Table of Contents
Friends of Scouting
Has your unit held its 2021 Friends of Scouting presentation? It is a great opportunity to hear about some of the council’s highlights and accomplishments over the past year, and to illustrate to families how the program is funded. All units that hold a Friends of Scouting presentation will receive a special ribbon for their unit flag. Contact your district executive to schedule your presentation.
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 April 30, 2021:
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal.
Progress as of April 30, 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.
Camp Card Sale
Now through 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.
The Camp Cards have great discounts from The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium, iFly Virginia Beach, Harris Teeter, Tractor Supply Co., and more! See the full list of vendors here.
Contact your district executive to sign up for the sale.
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. Entries are due by 5 PM on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. See page 4 of the Camp Card Guide for details.
Best Hacks for the Best Packs
May 19
Learn how to grow your Cub Scouting fun from those who know!
Come to “Best Hacks for the Best Packs” training to:
- Plan your program year
- Recruit adult leaders
- Build a budget
- Raise the funds for your pack
- Bring new families to your pack
Both in-person and virtual participation are available. For questions or to submit your best hacks, contact Bill Lawrence.
This training is absolutely FREE, but registration is required.
Annual Leadership Breakfast
NEW DATE!
May 25
In order to provide more community members with the opportunity to see keynote speaker Rocky Bleier in person, we have changed the date of our Annual Leadership Breakfast to Tuesday, May 25.
Join us to hear from this veteran of the U.S. Army and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient, and four-time Super Bowl champion! Friends of Scouting donors who give at or above the Patron Level ($500) will receive an autographed memorabilia item.
RSVP by May 12 to Susan Miley-Petrehn at susan.miley-petrehn@scouting.org.
Popcorn 101
May 25
Popcorn season will be here before we know it. Has your unit selected its Unit Popcorn Kernel?
If you are a brand new Unit Popcorn Kernel, or even have a couple years of experience, it may seem challenging to get started. We are pleased to invite you to Tidewater Council’s first-ever Popcorn 101 Training. We will cover the basics to give you the building blocks for a successful sale.
This training is absolutely free, but registration is required. Choose to attend either in-person or virtually!
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 Ron Kilmer 2020 Class of Eagle Scouts, the 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.
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
June 4-5
Join us at Camp Moonyah in Chesapeake for Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS). In this hands‐on course, adult leaders work together as a patrol and learn the practical skills they need to lead Scouts in the outdoors. IOLS builds and expands on the concepts and themes introduced in Scoutmaster Position‐Specific Training. Upon completion, leaders will feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank. Along with Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training, this course is required for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters to be “position‐trained.”
Popcorn Training
June 7 and June 12
Join us to learn about the 2021 Tidewater Council Popcorn Sale!
This popcorn training is designed for both new and returning popcorn kernels. We will focus on the new procedures, return policies, and opportunities that can benefit your unit. Attending this training is also a requirement for a possible end-of-year bonus opportunity. Sound intriguing? Sign up today!
There are two training dates available. You may choose to attend on either date, either virtually via Zoom teleconferencing or in-person at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455:
- Monday, June 7 from 7-8 PM
- Saturday, June 12 from 10-11 AM
How to Be a Better Trainer
June 12
A pair of upcoming training courses, The Fundamentals of Training and Trainer’s EDGE, are for anyone interested in different training methods. These courses equip leaders with ideas, techniques, and materials for improving presentations. Learn how to select approaches that will communicate your messages most successfully and with PIZZAZZ! Both courses will be held at Deep Creek UMC in Chesapeake.
Fundamentals of Training
In Fundamentals of Training, participants learn the tools of good training, including characteristics of good trainers, how people learn, and training methods. This course is required for Pack Trainers and recommended for anyone who will be training others, including camp staff and youth who take on the responsibilities of Troop Guide and Instructor. This is a half day course.
Trainer's EDGE
Trainer’s EDGE emphasizes the importance of “experiential learning,” or learning by doing, as well as numerous other contemporary training strategies. The strategies taught in Trainer’s EDGE can be applied to a wide range of training programs. Trainer’s EDGE builds upon the foundation of Fundamentals of Training. This full-day course is required for anyone serving on Wood Badge or NYLT staff.
First Aid / CPR / AED
June 19
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 breathing and cardiac emergencies. Successful students will receive a certificate for Adult First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years.
