“EK” Electronic Knapsack – October 4, 2022

Table of Contents

Upcoming Events

Princess Anne Summer BBQ Blowout

October 11

The Order of the Arrow, Princess Anne Chapter October End of Summer BBQ Blowout and Princess Anne District Scouts BSA Roundtable will be hosted by Troop 471 at Salem United Methodist Church, 2057 Salem Road, Virginia Beach, VA. The event will be from 6:00 – 7:30 PM.

Please fill out this Google form by October 8 to RSVP and submit meal preferences. Drinks will be provided.

Chapter T-Shirts

Chapter T-shirts should be available for distribution in time for this event. If you ordered one, please come to the BBQ Blowout and get your items so you have them for Fall Fellowship. Please bring money to pay for your items.

Special Prize Drawings
  • There will be a special prize drawing just for new members this year. You must be present to win this special prize.
  • There will be a special drawing for a Rare Blue Heron Lodge Flap open to all Chapter Members. You must be present to win.

Order of the Arrow Fall Fellowship

October 14-16

It’s not too late to register! All Lodge members are invited to participate in a weekend of service and fellowship. Arrowmen are encouraged to register and seek Brotherhood Honor.

Registration is required, so sign up now! 

Hooked on Scouting

October 15

Calling all Cub Scout Packs!

October 15 will be special for every pack in Tidewater Council. Mark the date on your calendar for all the new Cub Scouts who join your pack this fall. When they join Cub Scouting this fall, they will receive their very own fishing lure. Throughout the council, there will be Hooked on Scouting activity days on October 15. There will be many activities, such as field games, shooting sports, and, of course, using their new fishing lures.

It is a great way to get the Scouting adventures started early and to keep new Scouts Hooked on Scouting!  

Albemarle District Hooked on Scouting Family Camp
October 14-16

Albemarle District’s Hooked on Scouting Family Camping event will be held at Currituck County Rural Center. This event is for all Cub Scouts, their families, and leaders to experience together. Non-Scout siblings are invited to participate in all activities during the Hooked on Scouting event. Activities include BB guns, archery, field games, crafts, campfires, and much more. 

Mark your calendar now for October 14-16. The cost is $50/family. Packs will be given more details on what units are asked to contribute. Let’s get ready to camp! Registration is now open on Black Pug.

New Scouts who register July 2022 through October 2022 may attend for the day on Saturday, October 15 from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM at no charge.

If new families would like to enjoy the entire weekend (highly encouraged), fees apply as stated.

Bayside and Princess Anne Districts Hooked on Scouting Event
October 15

The combined Bayside and Princess Anne Districts Hooked on Scouting event will be held on October 15 from 9 AM – 12 noon at Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area, 5381 Shell Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. This fall fishing event is for all new Cub Scouts who have joined since August 1. There will be contests for longest fish, heaviest fish, and the first non-fish caught.

Three Rivers District Hooked on Scouting Event
October 15

The Three Rivers District Hooked on Scouting event will be held at Elizabeth River Park, 1400 Elizabeth River Way, Chesapeake, VA 23324 from 1-4 PM. Join us for special guests, prizes, and fishing fun!

Jamboree on the Air

October 15

Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) uses amateur radio to link Scouts and hams around the world, around the nation, and in your own community. This jamboree requires no global travel – just to a nearby amateur radio operator’s ham station. The local ham club will set up a station for Scouts to participate in this international event. The event will be held on October 15 from 1-5 PM at Lake Lawson, following the Hooked on Scouting event. Youth will have an opportunity to work on STEM/NOVA awards and the Radio Merit Badge. Contact Rich Becker for more information.

National Scout Jamboree Contingent Meeting

October 16

The National Scout Jamboree (NSJ) is an opportunity for Scouts to experience a life-changing outdoor challenge. On October 16, Tidewater Council’s NSJ contingent will hold its first meeting to start the planning process. The prices of transportation, food, and materials are continually increasing – so register by October 31 to lock in the current prices!

There are two websites to visit for registration:

  1. National site: jamboree.scouting.org
  2. Tidewater Council site: scoutingevent.com/596-Jambo23

Details on the contingent meeting will be emailed to all registered participants.

