Table of Contents
Friends of Scouting
Friends of Scouting is Tidewater Council’s annual giving campaign. The Friends of Scouting campaign provides 21% of the council’s annual budget – that means more than a fifth of every dollar in the council budget comes from the generosity of Scouting families, alumni, and community supporters. Friends of Scouting keeps the overall cost of Scouting affordable so all families can participate. Tidewater Council’s goal is to raise $500,000 through Friends of Scouting in 2024.
All Friends of Scouting donations stay local to support families in northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia.
Campaign Progress as of April 12, 2024
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal:
Has your unit scheduled its 2024 Friends of Scouting presentation? It is a great opportunity to hear about some of the council’s highlights and accomplishments over the past year, and to illustrate to families how the program is funded. All units that hold a Friends of Scouting presentation will receive a special ribbon for their unit flag. Contact your district executive to schedule your presentation.
Upcoming Events
Princess Anne District Spring Camporee
Merit Badges for ALL
April 19-21
Princess Anne District’s 2024 Spring Camporee is next month – register now!
The Camporee will be held at Izaak Walton Park in Chesapeake. Join us for:
- Scout Skills for younger Scouts
- Merit Badges for ALL
- Saturday night youth cookoff
- Saturday night adult cookoff
- OA Callout Ceremony conducted by the Princess Anne Chapter of Blue Heron Lodge
If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Jessica Harlan at just.smile@mac.com.
If you would like to come out and counsel a Merit Badge on Saturday, please contact Mike Maruska at mikemaruska1179@gmail.com or 757-641-2373.
Scouts Read Sacred Texts Worldwide
May 2
The BSA’s National Religious Relationships Committee is inviting all Scouts and their families to participate in the National Day of Prayer on May 2, 2024 by reading a portion of their own sacred text at 5:30 PM local time on that day. This is the first-of-its-kind worldwide effort organized by the National Religious Relationships Committee.
Scouting for Blood Drive
May 15
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, May 15, 2024
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
Council Recognition Banquet
May 15
Register now for Tidewater Council’s Recognition Banquet: Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
Join us to recognize youth and adults, including 2023 Eagle Scouts, Silver Beaver Award recipients, National Outstanding Eagle Scouts, and many more!
Wood Badge Association Dinner
Join us at Gilwell!
May 19
Wood Badgers, friends, and families –
Enjoy food, fun, and fellowship with your fellow critters! Proceeds after costs go to scholarships for Wood Badge, National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), and National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE).
- 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Family activities for all ages
- Axe Throwing
- Lawn Games
- Fire Pits
- And More!
- 4:30 PM: Short Annual Business Meeting
- 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Adult-only (non-uniform) reception and silent auction
Registration is open on Black Pug for $35 per adult and $20 per youth under 18. The cost includes food, one drink ticket (adult beverages only available after 5:00 PM), and activities.
Please bring chairs, government ID, and cash for additional drink tickets, silent auction items, and custom critter merchandise.
The full Event Guide will be added to Black Pug when details are finalized.
Any questions may be directed to Shelly Drisko at wba_SM@tidewaterbsa.com.
Backpack to Retention
Rocket into Scouting!
May 23
Save the date for Backpack to Retention 2024: Rocket into Scouting!
We will go to infinity and beyond to recruit new Scouts! Learn about the special fall incentive plan for each new Scout, marketing your pack, budgeting, planning your calendar, the benefits of New Member Coordinators, and how to harness the available technology.
We want every pack to be prepared to launch into action this fall, so please plan now for a unit representative to attend!
Popcorn 101 Training
May 29
Designed for new Unit Popcorn Kernels, Popcorn 101 training lays the groundwork for a successful popcorn sale.
- Great resource course for new Unit Popcorn Kernels, Committee Chairs, and Treasurers!
- Gain fundamental knowledge BEFORE the popcorn arrives!
- Chock-full of helpful tips!
