Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Scout Night with the Edenton Steamers
July 7
Enjoy a night of baseball fun at Historic Hicks Field in Edenton, NC!
Admission is just $6.50 per ticket. Uniformed Scouts and Scouters can participate in a pregame ceremony (arrive 30 minutes before start time). Tickets are now available on Black Pug!
For questions, please contact Mary Perrine at mary.perrine@scouting.org.
Cub Scout Day Camps
June-July
Get ready to stomp, chomp, and roar your way through the most “dino”-mite adventure of the summer. At Dinotopia Day Camp, explorers will dig into prehistoric discoveries, unleash their inner T-Rex, and build friendships that are a million years in the making. Every day is packed with larger than life fun.
Deadlines for registration close two weeks prior to each camp starting.
Cub Scout day camps and twilight camps are summer outdoor experiences 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, range and target activities, and skits and songs. Cub Scouts have the opportunity to try new things as they work on elective Cub Scouting Adventures.
Chesapeake Twilight Camp (Three Rivers)
July 20-24, 2026
Registration Deadline: July 6, 2026
Three Rivers Twilight Camp will be held at Great Bridge Baptist Church in Chesapeake. Camp runs from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
For questions, contact Steven at dcthreerivers@tidewaterbsa.com.
First Popcorn Order Due
July 22
The first unit popcorn order is due by Wednesday, July 22.
Unit Popcorn Kernels must place the order through the unit Scout Boss account. Use order type “Show & Sell” and place the order in full cases. As in previous years, Chocolate Lovers, Cheese Lovers, Classic Trio, and Double Butter come as one item per case. All others come with eight items per case.
For additional instructions, see the Scout Boss Guide in the Popcorn Guide.
For assistance, please contact the District Popcorn Kernel.
Range and Target Activities Trainings
August - September
Want to learn how to run a safe range? Interested in joining range and target activities staff at council events like Outdoor Adventure Weekend? Want the ability to run unit-level range and target activities events for older Scouts? Tidewater Council offers multiple training opportunities for NRA and USA Archery certifications.
Course Schedule
- NRA Basic Shotgun: August 8
- NRA Basic Rifle: August 9
- NRA Basic Pistol: August 15
- NRA Instructor Pre-Qualification Range Day: August 16
- NRA Range Safety Officer: September 26
Contact
- If interested in assisting with range and target activities training, email nratc.twc@gmail.com.
- If interested in staffing a Tidewater Council range and target activities event, email shootingsports@pipsicobsa.com.
High Adventure Backpacking and Canoeing Training
September 11-13
Have you thought about traveling through the wilderness of our great country? Enjoying clear nights where you see so many stars that you cannot pick out a constellation? Observing wildlife in its natural habitat? Fishing in streams brimming with large bass or salmon? If you long to see nature unencumbered by man’s development, you should join or organize a High Adventure trip for your unit. Scouting’s High Adventure program allows you to travel through the undeveloped parts of our country and view nature at its best.
The heart of Scouting America’s program are the outdoor activities we conduct. The two separate training courses for High Adventure, backpacking and canoeing, are scheduled for September 11-13, 2026. The training provides Scout leaders and senior youth with the skills to plan and conduct a High Adventure trek involving backpacking or canoeing.
Backpacking
In the backpacking training, participants will learn and practice the skills involved by hiking with full gear for at least 5 miles. The location of this hike will be announced by the summer.
Canoeing
The canoe training will begin at Camp Moonyah with basic training in canoeing, then participants will travel from Camp Moonyah to Camp Baker, a ten-mile trek, via the Intracoastal Waterway.
Course Details
Adult leaders will learn how to organize and execute one of these adventures, while the senior youth will learn what is expected of a crew leader.
The fee for a participant is $45, which includes food, canoe rentals, and site fees. Registration is coming soon in Black Pug. Each course is limited to 20 participants.
For further information, please contact Jeffrey Irving at 757-646-5218 or Chip Elliott at 858-386-6209.
Cub Scout Pool Party at Pipsico
September 11-13
Save the date to splash, play, and have fun in the pool!
