Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Many events have been postponed due to COVID-19.
Click here for a continuously updated list of event changes. Tidewater Council’s official updates and policies can be found here.
Three Rivers District Camporee
August 28-30
“Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow” at Pipsico Scout Reservation, Camp Lions. The Three Rivers District Camporee will be an end-of-summer campout. Registration is now open on Black Pug. All troops, crews, ships, and posts are invited.
In the Scouting tradition of promoting camping and the Scout motto of “Be Prepared,” this camporee will focus on Scouting skills acquired in the journey to the rank of First Class Scout. The skills learned in this journey enable a Scout to be prepared to take on life’s challenges and make wise decisions.
Powder Horn
September 11-13 and September 18-20
The 2020 Powder Horn course is full and registration is closed. We look forward to seeing you there!
Family Fun Fest
September 12
Connect with Scouts around the country for The Ultimate Pinewood Derby Speedway Race Event! Tune in on Facebook Live at 11 AM for fun activities, the chance to win prizes, and more. Learn more at scouting.org/familyfunfest.
Three Rivers Merit Badge University
September 12
Calling all merit badge counselors! We are looking for merit badge counselors for Three Rivers Merit Badge University on September 12. Our recommended class size is around ten Scouts. We will also work in the virtual world. Join us in hosting a merit badge session through an online venue. Contact 3rdistrictmbu@gmail.com to volunteer or learn more.
We hope to offer a beneficial program for our Scouts, but we can only be successful with the generous help of our volunteers.
Online registration will open on August 18. There will be both in-person and virtual opportunities. Scouts should have their Scoutmaster’s approval prior to registering for a session.
This will be a single-day event. The COVID-19 situation continues to impact us. To resolve facility-use issues, we will work with counselors to host merit badges throughout the district. Scouts will go to the merit badge counselor or meet virtually. Bring a bag lunch. We plan to finish the in-person requirements and check off the prerequisites accomplished. For merit badges that cannot be completed in one session, Scouts will follow up with the counselor to finish.
Outdoor Adventure Weekend
AKA Fall Guns 'n' Grillin' Plus
September 25-27
Troops, crews, ships, and posts – mark your calendar for an awesome outdoor weekend. We will have shooting sports, climbing, Ax Yard, and other skill builders and challenges in Huskanaw. Saturday lunch is included. Contact Kirsten Misfeldt for more information.
Council Banquet and Legends Dinner
September 30
Celebrate outstanding Scout volunteers and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the OA Cook Crew! The annual Council Banquet and Legends Dinner will honor the 2020 Silver Beavers, 2020 Living Legends, Venturing Leadership Award recipients, Sea Scout Leadership Award recipients, Council Alumnus of the Year, and more. Join us at 6 PM on Wednesday, September 30 at the Norfolk Masonic Temple.
Fall Family Camp
Back to the Campfire!
October 2-4
Let’s take a break and get back to the campfire for a fun-filled weekend at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Scouts and families are invited to camp from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning with activities planned for learning and lots of fun on Saturday. There will be a variety of activities including archery, BB’s, handicrafts, cooking, sports, and a campfire program. Register on Black Pug now.
Albemarle District Gold Rush Cub-O-Ree
Yee-Haw! There’s GOLD in them there fields!
October 16-18
The Gold Rush is an Albemarle District Family Camping event held at Currituck County Rural Center for all Cub Scouts, their families, and/or leaders to experience together. Non-Scout siblings are invited to participate in all activities during Gold Rush. Activities include: BB guns, archery, field games, crafts, campfires, and much more. Registration and the leader’s guide are available on Black Pug. The cost will be $40 per family if paid by October 2, and $50 after that date. Packs will be given more details from our Sherriff, Tiffany Bounds, on what units are expected to contribute. Let’s get ready to camp!
District Gold Rush Cub Scout Field Days
October 17
Princess Anne
Princess Anne Cub Scout packs, save the date for the district Gold Rush field day! More information is coming soon. Contact event chair Nick Boyle for more information.
Three Rivers
Three Rivers Cub Scout Packs will host a carnival for our newest recruits at Izzak Walton League Park. Our packs will each host a game booth. See the flyer for more details. Save the date – registration is coming soon!
Bayside
Bayside Cub Scout packs, save the date for the district Gold Rush field day! More information is coming soon. Contact event chairs Michelle Miranda and Brittany Szkaradnik for more information.
Albemarle
Albemarle’s Gold Rush field day will be incorporated in with the district Cub-O-Ree (see above).
