Be the Heart. Build Relationships. Change Lives.
Great Scout units don’t happen by accident. They’re powered by committed adult volunteers who give their time and energy to make a difference. Supporting those volunteers, often behind the scenes, is another key role: the Commissioner.
Commissioners serve as connectors and mentors, focusing not on running a single unit but on strengthening many. They build relationships with unit leaders, provide encouragement and practical guidance, and help link Packs, Troops, and Crews to valuable council resources. At its core, the role is about helping volunteers succeed so their units can flourish.
For those looking to expand their impact in Scouting, becoming a Commissioner is a meaningful way to serve. You don’t need prior Scouting experience or all the answers to get started. Training and mentorship are built into the role, with experienced Commissioners ready to guide you along the way. What matters most is a genuine desire to support others and contribute to the success of the program.
An opportunity to learn more is coming up at an in-person Commissioner training on Saturday, April 25 at 10:00 am at the Council Office. he session is free and open to anyone interested in exploring how they can support Scouting in this unique and rewarding way. For additional details or questions, contact Matt Phillippi.
Mountain Valley Minute: March 31, 2026
by: Jeff Teagarden, District Chair
Greetings Mountain Valley!
Our next Roundtable is IN PERSON at Asbury United Methodist Church in Harrisonburg on April 8th (note the date change). All are welcome and encouraged to attend!
The District Award of Merit is a prestigious Scouting America honor presented annually to registered adult volunteers who render outstanding service at the district level. It recognizes noteworthy service to youth and is the highest honor a local district can bestow. Two Mountain Valley Scouters were recently recognized as the 2026 recipients of District Award of Merit for Mountain Valley District:
Cory May is an invaluable leader within the Mountain Valley District, currently serving as a Unit Commissioner, the Assistant Roundtable Commissioner for Packs, and the Chartered Organization Representative for Troop 124. She is known for her reliability, her upbeat spirit, and her constant willingness to step in wherever help is needed. Her guidance and mentorship have strengthened multiple units and supported their growth and success.
This year, Cory played a major role in delivering high‑quality training and district programming. She helped organize and teach the BALOO training course, ensuring new Cub Scout leaders were well-prepared for outdoor adventures. She also took the lead in planning and running the district’s first annual Pinewood Derby, creating an exciting new tradition for our Cub Scouts and their families.
Cory’s dedication, energy, and steady support make her an essential part of our district’s success and a standout example of Scouting service.
Kent Baisley is a long-serving and highly versatile leader within the Mountain Valley District. Over the years he has worn many district hats, and he currently serves as the District Commissioner while also leading Troop 84 as Scoutmaster. His steady leadership, deep Scouting knowledge, and calm, solutions-focused approach make him a cornerstone of district operations.
Kent is a driving force behind several major district events. He plays a central role in organizing Merit Badge University, ensuring Scouts have access to high-quality advancement opportunities. He is also a key organizer of the Klondike Derby, helping deliver one of the district’s most challenging and memorable outdoor programs.
Looking ahead, Kent has taken on the ambitious task of bringing back the New Market Camporee for 2026, reviving a beloved tradition and creating an exciting new opportunity for Scouts across the district.
Kent’s commitment, leadership, and vision continue to strengthen Scouting at every level, and his contributions have a lasting impact on youth and volunteers alike.
The Mountain Valley District is looking forward to our upcoming April and May events:
- Venture Springfest 4/10-12 – open to all currently registered Venturers, Explorers, Sea Scouts, and Scouts of Venturing age (14 yrs old OR 13 and completed the eighth grade, to 21). https://scoutingevent.com/763-SpringFEST
- We had 12 Mountain Valley Scouts and Scouters (including 1 AOL scout!) sign the foot in March. Join the Sore Foot Club hike on April 18 or May 16 for your hike to Elliot’s Knob and be immortalized in the dining hall. https://scoutingevent.com/763-bigfeet_eknob
- Help Council get ready for summer camp by participating in camp work days or your Unit’s adopted site work weekend.
- Register for the New Market Camporee and be a part of bringing this event back to life! https://scoutingevent.com/763-newmarketcamporee
Looking forward to seeing you along the Scouting trail!
Yours in Scouting,
Jeff Teagarden
Mountain Valley District Chair
Serve Those Who Serve Scouts: VAHC Commissioners
Behind every great Scout unit is a team of dedicated adult volunteers. And behind those volunteers is someone who supports, encourages, and connects them when they need it most. That someone is a Commissioner.
