Provisional Troop 3, sponsored by the Nawakwa Lodge 3, was back at Camp T. Brady Saunders for its 4th summer during week 5. This year, the troop comprised of 25 campers from 15 troops across 3 councils! [Read More About Their Accomplishments] | |
Scout Safety Moment: Scout First Helpline (844) 726-8871 | | |
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The protection of youth is the primary obligation of every individual involved in the Boy Scouts of America. The BSA has been and will continue to be vigilant in creating barriers that help prevent abuse and educating those involved in Scouting to recognize and report abuse regardless of where it occurs. As part of its “Scouts First” approach, the BSA has established 844-SCOUTS1 (844-726-8871), a dedicated 24-hour helpline to receive reports of known or suspected abuse or behavior that might put a youth at risk.
[Learn More]
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🚨 Scout Night at the Diamond
TONIGHT: July 26th | |
Scouts! This is your night! For just $13, you'll get a spot in the pre-game Scout Parade, a special event patch to commemorate the night, an exciting post-game movie on the outfield, and a visit from our friend, Baldy the Eagle Scout! Come cheer on the Flying Squirrels as they take on the Rumble Ponies. The weather looks perfect for an evening of family fun at the ball field. See you there!
[Get Your Tickets Online]
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🚨 Vote Camp T. Brady Saunders for Best Summer Camp! | |
The polls are open at the Richmond Times-Dispatch The Best competition, and our very own Camp T. Brady Sanders is on the ballot. Thank you for casting a vote each day through July 28th for The Best Summer Camp in the Entertainment category.
[Vote Each Day Through July 28th]
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2024 Fall Product Sale Sign-Up | |
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Our Early Bird Product Sale Kick-off was well attended! If you missed munching on delicious popcorn & peanut snacks and hanging out with this enthusiastic bunch of Popcorn Kernels & Nut Captains, no worries! You can attend your District Kick-off in August. For more info and to reserve your sales materials, sign up today! And don't forget to register for the Food Lion Show & Sell events, too!
[Product Sale Info & Sign-Up]
[Food Lion Show & Sells]
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Basic Shooting Sports Training | |
Camp T. Brady Saunders is planning to renovate the shooting ranges. Once completed, additional instructors and range safety officers will be needed. See below for dates and registration links.
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Richmond 50-Miler: August 5th - 9th | |
The Richmond 50-Miler is five days of hiking on five different trails in the Richmond area! Each day will consist of roughly 10-miles with conservation service hours along the trail. Completing all five days of the Richmond 50-Miler event, scheduled for August 5th - 9th, will complete 2 requirements for the BSA 50-Miler Award.
[Let's Hike!]
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Fishing Fun Day: August 10th | |
Everyone is invited for a Fishing Fun Day on August 10th at the Chester Club Lake. This special event is hosted by Troop 2819 and sponsored by the Chester Fishing Club and Chesterfield Fish & Game. Please park at Ecoff Elementary school, where you will be shuttled to the Chester Club Lake. Concessions and event patches will be available to purchase with CASH ONLY. Please register below!
[Go Fishing!]
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Range and Target Activities Program Updates: September 1st | |
Range and target activities provide Scouting the opportunity to instruct critical safe firearm handling to all age groups while also providing an opportunity for a Scout to learn self-discipline, concentration, mental discipline, self-reliance, self-esteem, problem-solving and responsibility. Range and target activities within Scouting programs will be updated effective September 1st. Details on these changes are now posted in the Guide to Safe Scouting, and additional information is available within this FAQ. | |
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New Fishing Gear Donated to Camp! | | |
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Special thanks go to Discover the James, Inc. and the Cohoke Fishing Club for the donation of over 20 rods and reels for fishing at the ponds at the Goochland Reservation. In addition, large boxes of hooks, sinkers, bobbers and lures were also donated. The ponds at the Reservation are stocked with at least five species of game fish are ready to be caught.
Did you know you can reserve boating and fishing time on Lake Dillon?
[Learn More]
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Duty to God Reverence Hub | |
A Scout is reverent. We've launched a new Duty to God: Reverence Hub, where we showcase the core values of Scouting by promoting reverence and inclusivity. On this new page, Scouts can find resources to deepen their understanding of their own beliefs and build upon their respect of the religious diversity in the Heart of Virginia Council. This is an ever-evolving page, and your feedback is important to us.
