.E. Guarding Youth Training replaced the former Youth Protection Training (YPT). This training is required annually for all registered volunteers and emphasizes modern safety topics like online risks and mental health, alongside abuse prevention. It includes a 90-minute initial course and shorter annual refreshers, all accessible through my.scouting.org. The change reflects a renewed commitment to creating the safest possible environment for youth in Scouting.
[Read More & See the HOVC SYT Policy]
[Get S.A.F.E. Guarding Youth Trained]
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Hazardous Weather Training
Required for Direct-Contact Leaders
Hazardous Weather Training is required for all direct-contact leaders in Scouting America, and helps Scouting leaders recognize and respond to weather-related risks during Scouting activities. This online course provides essential knowledge to plan safe outdoor adventures, assess weather threats, and take the right action when conditions change. It’s an essential part of ensuring youth safety in the outdoors. This 30-minute training must be completed every two years. At a minimum, one adult leader must complete this before a unit can camp with youth.
[Are You Fully Trained?]
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New Scout Shop Hours
Effective August 1st, 2026
We're working hard to reorganize and revitalize the Scout Shop to best suit your needs, and that includes extending our hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays to be available when you need us! Starting in August, our new Scout Shop hours are Monday through Tuesday from 9am to 5:30pm, Wednesday from 12pm to 7pm, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 5:30pm, and Saturday from 9am to 2pm.
[Visit the Scout Shop]
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The Fall Uniform Sale is On!
Choose from Two Ways to Save
The Fall Uniform Sale is on at the Scout Shop, and this year we're offering two ways to save! Save 10% on uniform bottoms when you purchase your uniform top (now through December 31st) or save 20% when you purchase a full uniform (now through October 31st). Take advantage of these special deals as you head into a new year in Scouting by visiting us at 8090 Villa Park Drive in Henrico. See you soon!
[Get the Flyer & Uniform Checklist]
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Glow-in-the-Dark Rank Tees Are Back
From Lion to AOL
The Scout Shop is full of great new activity uniform options, including the brand new Glow-in-the-Dark Rank Tees! Come visit us at 8090 Villa Park Drive in Henrico to show your den pride and stock up on new rank tees.
[Visit the Scout Shop]
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New Council Shoulder Patches
Are you looking to freshen up your uniform this fall? Celebrate a brand new year in Scouting with a great new CSP! New designs include an update on an old vintage favorite, a special America 250 patch featuring Patrick Henry, a 2026 TBS Summer Camp commemorative patch, and more. Swing by the Scout Shop to pick yours up today (for just $4, we'll even sew it onto your uniform for you).
[Visit the Scout Shop]
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Patch Sewing Service
Did you know that the Scout Shop offers a Patch Sewing Service to save you time and frustration (especially if you don't own a sewing machine, and the thought of hand-stitching or using Badge Magic makes you shudder)? We offer brand new uniform shirts with all the pre-sewn bells and whistles, and can even add Unit Numerals, badges of office, and even merit badge patches for just $4.00 per patch.
[Visit the Scout Shop]
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Custom Unit Number Patches
Now you can order custom unit number patches with no minimum required—even just one! If you prefer the clean look of a single patch on your uniform or want to skip sewing multiple individual number patches, we’ve got you covered. Contact the Scout Shop at scoutshophovc@scouting.org or 804-204-2628 to place your order.
[Visit the Scout Shop]
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Announcing Organizational Updates
To Strengthen Support for Volunteers & Scouting
As the Heart of Virginia Council continues to grow and evolve, we are making several organizational updates designed to better support our volunteers, strengthen collaboration across our staff, and enhance the service we provide to Scouts, families, and communities throughout Central Virginia. While some familiar faces are taking on new responsibilities and several new team members are joining us, our mission remains the same: delivering exceptional Scouting experiences for every youth we serve.
[Read All About It!]
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District Roundtables
Roundtable is a monthly program offered by districts that give leaders hands-on experience and provides a forum for leaders to offer and receive help from their fellow Scouters. Each district offers special supplemental training for volunteers at the beginning of the month.
[Learn More & Get the Dates]
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OnTarget Shooting Sports Facility
Our next big project, the OnTarget Shooting Sports Facility at Camp T. Brady Saunders, is an exciting investment in the future of youth marksmanship. These new state-of-the-art facilities will provide Scouts with beautiful and safe ranges to hone their rifle, shotgun, and archery skills. Huge thanks to our friends at Richmond BizSense for featuring a great story about the new facilities and our ongoing fundraising efforts. Learn more about it by reading the article linked below and visiting https://hovc.org/ontarget/.
[Read All About It]
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Heart of Virginia Council Strategic Plan
Scouting has a rich history of positively impacting the lives of over 130 million youth, and we have a bright future ahead of us. We have modernized our traditional programs with the innovations of science and technology, while infusing safety into all aspects of our program. We continue to enable the girls and boys involved to develop lifelong friendships and build the life skills needed to become the future leaders of our communities, businesses, and country.
[Read Our Full Strategic Plan]
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Heart of Virginia Council Master Plan
We invite you to visit our Heart of Virginia Council Master Plan page to learn more about where we've spent more than $1,197,650 to improve our Scout Reservation, and how we intend to continue making improvements in the years to come! These projects cannot be completed without the support of the units who participate in our annual fundraising (Popcorn & Peanuts, and Camp Cards) or our very generous donors! Thank you!
[View the HOVC Master Plan]
| | Recognition, Memorials & Honors | |
Memorials & Honors
Memorials & Honors are a way for us to pay tribute to, cherish, and remember our Scouting mentors and loved ones. Honors and Memorials can be made at the Leadership Center or by mailing donations to 8090 Villa Park Drive, Henrico, VA 23228. Please include a memo denoting the individual(s) you are donating in honor or memorial of.
[View Our Memorials & Honors]
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Review Us on Google
The HOVC Communications team continues to work hard to provide existing, new, and potential Scouts with the best possible experience! That includes access to great, accurate information… and we think YOU are an important source! We would love to hear from you about your positive experiences with HOVC.
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Friday 5 & Courier Newsletters
Get the top news stories of the week and month by subscribing to our Friday 5 and Courier newsletters. We'll keep you updated on the news you need every Friday at noon. Subscribe and view the archives by visiting the link below.
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