“EK” Electronic Knapsack – April 15, 2021

Table of Contents

Friends of Scouting

Why support Friends of Scouting? Watch the video below from local Scout Ava S.

You can donate online via the donate button at the top of this page. The look of our online donation portal has changed, but, as before, all Friends of Scouting donations stay local and benefit the same Scouting program you love. You can also fill out a Friends of Scouting pledge card and email it to shannon.foster@scouting.org.

Progress as of April 14, 2021:

Council Goal: $420,000
58.5%

Each district shares a portion of the overall goal.
Progress as of April 14, 2021:

Albemarle District Goal: $25,000
80.5%
Bayside District Goal: $190,000
59.8%
Princess Anne District Goal: $120,000
51.5%
Three Rivers District Goal: $85,000
58.8%

Upcoming Events

Many events have been canceled or postponed due to COVID-19.

Click here for a continuously updated list of event changes. Tidewater Council’s official updates and policies can be found here.

Camp Card Sale

Now through July 3

Earn your way to camp with Camp Cards! Camp Cards are cards that offer valuable discounts to local retailers. Some of the discounts are single-use, while many can be used throughout the year. Scouts sell the cards to family, friends, neighbors, and community members. Units earn a 50% sales commission, which they can use to pay for camping adventures.

The Camp Cards have great discounts from The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium, iFly Virginia Beach, Harris Teeter, Tractor Supply Co., and more! See the full list of vendors here.

Contact your district executive to sign up for the sale.

Win a Week of Camp!

For every 20 Camp Cards that an individual Scout sells, they will receive an entry ticket into a drawing for a campership. Entries are due by 5 PM on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. See page 4 of the Camp Card Guide for details.

2022 Philmont Contingent Registration Deadline

April 16

For the first time in many years, Tidewater Council is sending a council contingent to Philmont! We will have three crews, with each crew containing nine Scouts and three adults. We have already filled the first two crews – sign up today to join the adventure!

The trip will take place June 18, 2022 to July 4, 2022. Eligibility information and fees are available on the flyer. If you have any questions, please contact Bill Lawrence.

This is a great opportunity for Scouts and leaders to go on a Philmont Trek, with more support, fewer logistics to worry about, and more bang for your buck!

Albemarle Spring Camp-Arrr-Ree

April 16-18

Registration has been extended until April 15 at 11 PM! Calling all troops, crews, and ships! Plot ye course for Albemarle District’s Spring Camporee. You are invited to join us for some swashbuckling fun at our pirate-themed camporee.

Can your patrol find the X that marks the spot from your map? How will your ship handle the land sail? Will your adult leaders bring the spirit of Scouting out in the adult pirate costume contest? Maybe we will even hear a pirate story.

The ship sets sail soon, so chart your course for the weekend of Friday, April 16.

Best Hacks for the Best Packs

April 21 and May 19

Learn how to grow your Cub Scouting fun from those who know!

Come to “Best Hacks for the Best Packs” training to:

  • Plan your program year
  • Recruit adult leaders
  • Build a budget
  • Raise the funds for your pack
  • Bring new families to your pack

There are two dates available, and both will offer both in-person and virtual participation. For questions or to submit your best hacks, contact Bill Lawrence.

This training is absolutely FREE, but registration is required.

Spring Merit Badge Camp

April 24-25

Come camp and earn some merit badges at Pipsico Scout Reservation. This camp is designed to fit within the COVID-19 guidelines, so please read the details carefully.

Meals will be provided, including Saturday lunch and dinner, as well as Sunday breakfast and lunch. Patrols will have a time to come through the dining hall to get their meals to-go and return to their campsites to eat. Check-in will be Saturday morning from 8:15-8:45 AM and Scouts will go to their first merit badge sessions directly. Campsite set-up will be during the two-hour lunch break. We will hold two merit badge sessions on Saturday and one on Sunday morning. Campsite pack-up and check-out will be after lunch on Sunday.

 Merit badge selection is now available.

Please contact brendan.kane001@gmail.com and wparker@pipsicobsa.com if you have any questions.