Cub Scouts and their families are invited to make a splash this fall at the Cub Scout Pool Party at Pipsico Scout Reservation. This event will offer an opportunity for Cub Scouts ages 5–11 to connect with friends and enjoy aquatic fun in a safe, family-friendly environment.
More details and registration information are coming soon.
2nd Annual Tidewater Council Air-O-Ree
September 17-20
Mark your calendar for the 2nd Annual Tidewater Council Air-O-Ree at the 2026 NAS Oceana Air Show!
This unique event is open to Cub Scout packs, Scouts BSA troops, Sea Scouting ships, Venturing crews, and Exploring posts.
- Come watch the Blue Angels and other top-tier aviators show the right stuff at the 2026 NAS Oceana Air Show
- Camp at Naval Air Station Oceana
- Participate in special Q&A sessions for Scouting participants
- Contribute service hours by helping with Foreign Object Debris (FOD) walkdown
- And MORE!
Campsites will be available starting Thursday night (September 17).
For questions, contact Chip Elliott at 858-386-6209 or chipselliott@gmail.com.
Save the date – more information is coming soon!
Three Rivers Webelosree
September 25-27
Webelosree is back again!
Three Rivers District is excited to offer Webelosree in fall 2026. There will be several Adventures and electives that Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts will be able to complete. Please join in for some fun and fellowship to make this event better and stronger than ever!
Three Rivers Webelosree will be held at Camp Kiwanis at Pipsico Scout Reservation, located in Surry, VA. This is an excellent opportunity for rising Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts to kick off their advancement in September. This camping event introduces Cub Scout youth to the leadership style of Scouting, where older youth lead, guide, and teach younger youth. Check out the Leaders Guide for details of what Adventures will be included during this event.
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) will be offered at Camp Kiwanis the same weekend. Leaders who plan to cross over to a troop with the youth can use this opportunity to get trained for their next adult leadership position. Leaders attending IOLS should use the separate IOLS registration.
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
September 26-27
Outdoor skills are critical to the success of the Scouting program. Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) provides leaders with the basic outdoor skills information needed to start a program right.
Working as patrols, this hands-on course provides adult leaders with the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable enough with the skills learned to coach and guide older Scouts. Those older Scouts can then teach younger Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank.
Every participant should bring writing materials and individual camping equipment as listed in the Scouts BSA Handbook. Please eat breakfast on Saturday before arriving. Lunch and dinner on Saturday, along with breakfast and lunch on Sunday, will be provided.
Leaders participating in other activities at Pipsico Scout Reservation (Outdoor Adventure Weekend or Three Rivers Webelosree) will camp and eat the meals not listed above with their units. Be sure to register as a “Camporee Participant.” Training will start Saturday directly after morning colors in Kiwanis. Additional information will be provided at the Friday leaders’ meeting in Camp Kiwanis. Information will also be provided to the Burton Center in Camp Lions.
Bring Annual Health and Medical Record parts A and B, along with proof of completion for SCO_800 Hazardous Weather.
Along with Scoutmaster Specific Training, IOLS is required for all direct contact leaders registered in Scouts BSA troops to be considered “trained.”
For questions, contact Charlie Tate at 3rtrainingchair@gmail.com.
Wood Badge
April 30 – May 2 and May 21-23, 2027
Wood Badge is an advanced, national leadership course for Scouting leaders. Scouters from Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring, and district and council Scouters all are welcome.
What do we learn?
- Listening
- Managing conflict
- Leading change
- Stages of team development
- Coaching and mentoring
- Leadership for different stages
- Servant leadership
- Project planning
- And more!
Why?
- Stronger units. Make your Scouting unit — and your sons’ and daughters’ units — stronger.
- What and why of Scouting. Develop a deeper understanding of what Scouting is and why we do it.
- Experience. Learn skills and useful leadership tools that will make a difference both inside and outside Scouting.
- Fun. Have fun and meet interesting people.
What's next?
If interested in attending as a participant or serving on staff, fill out this interest form. You’ll be the first to know as course updates are announced!