Albemarle District Fall Camporee

October 21-23

A camporee can be a perfect showplace for the Scouting program and, therefore, go far beyond just being a gathering of youth. A camporee starts with the recognition that a patrol is the basic camping unit. The patrol demonstrates its very best camping techniques and shares its experiences with other patrols. The camporee involves the type of equipment that can be carried in a pack by youth and can be set up entirely by them, allowing them to be completely self-sufficient for a self-reliant experience.

This year, Albemarle District will hold its Fall Camporee October 21-23, 2022 at Maple Commerce Park in Barco, NC. This year’s theme is Are You Prepared? We are looking to expand your knowledge and sharpen your abilities on how to react to different emergencies. We have several scenarios planned out to reinforce our Scouts’ first aid knowledge and abilities. 

All Tidewater Council Scouts BSA troops, Venturing crews, and Sea Scout ships are welcome and encouraged to attend. We hope to see you there.

Registration is now open on Black Pug.

Princess Anne District Fall Camporee

October 21-23

Are you ready to Escape to the Wilderness? Adventure on to the Princess Anne District Fall Camporee at Camp Kiwanis, Pipsico Scout Reservation to practice skills from the First Aid, Wilderness Survival, and Pioneering merit badges. The morning will include skills instruction, with competitions following in the afternoon. Participants will receive partial completions in each of the three merit badges. The Princess Anne chapter of the Order of the Arrow will lead the Saturday night campfire.

Merit Badge Counselors Needed

The Camporee Committee is looking for merit badge counselors (MBCs) for the First Aid, Wilderness Survival, and Pioneering merit badges. MBCs will have the opportunity to help plan the activities. If you are interested, please contact Chris Noble at PASPRINGCAMPOREECHAIR@gmail.com.

Three Rivers District Fall

Camp-O-Ree & Cub-O-Ree

October 21-23

Get All Fired Up for the Three Rivers District Camp-O-Ree and Cub-O-Ree this fall. Scouts will enjoy fire safety, fire building, special visitors, and – of course – a camp fire! 

If you would like to assist with the event, please contact Mike Z. at 3rcamping@gmail.com.

Darden Gala 2022

Darden Gala

October 29

Join us for a fun-filled evening to support local Scouting! The 2022 Darden Gala will feature beach-themed attire, Monte Carlo games, live and silent auctions, live music, dancing, and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Pipsico Fall Festival: International Scouting

November 4-6

Pipsico Scout Reservation has been serving the youth of Tidewater Council and beyond for 63 years. We invite all packs, troops, crews, ships, and posts to join us for a fall weekend of fun. After setting up your tents, enjoy your campfire Friday night and get ready for a fun-filled Saturday.

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on Saturday, such as fishing Lake Beasley, climbing the tower, hiking the trails, and showing your marksmanship on one of the ranges available for your rank. You can also enjoy fellowship with Scouts from around the council, brush up on your knots and other camp skills, and visit Huskanaw or the Gaga Pit. Also be ready for the pumpkin and chili cook-offs. When you think you’ve done it all, prepare for a campfire program like no other. 

We would like each Scout unit to select a country to represent throughout the weekend. Get ready to stamp passports and present yours for stamping as you travel around the world and learn about Scouting in other countries. Have your unit learn about the country you select so they can share with others.

In addition to the camp activities, units are encouraged to set up an activity booth or display in the main activity field during the morning session. Let us know what country your unit will represent so that we can plan to have a great variety of things to do. Select a game or activity that your unit can take turns staffing with a few members and others take turns participating. You can teach a skill or host a game.

Please come out for the events on Saturday, enjoy the fall weather, the fellowship, and the many activities. Registration is open on Black Pug. If you’re interested in supporting an activity booth Saturday morning, contact Kirsten Misfeldt at kmisfeldt62@gmail.com.

High Adventure Pilot Training

Retaining Older Scouts and Sleeping Under the Stars
November 4-6

When youth reach their teen years, many new avenues open for them to pursue. These new adventures can be very exciting and healthy for them, but also can lead them away from Scouting. What kind of program can keep older youth in Scouting through their formidable teenage years?

Sleeping out under a dark sky can be a very exciting. So, where do you find one in our world of endless lighting? Believe it or not, there are still plenty of places to go. In Scouting, we call this a high adventure program – a trek where you take youth hiking, canoeing, even sailing, in the back country, a wilderness river and lake, or touring on the high seas.

