“EK” Electronic Knapsack – August 3, 2026

Table of Contents

Upcoming Events

Scouting America Trained leader emblems

Summer Training Day

August 15

Scouting America leaders, parents, and volunteers are invited to a full day of high-impact training. This year’s event brings together essential safety, leadership, Cub Scout, and trainer development courses designed to strengthen units, protect youth, and build confident, capable adult leaders. 

Summer training day will help leaders develop the tools, credentials, and confidence to better serve Scouts and units.

Participants will be able to choose from a powerful lineup of instructor-led courses, including: 

  • Den Chief Training
  • Life to Eagle Seminar
  • Cub Scout Leader Position-Specific Training (Covers all topics in Den Leader, Pack Committee Member, Pack Committee Chair, and 
    Cubmaster Position-Specific Training)
  • Craft of Training (formerly Trainer’s EDGE)
  • And more!
Tidewater Council. High Adventure Committee.

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 is 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 now open 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

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.

Throughout the weekend, Scouts and siblings will rotate through a variety of aquatic-themed stations designed to promote confidence, teamwork, and fun. Activities may include open swimming, pool games, relay races, water rescue demonstrations, floating challenges, water safety instruction, and opportunities to practice basic swimming skills. Scouts can participate in aquatic-themed crafts, knot-tying challenges, sponge and bucket relays, fishing activities, and interactive programs focused on aquatics, wildlife, and fun in the outdoors.

250 Years. 2026 NAS Oceana Air Show.

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!

Tidewater Council Roads to Scouts BSA Webelosree 2026 Three Rivers District

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 Scouts BSA, 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.

NRA Range Safety Officer Training

September 26

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 Range Safety Officer: September 26
Contact
Cub Olympiad Patch. Tidewater Council.

Cub Scout Fall Family Camp: Cub Olympiad

October 2-4

Go for the Gold at Pipsico Scout Reservation on October 2-4!

Get ready for a weekend of fun, adventure, and friendly competition at Cub Olympiad 2026! Cub Scouts and their families are invited to compete in exciting Olympic-style games; test their skills at BB, archery, and slingshot ranges; create fun crafts; and experience adapted Paralympic-inspired activities that promote teamwork, perseverance, and inclusion.

Don’t miss the Gold Medal Cook-Off! Bring your pack’s best recipe, show off your team spirit, and compete for top honors!

Every participant will receive an exclusive 2026 Cub Olympiad commemorative patch. Gather your pack and join us for an unforgettable weekend celebrating the spirit of Scouting and the thrill of friendly competition.

Registration is now open on Black Pug.

Cub Scout Super Hero Training Camp patch. TWC Family Camp 2026.

Cub Scout Fall Family Camp: Super Hero Training Camp

November 6-8

Come join us at Pipsico Scout Reservation November 6-8 for Super Hero Training Camp!

Scouts will master Super Hero skills and walk the path of a Super Hero. This fun-filled weekend will include range and target activities, field games, a scavenger hunt, climbing, a bake-off, and a camp-wide campfire program.

Registration opens September 7. Come dressed in your best Super Hero costume!

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)

November 6-8 and November 13-15

Get ready for an unforgettable leadership adventure at National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)! Join us during the first two weekends of November for a Scout Games-themed experience packed with exciting challenges, friendly competition, and hands-on leadership development.

NYLT is designed to help Scouts build the skills they need to lead with confidence. Participants will strengthen their communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership abilities while making new friends from across Tidewater Council. Whether they’re leading their patrol, troop, crew, or ship, NYLT provides practical tools and experiences they can take back to their unit.

Who Can Attend?

  • Scouts who are 14 years of age or older
  • Have earned the First Class rank or higher
  • Have a Scoutmaster’s recommendation

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow as a leader, take on exciting challenges, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Register today at scoutingevent.com/596-NYLT2026.

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!

Logo for Poland 2027 World Scout 26th Jamboree Scout Mondial

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

News

Street sign reading "Registrar's Corner"

Registrar's Corner

BeAScout Update

On August 3, 2026, BeAScout is introducing an updated look and feel designed to better support prospective families. The enhanced experience will provide answers to common questions before families contact a unit, including:

  • Estimated cost to join
  • Unit meeting days and times
  • Whether the unit charges additional dues

To support these improvements, several new fields have been added to the Unit Pin page in Organization Manager:

  • Fundraising Helps Cover Costs
  • Trial Visit Encouraged
  • Unit Fee
  • Meeting Schedule
    • Meeting Frequency
    • Meeting Day
    • Start Time
    • End Time

This updated BeAScout Pin Job Aid shows the changes and how to update the unit pin. Please complete these updates now to ensure unit details are accurate and fully displayed in the updated BeAScout experience.

ScoutConnect

Scouting America is rolling out a newly designed online registration system. Tidewater Council is scheduled to launch this ScoutConnect platform on August 12.

