Based on growing input from within the Scouting family, the BSA leadership chose to conduct an additional review of the organization’s long-standing membership policy and its impact on Scouting’s mission. This review created an outpouring of feedback from the Scouting family and the American public, from both those who agree with the current policy and those who support a change.

Today, following this review, the most comprehensive listening exercise in Scouting’s history the approximate 1,400 voting members of the Boy Scouts of America’s National Council approved a resolution to remove the restriction denying membership to youth on the basis of sexual orientation alone. The resolution also reinforces that Scouting is a youth program, and any sexual conduct, whether heterosexual or homosexual, by youth of Scouting age is contrary to the virtues of Scouting. A change to the current membership policy for adult leaders was not under consideration; thus, the policy for adults remains in place. The BSA thanks all the national voting members who participated in this process and vote.

This policy change is effective Jan. 1, 2014, allowing the Boy Scouts of America the transition time needed to communicate and implement this policy to its approximately 116,000 Scouting units.

The Boy Scouts of America will not sacrifice its mission, or the youth served by the movement, by allowing the organization to be consumed by a single, divisive, and unresolved societal issue. As the National Executive Committee just completed a lengthy review process, there are no plans for further review on this matter.

While people have different opinions about this policy, we can all agree that kids are better off when they are in Scouting. Going forward, our Scouting family will continue to focus on reaching and serving youth in order to help them grow into good, strong citizens. America’s youth need Scouting, and by focusing on the goals that unite us, we can continue to accomplish incredible things for young people and the communities we serve.

The organization went through an extensive review of this issue and we are in support of the process that took place. Now that the decision has been made it is our job to move forward and continue to provide a quality Scout program for the youth in our area.

To learn more go to www.scouting.org.

The Heart of Virginia Council is sending six troops to the National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, July 15 – 24, 2013.  This is the first jamboree to be held at the BSA new wilderness site in West Virginia.  As the result of a recent withdrawal, there is an opening for a 3^rd Assistant Scoutmaster for one of the jamboree troops.  If you are interested, you should call Robin Rush at 204-2644 or send an e-mail to robin.rush@scouting.org. You must be eighteen years of age by July 15, 2013 but not yet twenty-one years of age by July 24, 2013. The fee for attending Jamboree in this position is $425.

2012 Centennial Eagle Scout Class
Heart of Virginia Council shoulder strip available while supplies last!

To honor the centennial class of Eagle Scouts, an extremely limited number of these very special patches were produced.

The cost is $10 per patch with a limit of 3 per Eagle Scout.

*Must provide rank ID as proof or verification that you achieved the rank of Eagle Scout during calendar year 2012. *

Friday, June 14th vs. The Reading Fightin’ Phils
Game Time 7:05PM
Scout Parade 6:30PM
Tickets are just $6

Click  here for order form!

]]> http://hovc.org/articles/2013/05/scout-night-at-the-diamond/feed/ 0 http://hovc.org/articles/2013/05/5325/ http://hovc.org/articles/2013/05/5325/#comments Fri, 17 May 2013 17:40:40 +0000 Todd Martin http://hovc.org/?p=5325 more)]]> The Richmond Police Department’s K9 unit is looking for Eagle Scout candidates to build 10-14 components for their new extensive dog training obstacle course. 

If you are interested, or you know of a Scout that would be interested, please complete the survey at this link:   click here. 

Timeline – The K9 unit has a quick timeline.  Complete the survey linked above by May 27th.  Candidates will meet the obstacle course organizers and architect in the late afternoon on Tuesday, May 28th to discuss the scope of the projects.  The projects will take place the week July 8th on the site of the obstacle course.

There will be daily visits by different units of the Richmond Police Department during construction. 

This is a great opportunity to lead your Troop to help the city’s police K9 unit.

July 12th, 2013
Heart of Virginia Council
Camp T. Brady Saunders

Come join us for an evening of  fun celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Scouting
in the Richmond area!

Cost-$10 per person

Check-In begins at 4:00pm – stay for our closing campfire & camp in S. Douglas Fleet
Program Offerings:    

• Picnic style Dinner
• Displaying of the contents of the camp time capsule
• Special Campfire
• Special 100th Anniversary Patch
• Alumni Events
• Displays on the history of our Council

Come out for the evening or spend a night in Camp S. Douglas Fleet for $5 per person.
Space is limited so register now!!!

Click here to register online or click here to download the registration form!

• Wood Badge is a leadership course for trained Cub Scout Leaders, Venture Leaders, Varsity and Boy Scout Leaders.  Also, District and Council leaders.
• All trained adult Scout leaders are encouraged to attend Wood Badge!
• Wood Badge is a world wide training tradition that reaches back to the days of the founding of Scouting.
• Wood Badge is a six-day, two-weekend experience in which you learn more about Scouting, leadership and yourself!

Click here to register for this exciting event!

We thought it was important to share some of the results of the extensive survey and research that went in to creating this resolution and also talk about how the organization got to this point.  These meetings are intended as a discussion among our Scouting family. 

The two meetings will take place:

Monday May 13th at Southwest Church of Christ in Chesterfield,  5340 Courthouse Road

Wednesday May 15th at Fairfield Presbyterian Church in Mechanicsville, 6930 Cold Harbor Rd

Both sessions will run from 7:00 to 8:00 pm.

Reserve a seat by clicking on the link dates above. 

If you cannot attend but would like further clarifications about this issue please e-mail info@scoutingvirginia.org or call 804-204-2613.

Thank you very much for your support of Scouting.

Business items regarding the council will be introduced.  Anyone wishing to submit resolutions should submit them by May 31^st to the Resolutions Committee c/o Bradford M. Nesheim, Scout Executive/Secretary.

This is the occasion of the election of council members including members-at-large, executive board and officers.  If anyone has recommendations, they can be submitted in writing to Council Nominating Committee, P.O. Box 6809, Richmond, Virginia 23230.