A high adventure trek should last more than five days. It can involve going more than fifty, sixty, or even seventy miles walking, biking, paddling, or sailing. The trek should take Scouts a little out of their comfort zone and challenge them to complete the journey. These treks teach youth many skills that make them proficient in becoming a responsible adult. If you want your personal gear to serve you well on a high adventure trek, you learn to bring only the appropriate gear, ensure it is waterproof, and not lose any along the way. Isn’t that what adults must do in life?

Camping out under the stars is not the only thing exciting on the trek. Nature offers many things to see and do, such as fishing, swimming, mountain climbing, sightseeing, discovering new and different plants and animals, and cooking on an open fire.

The Council High Adventure Committee is holding a training course on how to conduct high adventure treks in your own unit. The course will be conducted at Merchant Mill Pond State Park in Gates, NC on November 4-6, 2022. It is limited to twenty participants: ten learning backpacking trekkers and ten learning canoeing trekkers. The course is being taught by Scouters who have years of experience in conducting high adventure treks. Participants will learn how to conduct a unit high adventure trek, from filing the necessary paperwork to training youth the skills for a high adventure trip to conducting a safe, fulfilling, and successful journey. The cost is $30.00 per person. For further information, contact Jeffrey Irving at 757-646-5218 or jeffreyirving@cox.net.

American Red Cross Pint-Size Hero Blood Drive

November 9

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, November 9, 2022

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

TIME:
1-6 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

Veterans Day Parade

November 11

All Tidewater Council packs, troops, ships, posts, and crews are invited to participate in the 2022 Tidewater Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony.

This year, the Veterans Day Parade at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront will begin at 16th Street and Atlantic Avenue, turning on to Virginia Beach Boulevard, Mediterranean Avenue, 19th Street, and ending at the Tidewater Veterans Memorial.

  • 8:00 AM: Check in and line up begin at 8:00 AM with exact location to be determined.
  • 9:00 AM: The parade starts at 9:00 AM. Scouts will get to see the entire parade and then step off as one of the last units in the lineup. All units are requested to bring their American and unit flags. Scouts and leaders should be in uniform.
  • 11:00 AM: Scouts are invited to remain for the 11:00 AM Memorial Service.

Register your unit to march in the parade and pre-order your patches no later than October 30, 2022. Registration is required and a patch is available by pre-order only. Register now on Black Pug. Patches will be available for pick‐up by December 17, 2022. Please email event chair, Andrew Huddle, at pack496vb@gmail.com for more details.

Albemarle Merit Badge Weekend

November 11-13

Share your expertise! We are looking for merit badge counselors for Albemarle Merit Badge Weekend. The sessions will be offered in the morning and afternoon on the 12th and in a morning session on the 13th. 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, and can only accomplish this with the assistance of volunteers wanting to share their knowledge. Complete an interest form here.

Units, save the date for the weekend. Albemarle District Merit Badge Weekend is an annual educational and advancement opportunity open to registered Scouts. All meals on Saturday and through lunch on Sunday are included in the fee, so no cooking required. Online registration and a leader guide are coming soon.

Colonial Virginia Council National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)

October 21-23 and November 11-13

Tidewater Council’s November 2022 National Youth Leadership Training is FULL, but don’t despair! There is space in Colonial Virginia Council‘s course, which will be held at Chickahominy Riverfront Park in James City County. The discounted registration fee for this course has been extended until October 5.

National Camp T-Shirt Day

November 15

National Camp T-Shirt Day is celebrated on November 15. For counselors, campers, and leaders, camp is a memorable experience.

On November 15, encourage your Scouts to wear their favorite camp T-shirt to school and tell their friends about their awesome camping experiences. Take a picture and tag @tidewaterbsa on Facebook and @tidewatercouncilbsa on Instagram.

Cub Scouting at Boy Scouts of America Tidewater Council

Cub Scout Leader Specific Training

November 19

Facilitator-led Cub Scout Leader Specific Training provides new leaders with an opportunity to learn from experienced Cub Scout leaders. This training lays the groundwork for success as a Cub Scout leader, in an atmosphere that is collaborative and welcoming.

Save the date for Saturday, November 19 from 9 AM – 1 PM. The training will be held at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. Registration opens soon.

Zomboree

December 2-4

The haunts of fall don’t end on October 31 in Tidewater Council; they extend on into December.

