Virginia Beach, Va. – Every Scout deserves a trained leader. The Tidewater University of Scouting (U of S) is the premier training event for adult leaders in Scouting America Tidewater Council, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to inspire the next generation. At the same time, young participants have the unique opportunity to earn multiple merit badges in one place, making it a one-stop destination for growth, learning, and adventure.

Designed to meet multiple training needs, the Tidewater University of Scouting offers courses for first-time leaders new to Scouting as well as those for experienced leaders. This jamboree-style event provides interactive training sessions, certifications, hands-on activities, adventures, merit badges, advancement opportunities, and personalized Scout quests to earn prizes and rewards.

Each year, Tidewater Council’s University of Scouting offers adult leaders the opportunity to earn a degree or doctorate while studying Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, older youth programs, and Commissioner Science.

It is a full day of more than 100 adult and nearly 50 youth leadership courses and more than 20 merit badge classes, including First Aid/CPR/AED Certification, Cooking, Scouting Heritage, Event Planning, Unit Management, Scouting Technology Tools, Recruiting, and Fundraising.

Activity stations include Scoutcraft, Tidewater Adventures, Scouting Adventures, STEM, International, Outdoor Ethics, Community Service, Cooking, Escape Rooms, Disability Awareness, and Shipbuilding Trades.

BuildSubmarines, which helps the Department of the Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base Program foster the next generation of skilled professionals, is a key sponsor of this year’s event. The nonprofit organization offers Scouts hands-on experiences that introduce them to essential skills in maritime manufacturing and technical trades.

The collaboration with BuildSubmarines offers Scouts foundational knowledge and practical expertise in developing fields essential to advanced manufacturing, including shipbuilding and engineering:

• Electricity Merit Badge – Explores electrical theory, circuits, and safety, providing key skills for technical trades.
• Engineering Merit Badge – Introduces design principles, problem-solving, and real-world engineering applications.
• Robotics Merit Badge – Focuses on designing, programming, and operating robots, highlighting automation’s role in modern industry.
• Welding Merit Badge – Teaches welding techniques and safety, an essential metal fabrication and shipbuilding skill.

By funding and promoting merit badges that teach in-demand real-world skills, BuildSubmarines strengthens the talent pipeline for manufacturing and defense, reinforcing the essential role of skilled trades in America’s vital national security demands.

The University of Scouting also has academies for the whole family. The Dragon Academy will entertain youth from pre-kindergarten through first grade with a fun-filled day of adventure. Akela’s Academy welcomes second grade through fourth grade for fun adventures while working on advancements. Youths in fifth grade through twelfth grade will participate in Merit Badge Academy, which offers a range of badges, including several required for Eagle Scout. Older youth will also participate in the Youth Leadership Academy, which allows them to study project management, team building, time management, resume writing, cooking, and other skills.

Keegan S. Daley, president of the University of Scouting, has invited those with expertise to teach a class, counsel a merit badge, lead a program station, or assist in organizing the event. He has invited all Scout units to sign up to run an interactive program station demonstrating a Scout skill or activity. He has invited community businesses and organizations to promote their brands and information to leaders and their Scouts at the “Midway,” teach skill sessions, and run interactive program stations.

Although the Tidewater University of Scouting primarily reaches a local audience, Daley reported participants have enrolled from Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg (Colonial Virginia Council), Richmond (Heart of Virginia Council), Washington DC (National Capital Area Council), Greenville NC (East Carolina Council), and Delaware (Del-Mar-Va Council).

Scouting America Tidewater Council’s 2025 University of Scouting will be at Old Dominion University, 5115 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, Virginia 23529, from 7:00 AM-5:00 PM on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Check-in will occur at the Batten Arts & Letters building. Classes will be held in Batten Arts & Letters and Darden Education buildings. Lunch and Midway displays will be held at the Broderick Dining Commons building. A map is included below.

Scouts and Scouters can register for the 2025 U of S at TidewaterUniversity.com. Class selection and registration began on February 8, 2025. Late registration starts on February 23, 2025. They can download the Adult College schedule, Youth Academy schedule, University degrees, Commissioner degrees, and merit badge prerequisites there. Those with questions may contact the university president at TidewaterUniversity@gmail.com.

To learn more about Scouting America’s partnership with the Maritime Industrial Base, visit https://tinyurl.com/4tznfsd9.