Table of Contents
Friends of Scouting
Why support Friends of Scouting? Watch the video below from local Scout and 2021 Order of the Arrow Blue Heron Lodge Chief David G.
You can donate online via the donate button at the top of this page. The look of our online donation portal has changed, but, as before, all Friends of Scouting donations stay local and benefit the same Scouting program you love. You can also fill out a Friends of Scouting pledge card and email it to shannon.foster@scouting.org.
Progress as of February 28, 2021:
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal.
Progress as of February 28, 2021:
Upcoming Events
Many events have been canceled or 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.
Pinewood Derby
Cub Scouts of Tidewater Council, it’s time to start your ENGINES! Join us to race your cars once again at your District Pinewood Derbies.
Albemarle District Pinewood Derby: March 6
Get ready to rumble at the Albemarle District Pinewood Derby via Tidewater Council’s Facebook Live on March 6 at 9:30 AM. All racers of each rank from every pack in Albemarle District are eligible to race. Arrows of Light (AOL) who have just bridged to a troop are still eligible. Family Fun Run races are an open class that will race after the qualified racers. The entry fee for qualified pack racers is $8.50 per car. Family racers are $10 per car (No trophies, this is for bragging rights only).
Registration is available on Black Pug until March 5 at 5 PM.
Bayside District Pinewood Derby: March 13
Tune in on Facebook Live for the Bayside District races on March 13, starting at approximately 8:45 AM. Due to health and safety protocols, we are asking packs to keep their winning cars, put them in resealable bags with the Derby Car Entry Form, and arrange to drop them off as a unit package at the Scout Shop. Unit registration is online via Black Pug.
Three Rivers District Pinewood Derby: March 13
It is Pinewood Derby Race time!
The Three Rivers District races are March 13 and will be broadcast via Facebook Live starting at approximately 12:45 PM. Due to the continued COVID situation, we are asking packs to keep their winning cars, put them in resealable bags with the Derby Car Entry Form, and arrange to drop them off as a unit package with Bill Lawrence. Please make arrangements by emailing bill.lawrence2@scouting.org or calling 828-582-6955.
For more details on the Three Rivers races, please see the guidebook. Register online through Black Pug.
Princess Anne District Pinewood Derby: March 27
Princess Anne district racers will compete at Kempsville Presbyterian Church on March 27. Check out the flyer and guidebook below for additional information. Register on Black Pug.
Council Pinewood Derby: April 10
The top three winners of each rank at each District Pinewood Derby qualify for entry into the Tidewater Council Pinewood Derby.
The District Pinewood Derby chairs will retain all qualifying cars for the council derby at the district races. There is no additional cost to those who qualify at the council level. So, get ready to zoooommmmm on over to Tidewater Council’s Facebook Live page to take part in some high-speed fun on April 10, starting with opening ceremonies at 11 AM. Ask your friends and family to cheer you on as well.
Order of the Arrow March Service and Ordeal Weekend
March 19-20
Registration is now open on Black Pug for the March Service and Ordeal Weekend. New candidates are invited to register and attend. If you have an unused registration from 2020, please use the Carryover Registration type on Black Pug. If you are unsure if you are eligible for a Carryover Registration, contact Noel Falcon at Nfalcon001@gmail.com.
To meet the current COVID-19 restrictions, we will only have one overnight. At this time, we plan for the event to end Saturday evening after dinner. Details will be emailed to the participants as we get closer to the event date.
There will be limited registration for current members, to keep everyone safe and to comply with COVID-19 restrictions.
BALOO Training
March 20-21
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) provides an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their pack activities. BALOO training consists of an online prerequisite component in addition to an overnight hands-on practical.
First Aid/CPR/AED Training
March 20
The Adult First Aid/CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies such as burns, cuts, scrapes, sudden illnesses, and how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies. This is a blended learning course; you must complete the online portion before taking one of the skills demonstration sessions.