2021 Tidewater Council Living Legends Nomination Deadline

May 1

Each year at the Annual Council Banquet, Tidewater Council recognizes volunteer Scouters who have provided long, enduring, and impactful service to Scouting in our council, and who continue to actively serve. Some may have been previously recognized with other honors in the past, such as District Award of Merit or Silver Beaver Award, yet deserve further recognition for their service.

Nominations must be submitted on the 2021 Living Legends Nomination Form. Instructions and award criteria are on the form. To be considered, nominations must be received no later than May 1, 2021.

Annual Leadership Breakfast

May 4

LOCATION CHANGE: The Annual Leadership Breakfast has been moved to the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center, 4535 Commerce Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

Join us for the Annual Leadership Breakfast on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 7:15 AM at the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to make a significant Friends of Scouting gift and to hear from keynote speaker Rocky Bleier, veteran of the U.S. Army and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient, and four-time Super Bowl champion! Donors who give at or above the Patron Level ($500) will receive an autographed memorabilia item.

RSVP to Shannon Foster at shannon.foster@scouting.org by April 22.

Wilderness/Remote First Aid

May 15-16

Register now for Wilderness/Remote First Aid – space is limited!

All High Adventure Bases require that at least one person in each crew (two for Philmont) be currently certified in Wilderness First Aid or the equivalent and CPR from the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or equivalent. It is also recommended for any unit that is conducting backcountry hiking or camping trips.

Pre-requisites:

  • Current CPR/AED certification is required to attend this course. Please bring your card to the course for verification.
  • Be at least 14 years of age on or before the last scheduled session of the course.

Popcorn 101

May 25

Popcorn season will be here before we know it. Has your unit selected its Unit Popcorn Kernel?

If you are a brand new Unit Popcorn Kernel, or even have a couple years of experience, it may seem challenging to get started. We are pleased to invite you to Tidewater Council’s first-ever Popcorn 101 Training. We will cover the basics to give you the building blocks for a successful sale.

This training is absolutely free, but registration is required. Choose to attend either in-person or virtually!

Council Banquet

May 27

It’s a Celebration of Scouting! Join us at 6 PM on Thursday, May 27. The Annual Recognition Banquet is held each year to recognize Eagle Scouts and the volunteers of Tidewater Council. Some of the highlights of the evening will be the presentation of the 2020 Class of Eagle Scouts, the Silver Beaver Awards, and the NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Awards. The evening will start with dinner served by our own Blue Heron Lodge cook crew. This will be a night of food and fellowship you will not want to miss. 

We are excited to host the event this year and have confidence in the COVID-19 protocols in place for the safety of our guests. We are restricted to the number of participants, so please register early. Registration is now open and will close on May 20, or sooner as capacity is reached. This year’s event will be held at the Khedive Shrine Center, 645 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, VA. Feel free to reach out to Ron Kilmer or Christy Cooper with any questions or concerns.

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills

June 4-5

Join us at Camp Moonyah in Chesapeake for Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS). In this hands‐on course, adult leaders work together as a patrol and learn the practical skills they need to lead Scouts in the outdoors. IOLS builds and expands on the concepts and themes introduced in Scoutmaster Position‐Specific Training. Upon completion, leaders will feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank. Along with Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training, this course is required for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters to be “position‐trained.”

How to Be a Better Trainer

June 12

A pair of upcoming training courses, The Fundamentals of Training and Trainer’s EDGE, are for anyone interested in different training methods. These courses equip leaders with ideas, techniques, and materials for improving presentations. Learn how to select approaches that will communicate your messages most successfully and with PIZZAZZ! Both courses will be held at Deep Creek UMC in Chesapeake.

Fundamentals of Training

In Fundamentals of Training, participants learn the tools of good training, including characteristics of good trainers, how people learn, and training methods. This course is required for Pack Trainers and recommended for anyone who will be training others, including camp staff and youth who take on the responsibilities of Troop Guide and Instructor. This is a half day course.

Trainer's EDGE

Trainer’s EDGE emphasizes the importance of “experiential learning,” or learning by doing, as well as numerous other contemporary training strategies. The strategies taught in Trainer’s EDGE can be applied to a wide range of training programs. Trainer’s EDGE builds upon the foundation of Fundamentals of Training. This full-day course is required for anyone serving on Wood Badge or NYLT staff.

