Portable generators are a common tool when temporary or remote power is needed. In Scouting, these could be used at large district or council events, or at summer or winter camps. Generators can be incredibly helpful, but do have some inherent dangers.

[Learn More]

We are thrilled to share the good news that Troop 840's stolen smoker has been found! The smoker, which is stored at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Chesterfield, helps their unit cover about 80% of their annual fundraising, and went missing at some point in November. Congratulations to T840 - we're so glad you have your smoker back.

[Read More!]

Is your unit gearing up for a celebratory and festive season? It's the perfect time to learn more about ALL the holidays (of which there are many) observed in December. Did you know that the BSA maintains a calendar of religious observances for all faiths to help you better plan your meetings and special events?

[Get the Calendar]

We are thrilled to announce our Keynote Speaker for the 2024 Friends of Scouting Dinner, presented by Lansing Building Products. Kyle Petty will join us on April 11th at the Greater Richmond Convention Center Grand Ballroom. Kyle Petty is an auto racing icon, a champion of philanthropy, and one of the most popular personalities in NASCAR. He is a storied race car driver, a vibrant TV personality, a talented musician, a dedicated philanthropist, a published author, and a motivational speaker.

[Additional FOS Dinner Details]

We invite you to visit our Heart of Virginia Council Master Plan page to learn more about where we've spent more than $855,000 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]

Congratulations to our units who are well on their way to earning FREE RANK PATCHES for the year! Qualifying units sold at least $400 in product (popcorn, peanuts, and/or Camp Cards), hosted a Friends of Scouting Family presentation and complete their Unit Renewal by December 15th!

[Learn More]

Each Thursday, we're sharing posts dedicated to Cub Scout Recruitment on our Facebook page. Units are encouraged to share these posts to their own Facebook pages (personal and unit-specific) throughout recruitment season!

[Visit HOVC on Facebook]

Do you know how to properly accommodate for your campers? You must have separate accommodations for adult males and females and youth males and females; this includes separate tenting arrangements. Youth sharing tents must be no more than two years apart in age. In Cub Scouting, parents and guardians may share a tent with their family; however, in all other programs, youth and adults tent separately. Spouses may share tents.

[Get All the Details]

Scouts who sold $2,000 in Popcorn and/or Peanuts earned their way to the Blast Day Rocket Launch Party! The event will be held at Cub Adventure Camp in Maidens, VA on December 9, 2023 (rain date December 16, 2023). This will also be a "Bring a Buddy" event where Scouts can bring a friend to learn more about Scouting and participate in shooting sports and the climbing tower... more details coming soon!

[More Information]

☃️ Do you want to build a pizza? Come on, let's go and eat! Don't cook dinner anymore - it's delivered to your door! Stay inside, enjoy the heat! 🍕

Spread a little warmth this holiday season. Use code SCOUTS and 10% of your order will return to Council through the Dollars 4 Dough program and for the benefit of Scouts.

[Dollars 4 Dough]

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 at the beginning of the month.

[Get Roundtable Dates & Details]

The South of the James Training Team is offering Scoutmaster / Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training on January 13th during Winter Camp at T. Brady Saunders for registered leaders throughout the Heart of Virginia Council. This training is required for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters.  The cost is FREE and includes water, light refreshments, and "Trained" patches for leaders who have completed all training requirements for their registered position.

[Get Trained on January 13th, 2024]

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. Registration opens December 15th.

[Stay Updated!]

The South of the James Training Team is offering Scoutmaster / Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training on February 10th for registered leaders throughout the Heart of Virginia Council. This training is required for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters.  The cost is FREE and includes water, light refreshments, and "Trained" patches for leaders who have completed all training requirements for their registered position.

[Get Trained on February 10th, 2024]

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) gives Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters the practical knowledge they need to help Scouts to safely learn outdoor skills. Along with Scoutmaster Specifics, this course is required of all direct contact leaders registered in Scouts BSA Troops in order to be considered "Trained." Come get trained with us March 9th - 10th, 2024 at Camp T. Brady Saunders.

[Get IOLS Trained!]

Every Cub Scout deserves a trained leader! Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) is designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program, with one part completed online and the other in-person. Your Pack MUST have at least ONE BALOO trained adult leader in attendance at all Pack overnighters. The next opportunity is March 9th - 10th, 2024 at Camp T. Brady Saunders.

[Get BALOO Trained!]

Wood Badge is the ultimate leadership training program of the BSA. Reflecting the best of nearly a century of Scouting experience and tradition, Wood Badge draws upon current leadership models used to train leaders in organizations throughout the world. Through hands-on activities, learning experiences, and games, leadership models are brought to life. Our next Wood Badge course takes place over two weekends at Cub Adventure Camp. Join us April 12th - 14th and April 27th - 28th, 2024!

[Get Wood Badge Trained!]

Trainer's EDGE helps participants to develop the skills of leaders and trainers. It focuses on improving the participant’s leadership, communication and training skills. The Trainer’s Edge is the required train-the-trainer course for Wood Badge, Commissioners’ College, NYLT staff and all other BSA training courses. The Course is highly beneficial for all leaders of Packs and Troops. Take advantage of this great opportunity to impact the quality of the programs our youth receive through well-trained leaders!

[Register for Trainer's EDGE]

A September 1, 2023, the following rule went into effect: All adults staying overnight in connection with a Scouting activity must be currently registered in an adult fee required position as listed or as an adult program participant. Registration as a Merit Badge Counselor does not meet this requirement. There are limited exceptions for Cub Scout overnight programs.

[Read the Full Announcement]

Numerous Scouting programs are conducted in the great outdoors, and the Hazardous Weather training module is dedicated to the effective management of weather-related risks for our Scouting community. It offers a comprehensive discussion on the significance of understanding the risks associated with our outdoor classroom, with a particular focus on three critical areas: lightning safety, managing heat and hydration, and preventing hypothermia.

[Take This FREE Training Online]

Whether you're working on rank requirements or the Orienteering merit badge, a list of Permanent Orienteering Courses in Virginia is a helpful resource for Scouts and leadership! A two-page list of permanent courses, including instructions, maps, and more will be regularly reviewed and maintained. Keep your eyes peeled for an opportunity to earn your Orienteering Merit Badge in October.

[Show Me the Way!]

Arrohattoc

Dogwood

James River

Crater

Huguenot Trail

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