“EK” Electronic Knapsack – April 4, 2022

Table of Contents

Friends of Scouting

Friends of Scouting is Tidewater Council’s annual giving campaign. The Friends of Scouting campaign provides 21% of the council’s annual budget – that means more than a fifth of every dollar in the council budget comes from the generosity of Scouting families, alumni, and community supporters. Friends of Scouting keeps the overall cost of Scouting affordable so all families can participate.

All Friends of Scouting donations stay local to support families in northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia. You can fill out a Friends of Scouting pledge card and email it to shannon.foster@scouting.org or donate using the button below:

Campaign progress as of March 31, 2022:

Council Goal: $450,000
63.9%

Each district shares a portion of the overall goal.
Progress as of March 31, 2022:

Albemarle District Goal: $30,000
89.3%
Bayside District Goal: $185,000
47.3%
Princess Anne District Goal: $145,000
76.7%
Three Rivers District Goal: $90,000
69%

Has your unit scheduled its 2022 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.

Upcoming Events

Council Pinewood Derby

April 9

Scouts who qualify in the top three of their rank in their district race are eligible for the council derby on April 9 at Courthouse Community UMC, 2708 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. District Pinewood Derby Chairs will submit the list of qualified racers to the Council Pinewood Derby Chair, Brian Stahlbock, at bstahlbock@gmail.com by April 6. Check-in and race times are:

RankCheck-In/ Inspection*Race Start Time**
Arrow of Light9:30 – 9:50 AM10:00 AM
Webelos10:00 – 10:20 AM10:30 AM
Bear10:30 – 10:50 AM11:15 AM
Wolf11:30 – 11:50 AM12:00 PM
Tiger12:00 – 12:20 PM12:30 PM
Lion12:30 – 12:50 PM1:00 PM
FinalsN/A1:30 PM

*Cars must be presented for pre-race inspection within this time frame in order to race.
**Start times are tentative and may be delayed, depending on the number of racers.

April Roundtables

April 12-14

Roundtables are monthly district gatherings that provide unit leaders with the skill to do and the will to do what is needed to ensure that every member of every unit has a great Scouting experience. Roundtables provide great opportunities for program updates, training, and networking. In April, Camp Cards will be distributed at Roundtables to units that have placed their orders.

Bayside District Roundtable: April 12

7:15 PM
Haygood United Methodist Church
4713 Haygood Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Princess Anne District Roundtable: April 12

6:45 PM
Windsor Woods Elementary School
233 Presidential Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Albemarle District Roundtable: April 13

7:00 PM
Holy Family Catholic Church
1453 N. Road Street
Elizabeth City, NC 27909

Three Rivers District Roundtable: April 14

7:00 PM
Deep Creek Baptist Church
250 Mill Creek Pkwy.
Chesapeake, VA 23323

Three Rivers District Spring Camporee

April 22-24

Come out to Camp Kiwanis April 22-24 for the Three Rivers District Camporee. Scouts will spend a fun-filled weekend practicing and demonstrating Scouting skills while incorporating technology. The units will compete to win the Traveling District Trophy by earning points during patrol and unit-related challenges.

Virginia International TATTOO

April 23 - May 1

The Virginia International TATTOO is seeking Scouts and Scouters to volunteer. There are many opportunities, starting the weekend of April 23-24, and every day of the show from April 29 – May 1. Opportunities include backstage set-up, set-up of tables and chairs, draping fabric over unused seats, stacking tables and chairs, setting up signs, removing signs, and runners to assist staff. Sign up here. For other volunteer opportunities, please contact Tracy Uriegas at turiegas@vafest.org.

NATO Festival Parade of Nations

April 30

Tidewater Council Scouting units are invited to march in the NATO Festival Parade of Nations through Downtown Norfolk on Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 10:00-11:30 AM. Scouts are asked to wear their field uniforms. Bring your flags, Scouts, and families. Immediately following the parade, you are invited to visit the International Village at Town Point Park from 11:30 AM-3:00 PM. Explore international heritage with cultural performances, art, cuisine, and more.

