Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Path to Eagle Training
July 15
The path to the Eagle Scout rank is comprised of many steps. Get a map to the trail before beginning the journey.
The Advancement Committee will hold a Path to Eagle Training on Saturday, July 15 at 10 AM at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.
Learn:
- What to bring to the council to get an Eagle application verified
- Who should pickup the verified application
- What happens after the Board of Review
- What to bring to the council to start the national approval process (after the Board of Review)
- Who should pickup the Eagle certificate and presentation kit after national approval
- What palms are and how to award them
This training is free and registration is not required. For questions, please contact georg.dahl@cox.net.
Popcorn Training
July 17
Join us to learn about the 2023 Tidewater Council Popcorn Sale!
This training will be offered both in-person and virtually on Monday, July 17 at 6:30 PM.
Popcorn Training is designed for both new and returning popcorn kernels. We will focus on what is new for this year’s sale, best practices, and opportunities that can benefit your unit.
PLUS units attending training will be able to pick up their sales kits (tasting kits, sales flyers, banners, envelopes, and tote bags) and will be the first to learn about Food Lion Show & Sell opportunities.
For questions, contact Pam Samples at popcorn@tidewaterbsa.com.
Tzofim Community Concert
July 28
The Israeli Scouts (called “Tzofim”) number over 85,000, and come from all different backgrounds in Israel. Much like Scouts in the Boy Scouts of America, the Tzofim learn new skills and emerge as leaders.
A group of Tzofim who excel at song, dance, and performance are traveling around North America this summer and will put on a FREE community concert at the Simon Family JCC in Virginia Beach at 5:30 PM on Friday, July 28. This fun-filled performance appeals to all ages. Make sure to reserve your space here!
Scouting for Blood Drive
August 2
Did you know that one donation of blood can save up to three lives? Or that every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood? Tidewater Council is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive through the Pint-Size Hero program. This program introduces youth to the components of blood and the importance of blood donation. Scouts have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership by recruiting blood donors, hosting drives, and engaging in the community.
WHEN:
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
WHERE:
Tidewater Council
Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center
1032 Heatherwood Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
TIME:
1-6 PM
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT:
There are two easy ways to schedule your appointment:
1. Visit redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code “TidewaterBSA” in the “Find a Blood Drive” field.
2. Make your appointment on the American Red Cross Blood Donor App.
CONTACT:
Nicole Moga
704-564-5565
Nmoga149@yahoo.com
High Adventure Trekking Skills Basic Training
September 15-17
The High Adventure Committee is holding a High Adventure Trekking Skills Basic Training at Merchants Millpond State Park in Gates County, NC on September 15-17, 2023.
For Scout leaders and senior youth looking to take a lengthy backpacking or canoe trek, this is the place to learn the required basic skills. This training includes information on formulating a budget, making reservations, sightseeing, meal planning, determining trek routes, developing crew gear, waterproofing, and more.
Participants can choose either the canoeing or backpacking track, and will take an actual mini trek. Very experienced leader Jeffrey Irving, who led the High Adventure canoeing program in Tidewater Council for more than 35 years, will teach trek skills. Likewise, several very knowledgeable backpackers will teach the art of backpacking.
The cost is $20 per person. Participants are encouraged to join one of Tidewater Council’s upcoming contingent treks, and to go on to start or help continue their units’ high adventure program. (More information on the council’s upcoming contingent treks is in the “News” section below.) Come and learn from the best Tidewater has to offer.
For more information, contact Jeffrey Irving at 757-646-5218 or Bill Lawrence at Bill.Lawrence2@scouting.org.
Princess Anne District Fall Camporee
October 20-22
The 2023 Princess Anne District Fall Camporee is coming to Camp Kiwanis at Pipsico Scout Reservation this fall!
Get ready for an adventure-filled weekend with:
- Scout skills and puzzles led by older Scouts
- Saturday night cookoff
- Potluck cracker barrel for youth and adults
- Saturday night campfire conducted by the Princess Anne chapter of the Blue Heron Lodge
For questions, please contact Sam Grinvalsky at sgrinvalsky@gmail.com or 757-639-7214. Save the date – registration is coming soon!
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
October 21-22
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) is a one-and-a-half day course that introduces leaders to the Cub Scout outdoor program. BALOO is designed for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their pack activities.
