Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Giving Tuesday
December 3
Today is Giving Tuesday—a day specifically designated for supporting the organizations that are close to our hearts and are making a difference in the world.
When you make a Giving Tuesday donation to Tidewater Council, your gift will support all that Scouting offers, from the challenges of knot-tying to the life-changing experiences of Sail Hampton Roads.
Today’s world needs more individuals who have been given the foundations needed for leadership, service, good citizenship, strong moral behavior, and a healthy work ethic—so that they not only contribute to society but are adequately prepared for whatever uncertainties the future may bring.
Through rigorous yet rewarding activities, learning new skills, making memories with friends and family, outdoor adventures, conversations with community leaders, and other one-of-a-kind experiences, Scouting helps build strong moral character.
As you know, Scouting also teaches young people to confront any challenge wholeheartedly—to live their lives without regret, to never back down, and to do their very best.
You can make a Giving Tuesday gift to Tidewater Council here, and set local youth on a path to becoming the next generation of heroes.
Scout Night with the Norfolk Admirals
December 15
Join the Scouts to cheer on the Norfolk Admirals as they take on the Cincinnati Cyclones!
Tickets are now available for $18 each at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 until December 13, or sold out. A portion of ticket sales supports local Scouting. Units purchasing tickets will be recognized on the video board.
The tickets purchased in the Scout Shop are actual tickets with assigned seats. If you are attending Scout Night with the Norfolk Admirals as a unit or with a group, please purchase the tickets together to ensure you are seated together.
Scout Day at Winterplace Ski Resort
January 26, 2025
The new year means winter weather and winter sports! For the third year in a row, Winterplace Ski Resort in Ghent, WV is offering a special winter sports program for Tidewater Council Scouts, leaders, family members, friends, and neighbors! No matter what Scouting program you’re a part of (Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Exploring, Sea Scouting), this winter sports day is open to you!
Youth Scouts who register by January 3, 2025 are guaranteed an event patch. Youth Scouts registering after January 3 may receive a patch, as supplies last.
The package includes a full-day lift ticket, ski equipment rental, helmet rental, and a customized 90-minute group lesson – all for a discounted rate! There are optional add-ons available for meal vouchers and snowtubing (additional cost).
Lodging is not included in the package, but there are nearby facilities at Winterplace and the Summit Bechtel Reserve for group/unit lodging. For individuals and families, there are hotels in nearby Beckley, WV.
For members of Scouts BSA, the Winter Sports merit badge will also be offered in conjunction with this program. Scouts interested in earning this badge will need to participate in one of the discussion sessions held prior to the Scout Day, and must demonstrate their proficiency (skis/snowboard) on the slopes.
Please contact Mr. Mack Brunson (mack_brunson@yahoo.com) for more information on the event and to sign up for the merit badge.
2025 Virginia Beach Trade-O-Ree
February 21-22, 2025
Scouting collectibles rock!
Trade, buy, sell, or browse all types of collectible Scouting items. The Trade-O-Ree will be held at the Church of the Ascension Community Center in Virginia Beach. Check out the flyer for information on table rates, or come to browse and shop with free admission.
Wood Badge
May 2-4 and May 31-June 1
Registration for Wood Badge 2025 is now open!
Participating in Wood Badge will show you tips, tricks, and best practices for being an adult volunteer at any program level, whether you are a brand-new leader or have been leading for years. What’s more, though, is how it will change YOU. You will find yourself talking about team development and leadership tendencies at work, about managing conversations at home, and about what your personality tendencies are when interacting with others.
Wood Badge is the doorway, the start to learning about yourself and others, and the spark you will carry and instill in your Scouts. It will teach you how to lead from the perspective of the youth you serve.
Register now for Wood Badge and enter for a chance to win custom-made course swag! The earlier you are paid in full, the more chances you have to win! Prizes include an engraved nametag, a set of four coasters, and a travel mug, with a grand prize of a course jacket.
Chances to Win
- Paid in full by December 31, 2024 = 4 tickets
- Paid in full by February 1, 2025 = 2 tickets
- Paid in full by March 15, 2025 = 1 ticket
Black Pug allows for a self-paced payment plan, and some loan and scholarship funds may be available.
For more information, contact Kate Sklat, Course Director, at 2025TWCWoodBadge@gmail.com.
Cub Scout Day Camp
June 2025
Cub Scout day camp is a summer outdoor experience for Cub Scout youth. Staffed by a team of volunteers, day camp activities include sports and games, academics, STEM and science activities, nature exploration, crafts, marksmanship, and skits and songs. Each activity is challenging and age appropriate. Cub Scouts have the opportunity to try new things as they work on elective Cub Scouting Adventures.
