Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Council Key 3 Listening Tour
January 2024
We want to hear from you! This January, the Council Key 3 (Council President John Scheib, Council Commissioner Tim Briggs, and Scout Executive James Parnell) will visit each district to meet and discuss opportunities and successes in Tidewater Council.
Tuesday, January 16 at 7 PM
Princess Anne District
Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center
1032 Heatherwood Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Wednesday, January 17 at 7 PM
Albemarle District
Pasquotank Ruritan Club
2213 Main Street Ext.
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Wednesday, January 24 at 7 PM
Bayside District
Holy Family Catholic Church
Room 133
1279 N. Great Neck Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Thursday, January 25 at 7 PM
Three Rivers District
Great Bridge Baptist Church
640 S. Battlefield Blvd.
Chesapeake, VA 23322
Fundamentals of Training
January 20, 2024
Fundamentals of Training is the first part of the three-part train-the-trainer continuum (T3) in Scouting and is intended for both youth and adult trainers. This session is designed to introduce new Scouting trainers to teaching techniques and skills.
Upon completion of Fundamentals of Training, new trainers will be able to apply the techniques they have learned across the BSA’s leadership development programs, from unit-level youth leader training taught by youth for youth, to position-specific and supplemental training for adult leaders. Upon completion of this first part of T3, new trainers are coached and mentored by experienced trainers as they become comfortable with and confident in their training skills.
Who Should Attend?
- Adults who will be conducting a training session during a council or district training event.
- Youth who are responsible for training other youth, such as Instructors and Troop Guides.
The next Fundamentals of Training course will be held on Saturday, January 20 at Deep Creek United Methodist Church in Chesapeake.
Scout Day at Winterplace Ski Resort
January 28, 2024
Winterplace Ski Resort in Ghent, WV is offering a special ski program for Tidewater Council Scouts, leaders, family members, friends, and neighbors!
The package offers a special rate of up to 50% off, and includes a full-day lift ticket, ski equipment rental, helmet rental, and a customized 90-minute group lesson.
There are optional add-ons available for meal vouchers and snowtubing.
Lodging is not included in the package, but there are nearby facilities at Winterplace and the Summit Bechtel Reserve.
NEW FOR 2024: Snow Sports Merit Badge
The Snow Sports merit badge will be offered as a part of Scout Day at Winterplace. Mr. Mack Brunson, Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 6, is a Snow Sports merit badge counselor and will be at the 2024 event. For any Scouts who want to complete this merit badge, Mr. Brunson will be conducting some group discussion sessions ahead of the event, so Scouts who attend can demonstrate the skills required and complete the merit badge that day.
Please contact him directly at 619-972-3790 or mack_brunson@yahoo.com to be included in the merit badge sessions.
Camp Cards Kickoff and Training
January 30, 2024
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 30, 2024 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. RSVP at 247scouting.com/forms/596-2024campcard.
For questions, contact Christy Cooper at christy.cooper@scouting.org.
National Eagle Scout Association Scholarship Deadline
January 31, 2024
Last year, 69 Eagle Scouts received a total of $524,000 in scholarships from the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) to aid in their educational endeavors. These scholarships are made possible by generous donors and NESA members who help the alumni organization.
Scholarships are awarded to Eagle Scouts who have shown active participation in school, Scouting activities, and community service, and who demonstrate they understand the fundamentals of service to community, service to Scouting, and their character. If the applicant has a financial need, they should demonstrate what distinguishes their financial need from others. Applicants must be members of NESA. Read this Scouting Magazine article for tips on writing a successful scholarship essay.
The application window is December 1, 2023 – January 31, 2024.
Adams Award Nomination Deadline
January 31, 2024
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. Learn about Tidewater Council’s most recent Adams Award recipient, Simone N., here.
Nominations for the Adams Award are due to the council by January 31, 2024. An Eagle Scout, parents, or any registered BSA volunteer (with the Eagle Scout’s permission) may submit Eagle Scout service projects to the council for consideration. One council recipient is selected each year. Council recipients are considered for further recognition at the territory level.
The Adams Award nomination form has been updated. Please submit nominations using the updated 2024 nomination form.
Eagle Scouts are strongly encouraged to record a short video (3-5 minutes in length) as part of the nomination. The video should tell the story of their Eagle Scout Service Project and describe the impact on their community, as well as themselves.
