The Boy Scouts of America was founded in Washington, D.C. in 1910. And in 1911 a national office was established in New York to administer the organization. Scouting came to central Virginia officially with Tabernacle Churches sponsorship of Richmond Troop 1. By the end of 1911 there were a dozen troops in the Richmond area.
In 1913 John Stewart Bryan and D.W. Durrett led 60 well-known residents and civic leaders in founding the Richmond, Virginia Council. The first year membership totaled 495 boys in 28 troops. Since the Richmond Council was established 100 years ago, the council name has changed from the Richmond Council to the Robert E. Lee Council and is presently known as the Heart of Virginia (HOV) Council. From 495 boys in 1913 the council now has an approximate membership of 13,000 youth, 464 troops, and 5,000 adult volunteers which include troop leaders, troop committee members, chartering organization representatives, and members at large.
The HOV Council is divided into 7 geographically dispersed districts (i.e. Arrohattoc, Battlefield, Capitol, Cardinal, Crater, Huguenot Trail, & Rivers) and the Exploring District, which encompasses the entire council.
Scouting’s programs and outdoor adventures prepare young people for a lifetime of character and leadership. Detailed information about programs and the B.S.A. organization can be obtained at hovc.org. Capitol District has approximately 1,100 youth and 300 volunteers. The Capitol District includes all areas within the city limits of Richmond.
This cache is placed in Bryan Park, one of 57 parks and open spaces in Richmond, VA. to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Scouting in Virginia. Richmond parks and open spaces contribute to the scouting experience and are supported by service projects from many BSA units. You can learn more about Richmond Parks at Richmondgov.com/parks. The park is open from dawn to dusk.