“EK” Electronic Knapsack – December 15, 2022

Table of Contents

Upcoming Events

NOESA Nomination Deadline

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 Friday, December 16, 2022, electronically to Rich Becker at richard.becker@scouting.org and Justin Kilmer at jkilmer@boatguys.org.

Learn about Tidewater Council’s two 2021 NOESA recipients:

Wreaths Across America

December 17

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 13-16, 2023

Registration for Winter Camp participants is waitlist-only, but Merit Badge Counselors and staff are 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

New Member Coordinator Training

January 18, 2023

Calling all Cubmasters and Committee Chairs-

Do you find that you are being pulled in 15 different directions? Wouldn’t it be nice to have an extra set of hands? Someone to follow up on those new leads or help a new family with their questions? The three-word solution is: New Member Coordinator.

Let us show you how this position can be an asset to your unit and make your life a whole lot easier. We will also be showing new key 3’s how to work Invitation Manager to help grow your unit. If you have a person in mind or would like to learn more about this position and Invitation Manager, this evening is for you.

Join us on January 18 from 6:30-8:00 PM at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. The training is free of charge; RSVP at scoutingevent.com/596-NMC. For questions, please contact Pam Samples at pasamp42@gmail.com or Rich Becker at Richard.Becker@scouting.org.

Albemarle District Freezoree

January 27-29, 2023

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 the 2023 Winter Weekend.

Join us January 27-29, 2023 at Maple Commerce Park, Barco, NC. All Tidewater Council troops, crews, and ships are welcome to attend.

Scout Day at Winterplace Ski Resort

January 29, 2023

Ski at Winterplace Ski Resort in West Virginia!

Scouts and their guests are invited to spend the day on the slopes at Winterplace Ski Resort at a special discounted rate – up to 50% off!

The $80 Ski Package includes:

  • A full day (open to close) lift ticket
  • Ski rental equipment (boots, poles, skis)
  • Helmet rental
  • Customized 90-minute group lesson (based on availability; must be minimum age 8 for group lesson)
  • Meal voucher ($10.00 value)

Add-ons are available for snowboard rental, extra meal vouchers, and snowtubing.

Students in Dare County, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach do not have school on Monday, January 30, which allows those Scouts an extra travel day after an exciting Sunday on the slopes. Scout units and families are responsible for their own lodging and transportation.

Adams Award Deadline

January 31, 2023

The  National Eagle Scout Association established the  Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award (ESSPY) to recognize valuable service of an exceptional nature by an Eagle Scout candidate to a religious institution, school, community, or other entity through completion of an Eagle Scout project.

Nominations are due to the council by January 31, 2023. The youth must have passed their Eagle Board of Review between January 1 – December 31, 2022.

Read about Tidewater Council’s 2021 Adams Award recipient here.

Camp Cards Kickoff and Training

January 31, 2023

Designed for Camp Card Coordinators, the Camp Cards Kickoff and Training lays the groundwork for a successful Camp Card sale.

  • Gain fundamental knowledge BEFORE the Camp Cards arrive!
  • Entry-level information to help form a successful Camp Card fundraiser, from start to finish!
  • Networking opportunity that shouldn’t be missed!

Join us on Tuesday, January 31, 2022 at 7 PM, either virtually via Zoom or in-person at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

For questions, contact Christy Cooper at christy.cooper@scouting.org.

Scouting for Food

February 4-12, 2023

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 4-5, 2023, and return to pick-up donations on February 11-12, 2023.

Silver Beaver Medal

Silver Beaver Nomination Deadline

February 4, 2023

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 cutcharmstrong@live.com and alison.harrison@scouting.org.

Learn about Tidewater Council’s three most recent Silver Beaver recipients:

Klondike Derby

Quest for Gold
February 24-26, 2023

Are you ready to go on a hunt for gold? Are you ready for some competition? If you answered yes, then it’s time to sign up for the 2023 Klondike Derby: Quest for the Gold!

Join us in beautiful Camp Lions, Pipsico Scout Reservation with your sled to compete in skills from first aid, wilderness survival, fire-building, cooking, pioneering, and rifle shooting. The Blue Heron Lodge will conduct an OA Call-Out Ceremony on Saturday night.