Do you have what it takes to join the ranks of one of the last human strongholds during a Zombie Outbreak? Can you put your Scout skills to work to overcome any challenge that may come your way?

On December 2-4, 2022, Pipsico Scout Reservation puts you to the test! Register now for Zomboree on Black Pug.

Staff Needed

For information on volunteering as Zomboree staff, please contact scoutajdavis@gmail.com or bigbnva83@gmail.com.

Pow Wow

December 3

A long time ago in a Cub Scout pack that’s not so far away…

Adult leaders gathered to learn more about the Force within the program.

They turned their eyes to training opportunities for new and experienced adults.

They found Pow Wow, the annual supplemental Cub Scout leader and parent training.

They discovered classes that covered events, Scoutbook, working with Scouts with special needs, using the Patrol method with Webelos, games, communications, succession planning, songs, and so much more!

Save the date on Saturday, December 3, 2022 for this year’s Pow Wow. Come join us at Hickory Middle School in Chesapeake as “The Pack Awakens” for more fun and adventure for all!

Wood Badge Association Dinner

December 9

Wood Badgers, friends, and families – Enjoy food, fun, and fellowship with your fellow critters!

  • $30 per person or $50 per couple
  • Silent auction to raise funds for the Wood Badge/NYLT Scholarship Fund
  • Doors open at 6:30 PM

Join us at Gilwell!

Order of the Arrow Holiday Banquet

December 10

Arrowmen of the Blue Heron Lodge, the end of our 75th Anniversary year is quickly approaching, and we have a wonderful event planned: our 2022 Holiday Banquet!

  • Mouth-watering menu
  • Wonderful entertainment
  • Door prizes
  • Installation of newly elected Lodge Officers
  • Presentation of awards
    • Golden Arrow
    • The Spirit Award
    • The Honor Arrowmen
    • New Ordeal members
    • Those who completed their Brotherhood walks
    • The Vigil Class of 2022
    • The Silver Heron (James E. West) Award
    • The Founders Award

Registration is on Black Pug and the cost is $15.00 per person until December 6, 2022. On December 6, the cost will increase to $20.00 per person. Registration is open to all Arrowmen, their families, and friends. Don’t wait too long, as tickets are limited.

If you have any questions, please contact Event Advisor Marie Kane at Pa2va96@cox.net.

Winter Camp

January 13-16, 2023

Merit Badge Counselors and staff are needed! Winter Camp is held at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Great merit badge counselors are what make this event the best. Volunteer today and make a positive difference in the life of a Scout on their way to Eagle. Email both Wes Parker and Christy Cooper to volunteer. In your email, include:

  • What merit badge you wish to counsel
  • How many 3-hour sessions needed
  • The number of Scouts per session
  • Materials and costs
  • Pre-requisites
  • Any position you may be interested in assisting

Units, be ready to sign up when registration opens on October 10, 2022 at 10:00 AM. This event fills up fast!

Albemarle District Freezoree

January 27-29, 2023

Winter Weekend is a chance to join in one of the oldest traditions in Boy Scouts of America – coming together as a district for Scouting. District gatherings provide an opportunity for fun, friendship, and fellowship. We would love for you to come join the fun and excitement of the 2023 Winter Weekend.

Join us January 27-29, 2023 at Maple Commerce Park, Barco, NC. All Tidewater Council troops, crews, and ships are welcome to attend. Registration and more details are coming soon.

Scouting for Food

February 4-12, 2023

As Scouts, we know how fortunate we are to have a warm meal every night — whether around the campfire or at the kitchen table. And we know that not everyone is so lucky.

That’s why we participate annually in Tidewater Council’s Scouting for Food drive. It’s another reminder to our local communities that Scouts are here, doing Good Turns.

Scouting for Food takes place on two consecutive weekends. On the first weekend, Scouts distribute bags and/or door hangers to let their neighbors know about the drive. On the second, Scouts revisit those houses to pick up bags full of canned food, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, juice, and other nonperishable items. So, save the dates to distribute information on the weekend of February 4-5, 2023, and return to pick-up donations on February 11-12, 2023.

Units should select a Scouting for Food Coordinator. More information is coming soon.

