From the Desk of the Scout Executive
Dear Scouting Families,
February is a time to celebrate the Scouting movement and all that it represents. This year, we are especially excited to embrace the new branding name, “Scouting America”, which reflects the mission of Scouting across the nation.
More importantly, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Mike White as our new Council President! Mike has been a steadfast source of guidance and support for the past few years, and we are excited to work with him in this new leadership role as we continue to strengthen our Scouting program.
Mike is an Eagle Scout and a long-time member of the Virginia Headwaters Council Executive Board, most recently serving as Vice President of Finance. He is also a member of the National Order of the Arrow Committee and has been recognized with the prestigious OA Distinguished Service Award, as well as the Silver Beaver and Silver Antelope Awards. Professionally, Mike works for OPUS Underwriting Ltd., a specialist insurance underwriting agency focused on insuring intellectual property risk via Lloyd’s of London.
As we look to the future under Mike’s leadership, we are confident that his vision, experience, and commitment will propel our Council to even greater success.
Please join us in welcoming Mike White as he begins this important journey and in celebrating the incredible impact of Scouting in our communities!
Yours in Scouting,
Sue Hart
Scout Executive
Happy New Year from the Scout Executive
Happy New Year, Scouting Families!
As we welcome 2025, I want to express my gratitude to each of you for your dedication to Scouting in the Virginia Headwaters Council. Your support, enthusiasm, and commitment continue to strengthen our mission of preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices throughout their lives.
This is an especially exciting year for us as Camp Shenandoah celebrates its 75th anniversary! This milestone is a testament to decades of unforgettable experiences and the impact the camp has had on countless Scouts and leaders. To mark the occasion, we’re introducing new merit badges and exciting programs for this summer, ensuring that Camp Shenandoah remains a place of adventure, learning, and memories for all. Don’t forget to register early for summer camp to be a part of this historic celebration!
But before summer arrives, enjoy the winter season and gear up for the adventure at this year’s Klondike Derby, February 7-9, 2025. It’s the perfect way to kick off the year with teamwork, fun, and friendly competition.
Thank you for being part of our Scouting family, and here’s to a year filled with growth, adventure, and new possibilities!
Yours in Scouting,
Sue Hart
From the Scout Executive
Dear Scouting Families,
As we close out an incredible year, we want to take a moment to reflect on a few of our accomplishments together in 2024. Your dedication and support have made this year one of growth, adventure, and success for the Virginia Headwaters Council!
This year started with our biggest Klondike Derby to date, a thrilling winter adventure that challenged Scouts to demonstrate teamwork, leadership, and outdoor skills in a fun and competitive environment.
Held at Camp Shenandoah, this event saw patrols braving the cold to compete in activities like fire-building, orienteering, and sled-pulling. A huge thank you to Kent Baisley and Nick King, whose dedication and ideas helped the Klondike Derby be a success. Their leadership ensured not only high attendance but also an engaging and meaningful experience for all involved. Sign up now for 2025.
Another exciting highlight was Monticello District’s first-ever Woods with Merit Camporee. Led by the inspiring Breanna Richardson, this event provided Scouts with an opportunity to earn merit badges in a dynamic and hands-on environment. This inaugural event showcased the true spirit of Scouting and set a strong foundation for future Camporees in the district.
Summer camp at Camp Shenandoah was a phenomenal accomplishment this year, with new and engaging programs that thrilled Scouts from across the region. Whether earning badges in innovative new areas, participating in camp-wide activities, eating our delicious food in the dining hall, or enjoying free time at the waterfront, the energy at camp was electric. Our exceptional summer camp staff deserves a huge thank you for their tireless efforts in creating an unforgettable experience for every Scout. Their creativity and commitment have laid the groundwork for even more excitement in 2025 as we continue to expand and innovate.
In the fall, Tracey’s Cub Camporee proved that a little rain can’t dampen the Scouting spirit. Despite the wet weather, Cub Scouts had a fantastic time participating in activities designed to inspire creativity and fun. The laughter and smiles throughout the weekend were proof of the resilience and enthusiasm that make events like this so special.
Equally remarkable was the Apple Harvest Camporee, which brought the Wild West to life at Camp Shenandoah. Guided by the outstanding leadership of Melissa and Reid Watts, Scouts and leaders stepped into a world of adventure with themed activities, games, and challenges that left everyone grinning from ear to ear. This event was a true celebration of Scouting camaraderie and creativity.
This year also saw the introduction of new opportunities, such as Mountain Valley’s Fall Merit Badge University. Scouts traveled from all over the East Coast to participate, demonstrating the far-reaching appeal of our programs. This initiative not only provided a platform for Scouts to earn valuable merit badges but also showcased the strength of our council’s ability to bring people together in pursuit of Scouting’s ideals.
Thanks to your incredible support, we are wrapping up 2024 with more programs and serving more youth than ever before. The growth and success of Scouting in the Virginia Headwaters Council is a direct result of your unwavering commitment to our mission.
Together, we’ve inspired young people to make ethical and moral choices, develop life skills, and build lasting friendships that will guide them well into the future.
From all of us at the Virginia Headwaters Council, thank you for being part of our Scouting family and for everything you do to make a difference in the lives of our youth. Here’s to an even greater 2025 filled with more opportunities, adventures, and achievements!