Station Coordinators Needed

The Klondike Derby Committee is looking for one adult and one youth to run a station during the derby. There is a special patch for those who run a station. If you are interested, please contact Mike Maruska at mikemaruska1179@gmail.com.

VFW Scout of the Year Nomination Deadline

March 1, 2023

Annually, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) awards three individuals who have risen above their peers in exemplifying the qualities of the highest youth Scouting ranks. Recipients can be awarded scholarships at both the local and national levels.

The deadline to apply is March 1, 2023 at 11 PM. Please review the local handout from VFW Post 392 for more information, as well as the brochure and entry form.

University of Scouting

March 11, 2023

The University of Scouting is the largest annual training event for Scouts and Scouters of all ages in Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Sea Scouting, Venturing, and Exploring. All leaders, parents, and volunteers are encouraged to attend this fun-filled conference to learn new skills and make new friends. Adults and youth (10+) will participate in exciting classes, while Cub Scouts and younger siblings will have fun at day camp.

EARLY BIRD Pricing ends Monday, January 9, 2023!
Registration

Register on Black Pug at scoutingevent.com/596-UoS2023

Classes Include:
  • First Aid/CPR/AED
  • How to Backup a Trailer
  • Basic Boating
  • Pizza Cooked More Ways Than You Can Imagine
  • Iron Chef Competition
  • The History of Women in BSA
  • First-Hand Experience of Scouting Adventures
  • International Opportunities
  • Using Social Media & Other Technologies
  • Scouts with Special Needs
  • High Adventure
  • Project Management
  • Mentoring
  • Older Youth Programs: Sea Scouts, Venturing, and Exploring
  • And MUCH more!
Cub Scout Day Camp

Bring the whole family to a fun-filled day!

Staff & Instructors Wanted

Teach the next generation of Scouts & Scouters.

Midway Booths Available

Space available for vendors, information booths, demonstrations, and units.

Contact

For more information, please contact Keegan Daley at TidewaterUniversityOfScouting@gmail.com

2023 Annual Leadership Breakfast

March 15, 2023

We are pleased to announce the keynote speaker for Tidewater Council’s 2023 Annual Leadership Breakfast: Mark Moseley!

With an impressive NFL career spanning 1970-1987, Mark Moseley is the all-time scoring leader for Washington’s NFL team.

To learn more about how you, your company, or your community group can host a table, please contact Linda Boyce at linda.boyce@scouting.org.

Wood Badge

March 24-26, 2023 and April 22-23, 2023

Wood Badge is the preeminent Scouting leadership program for adult leaders. Wood Badge courses make Scouters better leaders by teaching advanced leadership skills, and by creating a bond amongst leaders working toward improving Scouting for all.

Attending Wood Badge is an amazing personal experience. Participants develop lasting friendships. The personal and professional skills learned at Wood Badge help Scouts, Scouting units, and even benefit participants in their careers.

Wood Badge Course NST15-596-23 will be held at Pipsico Scout Reservation on Friday, March 24 – Sunday, March 26 and Saturday, April 22 – Sunday, April 23, 2023. Participants must attend both weekends of the course activities to complete the practical phase of the training.

For more information, contact NST15-596-23 Course Director Matthew Hipsher at dubroq@gmail.com or your district training chair.

Scout Day at The Adventure Park

May 7, 2023

The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium presents Boy Scouts Tidewater Council Day on May 7, 2023!

Members of Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring, and their guests, are invited to enjoy an “adventure in the trees,” with aerial trails, challenge bridges, and zip lines. Scouts and their guests can register at the discounted rate of $45, and Scouts who bring a uniform item will receive a special patch. Per the Guide to Safe Scouting and the the BSA’s Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities, this event is not for Cub Scout packs.

Each timed ticket will include a 30-minute safety briefing and harnessing session and a three-hour climbing session. Register for your climbing adventure here.

