Scout Shop Sale - August 2nd thru October 31st |
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Get your new year in Scouting kicked off with a fresh new uniform at 20% off from August 2nd thru October 31st. All the details, including our handy Uniform Flyer (which includes a helpful checklist) can be found on our Scout Shop website.
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August 1st is Scout Scarf Day |
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The annual Scout Scarf Day takes place August 1st! Celebrate the day by capturing and sharing your neckerchiefs with Scout Life Magazine on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook using #ScoutScarfDay2022. You can also submit your neckerchief photos using the form on their website, linked below. Don't forget to show us your neckerchief spirit by commenting on our Facebook post!
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Joshua D. is Featured in Scout Life Magazine |
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If you haven't read your August edition of Scout Life Magazine, cover-to-cover, then make sure you flip to page 8 and find Joshua, a Second Class Scout with Troop 2822 in Midlothian. Joshua has been advocating for young people with Type 1 diabetes since he was four years old. Read all about Joshua's incredible impact in Scout Life or by visiting the link below. Congratulations Joshua!
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Food Lion Dates for Show & Sell Opportunities |
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We have an incredible fundraising opportunity for Show & Sells at 67 Food Lion stores on October 8th & 15th! Each Unit participating in the Popcorn & Peanut Sale may select ONE location for EACH date. Additional sign-ups will be offered later if not all locations are full. To reserve your Food Lion Show & Sell date, make sure your Unit is registered for training, too! (If your Unit has never hosted a booth sale, ask Heather Dunton about a trial opportunity!)
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Mark Larson Receives 2022 NOESA Award |
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The NOESA award recognizes Eagle Scouts notable for their local, state, regional or national distinguished service who do not yet meet more stringent nomination requirements for the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA). Candidates for the NOESA have inspired others through their positive actions reflected by recognized accomplishments and devotion to their profession, avocation, community, and beliefs. Congratulations to Mr. Larson!
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Hey, You Guys! Everyone Is Invited! |
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The Arrohattoc District Presents - Movie Under the Stars 2022! Join us for the viewing of the classic film, The Goonies at Albright Scout Reservation Cahoon Center on August 19th. This event is open to everyone! Arrive any time after 7:00pm... the movie will start at 8:30pm with the sunset. Admission is $10 per family/household. Come out and enjoy the adventure as we travel back in time to 1985 and embark on a thrilling treasure hunt. Maybe you'll find the "rich stuff!"
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Provisional Troop 3 Enjoys Summer Camp Success |
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Provisional Troop 3, sponsored by the Nawakwa Lodge, was back at Camp T. Brady Saunders for summer camp week 5. This year, the troop had 63 campers from 30 troops across 4 councils including Heart of Virginia, Virginia Headwaters, National Capitol, and Central Florida . Every District in the HOVC was represented.
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Tax-Free Holiday
August 5th - 7th
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During the sales tax holiday, you can buy qualifying school supplies, clothing, footwear, hurricane and emergency preparedness items, and Energy Star™ and WaterSense™ products without paying sales tax. Details, including a list of qualifying items, can be found on the link below.
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Scouting Days and Camping at Kings Dominion |
Put your hands up in the air and get excited for Scouting Days at Kings Dominion, August 26th - 27th! Tickets to visit the park are $41 per person, and $46 per person if you'd also like to camp overnight.
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NASCAR Cup Series Scouting Event at Richmond Raceway |
Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines and roll out to the Summer NASCAR Cup Series Scouting event at the Richmond Raceway. Over the weekend of August 13th, special Scout ticketing will include a NASCAR Track Walk along with discounted Fanground passes. Plus, you'll have your campsite in the exclusive Scout-Only Area for the entire weekend.
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Cub Scout Creepy Hollow at Cub Adventure Camp |
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🎃Cub Scout summer camp is over, but it's never too early to plan for your next fun event at Cub Adventure Camp! Creepy Hollow is a fun overnight family camping event where packs and families come to camp to participate in a variety of fun and exciting program activities like a Haunted Forest, pumpkin painting, shooting sports, fishing, and more. Get Creepy Hollow on your schedule for the weekends of October 15th - 16th or October 22nd - 23rd.
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Tiger & Lion Rally at Cub Adventure Camp |
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The Tiger & Lion Rally is a special event at Cub Adventure Camp just for our newsest Scouts! New Tiger and Lion Scouts are invited to camp for the day and have fun while becoming familiar with our Cub Scout camp facility. Activites run from noon to 3:00pm on Saturday, November 5th and include a parade, archery, wrist rockets, fishing, biking, crafts, a scavenger hunt, and more age-appropriate fun.
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For Unit Leaders - Planning for 2022 / 2023 Program Year |
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Reminder: National Fees Increase August 1st |
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The value of Scouting is undeniable for those within the program and the greater public, and the BSA is committed to continuing to offer this unmatched opportunity to young people and families nationwide. To ensure the organization has the resources to fulfill the promise of Scouting, the national membership fee structure will change, effective August 1, 2022.