Camp Card Sale
March 22 – July 3
Earn your way to camp with Camp Cards! Camp Cards are cards that offer valuable discounts to local retailers. Some of the discounts are single-use, while many can be used throughout the year. Scouts sell the cards to family, friends, neighbors, and community members. Units earn a 50% sales commission, which they can use to pay for camping adventures.
New for 2021: Win a week of camp! For every 20 Camp Cards that an individual Scout sells, they will receive an entry ticket into a drawing for a campership. See page 4 of the Camp Card Guide for details.
Contact your district executive to sign up for the sale.
National Noteworthy Crew Deadline
March 31
The National Noteworthy Crew distinction highlights the nation’s most innovative Venturing crews. 3-5 Venturing crews receive the honor each year. The application encourages crews to share stories about how they lead the adventure in new and exciting ways within the ALPS model (adventure, leadership, personal growth, and service).
Crews that are selected for the distinction will receive a plaque, a ribbon, an article with Bryan on Scouting and Venturing Magazine, and extensive promotion and recognition on social media.
VFW Wood Badge Scholarship Deadline
March 31
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), in cooperation with the National Council BSA, has developed a scholarship program that may cover up to $200 of the Wood Badge tuition for members of the VFW or Auxiliary. The application deadline is March 31.
Tidewater Council’s 2021 Wood Badge course is scheduled for April 30-May 2, 2021 and May 22-23, 2021.
Spring Break Day Camp
April 5-9
Calling all budding scientists and space explorers! Join us for Tidewater Council’s Spring Break Day Camp: Endless Voyage! Participate in a week-long program discovering the wonders of space through a lens of STEM. Contact James Carroll at padaycamp@gmail.com or 757-550-0624 with questions.
Hurry! Space is limited and registration ends March 15.
Three Rivers Spring Camporee
April 10-11
Join us for a fantastic camping weekend at Pipsico Scout Reservation, Camp Lions. There will be team challenges for units to compete for the Traveling Trophy. Registration is coming soon on Black Pug.
IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills) will be offered during this event. You must register for the event and then select the course. There will be a small additional fee to cover course materials.
Albemarle Spring Camporee
April 16-18
Plot ye course for Albemarle District’s Spring Camporee. All troops, crews, and ships are invited to join us for some swashbuckling fun at our pirate-themed camporee. The ship sets sail soon, so chart your course for the weekend of Friday, April 16. Details and registration are coming soon.
Spring Merit Badge Camp
April 24-25
Come camp and earn some merit badges at Pipsico Scout Reservation. This camp is designed to fit within the COVID-19 guidelines, so please read the details carefully.
Meals will be provided, including Saturday lunch and dinner, as well as Sunday breakfast and lunch. Patrols will have a time to come through the dining hall to get their meals to-go and return to their campsites to eat. Check-in will be Saturday morning from 8:15-8:45 AM and Scouts will go to their first merit badge sessions directly. Campsite set-up will be during the two-hour lunch break. We will hold two merit badge sessions on Saturday and one on Sunday morning. Campsite pack-up and check-out will be after lunch on Sunday.
Maximum group sizes at this time are ten, counting youth and adults, so prepare to patrol camp with two-deep leadership. PLEASE NOTE: To minimize contact, patrols will have to travel to a merit badge session together as a group. We will ask each patrol to provide their top five merit badge choices, and we will develop a schedule to include three of those. Please email brendan.kane001@gmail.com and wparker@pipsicobsa.com to volunteer to be a Merit Badge Counselor for this event.
Annual Leadership Breakfast
May 4
Join us for the Annual Leadership Breakfast on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 7:15 AM at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to make a significant Friends of Scouting gift and to hear from keynote speaker Rocky Bleier, veteran of the U.S. Army and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient, and four-time Super Bowl champion! Donors who give at or above the Patron Level ($500) will receive an autographed memorabilia item.
RSVP to Shannon Foster at shannon.foster@scouting.org.
Wilderness/Remote First Aid
May 15-16
Register now for Wilderness/Remote First Aid – space is limited!