- Entry-level information to help form a successful popcorn fundraiser, from start to finish!
- Networking opportunity that shouldn’t be missed!
- Come join us for a popping-good time!
This training will be offered both in-person at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center and virtually. For questions, contact Tony Montemurno at kerneltbaloney@gmail.com.
Princess Anne Cub Scouts Shooting Sports Day
June 1
Princess Anne District will hold a Cub Scouts Shooting Sports Day on Saturday, June 1 at the Columbian Club, 1236 Prosperity Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. There will be two sessions: 9 AM-12 PM and 1 PM-4 PM.
During each session, Cub Scouts will have the opportunity to complete the requirements for the new Shooting Sports electives!
Registration is now open on Black Pug for Princess Anne District Cub Scout Packs. Beginning May 1, any remaining spaces will become available for participants from any district.
Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides
June 14
Join us for Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides: Friday, June 14, 2024. Cheer on the Tides as they take on the Memphis Redbirds at Harbor Park!
Ticket vouchers and camping vouchers are now available at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop!
After the game, Scouts and their families have the opportunity to sleep under the stars in the outfield and catch a movie on the big screen. Each youth and adult must have their own camping voucher.
Ticket vouchers must be exchanged for seat tickets at the Harbor Park Ticket Office. Vouchers can be exchanged in advance or the night of the game. Groups are strongly encouraged to exchange vouchers in advance to ensure everyone sits together.
Beaver Day
June 15
OA Summer Camp Workday, also referred to as Beaver Day, is a chance for everyone (not just OA members) to help get Pipsico ready for summer camp. Help make camping areas and structures useful to everyone for years to come.
On Saturday, June 15, work will begin at 9 AM and end around 4 PM. There will be projects for everyone, skilled and unskilled alike. Whether you are a master carpenter, an amateur gardener, or a lawyer, everyone can be a “Busy Beaver” on a project of their choice. Some of the projects include:
- Setting up tents and cots
- Moving boats to waterfront and by the pool for cleaning
- Moving canoes to the waterfront
- Preparing staff cabins
- A list of projects will be available for troops looking for service hours and/or conservation hours.
- Volunteers with specialized skills not mentioned above, please contact Mike Maruska to coordinate a project.
As a thank you to volunteers, camping will be available at no cost on Friday and/or Saturday. Lunch will be provided for all who sign up.
To sign up for this AWESOME event and help kick off a great summer for the Scouts, please visit scoutingevent.com/596-BeaverDay24.
For questions, contact Council Maintenance Chairman Mike Maruska at 757-641-2373 or mikemaruska1179@gmail.com.
Cub Scout Day Camps
June
From the depths of the ocean to the wonders of the woods, Cub Scouts at Day Camp will become explorers, ready for adventure in the great outdoors!
There are a wide range of activities, varying between camps, but most camps will include most of the following:
- Shooting Sports
- Sports and Games
- Academics
- Science
- Nature
- Crafts
- Skits and Songs
- Mealtime Programs
Four camps are available!
Albemarle Day Camp: June 17-21
Registration is now open for Albemarle Day Camp at Holy Family Catholic Church in Elizabeth City. For questions, contact dcalbemarle@tidewaterbsa.com.
Bayside Day Camp: June 17-21
Registration is now open for Bayside Day Camp at Bayside Masonic Lodge #218 in Virginia Beach. For questions, contact baysidedaycamp.tidewaterbsa@gmail.com.
Three Rivers Twilight Camp: June 17-21
Registration is now open for Three Rivers Twilight Camp at Great Bridge Baptist Church in Chesapeake. For questions, contact Joel.Cesar@scouting.org or Christina.Raymer@scouting.org.
Princess Anne Day Camp: June 24-28
Registration is now open for Princess Anne Day Camp at Tabernacle Baptist Academy in Virginia Beach. For questions, contact twcpa.daycamp@gmail.com.
