2023 Council Camporee Apparel! | | |
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A limited number of Council Camporee t-shirts (not hoodies) are available for purchase in the Scout Shop, but you can order your swag online from our HOVC Apparel Store at any time, in any size, in several different colors (we hear the green shirt is the softest shirt ever). Have it shipped directly to your mailbox (with shipping and handling). Bookmark our Apparel Store and visit it often to get your favorite new Scout gear! Summer camp designs will be available for purchase soon.
[Grab Some Swag]
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The South of the James Training Team invites you to an OUT OF THIS WORLD UP3 event at the Chester Presbyterian Church from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on May the 4th. Featuring Cub Midway, activities tailored to the Cub Scout program, and a vendor fair spotlighting local Scouting friendly merchants and attractions, as well as door prizes and ice cream, UP3 is a MUST ATTEND event.
[Go to UP3]
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Unit Program Planning Party (UP3), May the 4th & June 7th | | |
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The BSA is Out of Bankruptcy!
3 Things to Know!
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Share the good news. Three things to know – BSA is out of bankruptcy, Scouting is safer than ever before, and the future of Scouting is bright.
[Learn More!]
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Annual Health & Medical Forms for ALL Participants | |
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A reminder to all parents and unit leaders that right now is the time to review your existing Annual Health and Medical Records on file for your Scouts AND participating members of their family. The Scouting adventure, camping trips, high-adventure excursions, and having fun are important to everyone in Scouting—and so is your safety and well-being.
[Update Your AHMR]
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Bi-Weekly Prize Drawings for Camp Cards | | |
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Is your Scout fundraising with Camp Cards this spring? Scouts should report to their Camp Card Leader every other Monday how many Camp Cards were sold during that 2-week period. Scouts’ names will be placed in the bi-weekly Council drawing to win a prize (one entry per 10 cards sold)! The sooner Scouts sell their cards and the more cards they sell, the better chance they’ll have to win cool prizes including an assortment of awesome camping gear and equipment!
[Leaders, Enter Your Scouts Here!]
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Scouts Trash the Trash Day, May 6th, 2023 | |
Scouting units are invited to register now to participate in the May 6th Scouts Trash the Trash Day! This special event is an international Messengers of Peace project for Scouts around the world, where each Scout is challenged to bring a friend or family member around to collect 2.2 pounds of trash! Are you participating?
[Trash the Trash]
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Bill & Heather Mulvihill
Community Celebration
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The Huguenot Trail District of the Heart of Virginia Council is delighted to invite all to a Community Celebration for Bill and Heather Mulvihill on May 7th at Cub Adventure Camp to recognize and celebrate the longtime devotion and their many, many contributions to Scouting in Central VA. Registration closes on May 5th.
[Celebrate the Mulvihills]
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Arrohattoc District Awards Event, May 12th |
The Arrohattoc District Recognition Team will host the 2023 Arrohattoc District Recognition Event recognizing our Scouts and Scouters for their accomplishments in 2022 on Friday, May 12th, 7:00pm, at Cosby High School in Chesterfield.
[Register to Attend]
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Day of Service Flag Collection | |
Though registration has closed for our Food Drive and Council Curated projects, it remains open for Unit Service Projects, including a new opportunity benefitting the Virginia War Memorial! If you or your Unit is in possession of flags that need to be retired, please bring them to the Virginia War Memorial's collection area on May 13th from 9am to 4pm. Register now through the 13th!
[Day of Service]
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2023 Tournament of Eagles
May 15th, 2023
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Enjoy a day of competitive golfing and networking on May 15th at The Country Club of Virginia while supporting local Scouting programs. Registration and lunch begin at 12:00 pm. The tournament’s shotgun start is at 1:00 pm. A reception with food and awards will follow the Tournament. We hope to see you on the green! Register today!
[FORE!]
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Program Fee Changes as of January 1, 2024 |
Changes to program fees will take effect beginning January 1, 2024. It's important for all Packs, Troops, Crews and Posts to review the announcement below.
[Read the Full Announcement]
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Glow Trail Run 5K & Kids 1-Miler, October 7th | | |
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Get ready to GLOW on Saturday, October 7th! In celebration of our 110th Anniversary, we're de-lighted to share plans for a Fall Family 5k & Kids Fun Run! With a giant campfire program complete with S'mores, glow-in-the-dark t-shirts and other fun treats, it'll be an event that will outshine the rest! Whether you like to run, walk, cheer or volunteer, we hope you'll join us! S'more details to follow!
[Take the 5K Poll & Interest Survey]
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Papa Johns Dollars 4 Dough | |
Did you just spend the weekend cooking three squares for your unit at the Council Camporee? Take the night off and let Papa John's make dinner. Get delicious, hot, cheesy pizza and appetizers from Papa John's! Use code SCOUTS and 10% of your order will come back to Council through the Dollars 4 Dough program and for the benefit of Scouts.
[Dollars 4 Dough]
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Youth Protection and Adult Leadership | | |
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Effective September 1, 2023, the following rule goes 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]
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What's New at the Scout Shop | |
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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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The HOVC Scout Shop has a limited supply of 2023 Scout Sunday and Pinewood Derby patches, and 2022 Journey to Excellence Gold Award patches in stock! Swing by and grab yours before they're gone!