The event also has community service opportunities. If your unit is interested in assisting with parade floats, carrying banners for different nations’ floats, or helping with customer relations, sign up here. For other volunteer opportunities, please contact Nikki Nieves at nnieves@vafest.org.

Bayside District Spring Camporee

May 13-15

Grab your bike or your hiking boots and make your way to Newport News Park for the Two-Wheel Trail-O-Ree!

Learn tips and tricks that competitive bike racers use when riding in the woods, including trail riding, handling uneven terrain without wrecking, keeping your bike running smoothly, and bike maintenance.

Come as a troop, patrol, or individual. Scouts BSA, Venturers, Sea Scouts, and Explorers from all districts are welcome to attend. Come for the fun and adventure, but leave with completions of select requirements for the cycling or hiking merit badges.

Wilderness/Remote First Aid

May 14-15

Wilderness first aid (WFA) refers to any training course that focuses on prevention, assessment, and treatment for an ill or injured person in a remote environment where definitive care by a physician and/or rapid transport is not readily available. WFA courses are intended for anyone planning a remote high adventure, from lay responders to medical professionals.

All four of the BSA high-adventure bases require at least one person per trek (two per trek at Philmont Scout Ranch) to be current in WFA through one of the BSA’s approved providers. Of course, having more participants trained in WFA skills is highly recommended for any high adventure or backcountry experience.

Tidewater Council’s next WFA course is scheduled for May 14-15. Current CPR/AED certification is required to attend this course.

Scouting for Blood Drive

May 18

Did you know that one donation of blood can save up to three lives? Or that every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood? Tidewater Council is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive through the Pint-Size Hero program. This program introduces youth to the components of blood and the importance of blood donation. Scouts have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership by recruiting blood donors, hosting drives, and engaging in the community.

WHEN:
Wednesday, May 18, 2022

WHERE:
Tidewater Council
Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center
1032 Heatherwood Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23455

TIME:
2-6 PM

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: 
There are two easy ways to schedule your appointment:
1. Visit redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code “TidewaterBSA” in the “Find a Blood Drive” field.
2. Make your appointment on the American Red Cross Blood Donor App.

CONTACT: 
Nicole Moga
704-564-5565
Nmoga149@yahoo.com

Popcorn 101

May 24

Designed for new Unit Popcorn Kernels, this training lays the groundwork for a successful popcorn sale. Join District Popcorn Kernel Tony Montemurno, either in-person at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center or virtually via Zoom, to learn tips and best practices to organize and make the most of your popcorn sale.

Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides

June 17

Take me out to the ballgame! Cheer on the Tides as they take on the Syracuse Mets at Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides on Friday, June 17.

Tickets and camping vouchers are available at the Scout Shop during regular store hours.

Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Training

May 21

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 for victims about 12 years and older. Successful students will receive a certificate for Adult First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years. This is a blended learning course; you must complete the online portion before taking one of the skills demonstration sessions. There will be three sessions offered on May 21 at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center.

Cub Scout Day Camps

June - July

It is time to round up the Cub Scouts for the Day Camp Rendezvous in the Wild Wild West. This annual outdoor summer experience is full of fun, excitement, and adventure. The marshal and sheriff are busy planning crafts, STEM activities, and games for each Day Camp. Registration is now available on Black Pug. Please register as a unit, not individuals.

DatesTimesLocation & Registration LinkCamp Director (Marshal)Program Director (Sheriff)
June 20-248:30 AM – 4:00 PMTabernacle Baptist Academy, Virginia BeachTed GreenDavid Montoto
June 20-248:30 AM – 4:00 PMBurrows Memorial Baptist, NorfolkAmy DevaultMarianne West
June 27-303:30 – 8:15 PMGreat Bridge Baptist, ChesapeakeKirsten MisfeldtJaime Tolentino
June 27-July 18:30 AM – 4:00 PMForest Park Church, Elizabeth CityTiffany BoundsCorie Stratton
July 6-93:30 – 8:15 PMIzaak Walton League Park, ChesapeakeKirsten MisfeldtJaime Tolentino
July 11-143:30 – 8:15 PMCovenant UMC, ChesapeakeKirsten MisfeldtJaime Tolentino

Summer Camp at Pipsico

June 26 - July 23

Camp Commissioner Wes Sherman welcomes you for summer camp at Pipsico Scout Reservation.