Day Camp 2023 - Off to the Races

June & July 2023

Join us for a weeklong adventure with racing-themed games, activities, and fun. Your district day camp pit crew wants you to join them in planning the 2023 racing season. Do you want to see car racing or foot racing? How about drag racing?

The day camp planning committee meets the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM at Great Bridge Baptist Church. Unit representatives are welcome to attend.

The tentative dates for 2023 day camps are:

Summer Camp 2023

June & July 2023

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 25 to July 1
Week #2 – July 2 to July 8
Week #3 – July 9 to July 15
Week #4 – July 16 to July 22

 

2023 National Scout Jamboree

July 19-28, 2023

The National Scout Jamboree, Scouting’s flagship event, is one-of-a-kind. Over the course of ten summer days, tens of thousands of members of the Boy Scouts of America from across the country gather together to explore all kinds of adventures—stadium shows, pioneer village, adventure sports, and more—in the heart of one of nature’s greatest playgrounds. With 10,000 acres to explore at the Summit, there is no shortage of opportunities to build Scouting memories. Scouts will have an opportunity to interact with youth not only from across the country, but also from the international community of Scouts, as many countries send representatives to the Jamboree. 

Tidewater Council is organizing a contingent to attend this awesome event in West Virginia. The contingent will consist of:

  • Two male Scouts BSA troops (72 youth and eight adults) led by Scoutmaster Steve Bowser. The first male troop is full and Scouts are registering now for the second troop.
  • One female Scouts BSA troop (36 youth and four adults) led by Scoutmaster Brandy Schlossberg. The female troop is almost full, so sign up now!

If your unit would like a presentation about the National Scout Jamboree and the adventure and activities available, contact Karen Allgaier.

News

Tents for Pipsico Scout Reservation

To continue to provide a quality camping experience for our Scouts, Tidewater Council plans to replace tents at Pipsico Scout Reservation. The cost to replace one tent and its platform is $1,250. You can make a difference for local Scouts this holiday season by sponsoring a tent at Pipsico!

Hooked on Scouting Competition

Fish and win!

The Competition

Post a photo of your Scout and their catch on Facebook and/or Instagram with hashtag #HookedOnScoutingTWC to enter. Entries will be judged based on fish size, Scouting spirit, and Scouting attire.

The Prize

Two winners per month will receive a fishing tackle set with a telescopic fiberglass fishing rod!

The Winners

This contest is open to currently registered youth members of Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Monthly from September 2022 to December 2022, two winners will be selected. One winner will be a Cub Scout and the second winner will be a member of Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, or Exploring.

Each Scout may enter as many times as they’d like, but may only win once.

Scout Shop

Since December is the shortest month of the year for the Scout Shop, there’s no time to waste for Scout-related gift shopping. We have some good ideas for cool gifts and fun stocking stuffers for the Season of Giving.

Stocking Stuffers and Gifts $10 and Under

Stocking stuffers and gifts $10 and under include:

  • Tiger and Cub Scout wallets
  • Coghlan’s four-function whistles
  • Sharpening stones
  • 37-piece First Aid kits
  • Live & Learn cards
  • Drawstring bags for Cub Scout ranks
  • Various flashlights
  • Knot pamphlets
  • Emergency sleeping bags
Gifts $20 and Under

Gifts $20 and under include select:

  • Mess kits
  • Knives
  • Lanterns
  • Bottles
  • Compasses
  • Book covers
  • The Smithsonian Telescope
  • A wide selection of games
Fall Outerwear

We still have the BSA and Eagle Hoodies ($54.99), Cub Scout Hoodies ($24.99), and the traditional red wool shirt-jackets ($84.99), all warm gifts for the winter.

NEW Polo Shirts

New this fall are the Tidewater Council polo shirts available in black, white, maroon, navy, and dark forest green. These polyester moisture-wicking polos come in adult sizes medium – XL ($26) and 2XL ($28). At these prices, you can get one in each color! These polo shirts are not only comfortable, but also a convenient way to advertise Scouting and our council.

Gift Certificates

Gift certificates are available in any amount, may be used for anything in our Scout Shop, and are often the best solution when you aren’t sure what your Scout may want or need. They don’t have to be redeemed all at once and can be used over multiple visits.