Highlander Games at the Albemarle District Camporee
October 23-25
There are many legends about the origins of the Scottish Games. The oldest traces the Games tradition back to the period of Roman invasions in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, where Scottish warriors reputedly displayed their bravery and strength by performing feats of skill and power in front of the opposing army. The most widely accepted tale describes the Games as informal athletic tests by which Kings and Clan Chiefs examined the agility, cunning, and physical strength of their clansmen. The victors of these trials were then awarded positions of leadership both on the battlefield and within the clan. The Scottish Highland Games or “Heavy Events” are the modem continuation of this ancient Celtic tradition. Each event you watch today may look like a simple matter of brute strength, but each also requires excellent timing, balance, and technique. (They also require a kilt!) Join us in Maple, NC this fall for some Highlander games.
Princess Anne District Camporee
October 23-25
Princess Anne troops and crews, save the date for the district camporee!
Scout Day at Nauticus
October 31
Come out and join us for our 11th Annual Scout STEM Day at Nauticus. The 2020 event occurs earlier in the year than previous years, so remember to mark your calendar.
Scout STEM Day at Nauticus includes opportunities to work on NOVA awards, many different Cub Scout electives, and some merit badge requirements.
Pipsico Fall Festival
November 6-8
It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy camping weather. All packs, troops, crews, ships, posts, and Scout families are invited to join us at Pipsico for a Fall Festival. Camp from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning. There will be a variety of activities so keep watch for more details to follow. Save the date – registration and the leader guide are coming soon.
Albemarle Merit Badge Weekend
November 13-15
Share your expertise! We are looking for merit badge counselors for Albemarle Merit Badge Weekend. The classes will be offered in a morning and afternoon session on the 14th and a morning session on the 15th. If you can assist any or all of the weekend, we need your support. We hope to offer an exciting and valuable program for our Scouts. We can only accomplish this with the assistance of volunteers wanting to share their knowledge. Contact Ray Bland at raybee01@hotmail.com to volunteer or ask questions.
Units, save the date for the weekend. Online registration and a leader guide will be coming soon. The COVID-19 situation has continued to impact us, but we are hopeful that Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City will be able to allow us to conduct the event again this year.
Pow-Wow
November 14
Get ready to gather with other Mad Scientists at the Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow for a day of wild and somewhat wacky hands on, interactive, and practical classes to help you be the best Scientist (Cub Scout Leader) you can be!
Pow-Wow is an action-packed supplemental training event for adult Cub Scout leaders, pack committee members, and parents of Cub Scouts. You’ll spend the day learning new ideas and enjoying hands-on experiences that will enhance your ability to deliver a fun-filled, exciting program to Cub Scouts. Lunch will be provided.
The Pow-Wow staff is using this time of social distancing to plan an event that will help current and future Cub Scout leaders become better leaders. Develop your skills this fall with your fellow Cub Scout Leader Mad Scientists. Every Scout deserves a Trained Leader!
If you have any questions, suggestions, or would like to serve on staff, please contact Anne Bussiere.
News
Popcorn
Second Order
Submit your unit’s next popcorn order through Scout Boss by Sunday, August 30.
Delivery of the second order is expected on Thursday, September 17, with distribution to units on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19. Popcorn kernels will be notified via email of confirmed times and dates.
Interim Pick-Ups and Returns
Additional product pick-up and returns will be available at 5423 Henneman Drive, Norfolk, VA 23513 during the dates and times listed below:
- Thursday, August 20 from 3-5 PM
- Thursday, August 27 from 12-2 PM
- Thursday, September 3 from 3-5 PM
- Thursday, September 10 from 12-2 PM
Payments
Payments should be turned in at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 during regular Scout Shop hours.
The preferred method of payment is a single check from the unit’s account. Credit card payments will be subject to a 3% processing fee. We cannot accept checks that are written to the unit from individuals. Checks returned for insufficient funds will be charged the standard return fee as posted in the Council Scout Shop as of the date of the incident.
Online Sales
Enjoy non-contact sales and free delivery with online popcorn sales!
Online sales are now open at prpopcornstore.3dcartstores.com. Contact your unit popcorn kernel for your Scout’s Seller ID.
Journey to Excellence (JTE)
The National Council has modified the unit JTE scorecards to reflect the limitations of COVID-19. Please take the time to review how your unit stands with these modified standards. Tidewater Council has, historically, lead the way in the number of units that achieve bronze or higher standards. The key for every district going into this fall is membership growth.
