Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Second Popcorn Order Due
August 19
The second unit popcorn order is due by Wednesday, August 19.
Unit Popcorn Kernels must place the order through the unit Scout Boss account. Use order type “Show & Sell 2” 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.
Navigating the Eagle Scout Service Project
September 8
Do you have Scouts who are working on their Eagle Scout Service Project and…
- Seem to be stuck?
- Are confused?
- Have questions about certain requirements?
- Are not sure if they’re doing it correctly?
- Need someone to bounce ideas around?
- Just need a nudge in the right direction?
Princess Anne District is offering a great opportunity to any Scout working on their Eagle Scout Service Project. During September’s Princess Anne District Roundtable, Advancement Chair Gene Hoffman will hold a session to help Scouts navigate their Eagle Scout Service Project. For questions, contact Gene at gchoffman@aol.com.
Event Details
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
7 PM – 8 PM
Kempsville Presbyterian Church
805 Kempsville Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23464
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.
2nd Annual Tidewater Council Air-O-Ree
September 17-20
Register now 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.
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
- 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.
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.
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
October 3-4 and October 24-25
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) provides hands-on basic outdoors skills needed to conduct a Cub Scout camping program. Packs must have a BALOO-trained leader onsite for pack camping.
BALOO training consists of an online pre-requisite component in addition to an overnight, hands-on practical. Two BALOO training options will be offered in October:
October 3-4
Pipsico Scout Reservation
57 Pipsico Road
Spring Grove, VA 23881
October 24-25
Fentress Naval Auxiliary Landing Field
2500 Lockheed Ave.
Chesapeake, VA 23322
Three Rivers AOL Connections
October 15
Three Rivers District invites Arrow of Light Scouts to AOL Connections, a transition meeting to learn about the next step of their Scouting adventure in Scouts BSA.
- Meet & Connect: Meet local troops and leaders, and learn about opportunities in Scouts BSA
- Explore & Discover: Check out different troops and find the right fit for your next adventure
- Build Your Future: Make connections that will help you grow, lead, and make memories that last a lifetime
AOL Connections will be held on Thursday, October 15 from 6-8 PM at Great Bridge Baptist Church in Chesapeake. For questions, contact Steven Dewey at 757-589-0722 or steven.d.dewey@gmail.com.
College of Commissioner Science
October 31
Commissioners support quality Scouting programs by communicating, supporting unit leaders, and building relationships.
Tidewater Council’s 2026 College of Commissioner Science will give current, new, and prospective commissioners the tools needed to succeed in the goal to help youth become engaged citizens who strengthen our communities, nation, and world.
Select from an array of courses, including:
- A Legacy of Servant Leadership
- Building Relationships
- Commissioners Service in Tidewater
- Conducting the Roundtable Planning Session
- Connecting with Units
- Core Concepts of Unit Service
- Resolving Critical Unit Issues
- Roundtables in Unit Service
- Service to Units at Risk
- Succession Planning
- The Commissioner and the Professional
- The Essential Element (A Servant’s Heart)
- Turning Relationships into Partnerships
- Unit and Roundtable Commissioners Working Together
- View from the Council Service Territory (CST)
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.
Winter Camp
January 15-18, 2027
Held over the long Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, this four-day, three-night camp is specifically designed to provide a great opportunity for Scouts to hone their cold weather camping skills, complete advancement requirements, earn merit badges, and have lots of fun!
In addition to more than 40 merit badge offerings, trainings including Scoutmaster Specific Training, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), and Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Certification will be offered.
Attendance is limited to the first 350 youth registrants, and typically fills quickly. Mark your calendar – registration opens on September 19!
University of Scouting
March 5-6, 2027
All Scouts, prospective Scouts, leaders, parents, and volunteers are invited to attend the Tidewater University of Scouting. This jamboree-style event offers interactive trainings and certifications, hands-on activities and adventures, merit badges and advancement opportunities, and personalized Scout quests to earn prizes and rewards.