Shipping

Any special orders need to be placed early in December to allow time for shipping if needed by the holidays. Our last day of shipping anything from the Scout Shop will be Wednesday, December 21.

Scout Shop Hours

Our holiday closings are:

  • Closed on Friday, December 16 for a staff meeting
  • Closed on December 23-26 for Christmas
  • Open on December 27 and 28
  • Closed on December 29 – January 4 for inventory, New Year’s, and software transitioning
  • Open on Thursday, January 5 for the New Year!

Happy Holidays from the Scout Shop!

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.

Incident Reporting

Timely and complete incident reporting provides the BSA with an opportunity for analysis of incidents that occur and promotes continuous improvement of our programs. In our experience, the sooner a clear, concise, and complete incident report is made, the sooner that an appropriate response to the incident can occur.

You should immediately contact your district executive or the Scout Executive to report and get assistance with serious, fatal, or abuse incidents. Report within 24 hours if an injury or illness cannot be treated by Scout-rendered first aid, a medical professional such as a doctor or nurse was needed, or an ambulance was called.

How do I report an incident? There are incident reporting tools to assist you in collecting the facts of the incident to provide to your local council. See BSA’s Incident Reporting webpage.

What is an incident? There are three types of reportable incidents:

  • Near Miss—A near miss does not result in injury, illness, or damage, by definition, but it had the potential to do so.
  • General Liability—Events or allegations of injury, illness, or property damage, including employment, director, and officer issues. This includes testing positive for COVID.
  • Youth Protection/Membership Infraction—Allegations of abuse, violations of BSA guidelines or policies, or inappropriate behavior by a Scout/Scout leader/parent/other.
Eagle Scout logo

Eagle Scout Procedures

When a Scout is close to achieving the rank of Eagle, here are some tips to make the process smoother.

  • The unit needs to submit the Eagle Application and the Project Workbook to the council office for council verification. Please be aware that turning in the application and supporting documentation is not the responsibility of Eagle candidates, but the unit leadership.
  • Ensure you are using the current versions of the Eagle application (July 2022) and Eagle Project Workbook (2021). Both are available at scouting.org/advancement.
  • Everything on the Eagle application must be filled out up to, but not including, the Council Verification signature.
  • The entire Project Workbook must be submitted. Copies will be made of selected pages, including pages 9 (Proposal Page B) and 29 (Project Report Page C).
  • The amount of service hours on page 28 (Project Report Page B) must match the number of hours on the Eagle application. This is the most common error. When recording hours, the formula is:
    Number of people times number of hours worked equals total hours
    For example, if a team of 12 people worked for five hours, the total number of hours is 60.
Process and Timeline
  • Prepare the project proposal. Depending on the project, the Scout may need to submit a fundraising application in conjunction with the project proposal.
  • Request approval of the project proposal (and fundraising application, if applicable).
  • Prepare the project plan after the project proposal has been approved.
  • Complete the project.
  • Prepare the project report.
  • Submit the Eagle Application and the Project Workbook to the council office for council verification.
  • Once the Eagle application and workbook pages are received, the application is then verified. This process can take up to five business days.
  • The Eagle Desk will call or email the contact person on page 9 of the Workbook to notify them that a verified application is ready for pick-up in the council Scout Shop.
  • Schedule the Eagle Board of Review only AFTER the application is verified.
  • Hold the Eagle Board of Review.
  • After the Eagle Board of review, the unit then turns in the signed Eagle application and a signed Advancement Report.
  • The council will review the Eagle application and Advancement Report and submit them to National for final approval. The process takes 4-6 weeks.
  • Once the Eagle certification is received by the council, the unit contact person will be notified that the certificate is ready for pick-up in the council Scout Shop.
  • After receiving the Eagle certification, pick-up the Eagle presentation kit and schedule the Court of Honor.

If you have any questions, please contact the district advancement chair.

What is an Outdoor Ethics Guide?

