The first record of a troop charter in what is now Shenandoah Area Council dates back to October 20th, 1911 in Martinsburg, WV. Troop 1 met at the YMCA and held their first summer camp for 10 days in 1912 on the Fuss property at Back Creek Bridge on Route 9. This record shows scouting has existed in the area since at least 20 months after BSA was formed, surely some scouts or troops existed as early as 2010 making the Northern Shenandoah Valley a vanguard area for BSA.

Prior to the formation of Shenandoah Area Council several Second Class Councils were chartered. Luray Council, VA formed on February 28th, 1913-1915, charter ran out. 2 years after Front Royal Council, VA formed in June 30th, 1917 and had 2 troops. Not much else is known about the southern area.

Winchester Council, VA formed on January 19th, 1915-1918. Troop 1 of Winchester was started in 1914, quickly followed by Troop 2, and Troop 3. These troops as Winchester Council rented 2 rooms on North Main Street to share. The three troops merged during WWI and Troop 1 served as the only troop in Winchester from 1922-1928. Troops 2 and 3 reformed in 1928.

Martinsburg Council, WV formed in 1921-1928 but little is known about it's history. What is known is that in a 1941 article in the Martinsburg Journal, Troop 13 is the only troop in Berkeley County with continuous registration since Shenandoah Area Council's chartering.

On November 7th, 1928, Shenandoah Area Council was chartered including Southern District (Warren, Page, and Shenandoah Counties, VA), Central District (Frederick and Clarke Counties, VA, Hardy County, WV), and Northern District (Morgan, Berkeley, and Jefferson Counties, WV). The council at one point had 3 Sea Ship groups. In 1936, the Council added Grant and Hampshire Counties, WV to Central District. In 1937, Rappahannock County, VA joined the Southern District. In 1938, Grant, Hardy, and Hampshire Counties except for Capon Bridge, WV were transferred to Potomac Council. In December, 1941 Central District changed to Shawnee District and Southern District changed to Two Rivers District. In, 1941, Northern District changed to Potomac District.

Multiple Camps have been created and used for the council including Camp Wa-Pa-Shen-Co, Camp Tomahawk, Camp Powhatan (Charles Town), and Camp White Rock. But in 1944, Shenandoah Area Council bought land from the Glaize family that used to be Rock Enon Springs Resort. The Council and troops put a lot of work into Camp Rock Enon that year, starting to build everything for summer camps including the lake. In the same year, Ray Garrabrandt proposed an OA lodge and Shenshawpotoo 276 was created.

In 1949, Shenandoah County, VA was created into Shenco District. In 1950, the Council became incorporated. At the 1951 annual council meeting Shenandoah Area Council an increase in membership placed it at the top 12 councils in the US. In 1954, Troop 7 started the Kanakee Dancers (known to exist up to 1985). In 1956, the Council was 1st in the Southern Service Area and 3rd in Region in membership gain. In 1963, a council monthly newsletter Trail Signs was created. In 1964, Two Rivers and Shenco Districts merged into Shenrapawa District. In 1968, the written history project was initiated. In 1972, a Knights of Dunamis Chapter was chartered, same year renamed to NESA. On November 1973, the first CSP was released (T-1a). In 1978, the council celebrated it's 50th anniversary.

In 1984, the first Varsity Scouting Team was organized. In 1993, the current scout office in Winchester was built. 50th Anniversary of CRE and Shenshawpotoo held in 1994. In 2002, Jefferson County, WV and Clarke County, VA formed Mannahoac District. In 2007, the Council History Committee opened a CRE museum at the camp. In 2018, Mannahoac District reverted back to the previous districts.

In 2023, the Council merged with their Northern neighbor Mason-Dixon Council but remained as Shenandoah Area Council. Acquiring Camp Sinoquipe and the Hagerstown Scout Office, in addition, doubling membership. Mason Dixon District was created, encompassing Washington County, MD, Fulton County and part of Franklin County, PA. In 2024, Shenshawpotoo 267 merged with Guneukitschik 317 forming Onerahtokha 297. Camp Rock Enon now serves as a Cub Scout summer camp and Adventure and Specialty Program camp for Scouts BSA and Venturing. Camp Sinoquipe now serves as a Scouts BSA summer camp.

The Council has hosted many regular events over the years like Scout shows, Philmont trips, Camporees, Trainings, and Camps. With many more to come, the council will be celebrating it's historic 100 year anniversary in 2028. The Council History Committee offers tours of the museum at the Winchester Office and donations of Scout memorabilia are always welcome.

FROM A Pictorial History of Scouting Insignia Shenandoah Area Council 1910-2010, Neath the Azure Blue 1913-1973: The First 60 Years of Scouting in the Shenandoah Area, and The Trail, 1914-1917 Vol I and Vol II