Summer Camp
Summer Camp is a core part of Scouting, and we are excited to have everyone back out at camp for the summer of 2023! Camp T. Brady Saunders has been offering an outdoor experience to the youth of Central Virginia and beyond since the summer of 1964. Our camp has amazing facilities and a diverse program offering geared toward all levels of Scouting.
Do you have questions? Please feel free to contact:
John Allen, Camp Director, John.Allen602@scouting.org
George McGovern, Scout Executive, GeorgeM.McGovern@scouting.org
How to Help Scouts Who Have Anxiety About Attending Summer Camp (Scouting Magazine Article)
SUMMER CAMP IS FILLING UP FAST!
• Week 1, June 15-21, is about half full
• Week 2, June 22-28, is sold out.
• Week 3, July 6-12, is about 2/3 full
• Week 4, July 13-19, is about half full
If you’re planning to attend Camp T. Brady Saunders this summer and haven’t yet signed up, we strongly encourage you to do so to nail down your desired week.
PROVISIONAL TROOP 3 (Week 4: July 13th–19th)
Scouts, will you miss your troop’s summer camp this year or do you want an additional week of fun and adventure? Then sign up to join Provisional Troop 3. Become part of a cohesive unit experience while having fun, learning new skills, & earning merit badges. Troop 3 will also offer a few unique experiences beyond the regular camp programs, for both boys and girls.
2025 Leader’s Guide (PDF)
2025 Leader’s Guide – en español (PDF)
2025 Staff Application (PDF)
Medical Forms Parts A, B and C (PDF)
Campership Application (PDF)
Ranger Challenge Permission Form (PDF)
Summer Camp Swim Classification Roster (PDF)
Emergency Procedures – Brady Saunders (PDF)
Unit Roster (PDF)
2024 Merit Badge Guide (PDF)
Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge Packet (PDF)
Our Trail Blazer first-year program helps immerse new Scouts in the skills they will need to succeed as Troop-level Scouts.
Our older Scouts adventure programming includes our Ranger Challenge program geared toward Scouts who are interested in having an adventure both on-site and at interesting destinations around the area.
What:
Ranger Challenge was developed to allow Scouts who have attended camp for several years to serve in a leadership position with their troop in the mornings and have an adventure in the afternoon and evening. All Scouts are welcome with the knowledge that the program is both physically demanding and mentally challenging. A certain level of maturity and strength are a must.
When:
All 5 weekdays of camp. Ranger Challenge requires the Scout’s commitment all week because of the team building aspect of the program. We meet outside the dining hall at the flag pole directly after lunch daily.
Where:
Day 1: Orientation day, we stay at camp and get to know each other, lay out the plan for the week, demonstrate and explain the necessities required to be successful and safe. We hike to lake Olga and practice canoeing proficiency and team building games. A bathing suit, water shoes and water bottle are required. Scouts are typically back to camp by 5:00.
Day 2: Middle James River Trip, we leave camp and put in on the James River. We paddle approximately 5 miles with numerous stops along the way. We take out and go to a Goochland location for dinner provided by council leaders and have a different game weekly pending on the leaders’ expertise. A bathing suit, water shoes and water bottle are required. The Scouts are typically back to camp by 9:00.
Day 3: St Mary’s Wilderness Trip: We travel to Stuarts Draft, Virginia for an approximately 5 mile round trip hike. We have several events along the way up the river and on the mountain tops. We hike the 2 miles out in the dark and go to a local pizza parlor for dinner. A bathing suit, water shoes and water bottle are required. The Scouts are typically back to camp by 1:00.
Day 4: White Water Trip: we will put canoes in above Richmond and paddle to Reedy Creek. There are numerous rapids along the way and opportunities for adventure. After taking out, the Scouts will prepare themselves a meal at Forest Hill Park. A bathing suit, water shoes and water bottle are required. The Scouts are typically back to camp by 9:00.
Day 5: Is spent at camp, we will make use of the climbing tower, shoot black powder rifles, throw hawks and other things that the Scouts chose to do. Long Pants, water shoes and a water bottle are required. Scouts are typically back to camp by 4:00.
What do Scouts need?
Required: Bathing suit, water shoes, water bottle, long pants and 20.00 for dinner Wednesday evening. Things that will help keep Scouts more comfortable: Dry clothes in a day pack, rain gear, hiking boots.
CHALLENGING
OUTDOOR
PERSONAL
EXPERIENCE
C.O.P.E. is a High Rope Adventure Course comprised of group initiative games
Built on a foundation of generosity, covered entirely by donations, this project totaled $7,680 and is, by far, one of our most popular features at camp.
Scenes from Summer Camp 2022!
The Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation is located in Goochland County, Virginia. It consists of 604 acres of land and comprises three separate camps. Camp S. Douglas Fleet is a short-term camping area located near the entrance to the Reservation. Cub & Webelos Adventure Camp is a Summer Camp specifically designed for Cub & Webelos Scouts and was opened in 2002. Camp T. Brady Saunders is the oldest camp on the Reservation and provides a long-term summer camp for Scouts BSA, Sea Scouts, and Venture Scouts.
Mr. Thomas Brady Saunders of Goochland, owner of the Miller Manufacturing Company of Richmond, donated the original land to build Camp T. Brady Saunders in 1964. It replaced Camp Shawondassee, now Camp Thunderbird owned by the YMCA. Over the years, additional land for the Camp and the Reservation was acquired as gifts from Nawakwa Lodge #3 of the Order of the Arrow, Mr. Thomas Starke, III, the Chesapeake Corporation of West Point, the Boisseau Estate, and through various other purchases.
Camp T. Brady Saunders has 16 separate campsites, four shower houses with individual rooms, a large dining hall equipped with air-conditioning, a trading post, a health lodge, an aquatics program on Lake Dillon, C.O.P.E (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) Course, remote controlled multi-station shotgun range, covered archery and rifle range, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program, a 3D archery range, 10 miles of a mountain bike and hiking trails, a compass and geocaching course, a sandpit volleyball court, a Gaga Pit, a traverse wall, a nine-hole disk golf course, a 28-foot tall Wet Willy waterslide, Canoes, Kayaks, Paddleboards, Paddle boats, Sailboats, an administration building and dining hall equipped with high-speed wireless internet, Scoutmaster Lodge with Internet and a basketball court.
The Reservation is located in the Virginia Piedmont. It has deciduous and coniferous woodlands, rolling hills, lakes, and beautiful valleys. Wildlife abounds with deer, squirrel, beaver, turkey, fox, rabbit, Canada geese, ducks, and even a skunk or two.
Through the foresight of the Council Property Committee, Camping Committee, and Conservation Committee, Camp T. Brady Saunders provides a modern facility that does not detract from the natural beauty of the Reservation. Camp T. Brady Saunders provides a great outdoor experience with modern facilities and excellent program opportunities for Scouts of all ages!