All High Adventure Bases require that at least one person in each crew (two for Philmont) be currently certified in Wilderness First Aid or the equivalent and CPR from the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or equivalent. It is also recommended for any unit that is conducting backcountry hiking or camping trips.
Pre-requisites:
- Current CPR/AED certification is required to attend this course. Please bring your card to the course for verification.
- Be at least 14 years of age on or before the last scheduled session of the course.
Council Banquet
May 27
It’s a Celebration of Scouting! Join us at 6 PM on Thursday, May 27. The Annual Recognition Banquet is held each year to recognize Eagle Scouts and the volunteers of Tidewater Council. Some of the highlights of the evening will be the presentation of the 2020 Class of Eagle Scouts, the 2020 Silver Beaver Awards, and the NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Awards. The evening will start with dinner served by our own Blue Heron Lodge cook crew. This will be a night of food and fellowship you will not want to miss.
We are excited to host the event this year and have confidence in the COVID-19 protocols in place for the safety of our guests. We are restricted to the number of participants, so please register early. Registration is now open and will close on May 20, or sooner as capacity is reached. This year’s event will be held at the Khedive Shrine Center, 645 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, VA. Feel free to reach out to Ron Kilmer or Christy Cooper with any questions or concerns.
National Youth Leadership Training
June 21-26
Tidewater Council will hold a National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) course at Pipsico Scout Reservation on June 21-26. NYLT is a 6-day, action-packed program designed to provide youth with leadership skills.
When Scouts attend this premier leadership training experience, the knowledge they gain has a direct influence for the continued and enduring success of their unit. A trained youth leader will contribute significantly to retention, recruitment, and unit operations.
Age requirements apply:
- Scouts BSA: 13 years of age or older and at least a First Class Scout by June 21, 2021
- Sea Scouts and Venturers: 14 years or older by June 21, 2021 and under age 21 as of June 26, 2021
Cost:
- $275 if paid on or before April 21, 2021
- $285 if paid April 22 – May 21, 2021
- $295 if paid on or after May 22, 2021
If you have any questions, please contact Course Director Frances Creel at nylt6958@gmail.com. Registration is now open on Black Pug.
2021 Cub Scout Day Camps
June & July
Weird Science is about to hit Cub Scout Day Camp. Day camp is an outdoor experience for Cub Scouts, which promotes a year-round program and encourages Cub Scouts to benefit and grow. The daily program centers on Cub Scout and Webelos electives as they relate to the outdoor program. The Scouts will work on activities that are challenging and age appropriate.
There are a wide range of activities, varying between camps, but common activities include:
- Shooting sports (BBs, archery, wrist rockets, and/or sling shots)
- Sports and games
- Science
- Nature
- Crafts
- Skits and songs
- Mealtime programs
All registered Cub Scouts are eligible to attend day camp. All day camps are run with a Camp Director and a Program Director, along with a staff of volunteers to conduct the camp programs. You are invited to be part of the staff – contact Rich Becker for more information.
Register by April 30 to receive the Early Bird rate! Registration ends on June 1. Camp locations and times are subject to change.
Virginia Beach Day Camp
Dates: June 21-25
Location: Tabernacle Baptist Academy
Time: Monday-Thursday 9 AM-4 PM; Friday 9 AM-1 PM
Registration link: scoutingevent.com/596-TabernacleDayCamp2021
Elizabeth City Twilight Camp
Dates: June 21-25
Location: Forest Park Church
Time: 3-7 PM
Registration link: scoutingevent.com/596-ForestParkDayCamp2021
Norfolk Day Camp
Dates: June 28 – July 2
Location: Elks Lodge
Time: Monday-Thursday 9 AM-4 PM; Friday 9 AM-2 PM
Registration link: scoutingevent.com/596-ElksLodgeDayCamp2021
Chesapeake Twilight Camp
Dates: June 28 – July 2
Location: Great Bridge Baptist Church
Time: 3-8 PM
Registration link: scoutingevent.com/596-GreatBridgeDayCamp2021
Portsmouth Twilight Camp
Dates: July 12-16
Location: Coast Guard Base Portsmouth
Time: 3-8 PM
Registration link: scoutingevent.com/596-PortsmouthDayCamp2021
Summer Camp at Pipsico 2021
June - July
Camp Local! Sign up today for Summer Camp at Pipsico Scout Reservation.
