Spring is the perfect time to gather and celebrate everything you've accomplished during the chilly winter months! In March, Scouts with the "Gumbo Troop" 437 came together for their Spring Court of Honor, receiving hard-earned ranks, merit badges, and awards. They also made a special presentation to longtime leader, Alan Meekins, who was a member of our 2024 Class of Silver Beavers. Mr. Meekins' contributions to Scouting are significant, and he is deservedly cherished by his Scouting family. Read all about him! Way to go, Gumbo!
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🌱 Annual Health & Medical Records
The Annual Health and Medical Record (AHMR) is a vital part of ensuring a safe and enjoyable Scouting experience by documenting a participant’s medical history and health status. Required annually, the form includes Parts A and B for all Scouts and leaders, while Part C, completed by a licensed medical provider, is necessary for events longer than 72 hours. Proper storage and handling of these records help protect privacy while allowing leaders to plan for health needs and emergencies during Scouting activities. Be Prepared for your spring and summer adventures - update your AHMR today!
[Scout Safety Moment]
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🚨 Council Awards Nominations
April 1st Deadline
The Council Awards Committee is now accepting nominations for three distinguished adult awards to be presented at the Council Banquet on May 28. The Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award honors educators, registered or not, who model and teach Scouting’s values, while the Council Duty to God Award recognizes registered Scouters who promote the spiritual foundation of Scouting through exemplary leadership. The North Star Award celebrates a non-registered individual whose significant contributions to Scouting are on par with the Silver Beaver Award. Nominations are due by April 1 and must be submitted to matthew.connors@scouting.org.
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🚨 Coast Guard Academy Introductory Mission Application Window Closes April 1st
The Academy Introductory Mission (AIM) application season is now open for Sea Scouts interested in experiencing life at the United States Coast Guard Academy. This immersive summer program gives rising high school seniors a realistic look at academy life while challenging them physically and mentally to see if they’re ready for service in the Coast Guard. Up to ten Sea Scouts may be nominated for priority consideration by the USCGA, with applications due by April 1, 2026. Sea Scouts prepare by completing both the Coast Guard Academy’s AIM application and the Sea Scout supplemental application for review.
[Learn More & Download an Application]
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🌱 Good Friday and Easter Holiday Closure
In observance of the Good Friday and Easter holidays, the Heart of Virginia Council's Leadership Center and Scout Shop will be closed from Friday, April 3rd through Sunday, April 5th. We will reopen with regular business hours on Monday, April 6th.
We would like to wish all who celebrate a joyful and meaningful Easter weekend filled with hope, renewal, and time spent with loved ones. May this season of new beginnings bring peace and happiness to you and your family.
[Learn About Good Friday and Easter]
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🌱 We're Hiring: District Executive
For Our Dogwood District
We are seeking a District Executive to help grow and support local Scouting programs while making a lasting impact on youth in our Dogwood District community. This dynamic role works closely with volunteers and community leaders to expand membership, strengthen programs, and lead fundraising efforts. Ideal candidates are strong communicators with experience in leadership, marketing, fundraising, or program development, and a passion for serving others. This is a rewarding career opportunity offering professional growth, meaningful work, and the chance to shape the next generation of leaders.
[Learn More & Apply]
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🌱 2027 HOVC Philmont Contingent Info. Meeting
April 11th at 9:00am
Join us for the 2027 Philmont Contingent Informational Meeting on Saturday, April 11 at 9:00 AM at the HOVC Leadership Center to learn how you can be part of Scouting’s ultimate high adventure experience. Philmont Scout Ranch, located in the mountains of northeastern New Mexico, spans more than 137,000 acres of rugged wilderness, where Scouts trek through breathtaking landscapes ranging from 6,500 to over 12,000 feet in elevation. Along the way, participants experience not only challenging outdoor adventure, but also the rich history of Native American cultures, Spanish explorers, mountain men, and the Old West.
[Learn More & RSVP]
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🌱 Watkins Nurseries Exploring Post
Open House on April 11th
We're excited to announce a brand-new Exploring Post hosted by our friends at Watkins Nurseries. Come by the Open House on April 11th at 9:00am, which serves as the first official meeting, then join meetings on Saturday mornings for 6 weeks where you'll learn about seed planting, monitoring germination, ball and burlapping a tree root, general pruning, transplanting, the laws and techniques of horticulture, outdoor practice, and exposure. This is a great opportunity for your Scout to learn more about a career in horticulture. Register below!
[Join in on the Fun!]