Trainer's EDGE
February 3, 2024
Trainer’s EDGE is the Boy Scouts of America’s trainer development course designed to help Scouts and Scouters:
- Put into practice the EDGE training model
- Gain self-confidence through hands-on training experiences
- Develop the platform skills of a trainer
- Raise the level of skill a trainer brings to the learning experience
- “Train the trainer” on behaviors and resources while offering hands-on experience in methods and media
This course is part of a continuous process of updating trainers with the latest training methods, principles, and technologies.
Trainer’s EDGE is ideal for:
- District and council trainers
- Merit badge counselors
- Summer Camp staff, including both youth and adults
- Winter Camp staff, including both youth and adults
- Roundtable staff
- Pack trainers
- Commissioner trainers
- Youth troop guides and instructors
- Unit leaders
- Staff for Wood Badge and National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
This course will be offered on February 3 at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center in Virginia Beach.
Scouting for Blood Drive
February 7, 2024
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, February 7, 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
Silver Beaver Nomination Deadline
February 10, 2024
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 Silver Beaver Committee Chair Byron McPherson at byronkmc@gmail.com and staff advisor Alison Harrison at alison.harrison@scouting.org.
Learn about Tidewater Council’s three most recent Silver Beaver recipients:
Scouts BSA Leader Training
February 10, 2024
At Scouts BSA Leader Training on Saturday, February 10 at Portsmouth Catholic Regional High School, leaders will have the opportunity to complete Scoutmaster-Specific Training, Troop Committee Challenge Training, and Merit Badge Counselor Orientation.
Scoutmaster-Specific Orientation
Scoutmaster-Specific Training introduces adult leaders to everything they need to know about running a Scouts BSA troop.
In Scouts BSA, adult leaders serve in more of a “mentor” position, where their job is to help youth members learn and practice leadership. While this training will not answer every single question about being a Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster, it is a great introduction.
Along with Youth Protection Training and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), this course is required for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters to be considered “position trained.”
Troop Committee Challenge
Running a Scouts BSA troop is a little like running a business: there’s a budget and a calendar, there’s money coming in (fundraising and dues), there’s money going out (activities, equipment purchases, registration fees), there’s a “workforce” (adult volunteers), and there are goals and evaluation of whether the troop reached its goals. And, of course, all this occurs within the unique context of Scouting with some special rules and requirements. This foundational training provides the tools and best practices to succeed.
Merit Badge Counselor Orientation
A merit badge counselor is a responsible adult with knowledge and enthusiasm about a career, hobby, or other subject who is willing to share that knowledge and enthusiasm with Scouts. This training provides merit badge counselors with understanding of the methods of counseling and their role in the advancement program of the Boy Scouts of America.
Klondike Derby
February 23-25, 2024
Klondike Derby registration is now open!
The 2024 Klondike Derby: Quest for the Gold will be held in beautiful Camp Lions, Pipsico Scout Reservation. Using your sled, compete in skills from first aid, wilderness survival, lumberjack skills, fire building, cooking, pioneering, and shooting.
The Blue Heron Lodge will conduct an Order of the Arrow call-out ceremony on Saturday night.
If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Mike Maruska at mikemaruska1179@gmail.com.
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
March 1-2, 2024
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) is a one-and-a-half day course that introduces leaders to the Cub Scout outdoor program. BALOO is designed for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their pack activities.
BALOO consists of an online pre-requisite component and an overnight, hands-on practical. The course teaches BSA’s Cub Scout level camping policies and the necessary tools to help units carry out a successful camping experience. When a Cub Scout pack or Webelos den camps, a minimum of one adult who has completed this training must be present on the overnight experience.
Tidewater Council’s next BALOO course will be offered in Shiloh, NC on March 1-2, 2024.
University of Scouting
March 9, 2024
Old Dominion University
Scouting is a Game with a Purpose
All Scouts, prospective Scouts, leaders, parents, and volunteers are invited to attend the Tidewater Council University of Scouting. This jamboree-style event offers interactive trainings and certifications, hands-on activities and adventures, merit badges and advancement opportunities, and personalized Scout quests to earn prizes and rewards.
Everyone Has Something to Offer
Many hands make light work, and we want your help teaching a class, counseling a merit badge, leading a program station, and organizing the event. All units are encouraged to run an interactive program station demonstrating a Scout skill or activity. Community partners are invited to promote their programs, teach skill sessions, and run interactive program stations.
- If interested in counseling a merit badge, please fill out this form.
- If interested in volunteering in another capacity, please fill out this form.
- For questions, please contact TidewaterUniversity@gmail.com.
Colleges
Earn your degree or your doctorate while studying Commissioner Science, Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Older Youth Programs.