Pipsico Scout Reservation 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 is proud to offer quality programs for everyone.

Week #1 – June 26 to July 2
Week #2 – July 3 to July 9
Week #3 – July 10 to July 16
Week #4 – July 17 to July 23

Summer Camp Information Sessions

Want to know more about summer camp at Pipsico? Did you miss the first information session? Catch the recording on YouTube!

Please join some of our awesome camp staff, including camp director and program director, to learn more about summer camp at Pipsico and to ask your questions on our second of several monthly Zoom meetings, April 5, 2022 at 7 PM. Contact christy.cooper@scouting.org for the Zoom credentials.

Summer Adventure Programs at Pipsico

Take your adventure to the next level! Looking for something a little bit different? Pipsico also offers three Summer Adventure Program opportunities. Each is operated in parallel with base camp, and was developed for more experienced Scouts.

  • Sail Hampton Roads: A full week of sailing and nightly port visits on the James and Elizabeth Rivers
  • SCUBA Camp: Earn “Open Water Diver” SCUBA Certification and your SCUBA Merit Badge
  • PEX: Take your adventure to the next level with the adrenaline-fueled Pipsico Experience

Summer Adventure Programs are almost full. Sign up today so you don’t miss out on your adventure!

Scout Night with the Edenton Steamers

July 2

Save the date for Scout Night with the Edenton Steamers! Join us at Historic Hicks Field in Edenton, NC to cheer on the Steamers as they take on the Virginia Beach Sea Dogs. Admission packages will include a ticket, a patch, and a picnic meal consisting of a hamburger, a hot dog, chips, and a drink for $15. There will be an opportunity to sleep on the field following the game – camping vouchers will be available for an additional $5 each. Tickets and voucher sales are coming soon. For questions, please contact Brian Chappell at bchappell14@gmail.com.

Cub Scout Family Resident Camp

July 29-31

Resident Camp at Pipsico Scout Reservation is an overnight camping experience for the whole family. Cub Camps are open to every level of Cub Scouting, plus siblings, family members, and den chiefs.

Pipsico is the perfect spot for your family to have a great outdoor adventure. It has 916 acres of land and one and a half miles of unspoiled beachfront on the banks of the James River in Surry County, Virginia. It is home to bald eagles, blue herons, wild turkeys, deer, and much more. On the beach you will find fossilized remains of sharks and whales amongst shells and fossils pouring out of the cliffs on the beach. Facilities include an air-conditioned dining hall, a swimming pool (with handicap access), shower and latrine facilities, a fully equipped health lodge, a trading post, shooting ranges, and more.

Discover your adventure this summer at Pipsico!

Powder Horn

September 9-11 and September 16-18

Powder Horn is a resource course designed to introduce Scouting’s adults and youth to the exciting outdoor and high-adventure program possibilities for their unit. The ultimate goal is for the participants to leave the course with a list of ideas to help their program, along with the contacts and resources needed to implement them.

Participant Requirements
  • Must be either:
    • An adult registered in BSA, fully trained for their position
    • A youth 14 years old (or 13 years old and have completed 8th grade) by the start of the course, AND have unit leader approval, AND have taken ILS for their unit type
  • Must have completed and submitted training certificates for:
    • Youth Protection Training
    • Hazardous Weather
    • Safety Afloat
    • Safe Swim Defense
    • Climb On Safely
  • Must submit current, completed Annual Health and Medical Record (AHMR) Parts A, B, and C
  • Must submit proof of swim classification (any level is accepted)

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)

November 11-13 and November 18-20

Every leader deserves a trained Scout! Youth aged 13 and above are eligible for BSA’s premier youth leadership training program, NYLT. This program is designed to help Scouts make the most of their leadership skills, to become the best leaders that they can.

