NESA Eagle Scout Scholarships
The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) will award nearly $500,000 in scholarships in 2026 to deserving Eagle Scouts to help continue their educational adventure in an undergraduate program, associate degree program or skilled trade program. The application window is open now through January 31, 2026.
✅Eagle Board of Review Date:
Must be on or before January 24, 2026
✅Application Must be Completed and Submitted
By 11:59 pm CST on January 31, 2026
✅Announcement of Scholarship Awards:
June 10, 2026
Review the complete application timeline and eligibility requirements here.
Winter Swim 2026
The 2026 Winter Swim will be held on Sunday, January 4 at Fork Union Military Academy and is open to all Scouts (and Scouters for the training session) in VAHC.
The VAHC Aquatics Committee will be offering Swimming Merit Badge, Lifesaving Merit Badge, Scouts BSA Rank Advancement, Pack Program (one adventure for each rank), non-swimmer skills development classes, and also adult “Aquatics Supervision Swimming and Water Rescue” training. This year there will be no SCUBA program and no open swim checks for summer camp (only offered as part of classes). Open Swim checks for summer programs will be offered in May/June.
Pre-registration is required for all classes, all class sizes are limited, and registration is on a first come, first served basis. For more information, questions, or to volunteer to staff the event, please contact Jay Fox or Eric Cutright.
Short Term National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP)
Scouting America created the short-term NCAP program to ensure all council- organized overnight camping activities, not just long-term camps, meet national standards for quality and safety. The program helps councils improve their short- term camps by providing comprehensive guidelines and a framework for administrators to manage programs and facilities, while also ensuring the well- being of youth members. This helps elevate the camper experience, ensures continuous improvement, and maintains a high level of safety across all Scouting camping programs.
Ensures consistent safety: The program provides clear, applicable short-term standards to help ensure that health, safety, and sanitation provisions are met for all council-organized overnight events.
Promotes continuous improvement: NCAP encourages councils to regularly review and assess their camps, leading to improvements in both the quality of programs and the condition of facilities.
Standardizes all council-run camps: The short-term camp standards were extended to a broader range of activities, ensuring that any council-organized overnight camping event, regardless of length, adheres to the same high standards for quality and safety.
Provides training and resources: The program includes training for short-term camp administrators to equip them with the skills needed to manage these camps effectively, covering areas like risk management, program planning, and facility Oversight.
What is a Short-Term Camp?
A short-term camp is any council-organized overnight camping program, whether one-time or continuing, that is one, two or three nights in length where the council or its agents (districts) provide the staffing and may provide program and food services, and includes camps conducted off council properties. National training courses are subject to the short-term camp requirements, regardless of format or duration.
Dennis Camp, a trained Short-Term NCAP Administrator, has agreed to work with Chris Axford, our Council NCAP lead, to establish the program within the Virginia Headwaters Council. If you have any questions on the Short-Term NCAP program please feel free to reach out to Dennis at 7bczoo@gmail.com or 757-478-7027.
Family Troop Option Announced
Scouting America has announced that, following a successful pilot, ScoutsBSA Troops will have the option to become co-ed Family Troops starting December 15, 2025, with Chartered Organization approval and required steps completed. Additional details are expected to be released over the coming weeks.
The Family Troop option is designed to give Chartered Organizations added flexibility especially within communities that don’t have enough youth for separate boys-only and girls-only troops. ScoutsBSA Troops will continue to have the option to remain single gender.
Please contact VAHC Director of Membership Michael Werling with any questions.
Free Pinewood Derby Workshops
Troop 1028 and 1029 are pleased to offer FREE Pinewood Derby car construction workshops to local Packs each year in January and February in Scoutmaster Eric Cutright’s amazing woodworking shop.
The Troop Scouts will help the Cubs pick a design, find parts, assist with gluing, figure out next steps, help with axle treatment, provide encouragement so Cubs don’t get overwhelmed, and help Mr. Cutright monitor power tool usage (mainly stationary belt sanders, drills, and drill presses – Mr. Cutright does all the dangerous stuff for them).
Cub parents and leaders are responsible for general behavior control, and maximum capacity is 8-10 car builders (Scouts, siblings, or parents) per 90-minute session.