- Albemarle: Silver (100 points from Gold)
- Bayside: Silver (125 points from Gold)
- Princess Anne: Silver (275 points from Gold)
- Three Rivers: Bronze (175 points from Silver)
- Council Overall: Bronze
Service Hours
Every district has reported an equal number or even more service hours than the same time last year. Please keep up the good work in reporting service hours via Scoutbook. This information is reported to potential donors and funders to show the value of Scouting to the community.
At the mid-year point, each district has recorded:
- Albemarle: 872 service hours
- Bayside: 2,712 service hours
- Princess Anne: 3,708 service hours
- Three Rivers: 4,420 service hours
Recreational and Family Camping at Pipsico
Did COVID-19 ruin your family’s summer plans? We have just the answer for you! Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America would like to invite you to enjoy camping at Pipsico Scout Reservation.
From July 1 - September 7, you can enjoy the awesomeness that is Pipsico Scout Reservation!
Guests may enjoy kayaking, canoeing, hiking, climbing, shooting sports, campfires, and fishing along the beach or at our lake – just to name a few fun family outdoor activities. With camping options ranging from personal tent campsite camping to renting a cabin, we have the outdoor adventure option for you!
At this time, Camp Moonyah and Camp Baker remain unavailable for use.
Scout Shop
Shop Local! The Tidewater Council Scout Shop is the only place where you can purchase official BSA merchandise and have the proceeds stay in our local Scouting community.
As we wrap up summer, Tidewater Council has many exciting fall events planned. Whether they are in-person or virtual, Scouting activities offer fun and learning, and the Scout Shop is still here to provide a safe and efficient way to shop for all your Scouting needs.
Uniform Sale
Our fall uniform sale dates are August 17 – October 10. For every purchase of a uniform top, get 25% off any of the bottoms. For Scouts needing a full uniform, this is the best opportunity to save money!
New Uniform Options
We have the new Scout pants in boys’ sizes in stock. Made of the new fabric with a blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex, these pants are more lightweight and the style is more streamlined than the previous styles. The new pants in boys’ sizes are priced at $44.99. The new shirt fabric is also a lightweight fabric blend with a back-ventilation system, a new fleur-de-lis logo, and the letters “BSA” embroidered in red. The new shirts are priced at $34.99. The men’s sizes in the new pants and shirts are not yet in stock, but we hope to see them soon. We still have stock in the traditional poplin shirts and the microfiber shirts. Remember, “Once a uniform, always a uniform.”
Shop Now
For those who do unit shopping, save yourself time by shopping before the new school year begins. August is normally a low-traffic time in the Scout Shop. We can provide more customer service as you fill orders of awards already earned during the past school year or during the summer. For customers needing new uniforms or accessories, fitting rooms are more readily available.
Volunteer
If you or someone you know is willing to volunteer in the Scout Shop on a Saturday, please email polly.fugate@scouting.org. The greatest need for store volunteers is in September. With limited staffing, there is a real need for people who know the program, are good with people, and can volunteer a few hours of time. Our Saturdays are usually very busy, and the hours have been reduced to just three open hours (noon – 3 PM).
Safe Shopping
In accordance with the governor’s mandate, we ask that customers wear masks and comply with our safe-distancing guidelines. Our goal is to provide the best service for all customers, and we can ship orders by USPS for the minimal cost. To place an order, call the Scout Shop at 757-497-2688 or email polly.fugate@scouting.org.
Holiday Hours
Our next holiday closing will be September 5 -7 for Labor Day weekend.
Invite a Friend
In any other year, families’ schedules would be filling with sports, after-school enrichment, and extracurricular activities. While many sports and activities have been canceled, Scouting continues to offer peer engagement and fun programs for youth.
Now is a good time for Scouts to invite their friends – who may not have had time before – to check out Scouting. Give them an opportunity to experience Scouting by inviting them to an outing or virtual meeting.
Youth need the social interaction that Scouting can provide. A recent study by Oxford University has shown that interrupted schooling can have long-lasting negative effects on children. Scouting is prepared to mitigate the negative effects by continuing to offer much-need peer interaction and engagement.
Volunteers Wanted
Did you know that the district exists to support units and make them successful? Two groups within the district work to support you – the district committee and the commissioner staff.
The district committee hosts large events to enhance the annual Scouting program, such as the District Pinewood Derby, day camps, camporees, and field days. Without committed teams to plan and staff these events, none of it happens. District committees are seeking volunteers with strong leadership and planning skills.
Commissioners help units be successful. They mentor new unit leadership, are a friend to the unit, and troubleshoot the unit charter renewal process. The commissioner staff is seeking volunteers with Scouting expertise.
If you would like to nominate someone for a district committee or commissioner role, contact your district executive.