First Aid / CPR / AED

June 19

The Adult First Aid/CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies, such as burns, cuts, scrapes, sudden illnesses, and breathing and cardiac emergencies. Successful students will receive a certificate for Adult First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years.

This is a blended learning course. Participants must complete the online portion of the course before taking one of the skills demonstration sessions, which will be offered at Pilmoor Memorial UMC in Currituck. There will be three sessions, each limited to eight participants.

National Youth Leadership Training

June 21-26

Tidewater Council will hold a National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) course at Pipsico Scout Reservation on June 21-26. NYLT is a 6-day, action-packed program designed to provide youth with leadership skills. 

When Scouts attend this premier leadership training experience, the knowledge they gain has a direct influence for the continued and enduring success of their unit. A trained youth leader will contribute significantly to retention, recruitment, and unit operations.

Age requirements apply:

  • Scouts BSA: 13 years of age or older and at least a First Class Scout by June 21, 2021
  • Sea Scouts and Venturers: 14 years or older by June 21, 2021 and under age 21 as of June 26, 2021

Cost:

  • $275 if paid on or before April 21, 2021
  • $285 if paid April 22 – May 21, 2021
  • $295 if paid on or after May 22, 2021

If you have any questions, please contact Course Director Frances Creel at nylt6958@gmail.com. 

2021 Cub Scout Day Camps

June & July

Weird Science is about to hit Cub Scout Day Camp. Day camp is an outdoor experience for Cub Scouts, which promotes a year-round program and encourages Cub Scouts to benefit and grow. The daily program centers on Cub Scout and Webelos electives as they relate to the outdoor program. The Scouts will work on activities that are challenging and age appropriate.

There are a wide range of activities, varying between camps, but common activities include:

  • Shooting sports (BBs, archery, wrist rockets, and/or sling shots)
  • Sports and games
  • Science
  • Nature
  • Crafts
  • Skits and songs
  • Mealtime programs

All registered Cub Scouts are eligible to attend day camp. All day camps are run with a Camp Director and a Program Director, along with a staff of volunteers to conduct the camp programs. You are invited to be part of the staff – contact Rich Becker for more information. 

Register by April 30 to receive the Early Bird rate! Registration ends on June 1. Camp locations and times are subject to change.

Virginia Beach Day Camp

Dates: June 21-25
Location: Tabernacle Baptist Academy
Time: Monday-Thursday 9 AM-4 PM; Friday 9 AM-1 PM
Registration link: scoutingevent.com/596-TabernacleDayCamp2021

Elizabeth City Twilight Camp

Dates: June 21-25
Location: Forest Park Church
Time: 3-7 PM
Registration link: scoutingevent.com/596-ForestParkDayCamp2021

Norfolk Day Camp

Dates: June 28 – July 2
Location: Elks Lodge
Time: Monday-Thursday 9 AM-4 PM; Friday 9 AM-2 PM
Registration link: scoutingevent.com/596-ElksLodgeDayCamp2021

Chesapeake Twilight Camp

Dates: June 28 – July 2
Location: Great Bridge Baptist Church
Time: 3-8 PM
Registration link: scoutingevent.com/596-GreatBridgeDayCamp2021

Portsmouth Twilight Camp

Dates: July 12-16
Location: Coast Guard Base Portsmouth
Time: 3-8 PM
Registration link: scoutingevent.com/596-PortsmouthDayCamp2021

Summer Camp at Pipsico 2021

June - July

Camp Local! Sign up today for Summer Camp at Pipsico Scout Reservation.

Week #1 – June 27 to July 3
Week #2 – July 4 to July 10
Week #3 – July 11 to July 17
Week #4 – July 18 to July 24
Check-in on Sundays between 1 PM and 4:30 PM.

Pipsico offers Scouts and Scouters the opportunity to immerse themselves in a positive camping environment, at a beautiful property, with a friendly camp staff. Tidewater Council, BSA is proud to offer quality programs for everyone. Pipsico is geographically located along the James River and adjacent to the epicenter of Virginia’s colonial attractions and thrilling entertainment, such as Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.