World Scout Jamboree
July 30 - August 8, 2027
The World Scout Jamboree is held every four years around the world. The next Jamboree will be held in Gdansk, Poland in the summer of 2027 and will have approximately 45,000 Scouts and leaders from over 140 countries in attendance.
Registration Waitlist
Registration for the US contingent is now 100% full. Information on joining the waitlist can be found at wsj2027.us.
Age Requirements
- Participants must be between the ages of 14-17 at the start of the Jamboree on July 30, 2027.
- Those over 17 at the start of the Jamboree can apply to be a unit leader or on staff.
- Those under age 14 are not eligible to attend the 2027 World Scout Jamboree. Save the date for the 2031 World Scout Jamboree in Denmark!
For More Information
- World Scout Jamboree website: jamboree2027.org
- US Contingent website: wsj2027.us
- In-council point of contact: Keegan Daley, kdaley8349@gmail.com, 716-381-7200
News
Popcorn
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Eight Reasons to Sell Popcorn
- Fund your program year and defray costs for Scouting families. Tidewater Council offers some of the highest sales commissions of all Scouting America councils.
- Sales proceeds not only support your unit, but also your local Scouting program and Pipsico Scout Reservation, Camp Moonyah, and Camp Baker, your council camps.
- Incentivize Scouts with prizes including patches, gift cards, and more.
- Teach Scouts salesmanship and the value of earning their own way.
- Scouts learn communication, resilience, money management, goal-setting, planning, and teamwork skills.
- Participation in the sale may help Scouts meet advancement requirements.
- It is easy to get started, with no upfront costs and no vendor contracts to negotiate.
- A team of volunteer leaders and council staff is here to support you.
Eight Things to Do Now to Get Started
- Read the Popcorn Guide.
- If you didn’t attend Popcorn 101 or Popcorn Training, view the recordings here.
- Sign up for the sale at pecatonicariverpopcorn.com using Council Key 596TWC. Even returning Unit Popcorn Kernels will need to “Create Unit Profile” the first time they access this site for the fall 2026 sale.
- Promote online sales (now open at prpopcornstore.com).
- Develop the unit budget and fundraising goals at the unit’s annual program planning meeting.
- Hold a unit kick-off.
- Set up Show & Sells.
- Place the unit’s first order in Scout Boss by July 22.
Scouting Safety Moment
It is recommended to include a Scouting Safety Moment during meetings to inform Scouts and parents and keep everyone safe. Numerous Scouting Safety Moments are available here.
Dehydration Prevention
Dehydration can increase the severity of many backcountry health concerns, ranging from frostbite to heat stress issues. The best way to stay hydrated is to drink water — not sports drinks and definitely not energy drinks. Scouts need to drink water when they feel thirsty and be sure to drink enough to replace what is lost during Scouting activities.
Religious Emblem Opportunities
Cub Scout Family and Reverence Requirement
Cub Scouts of all ages have the option to earn their Family & Reverence Adventure by earning the Religious Emblem of the Cub Scout family’s preference, if they choose to do so.
The Religious Emblems programs have been developed over the years by religious groups in conjunction with Scouting America. Though the programs are administered by the religious groups themselves, they have been approved by Scouting America.
Scouts working on the Religious Emblem for their faith use curriculum booklets produced by their religious organization. To obtain the proper curriculum booklet, contact the Tidewater Council Scout Shop to check if it is in stock, or reach out to the religious organization.
If the Cub Scout’s religious emblem award covers two years, then they’ve earned the Family & Reverence Adventures for both of those years.
Virtual Religious Emblem Opportunity
P.R.A.Y. (Programs of Religious Activities with Youth) has an opportunity for Protestant Scouts to earn their religious medal virtually.
Salem in Ballwin United Methodist Church, P.R.A.Y., and the national committees and associations of Protestant faiths are excited to announce that national virtual programs are returning for 2026. Sessions begin October 11, 2026. These programs will be beneficial in making religious emblems and awards available to all youth, especially those who are having difficulty finding an in-person class or congregational support near them.