BALOO consists of an online pre-requisite component and an overnight, hands-on practical. The course teaches BSA’s Cub Scout level camping policies and the necessary tools to help units carry out a successful camping experience. When a Cub Scout pack or Webelos den camps, a minimum of one adult who has completed this training must be present on the overnight experience.
Save the date for the next BALOO course on October 21-22 at Camp Moonyah in Chesapeake. Registration opens on August 23.
News
Popcorn
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Seven Reasons Why Your Unit Should Sell Popcorn
- Fund your program year and defray costs for Scouting families.
- Tidewater Council offers some of the highest commissions in the BSA.
- Tidewater Council provides great prizes to reward Scouts.
- Teach Scouts salesmanship and the value of earning their own way.
- Scouts build camaraderie and learn communication skills.
- Participation in the Popcorn Sale may help Scouts meet certain advancement requirements.
- A team of volunteer leaders and council staff is here to support you.
Seven Things Your Unit Should Be Doing Now to Get Started
- 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 2023 sale.
- Read the Popcorn Guide.
- Develop the unit budget and fundraising goals at the unit’s annual program planning meeting.
- Set up Show & Sells.
- Hold the unit kick-off.
- Place the unit’s first order by July 19.
- Get Scouts ready to start online sales on August 1.
Resources
Did your unit miss Popcorn 101 for new kernels? You can view the recording on the Popcorn Sale webpage. Make sure to review the 2023 Popcorn Guide while you’re there too!
The second Popcorn Training will be held on Monday, July 17 at 6:30 PM. Sign up here.
Do you need help with any aspect of the sale? We have a great team of District Popcorn Kernels who are here to help you! You can find their contact information here.
Scout Shop
With summer in full swing, the Scout Shop continues to supply all your summer Scouting needs…uniforms, camping equipment, and fun activity kits.
Camping Equipment
Camping equipment is still well-stocked with backpacks, sleeping bags, pillows, and tents. Mosquito netting is vital for a decent night’s sleep. We have two kinds that fit over a cot or sleeping bag. The white netting is 180 count fine mesh for $16.99, and the green netting is 240 count ultra-fine mesh for $19.99. We also carry the Pesky organic mosquito repellent in a 4 oz. bottle ($9.99) and the Pesky itch away (1 oz. for $4.99). Don’t go camping without mosquito protection when you can get it all here!
Games
Our game aisle has great ideas for those rainy summer days or long road trips. The Jumbling Tower ($11.99), Chess ($9.99), 10 Essentials ($14.99), Camp Travel Edition game ($14.00), and Brave the Elements ($13.99) are fun for home and easy to take on a trip. We also have the Kidzlabs ($12.99) and the Smithsonian 30X Telescope ($34.99) for your science buffs!
Performance T-Shirts
NEW this summer are the BSA Performance T-Shirts. These polyester moisture-wicking T-shirts help keep you dry, dry quickly when wet, and are perfect for camping. They come in heather blue, gray, and grape-leaf green, and sell for $24.99. Come in and pick up a few while they are still in stock.
Hiking
Hiking is a big deal in the summer, and our Thorlo Hiking socks will give the extra padding and comfort needed for long days. Prices range from $18.99 – $19.99. Your feet will thank you!
Shipping
We continue to ship orders on Wednesdays and Fridays by USPS. Just call (757-497-2688) or email polly.fugate@scouting.org. We have had intermittent issues with phone service over the last couple weeks, so please email if you receive a busy signal when calling.
Scout Shop Hours
Our next holiday closing is September 2-4 for Labor Day weekend.
BSA Safety Moment
It is recommended to include a BSA Safety Moment during meetings to inform Scouts and parents and keep everyone safe. Numerous downloadable BSA Safety Moments are available here.
Prohibited Activities
Sometimes you just say “no” to an activity when you “know” the program of the Boy Scouts of America. So, did you “know” there are activities and programs that should NOT be part of any Scouting experience? Or that there are limits for when some activities should be introduced? How you can find out about them and why they are on the “list” are what this safety moment is about.
