Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
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 November 9, 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.
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 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 is open on Black Pug.
Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
November 19
The Adult and Pediatric 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 over the age of one. Successful students will receive a certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years.
This is a blended learning course. Participants must complete the online portion before taking the skills demonstration session. The online session will take approximately three hours to complete. A unique email address is required for each participant. The skills demonstration will take two and half hours.
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!
Register now for this year’s Pow Wow. Come join us at Hickory Middle School in Chesapeake on Saturday, December 3, 2022 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!
Scout Night with the Norfolk Admirals
December 10
Join the Scouts to cheer on the Norfolk Admirals as they take on the Adirondack Thunder!
Tickets are available at the Scout Shop, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 until December 3, or sold out. A portion of ticket sales supports local Scouting. Units purchasing tickets will be recognized on the scoreboard.
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.
NOESA Nomination Deadline
December 16
Applications are now being accepted for the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Outstanding Eagle Scout Award. More information and the nomination form can be found on nesa.org. Completed applications are due by 4 PM on Thursday, December 16, 2022, electronically to Christina Viglietta at Christina.Viglietta@scouting.org.
Learn about Tidewater Council’s two 2021 NOESA recipients:
Wreaths Across America
December 17
Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 1,600 locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad. Find your local cemetery by visiting wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Winter Camp
January 13-16, 2023
Registration for Winter Camp participants is waitlist-only, but 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
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.
Adams Award Deadline
January 31, 2023
The National Eagle Scout Association established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award (ESSPY) to recognize valuable service of an exceptional nature by an Eagle Scout candidate to a religious institution, school, community, or other entity through completion of an Eagle Scout project.
Nominations are due to the council by January 31, 2023. The youth must have passed their Eagle Board of Review between January 1 – December 31, 2022.
Read about Tidewater Council’s 2021 Adams Award recipient here.
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.
Silver Beaver Nomination Deadline
February 4, 2023
The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered Scouters who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given at the council-level.
To nominate a worthy Scouter, please submit the nomination form to cutcharmstrong@live.com and alison.harrison@scouting.org.
Learn about Tidewater Council’s three most recent Silver Beaver recipients:
Klondike Derby
Quest for Gold
February 24-26, 2023
Are you ready to go on a hunt for gold? Are you ready for some competition? If you answered yes, then it’s time to sign up for the 2023 Klondike Derby: Quest for the Gold!
Join us in beautiful Camp Lions, Pipsico Scout Reservation with your sled to compete in skills from first aid, wilderness survival, fire-building, cooking, pioneering, and rifle shooting. The Blue Heron Lodge will conduct an OA Call-Out Ceremony on Saturday night.
Station Coordinators Needed
The Klondike Derby Committee is looking for one adult and one youth to run a station during the derby. There is a special patch for those who run a station. If you are interested, please contact Mike Maruska at mikemaruska1179@gmail.com.
VFW Scout of the Year Nomination Deadline
March 1, 2023
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.
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 Washington’s NFL 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.
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.
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 Outerwear
Fall weather calls for warm outerwear and we have a couple of new choices. Our BSA light gray hoodie and the charcoal Eagle zippered hooded jacket are BSA’s most recent additions. Both are a cotton/polyester blend, machine washable, and sell for $54.99. Cub Scout hoodies are still in stock, some red and some navy, all with the diamond shape Cub Scout symbol on the front and sell for $24.99. What better way to stay warm and advertise Scouting? They also make great holiday gifts.
Holiday Gifts
Speaking of holidays, they are right around the corner, and we have many gift ideas. Since anything Scouting-related makes a wonderful gift for a Scout, we suggest you come in and browse to find great stocking stuffers, books, socks, uniforms, camping items…you name it!
Gift certificates may be purchased for any amount and used on anything! You can also check out the National website for things we may not have in stock. We are happy to order for you so you can avoid shipping charges. Just be sure to shop ahead of time. Once we get into December, we cannot guarantee receiving things before the holidays. We can ship orders to you if time allows, or you can pick them up at the Scout Shop.
Pinewood Derby Kits
We are stocking up on Pinewood Derby kits since many units like to give them for presents. BSA Supply no longer stocks the “gift edition” kits. The kits are $5.99 each, but if you purchase 10 or more kits, you get a discount of $0.25 off per car.
Space Derby Clearance Sale
The Space Derby program has been officially retired at BSA, but some packs may still have Space Derby kits. We no longer have the kits, but we do have plenty of the prizes. We have the red, white, and blue space derby ships, the bronze, silver, and gold lanyards, participation ribbons, patches, and a few other things on clearance. They are selling for less than half the original price and are located at the back of the store in the Clearance section.
Shipping
Our shipping schedule days are Wednesday and Friday. If you order on Tuesday or Thursday, we can ship your order by USPS the following day. Call us with your order, and we will pack it, weigh it, determine shipping costs, and call you back for a VISA or Mastercard number. You may also email orders to polly.fugate@scouting.org.
Scout Shop Hours
Our November schedule has three extra closing times. We are closed on Friday, November 11 for Veterans Day. On Thursday, November 17, we close early at 2 PM for a staff event. We are closed for Thanksgiving weekend from Thursday, November 24 through the Saturday, November 26. We are normally closed on Sunday and Monday, so we will reopen as usual on Tuesday, November 29. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
System Maintenance & Outages
My.Scouting and Scoutbook Planned Maintenance
The My.Scouting and Scoutbook systems will be down this Saturday, November 5, 2022 for a system upgrade. All features will be offline during this time. This includes all My.Scouting tools, the training site, Online Registration, Internet Rechartering, and Advancement, along with Scoutbook.
