Hello, Heart of Virginia! | |
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Frostbite
Serious injuries can occur when it’s cold, and you spend time working, playing, or sleeping outside, particularly if you are wet or your clothes are wet or too tight. Scouts should be instructed to inform an adult as soon as possible if they are at an event, winter camp, or troop campout and start experiencing any of the symptoms identified in this Safety Moment.
[Scout Safety Moment]
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🚨 A Scout Is Helpful: Hurricane Helene Relief 🚨
Collection Through January 8th
Heart of Virginia Council is asking our 4,500 + Scouting families to unite this holiday season to help families in southwestern Virginia who were affected by Hurricane Helene. As we approach the winter months, the need for assistance is more urgent than ever, with many families still without access to adequate shelter, power, food and medicine. Together we can make a difference.
[Learn More About How YOU Can Help!]
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⚜️ Summer Camp 2025
Registration Is Open Now
Summer Camp is a core part of Scouting, and we are excited to have everyone back out at camp for the summer of 2025! Camp T. Brady Saunders has been offering an outdoor experience to the youth of Central Virginia and beyond since the summer of 1964. Our camp has amazing facilities and a diverse program offering geared toward all levels of Scouting.
[Go to Summer Camp!]
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Guide to Advancement, Updated for 2025
The Guide to Advancement is the official resource outlining the principles, policies, and procedures for advancement in Scouting programs. It provides detailed guidance on how Scouts can progress through ranks, earn badges, and achieve awards within the program framework. The guide emphasizes the importance of experiential learning, skill mastery, and personal growth, while maintaining fairness and consistency across all Scouting units. It serves as a reference for leaders, parents, and Scouts to ensure advancement is meaningful and aligns with Scouting’s mission to develop character, citizenship, and fitness.
[Get the Updated Guide]
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Trailblazer Program Area Updates
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.
[Read All About It]
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🚨 Glenn A. & Melinda W. Adams Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award (ESSPY) 🚨
The ESSPY Award recognizes a service project of an exceptional nature by a Scout to a religious institution, a school, community, or other entity. Each year, local councils select a council-level winner, and from that pool, each service territory selects a territory-level winner. A national winner is then selected from the 16 territory finalists. Nominations are due by January 31st, 2025.
[Learn More and Make an ESSPY Nomination]
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National Duty to God Award Nominations
Due February 28th
The National Duty to God Award recognizes adult individuals who have demonstrated an exemplary history of transformational leadership in supporting and promoting the spiritual foundation of Scouting. It acknowledges the unswerving dedication to faith, fellowship, and national service of those whose character embodies the moral principles and shared ideals of Scouting America. Nominations are open to candidates from all faiths and religious groups chartered by the Boy Scouts of America.
[Get the Details]
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Scout Scholarships & Awards | |
🚨 2025 NESA Scholarships 🚨
Window Closes January 25th
College can offer life-changing experiences to those who choose to go that route. It’s also crazy expensive. That’s why the National Eagle Scout Association grants scholarships each year to Eagle Scouts who choose to continue their educational journey in college. “NESA scholarships aim to ease some of the financial burden of education and provide a platform for you to amplify your impact on the world,” says David Ehrlich, NESA vice president of finance and scholarships. “It’s not just about what you can achieve; it’s about the positive change you can bring to your community and beyond.”
[Read All About It]
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'Fresh Views of the American Revolution' Student Artist Submissions
Deadline March 14th, 2025
The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation is excited to announce that it is accepting submissions from Virginia student artists in grades 7-12 for display in an upcoming special exhibition, "Fresh Views of the American Revolution," opening at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown in October 2025. There is no submission fee for artists, and if accepted to the exhibit, students will be given a $100 honorarium for participation in the exhibition.