Early Bird Discount Extended!

Save $20 per youth when paid in full by April 21, 2021!

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit for pipsicobsa.com for answers to Frequently Asked Questions, including health and safety protocols.

Merit Badge Selection

Merit badge registration will open on April 23 at 9 AM. Read this letter from Camp Director John Scheib for more information about summer camp merit badges.

Huskanaw

Our First Year Camper Program – “Huskanaw,” meaning “Rite of Passage,” is a unique program. The Huskanaw program area encompasses over an acre of property, filled with amenities specifically designed to focus on requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. The setting teaches new and younger Scouts about troop structure, the value of the Patrol Method, the importance of the Buddy System, and the benefits of learning and applying new skills using the E.D.G.E. Method (Explain Demonstrate Guide Enable).

Meet our Awesome Camp Staff
Camp Provisional!

Provisional campers are Scouts who come to Pipsico Scout Reservation as individual Scouts, rather than coming with a troop. You will be grouped with other provisional Scouts into a provisional troop, and will still enjoy the full, fun, and awesome Pipsico experience!

Attending summer camp at Pipsico Scout Reservation as a provisional camper is a great opportunity for Scouts who can’t attend their troop’s selected dates or location, who prefer to camp locally at Pipsico, or who want an extra week of camp!

If you are interested in serving as an adult provisional leader, please contact Camp Director John Scheib at jscheib@pipsicobsa.com.

Cub Scout and Webelos Family Resident Camp

July 29 - August 1

Pipsico Scout Reservation is the ultimate in outdoor Scout camping in Tidewater Council. Cub Scout and Webelos Family Resident Camp is a great way to enjoy a safe haven for each Scout amid a beautiful wilderness camp, while learning about the out-of-doors. These fun-filled days spent in camp will make memories that will last a lifetime.

All Cub Scouts, leaders, den chiefs, parents, and siblings are encouraged to participate during their stay at Pipsico. As you travel through the day’s activities, everyone will have the opportunity to participate in hiking, games, and swimming. Plus there will be some activities just for our Cub Scout-aged participants, such as crafts and shooting sports. Pirates of Pipsico, set out for the adventure of a lifetime at Cub Scout and Webelos Family Resident Camp!

News

Name the Flat Scout and WIN!

Get ready for day camp and help us name our Flat Scout! Submit your suggestions to Rich Becker by April 22 at 5 PM. The winning entry will receive a Snap Ships set.

Snap Ships is the sponsor of the Modular Design Preview Adventure.

Scout Shop

With springtime here and restrictions lifting, thoughts are again turning to the great outdoors! Weekend campouts are perfect this time of year, but don’t be caught off guard with wet weather. You can stay dry during the day and warm during the cool nights, so your campout won’t be a washout!

Stay Dry

Frogg Toggs DriDucks 2-piece rainsuits are a comfortable solution to staying dry. These ultra-lightweight suits are rainproof, breathable, and sell for just $19.99 (all sizes). We also have the one-size-fits all plastic ponchos ($1.99), which are easy to pack in small spaces. Everyone needs an emergency blanket, and we have two types ($2.99 & $5.99). Don’t forget Thorlos hiking socks to keep your feet happy after a long day.

For a dry cozy night, we have the Weston Tents (size: 9’ x 7’ x 58”), that sell for $89.99. This domed tent is made of coated polyester, easily sleeps two people, has a heavy-duty waterproof floor and a sewn-in mud mat, and includes a rainfly and stakes. Our Coleman sleeping bags ($59.99) keep you warm down to 25 degrees. Other waterproof items include phone pouches ($5.99), 10” x 13” waterproof pouches ($5.99), waterproof pouches with strap ($9.99), waterproof fire sticks ($2.99), and waterproof matches ($3.99).

