Annual Health & Medical Records

The Annual Health and Medical Record (AHMR) is a vital part of ensuring a safe and enjoyable Scouting experience by documenting a participant’s medical history and health status. Required annually, the form includes Parts A and B for all Scouts and leaders, while Part C, completed by a licensed medical provider, is necessary for events longer than 72 hours. Proper storage and handling of these records help protect privacy while allowing leaders to plan for health needs and emergencies during Scouting activities.



[Scout Safety Moment]

Camp Work Days hosted by RUST

March 1st, 8th and 16th

Get involved and make a difference by joining hands-on Camp Work Days at Camp T. Brady Saunders and Cub Adventure Camp! Hosted by our Reservation Upkeep & Service Team (RUST), these events bring the community together to tackle important camp projects, including painting bathroom partitions (starting March 1), constructing a floating fishing pier (March 8), and plumbing upgrades during Flush Fest (March 16). Volunteers should bring work gloves, tools, and BSA Medical forms (Parts A & B). Help improve camp while enjoying camaraderie, and service—sign up today!

[Learn More & Register]

James River District Merit Badge University

March 22nd

The James River District is excited to host its Inaugural Merit Badge University, a day filled with hands-on learning and advancement opportunities for Scouts BSA members. Scouts can earn a variety of merit badges, including Eagle-required options like Citizenship in the Nation, Communication, and First Aid, as well as unique subjects like Dentistry, Railroading, and Veterinary Medicine. The event includes both full-day and half-day classes, with a special Q&A session on Eagle Scout requirements during lunch. Scouts must register individually, wear full Class A uniforms, and bring a leader-signed blue card, lunch, and water bottle to participate.

[Register Here]

Camp Cards will Be Here Soon!

Looking for an easy fundraising opportunity? Camp Cards are a great way to raise dollars for your unit and can also be used to provide the necessary funds needed for spring and summer camping programs! Scouts will "clean-up" this year as we are excited to have Flagstop Car Wash join our Camp Card program and offer a FREE Ultimate Car Wash on each card!

Check out the website to see all the great deals on the four Camp Cards including the NEW Buckingham/Farmville Camp Card!

[Read All About It & Register]

Friends of Scouting Dinner with Mike Massimino

April 8th

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]

Tournament of Eagles Presented by Patriot Industries

May 19th

Join us on Monday, May 19th at The Country Club of Virginia for a day of golf, fellowship, and fundraising to support Scouting in Central Virginia. This Captain’s Choice format tournament welcomes golfers of all skill levels, with sponsorship opportunities available to showcase your support for local Scouting. All teams will play on the James River Course, a scenic and challenging course recognized by Golf Digest—but spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged! Participants will enjoy lunch, awards, giveaways, and the chance to make a lasting impact on youth in our community.

[Learn More & Register]

Now Hiring Our Summer Camp Staff

We have numerous employment openings at our Summer Camps at both T. Brady Saunders and Cub Adventure Camp, and our Cub Scout Day Camps. Paid and internship opportunities are available for applicants 16 years of age and older.

Openings include:

Kitchen & Dining Staff

Aquatics Staff

Program Staff

Shooting Sports Staff... and more!

[Learn More & Apply]

Summertime Scout Nights Are on the Calendar!

Scout Nights are here, and they're bringing fun and community spirit to benefit Scouts in the Heart of Virginia Council! Kick off the season with the Tri-City Chili Peppers on Saturday, June 28th, at Shepherd Stadium. Then, head to the Diamond on Friday, July 25th for Scout Night at the Diamond with the Richmond Flying Squirrels, where you can catch a baseball game and cheer on our team. Finally, cap off the series on Saturday, September 20th at Scout Night with the Richmond Kickers—an action-packed soccer event that's sure to thrill. All proceeds from these events go directly to supporting the programs and adventures of our Scouts. Did you know TIGER ranks can complete Tiger Tag adventure elective requirement #4 by attending a sporting event?

[Get Your Tickets Today!]

Shooting Sports Classes Now Available!