[Learn More]
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Scouting America Unveils New Medals for the Distinguished Conservation Service Award
Conservation and the Scouts have been partners for a long time. Camping, hiking, and respect for the outdoors are a part of the Scouting heritage. Many of the requirements for advancement from Tenderfoot through the Eagle Scout rank call for an increasing awareness and understanding of the natural sciences. Many former Scouts have become leaders in conserving our environment and protecting it from damage. Right now, Scouts are involved in learning about environmental problems and actively working to make a difference.
[View the Video!]
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Friends of Scouting Dinner with Keynote Speaker,
Mike Massimino
Save the Date: April 8th, 2025
The Friends of Scouting Dinner, presented by Pike Electric and Burford's Construction, is the Council’s primary means to raise the funds needed to support and grow Scout programs for nearly 9,100 Scouts and adult volunteers across 24 counties and 4 cities in Central Virginia. This year, we are thrilled to be joined by our keynote speaker, Mike Massimino. Mike is a New York Times bestselling author who served as a NASA Astronaut from 1996 to 2014. You might recognize him from the Big Bang Theory!
[Read More About It]
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Customized Weekend Experiences
As you plan your program year, now is the perfect time to consider booking a customized Weekend Experience at the Heart of Virginia Council Scout Reservation. Craft adventures around the activities your Scouts enjoy the most, like camping, fishing, range & target sports, climbing, boating, sports, and more!
[Plan Your Weekend Experience]
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Scouts BSA, Exploring, Venturing, & Sea Scouts | |
Don't Forget Your Winter Camp Prerequisites!
Merit Badge prerequisites have been posted on our Winter Camp webpage. If you are attending Camp this month, make sure you review those prerequisites and come prepared to complete your merit badges. Merit badge packets, camp procedures, the official Leader's Guide, annual health and medical forms, and our Winter Camp menu are also available. We're looking forward to seeing you soon!
[Winter Camp Website]
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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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Winterfest Registration Opens November 1st
February 7th—9th, 2025
Winterfest is an exciting, fun-filled, and competitive event for Explorers, Venturers, Sea Scouts & older youth registered in Scouts BSA troops. Winterfest is an action-packed 2-day event filled with competitions, aquatic and STEM events, shooting sports, climbing, sports tournaments and more! Many events are related to various career fields such as Fire Service, Law Enforcement, and EMS.
[Learn More About Winterfest]
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James River District Klondike Derby
February 7th—9th, 2025
The James River District Klondike Derby, happening February 7-9, 2025, is an action-packed winter camping event for Scouts BSA and Cub Scouts. Scouts will test their skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities as they compete in various activities and stations, earning “gold nuggets” based on their performance. These nuggets can be used at the evening equipment auction, adding excitement and motivation for each team. While Cub Scouts have the option to participate in the day-only events, Scouts BSA teams will enjoy overnight camping and the chance to showcase their meal planning and cooking skills as part of the competition.
[Go for the Gold!]
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Race Through Space, 2025 HOVC Klondike Derby February 28th—March 2nd, 2025
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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2024 Eagle Scout Commencement
February 23rd, 2025
You are cordially invited to attend this year’s celebration of those Eagle Scouts who have climbed the trail and reached its highest summit in 2024. Each year the Eagle Class is named after someone who, through their encouragement and example, has fostered an environment to enable Scouts to attain Scouting’s highest honor. This year's honorees are Don and Doug Hill. All Scouts who have earned Eagle in 2024 are invited to attend, with their parents and Scoutmaster, free of charge.
[Learn More and Register]
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Scoutmaster Leader-Specific Training
March 22nd, 2025
Calling All Cub Scout Parents, Leaders Bridging to a Troop this Spring, and untrained Assistant Scoutmasters! Get your FREE in-person Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader-Specific Training. The course is offered by and for volunteers just like you, who have lived the role and are able to offer far more insight and guidance than on-line training, AND answer any and all questions you may and will have. Being an ASM is NOT the same as serving Scouts as a Cubmaster or Den Leader, and is one of the most difficult adult transitions in Scouting. Let us help you with that transition.
