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Scouting News
Congratulations to the 2021 Class of Silver Beavers
The Heart of Virginia Council’s highest volunteer recognition, the Silver Beaver Award, will be awarded to five highly deserving Scouters. These Scouters have made a huge impact in the lives of youth through their hard work, self-sacrifice, and years of dedicated service. We are pleased to announce the 2021 Class of Silver Beavers as well as the details of our spring banquet, scheduled for Sunday, May 22nd at Cub Adventure Camp.

2021 Eagle Commencement - April 24th
You are cordially invited to attend this year's celebration of those Eagle Scouts who have climbed the trail and reached its highest summit. Join us on April 24th at Randolph-Macon College, Blackwell Auditorium. We invite Life Scouts to register to serve in the Honor Guard, and have event donor and sponsor opportunities available as well. RMC is also pleased to offer hour-long campus tours prior to the Commencement!

2022 Eagle Brick Unveiling Ceremony
The 2022 Eagle Brick Unveiling Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, September 17th, 2022! A great way to honor your Eagle Scout is to sponsor a personally engraved Eagle Brick. The cost is $200 per brick which includes engraving of up to eighteen characters per line (letters, space and punctuation) with a maximum of two lines. To be included in the 2022 Eagle Brick Unveiling Ceremony, brick orders must be received by July 8th, 2022.

Black History Month Features
Throughout Black History Month, the Heart of Virginia Council is proud to spotlight influential Scouts, both local and historical, who have left an impact on our program and community at large. It has been our pleasure throughout February to learn more about some of our local Scouting heroes. Enjoy a look back at this special celebration.
Colonel Porcher L. Taylor, Jr.
Retired Colonel and education administrator Porcher L. Taylor was born on August 9, 1925 in Jacksonville, Florida to Porcher L., Sr. and Mary Bell Taylor. Taylor’s father was the founder, publisher, and editor of the Florida Tattler. The weekly newspaper ran from 1934 until his death in 1964. Taylor was hired by his father to work in the family business, Taylor and Son Printing Company, Inc. Taylor worked as a typesetter and a pressman until 1943, when he joined the U.S. Navy and spent three years on tour in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, he was able to enroll at Tuskegee Institute with support from the Army’s G.I. Bill.

Earle Taylor
Mr. Taylor is a long-time supporter of local Scouting, especially in the Capitol District. In 1964, he and four other local Scout leaders became the first black Virginians to take Wood Badge. He served as the last District Commissioner of the Frederick Douglass District when Scouting was integrated in 1970, serving then as the first District Commissioner of our Capitol District. Several years ago, Mr. Taylor earned and received his 80-year BSA pin. Earle Taylor has been honored in Scouting as the recipient of the Order of Merit, the St. George Emblem and the Silver Beaver award. He participated as a national staff person in the 1977 and 1981 National Jamborees.

Linwood D. Ross
Mr. Linwood D. Ross was a beloved Scouter in the Heart of Virginia Council, mentoring countless young Scouts during his 70-year tenure as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 478 chartered by Ebenezer Baptist Church in Jackson Ward. This incredible tenure set a record for the longest service ever for an adult leader in the Boy Scouts. Mr. Ross taught hundreds of Richmond boys to be prepared while building their confidence and helping shape their character. He was inducted into the Boy Scouts National Hall of Leadership, still holding the title of Scoutmaster of Troop 478 when he passed away in May of 2021.

George Keith Martin
George Keith Martin earned his Eagle Scout rank in 1968 at the age of 14 with Troop 478, sponsored by Ebenezer Baptist Church in Jackson Ward. He Scouted under the leadership of Mr. Linwood D. Ross. Martin began his legal career in 1978 as a litigation associate at the law firm of Hirschler, Fleisher, Weinberg, Cox & Allen in Richmond. In 1984, he became a partner ta the law firm of Wilder, Gregory & Martin. He served on the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners in 1991, and as general counsel for the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority. What has followed is an incredible and impressive career and dedication to service.

Upcoming Council Events and Scout Shop News
HOVC Adult Derby
Come race Pinewood Derby Cars and socialize at an event benefiting the Heart of Virginia Council, BSA. This adults-only event is presented by Midas of Richmond and hosted by Hardywood Brewery. Beer and pizza will be provided for all competitors, and spectators are welcomed and encouraged. #Richmond540


2022 Tournament of Eagles
Save the date and enjoy a day of competitive golfing and networking while supporting local Scouting programs at our 2022 Tournament of Eagles on May 9th at the Country Club of Virginia.

Friends of Scouting Dinner, May 12th, 2022
The Heart of Virginia Council 2022 Friends of Scouting dinner at the Greater Richmond Convention Center has been rescheduled to Thursday, May 12th, 2022. Join us this spring and hear from decorated former US Navy Seal, sniper, and combat medic who served with "American Sniper" Chris Kyle and was the technical advisor and co-star in the movie, "American Sniper." You are guaranteed to leave inspired!