This is a blended learning course. Participants must complete the online portion of the course before taking one of the skills demonstration sessions, which will be offered at Pilmoor Memorial UMC in Currituck. There will be three sessions, each limited to eight participants.
National Youth Leadership Training
June 21-26
Tidewater Council will hold a week-long National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) course at Camp Kiwanis, Pipsico Scout Reservation on June 21-26. NYLT is a 6-day, action-packed program designed to provide youth with leadership skills.
The NYLT course centers around the concepts of what a leader must BE, what a leader must KNOW, and what a leader must DO. The key elements are then taught with a clear focus on HOW TO. The skills come alive during the week as the patrol goes on a Quest for the Meaning of Leadership.
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:
- $285 if paid by 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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit for pipsicobsa.com for answers to Frequently Asked Questions, including health and safety protocols.
Huskanaw
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).
Meet our Awesome Camp Staff
Camp Provisional!
Provisional campers are Scouts who come to Pipsico Scout Reservation as individual Scouts, rather than coming with a troop. You will be grouped with other provisional Scouts into a provisional troop, and will still enjoy the full, fun, and awesome Pipsico experience!
Attending summer camp at Pipsico Scout Reservation as a provisional camper is a great opportunity for Scouts who can’t attend their troop’s selected dates or location, who prefer to camp locally at Pipsico, or who want an extra week of camp!
If you are interested in serving as an adult provisional leader, please contact Camp Director John Scheib at jscheib@pipsicobsa.com.
Cub Scout and Webelos Family Resident Camp
July 29 - August 1
Pipsico Scout Reservation is the ultimate in outdoor Scout camping in Tidewater Council. Cub Scout and Webelos Family Resident Camp is a great way to enjoy a safe haven for each Scout amid a beautiful wilderness camp, while learning about the out-of-doors. These fun-filled days spent in camp will make memories that will last a lifetime.
All Cub Scouts, leaders, den chiefs, parents, and siblings are encouraged to participate during their stay at Pipsico. As you travel through the day’s activities, everyone will have the opportunity to participate in hiking, games, and swimming. Plus there will be some activities just for our Cub Scout-aged participants, such as crafts and shooting sports. Pirates of Pipsico, set out for the adventure of a lifetime at Cub Scout and Webelos Family Resident Camp!
News
Scout Shop
With summer almost here, plan to stay cool with our new Scout uniform shorts and Class-B T-shirts!
New Uniform Shorts
We are now fully stocked with the new uniform shorts, a light-weight blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex. Boys’ and girls’ sized shorts sell for $26.99. Men’s and women’s sizes are $32.99. We still have a small supply of the previous style of shorts at discounted prices.
Half & Half Tees
Besides the polyester wicking T-shirts, we now have our “Half & Half” Tees. With a blend of 50% cotton and 50% polyester, these new T-shirts feel like cotton but keep you dry like polyester. The price point is great too – just $12.99 for youth sizes and $14.99 for adult sizes. Come check them out on the uniform aisle. We still have the 100% cotton T-shirts in stock on our back wall. Prices remain $9.99 for youth sizes and $10.99 for adults. Stock up before going to camp or that weekend outing.
Sock Sale
Thorlos Hiking Socks Sale: May 25 through June 19! Buy two or more pairs and get 25% off each pair. There’s no better time to stock up than before camp!
Leader Guidebooks
With new training scheduled, there’s always a need for Leaders’ Guidebooks. Cub Scout Leader Guidebooks are $9.99 (for Cubmasters, Assistant Cubmasters, committee members, and the chartered organization representative). The den leader handbooks are $9.99, and are available for the Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light den leaders. Troop Leader Guidebooks are $12.99 and come in Volumes 1 & 2 for those training to be a Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster. The Troop Committee has their own handbook for $6.99. These books are handy for personal use and make great additions to the unit’s resource library.
Unable to Shop In-Person?
Too busy to shop? We continue to ship orders by USPS. Just call us at 757-497-2688 or email polly.fugate@scouting.org.
Scout Shop Hours
Our next holiday closing will be May 29-31 for Memorial Day weekend.
2022 Philmont Contingent
Due to high interest, we have added a 4th crew for our 2022 Council Philmont Contingent. We have limited additional spaces available for youth participants only. If you are interested, please contact Bill Lawrence at bill.lawrence2@scouting.org.
