❄️ Breaking and updated news is denoted with a snowflake!
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❄️ Fire Safety with Backpacking Stoves
Scout Safety Moment
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 some very important safety tips for the proper use of these kinds of stoves.
[Be A Safe Scout]
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❄️ Proposed Merger with the Colonial Virginia Council
Scouting America continues to deliver one of the nation’s most effective youth leadership programs, but changing demographics and increased competition for young people’s time have led to a gradual decline in participation. To strengthen long-term sustainability, the National organization has encouraged councils to collaborate more closely and explore opportunities to share resources. In that spirit, leaders from the Colonial Virginia Council (CVC) and Heart of Virginia Council (HOVC) began discussions in 2025, determining that a full merger would offer the greatest benefits to Scouts, volunteers, and families across both areas. Both councils have now entered a formal merger evaluation process, with guidance from National, to ensure a thoughtful and transparent path forward.
[Read All About It]
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❄️ Introducing Matt Henke
New Council Growth Executive
The Heart of Virginia Council is excited to welcome Matt Henke as our new Growth Executive! With more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership, including major gift fundraising, community partnerships, and mission-driven program development, Matt brings a proven track record of strengthening organizations across Virginia. In this role, he will lead our membership growth efforts by building partnerships with schools, churches, and community organizations while supporting units with recruitment and engagement. Matt’s expertise and passion for serving youth and families will help open new doors for even more young people to experience the adventure and leadership of Scouting.
[Meet Matt!]
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❄️ Giving Tuesday, Benefiting Friends of Scouting
December 2nd
Every gift powers local Scouting adventures! As we work to meet our 2025 Friends of Scouting (FOS) goal, we invite you to Save the Date for Giving Tuesday, December 2nd, and make a year-end, tax-deductible gift that fuels a strong start to 2026. Your support stays local, providing training for dedicated volunteers, outdoor programs at Camp T. Brady Saunders and Cub Adventure Camp, critical safety education, and outreach that ensures every child can participate regardless of financial means. Together, we can ensure every Scout enters the new year ready to learn, lead, and serve.
[Give to our 2025 Campaign]
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❄️ 2026 Camp Card Pre-Sale & Registration
Open Now!
Looking for an easy fundraising opportunity? Camp Cards are a great way to raise dollars for your unit and can also be used to provide the necessary funds needed for summer and fall camping programs! After a successful 2025 Camp Card fundraiser, the Product Sale Committee of the Heart of Virginia Council will continue the $10 Camp Card for 2026. There are 4 big reasons the $10 card was successful…
[Read All About It & Register]
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FOX Holiday Socks Service Project
Make Your Donations Now Through December 4th
Would you like to brighten the holidays for a local child in need? The Heart of Virginia Council is proud to support Virginia Family Dentistry’s FOX Holiday Socks service project, which provides stockings filled with toys, games, warm accessories, and more to children enrolled in the Salvation Army’s Christmas Assistance Program. Pick up a stocking and instruction card at the Scout Shop (8090 Villa Park Drive) or any Virginia Family Dentistry location, and return it filled by December 4th. We’re also grateful to our friends at VFD for their generous support of Creepy Hollow and the Glow Trail Run.
[FOX Holiday Socks]
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❄️ Peace Light Event Hosted by the Dogwood District
Wednesday, December 3rd
The Peace Light, a flame originating from the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem and carried across the world by Scouts, is coming to Dogwood District. All Scouters are invited to receive the light at our December 3rd Roundtable and bring it back to their unit as a symbol of peace, reverence, and unity. Please bring a travel-safe lantern or enclosed candle to safely carry the flame home (a few vigil candles will be available). RSVP on the Dogwood District Facebook event to let us know you’re coming!
[RSVP to Attend]
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Membership & Unit Renewal
Unit & Membership Renewal is in full swing, and we're working hard to ensure a smooth process for our units, and the parents and volunteers they serve. Our Unit & Membership Renewal page has been updated with easy-to-follow steps (images and a PDF), as well as our Renewal Handbook, a handy flowchart, and several specific renewal guides for individual memberships, parents of youth to be renewed, and payment options. Mark your calendars, as unit renewals are DUE by December 31st!
[Learn All About It]
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Messengers of Peace
Be the Change. Share the Peace.