[Visit the Duty to God: Reverence Hub]
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Our Website Features New Tools for Users with Low Vision | | |
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We know our website is colorful, and jam-packed with information. Sometimes that can make for an overwhelming experience for users with low vision. We're working hard toward equitable communications, and are now using a special plug-in developed by EqualWeb that allows users to change the size of the text, highlight links and headers, enlarge buttons, set a dark or bright contrast, make the website monochrome, have the text read to them, and more. Try it out for yourself by visiting https://hovc.org and clicking on the blue accessibility icon on the bottom right of your page. | |
Our Website Features the Google Translate Tool | English isn't the only language spoken here in the Heart of Virginia Council. Did you know that we instituted the Google Translate tool several years ago to help visitors who speak Chinese, Hindi, and Spanish better access our online resources at https://hovc.org? Visit our website and try it out, and if you think we should include additional languages, send us a suggestion through our Contact Us page. | |
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Scout Nights and Summertime Fun | |
Have You Completed the Summertime Fun Adventure? | | |
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Cub Scouts... earn the new Summertime Fun Adventure this Summer! The National Summertime Pack award has been reimagined into an exciting elective adventure. This new adventure may be one of the simplest, it has one requirement and that is: anytime during May through August, participate in a total of three Cub Scout activities.
[Learn More & Get the Unit Planner]
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Richmond Raceway Summer Scout Experience: August 9th - 11th | |
Join the Richmond Raceway for a weekend of racing and activities at the 2024 Summer Scout Experience over the weekend of August 9th - 11th! Camp all weekend long, get your own RR branded Scout patch, go on a track walk, and see the Craftsman Truck Series and Cup Series races.
[Get More Scout Experience Flyer]
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Nitrocross at the Richmond Raceway: September 7th - 8th | | |
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Nitrocross, the next frontier of motorsports, is coming to Richmond, and we're all invited! Every event is a festival of speed, sound, and spectacle, where live entertainment and multiple motorsport disciplines come together to create an experience like no other. Where the pavement ends, the future begins! Come out to this premiere event September 7th and 8th, and use code "SCOUTS" to receive a special Nitrocross patch made just for us!
[Grab Your Tickets!]
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Cub Scout Program Changes: Effective June 1st | |
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The Cub Scout program is undergoing updates for the 2024-25 program year, following years of effort by the National Cub Scouting Committee. Identified through feedback from over 23,000 parents and leaders, the updates aim to enhance the program's simplicity. We have built a Cub Scout Program Hub, the Cub Hub, to help you better understand and prepare for the new program, which went into effect on June 1st.
[See Our New Cub Scout Program Hub]
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Cub Scout Program Changes Orientation Session: August 14th | |
Changes to the Cub Scout Program have arrived, and on August 14th at 7:00pm,we are hosting an Orientation Session for Roundtable Commissioners, Staff and the individuals who have been identified to serve as a trainer or resource for units. The session will be 45–50 minutes long and will provide an overview of the new program that rolled out on June 1, 2024.
[Register Today!]
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In-Person Den Leader Training: August 24th | |
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Attention All New Den Leaders and Assistant Den Leaders! Our youth deserve not just leaders, but exceptionally trained leaders. As a parent, you undoubtedly want the best for your child. Let’s set the standard high for ourselves and our fellow leaders. Invest in training to ensure every Scout receives the guidance and support they deserve. Together, we can make a difference. Join us for this FREE training on August 24th at the Leadership Center.
[Register Here!]
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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!
(July 26th)
What's a Cub Scout Commissioner?
(August 2nd & 9th) TBA
[Learn More & Watch the Archives]
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Weekend Experiences at Cub Adventure Camp | |
Now is the perfect time to plan an awesome event for your Pack families! Weekend Experiences at Cub Adventure Camp is a program designed for you, by you. Pick your programming and make it a day or a weekend of Cub Scouting fun! Cubmasters, book your Weekend Experience now!
[Learn More]
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In My Scouting Era: August 24th | |
Bring your Friends to Camp T. Brady Saunders and experience the FUN of Scouting on August 24th... waterfront activities, Shooting Sports, games, s'mores, hiking, and more! This event is FREE to Girl Troops who bring prospective members who are not yet registered, and they will also receive a limited design event sticker.
[Don't Miss Out]
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Intro to Outdoor Leadership Skills for Troops: August 24th | |
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The purpose of ILST is to teach Scouts with leadership positions about their new roles and how to most effectively reach success in that role. It is intended to help Scouts in leadership positions within their troop understand their responsibilities and to equip them with organizational and leadership skills to fulfill those responsibilities. Registration is open for the August 24th course in Tappahannock.