AmazonSmile
Want to help make a difference for local Scouting at no extra cost to you? If you shop on Amazon, select “Boy Scouts of America Tidewater Council” as your AmazonSmile charity, and they will donate a portion of your eligible purchases.
You can now activate AmazonSmile through the mobile Amazon app:
- Open the Amazon app on your phone
- Select the main menu (=), and tap on “AmazonSmile” within Programs & Features
- Select “Boy Scouts of America Tidewater Council” as your charity
- Follow the on-screen instructions to activate AmazonSmile in the mobile app
Camp Moonyah
Camp Moonyah is now open for reservations. Units must bring water for handwashing.
Camp Moonyah comprises 37 acres of densely wooded land leased from the Army Corps of Engineers. Located along Deep Creek in Chesapeake, Camp Moonyah is a great place for rugged camping.
Summer of Service
Nationwide, Scouting families are answering the call to provide service and make an impact in our neighborhoods and communities. Join us for a Summer of Service!
- Plan: Find a way to serve others, whether it’s a spur-of-the-moment opportunity or a planned project.
- Serve: Do your project or activity between April 1 and October 31.
- Post: Show your Scout Spirit by posting about your service on social media using hashtag #SummerOfService.
- Report: Tell the BSA about your service.
- Celebrate!: Print certificates and order patches to commemorate your service.
Unit Program Planning
To deliver the promise of Scouting, your unit needs a great program. And to deliver a great program, your unit must Be Prepared with a plan.
With many units returning to in-person meetings and activities, it is a good time to review upcoming program plans and to plan for the upcoming year.
Your unit’s annual program plan also helps with:
- Developing the unit budget
- Setting goals for popcorn and Camp Card sales
- Recruiting youth – Families like to see what fun activities they can expect
- Recruiting help – When you know what events are coming up on your unit calendar, you have more opportunity to ask parents to help out with specific tasks
Program Planning Resources
- Cub Scout Pack Meeting Plans
- Pack Committee Resources – Including budget planning resources
- Best Hacks for the Best Packs – Training on May 19 for Cub Scout leaders
- Scouts BSA Unit Program Planning Tools
- Venturing Annual Program Planning
- Sea Scouts Program Toolbox
- Exploring Program Planning Meeting Guide
- Exploring Activity Library
Spring Recruiting
Every unit should have a spring recruiting event. There are many youth in our area who have been isolated and stuck indoors for the last year, and they are waiting for your invitation to join in some outdoor fun with new friends.
Capture interest by telling prospective members about your outdoor activities and camping plans. (Those plans should include Day Camp for Cub Scouts and Resident Camp for older youth.) Venturers who organize a recruiting event may be able to count it toward the requirements for the Pathfinder rank.
Contact your district executive to discuss your recruiting plans.
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.
Code of Conduct
Did you know that the Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America support the establishment of codes of conduct? Some examples include the Scout Executive’s Code and camp staff codes of conduct. One of the latest is the Scouter Code of Conduct, which was published in October 2015.
International Water Safety Day
International Water Safety Day, May 15, aims to spread water safety education and drowning awareness.
Suggested ways to observe the day include:
- Adults: Update your Safe Swim Defense and/or Safety Afloat training.
- Units: Present the “Aquatics Safety” Safety Moment at a unit meeting.
- Cub Scouts: Work on an aquatic-related adventure, such as Floats and Boats (Tigers), Spirit of the Water (Wolves), Salmon Run (Bears), or Aquanaut (Webelos/Arrow of Light).
- Scouts BSA: Work on an aquatic-related merit badge, such as Lifesaving or Swimming.
- Sea Scouts: Review a Sea Scout Safety Moment video, such as Life Jackets or 10 Boating Essentials.
- Venturers & Explorers: Review Safe Swim Defense principles and plan a safe aquatic activity for the summer.
Find more tools on the BSA Aquatics Resources webpage.
World Scouting
Not every Scout can travel internationally to attend a World Scout Jamboree or World Scout Moot. But that doesn’t mean that every Scout can’t have the opportunity to participate in a World Scouting experience!
- Host a World Scout Night in your unit.
- Conduct a “Messengers of Peace” service project
- Attend Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) or Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI) in October
- Attend the 2024 Jam Cam at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia
Exchange Student Scouting
Have you ever considered hosting a foreign exchange student? As active Scouters or parents of Scouts, would you like to host a foreign exchange student who is also a Scout in their home country?