There is something for everyone, including adult classes, youth classes, merit badges, new Scout classes, and Cub Scout Adventures.
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
In Fond Remembrance
Bill Campbell
Tidewater Council mourns the passing of Bill Campbell, a longtime friend and supporter of Scouting whose generosity, kindness, and commitment made a lasting difference in our community.
Bill earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1957 as a member of Troop 72 in Yazoo City, Mississippi. When both of his sons began their own paths to Eagle, Bill took on Scouting leadership roles including Troop 378 Committee Member, Philmont trek leader, Council Marketing Committee Chair, and Advisory Board Member.
Bill was named a Living Legend of Tidewater Council 2001, Silver Beaver in 2004, and NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout in 2022.
Community members may also know Bill as the co-founder of Barker Campbell & Farley Advertising, which grew to be the region’s largest advertising agency for many years. He served in leadership roles for the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (Virginia MOCA), The Virginia Beach Art Center and The Artists Gallery, Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation, Virginia Beach SPCA, and other organizations. Bill was a gifted and award-winning artist.
Bill’s impact will continue through the community members who benefited from his support of the arts and the Scouting programs he strengthened. We are grateful for the many ways Bill invested in the future of our community and for the legacy he leaves behind.
A celebration of life will be held at Princess Anne Country Club on August 28 at 3 PM.
News
Win with School Open Houses
Setting up a recruitment table at school open houses is a great way to get in front of families and tell them about the adventures of Scouting. This fall, when you share your awesome displays on social media, you will not only build unit pride and share great ideas for promoting Scouting, but your unit can also win a Scout Shop gift certificate!
Contest Details
- Set up a Scouting recruitment display/table at a school open house between August 17, 2026 and September 13, 2026.
- Take a photo of the display and share it on Facebook by Sunday, September 13, 2026. In the post, include:
- Your unit number
- The school’s name and city/county
- Tag @tidewaterbsa
- Units may submit one entry per school open house supported.
- Units attending multiple school open houses are encouraged to post once for each school to build awareness and earn multiple entries.
- If multiple Scouting units attend the same school open house, each unit may post and earn a drawing entry.
- All eligible entries will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Scout Shop gift certificate. There will be one unit winner.
- The drawing will take place on Monday, September 14, 2026.
For questions, contact Christy Cooper at Christy.cooper@scouting.org or 208-597-6044.
Earn a FREE Recruiter Patch
Scouting is better with friends!
Now through December 31, 2026, Scouts can earn a FREE Recruiter Strip patch when they recruit a friend who joins Scouting!
For more details and the claim form, visit Scouting.org/welcome.
New Military Service Knot
Scouting America Outfitters has announced the new Military Service Knot, created specifically for adult Scouting members who currently serve or have previously served in the U.S. military, either full-time or in the reserves.
This knot provides an opportunity to honor military service while supporting the next generation of Scouting. Every purchase helps fund free registration for children of military families, opening the door for more young people to experience the adventure, character development, leadership, and values of Scouting.
Military Service Knots are coming soon to the Tidewater Council Scout Shop.
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.
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:
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Popcorn
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Getting Started
It is not too late for your unit to participate in the 2026 Popcorn Sale! To get started:
- Read the Popcorn Guide.
- Sign up for the sale at pecatonicariverpopcorn.com using Council Key 596TWC.
- Set sales goals.
- Hold a unit kick-off. Contact your district executive to get sales materials and a tasting kit.
- If you didn’t attend Popcorn 101 or Popcorn Training, view the recordings here.
- Contact your District Popcorn Kernel for help getting started.
Five Things to Do in August
- Sell online at prpopcornstore.com. If you do not know your Scout’s Seller ID, please contact the Unit Popcorn Kernel.
- If your unit needs additional product to stock a Show & Sell, schedule an interim appointment to come in on Wednesday, August 19 or Wednesday, August 26.
- Submit the 2026 Popcorn Prizes & Military Donations form by Wednesday, August 19 for the first round of recognition.