The Messengers of Peace award celebrates Scouts who take action to improve their communities and the world. Whether it's leading a food drive, creating a mental health awareness campaign, restoring a habitat, or promoting kindness in schools, Scouts can make a global impact through local service. Any Scout who completes a noteworthy service project and logs it in Scoutbook using the “Messengers of Peace” tag qualifies for this international award. Is your unit planning a project that promotes peace, sustainability, or well-being? You might already be on the path.
[Learn More About It]
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❄️ Scoutbook Plus Enhances Leader Permissions
Scoutbook Plus is improving how units manage access and leader roles by replacing its connections-based system with a new position-based permissions model. This update enhances performance and ensures that leaders have access aligned with their official responsibilities, eliminating confusion caused by overly broad or limited permissions. Units can now directly adjust registered and functional positions within Scoutbook Plus, allowing leaders to perform their duties efficiently and securely.
[Get All the Details!]
| | | Recruitment & New Membership | | | |
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 in 2026
Effective June 1st, the Heart of Virginia Council introduced 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 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]
| | Fundraising & Scholarships | | | |
🚨 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. Applications must be submitted by December 31st.
[Learn More & Apply]
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2026 NESA Scholarships
Window Opens December 1st
College can offer life-changing experiences to those who choose to go that route. It’s also crazy expensive. That’s why the National Eagle Scout Association grants scholarships each year to Eagle Scouts who choose to continue their educational journey in college. “NESA scholarships aim to ease some of the financial burden of education and provide a platform for you to amplify your impact on the world,” says David Ehrlich, NESA vice president of finance and scholarships. “It’s not just about what you can achieve; it’s about the positive change you can bring to your community and beyond.”
[Read All About It]
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April 21st, 2026 Friends of Scouting Dinner
with Keynote Speaker, Jim Cantore
Normally when Jim Cantore shows up, you prepare to evacuate… but this time, you’ll want front-row seats! Join us April 21, 2026, for our annual Heart of Virginia Council Friends of Scouting Dinner, proudly sponsored by Pike, where we’re Forecasting Tomorrow’s Leaders. You're invited! Visit the link below and make a donation of at least $300 to save yourself a seat for what we know will be another exciting and successful event.
[Get the Details]
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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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❄️ Castle Quest Cub Scout Day Camp
Save the Date for June 1st–5th, 2026
Summon Thy Courage, and Save the Date for June 1st–5th, 2026, and join us at Deep Run Park for our annual Day Camp for Cub Scouts! Cub Scout Day Camp is a unique program; it is usually the first major activity for Scouts after graduating from their previous rank. At Day Camp, Scouts begin to work toward their next rank in the Cub Scout program, and we use the same ranks to identify age groups as your “home pack.” Again this year, we’re welcoming non-Scout buddies to join in on the fun, as well!
[Summon Thy Courage]
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❄️ A Cub Scout's Duty to God
Reverence Adventures & Passports for Each Rank
Each Cub Scout rank includes a Duty to God adventure, encouraging Scouts to explore their faith, talk with their families about their beliefs, and practice reverence through service or gratitude. These adventures can be completed at home with a parent or discussed respectfully in a den setting. They’re a meaningful way to help young Scouts grow spiritually while honoring the beliefs of others this holiday season.
[Visit the Cub Hub]
[Get the 2025 Reverence Passports]
[Duty to God: Reverence Hub]
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❄️ Scout Life Magazine Arcade
Anytime! Anywhere! Any Device!
Have some downtime this holiday season? Play fun, safe games on your tablet, smartphone or computer over at the Scout Life Arcade. Experience the thrill of competitive cycling with "Bike Blitz," help your mouse buddy find his friends in "Cheese Patrol 2: Cat Attack!," use your gravity controls to escape the space station with "Gravity Botz," beat the pinball high score with "Becca's Blast-Off Pinball," and so much more! What's your favorite game?
[Visit the Arcade]
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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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Dec. 5: Personal Safety Adventures Across Ranks
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Dec. 19: Fitness Across Ranks
Did you miss the episode on November 21st where we talked about Citizenship Adventures Across Ranks? 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!
[Plan Your Weekend Experience]
| | Scouts BSA, Exploring, Venturing, & Sea Scouts | | | |
❄️ Elevating Your Boards of Review
National Webinar December 3rd at 8:00pm
Join Scouting America on December 3 at 8:00pm ET for a webinar on the Boards of Review process. Discover how these meetings should be powerful tools to achieve the Aims of Scouting and learn best practices to make them educational, meaningful, and even enjoyable for everyone. A recording of the webinar will be posted on our Facebook page following the event.
