Scout Safety Moment: Hazard Trees
According to the U.S. Forest Service, our nation’s forests are experiencing declining health conditions. Broken tops, widow-makers (broken or hanging limbs), and root rot in many tree species along with insect infestations, lightning, wind events, drought, and abundant moisture have led to the creation of abnormally high numbers of “hazard trees.” Hazard trees include dead trees, live trees with dead parts, and live trees that are unstable due to defects and are within striking distance of people or property. These hazard trees don’t just affect our Scouting family during storms. They can fall—and have fallen—at unpredictable times, even when weather conditions are favorable.
[Learn More]
| | | | |
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. We have extended hours on Wednesdays from 12 Noon - 7 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM - 2 PM during the "Back-to-School" season and throughout the year! See you soon!
[Get the Flyer & Uniform Checklist]
| |
We're Hiring an Accounting Associate
The Heart of Virginia Council is seeking a full-time Accounting Associate to join our team at the HOVC Leadership Center in Henrico. This position supports the Council’s financial operations through accounts payable, reconciliations, expense processing, financial reporting support, and other accounting activities. Ideal candidates will have two to three years of bookkeeping or accounting experience, strong organizational skills, and excellent attention to detail. Interested candidates should send a resume to Mark Arnold, Scout Executive & CEO, at Mark.Arnold@Scouting.org.
[Meet Our Team]
| | | | |
24th Annual Sporting Clays Classic is SOLD OUT!
Thursday, October 8th
We hope you're joining 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. Our 2026 Sporting Clays Classic (the largest clays event in the state) is officially sold out! Check the Council Calendar for our 2027 event date, and register early.
[Volunteer]
| |
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:
-
Basic Pistol: October 31
-
Women on Target: November 21
-
Basic Rifle: December 5
-
Basic Shotgun: December 19
[Learn More & Register]
| | | | |
We're Hiring Our 2027 Summer Camp Staff
Both T. Brady Saunders & Cub Adventure Camp
Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation is hiring for the 2027 Summer Camp Team! Spend your summer making friends, building skills, leading adventures, and creating incredible experiences for Scouts at Camp T. Brady Saunders and Cub Adventure Camp. Opportunities are available for a variety of ages and interests, including the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program for Scouts ages 14–15. Please note: Mandatory Staff Training Weekends are May 14–16 and May 21–23, 2027. Come spend your summer at camp and make it one to remember!
[Apply Today!]
| |
Updated Hazardous Weather Training
Become Weather Smart Before Your Next Outing
Scouting America has launched an updated Hazardous Weather Training course designed to help leaders make informed decisions before and during outdoor activities. The training covers monitoring changing conditions, understanding watches and warnings, recognizing severe-weather risks, developing emergency action plans, and taking appropriate protective action during situations such as thunderstorms, extreme temperatures, flooding, and hurricanes. Whether you’re planning a campout, hike, service project, or high-adventure trek, every great outing begins with preparedness.
[Get Hazardous Weather Trained]
| | | Fall Fun, Festivities & Fundraising | | | |
Fall Fundraiser Food Lion Show & Sell
October 10th & 17th
We’ve coordinated two convenient Show & Sell dates: October 10 and October 17 - at Food Lion stores across the Council to help your unit fundraise with Camp Masters popcorn and Whitley's peanuts! Each unit may claim one available slot per date, and the best part: it's no risk! We’ll provide product on consignment (for two Saturdays only), and you can return any unsold items. This is a great chance to try Show & Sell and boost your fall fundraising success. Spots are still available - sign up today!
[Snag Your Spots!]
| |
Virtual P.R.A.Y. Program
Begins October 11th
Salem in Ballwin United Methodist Church, P.R.A.Y., and the national committees and associations of Protestant faiths are excited to announce that national virtual programs are returning for 2026. These programs will be beneficial in making the religious emblems available to all youth, especially those who are having difficulty finding an in-person class or congregational support near them. These classes are open to any Protestant, Non-Denominational, or Independent Christian youth in any organization, grades Kindergarten through 12th, interested in fortifying their experience through their faith. Classes in each of the five program levels are offered and will be presented over Zoom.
[Learn More & Register]
| | | | |
Pirates of the Appomattox Camporee
October 16th-18th
Cast yer eyes upon the horizon, for this voyage be unlike any we’ve sailed before. This year, we have charted the course, rigged the sails, and planned every skirmish ye’ll face this weekend. We be sailin' into a weekend of high adventure, testin' yer mettle with the finest skills, buildin' bonds stronger than a kraken’s grip, and unitin' every troop through the true spirit of the Patrol Method. It be our deepest hope that by lettin' our young buccaneers take the helm, we’ll keep our seasoned salts and older Scouts engaged in the fleet for many years to come! So, enjoy the salt air, sharpen yer wits for the trials ahead, and let the Scouting Spirit fly high from yer mast!
[Register Your Unit Here!]
| |
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]
| | | | |
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]
| |
Recruitment Bookmarks at October Roundtables
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. While you're there, download and customize these spooky BOO-kmarks this recruitment season OR pick up a whole bunch at your October Roundtable!
[Check It Out!]
| | | | |
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!" Come Get Creepy at Cub Adventure Camp October 17–18 and October 24–25 for two weekends of family-friendly Halloween fun. 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!]
[Volunteer]
| |
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!]
| | | | |
Pirates, Arrrgh! 2027 Summer Camp Dates
Ahoy, Cub Scouts! A swashbuckling summer adventure is sailing your way in 2027! Cub Scout Summer Camp returns to Cub Adventure Camp for three 4-day, 3-night sessions, June 18–21, June 25–28, and July 9–12, with a PIRATES theme taking over camp. Families can look forward to fishing, swimming, archery, BB guns, the spray ground, campfires, and plenty of time together away from everyday distractions. Whether you bunk in the Tent Village, Western Frontier Fort, Yurt, or Cabin, get ready to make memories and find plenty of adventure along the way. Save the dates now, mateys, because the adventure might set sail next summer but registration opens this winter!
