🌱 Safe Hiking

Hiking is one of the most exciting activities for Scouts. Exploring new places, venturing into the wild, and discovering new environments. Hiking is a great activity, but it can be dangerous, and we need to know what to expect when planning a group hike. One of the most important things is to make sure you plan a hike that fits your youth’s ages, abilities, and readiness. Ensure your youth and adults are physically prepared to complete the planned hike. Nothing is worse than coming back from a hike where no one had fun, and no one wants to try again.


[Be A Safe Scout]

🌱 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.

We're Hiring for Our 2026 Summer Camp Team!

We continue to recruit staff for the 2026 summer camp season at our camps, including Camp T. Brady Saunders, Cub Adventure Camp, and our local Cub Scout Day Camp at Deep Run Park. Open positions include 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!]

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.

🚨 America250 Nationwide Student Essay Contest

America's Field Trip, Due March 30th



America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest inviting students in grades 3–12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them as we prepare to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Students may submit writing or original artwork responding to the prompt, “What does America mean to you?” This expanded program will award 250 students with unforgettable behind-the-scenes field trips to iconic historic and cultural landmarks or a cash prize. It’s a unique opportunity for young voices to be heard while connecting with America’s past, present, and future.

[Get the Details]

🌱 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]

Scouts Read Sacred Texts

Week of May 7th

Scouts and youth across the world are invited to join in again in reading their own faith’s sacred texts. Together, we can recognize our Duty to God, participating as a group or on your own. Read your Sacred Texts on May 7th, or any time that week. Join Scouting America, other youth organizations and all faith youth groups in a celebration of sacred texts.

[Get the 2026 Details & Materials]

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!]

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!]

🌱 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]

🌱 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]

🌱 Have You Earned the Soil & Water Conservation Merit Badge?



Conservation isn’t just the responsibility of soil and plant scientists, hydrologists, wildlife managers, landowners, and the forest or mine owner alone. It is the duty of every person to learn more about the natural resources on which our lives depend so that we can help make sure that these resources are used intelligently and cared for properly.

[See the Requirements]

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]

🌱 Camp Cards Ready for Pickup!



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! Camp Cards have arrived and they are being counted and boxed and were made available for pick-up beginning at 9 AM on Wednesday, February 25. Cards will also be available at your District Roundtable.

[Read All About It & Register]

[Enter Into the Bi-Weekly Prize Drawing]

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]

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]

🌱 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]

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!]

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]

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]

James River & Dogwood Districts Pinewood Derby
Saturday, March 7th

Racers, ready your Pinewood Derby car! The inaugural James River & Dogwood Districts Pinewood Derby Grand Prix is heading to Trinity United Methodist Church on March 7th. This district-wide event gives your Scout the chance to meet fellow Cub Scouts from across the district as they race to become the 2026 James River District Pinewood Derby Champion. This is a free event open to all Cub Scouts registered in the James River District, from Lion through Arrow of Light (AOL).

[Register to Race!]

Crater & Arrohattoc Districts Pinewood Derby
Saturday, March 7th

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! From Lions to Arrows of Light, Outlaw to Overall races, the Crater and Arrohattoc Districts Pinewood Derby Race is scheduled for March 7th at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds. What a great location! This is a free event, and concessions will be available for purchase. When the heats have been run and Scouts of all ranks have had their time on the track, who will be the Pinewood Derby Champion in 2026?

[Let's Go!]

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]

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!]

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!]

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]

🌱 Take the Scout Life 100 Book Challenge

Scout Life Magazine is hosting a 100 Book Challenge! Scouts can browse the curated collection of 100 books, browsing by title or cover art, and creating lists of books they've read and want to read. Create a personalized list including classics from beloved authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, Beverly Cleary, and Anna Sewell, download it, and get your library card ready to go. This is a great way to usher in the spring season, grab some reading materials for downtime on your upcoming camping trips, and stay on track over the summer months. Which books will you read?

[See the 100 Books List]

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!

• Feb. 27: Spring Recruiting and Marketing
• Mar. 6: TBA
• Mar. 13: Spring Frundraising

Did you miss the episode on February 20th where we talked about Celebrating America's 250th Birthday? Catch up on the archives using the link below.

[Tune In to Cub Chat Live]

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]

🌱 Using ScoutBook Plus for Advancement

National Webinar March 5th at 8:00pm

Join Scouting America on March 5th at 8:00pm ET for a webinar on Using ScoutBook Plus for Advancement. Advancement is one of the eight methods of Scouting, and when used well, it helps keep Scouts engaged and progressing. We will share practical ideas on for incorporating advancement and recognition into troop meetings while still delivering an exciting, youth-focused program. This session is ideal for unit leaders looking for fresh approaches that support Scout development and growth.

[Register to Attend]

Scouts BSA Membership Webinars

March 8th

Register Now for Upcoming Scouts BSA Membership Webinars! Looking for practical ideas to strengthen membership in your troop? Join in on the upcoming Scouts BSA membership webinars designed for volunteers and leaders who want to build strong, sustainable Scouting programs in their communities.