Rick Anoia Scouting Golf Classic
June 20
Gather your team for the Rick Anoia Scouting Golf Classic on Thursday, June 20 at Virginia Beach National Golf Club!
Enjoy 18 holes of golf (Captain’s Choice), longest drive and closest to the pin awards, a hole-in-one challenge, lunch, door prizes, and awards banquet – all while supporting local Scouting! Sponsorships and team registration are available.
Summer Camp at Pipsico
June and July
Pipsico Scout Reservation 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 is proud to offer quality programs for everyone.
Week #1 – June 23 to June 29, 2024 – FULL
Week #2 – June 30 to July 6, 2024
Week #3 – July 7 to July 13, 2024 – FULL
Week #4 – July 14 to July 20, 2024
Arrow of Light / Webelos Summer Camp
July 25-28
New for 2024 and featuring the updated Cub Scout Adventures, Pipsico Scout Reservation invites rising 4th and 5th graders, den leaders, and you to an all-new Arrow of Light/Webelos Summer Camp experience!
Per the Guide to Safe Scouting, these age groups are allowed to camp as dens with leaders.
This 4-day, 3-night program is packed full of activities exclusively for older Cub Scouts, including rappelling, air rifles, fire building, and more! All meals will be provided in our Dining Hall, and campers can sleep on the provided cots in platform tents, just like the older Scouts do at Summer Camp.
Don’t miss the kickoff to Tidewater Council’s Cub Scout theme for 2024-2025, Bug Hunters!
Cub Scout Summer Family Camp
Bug Hunters!
July 26-28
Calling all Bug Hunters!
Cub Scout Summer Family Camp is an opportunity for all Cub Scouts and siblings to participate in some of the new Adventures with the Summer Camp Staff at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Fish with your Scout, climb our rock wall, work on a conservation project, and enjoy our top-notch aquatics program. Enjoy a camp-wide campfire program on Saturday night and all the amenities available at Pipsico Scout Reservation, including our newly renovated Nature Center.
All meals will be provided in our Dining Hall. Families can choose to camp using our platform tents and cots or pitch their own tents.
2025 Philmont Trek
June 19 - July 3, 2025
Save the date for Tidewater Council’s next Philmont trek in summer 2025! If interested in joining the council contingent or getting more information, contact Bill Lawrence at Bill.Lawrence2@scouting.org. Registration is coming soon.
National Scout Jamboree
July 22-31, 2026
The next National Scout Jamboree will be held on July 22-31, 2026 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia! The National Scout Jamboree is a gathering of thousands of members of the Boy Scouts of America from across the nation.
Start early in gauging interest in attending and planning fundraising so Scouts can take advantage of this unique opportunity. For assistance in planning unit fundraising, check out the Camp Card sale and popcorn sale, or contact the district executive.
Reserve your spot for the adventure of a lifetime now with a $100 deposit!
News
Scout Shop
Be Prepared for Spring Weather
Springtime brings rainy weather, and the Scout Shop has several items to help you stay dry as you begin spring outdoor activities. Check out our camping section for items including ponchos (youth and adult) for $3.99, stormproof matches ($9.99/25 pk.), waterproof fire sticks ($4.99/12 pk.), and the 37-piece BSA Waterproof First Aid Kit ($24.99). This kit includes a waterproof pouch that can be refilled after every use. We also carry emergency blankets ($4.99 and $7.99) and waterproof pouches with waist straps ($9.99). Shop NOW and Be Prepared for ANY weather event!
Journey to Excellence Patches
Still need Journey to Excellence (JTE) patches? National Supply has a limited stock, but, if you order soon, they should still be available. You may place an order over the phone, but it must be prepaid. Patches are $2.79 each.