The objectives of the course are to:

  • Provide a toolbox of leadership skills
  • Relate these skills to leading in their unit
  • Instill knowledge and confidence to run the unit program
  • Enhance the relationship between the Scout and the unit
  • Share ideas and experiences with other Scouts
  • Experience Scouting at its best
  • Have fun!

The course will be held the weekends of November 11-13 and 18-20, 2022 at Pipsico Scout Reservation. If you have any questions, please contact the course director, James Carroll, at 596nylt@gmail.com.

2023 National Scout Jamboree

July 19-28, 2023

The National Scout Jamboree, Scouting’s flagship event, is one-of-a-kind. Over the course of ten summer days, tens of thousands of members of the Boy Scouts of America from across the country gather together to explore all kinds of adventures—stadium shows, pioneer village, Mount Jack hikes, adventure sports, and more—in the heart of one of nature’s greatest playgrounds. With 10,000 acres to explore at the Summit, there is no shortage of opportunities to build Scouting memories.

Tidewater Council is organizing a contingent to attend this awesome event in West Virginia. Youth and adult participants register at both the national site and the council site for payment. For questions, please contact Tidewater Council’s Jamboree Contingent Chair, Erich Röetz.

Apply before April 30, 2022 to be eligible to apply for scholarships.

News

Scout Shop

Who doesn’t love spring camping? Warm days, cool nights, few mosquitoes! But don’t let rain make it a “wash-out”! Be ready to “water-proof” your campers with some of our Scout Shop items.

April Showers
  • STAY DRY with our waterproof ponchos ($3.99) or our 2-piece frogg toggs rain suits ($19.99 for youth and adult sizes).
  • Keep STUFF DRY in our waterproof packs ($9.99) and our 10”x13” waterproof pouches ($5.99).
  • SLEEP DRY under our 9’x7’x58” Weston 2-person tents ($89.99), which have a waterproof floor, rain fly, and sewn-in mud mat.
  • KEEP THE FIRE BURNING – Don’t forget our fire starters ($4.99) and emergency stoves with 24 fuel tablets included ($6.99).
Requirements Books

2022 Requirements Books for Scout – Eagle ranks are now available. For $5.99, you can have requirements for every rank, Eagle Palms, merit badges, and other awards at your fingertips.

Cub Scout Adventures

As a reminder, the following nineteen Cub Scout/Webelos Adventures will be retired on May 31, 2022:

  • Lions
    • None
  • Tigers
    • Earning Your Stripes
    • Family Stories
    • Tiger Tales
    • Tiger Theater
  • Wolf
    • Collections and Hobbies
    • Grow Something
    • Hometown Heroes
    • Motor Away
  • Bear
    • Beat of the Drum
    • Make it Move
    • Robotics
    • World of Sound
  • Webelos & Arrow of Light
    • Adventures in Science
    • Build My Hero
    • Fit It
    • Looking Back Looking Forward
    • Maestro
    • Movie Making
    • Project Family

We will continue to stock these belt loops and pins until they run out, but once purchased, they may NOT be returned.

Space Derby

The Space Derby program is being retired. We currently have stock of the kits if your pack is interested in participating in this activity while they can.

Activity Shirts

FRESH STOCK of Cub Scout rank T-shirts and Scout-themed activity T-shirts have arrived. The Cub Scout rank T-shirts (100% cotton) are still only $9.99. The newer Half ‘N’ Half T-shirts (50% cotton, 50% polyester) are $12.99 for youth and $14.99 for adult sizes. These cool moisture-wicking T-shirts come in navy, tan, green, and red with the Scout symbol in contrasting colors.

Shipping

We continue to ship orders by USPS. Just call (757-497-2688) or email (polly.fugate@scouting.org) to submit an order. We will figure the cost, including shipping, and call you for a VISA or Mastercard number. All orders are taken to the Post Office for a tracking receipt.