High Adventure Treks in 2024 and 2025
Many units regularly pack yearly schedules with outings and activities that keep youth coming back and wanting more. Units provide many different activities which appeal to a variety of age groups. Youth ages 11-13 crave and need activities that deliver basic skills, such as camping. Youth ages 14-17 are looking for more robust adventures that challenge their physical abilities, as well as their minds. Additionally, older Scouts are looking for activities which become available as they mature.
To help older youth keep their interest in Scouting, the Council High Adventure Committee has produced a long-range calendar outlining longer (5+ days) high adventure activities. To assist units, the council offers these longer treks on a council contingent basis. The High Adventure Committee is soliciting youth and units’ interest in these treks for 2024 and 2025. Units and individuals with an interest in these activities should contact Jeffreyirving@cox.net or bill.lawrence2@scouting.org for more information. The first two treks are:
Okpik Winter Program at Northern Tier: December 2024
Okpik is the premier winter camping program in the Boy Scouts of America. The Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base in Minnesota is the site of the Boy Scouts of America’s National Cold Weather Camping Development Center. All trips are fully outfitted and provisioned, including almost all the personal gear necessary to stay warm in the winter. A highly trained staff member, called an Interpreter, accompanies all crews on their trek.
This activity is scheduled around winter break (December 2024). Northern Tier has a wide range of winter treks. Crews can choose cabin stay programs, cross country skiing (which could include sleeping one night on a frozen lake), or dog sledding (which includes living with and caring for the sled dogs).
Learn to never fear the cold again while experiencing all the Great North Woods have to offer. The cost varies with the activity the crew chooses, but is estimated around $2,000 per person.
Backpacking at Philmont Scout Ranch: Summer 2025
Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America’s largest National High Adventure Base, challenges Scouts and Venturers with more than 214 square miles of rugged northern New Mexico wilderness. Backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades, and training and service programs offer young people many ways to experience this legendary country.
Tidewater Council is planning a trek to Philmont during summer 2025. Costs for 2025 are not yet available, but, for reference, the fee for the 2022 council contingent trek to Philmont was around $2,300 per person.
Participants who sign up for either trek must make a $250 deposit.
In succeeding years, Tidewater Council-offered contingents will include Sea Base in Florida and The Summit in West Virginia.
Members of the High Adventure Committee are available to assist individuals and units in developing and conducting long (5+ days) high adventure treks. Contact Jeffreyirving@cox.net or bill.lawrence2@scouting.org.
Awards Spotlight
Training Awards
In response to feedback from Scouters around the BSA, the Volunteer Development Team at Scouting U reviewed and updated the Scouter’s Training Awards in May 2023. These awards recognize unit Scouters for tenure, training, and performance in their leadership roles. Access the Training Award Progress Records and applications at scouting.org/training/adult.
Positions of Responsibility
A requirement for the ranks of Star, Life, and Eagle is to serve the Scouts BSA troop in a position of responsibility. These important jobs are either a position of service to the troop or a position of leadership to the troop.
Spotlight on the Chaplain Aide
Chaplain aides assist the troop chaplain (usually an adult from the troop committee or the chartered organization) in serving the religious needs of the troop. The chaplain aide’s responsibilities include:
- Assist the troop chaplain with religious services at troop activities
- Encourages troop members to strengthen their own reverence appropriate to their faith
- Inform Scouts about religious emblems programs at least annually
- Help recognize troop members who receive their religious emblems
- Ensure religious holidays are considered during the troop program planning process
- Help plan for religious observance in troop activities
- Help promote annual Scout Sunday, Scout Sabbath, or Scout Jumuah observations
- Participate in the patrol leaders council planning sessions
It is recommended that the Chaplain Aide be at least a First Class Scout, mature, sensitive, and have earned or be in the process of earning their own religious emblem.
Exchange Student Scouting
Have you ever considered hosting a foreign exchange student? As active Scouters or parents of Scouts, would you like to host a foreign exchange student who is also a Scout in their home country?
International Experience (iE), a non-profit student exchange organization, is currently seeking Tidewater Council Scouting families to host exchange students for August 2023 until June 2024.
If interested in hosting or learning more, contact Tracy Mabry, North East Regional Director of International Experience at t.mabry@international-experience.net, 757-427-1964, or 808-372-2597
Matthis
Matthis, a 15-year-old male Scout from Germany, is seeking a Scouting family to host him from August 2023 until June 2024.