University of Scouting

March 11, 2023

University of Scouting is a fun-filled, hands-on opportunity for leaders to network and gain skills. University of Scouting offers courses for leaders in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Sea Scouts, Venturing, as well as programs for Commissioners, Doctoral Students, and youth leaders. Courses include STEM, songs and skits, knots, event planning, high adventure, recruiting, fundraising, and more. New ideas are always welcome.

Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader

To help as a staff member, instructor, or dean, please contact Keegan Daley at TidewaterUniversityOfScouting@gmail.com.

2023 Annual Leadership Breakfast

March 15, 2023

We are pleased to announce the keynote speaker for Tidewater Council’s 2023 Annual Leadership Breakfast: Mark Moseley!

With an impressive NFL career spanning 1970-1987, Mark Moseley is the all-time scoring leader for the Washington Football Team.

To learn more about how you, your company, or your community group can host a table, please contact Linda Boyce at linda.boyce@scouting.org.

Guns 'n' Grillin'

May 12-14, 2023

Fall Guns ‘n’ Grillin’ is full and has a waiting list. Save the date for the spring weekend – registration opens in February.

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. The contingent will consist of:

  • Two male Scouts BSA troops (72 youth and eight adults)
  • One female Scouts BSA troop (36 youth and four adults)
  • One Venturing crew (36 youth and four adults)

If your unit would like a presentation about the National Scout Jamboree and the adventure and activities available, contact Erich Röetz.

Price Increase

Effective November 1, 2022, the national fee to attend the National Jamboree will increase by 14%, necessitating an increase in the council fees. This is due to rising prices of fuel, food, and other supply items. Any contingent member registered by October 31 will lock in the current fees. If you plan to attend the National Scout Jamboree, register now to secure the lower rate!

News

Hooked on Scouting Competition

Fish and win!

The Competition

Post a photo of your Scout and their catch on Facebook and/or Instagram with hashtag #HookedOnScoutingTWC to enter. Entries will be judged based on fish size, Scouting spirit, and Scouting attire.

The Prize

Two winners per month will receive a fishing tackle set with a telescopic fiberglass fishing rod!

The Winners

This contest is open to currently registered youth members of Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Monthly from September 2022 to December 2022, two winners will be selected. One winner will be a Cub Scout and the second winner will be a member of Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, or Exploring.

Each Scout may enter as many times as they’d like, but may only win once.

Scout Shop

Fall Activities

With fall officially here, there’s no better time to take advantage of the cooler weather for outdoor activities. We have Regatta kits for packs doing outdoor races and a full inventory of camping gear for fall camping events. If we don’t have something in stock, we can usually get it within a week.

Good Food

Good food is essential for any successful camping trip, and we have three books for amazing ideas.

  • Cast Iron Cooking has delicious recipes, along with tips on how to care for cast iron.
  • Campfire Cooking has various cooking methods with plenty of snack recipes included.
  • Fix It In Foil has plenty of tasty recipes for ovens and grills that make for easy cleanup.

All three of these cookbooks, located in the Scout Literature section, are coil-bound, sell for $9.99, and are a fun resource for Scouts earning the Cooking merit badge.

Fall Uniform Sale

The Fall Uniform Sale continues through October 29. This is the perfect time for those who need or want a full uniform.

Buy a uniform shirt and bottoms (same program) at the same time and get 10% off the bottoms. Bottoms include zip-off pants, shorts, skorts, and capris.

New Team Member

New team member Staci Van Kirk is a welcome addition to our Scout Shop! A Navy Veteran, the mother of an Eagle Scout, and the New Member Coordinator for Pack 24, she comes with a variety of skills that make her a great asset to the Scout Shop. Please give her a warm welcome when you come in.

Store Accounts

Does your unit need to set up an account at the Scout Shop or change the authorizations? These accounts are very convenient and can save on credit card fees. Just make a deposit and the funds are there for awards, registrations, and anything else. If you need the form to set up or change a Scout Shop account, email your request to polly.fugate@scouting.org.

Shipping

We continue to ship orders on Wednesdays and Fridays by USPS. Customers may email (polly.fugate@scouting.org) or call (757-497-2688) with an order. We will gather the items, calculate shipping using the USPS official site, then call back for a credit card number.

Scout Shop Hours

Our next holiday closing will be Friday, November 11 to observe Veterans Day.

Popcorn Sale

Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!