Scout Shop Hours

Our next holiday closing for the Scout Shop and Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center is April 15-16 for Easter weekend.

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.

Campfire Safety

Campfires are a powerful part of the outdoor experience. They can be lively with laughter, storytelling, and fellowship. The campfire can also be a time of reflection, learning, and great peace. Safe behavior around a campfire ensures a good time can be had by all while mitigating the inherent danger of the fire. Review the Behavior Around Campfires Safety Moment for some helpful reminders that can make your next campfire a positive and safe experience.

Registrar's Corner

Charter Renewal Update

As of April 1, 2022:

  • 99 out of 146 units have been posted
  • 5 out of 146 units have not been submitted
  • 35 out of 146 have been submitted but have errors
  • 7 out of 146 have had errors resolved and are ready to be posted

For questions about your unit’s charter renewal, please contact your district executive.

Common Charter Renewal Errors
  • Multiples:
    • If a leader is multiple registered in the unit, Tidewater Council must receive their paid registration before the unit can be posted. For example, if a unit leader is paid on the district committee and multiple registered in Troop 123, the district committee must submit the renewal and payment before Troop 123 can be posted.
    • Lion and Tiger Partners should not be counted as multiples. The Lion and Tiger Partner positions are non-paid roles. If a Lion or Tiger Partner also holds another position, they must submit an adult application, registration fees, and youth protection training documentation.
    • Merit badge counselors should not be counted as multiples. This role is a non-paid district position. If a merit badge counselor holds a unit position as well, they must submit an adult application, registration fees, and youth protection training documentation.
  • Paperwork Missing:
    • All paperwork must be submitted, including the signed renewal roster.
    • Annual Charter Agreement is missing or not signed by all parties.
    • Background Check Authorization Forms submitted are not the current version.
  • Training
    • Leader(s) need to renew youth protection training.
  • Fees
    • The charter was paid online.
    • Council fees were miscalculated.
    • Registration fees not submitted in full.
Transfer Season

Hello Scout Leaders,

Greetings from your Council Registrar! One of the questions I hear the most is, How do I transfer a Scout from the pack to the troop? Since we are in the season of crossovers where Scouts bridge from packs to troops, I wanted to share some important reminders about how to properly transfer Scouts:

  1. Before you transfer a Scout into a troop, make sure the pack has recorded/awarded their Arrow of Light (AOL) rank. (You won’t be able to enter it once they have transferred.)
  2. Do NOT transfer Scouts from one unit to another in ScoutBook. ScoutBook is a tool to track advancement, not a tool to update membership. ScoutBook will initially allow you to add Scouts into your unit, but the official registration system will override your roster, and your changes will be lost.
  3. Transfers should be done online at my.Scouting.org. (See this document for detailed instructions.) This is the easiest option and can be done one of two ways:
    1. Parent initiates the transfer for their Scout, then receiving unit accepts in Application Manager.
    2. Pack initiates the transfer, then receiving unit accepts in Application Manager.
      *Note: This process is the same anytime Scouts are switching units, whether from pack to troop, pack to pack, or troop to troop. The previous unit or parent initiates, and the receiving unit accepts.
  4. If you cannot do an online transfer, the parent can fill out the youth application (paper or fillable PDF) and submit to the new unit. 

For specific questions about Scoutbook or registration, please open a Help Desk Ticket.

Wood Badge Association

Congratulations to the new Wood Badge Association (WBA) Officers!

Scoutmaster: Charlie Tate 
Assistant Scoutmaster: Mike Zemienieuski
Senior Patrol Leader: Tim Briggs
Quartermaster: Shelley Drisko
Scribe: Kate Sklat

WBA assists Tidewater Council in developing highly trained and experienced Scouters, who are focused on bringing the mission of Scouting to all youth. To learn more, join the WBA for a meet and greet on Tuesday, May 31 at 7 PM at Q-Master Billiards, 5612 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

To join the WBA, visit scoutingevent.com/596-2022WBA.