Development Corner: Matching Gifts
What are Matching Gift Programs?
An extension of corporate philanthropy, matching gift programs are designed to be the means by which companies support employee charitable giving. Companies match donations made by employees to a wide range of non-profits. Approximately ⅔ of companies with matching gift programs match employee donations to nearly any 501(c)(3) organization or educational institution.
Why are Matching Gift Important?
Matching gifts are free money that often gets overlooked due to gaps in knowledge of specific corporate giving programs and difficulties in communicating the information guidelines and instructions to the non-profit.
Ratios and Amounts
Companies apply minimums and maximums to their matching gift programs. Minimum matches range from $25 – $100 and maximums typically range from $1,000-$15,000. The majority of companies match donations at a 1:1 ratio, although ratios can be set at any amount the company determines.
The Submission Process
The entire matching gift process typically can be completed by a donor in less than five minutes.
Follow These Four Easy Steps
- DONATION OCCURS: Donors make donations to Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America.
- MATCH ELIGIBILITY: Donors determine if their employers match their donations.
- FORMS SUBMITTED: Donors submit matching gift requests electronically or use a paper form.
- FUNDS DISPERSED: Non-profit verifies a donation was made and corporations issue checks.
Please check with you Human Resources Manager to find out how you can increase your donation to Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America. For additional information, contact Susan Miley-Petrehn at 757-284-0796 or susan.miley-petrehn@scouting.org.
COVID-19 Assistance
Does your family need assistance due to COVID-19? Tidewater Council is a partner agency with United Way of South Hampton Roads and Albemarle Area United Way, as well as a member of the Unite Us Hampton Roads United Coordinated Network and NCCARE360. North Carolina families, please reach out to NCCARE360 to request assistance. Virginia families, please contact the United Way of South Hampton Roads Coronavirus Response team. For other coordinated care referrals unrelated to COVID-19, please contact us.
The BSA has released tips and videos for Coping with COVID-19.
Scouts in Action
Congratulations to new Eagle Scout Lucas R. of Princess Anne Troop 499! Lucas did very well during his virtual Eagle Board of Review on August 12.
Fun was had by all this summer at Cub Scout Day Camp. There were three separate day camps that hosted over 100 youth and 50 volunteers. The Cub Scouts enjoyed a variety of activities at each camp. Some of them learned about shooting sports, Scout skills, LEGO Derby, and kite-flying, while others enjoyed the fine sport of fishing. While we have been dealing with a pandemic, a potential hurricane, and extreme heat over the last three weeks, our Scouts enjoyed being guided by Scout leaders to learn valuable outdoor lessons. We thank those who supported day camp and those families who sent their Scouts to camp. We hope to see you next year!
Thank you to the amazing team of volunteers and staff who unloaded 33,459 pounds of popcorn on August 6!
Maks S. is a Wolf in Albemarle Pack 771. He made cookies and delivered them around his neighborhood to thank and show appreciation to those who have supported his pack through Scouting fundraisers and events. What a great way to show your thanks, Maks!
Princess Anne Troop 362 conquered “The Summit” for summer camp on July 12-18. When their planned camp had to be closed, the twenty Scouts changed course for West Virginia and enjoyed the journey of a lifetime. They loved the high adventure activities, including mountain biking, BMX, skateboarding, rock climbing, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, hunters’ education, hiking, and, most of all, ziplining. The ¾ mile zipline took the Scouts through the trees at 40-60 MPH, up to 150 feet off the ground. They saw abundant wildlife, including a bear, deer, wild turkey, and chipmunks.
The Scouts earned merit badges, and six of them became eligible for rank advancement. Summer camp gave them the opportunity to try new things, and they came home healthy, exhausted, and smiling from ear to ear.
Albemarle Cub Scout Pack 164 gathered at the American Legion Post 40 for a meeting where they learned about husking corn, blanching corn, freezing vegetables and fruits, and canning. It was a lot of fun and the boys loved learning and being together. Special thanks to Caroline Ganzert and John and Fran Cuthrell for their time and effort to help the pack learn and grow.
Thank you to all our Merit Badge Counselors who volunteered for Virtual Scouts BSA Summer Camp: Charlie T., Kathy L., Kimberly W., Skip B., Matt R., Rich B., Troy V., Shelley D., and Mike M. We had 40 Scouts who worked on a variety of merit badges. And thanks to the Pipsico camp staff who filmed the opening and closing shows, flag ceremonies, and a Scouts’ Own service, which were shared with the campers.
We want to hear from you! Send stories, photos, and videos of your Scouts in action to alison.harrison@scouting.org (with parental permission, of course).
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