These classes are open to any Protestant, Non-Denominational, or Independent Christian youth in any organization, grades Kindergarten through 12th, interested in fortifying their experience through their faith. Classes in each of the five program levels are offered and will be presented over Zoom. There is room for 2,000 (400 per program offered) total students.
Registration is free and open until September 30, 2026.
Detailed information for each program and registration can be found by visiting the P.R.A.Y. Virtual Programs page at praypub.org/virtual-programs.
Scouts BSA SPL Summit
A New Opportunity for Youth Voices in Scouts BSA
Scouts BSA is excited to announce the next step in gathering youth feedback: the Scouts BSA SPL Summit.
Building on the foundation established by the National Youth Council, the SPL Summit will bring together Senior Patrol Leaders from troops across the country to share ideas, provide feedback, and help strengthen the program for Scouts everywhere.
The goal is simple: Listen to the youth leaders who experience Scouts BSA every week and ensure their voices help shape the future of the program.
More information, including participation details and launch plans, will be announced by the National Council this summer. The SPL Summit officially launches in September 2026.
Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides
Camping vouchers from the Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides have been refunded.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s event, and we appreciate your patience and understanding after the overnight camping experience was canceled because of inclement weather.
Eagle Scouts: A Legacy of Values-Based Leadership and Service
Did you know that 74% of Eagle Scouts are in leadership roles at their workplace? You can read about this and more in the recently published Eagle Scout Study (2026).
Last year, Scouting America commissioned The Harris Poll to track 3,178 adults, revealing many benefits to reaching Eagle Scout rank. The data shows that not only are 74% of Eagle Scouts leaders in their workplace (double the rate of non-Scouts), but they are also nearly 3x more likely to lead in their local communities.
Eagle Scouts also demonstrate exceptional ethical standards, with 99% willing to return a lost wallet with $100 intact and 98% ready to intervene against bullying. Eagle Scouts report higher daily levels of gratitude (+11%) and purpose (+18%), alongside reduced rates of loneliness and fear compared to non-Scouts.
In our modern world, these are valuable benefits for youth. View the full report and read highlights at scouting.org/about/research/eagle-scout-2026.
Registrar's Corner
Safeguarding Youth Training/Youth Protection Training Renewal Process
Many volunteers experienced some confusion regarding a misworded email from the National Council about renewing their Safeguarding Youth Training. All Youth Protection Training is expired as of May 31, 2026. All Scouting America leaders should now have current Safeguarding Youth Training.
Safeguarding Youth Training (Full Course)
Take the Safeguarding Youth Training (Full Course) if:
- You have never taken Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT)
- Your SYT has been expired for 7 days or more
- You did not successfully pass the SYT Refresher exam on your first attempt
All leaders must take the SYT Full Course (approximately 90 minutes) before they are eligible to take the SYT Refresher Course (approximately 20 minutes).
To access SYT, log into My.Scouting.org. Find the course in My Training or by selecting the Safeguarding Youth Training logo.
Leaders who have taken Youth Protection Training but who have not taken Safeguarding Youth Training must take the SYT Full Course to show as trained.
Safeguarding Youth Refresher Course
Take the Safeguarding Youth Refresher Course if you completed the full Safeguarding Youth Training and it is either currently active or has expired within the last 7 days.
If you do not successfully pass the Refresher exam on the first attempt, you must return to complete the full SYT course.
To access the SYT Refresher Course, log into My.Scouting.org. Find the course in My Training or by selecting the Safeguarding Youth Training logo.
Troubleshooting
- Always Start from My.Scouting. Log into My.Scouting and use the “Start” or “Retake Course” button rather than searching for the course manually. This ensures the system routes to the correct version of training.
- Verify Training Status First. Before retaking training, volunteers should check their training status and expiration date in My Training and confirm whether their SYT is already current.
- Take the Correct Course. If SYT is expired beyond the allowed window or never taken, complete the full 90-minute course. If eligible and current, complete the refresher course. Taking the wrong course may not update the certification status.
