The Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation is thrilled to announce the relocation and enhancement of the first-year camper Trailblazer Program Area. As part of the ongoing implementation of the Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation Master Plan, this exciting project moves the program area to the Parade Field at Camp T. Brady Saunders. The new location offers closer proximity to restrooms and a more centralized position within the camp, along with a sprawling open field perfect for outdoor activities. [Get the details] | |
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🚨 Membership & Unit Renewal 🚨
Units Must Renew by December 15th
We are nearing the December 15th deadline for Unit Renewals, and individual Membership Renewals are also coming due! We understand there may be some questions and confusion regarding the new membership renewal process. To help you navigate this, we’re sharing key details and guidance on who to contact for assistance. To ensure uninterrupted membership, advancement opportunities, and insurance coverage for Scout-related activities, please complete your renewal as soon as possible. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
[Visit the Renewal Webpage]
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Crafts & Cocoa and December Scout Shop Sale
Registration remains open for our Crafts & Cocoa with Santa (and the Grinch) event, taking place on Saturday, December 14th. Kids enjoy fun crafts and delicious cocoa, and meet the Big Man himself! The grown-ups will enjoy a peaceful shopping experience, and our jolly elves will wrap your gifts for FREE! Plus, throughout the month of December, enjoy 15% off everything* in the Scout Shop! This offer excludes program items like uniforms, patches, merit badge booklets, and handbooks. Please stop by and see a Scout Shop Associate for details!
[Visit the Scout Shop and Register For Crafts & Cocoa]
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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!
December 13: Planning your Blue & Gold
December 20: What are your best ceremonies and awards presentations?
[Tune In to Cub Chat Live]
[Visit the Heart of Virginia Council Cub Hub]
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Scouts BSA, Exploring, Venturing, & Sea Scouts | | |
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Race Through Space, 2025 HOVC Klondike Derby
February 28th—March 2nd
The tradition of the Klondike Derby continues, hosted this year by Troop 709-B from the James River District, the winners of the 2024 event. Teams of 4–8 race through various "towns," testing their Scout skills and earning "gold" to spend at the Gold Nugget Auction, with flexible options for transporting gear like backpacks or wheeled carts. Registration for the 2025 HOVC Klondike Derby is $15 for youth and $10 for adults, covering patches, ribbons, wristbands, camping, and activities—just bring your food and gear for a weekend of excitement!
[Register Your Team Today!]
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Merit Badge Updates
Effective January 1st, 2025
Scouts BSA is excited to share the planned updates to Merit Badges that will take effect on January 1, 2025. These updates will be reflected in Scoutbook and on our online Merit Badge Hub (https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/) towards the end of December. These preliminary updates are subject to change before final implementation on January 1, 2025. Merit Badge Counselors should review the "Merit Badge Requirements Update file" linked on the page below.
[Learn More]
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Did You Read the December Courier? | |
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Get these five stories and so much more by reading the Courier, our monthly newsletter! Scheduled for the last Friday of the month at noon, the Courier features all the news, special events, and useful information you need to get the most of your Scouting experience.
[Read This Month's Courier]
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"If you look at how long the Earth has been here, we're living in the blink of an eye.
So, whatever it is you want to do, you go out and do it."

- Jamie Foxx, American comedian, Academy Award-winning actor, and Grammy Award-winning
musician, born this day in 1967.
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