[Learn More About Exploring]
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👽 Bring a Friend to Scouts Weeks!
This spring, Scouts across all programs are invited to share the adventure during Bring a Friend to Scouts Week, taking place the weeks of April 12–25. Scouts who bring a friend to a meeting will earn a special event patch and be entered into a District drawing for the pocketknife of their choice. When a friend joins, Scouts will also receive collectible cryptid-themed avatar pins featuring Bigfoot, Alien, Chupacabra, Mothman, and a Scout. Every time a friend joins, the Scout is entered into a Council-level drawing for a free Summer Camp experience, making it the perfect time to invite a friend and start a new adventure in Scouting.
[Get the Details]
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🚨 Cub Family Camporee
May 2nd—3rd
Cub families are invited to welcome spring outdoors at the Cub Family Camporee, May 2–3 at Cub Adventure Camp! Attend with your pack or come as a family, arrive on Friday evening or Saturday morning, and enjoy a full afternoon of program fun after lunch on Saturday. An optional meal plan makes the weekend even easier, and Scouts in grades 3–5 can take on the 40-foot Climbing Tower, along with favorites like archery, fishing, BBs, BMX bikes, STEM activities, and more. With beautiful early May weather, it’s the perfect overnight adventure to make lasting family memories at camp.
[Join the Cub Camporee]
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🌱 S.A.F.E. Guarding Youth Training
All registered leaders must complete the new S.A.F.E. Guarding Youth Training (SYT) by the May 31st deadline, regardless of the expiration status of their YPT, to be considered fully trained. Please visit https://my.scouting.org/ to complete SYT now, ahead of your spring and summer adventures, to ensure you have the training in place to move forward with your plans. Make it a training day! Take another 25 or so minutes to also complete the required Hazardous Weather Training and learn how to identify hazardous weather, react to potentially dangerous situations, and keep your Scouts safe!
[Get S.A.F.E. Guarding Youth Trained]
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National Jamboree Public Safety Staff Needed!
July 19th–31st, 2026
What makes the National Jamboree truly unforgettable? The people who bring it to life. The 2026 National Jamboree is seeking passionate Scouters to join the staff team and help deliver a world-class, life-changing experience for thousands of Scouts. We’re especially looking for volunteers with experience in emergency medical services, firefighting, law enforcement, and emergency management to share hands-on programs and demonstrations. If you love Scouting, thrive on teamwork, and want to inspire the next generation, this is your chance to be part of something historic. To register go to: https://jamboree.scouting.org/staff/ and choose Mission Ready Medicine as your area of interest. Questions? Feel free to contact Bob Parker.
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Liberty in Action
250th Anniversary Challenge
The Liberty in Action: 250th Anniversary Challenge brings together Scouts from all programs to explore America’s founding principles, connect Scouting’s long tradition of civic service to our national story, and take meaningful action in their communities. Running from March 2026 through February 2027, this program blends learning, creativity, service, and reflection — offering Scouts, leaders, and families a powerful way to participate in America’s semiquincentennial. To commemorate this historic milestone, Scouting America is introducing a limited-time, collectible Challenge Patch.
[Read On for More Details]
| | A Scout Is Conservation-Minded: Earth Day is April 22nd | |
Scouts Trash the Trash Day
Saturday, May 2nd
Scouts Trash the Trash Day is a global project that brings Scouts together to clean up their communities on the first Saturday in May. Each Scout is challenged to collect at least 2.2 pounds of trash and bring a friend or family member to double the impact. The idea began with Scouts from Troop 1206 in Helena, Montana, who saw the need for a worldwide day of service focused on community cleanup. It’s a simple but powerful way for Scouts everywhere to make a visible difference together.
[Register Your Unit!]
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Scouting for Clean Waterways
Scouting for Clean Waterways, Scouting America’s latest initiative, empowers Scouts of all ages to tackle the growing issue of marine debris through hands-on conservation projects. While many units may participate around Earth Day 2026 (April 22), Scouts can join in anytime throughout the year—no matter how far they live from a body of water. Cub Scouts can complete projects through the Champions for Nature elective Adventure, while Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Sea Scouts can earn service hours toward rank advancement. This initiative offers a simple, fun way for Scouts to make a real difference in protecting ecosystems and wildlife.
[Learn More!]