The Outdoor Ethics Guide is a position of responsibility in a Scouts BSA troop, satisfying the leadership requirement for Star, Life, or Eagle ranks. The person chosen to serve as the Outdoor Ethics Guide is a member of the Patrol Leaders’ Council. Venturing crews and Sea Scouting ships may select a youth to serve as an Outdoor Ethics Guide, but it does not qualify as a leadership position within the crew or ship.

The Outdoor Ethics Guide:

  • Provides training on outdoor ethics principles (especially to Scouts earning Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks)
  • Provides leadership by helping plan the troop’s outdoor program and mentoring Den Chiefs and newer Scouts
  • Supports recognition by encouraging Scouts and leaders to complete the Outdoor Ethics Awareness and Action Awards and other conservation-centered awards

To be successful in this role, the Scout should participate in the following:

  • Complete the Leave No Trace advancement-related requirements for their current rank
  • Read and be able to explain Chapter 7, “Outdoor Ethics,” in the Scout Handbook
  • Complete both online Leave No Trace and TREAD Lightly! Awareness courses
  • Attend an Outdoor Ethics Orientation or Leave No Trace Trainer course
  • Be able to demonstrate how to reduce outdoor impacts

The Outdoor Ethics Guide should have an advisor assigned. The advisor helps the Outdoor Ethics Guide answer questions on how Scouts actually practice the Outdoor Code. To be successful in this role, the leader should participate in the following:

  • Have a good understanding of the methods of Scouting
  • Have a working knowledge of the BSA’s Teaching EDGE method
  • Have a good understanding of the Outdoor Ethics Guide’s responsibilities
  • Have a positive attitude and a strong commitment to the Outdoor Ethics Guide’s success
  • It is also recommended that the Outdoor Ethics Guide Advisor participate in the same trainings as listed for the Outdoor Ethics Guide

Trainings offered by Tidewater Council include:

  • BSA Outdoor Ethics Orientation: The goal of this course is to introduce the concept of Outdoor Ethics in a fun and engaging way to a group with little experience in outdoor ethics. It should help youth and adults at all program levels understand the general principles behind Scouting’s Outdoor Ethics program.
  • Leave No Trace 101 – Awareness: This is a 3- to 4-hour class designed to help youth and adults at all program levels understand the general principles of Leave No Trace and how to apply them in the BSA outdoor program. It is also designed to give adults the confidence to assess youth understanding and skills when signing off on rank and award requirements.
  • BSA Leave No Trace Trainer Course: This is a 16-hour, overnight course that trains adults and youth ages 14 and up on serving as Leave No Trace Trainers. It is recommended for youth holding the position of Outdoor Ethics Guide, and for adults holding the position of Outdoor Ethics Guide Advisor. It is also highly recommended for members of camp staff and members of the council and district outdoor programs and training teams.

For more information or to schedule a unit training session, contact Kate Sklat at kate.sklat@gmail.com.

Immediate Recognition

Immediate recognition is a powerful incentive of the advancement program. Scouts should receive their adventure loop or rank advancement as soon as possible after their achievement is completed. Scouts can be recognized with:

  • A simple ceremony at the conclusion of a den or troop meeting with the unit leader presenting the badge or loop
  • The monthly pack meeting or quarterly Court of Honor is the formal recognition with family, friends, and the public in attendance to honor the Scouts
  • Eagle Scouts should have their own ceremony

The role of Scout leaders is not to be the guardian at the gate preventing youth from achieving their goals, but to guide them through the gate.

Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal

The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM) recognizes members of the armed forces who perform outstanding volunteer community service of a sustained, direct, and consequential nature. The MOVSM is intended to recognize exceptional community support over time and not a single act or achievement. Doesn’t that sound like many Scout leaders?

Service members work with their chain of command to be submitted for the award. If the command requests a letter from the council about the leader’s volunteer service, please contact the district executive.

Scouters who receive the MOVSM can wear the Community Organization Award on their Scouting uniform. Bring a copy of the MOVSM citation to the Scout Shop when coming to purchase the knot.

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.

Help Wanted

district executive patch

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.