Eagle Scout Section
We have a few more NEW Eagle Scout items in stock now. The 4-piece ceramic Eagle Scout coaster set is sturdy and decorative in red, white, and blue, with the Eagle rank logo, and sells for $24.99. Also new is the clear glass Eagle 12 oz. tumbler embossed with the 12 points of the Scout Law and the Eagle rank symbol in white. This is a great gift for $19.99. We still have some of the Eagle parents’ tumblers ($16.99), blue with the words “I survived my kid’s Eagle Scout project.” We know ALL parents of Eagle Scouts can relate to that!
Cub Scout Program Changes
As our Cub Scout leaders are aware, the entire Cub Scout program is changing for the 2024-2025 school year, which officially begins June 1, 2024. The new Cub Scout handbooks are now available at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop. Prices will remain at $23.99 for the coil books. Many of the Cub Scout Adventures will remain in the program, but, for those discontinued Adventures, we will require prepayment for those that are out of stock. Since we are unable to return them for credit, we don’t want to end up with overstock. After June 1, we will have the new Adventure belt loops and pins, and a section for discontinued awards until we run out.
Now Hiring
The Tidewater Council Scout Shop is now hiring for a responsible adult to fill the position of Sales Representative. Duties will include working at the cash register, stocking shelves, answering the phone, and working with customers on the sales floor. This position requires a minimum of 16 hours per week at $12 per hour pay. Knowledge of the Scouting program is preferable but not necessary.
Applicants may email a current resume or questions to Polly Fugate, Manager, at polly.fugate@scouting.org. We would like to fill this position by May 1.
Tidewater Council is an equal opportunity employer.
Shipping
Need an order shipped? You may email polly.fugate@scouting.org or staci.vankirk@scouting.org, or call us at 757-497-2688. We will gather your items together, calculate USPS shipping charges, and call you back for payment.
Scout Shop Hours
Our next holiday closings will be May 25-27 for Memorial Day weekend.
Registrar's Corner
Council Program Fees
Effective April 9, 2024, the council program fee will now be charged at the time of registration/re-registration. For those completing online registration, the council program fee will be automatically added to the registration cost.
Despite the challenges of increasing costs, Tidewater Council’s annual program fee for 2024 will remain at $24 per member. Thank you to Friends of Scouting donors and product sales-participating Scouts and units, who enable Tidewater Council to keep the costs for Scouting families as low as possible!
Members of Exploring or ScoutReach programs and merit badge counselors who are not registered in another leadership role do not pay the council program fee.
2024 BSA National Registration Fees
Effective April 1, 2024, the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America has implemented the following annual national membership fees:
- $85 per year for youth participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouting (Increase of $5)
- $65 per year for adult volunteers (Increase of $5)
- $50 per year for Exploring participants and leaders (No change)
- $25 per year for Merit Badge Counselors (No change) – This fee applies only for Merit Badge Counselors who do not hold another paid registration.
- $100 per year for the unit charter fee (No change)
- $15 per year for optional Scout Life magazine subscription (No change)
For Assistance
For information about need-based financial assistance or unit fundraising opportunities, please contact the district executive.
Webelos Crossover: How to Properly Transfer Scouts
- Before you transfer a Scout into a troop, make sure the pack has recorded/awarded their Arrow of Light (AOL) rank. (You won’t be able to enter it once they have transferred.)
- Do NOT transfer Scouts from one unit to another in ScoutBook. ScoutBook is a tool to track advancement, not a tool to update membership. ScoutBook will initially allow you to add Scouts into your unit, but the official registration system will override your roster, and your changes will be lost.
- Transfers should be done online at my.scouting.org. This is the easiest option and can be done one of two ways:
- Parent initiates the transfer for their Scout, then the receiving unit accepts in Application Manager.
- Pack initiates the transfer, then the receiving unit accepts in Application Manager.
Note: This process is the same any time Scouts are switching units, whether from pack to troop, pack to pack, or troop to troop. The previous unit or parent initiates, and the receiving unit accepts.
- If you cannot do an online transfer, the parent can fill out the youth application (paper or fillable PDF) and submit it to the new unit.