[Register Today!]
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Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training: September 21st | | |
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We're excited to offer Scoutmaster / Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training on September 21st 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!]
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Winter Camp 2025: January 17th - 20th | |
Scouts, don’t sit around this winter being bored – come chill out with your friends at Winter Camp 2025 (January 17th-20th)! Enjoy winter climbing at the Patty Dunn Climbing Tower, earn merit badges, and participate in our Troop Cook Off! Winter Camp 2025 registration opens September 16th. Are you Yeti for Adventure?
[Winter Camp Details]
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Troop Talk Live, 3pm on 2nd Wednesdays | | |
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The second Wednesday of each month at 3pm Eastern, 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 to the Path to Eagle, and more.
The next Troop Talk Lives are scheduled for August 14th, September 11th, and October 9th! See you there!
[Learn More & Watch the Archives]
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Calling All Radio Scouts, and Scouts Interested in Radio! | |
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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 BSA registered youth and adult volunteers at no cost.
[Join the Club!]
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Permanent Orienteering Course & Avenza Topographic Maps | |
Whether you're working on rank requirements or the Orienteering merit badge, Camp T. Brady Saunders has a new set of Permanent Orienteering Courses in Virginia! Downloadable course maps and Avenza Topographic maps have been added to the BradySaunders.net website.
[Get on the Course]
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Weekend Experiences at T. Brady Saunders | |
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Our Weekend Experience at T. Brady Saunders opens parts of camp for weekend use! Weekend primitive camping opportunities are available at S. Douglas Fleet from August through May, based on availability. We offer Troops the opportunity to customize a program specifically tailored for their Scouts. Come out for nature, fishing, shooting, STEM, and more. We even have canoes available for rent!
[Learn More]
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Glow Trail Run 5K and Kids 1-Miler | |
Ready to light up the night? Join us for a unique glow-in-the-dark race where you can run, jog, or walk through our stunning
all-terrain trail course, all under the stars! Don't miss out on this unique after-dark adventure! The 2nd Annual Glow Trail Run 5K and Kids 1-Miler takes place on October 5th at Cub Adventure Camp and Camp T. Brady Saunders and is open to everyone (so bring a buddy or two)!
[Get Glowing!]
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Thursday, October 10th, is a bad day to be a clay! This signature Sporting Clays event is fun for both experienced shooters and novices. Corporate sponsors use the event to entertain clients and reward business associates. Carefully laid out around the beautiful Cub Adventure Camp in Goochland County, the course consists of multiple stations with unique presentations. All proceeds support and grow Scouting programs in Central Virginia.
[Join In!]
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Adult Leader News & Training | |
August District Roundtables | | |
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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]
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New Tees at the Scout Shop! | |
The HOVC Scout Shop is full of new inventory! Does the Eagle Scout in your life need a new tee shirt? Maybe your Cub Scout is looking for a glow-in-the-dark graphic tee to celebrate their new rank? We have a variety of new designs in stock. Visit us at 8090 Villa Park Drive in Henrico, email ScoutShopHOVC@scouting.org, or call at 804-204-2628.
[Visit Our Scout Shop Webpage]
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24-Hour Notice for Advanced Orders and Free Rank Patches | |
Did you know that we will shop your order and have it ready for you to pick up? This is a service we're proud to offer, and want to remind our customers to please provide us 24-hour notice for all advanced orders. We also need 24-hour notice for all free rank patch orders.
[Visit Our Scout Shop Webpage]
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The Heart of Virginia Council Scout Shop, located in the Leadership Center at 8090 Villa Park Drive, is offering a Patch Sewing Service to save you some time and frustration (especially if you don’t own a sewing machine and the thought of hand stitching or using Badge Magic on those patches makes you shudder).
[Take Patches Off Your To-Do List]
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Heart of Virginia Council News | |
Heart of Virginia Council Strategic Plan | | |
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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]
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Heart of Virginia Council Master Plan | |
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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]
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Recognition, Memorials and Honors | | |
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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. The Eagle's Nest celebrates the accomplishments of those Scouts who have attained that highest rank in Scouting.
[Visit the Eagle's Nest]
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Tributes and memorials are a way for us to honor, cherish, or 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]
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Like being in-the-know? Our Facebook page is regularly updated with news and information we feel is most helpful to our Scouting community. Swing by and give us a like and a follow, and don't forget to share the posts that are most meaningful or helpful to you.
[Visit fb.com/ScoutingVA]
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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]
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Friday 5 and 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.
[Friday 5 and Courier]
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