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Cub Scout Cyber Chip No Longer Required |
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In the 2022 – 2023 program Year in Scouting, the Cyber Chip is retiring and will no longer be required for Cub Scout rank advancement. Cub Scouts will, instead, watch the Protect Yourself Rules videos, which can be found on the official Cub Scout Advancement website. Cub Scouts can continue to earn their Cyber Chip as an extra award; however, the Scout Shop will not order new patches or cards, so these items will only be available while supplies last.
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Minor Modifications to Scouts BSA Rank Requirements |
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Beginning August 1, 2022, minor modifications to requirements for the ranks of Scout through Star will take effect. Scouts may continue using the existing requirements for the rank on which they are currently working, or they may choose the new requirements. Scouts must use the new requirements upon advancement to their next rank, and beginning January 1, 2023, all Scouts will use the new requirements.
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STEM Nova Awards
Program Updates
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Effective June 1, 2022, local councils will administer and deliver STEM Nova Awards, including recognition, at the local level. The STEM Nova Award website will remain on Scouting.org as a national resource for the requirements with all other aspects of the award moved to the local council.
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Pack Family Dens Pilot Program |
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We have been approved to participate in the Family Den Pilot Program by the National Council of the BSA. The program will allow you to form dens that are comprised of boys and girls instead of being limited to single-gender dens only. Participation in the Pilot Program is 100% voluntary.
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Annual Health and Medical Records for All Participants |
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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. Completing the Annual Health and Medical Record is the first step in making sure you have a great Scouting experience. Make sure your Scouts and participating family members are covered.
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Youth Protection Training |
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Youth Protection Training (YPT) is essential to make professionals, volunteers, and parents more aware, and it empower sthem to help protect our youth. YPT must be taken every 2 years - volunteers will not be re-registered with their Scouting unit if their YPT training record is not current at the time of re-charter. Key 3 should check their Trained Leader Reports in My.Scouting.org to ensure their leadership team is properly trained.
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Scoutbook is BSA's web-based unit management tool used by leaders and parents to track the advancement of Scouts in the program. It also serves as a communication tool, generates permission forms, and tracks service hours, hiking, and camping. It also features easy-to-use calendars that can track attendance and RSVPs as well as provide a calendar that can be synced with websites and personal devices.
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Fiscal Policies and Procedures for BSA Units |
BSA has updated FAQs for its Fiscal Policies and Procedures for BSA Units. These FAQs include information on current unit registration options, tax exempt status, unit banking, equipment insurance, dissolution of the unit, and fundraising.
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PayPal / Venmo Update for BSA Units |
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Beginning January 1, 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) introduced new reporting requirements for payments received for goods and services, which will lower the reporting threshold to $600 for the 2022 tax season, from 2021’s threshold of $20,000 and 200 transactions.
Units who use PayPal and/or Venmo to complete transactions should visit the link below to learn more.
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Cub Scout Fall Recruitment on Social Media |
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We're kicking off Cub Scout recruitment beginning August 1st. For 10 weeks, we'll share posts every Monday at noon that we encourage you to share this fall recruitment season. We'll spotlight how Cub Scouting is fun for families, builds leadership skills through adventure, having fun outdoors, life skills, and more.
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Camp Masters Tools for Success Webinars |
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Unit Leaders, Popcorn Kernels, potential Popcorn Kernels, and parents are all invited to attend Camp Masters Tools for Success Webinars on August 11th, 14th, or 18th. This training targets fundraiser success by teaching you tried and true skills and methodoligies that will make your sale a success. Plus, when you attend, they draw 5 units at the end of each meeting to receive $100 toward their Show and Sell orders.
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New Religious Emblems Brochure |
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Did you know that the B.S.A. recognizes 42 different religious organizations that have developed Religious Emblems programs? These are programs owned by the faith organizations that are eligible to be worn on B.S.A. Uniforms. The National Religious Relationships Committee has spent the last several months gathering updated images, contact information, website links, and new emblems to create this new version of the flyer.
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Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Orientation |
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The HOVC Advancement Committee is pleased to offer a new session for those selected by their units to be Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Counselors. Mark your calendar for Sunday, September 18th for this free training at the HOVC Leadership Center, beginning promptly at 2pm and running for approximately 90 minutes. This session is capped at 20 participants, so don't wait!
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United Methodist Church & BSA Annual Affiliation Resources |
We've launched a new page for UMC and BSA Affiliation Resources. Access news releases, updates, and the resources your unit needs to navigate our new affiliation with the United Methodist Church all in one convenient place.
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National Summertime Pack Award All-Stars! |
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Our list of National Summertime Pack Award All-Stars is growing! This 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. Are you on track to earn this special award? Take our poll on the link below to get your unit added to our All-Stars list!
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2022 Den, Pack, and Troop Driven Recruitment Resources |
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Every fall, the Heart of Virginia Council conducts a Join Scouting Night Campaign to invite new families to join packs, troops, crews, and posts. This fall we will again hold a JSN campaign, primarily utilizing promotions efforts through local schools. However, your den, pack, or troop can hold additional recruiting events that leverage social media and word-of-mouth marketing to invite new families out to one or more of the fun activities that your unit is already doing. Use our helpful guide and planning worksheet to help you hold a successful recruitment event.
