Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Outstanding Eagle Scout Nominations Due
December 16
Applications are now being accepted for the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Outstanding Eagle Scout Award. More information and the nomination form can be found on nesa.org. Completed applications are due by 4 PM on Thursday, December 16, 2021, either by paper copy submitted to the Scout Shop or electronically to ronves@myexcel.com or tglundquist15@gmail.com.
Wreaths Across America
December 18
Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 1,600 locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad. Find your local cemetery by visiting wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Winter Camp
January 14-17, 2022
Merit Badge Counselors and staff are still needed! Winter Camp is held at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Great merit badge counselors are what make this event the best. Volunteer today and make a positive difference in the life of a Scout on their way to Eagle. Email both Wes Parker and Christy Cooper to volunteer. In your email, include:
- What merit badge you wish to counsel
- How many 3-hour sessions needed
- The number of Scouts per session
- Materials and costs
- Pre-requisites
- Any position you may be interested in assisting
Registration is currently by waitlist only for youth on Black Pug.
Trainer's EDGE
January 22, 2022
Trainer’s EDGE is the BSA’s trainer development course. The course is designed to help Scouters put into practice the EDGE training model and gain self-confidence through hands-on training experiences. Trainer’s EDGE helps to develop the platform skills of a trainer.
This course is recommended for merit badge counselors, youth applying for summer camp staff, staff for National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) and Wood Badge, and unit leaders.
Albemarle District Freezoree
January 28-30, 2022
Winter Weekend is a chance to join in one of the oldest traditions in Boy Scouts of America – coming together as a district for Scouting. District gatherings provide an opportunity for fun, friendship, and fellowship. We would love for you to come join the fun and excitement of this year’s Winter Weekend.
Join us January 28-30, 2022 at Maple Commerce Park, Barco, NC. All Tidewater Council troops, crews, and ships are welcome to attend. Registration is open on Black Pug.
This weekend, the Scouts have the option to participate in a couple district-sponsored winter-themed activities. The majority of time, troops will focus on their needs and try to stay warm. Coffee and hot cocoa will be provided during the Saturday morning and afternoon activities to any Scout or Scouter who has their own mug (no cups will be provided).
The Scout Oath and Law will govern the behavior of all participants during this weekend. The principles of Leave No Trace should be always practiced.
Silver Beaver Nomination Deadline
February 5, 2022
The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered Scouters who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given at the council-level.
To nominate a worthy Scouter, please submit the nomination form to bobwhite433@cox.net and alison.harrison@scouting.org.
Scouting for Food 2022
February 5-13, 2022
As Scouts, we know how fortunate we are to have a warm meal every night — whether around the campfire or at the kitchen table. And we know that not everyone is so lucky.
That’s why we participate annually in Tidewater Council’s Scouting for Food drive. It’s another reminder to our local communities that Scouts are here, doing good turns.
Scouting for Food takes place on two consecutive weekends. On the first weekend, Scouts distribute bags and/or door hangers to let their neighbors know about the drive. On the second, Scouts revisit those houses to pick up bags full of canned food, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, juice, and other nonperishable items. So, save the dates to distribute information on the weekend of February 5-6, 2022, and return to pick-up donations on February 12-13, 2022.
More information is coming soon.
Three Rivers Merit Badge University
February 12, 2022
Save the date for Three Rivers Merit Badge University, held at Deep Creek Baptist Church.
We are looking for merit badge counselors for this event. There will be a morning and an afternoon session; each session will last three hours. Troops providing merit badge counselors will receive a passcode enabling them to register early for this event. To volunteer, please contact Kirsten Misfeldt at KMisfeldt62@gmail.com by December 15.
Scouts BSA Adult Leader Training
February 12, 2022
Adult leaders have the opportunity to participate in training as part of the Three Rivers Merit Badge University at Deep Creek Baptist Church. The training team will offer:
Virginia Beach Trade-O-Ree
February 25-26, 2022
Buy, sell, and trade Scouting collectible memorabilia at the 2022 Virginia Beach Trade-O-Ree. Check out the event flyer for more information.
Tidewater Council Annual Recognition Banquet
March 24, 2022
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 2021 Class of Eagle Scouts, Silver Beaver Awards, and 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. Join us on March 24, 2022 at 6 PM at the Khedive Shrine Center, 645 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, VA. Registration is open on Black Pug.
Wood Badge
April 8-10, 2022 and April 30-May 1, 2022
21st Century Wood Badge is the advanced training program for all BSA adult leaders, designed using the latest leadership skills. Techniques and skills learned help participants to become better leaders. Since 1919, Wood Badge has been – and continues to be – the preeminent leadership training offered by the Boy Scouts of America.
Wood Badge Course NST15-596-22 will be held at Pipsico Scout Reservation on Friday, April 8 – Sunday, April 10 and Saturday, April 30 – Sunday, May 1, 2022. Participants must attend both weekends of the course activities to complete the practical phase of the training.