Five Things Your Unit Should Be Doing in October
  1. Sign up to assist with delivery on Thursday, October 6.
  2. If your unit placed an order and cannot assist with delivery, sign up for a pick up time on Friday, October 7 or Saturday, October 8.
  3. Pay for the unit’s September order at order pick-up or by October 8 at 2 PM, whichever comes first.
  4. Submit the unit’s military donations using this form. Remember, all donations are military donations.
  5. Sell, sell, sell!
Resources

Did your unit miss Popcorn Training? You can view the recording on our Popcorn Sale webpage. Make sure to review the 2022 Popcorn Guide while you’re there too!

Do you need help with any aspect of the sale? We have a great team of District Popcorn Kernels who are here to help you! You can find their contact information here.

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.

Youth Suicide Prevention

Youth suicidal behavior is a problem that you may encounter in Scouting or with friends of Scouting youth, but it is often preventable. In order to save the life of a youth at risk, it is important to have a plan in place beforehand, know local professional resources, understand the severity of the problem, look for the signs in the youth you lead, understand major risk factors, and know how you can help.

VFW Scout of the Year

Annually, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) awards three individuals who have risen above their peers in exemplifying the qualities of the highest youth Scouting ranks. Recipients can be awarded scholarships at both the local and national levels.

The deadline to apply is March 1, 2023 at 11 PM. Please review the local handout from VFW Post 392 for more information, as well as the brochure and entry form.

Recharter Preparations

As the time nears to renew membership in Scouting units, take a moment to ensure the following items are completed:

  1. All adults who are renewing their membership have Youth Protection Training that is valid through December 31, 2023
  2. All youth and adults’ contact information is correct and updated in My.Scouting
  3. All direct contact leaders’ Hazardous Weather training will be current at the time of charter renewal
Princess Anne District Charter Renewal

In order to assist units with charter renewal, the Princess Anne District Commissioner Staff has scheduled training, orientation, and charter reviews.

Training/Orientation

  • Saturday, October 15 from 12 – 2 PM at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 3201 Edinburgh Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.
  • Sunday, October 30 at 5 PM via Zoom. Contact Al Barr for the link.

Charter Review

  • Saturday, November 5 from 12 – 3 PM at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 3201 Edinburgh Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. Contact Al Barr to schedule an appointment.
  • Saturday, November 12 from 8:30 – 11 AM at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. Contact Al Barr to schedule an appointment.
  • Saturday, November 19 from 12 – 4 PM at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 3201 Edinburgh Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. Contact Al Barr to schedule an appointment.

Charter Turn-In

  • Saturday, December 3 at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.
Albemarle District Charter Renewal

In order to assist units with charter renewal, the Albemarle District Commissioner has scheduled charter orientation, charter review, and turn-in as follows:

Charter Renewal Training Session

  • Wednesday, October 12 at 7:00 PM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1453 N. Road Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909.

Charter Review/Turn-In

  • Wednesday, November 9 from 6 PM – 8:30 PM at Roundtable.
  • Saturday, November 19 from 9 AM – 1 PM. Location TBD.
  • Saturday, December 3 from 5:30 PM – 7 PM. Location TBD. By appointment only.
  • Charter Renewals will NOT be accepted at the council office.

For questions, please contact:

Brian Ives
Albemarle District Commissioner
252-202-2615
ivesbk@gmail.com

Christy Cooper
Albemarle District Executive
208-597-6044
Christy.Cooper@scouting.org

Youth Protection & Registration Backdating

A new process is being implemented effective immediately to ensure that every member is following the Youth Protection Training Standards as well as background check requirements.

To ensure BSA requirements are being followed, all adult registrations will have an effective date of the month that it is posted and cannot be backdated to a previous month. Please ensure that all applications are submitted in a timely manner to ensure that safety protocols are followed and that leaders receive proper credit for their tenure.

New units also may not be backdated to a previous month. New units cannot begin meeting until the unit has been posted and all BSA requirements have been met by the members.

Second Chance Recruiting

Last month, September recruiting for most Cub Scout packs was awesome. While many new families signed up at joining nights, don’t give up on the families who haven’t registered yet. Now is a good time to call those families who showed up to a meeting or joining event but did not sign-up right away. Invite them to the next meeting.

