Every gift powers local Scouting adventures! As the year winds down, we're working hard to meet our 2025 Friends of Scouting (FOS) fundraising goals! Save the Date for December 2nd, and join us in ensuring a quality program and state-of-the-art facilities for the Scouts we so proudly serve. Your year-end, tax-deductible contribution helps us finish the year with the momentum we need to be successful in 2026! Visit our Direct Giving site now through December 31st to contribute to our 2025 FOS campaign. | |
2025 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 Ornament series 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!
[Visit the Scout Shop]
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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 four 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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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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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]
| | Scouts BSA, Exploring, Venturing, & Sea Scouts | |
2026 James River Klondike Derby

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!]
| | | Did You Read the November 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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"I know not all that may be coming, but be it what it will, I'll go to it laughing."

- Moby Dick by Herman Melville, published on this day in 1851 by Harper and Brothers in the United States.
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