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What's New at the Scout Shop |
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We’re hoping your summer has been action-packed, and that your Advancement Reports are stuffed full of beltloops, pins, merit badges, rank patches, and other awards. Save time and place that order with the HOVC Scout Shop Online Ordering Tool. Selectyour items and choose in-store pickup at a time that’s convenient for you or have your order shipped to your address.
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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).
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Full-Time District Executive |
Heart of Virginia Council is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time District Executive position. A full description of the opportunity, including job requirements and desired skills, along with compensation details and application instructions, can be found using the link below.
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Part-Time ScoutReach Program Aid |
ScoutReach Program Aids help deliver a quality Scouting program for underserved youth in our community. They also assist with leading volunteers to help grow the program and instill Scouting values in the lives of youth. Full details, including application instructions, can be found using the link below.
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Join the Adventure! (Camping and Outdoors) |
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Winter Camp at T. Brady Saunders |
Don’t sit around this winter being bored – come chill out with your friends at Winter Camp! Scouts are invited out to T. Brady Saunders January 13th – 16th, 2023 to get out of the house, have some fun, and earn merit badges. We can’t think of a cooler way to enjoy winter than being at camp. Registration opens August 15th.
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Philmont Scout Ranch: The Ultimate in Scouting Adventures |
Philmont Scout Ranch is a national high adventure base, owned and operated by the Boy Scouts of America. The Heart of Virginia Council Contingent is sending three 12-day trek crews to Philmont Scout Ranch in 2023. Sign up now to reserve your spot!
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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. We've also launched a National Jamboree page on the website to keep you up-to-date on #NatJamboree23 details!
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2023 Back-At-Camp Council Camporee |
It's time to get back to what we all love to do - Scouting with lots of friends! This will be a fun and memorable weekend for all Scouts and a time to catch up with old friends. Think of this as a Council-sized National or World Scout Jamboree! Save the date: April 21st - 23rd, 2023 at the Goochland Reservation!
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Advancement, Training and Life Skill Opportunities |
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Below you'll find an extensive list of upcoming training opportunities, but we're regularly adding to the list! Don't wait for the next Courier to see what's upcoming... visit our HOVC Training Page for an updated listing of training. Registratoin links for all of our upcoming training is posted there, from IOLS to Merit Badge classes.
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August District Roundtables |
August Roundtables are right around the corner! This month, Scouters will have an opportunity to particiate in their District Popcorn & Peanut Sale Kick-Offs and possibly even a training on upcoming Join Scouting Nights.
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Basic Commissioner Training - Associate Level
Summer 2022 Session
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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. Register today for this August 13th Associate-Level Training at the Leadership Center!
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Rivers District Introduction to Leadership
Skills for Troops Course
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All BSA Scouts can participate. This course is for every Scout in the troop who holds a leadership position, including all elected positions, and any appointed positions at the discretion of the senior patrol leader. In some troops, this might mean that this course is for every Scout. Register for the Saturday, August 27th training from 9am to 3pm at Beale Memorial Baptist Church in Tappahannock.
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Fall Scoutmaster Specific -
Huguenot Trail
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Huguenot Trail offers their Scoutmaster / Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training on Saturday, October 1st at Albright Scout Reservation. This training is required for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters.
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In-Person Cub Scout Den Leader Specific Training |
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Calling all new Den Leaders and Assistant Den Leaders! All youth not only deserve trained leaders, but they also deserve WELL TRAINED leaders. Is that not what YOU want for YOUR child, and what should expect of yourself and other leaders? Set aside some time on Saturday, September 1st or Saturday, October 6th to attend In-Person Cub Scout Den Leader Specific Training.
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Wood Badge, Fall 2022 Training |
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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!
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Geocaching Merit Badge Opportunity |
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Geocaching is great for fun and exercise. It’s a sport that’s a perfect fit for Scouting, and it’s a great way for Scouts and non-Scouts to share their enjoyment of the outdoors. Use your Scout skills and follow the Scout Oath and Scout Law as you embark on this new pastime. Learn how to Geocache from experienced local cachers and earn your Geocaching Merit Badge on October 8th at the Leadership Center!
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Fall BALOO / IOLS -
Huguenot Trail
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Huguenot Trail is offering both BALOO and IOLS at Albright Scout Reservation. 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.
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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. Join in on the October 22nd Engineering Merit Badge class!
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The Den Chief Training combines fun and enjoyment with an excellent character-building experience. Participants will learn leadership, organization, and most importantly, how to work with Cub Scouts. This training is for youth who are or want to be a Den Chief to a den in a Cub Scout Pack. It's also for registered adult leaders who would like to learn about the duties of a Den Chief. Join us on November 18th!
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Winter National Youth Leadership Training |
Registration for the National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) winter session is open! Scheduled for December 17th - 23rd, this exciting program is designed to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their Troops and other situations. Let your Scouts know that they can get much more out of their winter break by attending NYLT.
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Coming in the Fall of 2022 |
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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]
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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.
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Check out your district for upcoming events and important news! |
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Heart of Virginia Council
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