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Whether you're exploring your local park or travel all the way to Úlfljótsvatn - Útilífsmiðstöð Skáta - Outdoor Scout Center in Iceland, the adventure starts here! Pictured above is Venturing Crew 711 standing in the Kerid crater. Wow!
Scouting is a great unifier that shows youth the world, both around them and afar.

Hello, Scouter!

July 2026

Scout Safety Moment

Scout Safety Moment: Campout Safety Checklist

 

Camping is a long-honored tradition for many families, including the Scouting America family. Timing, supplies, and location should be determined ahead of time so you can make the most of your camping experience. There might be some instances where you overthink or underestimate a camping trip, but there are also many ways to enjoy the adventure, fun, discovery, and teamwork involved. A campout safety checklist will help to ensure these aspects of camping are accomplished while keeping you safe.

 

[Learn More]

News for Right Now

Welcoming Our New Scout Executive, Mark Arnold!

 

Please join us in welcoming Mark Arnold as the next Scout Executive of the Heart of Virginia Council! Mark brings a decade of professional Scouting experience, a passion for youth development, and a lifelong commitment to the values of Scouting as an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow. We are excited to welcome Mark, his wife Bridgett, and their children, Benjamin and Eleanor, to the Heart of Virginia Council family as he begins his new role on August 1, 2026. We look forward to partnering with Mark as we continue delivering life-changing Scouting experiences to thousands of young people across Central Virginia

 

[Learn More]

Closed for Independence Day

Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th


The Heart of Virginia Council Leadership Center and Scout Shop will be closed on Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th in observance of the Independence Day holiday.


[Learn the History of Independence Day]

[A Scout's Duty to Country - from Cub Scouts to Sea Scouts]

[Scouting America: America250]


LAST CALL for Scout Night with the Tri-City Chili Peppers

Saturday, June 27th


Scout Night with the Tri-City Chili Peppers is BACK! Add some fun to your summertime calendar, and come out to Shepherd's Stadium the evening of June 27th to cheer on our friends the Tri-City Chili Peppers as they take on the Greenbrier Knights!


[Join In The Fun!]

LAST CALL for Eagle Challenge Brick Orders
Forms Due by July 10th


Honor the achievement of an Eagle Scout with a personalized engraved Eagle Brick, a lasting tribute placed at the Hill Family Flag Plaza at T. Brady Saunders Scout Reservation overlooking Lake Dillon. Each brick is $200 and includes up to two lines of engraving, with eighteen characters per line to commemorate this milestone accomplishment. Proceeds from the Eagle Brick Program directly support Scouting programs across the Heart of Virginia Council. The 2026 Eagle Brick Ceremony will take place in fall 2026, with orders due by July 10 to be included in this special event.


[Eagle Challenge Brick Page]

2026 Richmond-Times Dispatch THE BEST Contest
Vote for Camp TBS July 15th through August 2nd


Thanks to you, Camp T. Brady Saunders has made the Richmond Times-Dispatch "The Best" voting list for Best Summer Camp! This is our third year in the running, and last year we took the #1 spot. Mark your calendars and vote for us every day (in the Entertainment category) from July 15th to August 2nd and help us secure The Best spot again in 2026!


[Bookmark the Link & Vote Each Day]

Scout Night at the Diamond

Friday, July 24th

 

Everyone's favorite Scout Night is on the books! Mark your calendars 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!

 

[Play Ball!]

TikTok & Reel Challenge

This is the Fun We Have in Scouting


This summer, the adventure doesn’t stop when the meeting ends, and we want to see it! The Heart of Virginia Council TikTok / Reel Challenge is officially on, and Scouts are invited to share the incredible fun, friendships, skills, and memories they’re making through Scouting. From campfires and canoe trips to hilarious moments and high adventure, show the world “This is the fun we get to do in Scouts!” using #VAScouts for your chance to win awesome prizes for your unit and yourself. Contest runs June 1st through August 8th, so charge those phones, get creative, and let the adventures roll!