[Visit the Site or Walk the Plank!]
| |
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]
| | | | |
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!
-
Sep. 25: Citizenship Adventures
-
Oct. 2: Outdoor Adventures
-
Oct. 9: Family & Reverence Adventures
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]
| |
Customized Weekend Experiences
Has your Pack booked 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, STEM, 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 fall and winter!
[Plan Your Weekend Experience]
| | | ⚜️ Scouts BSA, Exploring, Venturing, & Sea Scouts | | | |
Alpha Merit Badge U
Registration Closes September 27th
Alpha Merit Badge University will be held at Virginia State University near Petersburg on Saturday, October 3rd. The event is open to all Scouts BSA Troops in the Heart of Virginia Council and the Petersburg Tri-Cities community. Virginia State University was founded in 1882 and is a land grant institution. Thanks to the support and involvement of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Nu Omicron Lambda Chapter), Virginia State University administration, faculty, staff, and community partners, we are proud to offer the 1st National Alpha Merit Badge University Day, featuring merit badge instruction taught by qualified counselors and instructors. Adults will also have the opportunity to participate in activities, including a FREE CPR course.
[Register for the Alpha Merit Badge U]
| |
iFly Drones Exploring Post
First Meeting October 18th at 5pm
Take flight with Exploring and discover the exciting world of drones! This new four-week program with iFly Drones gives students hands-on flight experience while exploring FAA rules, earning their TRUST certificate, learning drone technology, and discovering how drones are used in real-world careers. The program begins with an Open House on October 18 and meets Sundays from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the TSI Training Center in Henrico. Registration is $75, so get ready to explore, learn, fly, and discover!
[Join the iFly Post]
| | | | |
Hampden-Sydney College Merit Badge Day
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!]
| |
Winter Camp 2027
Scouting Doesn't Hibernate
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.
In-Council Registration is open! Registration for outside Council's opens October 1st, and merit details will be shared on November 6th.
[Be Cool, Go to Winter Camp]
| | | | |
2027 Summer Camp Dates Announced
Hopefully your gear is finally dry and all those blue cards have made their way home, because we’re already looking ahead to another incredible summer at Camp T. Brady Saunders! After being voted Best Summer Camp in Central Virginia for the second year in a row in the Richmond Times-Dispatch THE BEST contest, we’re pretty excited about what’s ahead for 2027. Check out the 2027 Leader’s Guide, choose the week your unit wants to join us, and keep an eye on the TBS website as we share new programs, improvements, and plenty more reasons to spend your summer at camp! Hold-A-Spot Registration is open now.
Week 1: June 13 – 19
Week 2: June 20 – 26
Week 3: June 27 – July 3
Week 4: July 4 – 10
[TBS Summer Camp Page]
[TBS Facebook]
| |
Summer Camp T-Shirt Contest for Scouts
Think you’ve got an awesome idea for a Camp T. Brady Saunders Summer Camp T-shirt? Scouts are invited to create an original design celebrating Scouting, camp, the outdoors, adventure, or TBS, and the winning idea will be turned into a shirt! Designs can be funny, adventurous, classic, clever, or completely unexpected, and you don’t have to be an artist to have a great idea. Bring the creativity and camp spirit, and you might just see Scouts wearing your design all summer long! If your design is selected, you and your Scoutmaster will WIN FREE T-SHIRTS!
[Get the Contest Details & Submit a Design]
| | | | |
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]
| |
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]
| | | | |
NCCS Scholarship Portal Opened 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]
| |
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]
| | | | |
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.
Flashback Friday from September 24th, 2025: Building Strong Relationships Between Scout BSA Troops and Cub Scout Packs
[Tune In]
| |
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.
-
October 14: Safety First Review/Exploring Unit Metrics/ Exploring Officers Association
-
November 11: Exploring Program Resources, Awards & Recognitions
[Get the 2026 Exploring Live Hour Flyer]
[2026 Live Hour Registration Link]
[Visit the Live Hour Page]
| | | | |
Customized Weekend Experiences
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]
| |
Eagle Challenge Brick
Orders are Due by July 16, 2027
Your Scout has achieved one of the highest honors in Scouting. Celebrate that accomplishment with a lasting tribute by sponsoring a personally engraved Eagle Challenge Brick at the Heart of Virginia Council’s Hill Family Flag Plaza overlooking beautiful Lake Dillon at Camp T. Brady Saunders. Each engraved brick becomes a permanent reminder of an Eagle Scout’s dedication, leadership, and achievement while supporting Scouting programs for future generations.
[Order Your 2027 Brick]
| | | Adult Training Opportunities | | | |
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]
| |
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?]
| | | | |
New Scout Shop Hours
Permanently Effective as of August
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! As of August 1st, 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]
| |
Cub Scout Hoodies Are In Stock!
Stay Warm This Fall Adventure Season
Temperatures are cooling, but adventure is just firing up! This fall, keep your Cub Scout warm, cozy and looking sharp in a brand-new hoodie. Not quite ready to let go of the summer season? We still have you covered. Swing by the Scout Shop to browse our large selection of activity uniform pieces, including tee shirts.
Not a Cub Scout? We have something for everyone, from program-specific apparel to brand new ball caps that are perfect for refreshing your Scout closet. Come see us!
[Visit the Scout Shop]
| | | | |
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]
| |
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.
[Get More Details]
| | | | |
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.
| |
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]
| | | | |
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]
| |
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]
| | | | |
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]
| | | | |
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]
| |
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]
| | | | | |
