We Went a Little Nuts with Updates!

The Popcorn & Peanut Fall Fundraiser Starts Today

The newly redesigned HOVC Popcorn & Peanut Fundraiser page is LIVE and packed with everything Unit Leaders need for a successful 2026 sale. Find important dates, ordering information, downloadable resources, sales tools, contacts, prize information and more... all organized to help you spend less time searching and more time supporting your Scouts! Whether you're a seasoned Kernel or brand new to the sale, your best resource for all things Popcorn & Peanuts is ready for you. Kernels, make sure you visit the page on Monday, August 17th at 10am to claim your Food Lion Show & Sell spots!

[Pop On Over!]

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:



• Range Safety Officer: September 19
• Basic Pistol: October 31
• Women on Target: November 21
• Basic Rifle: December 5
• Basic Shotgun: December 19

[Learn More & Register]

[See all of our available training courses]

Adult Leadership Training: BALOO & IOLS

October 10th – 11th, Plus BALOO on October 3rd

You're not seeing double! BALOO is 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: October 3rd]

[Register for BALOO: October 10th]

[Register for IOLS: October 10th]

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]

2027 World Scout Jamboree in Gdańsk, Poland

July 29 – August 8, 2027

The next World Scout Jamboree will be held in Gdańsk, Poland between July 29 and August 8, 2027. There will be approximately 46,000 Scouts and leaders from over 140 countries in attendance. Of that number will be approximately 1,000 from the United States. This event only happens every four years and you only get one chance in your lifetime to attend as a youth participant. You must be born between July 30, 2009 and July 30, 2013. Registration is required by the end of August 2026 for the USA contingent's spot to be secured.

For more information about the USA Contingent, including travel, touring dates, cost, registration, etc. [Visit WSJ2027.us]

[Learn More about the World Scout Jamboree]

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]