• March 8th: Empowering PLC and Youth Leadership
  [Register]

James River Merit Badge University
Saturday, March 14th

Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 14th, and join the James River District for the 2nd Annual Merit Badge University at Brookland Middle School in Richmond. This exciting day of hands-on learning gives Scouts the chance to work on merit badges in a variety of subjects, from science and safety to history and Scouting skills. Scouts should arrive prepared with completed prerequisites, a signed blue card, Class A uniform, water bottle, and a packed lunch. It’s a full day of learning, achievement, and fun you won’t want to miss!

[Register Today!]

🌱 OA Spring Induction Weekend
March 20th–22nd

Scouts who have recently been nominated by their peers to join the Order of the Arrow, those who previously completed their induction / ordeal and are prepared for their Brotherhood, and existing Arrowmen who would like to participate in an exciting weekend of service and cameraderie at Camp T. Brady Saunders are invited to the 2026 OA Spring Induction weekend, March 20th–22nd. Registration is open now through March 15th.


[Register to Attend!]

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!]

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!]

🚨 Spots Remain Open for the National Jamboree

July 22nd–31st, 2026

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]

🌱 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]

Camp T. Brady Saunders 2026 Summer Camp

Hold-A-Spot Pre-Registration is Open

The summer gear may be packed away, and that long-lost blue card rediscovered, but the Scouting calendar never really slows down. Now is the perfect time to take inventory, restock essentials, and start thinking ahead to next summer’s adventures. A little preparation now means fewer surprises later and a smoother trail into the 2026 camping season. Pre-registration is officially open for Summer Camp 2026 at Camp T. Brady Saunders.

[Pre-Register Today!]

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]

🌱 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.


Weekend 1: September 4th–7th
Weekend 2: 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]

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!]

🌱 Coast Guard Academy Introductory Mission Application Window Is Open



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]

🌱 Updates to Over 80 Merit Badges



Beginning January 1, 2026, Scouts BSA implemented major updates to more than 80 merit badge requirements based on feedback from Scout leaders and subject matter experts. These changes modernize content to reflect current technology, enhance safety and outdoor ethics, and expand career exploration opportunities while keeping advancement meaningful and relevant for today’s youth. Scouts who start a badge on or after January 1 must follow the new requirements, while those who began earlier can finish under the old version or switch to the updated one. All updated requirements will be reflected in Scoutbook and the Merit Badge Hub by early 2026.

[Learn More!]

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]

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]

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!]

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.

• Mar. 11th: To Be Announced
• Apr. 8th: To Be Announced

[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.

• March 11: Exploring Explosion (Growth Strategies)

[Get the 2026 Exploring Live Hour Flyer]

[2026 Live Hour Registration Link]

[Visit the Live Hour Page]

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]

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!]

🌱 Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Counselor Orientation

March 14th

A Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Counselor Orientation is coming Sunday, March 14th from 2:00–3:30 PM at the HOVC Leadership Center. Space is limited to 20 future mentors, so if your troop hasn’t designated a Counselor yet, now’s the time! Come prepared with your Merit Badge Counselor application, DEI training completed, and a readiness to guide Scouts on a journey of empathy, leadership, and doing what’s right.

[Counselors, Register Today!]

🌱 COPE & Climbing Level 1 Training

March 27–29th

Ready to take your leadership to new heights? Join us March 27–29, 2026 at Cub Adventure Camp for Level 1 Instructor Training – Climbing, a hands-on weekend focused on the fundamentals of safe and effective climbing instruction. This course builds essential skills in spotting, safety systems, inspections, and climbing/rappelling techniques, while also helping participants grow as leaders and team-builders through engaging group development methods.

[Register for Level 1 COPE & Climbing]

Spring IOLS & BALOO Registration is OPEN!

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]

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]

Philmont Training Center

2026 Registration is Live

We are thrilled to welcome Scouters, Adventurers, Families, and Friends to Philmont for a summer filled with learning, connection, and adventure! Choose from a wide variety of Conferences, led by experienced faculty and designed to strengthen Scouting at every level, or experience Philmont together through Family Adventure Camp, where families of all ages can explore the ranch while enjoying age-appropriate activities and time together.

S.A.F.E. Guarding Youth Training

Replaces 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]

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?]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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 $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]

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]

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]

[Purchase an Eagle Challenge Brick for Your Scout]

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]

Rate, Review & Follow!

Have you recently visited Camp T. Brady Saunders or Cub Adventure Camp? We hope you’ve had an amazing time and invite you to rate, review, and follow us. Your feedback helps us improve and ensure every visit is unforgettable!

[Cub Adventure Camp on Facebook]

[Cub Adventure Camp Google Reviews]

[Camp T. Brady Saunders on Facebook]

[Camp T. Brady Saunders Google Reviews]