Basic & Instructor Level

The renovations of the Shooting Sports Facility at Camp T. Brady Saunders are well underway, and we expect to break ground in late fall 2025 with the full facility completed by Summer Camp 2026. Once the new facility is opened, we will need additional qualified supervision. Basic and Instructor Level classes are now available. Please use the link below to learn more and register.

[Get the Details]

'Fresh Views of the American Revolution' Student Artist Submissions

Deadline March 14th

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]

Cub Family Camporee

May 2nd–4th

Join us at Cub Adventure Camp for a weekend of fun spring activities including fishing, archery, BB, Crafts, and for 4th and 5th graders, the climbing tower. The Cub Family Camporee takes place the weekend of May 2nd–4th! Event check-in is on Saturday morning, but packs can arrive and camp on Friday if desired. You can also just come out for the day. Cub and Webelos Scouts can attend with either their Pack or as a Family campout.

[Camporee With Us!]

Deep Run Day Camp for Cub Scouts

June 9th–13th

Cub Scout Day Camp is often called “the camp that comes to the Scout.” Day Camp is an organized program for Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts under certified leadership, at Deep Run Park in Richmond. Cub Scout Day Camp is a unique program; it is usually the first major activity for Scouts after graduating from their previous rank. At Day Camp, Scouts begin to work toward their next rank in the Cub Scout program, and we use the same ranks to identify age groups as your “home pack.” We welcome non-Scout buddies to join in on the fun, as well!

[Register Today!]

🤠 Cub Scout Summer Camp Registration OPEN!

Return to the Old West

Are you thinking warm thoughts? Snow might be on the ground, but we have summer on the brain! Registration for Cub Scout Summer Camp is officially open! Choose from our four sessions and go back - way back - to the Old West. This year’s “Back to the Old West” theme will transport Scouts to a dusty frontier town where the stakes are higher than ever. Joined by the intrepid time travelers Lady Clementine and Lord Marmaduke, campers will unravel a thrilling mystery that could reshape the future.

[Register Your Unit Today!]

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!

February 28: Cub Scout camping across ranks and new camping chart debut

March 7: Cycling Elective Adventure across ranks

March 14: Annual Planning Conference

Did you miss the February 7th broadcast? Use the link below to watch the latest episode about award ceremonies and presentations.

[Tune In to Cub Chat Live]

Scouts Trash the Trash Day

May 3rd

Scouts Trash the Trash Day is a global Messengers of Peace initiative where Scouts and their friends or family clean up at least 2.2 pounds of trash on Saturday, May 3rd. Inspired by Troop 1206 in Helena, Montana, this event unites Scouts worldwide in a shared day of service, similar to Jamboree on the Air and Jamboree on the Trail. Beyond environmental impact, it showcases Scouting’s values, raises awareness, and encourages new members to join the movement.

[Sign Up to Participate]

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]

CAN-vey Your Message: Community!

April 19th

Join fellow Scouts on Saturday, April 19th, for a unique Eagle Scout service project where teams will build creative sculptures using donated canned goods to support FeedMore and local families in need. This hands-on event, led by Nola from Troop 888, offers Scouts the chance to earn service hours, compete for awards, and showcase teamwork and problem-solving skills. Whether you’re building, donating, or cheering on teams, your participation makes a real impact—don’t miss this opportunity to give back!

[Register Here!]

[Download the PDF Flyer]

Hampden-Sydney College Merit Badge Day

June 7th

Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia is hosting a Merit Badge Day on June 7th, 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. While you are here, we hope you will explore our 1330 acre historic campus.

[Attend Merit Badge Day]

NEW: Multisport Merit Badge

Scouting is all about adventure, skill-building, and personal growth. With the launch of the Multisport Merit Badge, Scouts now have a new way to push their limits, challenge themselves, and develop lifelong healthy habits. This badge is a great opportunity for youth to discover new sports, improve fitness, and explore multisport activities like triathlons, duathlons, and aquabikes. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just getting started, the Multisport Merit Badge is your chance to take on a new challenge and level up your skills.

[Learn About It!]