International Experience (iE), a non-profit student exchange organization, is currently seeking Tidewater Council Scouting families to host exchange students for August 2021 until June 2022.
- Daniel, a 16-year-old male Scout from Spain
- Tabea, a 16-year-old female Scout from Germany
- Laura, a 15-year-old female Scout from Spain
- Alberto, a 15-year-old male Scout from Spain
- Daniela, a 16-year-old female Scout from Spain
To learn more about each Scout, visit our Exchange Scouts & Students webpage or contact Tracy Mabry, North East Regional Director of International Experience at t.mabry@international-experience.net, 757-427-1964, or 808-372-2597.
iE student applicants go through an extensive application process and take an English proficiency exam. Students come to America to be immersed in American culture, attend high school, and experience everyday family life. The students provide their own personal spending money, school expenses, insurance, and desire to be part of your family. Host families provide a safe caring home, three meals a day, local transportation, and a desire to be an involved and active family.
World Scout Moot
The 2022 World Scout Moot in Ireland will open in less than 500 days (July 18-28, 2022). If you will be between the ages of 18 and 26 next summer, you will not want to miss this global Scouting adventure!
The BSA is sending a National Contingent to Ireland. Registration is now open for participants (ages 18-26) and International Service Team members (ages 27+). To find out more, visit scouting.org/international/world-scout-moot.
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:
- Marshview Park is a little known gem in an undeveloped wetland area between Seatack and Shadowlawn. Many years ago when it was privately owned, some parts of the park were used to dump construction debris in the wetlands. Virginia Beach recently improved the trails and park facilities at this location and several groups of volunteers have started to remove some of the debris, but we need a hard working crew to get serious about finishing the job. The city will bring a dumpster as close to the site as possible, but we will need wheel barrows and strong backs to pull the debris out of the wetlands and transport it to the dumpster. We are looking for at least ten people, including leaders, for about three or four hours. There is also the potential for a unit to adopt this area as a long-term service project, as there is additional work that needs to be done, including invasive plant removal, trail maintenance, and park improvements. Contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org or 757-773-1636.
- 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 two five- to six-foot wooden benches with plant boxes and complete a butterfly garden for the ViBe District Mediterranean Avenue Parklet. 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.
Messengers of Peace
Through Good Turns and community service, Scouts make the world a better place and spread a culture of peace. The Messengers of Peace program highlights this work by supporting Scouts’ community service and encouraging Scouts to share their actions with others to help build a global network of service.
Any Scout or Scouter who participates in a qualifying project is eligible to wear a Messengers of Peace ring patch around the World Crest on their uniform.
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. For coordinated care referrals, please contact us.
Guide to Awards and Insignia
Uniform questions? The Guide to Awards and Insignia shows the appropriate positioning of each award. You can view this guidebook online or purchase a copy through the Scout Shop.
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.
Merit Badge Counselors
Scoutbook now is regularly updating its listing of merit badge counselors. If your merit badge counselor registration is no longer reflected in Scoutbook, please submit a help desk request to helpdesk@tidewaterbsa.com.
Position Changes
The National Council is working on ways to simplify unit membership management. In May, they plan to roll out a new feature in My.Scouting Tools for Chartered Organization Representatives, which will allow them to change the positions of currently registered adults. Once this feature is available, there will be no need to submit a paper application for a change of position within the same unit.
Transfers
If you are transferring a youth from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA and receive the “Person has no valid parent/guardian relationship in our records” error message, please submit a help desk request to helpdesk@tidewaterbsa.com.
Scouts in Action
David S., the Senior Patrol Leader in Three Rivers Troop 934, was selected for the United States Senate Youth Program. David was one of only two Virginia high school students selected for the program. Congratulations!
Thank you to Beach Sign and Design and Chris Hnatkowicz for donating the new sign for Camp Baker!
Cub Scouts and their families had a blast at Cub Scout Family Camp at Pipsico Scout Reservation!
Tidewater Council District Popcorn Kernels and their families created a Popcorn 101 training video. This video will be showcased at the Popcorn 101 class on Tuesday, May 25 at 7 PM. It is designed to help guide brand new and newer Unit Popcorn Kernels.
Popcorn training for all unit kernels will be held on June 7 and June 12.
Thanks to this awesome group for working as a team to get every unit started off on the right foot!
Princess Anne Troop 362 families enjoyed hiking together at Stumpy Lake on Earth Day.
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