Performance T-Shirts

BSA Performance t-shirts are still wildly popular for all Scouts! Made of 100% moisture-wicking polyester, these t-shirts never go out of style and can be worn under the uniform shirt or alone. They help generate body heat in the winter and they dry almost instantly in hot humid weather. They roll up so small that they take barely any space when packing. National Supply has run out of many sizes, but our Scout Shop was able to get some in almost every size. The colors are olive green, red, and tan. Youth sizes sell for $16.99, adult sizes are $19.99. Come get ’em while you can. They won’t last long!

Flag Retirements

Doing a flag retirement ceremony? We have a large supply of flags waiting for you. With more units meeting and camping again, it’s the perfect time to consider this activity.

Unable to Shop In-Person?

Don’t forget that the Scout Shop ships orders (by USPS). If a customer orders an item from National Supply, we usually allow exchanges if it is a current item we are selling. However, we cannot offer refunds on items not purchased here. So, if you can’t get to our Scout Shop, it’s still a better option to allow us to ship it to you. If it doesn’t fit and you can’t find a replacement, we CAN give a refund if purchased here. We accept VISA and Mastercard. Just call us at 757-497-2688 or email polly.fugate@scouting.org.

Scout Shop Hours

Our next holiday closing will be May 29-31 for Memorial Day.

Cub Scout Preview Adventures

Cub Scout Preview Adventures are elective adventures that are under evaluation. After gauging interest in these adventures, the BSA may elect to include them in future Cub Scout handbooks.

Preview adventures count toward Cub Scout advancement, just like other elective adventures. The three preview adventures currently available are:

Scout Sail!

Sea Scout Ship 42 is pleased to announce that Cub Cruises and Scout Sails are back for 2021! They are now taking requests to schedule an introductory sail on the sailing vessel “Lynx” for Scout groups of up to 20 participants.

Scouting Games

Scouting blends fun and excitement with meaning and purpose. Enjoyable games keep youth engaged. What are your favorite games for Scouts? Share your suggestions with richard.becker@scouting.org.

Leave No Trace

Many Scouts are resuming outdoor adventures, with pleasant spring weather calling and pandemic restrictions lifting. It is an opportune time to review Leave No Trace principles. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics has released five brief videos (each is less than four minutes) to help you quickly brush up on Leave No Trace.

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.

Rocket Safety

Conducting rocket academies is a long-standing event for many Scouting packs, troops, and camps. These events are a good way to showcase the broad spectrum of activities and learning associated with Scouting, and can educate participants and attendees about the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) program.

Safety considerations should be on the top of everyone’s list when dealing with projectiles that, if misused, could cause serious injury or damage. Please ensure you have a qualified range master supervising the launch. 

National Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Communities and families work together to prevent child abuse, protect children, and support thriving families. Scouting families can participate by:

International Water Safety Day

International Water Safety Day, May 15, aims to spread water safety education and drowning awareness.

Suggested ways to observe the day include:

  • Adults: Update your Safe Swim Defense and/or Safety Afloat training.
  • Units: Present the “Aquatics Safety” Safety Moment at a unit meeting.
  • Cub Scouts: Work on an aquatic-related adventure, such as Floats and Boats (Tigers), Spirit of the Water (Wolves), Salmon Run (Bears), or Aquanaut (Webelos/Arrow of Light).
  • Scouts BSA: Work on an aquatic-related merit badge, such as Lifesaving or Swimming.
  • Sea Scouts: Review a Sea Scout Safety Moment video, such as Life Jackets or 10 Boating Essentials.
  • Venturers & Explorers: Review Safe Swim Defense principles and plan a safe aquatic activity for the summer.

Find more tools on the BSA Aquatics Resources webpage

The International Water Safety Foundation is providing free stickers to raise awareness and spark discussion. Supplies are limited and requests must be made by April 15. Request stickers for your activity at internationalwatersafetyday.org.

World Scouting

Not every Scout can travel internationally to attend a World Scout Jamboree or World Scout Moot. But that doesn’t mean that every Scout can’t have the opportunity to participate in a World Scouting experience!

  • Host a World Scout Night in your unit.
  • Conduct a “Messengers of Peace” service project
  • Attend Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) or Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI) in October
  • Attend the 2024 Jam Cam at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia

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 2021 until June 2022.