[Visit the Scout Shop Website]
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One of the most rewarding and character-building things you can do together is to go camping, and we hope you consider taking your Scout to a session of Cub Adventure Summer Camp. Adventure Camp offers a 4-day, 3-night experience this summer in Goochland County. You can attend as a family or just as a parent/Scout pair. Meals are served in our air-conditioned Dining Hall, and you can stay in our Tent Village or in a Western Frontier Fort, Yurt, or Cabin.
[Register, Ye Scallywag!]
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CAC Summer Camp 2023 Leader's Guide | |
Avast, all ye leaders, and beware! A brand new 2023 Summer Camp Leader's Guide has been posted to the Cub Adventure Camp website. It be the real code, not just guidelines, so there's no excuse to show up as landlubbers or scallywags. Pack Leadership, make sure you've downloaded a copy and check the website often for updates!
[Get Ye Bounty!]
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Cub Scout Day Camp Registration is OPEN! | |
You auto know that Cub Scout Day Camp is squealing wheels to a local park near you! Join in on the fun at Robious Landing Park from June 12th - 16th, Deep Run Park from June 26th - 30th, or Dorey Park from August 12th - 13th. Good news! REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Visit our page below to sign up.
[Get Set... GO!]
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National Summertime Pack Award | | |
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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. This is an individual recognition for Scouts; however, a Pack can qualify for the certificate and flag streamer by planning and conducting three summertime pack activities. Our National Summertime Pack Award Unit Planner has been updated for 2023!
[Start Planning Your Summer!]
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Summer Camp 2023
Registration Is Open!
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2023 TBS Summer Camp is open for registration! Join in on the summer fun at Camp T. Brady Saunders at one of our five week-long sessions. We'll earn merit badges, enjoy water sports on Lake Dillon, climb the new rock wall, relax around our campfires, consume as many slushies as possible, and have a great time together.
[Join Us at TBS This Summer!]
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Provisional Troop 3 Registration Open! | | |
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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 4 of summer camp (July 9th - 15th). 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, for both boys and girls.
[Provisional Troop 3 Registration]
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TBS Summer Camp 2023
Leader's Guide
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Summer Camp at T. Brady Saunders is right around the corner! Unit Leadership, swing by the Camp website and download a copy of the 2023 Summer Camp Leader's Guide. Don't forget to visit the camp site often for updates, and get your unit registered for camp!
[Go Camping!]
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TBS Summer Camp Merit Badge Registration Open | |
Take a break from the chilly winter-like weather and think warm, happy thoughts... because 2023 Summer Camp Merit Badge Registration is officially open! Choose from 66 merit badges and special programs to make the absolute most of your summer camp experience at Camp T. Brady Saunders!
[Get the Details]
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Orienteering Merit Badge - May 6th, 7th, and 13th | |
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The Heart of Virginia Council is offering Scouts an opportunity to earn the Orienteering Merit Badge - rain or shine! Come out to Robious Landing Park (Shelter #2) on Saturday, May 6th and Sunday, May 7th for parts 1 and 2, then complete the merit badge at the Orienteering Weekend at Point of Rocks, linked in the article below. See the Orienteering Merit Badge Registration below for details!
[Orienteering Merit Badge Registration]
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Orienteering Weekend at Point of Rocks - May 13th | | |
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The Central Virginia Orienteering Club (CVOC) is presenting its Tenth Annual Orienteering Day. CVOC members, Scouts and the public are welcome. The event is primarily directed at Scouts that need to complete a one-mile orienteering course, requiring measuring height and/or distance, for First Class rank. The event, scheduled for May 13th, can also be used to satisfy part of Orienteering merit badge requirement 7.
[Find Your Way to Registration]
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Hampden-Sydney College Merit Badge Day, June 3rd | |
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Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia is hosting a Merit Badge College Day on June 3rd, 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.
[Register Today!]
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Fall Engineering Merit Badge | | |
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Scouts who are working on the requirements for the Engineering merit badge learn about the process of building and creating products and structures. They investigate the variety of careers available in engineering. Scouts explore how engineers use a step-by-step approach to make improvements for society. Come out November 11th at the Beach Community Grange in Chesterfield to earn this exciting merit badge!
[Register Today!]
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Join the Adventure! (Camping and Outdoors) | |
A brand-new Camping Unit Roster Form has been added to the TBS Summer Camp Leader's Guide and the CAC Summer Camp Leader's Guide ! This fillable PDF needs to be completed by unit leaders before arriving at camp check-in. A link to the standalone document can be found on all Camping pages of both the TBS and CAC websites in the "Documents" sections. | |
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Save the Date for Scout Night at the Diamond | |
The Richmond Flying Squirrels invite Scouts of all ages to come out on July 28th for Scout Night at the Diamond! Gates open at 5:30pm. A Scout Parade (wear your uniforms and bring your unit flags) at 5:45pm, then the game at 6:35pm. For $10, you'll get your ticket, as well as a commemorative patch, the pre-game parade, and a movie and campout on the field.