- Watch for Navigation Prompts. Scroll within the course window and ensure all content is viewed before proceeding. Progress buttons may not be immediately visible in all screen sizes.
- If the Course Freezes or Will Not Advance, exit and re-launch the course from My.Scouting. If issues persist, report them by emailing training@twchelpdesk.raiseaticket.com, so issues can be escalated to IT.
Fee Waiver for Military Families
Scouting America is committed to expanding access to Scouting for military-connected youth.
Scouting America is waiving the $85 national youth registration fee for eligible military families through a verification and code process during online registration. See the Military Family Fee Waiver handout for details.
Key Points to Remember:
- Eligibility and verification processes were set by the National Council of Scouting America and may not be altered locally.
- The fee waiver is for online registration only. There are no workarounds or other options.
- There is a verification process in place to verify military status as part of the registration process.
- The discount applies only to the National fee.
- It includes Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard.
- This program went into effect on June 1, 2026.
- Click here to see screenshots of the process.
A New, Simpler Renewal Cycle for All Members
By February 2028, all members and all units will have a single, common renewal month of February. This change is in response to feedback from unit leaders and other Scouters who asked for a simpler, more consistent renewal experience.
Key updates include:
- Beginning September 2026, all units due for renewal will renew to February 2028.
- All memberships and unit charters will have a common renewal month of February by February 2028.
- To simplify the process and in response to unit leaders’ requests, Scouting America is returning to unit control of member renewals.
- If the unit does not renew a member, that member may renew themselves after the unit-only period closes.
- The current 60-day grace period will end December 31, 2026.
- The lapse period has allowed members a short grace period after their renewal date before their membership becomes inactive. As Scouting America moves toward a simpler and more consistent renewal system, this lapse period will gradually be reduced and then eliminated.
- Members renewing in November 2026 will still receive a 30-day grace period through December 2026.
- Members renewing in December 2026 must renew by December 31, 2026 to avoid being dropped.
To support the transition during 2026:
- Beginning in September 2026, new and renewing units will use the standard charter fee plus a monthly pro-rata fee through February 2028.
- No changes for new and renewing members through 2026.
Please begin planning ahead to ensure memberships are renewed on time and there is no interruption in participation, advancement, or registration status. This is a significant operational change designed to reduce complexity and create a more streamlined experience for volunteers, families, and councils alike. Additional information will be coming soon from Scouting America.
Make the Most of the Scouting America Tidewater Council Marketing Toolkit
Did you know that Tidewater Council has a Marketing Toolkit to help leaders, Scouts, and families expand the reach of Scouting’s voice? Assets include logos, social media guidelines and strategy, digital safety resources, Scouting terminology glossary, free tools and design software, best practices, and more.
Microsoft Publisher to Sunset
Microsoft Publisher software will be discontinued in October 2026. While some software platforms retire by eliminating product support and updates, Publisher’s sunset is a complete discontinuation. Users will not be able to open or edit Publisher files.
If you have a unit brochure, calendar, new Scout packet, or other items built in Publisher, act now to ensure you are able to retrieve the content of your designs. More information can be found at support.microsoft.com.
Safe Transportation Starts Before the Engine Does
Every Scouting adventure begins and ends with transportation. Whether traveling to summer camp, a weekend campout, or a unit service project, safe transportation is one of the most important responsibilities leaders and parents share in protecting our Scouts.
Many families are surprised to learn that when a personal vehicle is used for an official Scouting activity, the vehicle owner’s automobile insurance is considered the primary coverage. Scouting America’s general liability insurance is excess coverage, meaning it only applies after the owner’s insurance policy limits have been exhausted.
Because of this, Scouting America strongly recommends that all drivers participating in Scouting activities carry adequate automobile liability insurance beyond the minimum state requirements.
Recommended Insurance Coverage
Scouting America recommends:
- A minimum of $100,000 combined single-limit liability coverage for standard passenger vehicles.
- $1,000,000 liability coverage for vehicles designed to carry ten or more passengers.
All vehicles used for Scouting activities must, at minimum, meet the legal insurance requirements of the state where the vehicle is licensed.