Camping and Outdoor Fun
Battlefield Klondike Derby
The annual Battlefield District Klondike Derby is back this March 4th - 6th at Dorey Park. The Oregon Trail themed event is sure to thrill every Scout. Are you prepared for the pitfalls of cholera, tuberculosis, rattlesnake bites, broken bones, food shortages, and other hazards travelers would have encountered on the Oregon Trail? Earn gold to buy cures, food and water, and first aid items your team will need. Registration closes TONIGHT (2/25) at 11:59pm.

Rivers District
Spring Camporee
The Spring Camporee, scheduled for April 29th - May1st at Red Oak Nursery in Montross, is a time for all Scouts to come together and have a great weekend of camping, competition, recognition, and fun! This year it’s going to be a feather plucking good time with great camping and lots of fun chicken themed activities and competitions during the "Why'd the chicken cross the road?" Spring Camporee! This event is open to all packs and troops in the HOV Council.

2022 Camp Card Fundraiser
Camp Cards are sold for $5 each with 50% of the proceeds kept with the unit. This year's card has over $90 in savings, PLUS thousands of exclusive local and national coupons with the Entertainment Digital Savings Membership®New this year, you can POP UP your fundraising commission by selling Camp Masters Popcorn alongside your Camp Cards! Sell MORE Camp Cards and get an increase in commission, PLUS get up to a 50% commission on popcorn sold. Popcorn is available on consignment, so this is a risk-free opportunity as well.

T. Brady Saunders
Information Meeting
Join us for a virtual Camp T. Brady Saunders 2022 Information Meeting on March 8th at 7:00 pm. Anyone with questions about camp are invited and encouraged to join us. Register for this special meeting using the link below!

Cub Adventure Camp
Information Meeting
Join us for a virtual Cub Adventure and Day Camp 2022 Information Meeting on March 16th at 7:00 pm. Anyone with questions about camp are invited and encouraged to join us. Register for this special meeting using the link below!

TBS Spring Camp
The Spring Weekend Camporee is a great way to get out of the house and enjoy camp as a part of your Spring Break. Many different merit badges are offered, including many Eagle-required badges. Come out to TBS from April 8th -10th and learn some new skills, enjoy the springtime camping, and make some memories.

Cub Scout Spring Camp
Calling all Cub Scouts! Join us at Cub Adventure Camp for a weekend of fun activities, like BB's, archery, fishing, field games, crafts, a Scavenger Hunt, and LOTS of biking and spring-themed programs. Come for the day or stay the night! April 23rd - 24th at Cub Adventure Camp. See you there!

TBS Summer Camp
Unit registration is open for Summer Camp 2022 at Camp T. Brady Saunders. There are six total weeks available to choose from, running from June 19th through July 30th. There are 16 separate campsites, four shower houses with individual rooms, a large air-conditioned dining hall, trading post, health lodge, aquatics program, and so much more. Don't miss out on the best week of summer!

Summer Camp Provisional Troop 3
Scouts, will you miss your troop’s summer camp this year or do you want an additional week of fun and adventure? Then sign up to join Provisional Troop 3 at Camp T. Brady Saunders during Week 5 of summer camp (July 17 - 23).

Become part of a cohesive unit experience while having fun, learning new skills, & earning merit badges. Troop 3 will also offer a few unique experiences beyond the regular camp programs.

Cub Scout Summer Camp at Cub Adventure Camp
Summer is the perfect season for you to spend quality time with your family! One of the most rewarding and character-building things you can do together is to go camping, and I hope you consider taking your Scout to a session of Cub Adventure Camp. We're excited to offer four summer camp sessions, beginning June 26th and running through July 18th. Activities include all of your favorites, like fishing, shooting sports, swimming, and more. Registration opens soon!

National Summertime
Pack Award
The National Summertime Pack Award is made to encourage a pack to be active when school is out for the summer, by doing one activity per month in June, July, and August. Has your unit planned for the Summertime Pack Award?

2023 National Jamboree, July 19th-28th
Jamboree is more than a destination. It's the adventure of a lifetime. And there is simply nothing else like it on the planet. Are you interested in attending the 2023 National Jamboree? Complete our registration to help HOVC better track our participating Scouts/Scouters.

Back-At-Camp Council Camporee - Rescheduled!
We have decided to postpone the Back-At-Camp Camporee to the Spring of 2023! We look forward to sharing more information with you about this special event and thank you for your interest. We hope you'll join us next year.
Training and Life Skill Opportunities
The Trainer's EDGE
If you answer “yes” or even “maybe” to these questions, come join us for Trainer’s EDGE! It’s so much more than “just training.” The new and improved Trainer’s EDGE helps develop the skills of leaders and trainers. It’s the perfect train-the-trainer course for Wood Badge, Commissioner’s College, NYLT, and even unit leadership. This is a great opportunity to impact the quality of the program you’re providing to the youth in your care. Training is scheduled for March 5th - register today!