[Register to Attend]
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❄️ Venturing Program Webinar
December 17th at 8:00pm
Hey, Venturers! Do you have questions about the recent program updates and changes to the Ranger Award? The National Council has set up an informational Program Webinar to answer those and other questions on December 17th at 8:00pm ET. Attendance is free, and registration is easy. Just complete the form linked below, and more details will be emailed to you. If you need help after registration, please email Julie Dalton, National Venturing Advisor, at buffalogal1@cox.net.
[Register to Attend]
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❄️ Winter Camp 2026
Merit Badge Materials Available
Scouts can look forward to an unforgettable adventure at Camp T. Brady Saunders at our 2026 Winter Camp, and the wait for the Merit Badge Guide is almost over! The full lineup of badges and schedules have been released, and can be found on the Winter Camp webpage! While registration is now closed, we’re still seeking enthusiastic volunteers and merit badge counselors to help make Winter Camp the coolest event of the season. Staff receive a hoodie, patch, indoor housing, and free meals. Join the fun and help create lasting memories!
[Visit the Winter Camp Webpage]
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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, 2026.
[Learn More and Make an ESSPY Nomination]
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❄️ Winterfest Registration Is Open
February 6th—8th, 2026
Winterfest is an exciting, fun-filled, and competitive event for Explorers, Venturers, Sea Scouts & older youth registered in Scouts BSA troops. Winterfest is an action-packed 2-day event filled with competitions, aquatic and STEM events, shooting sports, climbing, sports tournaments and more! Many events are related to various career fields such as Fire Service, Law Enforcement, and EMS.
[Learn More About Winterfest]
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❄️ Family Troop Option
In a letter published by Scouting America in November, Chief Scout Executive Roger Crone announced that the Family Troop Pilot program was a success, and that Family Troops were now an option for units struggling to maintain boy-only or girl-only membership. While the vast majority of troops will continue to specifically serve boys or girls in the years ahead, this option gives chartered organizations the ability to meet the unique needs of their communities and families who want to do Scouting together in a unit.
[Read the Full Letter]
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❄️ Venturing Leadership Award
The Heart of Virginia Council Advancement Committee is now accepting nominations for the Council Venturing Leadership Award, which recognizes Venturers and Advisors who have demonstrated exceptional service to the Venturing program and who exemplify the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Nominations must be submitted by January 10th, 2026. Please deliver nomination packets to the Council Service Center in a sealed envelope labeled “Council Advancement Committee – Venturing Leadership Award.” All Council awardees will be forwarded to the Territory Selection Committee by the March 1st deadline for consideration for the Territory Venturing Leadership Award.
[Learn More About It!]
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❄️ 2025 Eagle Scout Commencement
Randolph-Macon College, February 22nd, 2026
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 opens soon!
[Eagle Scout Commencement Webpage]
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2026 James River Klondike Derby
February 13th–15th
Get ready for a weekend of winter adventure, teamwork, and Scout skill challenges at Camp T. Brady Saunders, February 13–15, 2026. Patrols will pull sleds through the woods, test their Scoutcraft skills, and earn gold nuggets to spend in a fun auction on Saturday night. The event is open to Cub Scouts, Webelos/AOL Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturers, with special day-only pricing for Cub Scouts. Don’t miss this chance to brave the cold, race for gold, and experience one of the James River District's favorite traditions.
[Hit the Trail!]
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2026 Section E9 Conclave
Event for the Order of the Arrow (OA)
Registration for the 2026 E9 Conclave is OPEN! Get ready for an action-packed weekend at Camp T. Brady Saunders during the premier Scouting event in Virginia, Conclave. Join over 1,000 Arrowmen and partake in top-notch training, compete in quest, check out our next-level shows, and gather in brotherhood for a weekend of fun and fellowship. This very special OA event takes place April 24th–26th, 2026!
[Join in on the fun at Conclave!]
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We're Hiring for Our 2026 Summer Camp Team!
The Heart of Virginia Council is now recruiting staff for the 2026 summer camp season at their camps, including Camp T. Brady Saunders, Cub Adventure Camp, and our local Cub Scout Day Camp at Deep Run Park. Open positions span kitchen & dining, aquatics, program & adventure, COPE & climbing, trading post, Trailblazer and S.T.E.M. Area staff, and more. If you’re ready for a fun and meaningful summer working outdoors and supporting Scouts in a dynamic environment, download the application today and join the team. Returning team members, don't forget to apply now for your favorite jobs!