Important Transportation Safety Reminders
Leaders and parents can help keep Scouts safe by following these important transportation guidelines:
- Drivers must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver’s license.
- Youth drivers may not transport Scouts to Scouting events.
- All passengers must wear seat belts at all times.
- Drivers should avoid distractions, including texting or phone use while driving.
- Trips should include regular breaks to prevent fatigue.
- Vehicles should complete a pre-trip inspection before departure.
- 15-passenger vans manufactured before 2005 are prohibited for Scouting use.
- Passengers may not ride in truck beds, trailers, or campers while in motion.
- Transportation must comply with Scouting America’s Youth Protection policies, including two-deep leadership and no one-on-one transportation situations.
A Good Time to Review Your Coverage
Before your next Scouting event, take a few minutes to:
- Verify your insurance coverage limits.
- Ensure your vehicle registration and insurance cards are current.
- Review your vehicle’s safety condition.
- Confirm everyone traveling understands Scouting transportation guidelines.
Safe transportation is more than a policy—it is part of our commitment to protecting every Scout, leader, and family member who participates in the Scouting program. A little preparation before the trip helps ensure everyone arrives safely and returns home with great memories from their Scouting adventure.
Scout Shop
Scout Shop Hours
The Scout Shop is closed June 28 – July 6 for the week of Independence Day.
Celebrate Your American Pride in Red, White, and Blue!
The Scout Shop has a new Americana T-shirt. It honors more than a century of Scouting tradition with a design rooted in heritage and everyday wearability. Clean, classic, and easy to style, this tee reflects the values and history that have shaped generations of Scouts. Available in adult sizes small – 2XL.
Now Hiring
District Executive
Since 1910, Scouting has helped shape the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. Scouting 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 Christy Cooper at christy.cooper@scouting.org.
Pipsico Tree Photos
A favorite stop on a Pipsico Scout Reservation hike is the Pipsico Tree, a tulip poplar nearly 20 feet in circumference that predates the arrival of the first English colonists.
Pipsico’s Heritage Area team and volunteer camp maintenance team, the Busy Beavers, are seeking your photos with the Pipsico Tree for a collage and slideshow. Please send any photos to klull179@gmail.com to be included in the display.
Development Corner
Friends of Scouting
Friends of Scouting is Tidewater Council’s annual giving campaign. The generosity of Scouting families, alumni, and community supporters keeps the overall cost of Scouting affordable so all families can participate. Tidewater Council’s goal is to raise $550,000 through Friends of Scouting in 2026.
Has your unit scheduled its 2026 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.
United Way Donor Designations
Tidewater Council is a partner agency with Albemarle Area United Way and United Way of South Hampton Roads. Did you know that you can designate a United Way gift to local Scouting?
- For Albemarle Area United Way, you can designate your gift to support Scouting America Tidewater Council (4004).
- For United Way of South Hampton Roads, you can designate your gift to support Scouting America Tidewater Council.
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 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
July
- National U.S. Postage Stamp Day: July 1
- Work on the Stamp Collecting merit badge.
- Invite Scouts to write and mail a letter, card, or postcard.
- Independence Day: July 4
- Work on the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge.
- Work on the American Heritage merit badge.
- Have a Scout barbecue.
- Watch fireworks with your unit.
- Plan a patriotic service project.
- National Swimming Pool Day: July 11
- Work on the Swimming merit badge.
- Work on the Cub Scout rank-specific Swimming Adventure:
- Learn about aquatics safety with Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat training at My.Scouting.
- Share Scouting Safety Moments:
- Space Exploration Day: July 20
- Work on the Space Exploration merit badge.
- Work on the Sky is the Limit Adventure for Tigers.
- National Hammock Day: July 22
- Share the Hammock Safety for Camping Safety Moment.
- Share the “Hammock camping, the BSA way” article in Scouting Magazine.
- World Nature Conservation Day: July 28
- Work on the Environmental Science merit badge.
- Work on the Soil and Water Conservation merit badge.
- Work on the Sustainability merit badge.