[Take Me Out to the Ball Game!]
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Weekend Experiences at Cub Adventure Camp | |
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Our Weekend Experience at Cub Adventure Camp is a program designed for you, by you, and to meet the needs of your Pack. Come out for the morning, come out for the afternoon, or come out for both. Pick your program for your Pack and participate in one activity or two. Come out just for the day or make a weekend camping adventure out of your Experience.
[Learn More]
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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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Scouts and their parents expect all Scouting activities to be conducted safely. To ensure the safety of participants, the BSA expects leaders to use the four points of SAFE when delivering the Scouting program. Supervision, Assessment, Fitness and Skill, Equipment and Environment. Are you using the S.A.F.E. Checklist to plan your unit events?
[Get the Details]
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Scout Safety: Energy Drinks | |
The consumption of energy drinks by children may lead to serious medical consequences. The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that “stimulant-containing energy drinks have no place in the diet of children and adolescents.” Energy drinks contain stimulants such as caffeine and unregulated additives that may increase caffeine’s potency. Their use is discouraged by the BSA.
[Learn More!]
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Advancement, Training and Life Skill Opportunities | |
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May Roundtables offer leaders hands-on experience and provide a forum for leaders to offer and receive help from their fellow Scouters. Please note that the Crater and Arrohattoc Districts do NOT have a Roundtable for May - they are hosting the May 4th UP3.
[Get Roundtable Dates]
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Shooting Sports Supervisor Training | |
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Shooting Sports is one of the most popular activities at the camps, and proper supervision is a must to continue holding activities on the ranges. To open a range at camp, we must have two 21-year-old supervisors, a Range Safety Officer, and an instructor for the firearm in use. Supervisors must complete an NRA course to be certified. Upcoming opportunities include Shotgun Shooting on May 13th - 14th and Cub Scout Range Master on June 4th from 9am to noon.
[Get the Details!]
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Citizenship in Society Orientation - May 21st | | |
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The HOVC Advancement Committee is pleased to offer Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Orientation sessions for those selected by their units to serve as merit badge counselors. Save the Date for Sunday, May 21st from 2:00pm to 3:00pm at the HOVC Leadership Center! This session is approximately 90 minutes in length and will begin promptly at 2pm. The class size is limited to 20 participants. Registration is open!
[Register Today!]
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2023 National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) | |
Do not delay - registration is open for NYLT! Come out to Camp T. Brady Saunders the week of June 11th through 17th for this exciting, action packed program designed to provide Scouts in Troops, Crews, and Ships with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home units and life! NYLT is exceptional youth leadership training in a fun environment.
[Attend NYLT]
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Trainer's EDGE, June 26th - 27th | | |
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The Trainer's EDGE helps 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 and trainers. Take advantage of this great opportunity to impact the quality of the programs our youth receive through and creating well-trained leaders!
[Get Out on the EDGE]
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Summer Camp IOLS,
July 10th - 13th
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The South of the James Training Team invites you to join their Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills Training (IOLS) at T. Brady Saunders during the July 10th -13th week of Summer Camp. This is required training for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters and couldn't be more convenient. Get trained while your Scouts earn merit badges this summer!
[Attend Summer Camp IOLS]
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Buckskin 2023: The Leadership Experience | |
Registration is officially open! Buckskin offers a 360º leadership experience that integrates classroom teaching with hands-on practice and reinforcement. This exciting combination will equip your Scout with the tools, experience, confidence, and enthusiasm needed to make a difference as a leader. Get Buckskin on your summer calendar, July 30th - August 5th!
[Get Trained]
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Registration is Open for
Wood Badge, Spring 2024
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Wood Badge is an advanced, national leadership course open only to registered Scouting volunteers and professionals across all programs. The next opportunity to receive this important training is coming up over two weekends in April 2024. Register today to attend April 12th - 14th and April 27th - 28th, 2024, at Cub Adventure Camp!
[Get the Details!]
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We're Hiring for
Summer Camp, 2023
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Summer Camp is a core part of Scouting, and we're excited to provide an awesome program for our Scouts in 2023! We Are Hiring for Cub Adventure Camp (CAC) and T. Brady Saunders (TBS), as well as Day Camp. Brand-new staff applications, and a new online application, have been posted to our camp websites and are linked below.
[Get the Job Details and Applications]
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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. [Eagle Scouts] | |
Tributes and memorials are a way for us to honor, cherish, or remember our Scouting mentors and loved ones. [Honorees] | |
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2023 Eagle Challenge
Brick Program
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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 2023 Eagle Brick Unveiling Ceremony, brick orders must be received by July 7th, 2023.
[Learn More]
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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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Scouting with Heart Newsletter | | |
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Submit your stories, subscribe, and view the archives for Scouting with Heart, a mid-week Heart of Virginia publication that focuses on the faces of local Scouting. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating our youth and volunteers by learning more about their service to our community and accomplishments in our program.
[Scouting with Heart]
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Check out your district for upcoming events and important news! | | | | |