Features of ScoutConnect Online Registration:

  • A new, clean design with a focus on being “mobile friendly”
  • Spanish language option is a programmed feature, not just Google Translate
  • Parent’s login is created first so all application attempts can be followed up on
  • Guest account option available
  • Pricing information is shown up front
  • Parent questions will be reduced
  • Military discount offered for qualifying parents or guardians
  • Klarna payment option along with Google Pay or Apple Pay

Scout Shop

Fall Uniform Sale

The Scout Shop has begun its annual uniform sale, and there are two ways to save!

Offer #1

Save 10% on Uniform Bottoms with Tops
From July 27 through December 31, 2026, customers can receive 10% off uniform bottoms with the purchase of the matching uniform top.

  • Tops include Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing uniform shirts, including Lion T-Shirts. Clearance uniforms are also INCLUDED in this promotion. 
  • Bottoms include switchbacks, shorts, skorts, and roll-up pants.
  • Please note this offer cannot be combined with any other discount. 
Offer #2

Save 20% on a Full Uniform Purchase
From July 27 through October 31, 2026, customers can receive 20% off when purchasing a complete uniform for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, or Venturing.

  • A full Cub Scout uniform includes top, bottoms, belt, neckerchief, slide, cap, and socks.
  • A full Scouts BSA or Venturing uniform includes top, bottoms, belt, cap, and socks.
Cub Scouts in uniforms and sunglasses. Adventure On!
Fall Recruitment

As fall recruiting season for Cub Scouts begins, please help new families by providing them a list of items needed.

This uniform checklist is a great way to send new families to the Scout Shop prepared to start their Scouting journey. We look forward to seeing all the new families in the store soon!

Scout Shop Hours

The current Scout Shop hours are:

MondayClosed
Tuesday11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
SundayClosed

New Merit Badges

Scouting America has released two new merit badges that give youth opportunities to build real-world skills, explore new interests, and grow as leaders.

Wildland Fire Management merit badge
Wildland Fire Management Merit Badge

Scouts will learn:

  • How to protect communities from wildfires
  • Causes and impacts of wildland fires
  • How fire can harm communities and support ecosystems
  • Prevention, suppression, and safety strategies
  • About careers in forestry, conservation, and fire management
Competitive Gaming merit badge
Competitive Gaming Merit Badge

Scouts will practice:

  • Strategy, teamwork, and communication skills
  • Leadership and sportsmanship in digital spaces
  • Online safety and healthy gaming habits
  • Career exploration in gaming, esports, and technology
Scouting America Tidewater Council. America 250. Fireworks and popcorn motif.

Popcorn

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

Seven Things to Do in August
  1. Help with the first delivery on Thursday, August 6. Sign up here to volunteer.
  2. If your unit placed an order and cannot help with the delivery, sign up for an order pick-up time on Friday, August 7 or Saturday, August 8.
  3. Sell online at prpopcornstore.com. If you do not know your Scout’s Seller ID, please contact the Unit Popcorn Kernel.
  4. If your unit needs additional product, schedule an interim appointment to come in on Wednesday, August 12.
  5. Submit the 2026 Popcorn Prizes & Military Donations form by August 19 for the first round of recognition.
  6. Place the unit’s “Show & Sell 2” popcorn order by Wednesday, August 19.
  7. Sell popcorn!
Getting Started

It is not too late for your unit to participate in the 2026 Popcorn Sale! To get started:

  1. Read the Popcorn Guide.
  2. Sign up for the sale at pecatonicariverpopcorn.com using Council Key 596TWC.
  3. Set sales goals.
  4. Hold a unit kick-off. Contact your district executive to get sales materials and a tasting kit.
  5. If you didn’t attend Popcorn 101 or Popcorn Training, view the recordings here.
  6. Contact your District Popcorn Kernel for help getting started.

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.

BSA SAFE Logo
Cub Scout Aquatics: Tubing

Youth and adults love playing in and on water, especially on a warm summer day. Using an inner tube to float on a gently flowing river or creek has led to the popular pastime of tubing on a river. It started with using a car inner tube and now manufacturers make rubber and vinyl tubes specially designed to float on a river. Before participating in this activity with your Cub Scouts, consider the safety requirements.

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 logo fleur-de-lis with Eagle

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.

Marketing Toolkit

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.

Pipsico Tree at Pipsico Scout Reservation

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.

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

August
September

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.

Volunteer Opportunities

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

Scouts in Action

Scouting in the News:

Pipsico Scout Reservation's SCUBA Summer Camp, partnering with Chesapeake Bay Diving Center

Beneath the surface, a whole new world of adventure awaits! Scouts made a splash at Pipsico Scout Reservation’s SCUBA Summer Camp, learning dive skills, exploring underwater, and creating memories along the way!

Pipsico Scout Reservation's SCUBA Summer Camp

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). 

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