- Work on the Cub Scout rank-specific Champions for Nature Adventure:
- Conduct a conservation service project.
August
- Family Fun Month
- Go camping.
- Have a barbecue or campfire.
- Go fishing.
- Have a family field day at a local park.
- Invite new families to check out Scouting’s adventures!
- National Golf Month
- Work on the Golf merit badge.
- World Scout Scarf Day: August 1
- Wear your neckerchief!
- National Lighthouse Day: August 7
- National S’mores Day: August 10
- Gather your unit, patrol, or den for a campfire and everyone’s favorite campout treat!
- National Leathercraft Day: August 15
- Work on the Leatherwork merit badge.
- World Photography Day: August 19
- Work on the Photography merit badge.
- National Radio Day: August 20
- Work on the Radio merit badge.
- Learn about, and make a plan to participate in, Jamboree-on-the-Air.
- Internet Self-Care Day: August 21
- Discuss digital safety and Scouting America’s Social Media Guidelines with youth.
- Watch Scouting America’s personal safety videos:
- Personal Safety Awareness Video Series for Scouts BSA members
- Protect Yourself Rules for Lion Cub Scouts
- Protect Yourself Rules for Tiger Cub Scouts
- Protect Yourself Rules for Wolf Cub Scouts
- Protect Yourself Rules for Bear Cub Scouts
- Protect Yourself Rules for Webelos Cub Scouts
- Protect Yourself Rules for Arrow of Light Cub Scouts
- Share mental health-related Safety Moments:
- Provide online mental health resources, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) and Scouting America’s Bullying Awareness resources.
- Encourage families to do a digital detox and unplug with a unit hike or outing.
- National Trail Mix Day: August 31
- Go for a hike and enjoy some trail mix.
- Discuss the best trail mix ingredients – and then make some!
- If you’re selling popcorn, tell your customers it’s National Trail Mix Day.
Community Engagement
Community Care Assistance
Does your family need assistance accessing community resources? Tidewater Council is a partner agency with Albemarle Area United Way and United Way of South Hampton Roads, 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.
Horizons Hampton Roads "Community Matters" Quilt Project
Horizons Hampton Roads is inviting community members to participate in its “Community Matters” Quilt Project, a collaborative effort that celebrates the stories, cultures, and experiences that make the region unique.
Participants can sign up to donate fabric/clothing or participate in the project by filling out this form. For questions, contact Mia Perry at Horizons Hampton Roads.
Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Scouts from Cub Scout Pack 408 and Scouts BSA Troops 16, 19, 408, 417, and 471 attended a Flag Retirement Ceremony on Flag Day, June 14, 2026, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Father Michael J. McGivney Assembly 2588 at the Church of the Ascension.
Flags from Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Church of the Ascension, Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, The Navy SEAL Fondation, Providence Elementary School, and Buckner Farms were retired. The Master of Ceremonies and Senior Patrol Leader for the Flag Retirement Ceremony was Life Scout Issac P. from Troop 417.
The Church of the Ascension flag was retired in memory of SSGT Isaiah Villa, USMC, Tidewater Council Eagle Scout, Class of 2012 – DOD October 13, 2025, and the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery flag was retired in memory of Charles Mann, LCDR, USN (ret), Class of 1964 – DOD May 04, 2026.
Scouts BSA Troop 16 celebrated the end of the school year by attending Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides and Chalk the Walk 2026.
On June 13, the Scouts visited the Virginia Beach Boardwalk for Chalk the Walk: Wonderful World of Color. They created chalk drawings and supported the artists.
Troop 16 is looking forward to a fun summer of pool parties, surfing, canoeing, summer camp, and the National Scout Jamboree!
Venturing Crew 16 celebrated earning the Venturing Award with a fun day at the beach! The Venturers supported the artists participating in Chalk the Walk 2026 and enjoyed a fun night of games at Flipper McCoys.
Crew 16 is hard at work planning a fun-filled program year with a canoe trip, iFly indoor skydiving, a Renaissance faire campout, Winterfest, and a trip to Sea Base.
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).