Heart of Virginia Council, Scouting America

11/04/2026

Every day, Scouts across the country find ways to make their communities better. They collect food for families in need, clean up parks and trails, volunteer with local organizations, and lend a hand to neighbors. These acts of service may happen in different places and for different reasons, but they share a common purpose: helping others.

On November 14, Scouting America is bringing those efforts together for the National Day of Service, a nationwide event encouraging Scouts, families, volunteers, and leaders to make a difference in their communities.

Learn more at https://www.scoutshop.org/blog/scoutings-national-day-of-service-how-to-do-a-good-turn-with-impact365.html, then reach out to the Heart of Virginia Council, Scout Shop to purchase your official National Day of Service patches.

National Day of Service on Saturday, November 14 -

Scouting America's National Day of Service highlights the importance of doing a good turn, giving back and the positive impact Scouts make in their communities. As part of Scouting America's new Impact365 initiative, Scouts, families, and volunteers are encouraged to make this day of service a year-round commitment, not just a single day of recognition.

To recognize the Scouts and leaders who participate in the National Day of Service, Scouting America has created a special emblem. A collectible annual device pin that is associated with this emblem will be available beginning in December.

The emblem is available to order now from the Scout Shop. To place an order, contact the Scout Shop at [email protected].

11/03/2026

🦁 The Lion & Tiger Rally Forecast Is Roaringly Good! 🐯

You couldn't ask for better weather for our Lions, Tigers and their families to come explore Cub Adventure Camp! Don't miss out on the fun - registration closes on Wednesday, November 4th at 11:59pm. Visit https://scoutingevent.com/602-2026LionTigerRally to join in on the fun.

We could use a few more hands to help cover our games and crafts stations, and if you have a Scout who needs service hours, this is a fun way to earn them, with Scoutmaster approval. Sign up to help out at https://scoutingevent.com/602-123096

11/03/2026

🍲 There's something pretty special about being part of Scouting as an adult, whether you're a volunteer, a staff member, or a little bit of both. Somewhere along the way, you find your people. The ones who will brave a cold, rainy campout with you, encourage you through a tough day, laugh at your terrible dad jokes (even when they've heard them a dozen times), and show up when you need them most.

Our Leadership Center team is no different! Just like the Packs, Troops, Crews, and Posts we serve, we work hard, support one another, tackle challenges together, and make plenty of room for laughter along the way.

Case in point: CROCKTOBER! Our October staff meeting became a celebration of all things soup, stew, and spoonable, complete with some fierce (but friendly!) competition for the coveted Golden Ladle. And after a fierce showdown, James River District Executive Zack Hite claimed the inaugural title of Crocktober Champion with his delicious chicken bacon gnocchi soup! Please join us in congratulating Zack on this historic achievement in Council culinary excellence! 🎉

Now it's YOUR turn! Do you have a soup or stew recipe worthy of the Golden Ladle? Share your favorite in the comments! We'd love to see what our Scouting family is cooking up.

11/02/2026

🌿Scout Safety Moment: Poisonous Plants


Millions of Americans—many of them Scouts and Scouters—will be affected by poisonous plants each year. Almost everyone has heard the warning “leaves of three, let it be.” Despite training to identify them on sight and efforts to avoid them, almost everyone has stumbled through a patch of poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, or one of several other plants that can cause an uncomfortable itch, a rash, and often blisters. Learn more at https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/poisonous-plants/

10/31/2026

'Twas Halloween night, and deep in the woods,
The Scouts packed their gear and checked all their goods.

Their flashlights were ready, their boots tied up tight,
For a spooky adventure beneath the moonlight.

A rustle! A whisper! A snap from a tree!
“Is that a ghost?” cried a Scout. “Could it be?”

But out from the shadows, with eyes shining bright,
Came a curious raccoon who gave them a fright!

They laughed by the campfire and toasted a treat,
With marshmallows gooey and chocolate so sweet.

Then off to their tents, beneath stars shining bright,
They wished all their friends a fun Halloween night.

For ghosts may go “BOO!” and the goblins may scare,
But a Scout knows the secret... ALWAYS BE PREPARED!

🎃 HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! 👻

10/30/2026

👀 As seen in the November Courier...

Outdoor Ethics & Conservation Virtual Roundtables

Every second Wednesday of the month, Scouting America invites volunteers and families to join in on the Outdoor Ethics & Conservation Virtual Roundtable. Participants only need to register once for the 2026-2027 program year to receive a personal Zoom link for all roundtables. Register for the year at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/zAth2ZdSTPO9cWRBuPLzDA #/registration.

Upcoming event dates include November 11th, Decemer 9th, January 13th, and February 10th (8:00pm).

We are proud to offer the best and timliest Scouting news to our community each Friday at noon! If you aren't receiving it in your inbox, visit https://hovc.org/news/ to subscribe and check out the archives.

10/30/2026

👀 As seen in the November Courier...

Days of Vikings Camporee: November 20th–22nd

Prepare for adventure at the Days of Vikings Camporee, November 20th - 22nd, at Cub Adventure Camp! This epic weekend for Scouts BSA Troops and Arrow of Light Scouts will feature Viking-themed challenges like archery, tomahawk throwing, longboat racing, and more. Show your spirit in the cooking and attire competitions, then test your skills in games and contests worthy of a true Norse hero. Don’t miss this chance to live the legend—get your unit signed up today! Registration closes on November 11th at https://scoutingevent.com/602-121516.

We are proud to offer the best and timliest Scouting news to our community each Friday at noon! If you aren't receiving it in your inbox, visit https://hovc.org/news/ to subscribe and check out the archives.

10/30/2026

🎣 Whopper Alert! 🚨

Check out this amazing catfish Wyatt M. pulled out of Lake Dillon at Camp T. Brady Saunders over the weekend! It came in at over two feet long.

Show us your best Camp Catch in the comments. 👇

10/29/2026

A brand-new Cub Scout family is walking into their first meeting tonight. What's your best piece of advice?

10/28/2026

🦅 Scouting America has released an updated Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook (October 2026), marking the first major revision since February 2023. The new edition places greater emphasis on leadership development, project planning, safety, and the Scout's personal growth throughout the Eagle Scout service project experience. We've compared both workbooks so you don't have to. Visit the link below to find out what is and isn't changing, read the FAQs, and download your new Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook.

https://hovc.org/2026/10/28/scouting-america-releases-updated-eagle-scout-leadership-service-project-workbook/

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