Virginia Headwaters Council, BSA

In this episode, we sit down with Audrey Storm to talk about the importance of youth and adults membership. This is a delayed release due to multiple technical issues, but still full of useful information even if you have already hosted a Join Scouting Night or have your program year underway.

BSA Resources

"Back to Gillwell, happy land ..."

Time to sit down with a cup of Gillwell Joe and learn about this year's WoodBadge Course. Adam sits down with this year's course director, Tracey Stakem, to give you the inside scoop on WoodBadge.

It's not too late to sign up; we promise you a Mountain Top experience.

Adam and I are back from camp - and while he is still catching up after spending two glorious weeks at Camp Shenandoah, I sat down to reflect on all that camp means to the campers and staff. We would love to hear your stories of camp; please share them via email at [email protected].

View the Tributary

It is June, and that means it's time for Summer Camp. In this episode, Kyle sits down with Collin McCrone from Troop 111 and Crew 22 (with his mom listening in) to discuss why he is on Camp Staff and life at camp. He also provides some tips for new campers, not just what slushy to order this year.

You can learn more about Camp Shenandoah and sign up for week 2 or 4 here.

You can register for Woodbadge online today.

Wow - it has been too long since we gathered by the campfire, but we are back, and many episodes are being edited now. In this episode, we discuss the role of Native Culture and Cultural Appropriation in the BSA with Scouter Melissa Watts.

Melissa Watts is a member of the Yurok tribe and a Scouter with Troop 111 in the Monticello District of the Virginia Headwaters Council. Adam and I sat down with her to talk about the recent BSA survey on using Native Imagery in scouting and, of course, her favorite camping story.  In a recent email survey taken by 35,000 current and former members, the national organization asked a broad range of questions about what changes should be made to its usage and portrayal of Native American imagery, ceremonies, and rituals. Native Imagery and Culture is pervasive in the history of the BSA, from our cub programming to the Order of the Arrow. This has not been a positive history, but recent work by the BSA and OA has worked to address the past and our future. Melissa sits down with us to give her thoughts and perspective as one voice in the conversation, which you can continue by emailing us at:[email protected]. We hope this is the beginning and welcome you back to the campfire.

Hey Listeners!

Yeah, we screwed up and didn't get our episodes out, but we are recording and publishing again soon. Something you want to know more about, email us [email protected].

Not sure what to do this summer - join us at Camp Shenandoah for amazing scouting adventures, and if you are lucky join the podcast when we record there live.

I am always amazed by the youth in our council. In this episode of C^mp C^st, Adam sits down with former and future Camp Staff members during OA Spring Fellowship. What you will hear might bring a tear, it will surely make you laugh, and it will remind you that we have THE BEST camp staff! So grab a cup of coffee and come sit by the fire for another episode of C^mp C^st.

Have a comment or want to make a suggestion - email us at [email protected]

Welcome back to Camp Cast, exploring the ever-exciting world of tornados and money! No really, we sit down with Matt Phillippi to talk about one of his favorite campouts and to dig in a little around council finances. By the end of this episode, you will have a new appreciation for our Council Board and their work to make scouting a reality in our region.  Matt is an Eagle Scout, the District Commissioner for VAHC, and our Council Treasurer. 

Today's episode is made possible by VAHC's Board and Camp Shenandoah, welcoming you Home in 2023.

Music and Editing - Adam Sowers

Production and Concept - Kyle Enfield

Fun fact - On June 15th, 1916, Woodrow Wilson signed a bill into law that granted federal incorporation to the Boy Scouts of America and protected the BSA's name and insignia. But the birthday of the BSA is February, and this week on Camp Cast we explore the history of the BSA, the role of the Blue and Gold banquet in the Cub Scouting program, and the importance of milestones in the scouting program. As an added plus, we tearfully look at one of our Cross Over Ceremonies. Comments or idea's email us at: [email protected]

There seems to be so much going on in our council - and now they are talking about selling the council office! Sometimes it can be overwhelming and hard to keep up with who is making these decisions.  I got to sit down with Steve Hammond to chat about his role as Council President, the state of the council, and his favorite camping story.  In January of 2023, Steve wrote in the Tributary: One of my favorite authors Mark Twain once noted “Reports of my death or greatly exaggerated.”

Listen to Steve talk about the future of the Virginia Headwaters Council.  Learn more about the activities of the Council Board on their new webpage.

This Episode is made possible by: Camp Shenandoah - be sure to register your troop today, and by Wood Badge - signup now for the BSA's best leadership training.

Music and Editing - Adam Sowers

Production and Concept - Kyle Enfield