Self-Description: I believe in God and visit church weekly. My hobbies are Scouting, gymnastics, and swimming. I’m into fashion and rap music from the 80s and 90s. I’m so impressed by the artists, their story, and music. I’m also really interested in cars. I love Oldtimers and also modern cars. Cars from the 20th century just have something about them. I also love meeting my friends.
Hobbies: I’m interested in Oldtimer cars, hip hop music from the 90s, and fashion. In my free time, I do gymnastics and swimming, but in general I’m a person who likes all sport activities. I’m also a Scout; I meet my group once a week and we do camps in the summer break or on weekends. I like being outside with my friends and spending time with them.
Activities: Gymnastics, swimming, bicycling, drawing, fashion design, listening to pop music, religious activities, Scouting, sewing
Puwit
Puwit, a 16-year-old male Scout from Thailand, is seeking a Scouting family to host him from August 2023 until June 2024.
Self-Description: I think I’m calm, kind, easy-going, and sometimes can be nervous. I like music and I like to play musical instruments.
Hobbies: I would like to watch a basketball match or NBA game, and I would like to go to any concert once in my life.
Activities: Basketball, table tennis, track and field (running), band, playing musical instrument(s), Boy Scout, stage band
Cub Scout Recruiting
Race to Scouting with Cub Scouts this fall!
The Membership Committee (and Scoutcar driver Bobby Katz) are developing great resources to help recruit new Cub Scouts this fall.
District executives will reach out to each Cub Scout pack to inform them about fall recruiting resources and to help build each pack’s custom recruiting plan.
Community Engagement
National Night Out: August 1
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Check with local civic groups, neighborhood organizations, and chartered organizations for opportunities for Scouting units to get involved. This is a great way for Scouts to be involved citizens in the community, and for units to show off what Scouting has to offer!
VBCPS Back-to-School Care Fair: August 12
Virginia Beach City Public Schools will host the Back-to-School Care Fair on Saturday, August 12 from 10 AM – 2 PM at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Tidewater Council will participate as one of the community partners. If interested in assisting with recruitment and activities, please contact Pam Samples, Princess Anne District Membership Chair, at pasamp42@gmail.com.
International Coastal Cleanup Day: September 16
International Coastal Cleanup Day (ICCD) is one of the world’s largest annual preservation and protection events and volunteer efforts for the ocean, waves, and beaches.
If interested in participating in a cleanup event at the 17th Street Oceanfront Entertainment Park on Saturday, September 16, please contact Pam Samples.
September Program Ideas
- National Preparedness Month: Each September, National Preparedness Month is a time to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies. To help Scouts learn to Be Prepared:
- Build first aid kits
- Visit a local fire department or rescue squad
- Visit ready.gov/kids for games and more youth-appropriate preparedness activities
- National Service Dog Month: Learn more about these awesome animals and how they help people with disabilities.
- National Translation Month: Celebrate communication in a diverse world. Youth and adults who speak a foreign language can earn the Interpreter Strip.
- Library Card Sign-Up Month: Bring Scouts to a local library to share community resources and promote literacy.
Community Care Assistance
Does your family need assistance accessing community resources? Tidewater Council is a partner agency with United Way of South Hampton Roads and Albemarle Area United Way, as well as a member of the Unite Us Hampton Roads United Coordinated Network and NCCARE360. For coordinated care referrals, please contact us.
VBthrive
Virginia Beach residents, VBthrive is an economic mobility program offering coaching and resources for mentoring, housing, employment and education, financial management, and wellbeing.
Help Wanted
District Executive Job Opening
Since 1910, Scouting has helped mold the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of 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 Bill Lawrence at bill.lawrence2@scouting.org.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Congratulations to Eagle Scout Jaiden D. of Troop 934!
Troop 934 held Jaiden’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor (COH) on Saturday, June 24, 2023. Jaiden received the Eagle Scout charge/pledge at his COH from fellow Troop 934 Eagle Scout Joseph Bracey.
Several Scouts and adult leaders from Troop 934 participated in Cradock Civic League’s 4th of July Flag Ceremony at Afton Square Park, 72 Afton Parkway, Portsmouth, VA 23702.
Thank you for your patriotic service to our community!
Cub Scouts were Off to the Races at four awesome day camps!
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).