Week #1 – June 27 to July 3
Week #2 – July 4 to July 10
Week #3 – July 11 to July 17
Week #4 – July 18 to July 24
Check-in on Sundays between 1 PM and 4:30 PM.
Pipsico offers Scouts and Scouters the opportunity to immerse themselves in a positive camping environment, at a beautiful property, with a friendly camp staff. Tidewater Council, BSA is proud to offer quality programs for everyone. Pipsico is geographically located along the James River and adjacent to the epicenter of Virginia’s colonial attractions and thrilling entertainment, such as Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.
Our First Year Camper Program – “Huskanaw,” meaning “Rite of Passage,” is a unique program. The Huskanaw program area encompasses over an acre of property, filled with amenities specifically designed to focus on requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. The setting teaches new and younger Scouts about troop structure, the value of the Patrol Method, the importance of the Buddy System, and the benefits of learning and applying new skills using the E.D.G.E. Method (Explain Demonstrate Guide Enable).
News
Scout Shop
Webelos-to-Scout Transitions
March is a time of transition, as troops welcome new Arrow of Light Scouts. For a smooth transition, all new Scouts need to know which items the new troop will give them and which items they should purchase themselves. Many units provide handbooks, shoulder loops, neckerchiefs, and/or slides. Some units order custom troop numbers, with the full troop number included on one strip. Please let your new Scouts know what, if anything, will be provided. New Scouts also need to know the color of the neckerchief they should purchase. The Scout Shop staff can help with their basic uniform needs.
Price Increases
As mentioned in our last EK, BSA National Supply has increased prices for uniforms and Cub Scout awards. These new prices will show up in our local Scout Shop on Tuesday, March 9. We still have some of the old uniform shirts, pants, and shorts. Unlike BSA National Supply, we are NOT raising the price of these older uniforms, but we only have a few remaining in stock. Remember: “Once a uniform, always a uniform.” Most of the Cub Scout awards have increased by $0.10 or $0.20 each. Most Cub Scout awards (excluding ranks) may be purchased ahead of time for packs who want to save money.
New prices will increase by:
- $5 on pants, shorts, skorts, and uniform shirts
- $3 on all caps
- $1 on socks, neckerchiefs, slides, belts, and merit badge sashes
- $0.40 on shoulder loops
- $0.10 – $0.20 on unit numerals and Cub Scout awards
While price increases are never convenient, this is the first major price increase in uniforms for over a decade. We encourage parents to buy uniforms large enough for the Scouts to have some growing room and get as much wear as possible.
Unable to Shop In-Person?
For customers who would like to purchase uniform items at the lower price but cannot get to our Scout Shop by March 6, we can ship orders to you by USPS. You may place your order by calling 757-497-2688 or emailing polly.fugate@scouting.org. We accept VISA and Mastercard.
Eagle Scouts
On a more positive note, we hope that some of the restrictions we have experienced this past year will soon be lifted and allow the resumption of in-person activities. For Eagle Scouts waiting to have an in-person Court of Honor, we have a fully stocked Eagle section with all the trimmings for a special celebration. We have invitations, Eagle program covers, plates, napkins, cups, centerpieces, everything needed for a great time! If you have waited to celebrate, make your Court of Honor worth it!
Scout Shop Hours
Our next holiday closing will be April 2-4 for Easter weekend.