[Get the Details!]
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Camp T. Brady Saunders 2026 Summer Camp
Hold-A-Spot Pre-Registration is Open
The tarps might have finally dried, that missing blue card has just been located, and the last of the snack wrappers have been discovered in your day packs after the 2025 Summer Camp season, but we know it's never too early to be prepared! Pre-registration is officially open for Summer Camp 2026 at Camp T. Brady Saunders.
[Pre-Register Today!]
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New Merit Badge Resources Are Here
Scouts now have access to fresh videos, guides, and online tools to make earning merit badges easier and more engaging than ever. Recently updated badges include Nuclear Science, Sustainability, Exploration, Genealogy, Painting, Sculpture, Dog Care, Fingerprinting, Scholarship, Robotics, Insect Study, Mammal Study, Environmental Science, Graphic Arts, Music, Pets, Family Life, Bird Study, Nature, Animation, Reptile & Amphibian Study, Digital Technology, Home Repairs, Camping, and Hiking. At the Merit Badge Hub, you can download pamphlets, view requirements, watch instructional videos, and find everything needed to support your Scouting journey.
[Visit the Hub]
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❄️ New to Merit Badge Test Lab: Dance!
Dancing is a fun and exciting way to express yourself, stay active, and connect with others. Every style of dance—from hip hop and ballet to cultural and partner dances—has its own rhythm, history, and story to tell. In the Dance Test Lab Badge, you’ll learn how to move safely, warm up properly, and understand what makes every dance unique. You’ll explore different styles of dance, learn about famous dancers, and even perform your own routine. Whether you’re new to dancing or already love it, this badge will help you build confidence, creativity, and coordination while having a great time moving to the beat.
[Read All About It]
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❄️ The Venturing Ranger Award
The Venturing Ranger Award is Scouting’s premier high-adventure achievement, earned by Venturers who demonstrate exceptional skill and leadership in the outdoors. To qualify, Venturers complete eight core requirements and select four challenging electives ranging from mountaineering and cave exploration to scuba, equestrian skills, and more. The award goes far beyond technical skills, emphasizing resilience, teamwork, and living the Scout Oath and Law in the backcountry. Recipients earn a distinctive silver medal featuring a compass rose, symbolizing direction, mastery, and a spirit of adventure.
[Learn More!]
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The Lookout Sea Scout Podcast Network
Featuring Reef Points and Man Overboard
The Lookout is the Sea Scout Podcast Network featuring two shows: Reef Points, focusing on programs and activities for Sea Scouts BSA; and Man Overboard, a discussion podcast between Sea Scouts about their adventures on the water. The duties of a vessel's lookout are to keep a continuous watch of the sea. Our Lookout is here to report on activities for Sea Scouts and maritime opportunities for youth. The Lookout Sea Scout Podcast is maintained by the National Sea Scout Support Committee.
[Listen In!]
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Troop Talk Live, 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.
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December 10th: TBD
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January 14th: TBD
[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. In November, they will discuss Exploring Program Resources, Awards & Recognition.
[Get the 2025 Schedule]
[Register for the Zoom]
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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]
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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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Are You Fully Trained?
Visit My.Scouting Today to Confirm
If you haven’t yet completed your required courses, now’s the moment to act. Being a trained leader ensures our Scouts have safe, high-quality experiences, and that you have the confidence to lead them! Every registered adult should complete the following required courses to be considered position-trained and ready for recharter. Being fully trained means you've completed SAFE Guarding Youth training (SYT), Hazardous Weather training, and your position-specific training.
[Confirm Your Training]
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Spring 2026 Wood Badge
April & May 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. Registration is officially open!
[Wood Badge Page]
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S.A.F.E. Guarding Youth Training
Replaces Youth Protection Training
Scouting America has launched S.A.F.E. Guarding Youth Training, replacing the former Youth Protection Training (YPT). This new 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 All About It]
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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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Spring IOLS & BALOO
Save the Date for April 11th–12th
Ready to take your Scouting skills to the next level? Scout BSA’s Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS) and Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) are essential and required training programs designed to equip leaders with the tools they need to guide Scouts in the great outdoors. Add our Spring 2026 IOLS and BALOO training to your calendar, and look out for registration to open soon.