Missing Merit Badge Counselors
If your unit has noticed a “dropped” or “missing” merit badge counselor, please email their name (as listed in My.Scouting) to Jennifer.Mapstone@scouting.org. Please include the leader’s member ID, if known.
If the merit badge counselor does not already hold another paid position, they will need to pay a $25 registration fee.
Merit badge counselors are not registered in a unit position and therefore are not allowed to attend overnight Scouting activities/events.
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.
Wilderness First Aid
Being prepared in Scouting often means being ready to render first aid. As we go farther into the backcountry with our units, some additional training is needed. Wilderness first aid (WFA), the next step up from the basic first aid, focuses on teaching assessment skills and using available resources when professional responders may be hours or even days away. It can have a dramatic effect on the outcome of emergencies, injuries, and illnesses. It can mean the difference between life and death.
Tidewater Council’s next Wilderness First Aid course will be held on May 11-12 at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center in Virginia Beach.
18-20 Adult Leader/Program Participant Policy
17-year-old* youth members transitioning to an adult leader (Scouts BSA), camp staff, or adult program participant (Order of the Arrow, Venturing, and Sea Scouting) upon their 18th birthday may continue to participate while their adult application and criminal background check (CBC) are processed, but this period shall not exceed 30 days. These individuals are subject to the same youth protection policies and guidelines as all adult Scouters even during this registration transition period.
This includes:
- Adhere to the Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse polices of the BSA.
- Follow housing and tenting policies that apply to adult membership.
- Utilize restroom and shower facilities for adults.
- Buddy system is not required but is recommended for all participants.
- While adult program participants do not require two deep leadership, they are subject to the same youth protection policies and guidelines as all adult Scouters. All Scouting activities are still required to meet Barriers to Abuse and must have two leaders over 21.
Adult Program Participants and adult leaders aged 18-20 are an important part of the Order of the Arrow, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring programs. These young adults continue to participate in the program, have leadership and advancement opportunities, and can participate in activities along with youth members under 18.
However, like all adult participants, they must register as an adult in the BSA registration system. They take Youth Protection Training and must complete a criminal background check just like all other registered adults. In addition, they must adhere to the same Youth Protection policies applicable to all adults in the program. Since they are participating in the program as adults, they must be treated the same as any other adult members of the BSA and Exploring programs.
*Exception
17-year-old youth members whose 18th birthday occurs during active participation at Summer Camp, a High Adventure Base, or any BSA National Events may complete the activity they started as a youth participant without interruption; however, at its conclusion, they must immediately register as an adult. This exception is intended for limited use in scenarios such as completing a trek while staying in the same tent or accommodation in the last few days of an event. It does not change or extend Eagle Scout or other advancement required to be completed by a Scout’s 18th birthday; they will need to follow all applicable advancement policies.
How Can I See My Awards?
To view your own awards:
- Log in to My.Scouting.
- Select “My Profile.”
- Select “Print” in the upper right hand corner. A new tab will open with your personal profile, including your awards and training.
Camp Cards
Want an easy NO-RISK fundraiser that offers 50% profit? Do you have Scouts who haven’t raised enough to attend day camp or summer camp? Does your unit have new members? Then the Camp Card fundraiser is for your unit!
How to Participate
Contact the district executive to register and pick-up cards.
Training and resources are available online at TidewaterBSA.com/2024campcardsale. Review these resources for deadlines and important information.
And then – simply sell. This is a super easy fundraiser that scores Scouts some serious bucks toward camp.
2024 Camp Card Vendors
Camp Cards include valuable discounts to local retailers and Bonus Savings that are available for your choice of retailers nationwide.
2024 Vendors - North Carolina Camp Card
- 3 Amigos
- Abbey’s Waggin’ Tails
- The Adventure Park
- Apex Entertainment
- The Barrel Room
- Brew 2 Rescue
- Currituck Feed & Seed
- Harris Teeter
- Hungry Panda
- Jade Whale Co.