Planning is already underway to provide your Cub Scouts with awesome experiences in 2025!
National Scout Jamboree
July 22-31, 2026
The next National Scout Jamboree will be held on July 22-31, 2026 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia! The National Scout Jamboree is a gathering of thousands of members of Scouting America from across the nation.
Start early in gauging interest in attending and planning fundraising so Scouts can take advantage of this unique opportunity. For assistance in planning unit fundraising, contact the district executive.
Reserve your spot for the adventure of a lifetime now with a $100 deposit!
News
Scout Shop
As we begin the last month of the year and the busy holiday season, please plan ahead for the Scout Shop’s shortest month.
Uniform Sale
For those needing a uniform, the Fall Uniform Sale has been extended until the end of the year. Tidewater Council Scout Shop’s last day to be open in 2024 will be Saturday, December 21.
New Windbreaker
New this month is the BSA dark olive green windbreaker. This 100% polyester, lined, and zippered windbreaker with hood and side pockets comes in adult sizes small – 2XL and sells for $29.99.
Scouting America Uniform Strips
New Scouting America uniform strips will soon be available for purchase in the Scout Shop for $1.99 for customers who already have a shirt.
For customers purchasing a new shirt, a strip will be provided free of charge for those who want to sew it on over the present strip.
Remember, once a uniform, always a uniform. You do not have to replace or cover your present strip.
Pinewood Derby Kits
Pinewood Derby kits are always a great stocking stuffer for Cub Scouts. If you plan to purchase them to hand out at your last meeting this year, you can find them at the Scout Shop for $6.99 each. If you purchase ten or more, there is a discount of $0.25 off per car.
Holiday Gifts
Scout-related items always make awesome gifts, whether it’s uniforms, books, or other fun and helpful items.
Gifts under $10:
- Magnet wallet ($9.99)
- Coghlan’s 4-function whistle ($5.99)
- Large leather knife pouch ($9.49)
- Smith’s 2-step knife sharpener ($5.99)
- Fire starter ($6.99)
- And more!
Gifts under $30:
- CAMP game ($28.99)
- Smithsonian Telescope ($14.99)
- Tumbling Tower game ($11.99)
- Spy Lab ($12.99)
- Silva Starter Compass ($19.99)
- Most knives are priced under $30
For the Eagle Scout in your life:
- Orca stainless steel tumbler ($39.99)
- Eagle Silver earrings (24.99)
- Eagle acrylic keychain ($7.99)
- Mahogany box ($69.99)
- Eagle Cross pen ($39.99)
- And several other great gifts in the Eagle display
Scout Shop Winter Hours
Winter Scout Shop hours are now in effect.
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Holiday Schedule
Our next special hours will be:
- Closed Friday, December 20
- Open Saturday, December 21 from 10 AM – 2PM
- Closed Sunday, December 22 through Wednesday, January 1 for holidays and inventory
- Resume regular hours on Thursday, January 2
Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season and a Happy New Year!
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.
Frostbite
Serious injuries can occur when it’s cold and you spend time working, playing, or sleeping outside, particularly if you are wet or your clothes are wet or too tight. Scouts should be instructed to inform an adult as soon as possible if they are at an event, winter camp, or troop campout and start experiencing any of the symptoms identified in this Safety Moment.
There are four degrees of severity from the cold, ranging from frost nip to frostbite. The extent of the injury will depend on the individual’s length of exposure, outside temperature, wind chill, and how the exposure is treated.
Help Needed: Camp Moonyah Improvement Projects
Camp Moonyah has been an integral part of Tidewater Council’s camps for more than 85 years. As such, it has a rich history hosting functions, events, celebrations, and ceremonies encompassing all arenas of the Scouting program. Over the past many, many decades, dedicated volunteers have continually strived to improve the camp to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for all. Even with past improvements, it is time to bring this facility into the 21st century. To that end, there are two proposals before the council:
Introduction of Electrical Power
Working with Dominion Power, bringing power into Camp Moonyah will require several measured electrical wire runs of 250’+ from a transformer located off property to the maintenance shed where the meter base would be located. Because of the distance, a 25kw transformer will be required to maintain a continual, safe load of power. The cost of connection to a power source, running a total of 500’+ of underground cable, the transformer, and other fees associated with this project will run from $10,000 – $12,000.
Potable Water
Working with the City of Chesapeake water department, tapping into an existing water line conveniently located just outside the camp entrance will bring viable potable water into the camp. City connection fees, trenching a water line to a meter and further on to end at a frost-free water spigot similar to those in use at Pipsico will run from $3,400 – $5,000.