  • Daniel, a 16-year-old male Scout from Spain
  • Tabea, a 16-year-old female Scout from Germany
  • Laura, a 15-year-old female Scout from Spain
  • Alberto, a 15-year-old male Scout from Spain
  • Daniela, a 16-year-old female Scout from Spain

To learn more about each Scout, visit our Exchange Scouts & Students webpage or contact Tracy Mabry, North East Regional Director of International Experience at t.mabry@international-experience.net, 757-427-1964, or 808-372-2597.

iE student applicants go through an extensive application process and take an English proficiency exam. Students come to America to be immersed in American culture, attend high school, and experience everyday family life. The students provide their own personal spending money, school expenses, insurance, and desire to be part of your family. Host families provide a safe caring home, three meals a day, local transportation, and a desire to be an involved and active family.

World Scout Moot

The 2022 World Scout Moot in Ireland will open in less than 500 days (July 18-28, 2022). If you will be between the ages of 18 and 26 next summer, you will not want to miss this global Scouting adventure!

The BSA is sending a National Contingent to Ireland. Registration is now open for participants (ages 18-26) and International Service Team members (ages 27+). To find out more, visit scouting.org/international/world-scout-moot.

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Kodiak Challenge

What is a Kodiak Challenge?

The Kodiak Challenge is a six-day trek-oriented course for older Scouts in all programs designed to further develop their leadership skills. This adventure pushes the boundaries of every participant and encourages them to try new things.

Who can participate?

Participants must be at least 14 years old and have completed the eighth grade. In addition, they must have completed the Introduction to Leadership Skills course for their unit type. National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is highly recommended, and National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) experience is a plus.

How to hold a course

Units can apply to the Council Training Committee for permission to hold a course. Contact Rich Becker at richard.becker@scouting.org for more information.

Community Service

A service project is a special “Good Turn” that puts Scout spirit into action. Service is Scouting’s greatest legacy and the primary reason that the Boy Scouts of America is the world’s premier youth organization. We currently have several opportunities for youth to give back to our communities through service. Here are some current projects needing assistance:

  • Marshview Park is a little known gem in an undeveloped wetland area between Seatack and Shadowlawn. Many years ago when it was privately owned,  some parts of the park were used to dump construction debris in the wetlands. Virginia Beach recently improved the trails and park facilities at this location and several groups of volunteers have started to remove some of the debris, but we need a hard working crew to get serious about finishing the job. The city will bring a dumpster as close to the site as possible, but we will need wheel barrows and strong backs to pull the debris out of the wetlands and transport it to the dumpster. We are looking for at least ten people, including leaders, for about three or four hours. There is also the potential for a unit to adopt this area as a long-term service project, as there is additional work that needs to be done, including invasive plant removal, trail maintenance, and park improvements. Contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org or 757-773-1636.
  • Rain garden project to benefit the SPCA. Contact Clay Bernick at clay@lrnow.org or 757-377-3120.
  • Various projects for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Contact Clay Bernick at clay@lrnow.org or 757-377-3120.
  • Build two five- to six-foot wooden benches with plant boxes and complete a butterfly garden for the ViBe District Mediterranean Avenue Parklet. This project goal is for an April public unveiling. Contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org or 757-773-1636.
  • A few projects on the horizon for those Scouts wanting to be a part of planning, execution, and maintenance are slated for the future. A landscape project in the ViBe District, a living shoreline project in Great Neck, and a couple fall tree plantings. Contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org or 757-773-1636.

COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 Assistance

Does your family need assistance due to COVID-19? 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. North Carolina families, please reach out to NCCARE360 to request assistance. Virginia families, please contact the United Way of South Hampton Roads Coronavirus Response team. For other coordinated care referrals unrelated to COVID-19, please contact us.

Help Desk

The National Council no longer has a volunteer help desk. If you need assistance with any help desk issues, including Scoutbook, online training, and address changes, please contact us at helpdesk@tidewaterbsa.com. In your email, please include:

  • Your Name
  • Member ID
  • Contact Phone Number
  • Contact Email Address
  • What is the issue? (Password reset, a module is freezing, forgot username, etc.)
  • If it is a training issue:
    • Username
    • Date Training Taken
    • Browser Used

Due to high volume, we are unable to respond to phone inquiries; please send all help desk issues via email.

