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