[Download the Event Flyer]

Outdoor Activity Metrics

 

Every campout, hike, service project, fishing trip, bike ride, or outdoor adventure tells the story of Scouting in action... but only if it gets counted. Adult leaders, please take a few moments to log your unit’s outdoor connection metrics on my.scouting.org so we can better showcase the incredible adventures happening across our council. These numbers help highlight program impact, celebrate your hard work, and demonstrate the value of Scouting to families and communities. If your Scouts are getting outside, learning skills, and making memories, make sure it counts.

 

[Learn How to Track This Metric]

Military Family Fee Waiver

National Youth Registration Fees Waived as of June 1st

 

For military families, life often comes with frequent moves, changing schools, and rebuilding community connections. Scouting provides a place where youth can quickly make friends, grow in confidence, and develop leadership skills no matter where life takes them. That’s why Scouting America is proud to expand access to Scouting for military-connected families through a new Military Family Registration Fee Waiver beginning June 1, 2026. Under this new national initiative, the $85 National Youth Registration Fee will be waived for eligible military families through an online verification and discount code process. This benefit applies to both new and renewing youth members and is funded nationally through philanthropic support.


 

[Read All About It!]

24th Annual Sporting Clays Classic

Thursday, October 8th


Join 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.


[Register]

Unit Planning Resources

Build the Adventure Program Planning Event

Replay the Videos & Get the Resources



Each year, all Scout units should hold a summer program planning meeting where the calendar and program plan for the next year is discussed, mapped out, and set. For Cub Scout Packs, this meeting usually includes all pack volunteers and Cub parents. In Scout Troops, these program planning meetings typically include the Patrol Leader’s Council, the Troop Committee, and Scoutmasters. We hope you joined us for a very special Facebook Event on May 27th where we discussed program planning for Packs, Troops, Crews, and Posts, shared great tips and tricks, and learned more about upcoming training and fundraising opportunities. Visit the links below to see the videos!


[Visit the Build the Adventure Resource Page]

[Take the Pack Feedback Survey]

[Take the Troop, Crew & Post Feedback Survey]

Planning Your Best Year Ever Starts Here

2026-2027 Unit Program & Finance Planning Guidebook


The Heart of Virginia Council is excited to share our new 2026–2027 Unit Program & Finance Planning Guidebook, designed to help packs, troops, crews, and ships build an exciting, well-balanced program while staying on budget. Inside you'll find annual planning resources, fundraising guidance, Council and District events, recommended unit activities, Scout Life meeting themes, and more, all in one place. Whether you're a brand-new leader or a seasoned Scouter, this resource will help you spend less time wondering what's next and more time delivering the adventures your Scouts deserve.


[Visit the Build the Adventure Resource Page]

[Download the PDF]


Cub Scout Summertime Fun Adventure

2026 Planner Now Available!


The Cub Scout Required & Elective Adventures page, also known as the Cub Hub, is full of great program materials and links to special resources. One helpful tool is the Summertime Fun Adventure Planner, a month-by-month resource that helps you build a summertime calendar for your unit that helps your Scouts have fun while earning the Summertime Fun Adventure beltloop. Get yours by scrolling down to the Summertime Fun Adventure and clicking the title link, or by visiting the link below.


[Get Your 2026 Planner!]

First Year Camper Prep

How to Head Off Homesickness
Before and During Resident Camp


For many parents, summer camp can feel like a bigger adjustment for them than for their Scout — especially when homesickness enters the picture. A helpful article from Scout Life Magazine encourages families to prepare Scouts ahead of camp by building confidence, focusing on the fun ahead, and keeping goodbyes positive and encouraging rather than emotional. The article also reminds parents that homesickness is normal, usually temporary, and often overcome quickly once Scouts become engaged in activities, friendships, and camp routines. With support from leaders and encouragement from home, many Scouts return from camp more confident, independent, and proud of what they accomplished than they ever imagined possible.


[Read More!]

Send Your Scout A Care Package


Summer Camp is packed with adventure, but even the most fearless Scout can feel a twinge of homesickness. That’s where you come in! A surprise care package, stuffed with snacks, games, or a simple “you’ve got this!” note, can be just the morale boost they need to power through the week. Yes, you can send one... and we’ll make sure it gets into their eager hands.