BSA Learn Center
The BSA Learn Center (LMS) is experiencing ongoing intermittent outages. Developers are monitoring 24/7 to stabilize the system. If the system is down when you try to take a course, it is recommended to try again in 45 minutes to an hour. Thank you for your patience.
Popcorn Sale
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Online Sales
Online sales continue through November 28. This is an easy way to earn money for your unit, with no product handling or money handling required! The customer orders and pays online, with free shipping straight to the customer.
If you need your Scout’s Seller ID for online sales, please contact your Unit Popcorn Kernel.
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.
Energy Drinks
You’ve seen the advertisements for energy drinks and have probably seen youth drinking them, but just what are they? Are they safe? And do they have a place in Scouting or not?
According to the National Institutes of Health, a 24-ounce energy drink may contain as much caffeine as four or five cups of coffee. High doses of caffeine, combined with the other additives in energy drinks, are especially a concern for children with underlying health issues or those taking certain medications. But high doses of caffeine are worrisome for all Scout-age youth and may cause serious side effects. Energy drinks have been known to disturb the heart’s natural rhythm, raise blood pressure, and increase the risk of sudden death. These drinks have also been linked to reductions in brain blood flow, seizures, and behavioral disorders. Frequently they cause anxiety, insomnia, stomach upset, muscle twitching, restlessness, and headaches.
In addition, a single serving may contain more sugar than is recommended for an entire day. Those extra calories can add up fast and may contribute to obesity in youth.
Are energy drinks and sports drinks the same thing? No! Sports drinks—a combination of carbohydrates, minerals, and electrolytes—do not contain caffeine. They are intended to replenish water and electrolytes lost through sweating during intense exercise and can be safely used by youth in limited amounts for hydration.
Energy drinks make up about half of the beverage market internationally, and consumption has increased seven-fold in Scout-age youth in the past 15 years. The popularity of energy drinks among youth makes the dangers posed especially concerning. Because of the potential health risks, energy drinks are to be discouraged at all Scouting events.
Recharter Preparations
As the time nears to renew membership in Scouting units, take a moment to ensure the following items are completed:
- All adults who are renewing their membership have Youth Protection Training that is valid through December 31, 2023
- All youth and adults’ contact information is correct and updated in My.Scouting
- 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.
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 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
Family Friends of Scouting Presentations
At recharter, units are asked to schedule a Family Friends of Scouting (FOS) presentation for 2023. FOS presentations are brief presentations that inform families about how Scouting is funded. This is best conducted at either a Court of Honor or Blue and Gold Banquet. Please contact the district executive for questions or to schedule the unit’s presentation.
Minor Modifications to Scouts BSA Rank Requirements
In 2021, all outdoor-related rank advancement requirements were reviewed and realigned based on guidance from the National Outdoor Ethics and Conservation Subcommittee. These adjustments will help more effectively build a Scout’s outdoor ethics knowledge and align with the information in the Scouts BSA Handbook and Fieldbook. The requirements now build in a logical way through the ranks, with Leave No Trace (LNT) and the Outdoor Code (OC) used as references throughout.
Beginning August 1, 2022, these minor modifications to the Scouts BSA requirements for the ranks of Scout through Star took effect. Scouts may continue using the existing requirements for the rank on which they are currently working, or they may choose to use the new requirements. Scouts must use the new requirements once they advance to their next rank. On January 1, 2023, all Scouts must use only the new requirements.
Scout Sunday
The Boy Scouts of America designates the Sunday that falls before February 8 (Scouting Anniversary Day) as Scout Sunday, which is the primary date to recognize the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting. However, each chartered organization can use either of two other options to celebrate this special day. An organization can adopt a specific Sunday to celebrate. In the instance of the United Methodist Church, Scout Sunday is celebrated on the second Sunday in February. It also is permissible for a local church to celebrate on the Sunday most acceptable to the pastor and congregation.
It is not too early to start planning how your unit and chartered partner will celebrate Scout Sunday in 2023.
Guide to Awards and Insignia
Have you ever wondered where to put a badge or patch a Scout has earned on their uniform? The Guide to Awards and Insignia lists where to wear them. Most aquatics- related awards go on a bathing suit rather than the uniform.
The Guide to Awards and Insignia is available at the Scout Shop or can be accessed online.
November Recruiting
November is an optimal time to do a clean up recruiting event for Cub Scout packs and an Open House for Scouts BSA troops, Venturing crews, and Sea Scout ships.
For packs, did you recruit a full den of every rank? If not, hold a focused recruiting event. Was your turn out not what you expected? Plan a full event. The district executive stands ready to help with flyers and other ideas to help recruit.
For units with older youth, an Open House will help current members with rank requirements (First Class requirement 11). Plan an Open House and have the Scouts fill out invitations at a meeting inviting their friends. Each Scout should invite 3-5 people. They should make invitations as a group to avoid duplications. This showcase event should highlight the fun and excitement the Scouts have had and what adventures they have planned.
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.
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.
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