For more information, contact NST15-596-22 Course Director Jon McGlothian at 2022WoodBadge@gmail.com or your District Training Chairperson.
National Scout Jamboree
July 19-28, 2023
The National Scout Jamboree is a gathering of thousands of members of the Boy Scouts of America, usually held every four years and organized by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Since 1937, the Jamboree has been held at various locations around the country.
Scouting’s next big adventure is on the way July 19-28, 2023! Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Sea Scouts attending the Jamboree will enjoy more than five miles of zip line and challenge courses, 36 miles of mountain bike trails, and 13 acres of shooting sports ranges on a sprawling 10,600-acre site in West Virginia! There are also world class venues for white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, bouldering, skateboarding, and BMX, as well as arena shows, exhibit areas, and more.
Youth members sign up to attend the Jamboree through their council. Tidewater Council plans to send a troop of male youth, a half troop of female youth, and a partial crew of Venturing/Sea Scouting youth. There are 61 places for youth participants.
The youth fee to attend the National Jamboree as part of the Tidewater Council contingent is approximately $1,950.00. The exact fee will be announced after the National Council releases the National Scout Jamboree fee.
Adult participants are limited to seven spaces. Adults wanting to attend with the council contingent must express interest in being a contingent leader and can click here to submit an interest form. Interest forms must be received by the council office by January 15.
Contingent adult leaders are selected by a council Jamboree committee. Interested adults will receive information concerning the selection process after submitting an interest form. The qualifications for an adult leader to attend Jamboree are on the interest form.
Adults also can attend the Jamboree as staff members. The National Council has not yet released the information on staff positions for the 2023 National Scout Jamboree.
News
Scout Shop
With December being the shortest shopping month of the year for the Scout Shop, we have some helpful suggestions.
Shop Early
Shop early in the month, since the last two weeks have many closings including Christmas, year-end inventory, and New Year’s.
Holiday Gift Ideas
- Gifts $20 or under include Cub or Scout knives, various science kits, First Aid kits, mess kits, and Class B t-shirts.
- Gifts $10 or under make great stocking stuffers and include knife cases, wallets, drawstring bags, Scout law bracelets, Live & Learn cards, and Cub Scout leggings.
- Cub Scout jackets and hoodies are available for $24.99 each.
- Timeless red wool jackets for adults are $79.99 each.
Gift Certificates
Gift certificates are always appreciated, don’t expire for at least a year, and may be used for anything. Even with the current supply chain disruption, there are still many things available in our store, so it’s worth making a trip to browse!
Thorlos Sock Sale
Thorlos socks will remain on sale until the end of the year. These socks are so comfortable, you don’t need to be hiking to buy them! Buy two or more pairs and get 25% off each pair. Anyone who likes warm cozy feet will LOVE these socks!
Pinewood Derby
Pinewood Derby gift edition car kits are still in stock at $4.99 each. Purchase 10 or more and get $0.25 off per car. Since many packs like to give these car kits before the holidays, the gift edition boxes are very convenient and are selling fast!
Shipping
We continue to ship orders by USPS, but allow extra time for the holidays. Call us at 757-497-2688 or email polly.fugate@scouting.org.
Holiday Hours
Special December Holiday Hours:
- Closed December 17 for a staff day
- Closed December 23-27 for Christmas
- OPEN December 28
- Closed December 29 – January 3 for inventory and New Year’s
- We reopen on Tuesday, January 4 to begin 2022!
SEASON’S GREETINGS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Camp Staff for Summer Camp 2022
What are your plans for next 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, Commissioners, and administration. Program areas include aquatics, shooting sports, Scout skills for new Scouts and for seasoned Scouts, handicraft, cook-crew, and more.
You must be at least 14 years of age by June 20, 2022 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.
Development Corner
Support Scouting
There are many ways to support local Scouting and build our community’s next generation of leaders:
- Federal employees, you can designate your Combined Federal Campaign contribution to local Scouting with CFC Code: 94511.
- If you give to United Way, you can designate your gift to Tidewater Council. Tidewater Council is a partner agency with United Way of South Hampton Roads and Albemarle Area United Way.
- If you shop on Amazon, use AmazonSmile and designate Tidewater Council as your charity. Amazon will donate to Tidewater Council at no cost to you.
- Donate online or learn more about James E. West Fellowships and tribute gifts at tidewaterbsa.com/support.
Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews
An updated facilitator guide for the instructor-led Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews course is now available for download. Updates include making it easier to read online, updated Venturing terminology, and changes in terminology to align with National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT).
Keys Experience for Scouts with Special Needs
Keys Experience is a BSA Family Adventure Camp at Florida Sea Base specifically designed for Scouts with special needs or disabilities. The experience will be offered from March 21- April 1, 2022, and families have the flexibility to choose the number of nights they wish to stay. Register today – early bird pricing ends on December 15, 2021.