Address packages like this:

Scout Name

Troop #, Week #

Camp T. Brady Saunders

1723 Maidens Road

Maidens, VA 23102

Fall Fundraising & Scholarships

Register Your Unit for the Fall Popcorn & Peanut Fundraiser


Set your unit up for a successful year by participating in the Fall Popcorn & Peanut Sale! This fundraiser provides the tools, training, and incentives your Scouts need to reach their goals and fund their adventures. Register your unit to reserve materials and gain access to helpful resources. RSVP to attend a kick-off event to pick up supplies and learn tips for a smooth and rewarding sale. The official sale begins August 22 - sign up today and get started!


[Register Your Unit Here!]

[Pop Over to PopcornVirginia.org]

[Attend the September 5th Costume-Making Workshop]

Fall Fundraiser Kick-Offs


We're kicking off your Fall Fundraising with several great district events aimed at getting you the most up-to-date popcorn and peanut sale details, prize information, important dates, and more! Make sure you have one (or more) on your calendar.


  • July 22: Early Bird Kick-Off at the Leadership Center, 7pm
  • August 3: Crater Kick-off, 7pm
  • August 4: Arrohattoc Kick-Off, 7pm
  • August 5: Dogwood Kick-Off, 6:30pm
  • August 11: Huguenot Trail Kick-Off, 7pm
  • August 13: James River Kick-Off, 7pm
  • August 27: Last Chance Kick-Off at the Leadership Center, 7pm


[Register for Kick-Off Details!]

Ian Coddington Philmont Scout Ranch Scholarship

Established by Gil & Martha Grattan



The Heart of Virginia Council is proud to introduce the Ian Coddington Philmont Scout Ranch Scholarship Fund - an incredible new opportunity designed to help more Scouts experience the adventure of a lifetime at Philmont Scout Ranch. Thanks to the generosity of Gil and Martha Grattan, this permanent endowment will support at least three Scouts each year who might not otherwise be able to attend. Named in honor of longtime Scouter Ian Coddington, who has inspired generations of youth and led more than 20 Philmont treks, this fund ensures that financial barriers won’t stand in the way of life-changing experiences.


[Learn More & Apply]

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]

🐯 Cub Scouts

LAST CALL Summer Camp at Cub Adventure Camp


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 this summer. Adventure Camp offers a 4-day, 3-night experience this summer at the Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation in Goochland County. Registration for session 3 remains open through July 3rd!


  • Session 3: July 17 – July 20


[Only the Valiant Need Apply!]

👑 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. 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. 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!]

[Submit Yours to Our Album]

Cub Adventure Camp Photo Albums


You wore the Viking's helmet and bore the Knight's sword. You found all of the magical dragon eggs, saved the day, and still found time to catch a fish or two. While you've been adventuring at Cub Adventure Camp, we're sure you've taken photos to commemorate the excitment of Summer Camp, and we would love to see them. Please consider dropping your photos into our individual session Google Photo albums!


[Session 1]

[Session 2]

[Session 3]

[Deep Run Day Camp]

Celebrate the Scout Rank Promotions


We've kicked off a brand-new series of social media posts focused on each rank in the Scouting program, from Lion to Eagle! Each Wednesday at 11am, we'll share fun details about what Scouts learn as they progress through the Cub Scout and Scouts BSA programs, and invite the community to Celebrate the Scout by sharing stories and photos in the comments.

Starting off with a big roar, our first spotlight focuses solely on the youngest among us, our proud Lions! Visit our Facebook and Instagram accounts to share a photo or two and tell us all about your Lion's favorite Scouting adventure.


[HOVC Facebook]

[HOVC Instagram]

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!


  • June 26: topic TBA
  • July 10: topic TBA
  • July 17: topic TBA


Did you miss the recent episode where they talked about Impact 365 and Telling the Scouting Story? 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]

⚜️ Scouts BSA, Exploring, Venturing, & Sea Scouts

LAST CALL Camp T. Brady Saunders 2026 Summer Camp


Summer is in full swing, and Scouts across the Heart of Virginia Council are already making memories that will last a lifetime. From campfires and waterfront adventures to merit badges and new friendships, there's still time to be part of the excitement at Camp T. Brady Saunders this summer. General registration for our Week 4 session, featuring our Provisional Troop 3, remains open through July 3. The Provisional Troop gives Scouts the opportunity to attend summer camp even if their troop isn't attending that week or at all. Provisional Scouts are welcomed and quickly become part of the camp family while enjoying all the adventure, growth, and fun that summer camp has to offer. Don't miss your chance to make this summer one to remember!