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Conservation Good Turn Award
Scouting America has been a positive force in conservation and environmental efforts. Scouts have rendered distinguished public service by helping to conserve wildlife, energy, forests, soil, and water. Past generations of Scouts have been widely recognized for undertaking conservation Good Turn action projects in their local communities. Scouts of today have grown up hearing words such as ecosystem, biodiversity, and climate change. They recognize the need for, and the benefits of, conserving natural resources. Scouts understand that we all must work together for the betterment of the land, forests, wildlife, air, and water.
[Learn More About & Earn This Award]
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Champions of Nature Cub Scout Adventures
The "Champions for Nature" Cub Scout adventures are elective, rank-specific, and age-appropriate adventures focused on environmental conservation, sustainability, and stewardship, designed for Scouts from Lion to Arrow of Light. They teach scouts how to protect natural resources, understand ecosystems, reduce waste, and participate in local service projects.
[See the Adventures on Our Cub Hub]
[Watch the February 6th Cub Chat Live]
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🌱 Have You Earned the Sustainability Merit Badge?
Learn to reduce waste and teach sustainable practices to others so you can help conserve Earth’s resources with the Sustainability Merit Badge. Scouts will develop and implement a plan to reduce their water usage, household food waste, and learn about the sustainability of different energy sources, including fossil fuels, solar, wind, nuclear, hydropower, and geothermal.
[See the Requirements]
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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]
| | Fundraising & Scholarships | |
Camp Card Bi-Weekly Prize Drawings
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 spring and summer camping programs! Now through May, we are rewarding Scouts who sell at least 10 Camp Cards with prize drawings every other week. Congratulations to our first prize winners of 2026: Mitchell N. with Troop 709B and Trace M. with Troop 902! Our next drawing is April 3rd! Scouts can receive one entry for every 10 cards they sell, so make sure you're tracking their progress and logging their sales.
[Read All About It & Register]
[Enter Into the Bi-Weekly Prize Drawing]
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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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2026 Tournament of Eagles
May 11th at The Federal Club
Join us on Monday, May 11th at The Federal Club for a day of golf, fellowship, and fundraising to support Scouting in Central Virginia. This Captain’s Choice format tournament welcomes golfers of all skill levels, with sponsorship opportunities available to showcase your support for local Scouting. Participants will enjoy lunch, awards, giveaways, and the chance to make a lasting impact on youth in our community. Registration is Open!
[Learn More]
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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
Registration Is Open!
Summon Thy Courage, and join us at Deep Run Park for our annual Day Camp for Cub Scouts and their buddies the week of June 1st–5th! 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 and Buddies!]
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Summer Camp at Cub Adventure Camp
June through July
One of the most rewarding and character-building things a family can do together is go camping. Bring your Scout to a session at Cub Adventure Camp. Adventure Camp offers a 4-day, 3-night experience this summer at the Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation in Goochland County.
Session 1: June 12 - June 15
Session 2: June 17 – June 20
Session 3: July 17 – July 20
[Only the Valiant Need Apply!]
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👑 Cub Summer Camp Coloring Contest
Be King or Queen for a Day!
We are excited to announce a Coloring Contest for Summer Cub Adventure Camp and Cub Day Camp. Our flyers about these programs are coloring pages, and after your Scout has finished decorating their paper, you can upload their artwork to our online album at https://bit.ly/2026CubContest. One winner will be randomly selected by a panel of judges to be King or Queen for a day at camp; they'll receive a crown, free slushies from the Trading Post, and other fun perks!
[Download Your Coloring Book Sheets Today!]
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Unit Planning Calendar for 2026–2027
The 2026–2027 Scouting America Unit Planning Calendar is a fantastic tool to help packs and troops map out a strong, organized program year. It provides a month-by-month layout that includes national Scouting observances, holidays, and helpful planning themes that leaders can use to build engaging meetings and activities. This calendar is especially useful during annual program planning conferences, giving leaders a big-picture view while leaving room to add local council, district, and unit events. When used as a foundation for planning, it helps units stay organized, avoid scheduling conflicts, and deliver a well-balanced, adventure-filled year for Scouts and families.
[Get The Calendar]
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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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April 10: Scouts Read Sacred Texts
Did you miss the episode on March 20th where we talked about New Program Initiatives? 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 | | | |
🌱 Special Needs Accommodations & More
National Webinar April 22nd at 8:00pm
Many people don’t know how to support their Scout who has special needs or where to get help. Scouts BSA advancement includes built-in ways to help, like accommodations (different ways to complete a requirement), modifications (changing requirements when absolutely needed), registration beyond the age of eligibility (RBAE), and other ways to help Scouts succeed. Join us to learn how to support your special needs Scout, get answers to your questions, and find out where to go for more information!