Inclusion Toolbox
The Inclusion Toolbox for Special Needs and Disabilities website keeps special needs and disability information accessible 24/7/365 to the BSA community. The Inclusion Toolbox does not read like a novel or textbook; it is designed to allow you to jump to the topics of greatest interest and then read other sections later. Use the Table of Contents and search feature to jump to what you need. This website is being updated on a constant basis.
NESA Scholarships
Earning the Eagle Scout rank is an impressive achievement that provides lasting impacts on one’s life. One of those impacts can be financial support for higher education.
Beginning December 1, the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) will be accepting applications for five annual scholarships of varying amounts. Applicants must:
- Have completed an Eagle Scout board of review before January 24, 2022.
- Be a member of NESA. (Click here to join.)
- Submit the application through the NESA scholarship portal between December 1, 2021 and January 31, 2022.
- Visit nesa.org/for-eagle-scouts/scholarships to review full details and eligibility requirements.
To learn about scholarships offered to Scouts from other institutions, click here.
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.
Winter Activity Safety
There is magic to camping in winter. It is one of the most challenging outdoor adventures. However, potentially extreme weather conditions, cold temperatures, and unique hazards associated with outdoor winter activities require careful planning to ensure safety.
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. For coordinated care referrals, please contact us.
Scouts in Action
Popcorn
Tidewater Council’s 2021 Popcorn Sale reached $956,310. Thank you to all of the Scouts, families, leaders, and Popcorn Kernels who made this year’s sale a success!
Top Selling Units (Total Retail Dollars)
Albemarle District
1. Troop 162
2. Troop 182
3. Troop 5505
4. Pack 125
5. Pack 158
Bayside District
1. Pack 67
2. Troop 5067
3. Pack 24
4. Pack 191
5.Pack 490
Princess Anne District
1. Pack 374
2. Pack 496
3. Pack 407
4. Pack 405
5. Pack 700
Three Rivers District
1. Pack 6
2. Pack 413
3. Pack 212
4. Pack 55
5. Troop 259
Council Overall
1. Pack 374
2. Pack 496
3. Pack 407
4. Pack 6
5. Pack 405
Top Selling Units (Online Sales)
Albemarle District
1. Troop 162
2. Pack 158
3. Pack 125
4. Pack 150
5. Troop 182
Bayside District
1. Pack 24
2. Pack 62
3. Pack 493
4. Pack 490
5. Troop 364
Princess Anne District
1. Pack 179
2. Pack 374
3. Pack 496
4. Pack 700
5. Pack 407
Three Rivers District
1. Pack 6
2. Pack 57
3. Pack 901
4. Pack 55
5. Pack 212
Council Overall
1. Pack 179
2. Pack 374
3. Pack 24
4. Pack 496
5. Pack 6
Top Selling Units (Amount Per Scout)
(There are some changes to the Amount Per Scout rankings from those previously announced at December Roundtables.
Amount Per Scout rankings reflect the total unit sales divided by the number of registered youth in the unit.)
Albemarle District
1. Troop 5505
2. Troop 182
3. Troop 162
4. Pack 125
5. Pack 158
Bayside District
1. Pack 191
2. Pack 382
3. Troop 5067
4. Troop 376
5. Pack 490
Princess Anne District
1. Troop 14
2. Troop 660
3. Pack 496
4. Pack 405
5. Pack 585
Three Rivers District
1. Troop 5259
2. Pack 212
3. Pack 413
4. Troop 259
5. Pack 6
Council Overall
1. Troop 5505
2. Troop 182
3. Troop 162
4. Troop 5259
5. Troop 14
Top Selling Scouts
The top ten selling individual Scouts will be announced in a future EK newsletter. Stay tuned!
Scouts from Pack 585 had a high-flying adventure after setting a personal unit record in popcorn sales. It was a great way to end the popcorn season.
Scouts and families cheered on our hometown hockey team at Scout Night with the Norfolk Admirals on December 11.
Kaiden C. of Pack 405, one of Tidewater Council’s top sellers during the 2021 popcorn sale, had the honor of dropping the first puck.
Pack 405 conducted the opening flag ceremony and was able to assist with the Teddy Bear Toss, picking up stuffed bears that were tossed on the ice to donate to local charities.
Albemarle District Scouts and Scouters are sharing in the fun and festivities of the holiday season. Pack 164 shared the Scouting spirit in the Edenton-Chowan Christmas Parade and Pack 117 was in the Manteo Christmas Parade. Happy Holidays to all!
Pack 991 had some special guests at their holiday party on December 14. In addition to enjoying a holiday story, gift exchange, and tasty treats, the Scouts were able to take photos with Santa and his elf. Santa gave each Scout some holiday goodies, including the item that tops every Cub Scout’s holiday wish list – a Pinewood Derby kit!
Blue Heron Lodge #349 held their annual Lodge Leadership Development and Holiday Banquet. We would like to thank Virginia Beach Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson for her speech during the banquet to more than 170 Order of the Arrow members and guests in attendance.
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