- The Kraken Coffeehouse
- Moyock Farm Market
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Pass the Salt Café
- RCE Theaters
- Waterfall Blossom Cafe
- Wendy’s
- PLUS Bonus Savings!
2024 Vendors - Virginia Camp Card
- The Adventure Park
- Apex Entertainment
- The Barrel Room
- Big Apple Pizza
- Breakout Games
- Burrito Perdido
- Harris Teeter
- iFly Virginia Beach
- Latitude
- Liberty Transmission
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Wendy’s
- PLUS Bonus Savings!
Camp Baker Closure Update
Scheduling changes from Dominion Virginia Power have impacted the Camp Baker closure dates.
Camp Baker will now be closed from June 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025.
Thank you for your cooperation and patience. Any questions regarding Camp Baker or Camp Moonyah use can be directed to Ron Misfeldt, City Camps Ranger, at 757-646-1384 or mustangron@aol.com.
Development Corner
Sponsor a Tent at Pipsico Scout Reservation
Many of Pipsico Scout Reservation’s tents have been in service for 30 years. In order to continue to provide a high-quality camping experience for our Scouts, Tidewater Council is replacing 200 tents between 2023-2027.
Based on the recommendation of our Camping Committee, we are replacing the current wooden platforms and ridge pole system tents with new platforms and Diamond Brand tents with aluminum-mounted frames. In addition to housing Scouts and keeping them dry, the new tents will exponentially decrease the time needed for tent setup and takedown. The cost of a new tent, platform, and frame is approximately $1,640 each. A contribution in any amount is appreciated, and will be designated to provide new tents at Pipsico.
Thank you for ensuring that our Scouts enjoy their camping adventures at Pipsico!
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 BSA 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, any outstanding Scout or Scouter.
Program Ideas
Pack Meeting Plans
With twelve months in the year and twelve points of the Scout Law, why not choose one value to focus on each month? Scout Law-focused Pack Meeting Plans can be found here.
Meeting plans may be used in any order and can be adjusted to fit the needs of the families in the pack.
April
- Volunteer Recognition Day: April 20
- Have Scouts make thank you cards or plan an activity to recognize volunteer leaders.
- Do a service project or volunteer activity.
- National Kids and Pets Day: April 26
- Visit or volunteer at an animal shelter.
- Work on the Pets merit badge.
- Work on the Dog Care merit badge.
- National Honesty Day: April 30
- Discuss the first point of the Scout Law: A Scout is Trustworthy.
May
- National Wildfire Awareness Month
- Work on the Fire Safety merit badge.
- Share the Campfire Safety Safety Moment.
- Share the Behavior Around Campfires Safety Moment.
- Work on the Firem’n Chit.
- National Loyalty Day: May 1
- A Scout is Loyal. Discuss what it means to be loyal.
- Display the American flag.
- Say the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Work on the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge.
- World Laughter Day: May 5
- Invite each Scout to tell a joke.
- Ask each den or patrol to perform a funny skit.
- Read the jokes in Scout Life’s Think & Grin section.
- Submit a joke to Think & Grin.
- National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day: May 9
- Share mental health-related Safety Moments:
- Provide resources, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) and the BSA’s Bullying Awareness resources.
- National Archery Day: May 11
- Sign up for an upcoming event including archery:
- Princess Anne Cub Scouts Shooting Sports Day
- Cub Scout Day Camp
- Summer Resident Camp at Pipsico Scout Reservation
- Save the date for fall Guns ‘n’ Grillin’ (Registration opens July 22)
- Sign up for an upcoming event including archery:
- National River Cleanup Day: May 18
- Organize or volunteer with a river cleanup.
- Educate Scouts about clean waterways.
- Work on the Soil and Water Conservation merit badge.
- Memorial Day: May 27
- Participate in a local parade or ceremony.
- Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 PM.
- Visit a military cemetery.
Community Engagement
Tuskegee Airmen Tidewater Chapter Drone STEM Summer Camp: June 24-28
The Tuskegee Airman Tidewater Chapter is excited to announce that they will be conducting the fifth consecutive Drone STEM Summer Camp from June 24-28, 2024. They invite members of Scouts BSA who are 6th-8th graders to attend.
The Drone Camp is a cost-free, five-day camp that will be held at Gethsemane Baptist Church, 5405 Roanoke Avenue, Newport News, Virginia. The camp runs from 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM each day, and parents are welcome to stay on site.
The Hampton Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen with FAA Commercial Drone Pilot Certifications, current/former civilian/military aviators, and current/former high school/college educators will facilitate camp curriculum/instruction. Guest presenters from industry, first-responder agencies, the military, and college-level drone programs will be invited to highlight drone utilization and link Career Technical Education, Early College, and High School programs as pathways to aviation associated careers. The camp will include both classroom instruction and drone piloting skills.
There are very limited spots reserved. Due to limited availability, this opportunity is intended for individual Scout registration, not full troops. Participants must pass the The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) prior to camp, as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The registration deadline is April 22, 2024. If interested or if you have any questions, please contact Mei Stukes at mstukes89@gmail.com.
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. You may also visit NC 211 or 2-1-1 Virginia for assistance finding resources.
Help Wanted
Camp Staff for Summer Camp 2024
What are your plans for this summer? Are you looking for an awesome opportunity to learn new things, develop new skills, share what you know, meet new people, work an internship, and enjoy Pipsico Scout Reservation?
We are accepting applications for Counselors in Training, Junior Staff, Area Directors, and Commissioners. Program areas include aquatics, shooting sports, Scout skills for new Scouts and for seasoned Scouts, handicraft, nature, cook crew, and more.
You must be at least 14 years of age by June 16, 2024 to be considered. Camp staff is composed of youth, young adults, college students, school teachers, bus drivers, professionals who want to get away from the office, and folks who have an open schedule. Fill out the online application at pipsicobsa.com/summer-camp-programs/staffapplication and we will contact you for an interview.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Congratulations to the newest Eagle Scouts!
Congratulations to the 2024 Pinewood Derby Winners!
Princess Anne District Pinewood Derby Winners
The Princess Anne District Pinewood Derby was held on Saturday, March 16 at Church of the Ascension in Virginia Beach. Thanks to Pack 16, Pack 405, Pack 408, Pack 700, Troop 179, and Troop 362 for their support in making the event a special day for the Cub Scouts!
Lion
- Isaac B., Pack 16
- Teklyn L., Pack 179
- Wesley B., Pack 996
Tiger
- Hank T., Pack 179
- Elijah S., Pack 996
- Rhett S., Pack 179
Wolf
- Francis K., Pack 408
- Simon R., Pack 996
- Herold C., Pack 700
Bear
- Ryan T., Pack 179
- Rhyland M., Pack 303
- Keller R., Pack 179
Webelos
- Daniel D., Pack 700
- Evan L., Pack 405
- Gavin D., Pack 16
Arrow of Light
- Brayden P., Pack 66
- Lincoln R., Pack 66
- Cole R., Pack 504
Overall
- Ryan T., Pack 179
- Cole R., Pack 504
- Brayden P., Pack 66
Bayside District Pinewood Derby Winners
The Bayside District Pinewood Derby was held on Saturday, March 16 at Baylake United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach.