- Place the unit’s “Show & Sell 2” popcorn order by Wednesday, August 19.
- Sell popcorn!
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.
Flash Flooding
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.
Registrar's Corner
BeAScout Update
On August 3, 2026, BeAScout introduced an updated look and feel designed to better support prospective families. The enhanced experience provides 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 launched 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
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
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
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
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 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
- 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 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 (988) 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.
September
- Self Improvement Month
- Encourage Scouts to set personal goals for the coming school/program year.
- Once Scouts set personal goals, guide them to develop plans for attaining their goals.
- Work on a merit badge with a built-in action plan, such as Personal Management or Personal Fitness.
- For Cub Scouts, work on the rank-specific personal fitness Adventure:
- Lion: Fun on the Run
- Tiger: Tiger Bites
- Wolf: Running with the Pack
- Bear: Bear Strong
- Webelos: Stronger, Faster, Higher
- Arrow of Light: Personal Fitness
- Encourage Scouts to try out a new activity or hobby. From fishing to cycling to woodworking, there’s likely Scouting America curriculum to help them get started!
- National Preparedness Month
- Practice first aid skills.
- Have Scouts develop emergency action plans for their families.
- For Webelos, work on the Healthy Home Checklist or Space Safe Checklist in the My Safety Adventure.
- Work on the Emergency Preparedness merit badge.
- Share the Weather-Related Safety Safety Moment.
- Take Hazardous Weather Training on My.Scouting.
- Take the Scouting Magazine Before the Storm Safety Quiz.
- Share the Scout Life article, “Be Prepared for These 5 Common Weather Hazards.”
- National Crime Prevention Week: September 1-7
- Invite a member of a local law enforcement agency to be a guest speaker at a unit meeting.
- For Lions and Tigers, complete Personal Safety Adventure requirements:
- Lion’s Roar: With your Lion adult partner, demonstrate how to access emergency services.
- Tiger’s Roar: With your Tiger adult partner, demonstrate how to access emergency services.
- For Bears, work on the Forensics Adventure.
- Work on the Crime Prevention merit badge.
- World Literacy Day: September 8
- Work on the Reading merit badge.
- Visit a local library.
- Pick up a copy of Scout Life.
- World Suicide Prevention Day: September 10
- Share the Youth Suicide Prevention Safety Moment.
- Share resources, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988).
- Patriot Day: September 11
- Share the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s tips for Talking to Children about Terrorism with parents in your unit.
- Make cards to thank first responders.
- Invite a firefighter or police officer to be a special visitor at a unit meeting.
- Constitution Day: September 17
- Work on the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge.
- Read the U.S. Constitution.
- Share educational resources from the National Constitution Center.
- National Cooking Day: September 25
- Share cooking and food-related Safety Moments:
- Work on the Cooking merit badge.
- Work on the rank-specific Cub Scout personal fitness Adventure:
- Fun on the Run (Lion): Identify the five different food groups.
- Tiger Bites (Tiger): Identify the five different food groups.
- Running with the Pack (Wolf): Sample three different foods that are naturally three different colors. The food must be a protein, vegetable, fruit, dairy, or a grain.
- Bear Strong (Bear): Sample food from three of the following food groups: protein, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and grains.
- Stronger, Faster, Higher (Webelos): With your den or family, plan, cook, and eat a balanced meal.
- Personal Fitness (Arrow of Light): Plan a balanced meal that you would eat when camping. Prepare that meal using the gear you would use on a campout.
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
Congratulations to the new Eagle Scouts in July!
A huge thank you to the awesome volunteers who unloaded 49,254 pounds of popcorn on the Show & Sell delivery!
Scouts celebrated the importance of community at National Night Out in Elizabeth City on August 4. The enthusiasm and energy were high, as Troop 5505 danced to the music, Troop 162 and Pack 125 set sail with a Raingutter Regatta, and Pack 158 spread the word about Scouting in dino fashion!
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).