If you want to make a meaningful difference beyond your own unit, becoming a Commissioner may be the perfect next step. Commissioners focus on people. They build relationships with unit leaders, offer guidance and encouragement, and help connect Packs, Troops, and Crews with helpful council resources. The Commissioner badge is distinguished by a wreath of service surrounding it, symbolizing their shared responsibility for and commitment to unit service and reflecting what the role is truly about: strengthening units by serving the volunteers who lead them.
No prior Scouting experience is required and you don’t need all the answers. Experienced Commissioners will train and mentor you as you grow into the role. What matters most is a heart for service and a desire to help other volunteers succeed.
Learn more at in-person Commissioner training on Saturday, April 25 at 10:00 am at the Council Office. There is no cost for this training. Find out how you can serve those who serve Scouts and help every unit thrive. For questions, please reach out to Matt Phillipi.
Get Trained to Lead Outdoors
Adult leaders, join us at Camp Shenandoah for Outdoor School on May 1–3, 2026. This action-packed weekend offers essential hands-on training to help you deliver safe, exciting, and high-quality outdoor programs for your unit.
If you’re a Cub Scout leader preparing to take your Pack camping, you should take BALOO. Scouts BSA leaders can complete required outdoor skills by taking IOLS. Volunteers ready to support range and target activities can become certified by taking Rangemaster training. You can also earn certification as a Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor to teach outdoor ethics or complete Scouting America Chainsaw Safety Training to safely serve on camp properties and conservation projects. There’s something for everyone!
From camping fundamentals to advanced outdoor skills, VAHC Outdoor School equips you with the confidence, knowledge, and credentials you need to support your Scouts’ adventures. Sharpen your skills, connect with fellow leaders, and strengthen your unit’s outdoor program, all in one weekend. Register today and be ready to lead the way!
Mountain Valley Minute: January 27, 2026
by: Jeff Teagarden, District Chair
Greetings Mountain Valley!
Happy New Year!! Yes, yes, it’s the end of the month; but it’s still the beginning of what is to be a great year in scouting!!! Who has been observant enough to realize I’ve added an additional exclamation mark each sentence thus far?!!!!?
We have some wonderful events happening this year. To start, Winter Camp was an arctic blast. I’m sure there were some behind the scenes ‘obstacles’ that occurred (as with any inaugural event), but seeing it from an outsider’s perspective, all I saw in the few hours I was there Sunday afternoon were Scouts having an avalanche of fun. Merit badges were earned, test lab merit badges were experimented, and Yukon Cornelius greeted many in the trading post. Smiles were a plenty, despite the chill in the air.
Coming up in February we have a winter favorite – Klondike Derby. Polish up those sled runners and be ready to take on the course Feb. 6-8th.
Click here to register for the Klondike Derby.
Later in the month we have Cub Scout Adult Leader Training as well as Den Chief training on Saturday, Feb. 28 at Asbury UMC in Harrisonburg. Every Scout deserves a trained leader, so let’s have all our sessions full of eager learners!
Cub Scout Adult Leader Training
Finally, our Council Recognition event is February 21st. Come join us in congratulating our Scouts, Scouters, and Eagle Scouts on their accomplishments in 2025. Register to attend here; we’d love to see you there.
Yours In Scouting,
Jeff Teagarden
Mountain Valley District Chair
The Eagle’s Flight: Celebrating the VAHC Class of 2025
From the majestic ridges of the Mountain Valley District to the historic landscapes of the Monticello District, these young men and women have demonstrated what it means to “Be Prepared.” Collectively, they have contributed thousands of hours of service to our local communities, leaving a lasting legacy through their Eagle projects.