Some packs had different levels of recruiting success at different age levels. If the pack has not recruited a full den of a specific rank, ask the district membership chair or district executive for suggestions on targeted recruiting efforts.

Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring also can recruit. Plan a camping trip or excursion and ask current Scouts to invite their friends. For peer recruiting, this works best if the Scouts find the activity fun and exciting.

Service Project for Lynnhaven River NOW

Lynnhaven River NOW is seeking assistance with a service project. This nonprofit organization has an open grass lot behind its new office on Holland Road in Virginia Beach and would like to have some benches and a picnic table built. They would like for the project to be done in October.

If interested in learning more about taking on this project as an individual or a group service project, please contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org.

Fly the Flag

Citizenship is one of the four aims of Scouting. Duty to country is in the first line of the Scout Oath and is prominent in Scouting programs. Scouts conduct flag ceremonies and learn about flag etiquette.

The U.S. flag may be flown every day, and especially on:

  • Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday: 3rd Monday in January
  • Inauguration Day: January 20
  • Boy Scouts of America Birthday: February 8
  • Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday: February 12
  • Presidents Day: 3rd Monday in February
  • George Washington’s Birthday: February 22
  • V-E (Victory in Europe) Day: May 8
  • Armed Forces Day: 3rd Saturday in May
  • Memorial Day: Last Monday in May
  • D-Day: June 6
  • Flag Day: June 14
  • U.S. Army Birthday: June 14
  • Juneteenth: June 19
  • Independence Day: July 4
  • U.S. Coast Guard Birthday: August 4
  • Purple Heart Day: August 7
  • V-J (Victory in Japan) Day: August 15 / September 2
  • Labor Day: 1st Monday in September
  • Patriot Day: September 11
  • Constitution Day: September 17
  • U.S. Air Force Birthday: September 18
  • United Nations Day: October 24
  • U.S. Navy Day: October 27
  • Election Day: The Tuesday after the 1st Monday in November
  • U.S. Marine Corps Birthday: November 10
  • Veterans Day: November 11
  • Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: December 7
  • U.S. Space Force Birthday: December 20

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

ScoutReach Volunteers

ScoutReach is the outreach program of the Boy Scouts of America, bringing Scouting’s leadership and character-building programs to underserved communities. Tidewater Council currently has three ScoutReach programs, all of which are seeking volunteer support.

  • The Seatack area in Virginia Beach has a monthly evening program for families with elementary-aged youth. Contact Rich Becker at 757-575-6609 or richard.becker@scouting.org if you are interested in assisting.
  • Lindenwood Elementary in Norfolk has a biweekly afterschool program. Contact Bill Lawrence at 828-582-6955 or Bill.Lawrence2@scouting.org if you are interested in assisting. 
  • Southwestern Elementary in Chesapeake has an afterschool program.  Contact Christina Viglietta at 757-969-2396 or christina.viglietta@scouting.org if you are interested in assisting.

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. If interested, please contact alison.harrison@scouting.org.

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.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

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

Scouts in Action

Eagle Scout logo

Eagle Scout Taylor W. was spotted in Coastal Virginia Magazine! Taylor fundraised for and installed the first bike repair station at Marshview Park. Great job!

On September 29, Tidewater Council presented Jocelyn B. of Troop 1791 with the Heroism Medal on behalf of the National Court of Honor. She received the medal for her heroic actions during an RV fire in April.

Joceyln was in her family’s RV when she noticed that the RV parked just 15 feet away was on fire. The presence of compressed propane cylinders on both RVs presented a dangerous situation.

Jocelyn immediately evacuated her younger brother and the family’s three dogs to a safe distance from the fire. She then returned to the scene and helped her mother fight the fire until the fire department arrived. Jocelyn displayed a level of courage and maturity far beyond her years.

Thanks to Ranger Dillon from Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Pack 117 had a great time learning about the history of Bodie Island Lighthouse. They also gave back to the community, enjoying a service project cleaning up Coquina Beach.

Troop 158 had a great day climbing at the Adventure Park! The Scouts enjoyed themselves, pushed their limits, and overcame personal challenges.

Members of Blue Heron Lodge traveled to Camp Horseshoe in Pennsylvania and attended the Fall Fellowship of Octoraro Lodge. One of the weekend events was the Amazing Race, with our teams coming in first and fourth place. Great job, Arrowmen!

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