Merit Badge Updates
The National Council BSA is not publishing an updated Scouts BSA Requirements Book this year. Seventeen merit badges have updates for 2021:
- Archaeology
- Collections
- Digital Technology
- Disability Awareness
- Electricity
- Electronics
- Fish and Wildlife Management
- Fishing
- Fly-Fishing
- Lifesaving
- Motorboating
- Photography
- Public Health
- Rowing
- Sports
- Theater
- Woodwork
Updated requirements are available at scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/merit-badges
Community Service
A service project is a special “Good Turn” that puts Scout spirit into action. Service is Scouting’s greatest legacy and the primary reason that the Boy Scouts of America is the world’s premier youth organization. We currently have several opportunities for youth to give back to our communities through service. Here are some current projects needing assistance:
- Rain garden project to benefit the SPCA. Contact Clay Bernick at clay@lrnow.org or 757-377-3120.
- Various projects for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Contact Clay Bernick at clay@lrnow.org or 757-377-3120.
- Build spat cages by putting wire cages together. This project’s goal is to be completed in March. They are looking for about five Scouts for approximately two hours. Contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org or 757-773-1636.
- Removal of concrete derbris from Marshview Park. This project goal’s is to be completed in March. They are looking for about ten people, including leaders, for about two hours. There is a potential for a unit to adopt this area as a long-term service project, as the park needs some other work done as well. Contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org or 757-773-1636.
- Build two five- to six-foot wooden benches with plant boxes and complete a butterfly garden for the ViBe District Mediterranean Avenue Parklet. This project goal is for an April public unveiling. Contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org or 757-773-1636.
- A few projects on the horizon for those Scouts wanting to be a part of planning, execution, and maintenance are slated for the future. A landscape project in the ViBe District, a living shoreline project in Great Neck, and a couple fall tree plantings. Contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org or 757-773-1636.
BSA Safety Moment
It is recommended to include a BSA Safety Moment during meetings to inform Scouts and parents and keep everyone safe. Numerous downloadable BSA Safety Moments are available here.
First Aid Kits
All Scouts and Scout leaders—as representatives of an organization whose motto is “Be Prepared”—should be sure they are always ready with an appropriate first-aid kit when it’s needed. Your kit may be simple, or more complex if you are trained to use it properly. But the kit must always be on hand and stocked with every essential item.
First-aid kits should be present wherever you might need them. That likely includes having a kit in your car, your home, your meeting location, and with your outdoor equipment for the next hike or camping trip. Since a first-aid kit is one of the essential items for Scout hiking, keeping one with your daypack is an easy way to ensure you are prepared on the trail.
Journey to Excellence
Scouting’s Journey to Excellence (JTE) is the BSA’s planning, performance, and recognition program designed to encourage and reward success of our units. It is meant to encourage excellence and continuous improvement in providing a quality program.
JTE benchmarks serve as a guide to planning the unit program. Download the 2021 JTE Unit Scorecards at scouting.org/awards/journey-to-excellence/unit.
Awards Highlight
The BSA offers numerous awards to recognize the accomplishments of Scouts and Scouters. Some are much better known than others. Some of the lesser known awards include:
- Founders Bar: Worn by youth and adults who are founding members of a new unit.
- National Den Award: Recognizes Cub Scout dens for having a quality, year-round program.
- National Medal for Outdoor Achievement: Earned by members of Scouts BSA, Sea Scouting, and Venturing who excel in high-level outdoor activities. There are six areas of emphasis: camping, aquatics, hiking, riding, adventure, and conservation.
- Spirit of the Eagle: An honorary posthumous award to recognize the contributions of a youth Scout who lost his or her life.
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Many members of the U.S. Armed Forces who volunteer with Tidewater Council may be qualified to earn the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM). The MOVSM recognizes exceptional community support over time. If you believe you qualify, contact your chain of command for specific submittal instructions.
2021 National Veterans Day Poster Contest
Honor our veterans by submitting a design for the 2021 National Veterans Day Poster Contest. The winning design will be selected by the Veterans Day National Committee. The poster will be distributed worldwide and will be featured on the cover of the program for the Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery.