Position Changes

The National Council is working on ways to simplify unit membership management. In May, they plan to roll out a new feature in My.Scouting Tools for Chartered Organization Representatives, which will allow them to change the positions of currently registered adults. Once this feature is available, there will be no need to submit a paper application for a change of position within the same unit.

Transfers

If you are transferring a youth from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA and receive the “Person has no valid parent/guardian relationship in our records” error message, please submit a help desk request to helpdesk@tidewaterbsa.com.

Scouts in Action

Welcome to new Scouts BSA Troop 14, chartered by Family Security in Virginia Beach!

Community service is an important part of Scouting, as Scouts and Scouters seek ways to give back to those around them. Albemarle Troop 505 did just that when they packaged 7,000 food items into 700 bags to be distributed to those in need. Great job, Troop 505!

Scouts from Albemarle Troops 505, 182, and 162 completed their hiking merit badge together, when they accomplished the 20-mile hike. A big shout out to the leaders of those units for supporting all the youths’ hiking over the past couple months. Great job to the six youth who persevered and completed the merit badge.

Scouts from Pack 405, Troop 362, and Crew 520, all in the Princess Anne district, recorded a video of the Pledge of Allegiance. Their video will air during the NASCAR pre-race show for the Toyota Owners 400 at the Richmond Raceway on April 18.

Congratulations to Russ Beaty, Committee Chair of Albemarle Troop 505, for being recognized by the Fleet Reserve Association. In recognition of his dedicated service to Fleet Reserve Association Branch 293 and his positive contributions to youth activities in Scouting, he received the “Shipmate of the Year” award for 2019-2020. Well done, Russ!

Congratulations to all the Cub Scouts who raced in their unit Pinewood Derbies, District Pinewood Derbies, and continued on to the 2021 Council Pinewood Derby!

We apologize for the cars that were raced with the incorrect name stated. All District-winning cars were correctly raced in the Council Derby, but some Scouts’ names were misstated during the race. Packs may arrange car pick-up with their district executive.

There were some incredible cars this year and there was some extremely close racing. The Lions were separated by only 0.07 of a second, from first to last place.

Thank you to all of the volunteers who ran the races: Anthony Dowd, Chutima Boonthum-Denecke, Ralph Ingram, Brian Stahlbock, and Lion Cub Scout/Car Wrangler Cooper D.!

The Lion rank winners of the 2021 Tidewater Council Pinewood Derby are:

3. Car #606: August P., Pack 67

2. Car #609: Nicole H., Pack 407

1. Car #603: Cameron K., Pack 6

The Tiger rank winners of the 2021 Tidewater Council Pinewood Derby are:

3. Car #501: Carter H., Pack 6

2. Car #502: Walker P., Pack 6

1. Car #506: Andrew S., Pack 406

The Wolf rank winners of the 2021 Tidewater Council Pinewood Derby are:

3. Car #407: Zachary D., Pack 24

2. Car #406: Ethan H., Pack 493

1. Car #404: Zachary G. , Pack 462

The Bear rank winners of the 2021 Tidewater Council Pinewood Derby are:

3. Car #308: Hunter D., Pack 585

2. Car #309: Dylan V., Pack 407

1. Car #310: Bodie S., Pack 407

The Webelos rank winners of the 2021 Tidewater Council Pinewood Derby are:

3. Car #206: John A., Pack 180

2. Car #205: Matthew L., Pack 628

1. Car #209: Paxton W., Pack 407

The Arrow of Light rank winners of the 2021 Tidewater Council Pinewood Derby are:

3. Car #110: Gidget S., Pack 374

2. Car #112: Joshua H., Pack 504

1. Car #111: Zachery H., Pack 504

The overall winners of the 2021 Tidewater Council Pinewood Derby are:

3. Car #209: Paxton W., Pack 407

2. Car #112: Joshua H., Pack 504

1. Car #111, Zachery H., Pack 504

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