[Visit Our Training Page]
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🚨 Nominations Are Open for the Silver Beaver Award
The Heart of Virginia Council’s highest volunteer recognition, the Silver Beaver Award, will be awarded to several highly deserving Scouters. These Scouters have made a huge impact in the lives of youth through their hard work, self-sacrifice, and years of dedicated service. Introduced in 1931, the Silver Beaver award is a BSA Council-level distinguished service award. We are proud to present this special award to deserving volunteers each year. Nominations are open for 2025 recipients, and are due by November 30th!
[Make a Nomination]
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Nominate a Silver Antelope Award Recipient
Do you know a Scouting volunteer whose impact reaches far beyond their local council? The Silver Antelope Award honors registered Scouters who have shown exceptional character and distinguished service to youth at the territory level. Since 1942, this prestigious award has recognized those whose leadership and dedication have strengthened the Scouting movement across entire regions of our country.
[Learn More]
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Den Leader Training Award
Whether you're guiding Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Bears, or Webelos, being a Den Leader takes heart, creativity, and commitment. The Den Leader’s Training Award recognizes your incredible impact and your dedication to delivering a fun, safe, and meaningful Cub Scout experience. To earn this square knot, Den Leaders must:
✔️ Complete position-specific training
✔️ Serve for at least one full year in the role
✔️ Attend four Roundtables or University of Scouting
✔️ Lead a well-rounded program that supports advancement and family involvement
[Learn More About Leadership Awards]
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Scouter's Training Award
You may already be on the path to earning the Scouter’s Training Award, a prestigious recognition of your dedication and service. This award is more than a knot on your uniform, it’s a testament to your commitment to Scouting values, youth leadership, and personal growth. To earn this square knot, you must:
✔️ Complete basic training
✔️ Serve for two years in your role
✔️ Attend four Roundtables per year or University of Scouting
✔️ Deliver a quality program
[Learn More About Leadership Awards]
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Scouter's Key Award
If you’re a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Skipper, or Advisor, the Scouter’s Key Award honors your leadership in delivering an outstanding program—and inspiring youth to reach their full potential. This isn’t a participation patch. It’s a symbol of excellence. To earn this square knot, you must:
✔️ Serve in your primary leader role for three years
✔️ Complete position-specific training
✔️ Attend at least four Roundtable meetings or University of Scouting each year
[Learn More About Leadership Awards]
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Scout Shop Inventory Closure
The Scout Shop will close for its annual inventory on December 29th and 30th, opening again at noon on December 31st. Please plan your shopping for December awards accordingly!
Did you know you can use the Scout Shop Online Order Request Tool and order for pickup in store, curbside or have it shipped to you?
[Place An Online Scout Shop Order]
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Gifts for Every Scout On Your List
From Tee Shirts to Memory Boxes
Nothing beats a fresh shirt! We have class b (activity) tees for Scouts of all ranks, including fun glow-in-the-dark Cub Scout shirts and Eagle Scout designs. Need sleeves? Warm up your late fall and winter adventures with sweatshirts and jackets in all sizes. Plus, stuff your Scout's stockings with new socks, fun water bottles, camping accessories, and ornaments. Plus, pick up a program-specific memory box to store all of your advancements, neckerchiefs, special projects, and other Scouting memorabilia. These long-lasting, quality boxes are a great way to present gifts! Visit us at 8090 Villa Park Drive in Henrico to browse.
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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!
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Your Pinewood Derby Pit Stop
On your marks, get set, GO! Pinewood Derby season is just around the corner, and the Heart of Virginia Council Scout Shop is your Pit Stop for car kits, decals, accessories, awards, medals, and patches.
Pre-order your official Pinewood Derby Car Kits by visiting us at 8090 Villa Park Drive in Henrico, or by emailing us at scoutshophovc@scouting.org, and stock up on 2026 PWD Patches by completing and returning an official order form.
[Download the Patch Form for 2026]
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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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Unit Flag Orders
Whether you're replacing an old and tattered unit flag, or you want one with the new Scouting America logo, all unit flag purchases now go through Carrot-Top Industries. Create a customized flag on their website, linked below, utilizing the new Scouting America branding.
[Snag a Flag]
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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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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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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 $950,550 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 | | | |
The Eagle's Nest
Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Scouting America program. Only four percent of Scouts achieve this remarkable milestone. The Eagle's Nest celebrates the accomplishments of those Scouts who have attained that highest rank in Scouting.
[Visit the Eagle's Nest]
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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.
[Leave a Review]
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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.
[Get the News]
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