On Veterans Day 2021, the nation will commemorate the centennial anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which was dedicated on November 11, 1921.
Click here for design submission guidelines. The submission deadline is April 1, 2021.
Summer of Service
Join Scouting families across the country in a spirited Summer of Service! As we have throughout our history, Scouting families have answered the call to work together in service of the greater good. From public health drives…to caring for the environment…to assisting neighbors in need…Scouts have always been a force for positivity and goodness in our communities. Now more than ever, our world needs that Scouting spirit once again. Let’s answer the call to make a positive impact in our neighborhoods and communities.
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.
Help Desk
The National Council no longer has a volunteer help desk. If you need assistance with any help desk issues, including Scoutbook, online training, and address changes, please contact us at helpdesk@tidewaterbsa.com. In your email, please include:
- Your Name
- Member ID
- Contact Phone Number
- Contact Email Address
- What is the issue? (Password reset, a module is freezing, forgot username, etc.)
- If it is a training issue:
- Username
- Date Training Taken
- Browser Used
Due to high volume, we are unable to respond to phone inquiries; please send all help desk issues via email.
Development Corner
Matching Gifts
Does your company have a matching gift program?
Through matching gift programs, employers match their employees’ charitable giving with donations made to the same non-profit organization. Donors can maximize their gifts to their favorite causes through matching gifts.
Most companies that offer matching gifts notify their employees through their Human Resources department. If you are unsure if your company matches, this is a great place to start. They can also provide you with specific details about match ratios and eligibility requirements. Since the Boy Scouts of America and its councils are 501(c)(3) organizations, most companies that provide matching gifts will allow for a matching gift to Tidewater Council.
Example: A parent wants to contribute a total of $1,000 in his son’s name to Pipsico Scout Reservation. His company offers a one-for-one match. He can contribute $500, and his company gives a matching gift of $500, adding up to a total gift to $1,000.
When you contribute to Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America, the funds are utilized to help the youth of our community. There is never enough money to provide all the tools and to complete all the capital projects that we are trying to accomplish. A matching gift contribution helps those scarce dollars go a little further so that the biggest impact can be made for all youth.
Challenge Gifts
Challenge gifts are a unique form of matching gifts, which occur when an individual or a company offers to provide a large contribution while asking others to match their gift.
Example: A donor wishes to help put a new roof on the maintenance building, a project which will cost $10,000. She offers to contribute $5,000, provided the council can raise an additional $5,000 to cover the remaining cost of the project.
Contact Senior Development Executive Dr. Susan Miley-Petrehn at 757-284-0796 or susan.miley-petrehn@scouting.org if you are interested in setting up a challenge gift or learning more.
Donors, parents, volunteers, and Scouting alumni can propel Scouting so that it remains viable in our community. You can make a larger statement and increase your impact by through matching gifts and challenge gifts.
Scouts in Action
13 News Now interviewed the seven Tidewater Council Scouts who are members of the Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts. These trailblazers did a wonderful job!
Congratulations to Tidewater Council’s seven members of the Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts!
Congratulations to new Eagle Scout Dexter B. of Princess Anne Troop 401!
Welcome to new Sea Scout Ship 596, chartered by Zino’s Italian American Restaurant in Chesapeake!
Thank you to all the Scouts, families, and volunteers who participated in the 2021 Scouting for Food Drive!
It’s because of you that approximately 470 volunteers came together from 34 units to donate more than 12,000 pounds of much needed items to food banks in our communities. Great job!
Albemarle District held the coldest luau around at their Freezoree on February 12-14. Even with the unending rain, cloudy skies, brisk wind, and a few late-night snow flurries, fun was had. The Scout leaders conducted a Pineapple Race. Those who dug deep for a second night of fun, enjoyed some Spam and pineapple kabobs.
A big congratulations goes out to Albemarle Troop 164 youth who earned ranks and awards at their Court of Honor. Their commissioner also presented their unit charter to American Legion Edward G. Bond Post 40.
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