What's Next?
To achieve the success of these projects, we are reaching out to you in Tidewater Council to either help fund in full or in part one or both of these projects. By doing so, you will ensure the continued success and growth of Camp Moonyah for decades to come.
For questions or to find out more about how you can support Camp Moonyah improvements, please contact Ron Misfeldt at mustangron@aol.com and Wes Parker at wparker@pipsicobsa.com.
Development Corner
Sponsor a Tent at Pipsico Scout Reservation
Many of Pipsico Scout Reservation’s tents have been in service for 30 years. In order to continue to provide a high-quality camping experience for our Scouts, Tidewater Council is replacing 200 tents between 2023-2027.
Based on the recommendation of our Camping Committee, we are replacing the current wooden platforms and ridge pole system tents with new platforms and Diamond Brand tents with aluminum-mounted frames. In addition to housing Scouts and keeping them dry, the new tents will exponentially decrease the time needed for tent setup and takedown. The cost of a new tent, platform, and frame is approximately $1,640 each. A contribution in any amount is appreciated, and will be designated to provide new tents at Pipsico.
Thank you for ensuring that our Scouts enjoy their camping adventures at Pipsico!
Leave a Legacy: James E. West Fellowship Award
The James E. West Fellowship Award is a national recognition for individuals who contribute $1,000 or more in cash or securities to the Tidewater Council BSA endowment fund. This contribution is in addition to, and does not diminish or replace, the donor’s annual gift to the council’s Friends of Scouting campaign.
Organizations or individuals may contribute an award in honor of someone — an Eagle Scout, a Silver Beaver recipient, Living Legend, or any outstanding Scout or Scouter.
Program Ideas
December
- Learn a Foreign Language Month
- Recognize members who speak a foreign language with the Interpreter Strip.
- National Sock Day: December 4
- Invite Scouts to wear crazy socks to a unit meeting.
- Make sock puppets.
- Work on the Textile merit badge.
- National Slime Day: December 7
- Make slime!
- Wreaths Across America: December 14
- Remember, honor, and teach about our servicemen and women by participating in this national event. Visit wreathsacrossamerica.org to find local opportunities to participate.
- Bill of Rights Day: December 15
- Work on the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge (requirement 4b).
- Wright Brothers Day: December 17
- Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
January
- Festival of Sleep Day: January 3
- Share the Nap On Safely Safety Moment
- National Bird Day: January 5
- Go on a hike and do some bird watching.
- Work on the Bird Study merit badge.
- International Thank You Day: January 11
- Invite Scouts to think of ways to show gratitude for their Scout leaders, families, first responders, teachers, each other… the list goes on!
- Make thank you cards at a den, patrol, or unit meeting.
- Discuss how saying thank you aligns with the Scout Law.
- Kid Inventors’ Day: January 17
- Work on the Inventing merit badge.
- Ask Scouts to invent a new game – and then play it!
- Invite Scouts to brainstorm inventions that would improve their next camping trip or excursion.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 20
- Did you know that Martin Luther King Jr. was a Scout? Share this article with families in your unit.
- Observe the Weather Day: January 25
- Work on the Weather merit badge.
- Share the Weather-Related Safety Safety Moment.
- Update your Hazardous Weather Training.
Community Engagement
Virginia DWR Archery Open 2025
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) invites the archery and conservation community to participate in the 2025 DWR Archery Open. This inaugural competition will take place Saturday, January 11, 2025 in Richmond, Virginia and will feature opportunities for youth and adult level competitors. Event proceeds will contribute to connecting people to conservation.
Learn more and register online at dwr.virginia.gov/archery-open.
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. You may also visit NC 211 or 2-1-1 Virginia for assistance finding resources.
Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Congratulations to the new Eagle Scouts in October!
Troop 19 and Troop 417 conducted a twenty mile hike through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park.
The hike began with four miles on the beach at high tide. The group was prepared to collect trash along the way, but was surprised to find approximately 25 pounds of Mylar balloons, balloon string, water bottle caps, sand shovels, and small and large plastic – and the beach was not “noticeably” polluted.
The Ranger graciously accepted the Scouts’ deposit. On the return trip at low tide, they saved some large items (crab pot buoys) to hike out and still found an additional 1/2 pound of plastic water bottle caps.
Great job on a fantastic outdoor adventure and service project!
We want to hear from you! Send stories, photos, and videos of your Scouts in action to alison.harrison@scouting.org (with parental permission, of course).