Find out more on Troop 1028/1029’s website, contact Scoutmaster Eric Cutright (ericcutright@comcast.net), or use the QR code below:
Silver Beaver Nominations
The Silver Beaver Award is the highest recognition a Scout council can bestow. Introduced in 1931, it is awarded for distinguished service within a council by registered adult Scouters of exceptional character and is given to those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service.
The Silver Beaver Award is given to those who do not seek it. To receive the Award, a Scouter must be nominated by a registered Scouter on a Nomination Form provided by the National Office. Recommendation Letters are encouraged to be included with submitted Nomination Forms. The number of Awards that can be given each year is based on the number of units in the council. The Virginia Headwaters Council may bestow two Silver Beaver Awards annually.
Please take time to nominate those Scouters who warrant recognition for their distinguished record of service. Completed nomination forms may be submitted via email along with any letters of recommendation to silverbeaver@virginiaheadwaters.org.
All nominations must be received by November 30th.
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.
Kick Off the Year by Scouting Safely
A new Scouting year is the perfect moment to recommit to what keeps adventures thriving: safety first, adventure always. Scouting America has long emphasized that while challenge is essential for growth, it must always be balanced with preparation, clear standards, and an unwavering focus on protecting youth.
At the center of this approach is the S.A.F.E. Framework, a four-part guide that leaders are encouraged to apply at every outing:
S – Supervision: Two registered, qualified adults present at all times; no one-on-one contact between adults and youth. The buddy system and age-appropriate leadership remain non-negotiable.
A – Assessment: Each activity begins with a pre-event risk review: terrain, weather, skill level, medical needs, and emergency access. Leaders are urged to ask “What if?” and prepare accordingly.
F – Fitness Skill: Scouts should have the physical readiness and training required for each challenge. Swimming tests, skill checks, and alignment with the Guide to Safe Scouting ensure activities are age-appropriate and within reach.
E – Equipment & Environment: Gear must be checked for condition and fit, from helmets to life jackets. Leaders monitor site suitability & weather forecasts, making clear decisions when it is time to “go” or “no-go.”
As the season begins, units are encouraged to focus their reset on three priorities:
- Safeguarding Youth Training – Newly updated, this required course equips every adult leader with the tools to ensure youth protection remains paramount.
- Hazardous Weather Training – Because conditions can shift in an instant, direct-contact leaders are expected to be trained in recognizing and responding to weather-related risks.
- Unit Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) – Each troop, pack, and crew should have a plan that clearly defines responsibilities in a crisis: who calls 911, who meets emergency responders, and how parents are notified. Importantly, these plans should be reviewed not only with leaders, but with Scouts themselves.
Fall Pop-Up Scout Shop
The Virginia Headwaters Council will be hosting a pop-up Scout Shop at the council office (617 Greenville Avenue, Staunton, Virginia 24401) from September 2 through September 30! More details, including info about several cool new items, will be available soon, so be sure to stay tuned to the council’s social media channels for the latest.
Please click here to pre-order any Cub Scouts or Scouts BSA advancement items or uniforms from the VAHC pop-up Scout Shop.
Scan to create your preorder now!
Free Recruiter Strip Emblem Available!
Any Scout will tell you: Scouting is better with friends. As we reach the tail end of summer and look towards the coming school year, it is the perfect time to recruit friends to discover the joys of Scouting!
There’s a patch for learning skills. A patch for adventure. Even a patch for helping others. But did you know there’s a patch for bringing a friend into Scouting? You can earn yours in only five simple steps!
Here’s how to earn your official recruiter patch:
- Talk to a friend about what you love in Scouting.
- Invite them to a meeting or activity.
- Help them see what makes it awesome – fun, friendship, and real adventure.
- If they join, you qualify for the free Recruiter Strip Emblem, fully subsidized by Scouting America Outfitters!
The Virginia Headwaters Council has a Scouting America Outfitters pop-up shop at the council office (617 Greenville Avenue, Staunton, Virginia 24401), during the month of September where families can pick up theirs. Fill out the form linked here and bring it to the council office pop-up shop to receive your FREE patch.