[Register to Attend]
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🌱 Patrick Henry Merit Badge Forum: RESCHEDULED!
May 9th at First Baptist Church
The Patrick Henry Public Speaking Forum returns on May 9th, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Richmond, offering Scouts the opportunity to earn both the Public Speaking and Communication merit badges. Due to limited space in Communication classes, Scouts are asked to complete Public Speaking first, as it provides essential skills that make Communication smoother and more rewarding. Recommended prerequisites include Communication requirements 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8, and Public Speaking requirements 1, 2, and 4. We're thrilled to welcome Patrick Henry back again this year... you won’t want to miss it!
[Speak Boldly!]
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2026 Conclave Work Days
Nawakwa Lodge is the hosting the 2026 E9 Conclave at Camp T. Brady Saunders in late April and expects over 1,200 youth and adult Order of the Arrow members from across Virginia. Conclave is an annual weekend of fun, training, competition, and fellowship for OA members, and our opportunity to host only comes around every few years. The last time Nawakwa hosted was 2019. To prepare for such a great opportunity, the Nawakwa Lodge is calling on all scouts and scouters to help get the camp ready. Volunteers do not need to be OA members. Scouts and adults from all programs (Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts) and their non-scouting guests are welcome to register and help.
[Get the Flyer!]
[Register Today!]
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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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🌱 Fishing Fun Day Hosted by Troop 2819
May 16th
Arrohattoc District Troop 2819 and the Chester Fishing Club invite everyone for a FREE Fishing Fun Day on May 16th from 9am to 2pm. Parking is available at Ecoff Elementary School with shutles to the Chester Fishing Club lake. Bring a friend who signs up to join Scouts and earn your Recruiter patch!
[Fish On!]
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🌱 Hampden-Sydney College Merit Badge Day
June 6th
Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia is hosting their annual Merit Badge Day on June 6th, 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.
[Attend Merit Badge Day]
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🚨 Spots Remain Open for the National Jamboree
July 22nd–31st
National Jamboree, Scouting’s flagship event is one-of-a-kind. It’s a gathering of approximately 30,000 Scouts, leaders, and staff that showcases everything that is great about Scouting America and its members. Held every four years, the Jamboree is an amazing opportunity for participants, volunteers, and visitors to experience the best of Scouting, all in one place. Features include; one of the longest zip line courses in North America, a world-class skate park, ATV offerings, treetop canopy tours, rock climbing, patch trading, stadium shows, and much more!
[Visit Our Jamboree Page]
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Buckskin: The Leadership Experience
August 2nd–8th
Buckskin: The Leadership Experience is a week-long intensive course for Scouts 14+ (Star rank or higher) who are ready to lead. Participants will learn 19 essential leadership skills, advance their outdoor abilities, and apply teamwork through the Patrol Method. With Scoutmaster approval, a strong work ethic, and at least one long-term camping trip completed, Scouts will gain the confidence to lead in their units and beyond. Step up, take the challenge, and become the leader you’re meant to be!
[Register for Buckskin]
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Camp T. Brady Saunders 2026 Summer Camp
Merit Badge Registration Is Open!
It might be hard to tell from all the crazy weather, but summer is right around the corner. Now is the perfect time to take inventory, restock essentials, and start thinking ahead to this summer’s adventures. A little preparation now means fewer surprises later and a smoother trail into the 2026 camping season. Registration is officially open for Summer Camp 2026 at Camp T. Brady Saunders, and your Scouts can choose their merit badges!
[Register Today!]
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The Venturing Quest Award
The Venturing Quest Award challenges Venturers to take charge of their health, fitness, and lifelong athletic interests while building leadership and sportsmanship. To earn this specialty award, Venturers learn about nutrition, design personal exercise plans based on their goals, complete core fitness requirements, and participate in a sport or physical activity they can enjoy for years to come. Along the way, they gain practical experience, improve their overall well-being, and explore new athletic pursuits. The medal, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, represents balance in body, mind, and spirit and highlights the lifelong value of healthy habits.
[Get the Details]
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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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2027 Florida Sea Base Registration Is Open!
Looking for some high adventure in one of the most beautiful and exciting places on Earth? Get Florida Sea Base on your calendar for 2027! Sea Base offers 18 different adventures at 4 amazing locations, many of which have different activities. Those locations are the main Sea Base in Islamorada, FL, the Brinton Environmental Center in Summerland Key, FL, the Bahamas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Scouts will experience scuba, snorkeling, sailing, paddling, kayaking, fishing, and more. This is truly an experience of a lifetime.