Mountain Valley District: 27 New Eagles
- Troop 1: Lucas Dodd, Ryan Sprague
- Troop 2: James Helmintoller-Quantz
- Troop 5: Aidan Hart, Albert Lewis
- Troop 8: Riley Smith
- Troop 11: Thomas Davisson, Christopher Jones, Caleb Roehl
- Troop 28: Nicholas Hansohn, Zishaan Mahmood
- Troop 29: Kellan Dorey
- Troop 33: Elijah Eaton, George Petty, Carter Stiehl
- Troop 40: Carter Lenz
- Troop 42: Tyler Watson
- Troop 46: Brycen Alexander, Madox Alexander, Ethan Cundiff, James Rothgeb
- Troop 73: Trenton Snyder, Jack Straight
- Troop 84: William Comfort, Everett Morse
- Troop 242: Kristina Dabaghyan
- Troop 314: Molly O’Connell
Monticello District: 55 New Eagles
- Troop 3: Alexander Bieri, Parker Manning, Connor Stanton
- Troop 12: Shane Barber, Jayden Chambers, Hudson Irby
- Troop 14: Lindon Brooks, Michael Forney, Sean Hughes
- Troop 16: Hunter Kuhstoss, Ethan Murray, David Snider
- Troop 17: Oscar Beaver, Daniel Gilday
- Troop 37: William Adams, Berren Dreier, Hunter Slinkman, Stephen Taylor
- Troop 75: Max Cable, Connor Mendoza, Andrew Smith, Benjamin Stallard, Bryce Wright
- Troop 79: Liam Caruana, James Decker, William Lewis, Kai Sensabaugh, Finbar Wilkinson
- Troop 111: Calvin Gilson
- Troop 114: Spencer Envall, Gabriel Johnson, Elijah Muehlman, Thomas Rockewell, James Skelly, Jackson Snider
- Troop 119: Caleb Burnett, Isaac Jennings
- Troop 138: Kingston Morgan
- Troop 174: Kaleb Dooley, Kyle Dooley, Wyatt Jones, Matthew Mellot, Rhylie Shifflett, David Wallace
- Troop 183: Alexander Hurst, Owen McHugh
- Troop 193: Hadley Hughes
- Troop 241: Matthew Field, Zachary Field
- Troop 1028: Griffin Bullock, Henry Dozier
- Troop 1029: Caroline Reilly, Kate Reilly
- Troop 1138: Addison Bargy
- Troop 2020: Madison MacEwen
A Legacy of Leadership
To our 2025 Eagles: Once an Eagle, always an Eagle. We look forward to seeing the great things you will accomplish next! 
Mountain Valley Minute: October 28, 2025
by: Jeff Teagarden, District Chair
Greetings Mountain Valley!
I wanted to remind everyone that we are reviving the old Google Group and transitioning to using that for mass message distribution. Please subscribe to stay updated on MVD happenings. https://groups.google.com/u/1/g/mtn-valley-vahc-bsa. Note, you must be logged into your Google account before the join button will appear. You do not need a Gmail account to create a Google account; you can use any email address. If you had previously subscribed to this group, now would be a good time to review your notification settings.
Also, this is a friendly reminder that District Award of Merit nominations are due to me by the end of November.
Our November Roundtable (November 5) will be in Harrisonburg at the Asbury UMC, Room 300. I hope to see you all there!
The Mountain Valley District is proud to recognize the Scouts who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout this past month. Each of these young leaders demonstrated commitment, service, and leadership at the highest level of Scouting.
- Isaiah H. — Troop 8, Churchville
Project: Built a podium for a Harrisonburg church’s outdoor chapel service. - Ethen C. — Troop 46, Elkton
Project: Rebuilt a shed for the Elkton Progressive Improvement Committee, including a new roof, doors, and repaired siding. - Thomas D. — Troop 11, Fishersville
Project: Landscaping work to support a church in Charlottesville. - Molly “MK” O. — Troop 314, Stuarts Draft
Project: Partnered with Silver Line Theatre Exchange in Staunton, transforming the unused space above their bathrooms into an efficient costume storage area - Sawyer T. — Troop 8, Churchville
Project: Built a bench behind Staunton High School
These achievements remind us of the strength and promise of Scouting in our communities. We congratulate these Scouts and their families for their hard work and dedication.
Finally, Tracy Norman is stepping down from the District Program Chair position at the end of the year. If you would like to fill that spot or have someone in mind who you think would do great at Program planning, please let me know!
Merit Badge University
Merit Badge University is BACK! Join us November 15, 2025 for merit badge classes. We have an exciting schedule this year, including both Eagle Required and Optional badges. Adult training will be available for leaders, as well. General cost is $10/youth participant with some badges having additional costs for supplies. Bring a lunch and get ready to learn and earn badges!
Featured badges include Citizenship in the World, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Communications, First Aid, Sustainability, Archaeology, Movie Making, Journalism, Art, Plumbing, and more. Please join us for this one-day event at Blue Ridge Community College from 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