Scouts BSA Test Lab

Have you visited the Scouts BSA Test Lab? This is a unique opportunity for Scouts to test drive potential merit badges, and provide their feedback, in the hopes of adding new badges to the program. Right now, you can complete the proposed requirements for Auctioneering, Wildland Fire Management, and Life Skills, but the Test Lab will regularly feature new and exciting proposed badges. Scouts completing these test badges will earn a certificate (which does not count toward advancement), but if it becomes official, they will be credited with having earned it. Let us know if you give it a try, and what you like about each proposed badge.

[Enter the Lab]

⚜️ Summer Camp 2025

Camp Is Filling Up FAST–Don't Miss Out!

Summer Camp registrations for Camp T. Brady Saunders are rolling in! We are offering 4 weeks of Scouts BSA Summer Camp. Here is the status on each week:

• Week 1, June 15-21, 140 youth spots left.
• Week 2, June 22-28, is 100% sold out.
• Week 3, July 6-12, 56 youth spots left.
• Week 4, July 13-19, 134 youth spots left.

If you’re planning to attend Camp T. Brady Saunders this summer and haven’t yet signed up, we strongly encourage you to do so to nail down your desired week.

[Go to Summer Camp!]

National Youth Leadership Training

June 8th–14th

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is a premier leadership experience for Scouts, equipping them with the skills to lead both in Scouting and beyond. Over an action-packed week, participants engage in hands-on activities, challenges, and team-based learning, all centered around what a leader must BE, KNOW, and DO. Held in an outdoor setting, NYLT brings leadership to life through real-world application, preparing youth to take on greater responsibilities in their troops, crews, and communities. Are you ready to lead?

[Secure Your Spot]

Buckskin: The Leadership Experience

July 20th–July 26th

Buckskin: The Leadership Experience is a week-long intensive course for Scouts 14+ (Star rank or higher) who are ready to lead. Participants will learn 19 essential leadership skills, advance their outdoor abilities, and apply teamwork through the Patrol Method. With Scoutmaster approval, a strong work ethic, and at least one long-term camping trip completed, Scouts will gain the confidence to lead in their units and beyond. Step up, take the challenge, and become the leader you’re meant to be!

[Register for Buckskin]

Updated Sea Scout Manual

The latest Sea Scout Handbook was released on February 18, 2025, featuring important updates, particularly in the area of advancement. This edition is available exclusively as a downloadable PDF from the Manual Resource Center. To support these changes, Scoutbook has been updated to reflect the new advancement requirements. Sea Scouts and leaders are encouraged to download the latest version to stay up to date with the program.

[Read All About It]

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]

National Jamboree Registration Is Open!

July 22–31, 2026

Scouting’s flagship event is one-of-a-kind. It’s a gathering of approximately 30,000 Scouts, leaders, and staff that showcases everything that is great about the BSA and its members. Held every four years, the Jamboree is an amazing opportunity for participants, volunteers, and visitors to experience the best of Scouting, all in one place. Features include; one of the longest zip line courses in North America, a world-class skate park, ATV offerings, treetop canopy tours, rock climbing, patch trading, stadium shows, and much more! The 2026 National Jamboree is open to Scouts BSA, Venturing, Explorer, and Sea Scouts, 12 and up!

[Visit Our Jamboree Page]

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.

March 19th: Scouts BSA clothing guidelines (this is the 3rd Wednesday)

[Tune In]

Scouts BSA Clothing Guidelines

The Scouting America Clothing Guideline aims to foster unity, respect, and safety during Scouting activities. While the official Scouting America field uniform is encouraged, participants can wear an activity uniform as needed during their Scouting activities. First and foremost, all clothing choices should meet safety requirements and reflect the values of the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, and the Scouter Code of Conduct. Read more about the Guidelines and Troop Clothing Policy by following the link below.

[Learn More]

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!

Venturing Podcast: Leading Our Adventures

Every Other Friday at 6pm

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]

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]

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!]