Camp Card Sale

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 sales commission, which they can use to pay for camping adventures.

Sign up for the sale and reserve your unit’s first card order by submitting this form. For questions, please contact your district executive or Susan Miley-Petrehn.

2022 Vendors - North Carolina Camp Card
  • 3 Amigos
  • The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium
  • AMF
  • Edenton Coffee House
  • H2OBX
  • Harris Teeter
  • Hungry Panda
  • iFly Virginia Beach
  • Itza Boutza Pizza
  • Jumpmasters Fun Park
  • Latitude Climbing
  • LJ Beaners
  • Pass the Salt Café
  • Pigman’s Bar-B-Que
  • Tractor Supply Co.
  • Wendy’s
2022 Vendors - Virginia Camp Card
  • The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium
  • AMF
  • Big Apple Pizza
  • Escape Room Virginia Beach
  • Harris Teeter
  • iFly Virginia Beach
  • Latitude Climbing
  • Nothing Bundt Cakes
  • Tractor Supply Co.
  • Wendy’s

Updated Safe Swim Defense Training

In collaboration with the BSA National Aquatics Subcommittee, Scouting U has released an updated, mobile-compatible version of “Safe Swim Defense” online training. Since Scouting began, learning to swim and engaging in aquatics activities have been core to the program. Safe Swim Defense training is required for any BSA unit that participates in swimming activities. This online training ensures that adult leaders are prepared to facilitate safe swimming programs. To access the updated training, log onto my.Scouting and search the BSA Learn Center catalog for “Safe Swim Defense.” If you are currently trained, you do not need to retake this course until your training expires.

Special Needs and Disabilities Roundtable

Summer camp is an exciting time for every Scout and being prepared is key to a successful experience. Join the Special Needs and Disabilities Roundtable – Getting Ready for Camp on April 12 at 7:30 PM. Parents, unit leaders, camp leadership, special needs and disabilities committee members, and anyone interested in this topic are invited to attend.

STEM Awards

Did you know that 11 of the 12 astronauts who have walked on the moon were Scouts?

Scouting has a long history of encouraging creativity, exploration, and STEM. The BSA Nova Awards and Supernova Awards encourage the natural curiosity of youth members and their sense of wonder about STEM fields. Working with an adult counselor or mentor, Scouts explore STEM principles and discover how fun and fascinating STEM can be, through engaging topics including archaeology, geology, astronomy, computer programming, symmetry, fluid dynamics, biology, and more. 

Unit leaders can find STEM program support resources here.

To be a Nova Counselor or Supernova Mentor, adult leaders need to submit a separate adult application. These roles are district-level positions, similar to merit badge counselors. Training is available at my.Scouting. For more information on becoming a counselor, click here.

Religious Awards

Did you know that more youth earn the rank of Eagle than earn a religious award? Find information about the different awards by denomination here. Youth work with their parents or a religious leader depending on the level of the award.

BSA Complete Angler Recognition

The BSA Complete Angler Recognition recognizes youth in Scouts BSA who love to fish. To earn the award, Scouts need to earn the three fishing-related merit badges and do a fishing-related project.

Certified Angling Instructors

Certified Angling Instructor (CAI) Training is for adults who lead and deliver fishing programs at the unit, district, council, service territory, or national levels. Learn age-based and skills-appropriate fishing tools and techniques to teach Scouts and Scouters how to fish.

Camp Shenandoah is offering a hybrid CAI course. Participants will attend three virtual modules on Tuesday evenings (April 26, May 3, and May 10), followed by a hands-on session on May 14 at Camp Shenandoah in Swoope, VA. The face-to-face session will include fishing, fly tying, and participating in fishing games. Camping and meals will be provided.

Spring Recruiting

Recruiting is a year-round effort. Units should consider incorporating a recruiting component each month. When recruiting in the spring, it is important to have an active summer program to keep new Scouts engaged.