2023 Jamboree Service Team

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Support

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Support Staff is a new service team that will be responsible for helping to ensure that the Jamboree is an inclusive and accessible event. The team will host community spaces for various identity groups (e.g., women, Scouts of color, LGBTQ+ Scouts and allies, etc.) and provide ad hoc consultation and support to contingents and staff to meet inclusion and accessibility needs. The DEI support staff will be expected to participate in pre-Jamboree trainings.

To apply, use one of the following position numbers:

  • #9505 – Diversity Equity and Inclusion Support Staff
  • #9506 – Diversity Equity and Inclusion Young Adult Ambassadors
  • #6138 – Disabilities Activity Center

Register now at jamboree.scouting.org/jamboree-service-team/.

Base Camp Mental Health Officers

Mental health professionals, be a part of cutting-edge mental health care at National Scout Jamboree 2023. Since 2010, mental health support for participants and staff has been embedded in Jamboree medical clinics. Learn more here.

Volunteer with the Membership Team

The Tidewater Council Membership Team is looking for volunteer assistance from Spanish-speaking Scouters, to speak to potential chartered partners and help form units to serve our Hispanic community.

If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact Dave Bussiere at dave.bussiere@gmail.com or 757-575-4117.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.

Scouts in Action

Nine Scouts and two adult leaders from four different troops in the Three Rivers District participated in the annual Chesapeake City Veteran’s Day Ceremony at Chesapeake City Hall on November 11, 2022. These Scouts and adult leaders posted the flags from the six military services, set up chairs in the City Hall Chamber, handed out programs, and escorted guests to their seats as they arrived. The Scouts also led attendees in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. After the ceremony, they returned the flags and chairs to their original positions in City Hall. While doing these acts of service, the Scouts also completed a few Citizenship in the Community and Citizenship in Society Merit Badge requirements, in addition to living up to the Scout Slogan to “Do a Good Turn Daily.”

Thank you to Scouts Adian, Rocco, Damarion, Danarion, Danonta, Liam, Damien, Xavier, and Jacob, and to Scout leaders BG Lee and JW Washington for your service and leadership in our community!

Pack 991 had some special visitors at their pack meeting on December 6. Santa and his helpers visited with the Cub Scouts and gave them each the perfect holiday gift – a Pinewood Derby kit!

Scouts, leaders, and families enjoyed Scout Night with the Norfolk Admirals on December 10. Scouts from Pack 413, Pack 991, Troop 902, Troop 5374, and Troop 5800 represented Scouting in games on the ice and Zamboni rides during the two intermissions. It was an evening of action-packed hockey and family fun!

AE2(AW) Caleb Smith, a Princess Anne Unit Commissioner, held his reenlistment ceremony at the council’s Annual Business Meeting on December 8. Thank you to Ensign Na’Stassia Rowe for performing the ceremony. Thank you to Caleb for sharing this momentous occasion with your Scouting family, and for your selfless service to our nation.

A huge THANK YOU to the Scouts, leaders, and families who supported the 2022 Popcorn Sale. Special thanks to our amazing Council Popcorn Kernel, Pam Samples, and our team of District Popcorn Kernels: Beth Albertson, Erin Alford, Krista Dunn, Brenda Johnson, Tony Montemurno, and Rudy Nimmo.

Our 2022 sale grossed $1,192,244 in sales. Thank you for helping us Crunch to a Million!

Scouts collected more than $80,000 in donations to support military men and women, their families, and veterans’ organizations. Your contributions are making an impact through the USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia and other military support organizations. Thank you!

Top-Selling Units by District
Albemarle:
  1. Troop 5505
  2. Troop 162
  3. Troop 182
Bayside:
  1. Pack 67
  2. Troop 364
  3. Pack 490
Princess Anne:
  1. Pack 374
  2. Pack 496
  3. Pack 700
Three Rivers:
  1. Pack 413
  2. Pack 212
  3. Pack 57
Top-Selling Units Council-Wide
Online Sales:
  1. Pack 700
  2. Pack 24
  3. Pack 374
Total Retail Dollars:
  1. Pack 374
  2. Troop 5505
  3. Pack 413
Congratulations to all on raising a combined $469,464.10 in unit commissions to continue to deliver the promise of Scouting!

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