Scoutmaster-Specific Training
Scoutmaster-Specific Training introduces you to everything you need to know about running a Scouts BSA Troop. This in-person training concentrates on Troop operation and is open to Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters. Registration is open for this March 19th training at Albright Scout Reservation.

Orienteering at Albright Spring 2022
Spring Orienteering at Albright
The Central Virginia Orienteering Club - CVOC - is presenting its Ninth Annual Orienteering Weekend in conjunction with Albright Scout Reservation. CVOC members, Scouts, and the public are welcome. No experience is necessary and instruction relative to compass and map basics can be provided. Registration is open for the event on SaturdayMarch 262022!

IOLS and BALOO
Huguenot Trail is offering both BALOO and IOLS at Albright Scout Reservation the weekend of April 23rd and 24th. IOLS is required for Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, Crew Advisors, and Associate Crew Advisors. Packs and Webelos Dens must have a BALOO trained leader in attendance.

Commissioner's College
If you have just completed a tour as a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, or any other adult Scouter position and want to continue to service Scouting in a different capacity, consider becoming a Unit Commissioner. A Unit Commissioner normally supports three units and draws on your experiences to help new leaders provide the Scouting program to their unit. Unit Commissioners are the “behind-the-scenes” support that ALL units need. Commissioners are district and council leaders who help Scout units succeed. They coach and consult with adult leaders of Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and Venturing crews. Register today for this training, scheduled for April 23rd!

NYLT Registration is Open!
Heart of Virginia Council is proud to offer National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) from June 19th to June 25th, 2022! National Youth Leadership Training is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others.

Save the Date for the Buckskin 2022 Leadership Experience coming to Scouts BSA Troops in the Heart of Virginia Council the week of July 31st through August 7th, 2022. More details will be shared in the coming weeks and registration will open soon.

Wood Badge 2022 is an advanced, national leadership course open only to registered Scouting volunteers and professionals. Adult leaders from Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, plus district and council Scouters are all are welcome and belong at Wood Badge. Registration is OPEN for the fall training, scheduled over the weekends of October 7th - 9th at Cub Adventure Camp, and November 5th -6th at T. Brady Saunders. You don't want to miss this opportunity!

Merit Badge Opportunities
Automotive Maintenance
Merit Badge
Mark your calendar for March 26th, 2022 and join us at Clove Hill Farms Recreation Association Pool for the Automotive Maintenance Merit Badge presented by Clover Motor Co. Racing. The cost is $7.50 per Scout and includes lunch. There are no pre-requisites for this course, but there are only 30 spots available and only a handful remain, so register today!

Spring Cooking Merit Badge
Registration is open for the Cooking Merit Badge course taking place April 5th-8th, 2022 at Cub Adventure Camp. Scouts will have the opportunity to earn the complete cooking merit badge during this intensive class, where they will learn how to make many things from scratch including bread, pie, and much more! Must be at least 13 years old to attend. Parents are welcome.

Hampden-Sydney College Merit Badge Day
Previously scheduled for February 19th, our Hampden-Sydney College Merit Badge Day has been rescheduled to June 11th due to COVID. If you would like to retain your registration with the new dates, no further action is required. If, however, the rescheduled dates no longer meet with your needs, please contact the Heart of Virginia Council at (804) 355-4306 and a refund will be issued at your request. We apologize for the inconvenience, appreciate your understanding, and look forward to a great event on June 11th.  

Community
Scout Night at the Diamond
Scouts, we might be off base but we think you’re going to have a ball at Scout Night at the Diamond on July 29th at 6:30 PM. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to enjoy a post-game movie and pitch a tent on the outfield for a major league camping experience. Can’t stay the night? No harm, no foul. Scouts are invited to swing by for the game!

Scouts Weekend at the Richmond Raceway
April 1st through 3rd, all Scouts and parents are invited to come out to Richmond Raceway, camp and enjoy the spring NASCAR race. Individual day passes are also available!

National Museum of the Marine Corps Scout Program
The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a great place to bring your Scouts for a hands-on, inspiring tour of American history, leadership, science, or art through the lens of the United States Marine Corps! For more information on how to schedule a free program for your Scouts, please contact their Chief of Education at laura.hockensmith@usmcu.edu. They look forward to seeing you!

Scouting with Heart Newsletter Submissions
We continue celebrating the awesome accomplishments of the youth we serve here in the Heart of Virginia Council and would love to feature your Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venturers, and Explorers in our Scouting with Heart newsletter. We have numerous very special editions for you to enjoy and would love to feature YOUR Scout!

March District Roundtables
District 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 in the first week of the month. Upcoming dates can be found through the link below.

Recognition and Honor
Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America program. Only four percent of Boy Scouts achieve this remarkable milestone. [Eagle Scouts]
Tributes and memorials are a way for us to honor, cherish, or remember our Scouting mentors and loved ones. [Honorees]
District Websites
Check out your district for upcoming events and important news!
Heart of Virginia Council  
804.204.2635 | www.hovc.org
info@scoutingva.org | #ScoutingVA

Prepared. For. Life.