[Register Today!]


Camp T. Brady Saunders Photo Albums

 

Merit badges – earned. Bathing suit – sandy. Largemouth bass – landed. You spent the week hitting those step goals, trying new things, and conquering our giant waterslide. Maybe you swam a mile on Lake Dillon or won the volleyball tournament. Whatever the adventure, please consider dropping your photos into our week-specific Google Photo albums!


[Week 1]

[Week 2]

[Week 3]

[Week 4]

New Eagle Scout Harris Poll

A Legacy of Values-Based Leadership & Service

 

New research from Baylor University confirms what generations of Scouts, parents, and community leaders have long believed: Eagle Scouts are more likely to lead, serve, volunteer, give back to their communities, and make a lasting positive impact throughout their lives. The journey to Eagle is about far more than merit badges. It’s years of learning resilience, responsibility, teamwork, and servant leadership through real experiences and real challenges. In a world that needs courageous, ethical, and community-minded leaders more than ever, this research is a powerful reminder that Scouting continues to shape young people into exactly the kind of adults our communities need.

 

[Explore the Results]

Sea Scout Advancement Updates
Announced May 15th, Effective July 1st

 

A new update from Sea Scouts outlines important changes and clarifications to Sea Scout advancement requirements taking effect July 1, 2026. The updates are designed to better support youth advancement while continuing to strengthen seamanship, leadership, service, and maritime skills throughout the program. Sea Scouts, leaders, and parents are encouraged to review the changes carefully to ensure everyone is working from the most current requirements and resources.


[Get the Updates]

HURRY! 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! Contact us at


[Register for Buckskin]

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]

Hampden-Sydney College Merit Badge Day

Rescheduled for 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!]

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.


[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.


  • July 8: Year-Round Recruitment
    

[Get the 2026 Exploring Live Hour Flyer]

[2026 Live Hour Registration Link]

[Visit the Live Hour Page]

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!]

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]

Adult Training Opportunities

Adult Leadership Training: BALOO & IOLS

October 10th – 11th


You're not seeing double! BALOO and IOLS are offered twice this fall. BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) is for Cub Scout leaders and IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills) is for Scouts BSA leaders. These hands-on courses prepare you to safely lead overnight adventures and deliver unforgettable outdoor programs. Get trained, get outside, and give your Scouts the adventure they deserve! Registration is open now for these events!


[Register for BALOO]

[Register for IOLS]


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?]

Council, District & Scout Shop News

New Scout Shop Hours

Effective August 2026


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! Starting in August, 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]

Tie-Dye Activity Uniform Tee


Is tie-dye your thing? Get your groovy new activity uniform tee at the Scout Shop, 8090 Villa Park Drive in Glen Allen. These totally awesome shirts are available in adult medium and large and are $25 each! Come by and visit, browse our apparel inventory, and say hello to our Scout Shop team.



[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.


[Visit the Scout Shop]

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]

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.


There are no District Roundtables scheduled for July! We will return to our regular schedule in August. See you then!


[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]

Recruitment & New Membership

New, Simpler Renewal Cycle for All Members

Big Changes Coming by February 2028



Scouting America announced an important change at the National Annual Meeting (NAM) that will simplify the membership and unit renewal process nationwide.  By February 2028, all members and all units will have a single, common renewal month of February.  This change is in response to feedback from unit leaders and other Scouters who asked for a simpler, more consistent renewal experience. We appreciate and value their input.


[Read the Full Article]

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]

Recognition, Memorials & Honors

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]

Connect

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]



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Arrohattoc

Crater

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James River

ScoutReach

Council Events Calendar

Staff Directory

Contact

Heart of Virginia Council: (804) 355-4306

Scout Shop: (804) 204-2628

8090 Villa Park Drive, Henrico, VA 23228


Scouts First Helpline

Call or Text Anonymously 24/7


(844) SCOUTS1 |  (844) 726-8871 | scoutsfirst@scouting.org


Prepared. For Life.