  • Cub Scout packs are encouraged to conduct membership inventories and tailor recruiting efforts to dens that have suffered retention losses and military moves. Remember that it is not the time of year to recruit Lions, as they are in preschool now and will not be eligible to join until August.
  • Scouts BSA troops are encouraged to hold an event for new fifth graders, either with a Cub Scout pack or as an Open House. Tell new members about the troop’s plan for summer camp and invite them to attend.

Contact your district membership team or district executive for assistance.

Philmont Scout Ranch

Philmont Training Center

Philmont is more than just the opportunity to go hiking. The National Training Center offers workshops for leaders in all aspects of Scouting. Learn best practices for Scouting from world-class faculty. Bring the whole family, as there is programming for everyone, including Small Fry and BSA Family Adventure Camp.

Philmont Zia Program

The Zia Experience is a Philmont Scout Ranch adventure for Scouts with special needs or disabilities. A team of Philmont staff and highly trained volunteers will work with a wide range of abilities to provide an awesome Philmont experience for Scouts and their family members from July 24-30, 2022.

Community Care Assistance

Does your family need assistance accessing community resources? 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.

Help Wanted

Camp Staff for Summer Camp 2022

What are your plans for next summer? Are you looking for an awesome opportunity to learn new things, develop new skills, share what you know, meet new people, work an internship, and enjoy Pipsico Scout Reservation?

We are accepting applications for Counselors in Training, Junior staff, Area directors, Commissioners, and administration. Program areas include aquatics, shooting sports, Scout skills for new Scouts and for seasoned Scouts, handicraft, cook-crew, and more.

You must be at least 14 years of age by June 20, 2022 to be considered. Camp staff is composed of youth, young adults, college students, school teachers, bus drivers, professionals who want to get away from the office, and folks who have an open schedule. Fill out the online application at pipsicobsa.com/summer-camp-programs/staffapplication and we will contact you for an interview.

Volunteer with the Membership Team

The Tidewater Council Membership Team is looking for volunteer assistance from Spanish-speaking Scouters, to speak to potential chartered partners and help form units to serve our Hispanic community.

If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact Dave Bussiere at dave.bussiere@gmail.com or 757-575-4117.

District Executive Job Opening

Since 1910, Scouting has helped mold the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes and understands that helping youth puts us on a path towards a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.

Today’s professional Scouters are a diverse group of men and women sharing a dynamic career offering independence, achievement, and stability. This is work that makes a difference, work that calls one to continual learning and challenge, work that offers solid compensation, benefits, and advancement.

If you or someone you know is interested in making a difference through a career in Scouting, please contact Bill Lawrence at bill.lawrence2@scouting.org.

Volunteer Photographers

Want to be in the middle of the action and create lasting memories for years to come? Tidewater Council is seeking volunteer photographers to capture the excitement of local Scouting events. The next opportunity is the Annual Leadership Breakfast on April 6. If interested in this event or future opportunities, please contact alison.harrison@scouting.org.

National Scout Jamboree Service Team

What makes a Jamboree awesome? What is the key to a world-class, life-changing experience? It’s you. If you love Scouting and being part of a high-performing team that delivers amazing experiences, then the 2023 National Scout Jamboree Service Team wants you. The 2023 National Scout Jamboree is all about moving Scouting forward.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.

Scouts in Action

Congratulations, new Eagle Scouts!

Brother and sister Evan N. and Simone N. earned the rank of Eagle Scout on the same day, after holding their Eagle Boards of Review on March 19.

Eagle Scout logo

On March 23, Daeglan P. was the 99th Scout to earn the Eagle rank in Troop 179.

On March 30, Jonas S. became Troop 179’s 100th Eagle Scout.

Cub Scouts had a great time racing at the Princess Anne District Pinewood Derby! Find out who won at tidewaterbsa.com/derby.

Cub Scout Pack 117 enjoyed learning about water safety with Sgt. John Beardsley of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Cub Scout Pack 771 learned about fire safety at the South Mills Fire Station.

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