Level 1 COPE and Climbing Training

March 7th–9th

Join us March 7th–9th for Level 1 COPE and Climbing Training, designed for adults and mature youth (16+). This foundational course equips you with essential leadership, team-building, and safety skills—covering topics like dealing with fear, spotting, accident prevention, and effective teaching—and prepares you to support COPE/Climbing sessions as a stepping stone to Level 2 Instructor Training. Discover your personal leadership style while learning innovative, game-based techniques to transform your team into a dynamic, motivated unit.

[Learn More and Register]

Central Virginia College of Commissioner Science

March 8th

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. A Unit Commissioner normally supports three units and draws on your experiences to help new leaders provide the Scouting program to their unit. Unit Commissioners are the “behind-the-scenes” support that ALL units need. Commissioners are district and council leaders who help Scout units succeed. They coach and consult with adult leaders of Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and Venturing crews. Commissioners help maintain the standards of the Scouts BSA.

[Register to Attend]

Scoutmaster Leader-Specific Training

March 22nd

Calling All Cub Scout Parents, Leaders who have recently bridged to a Troop, 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]

The Trainer's EDGE

March 29th

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!

[Register to Attend]

BALOO Training for Cub Scout Leaders

April 12th–13th

Ready to take your Scouting Skills to the next level? Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation is an essential training program designed to equip leaders with the tools they need to guide Scouts in the great outdoors. BALOO is perfect for Cub Scout leaders, focusing on the essentials of camping with younger Scouts. You'll learn how to safely plan and execute outdoor adventures, creating unforgettable experiences for your Pack. In order for your unit to have an outdoor camping experience, you must have someone on-site who is BALOO trained!

[Register to Attend]

IOLS to Scouts BSA Leadership

April 12th–13th

Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills is tailored for adult leaders in Scouts BSA, covering the fundamental outdoor skills every Scout needs to know, from setting up camp to using a map and compass This hands-on IOLS course ensures you're prepared to deliver the best, safest Scouting experience possible. Invest in your leadership journey and empower the next generation of Scouts with the confidence and skills they need to survive.

[Register to Attend]

2025 Scouting University: Save the Date & Survey September 27th

Great leaders inspire greatness in others, and the Heart of Virginia Council’s University of Scouting is here to help you unlock your potential! Join us on September 27th at Richmond’s First Baptist Church for a day of learning, growth, and adventure planning.

Stay tuned for more details from your district leadership and social channels. In the meantime, help shape this year’s event by sharing your input—take our survey and let us know which classes interest you most!

[Take the Scouting U Survey]

Custom Unit Number Patches

Now you can order custom unit number patches with no minimum required—even just one! If you prefer the clean look of a single patch on your uniform or want to skip sewing multiple individual number patches, we’ve got you covered. Contact the Scout Shop at scoutshophovc@scouting.org or 804-204-2628 to place your order.



[Visit the Scout Shop]

Did Your Unit Earn Free Rank Patches?

Units that sold at least $400 in Camp Cards, Popcorn, and/or Peanuts, held a Family Friends of Scouting presentation, and completed unit renewal on time will receive free rank patches this year! Congratulations! 🎉



To claim your patches, email your advancement report with the purchase order summary page to scoutshophovc@scouting.org at least 48 business hours before your planned pick-up. This helps our Scout Shop team prepare your order so it’s ready when you arrive. Thank you for your dedication to Scouting—your hard work makes a difference!

Unit Flag Orders

Whether you're replacing an old and tattered unit flag, or you want one with the new Scouting America logo, all unit flag purchases now go through Carrot-Top Industries. Create a customized flag on their website, linked below, utilizing the new Scouting America branding.

[Snag a Flag]

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]

March 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.

[Learn More & Get the Dates]

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]

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]

The Eagle's Nest

Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Scouting 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]

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]

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]

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]

Rate, Review & Follow!

Have you recently visited Camp T. Brady Saunders or Cub Adventure Camp? We hope you’ve had an amazing time and invite you to rate, review, and follow us. Your feedback helps us improve and ensure every visit is unforgettable!

[Cub Adventure Camp on Facebook]

[Cub Adventure Camp Google Reviews]

[Camp T. Brady Saunders on Facebook]

[Camp T. Brady Saunders Google Reviews]