[Learn More and Register]
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Customized Weekend Experiences
As you plan your program year, now is the perfect time to consider booking a customized Weekend Experience at the Heart of Virginia Council Scout Reservation for your Troop, Crew, or Ship. Craft adventures around the activities your Scouts enjoy the most, like camping, range & target sports, climbing and rappelling, boating, welding, COPE, and more!
[Plan Your Weekend Experience]
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Troop Talk Live, 3pm on 2nd Wednesdays
The second Wednesday of each month at 3pm, 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, the Path to Eagle, and more.
January 8th: TBA
February 12th: TBA
[Tune In]
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Exploring Live Hour, 2025 Schedule TBA
The National Exploring Live Hour is a monthly Zoom video conference that will help engage and equip Exploring volunteers and professionals to grow, support, and learn more about Exploring. Each month the National Exploring Live Hour will be led by our National Exploring Program Chair and the National Director of Exploring. The live hours will include sharing best practices and ideas that are happening within our councils, highlighting successful growth campaigns, and inspiring new ideas through various trainings. This will also offer an opportunity for local councils to collaborate with territory and national counterparts to generate innovative solutions to real-life Exploring challenges. Stay tuned for more information!
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Venturing Podcast: Leading Our Adventures
Every Other Friday at 6pm EST
Ready to explore the exciting world of Venturing? Tune in to Leading Our Adventures, the official Venturing BSA podcast, where passionate Venturers and leaders share inspiration, leadership tips, and incredible stories from across the Venturing community. Each episode covers topics like planning unforgettable adventures, fostering personal growth, and building strong crews. Whether you’re a seasoned Venturer, a new member, or simply curious about Venturing, there’s something for everyone.
[You Tube] [Facebook]
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Calling All Radio Scouts
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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Martin Luther King Day of Service Emblem
January 20th, 2025
Scouting America is proud to announce the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service emblem, designed to commemorate participation in the MLK National Day of Service. The MLK Day of Service emblem is not an award. Instead, it is a seasonal emblem to recognize Scouts who participate in MLK Day service projects, and to encourage Scouts who haven’t to do so in the future.
[Learn More About This Special Emblem]
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Scout Sunday Emblem
February 2nd, 2025
Scout Sunday is a cherished tradition that highlights the connection between Scouting and faith communities. This annual event invites Scouts to demonstrate their reverence, a key point of the Scout Law, by participating in services at their places of worship. Whether by wearing their uniforms, assisting with worship activities, or sharing their Scouting experiences, Scouts showcase their commitment to duty to God and service to others. The Heart of Virginia Council Scout Shop is now accepting preorders for the 2025 Scout Sunday patches.
[Visit the Scout Shop]
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Regular Scout Shop Hours
We have returned to regular business hours for the remainder of the year. Please visit our Scout Shop website for hours, potential closures, and more important information.
[Visit the Scout Shop]
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Unit Flag Orders
Whether you're replacing an old and tattered unit flag, or you want one with the new Scouting America logo, all purchases now go through Carrot-Top Industries. Create a customized flag on their website, linked below. New Scouting America artwork will be available in the new year.
[Snag a Flag]
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24-Hour Notice for Orders & 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 orders. We also require you provide us with 24-hour notice before picking up your free rank patches (for qualifying units).
[Visit the Scout Shop]
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Patch Sewing Service
Did you know that the Scout Shop offers a Patch Sewing Service to save you time and frustration (especially if you don't own a sewing machine, and the thought of hand-stitching or using Badge Magic makes you shudder)? We offer brand new uniform shirts with all the pre-sewn bells and whistles, and can even add Unit Numerals, badges of office, and even merit badge patches for just $3.50 per patch.
[Visit the Scout Shop]
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January Roundtables
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.
Some Districts will not host Roundtables in January. Please use the link below for more information.
[Learn More & Get the Dates]
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Heart of Virginia Council Strategic Plan
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
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 & Honors | | |
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The Eagle's Nest
Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America program. Only four percent of 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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Memorials & Honors
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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Review Us on Google
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 & 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.
[Get the News]
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