Lion
- Maggie P., Pack 493
- Matty K., Pack 364
- Evan D., Pack 490
Tiger
- Robby C., Pack 24
- Grayson J., Pack 493
- Oliver M., Pack 482
Wolf
- Will P., Pack 493
- Patrick D., Pack 490
- Benson Y., Pack 364
Bear
- Honor S., Pack 482
- Nicole H., Pack 407
- Mridul S., Pack 364
Webelos
- Blyth Y., Pack 375
- Alec C., Pack 364
- Langdon H., Pack 482
Arrow of Light
- River L., Pack 67
- Noah J., Pack 67
- Edward B., Pack 375
Overall
- Honor S., Pack 482
- Nicole H., Pack 407
- Alec C., Pack 364
Three Rivers District Pinewood Derby Winners
The Three Rivers District Pinewood Derby was held on Saturday, March 23 at Church of the Resurrection in Portsmouth.
Lion
- Patricia B., Pack 212
- Ezra B., Pack 6
- Joshua V., Pack 48
Tiger
- Nathaniel M., Pack 6
- Zac C., Pack 462
- Tanner H., Pack 6
Wolf
- Dominick V., Pack 462
- Bubba B., Pack 212
- Hunter U., Pack 901
Bear
- Ian R., Pack 413
- Micah G., Pack 57
- Evan K., Pack 6
Webelos
- Holden U., Pack 901
- Victor B., Pack 212
- Knox F., Pack 48
Arrow of Light
- Ben G., Pack 6
- Nathaniel L., Pack 6
- James D., Pack 6
Overall
- Ben G., Pack 6
- Bubba B., Pack 212
- Patricia B., Pack 212
Albemarle District Pinewood Derby Winners
The Albemarle District Pinewood Derby was held on Saturday, March 23 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Elizabeth City.
Lion
- Addyson L., Pack 158
- Kayleigh L., Pack 158
- Sebastiano G., Pack 125
Tiger
- Silas A., Pack 125
- Jonathan H., Pack 531
- Tommy B., Pack 771
Wolf
- Landon S., Pack 531
- Oden M., Pack 125
- Brayden L., Pack 158
Bear
- Jayden H., Pack 531
- Victor E., Pack 531
Webelos
- Connor M., Pack 125
- Isabella M., Pack 771
- Nicholas P., Pack 125
Arrow of Light
- Colton C., Pack 158
- Greyson E., Pack 158
- Dawson S., Pack 158
Overall
- Landon S., Pack 531
- Colton C., Pack 158
- Connor M., Pack 125
Tidewater Council Pinewood Derby Winners
The Tidewater Council Pinewood Derby was held on Sunday, April 7 at Apex Entertainment in Virginia Beach.
Lion
- Patricia B., Pack 212
- Maggie P., Pack 493
- Evan D., Pack 490
Tiger
- Robby C., Pack 24
- Rhett S., Pack 179
- Grayson J., Pack 493
Wolf
- Landon S., Pack 531
- Francis K., Pack 408
- Bubba B., Pack 212
Bear
- Honor S., Pack 482
- Nicole H., Pack 407
- Ian R., Pack 413
Webelos
- Blyth Y., Pack 375
- Evan L., Pack 405
- Daniel D., Pack 700
Arrow of Light
- Brayden P., Pack 66
- Ben G., Pack 6
- Lincoln R., Pack 66
Overall
- Blyth Y., Pack 375
- Landon S., Pack 531
- Honor S., Pack 482
Pack 700 held their first outdoor pack meeting of the year at their Chartering Organization, The Indian Lakes Association. The Cub Scout families were able to use the patio that was built as part of an Eagle project for a Scout from Troop 378, also chartered by The Indian Lakes Association.
Troop 471 awarded many rank advancements at their recent Court of Honor. These Scouts have Eagle on their radar!
Pack 374 celebrated their Blue and Gold with a game night. Scouts and families enjoyed table games and team competition trivia.
Question: What is the most forgotten item on a camping trip?
Answer: If you said toothpaste… you’re wrong! It’s underwear!
The Princess Anne District Awards Breakfast was held at Applebee’s on March 23. Leaders were “Eatin’ good in the Neighborhood” and had a blast celebrating the award winners. It was good group and good fun!
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).