[Register Today!]
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Exploring Explosion 3.0
Opening Doors to Careers for the Next Generation
Exploring Explosion 3.0 is a nationwide effort to grow career-focused Exploring programs for teens and young adults. Through new Clubs and Posts, youth connect with professionals, gain hands-on experience, and explore real career pathways while building leadership and life skills. National trainings and resources support leaders in launching successful programs, with special recognition for new units formed during the campaign. It’s a powerful way to open doors for youth and strengthen communities at the same time.
[Get the Explosion Details]
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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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April 8: To Be Announced
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May 13: To Be Announced
[Tune In]
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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!]
| | Summer Scout Night Events | |
⚾ Scout Night at the Diamond
Save the Date: Friday, July 24th
Everyone's favorite Scout Night is on the books! Save the Date for July 24th for the first Scout Night at the Diamond at the new CarMax Park! Come on out for a great game as the Richmond Flying Squirrels take on the Akron Rubber Ducks; then, extend the fun with your own special Ardillas Voladoras Scout Patches and a special viewing of "Rookie of the Year" on their big, new videoboard! More information about this and other exciting Scout Nights is coming soon.
| | | Recruitment & New Membership | | | |
Show Families Why Scouting Matters!
As we move into the heart of our program year, we have an important opportunity in front of us. Membership across our council has remained steady, but we know there are many more families in our communities who would benefit from Scouting. With your leadership, we can get our membership engine moving again. Families today are looking for programs that build confidence, character, and leadership in a safe and structured environment. Scouting delivers exactly that. Our youth meet weekly, learn practical life skills, explore the outdoors, serve their communities, and grow into capable leaders, all at a cost that remains affordable compared to most youth activities.
[Why Scouting Matters]
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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 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]
| | | Adult Training Opportunities | | | |
🚨 Spring IOLS & BALOO
April 11th—12th
Ready to take your Scouting skills to the next level? Scouts 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. Registration is open!
[Register for IOLS]
[Register for BALOO]
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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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🚨 Wilderness First Aid
April 18th and 19th
Join the Heart of Virginia Council for a two-day Wilderness and Remote First Aid with Adult CPR/AED training on April 18–19 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day. Presented by Outdoor Safety LLC, this hands-on course prepares participants to respond confidently to medical emergencies in outdoor and remote environments. The training includes a required online component prior to the course and emphasizes real-world scenarios and skill practice. Participants who complete the course will receive American Red Cross certification, meeting OSHA workplace first aid requirements.
[Get WFA Trained]
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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 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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🌱 Competitive Gaming Merit Badge in the Test Lab
The Competitive Gaming Merit Badge introduces Scouts to one of the fastest-growing industries in the world—esports and modern gaming—while reinforcing the values of the Scout Oath and Law in digital spaces. This badge blends fun, education, personal growth, and real-world career exploration, empowering Scouts to become responsible digital citizens and informed participants in today’s gaming culture.
[Enter the Lab]
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🌱 Drone Aviation Exploring Program
We are pleased to announce the creation of a new Drone Aviation Exploring program. Scouting America has partnered with the FAA Youth Drone Initiative and have a partnership with the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Through this partnership they have received 500 free drone kits (up to 20 per council) to be used for newly formed Drone Clubs or Posts in 2025.
[Start a Drone Aviation Club or Post]
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🌱 Spring & Summer Activity Uniform Shirts
Now Available in the Scout Shop
Is it time for a wardrobe refresh? Do a little spring shopping now to prepare for all of your upcoming warm-weather adventures. New shirt designs are popping up, including this cool merit-badge themed olive green tee. Also new to the Scout Shop are adult performance uniform shirts in limited sizes, and great program-specific tees for all occassions.
[Visit the Scout Shop]
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🌱 America250 Belts In Stock
Uphold your duty to country and your Scout pants in one fancy accessory! Swing by the Scout Shop at 8090 Villa Park Drive in Henrico to refresh your uniform with a patriotic new belt, and see what else is in stock. More America250 swag will be in stock soon.
[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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State, Unit, Den, and America250 Flag Orders
Whether you're replacing an old and tattered unit flag, or you want one with a Scouting America logo, all unit flag purchases now go through Freedom and Glory (fka: Carrot-Top Industries). Create a customized flag on their website, linked below, utilizing the Scouting America branding. Also available are American, State, Den, and America250 flags, all made here in the USA.
[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 | |
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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