Classes include:
- First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
- Cooking
- Scouting Heritage
- Event Planning
- Unit Management
- Scouting Tools & Technology
- Recruiting
- Fundraising
- And more!
Academies - Bring the Whole Family!
- Dragon Academy will entertain Lions, Tigers, and younger siblings for a fun-filled day of adventure.
- Akela’s Academy welcomes Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light Scouts for fun adventures while working on advancements.
- Brownsea Island is a chance for new Scouts BSA to master their Scoutcraft requirements.
- Merit Badge Academy offers a range of badges, including several required for Eagle Scout.
- VESSI Academy is an opportunity for older youth to prepare for high adventure and get involved with Venturers, Explorers, Sea Scouts, and International opportunities.
Programs
Visit activity stations, complete quests, and earn prizes and rewards!
Activity stations include:
- Scoutcraft
- Tidewater Adventures
- Scouting Adventures
- Duty to God
- STEM
- Pioneering
- International
- Outdoor Ethics
- Community Service
- Cooking
- Escape Rooms
- Simulations
- Disability Awareness
- And much more!
Wood Badge
April 12-14 and May 4-5, 2024
Wood Badge is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide adult members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their Scouting positions and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. Lord Baden-Powell originally designed it so that Scouters could learn, in as practical a way as possible, the skills and methods of Scouting. It is, first and foremost, learning by doing.
Wood Badge has evolved over the years into the core leadership skills training course for the BSA. The Wood Badge course focuses on strengthening every volunteer’s ability to work with and lead groups of youth and adults and is less focused on outdoor skills, which are more effectively addressed in other courses.
National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC)
July 29 - August 3, 2024
From July 29 through August 3, 2024, Arrowmen from around the country will have the opportunity to gather at the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO to attend the 2024 National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC). Attendance is expected to exceed several thousand, as Arrowmen from around the USA come together to share ideas, learn from one another, and, most importantly, experience an outstanding event unlike any other in Scouting. NOAC is open to all active members of the OA.
The estimated fee to attend is $1,450 and can be paid in six installments until May 15, 2024 at scoutingevent.com/596-noac2024. Attendees who have paid $625 of their total fee by January 31, 2024 will be able to save $50 by being eligible for the discounted programming rate (so the total fee will be only $1,400). The final fee will be adjusted when transportation costs are finalized.
For More Information or Questions
- Contact Philip Durant, NOAC 2024 Chair, at 757-505-6355 or philipscouting@gmail.com
- Contact Mack Brunson, NOAC Adviser, at 619-972-3790 or mack_brunson@yahoo.com
- Visit oa-bsa.org/program/events/noac
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.
In Fond Remembrance
Anna Faulkenberry
Anna Faulkenberry, 90, passed away on November 26, 2023.
Anna was one of only 2,455 women to receive the Boy Scouts of America’s Silver Fawn Award. This award recognized female leaders for their outstanding service to youth, before women were eligible to receive the Silver Beaver Award.
Along with her husband, V. Thomas Faulkenberry, Anna supported her family’s participation in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Exploring, and many other worthy community organizations. She leaves a legacy of community engagement and service.
A celebration of Anna’s life will be held on Sunday, December 17 at Thalia United Methodist Church.
News
To stay current with National program updates, bookmark scouting.org/topics/program-updates.
New Council President
John Scheib
We are pleased to announce our new Council President, John Scheib. As president, he is the lead volunteer for more than 1,700 adult leaders who serve more than 4,000 youth and their families.
New Council Commissioner
Tim Briggs
Please join us in welcoming our new Council Commissioner, Tim Briggs. In this role, he is responsible for unit service supporting youth and adult leaders in Scouting throughout Southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina.
Tidewater Council BSA Receives $7,500 from Sentara Health to Support Scouting for Food
Funding Supports a Collaborative Partnership with Sentara Health
Tidewater Council is pleased to announce a generous contribution of $7,500 from Sentara Health to assist the 2024 Scouting for Food drive. Support from Sentara will ensure that Scouts have the supplies and resources needed to make the project a success.
2024 Pinewood Derby Rules
The rules and inspection sheet for 2024 Pinewood Derbies are now available.
All Tidewater Council district races and the council derby will use the official Tidewater Council Pinewood Derby Rules & Procedures and the TWC Pinewood Derby Car Inspection Form.
Scout Shop
December is the most exciting month of the year for many people, and it’s the shortest month of the year for the Scout Shop. With that in mind, we have a few suggestions.
Shop Early
Shop early in the month since the last few weeks have holiday closings. We have a good stock of fun and useful gift ideas in all price ranges.
The UNO Wilderness card game ($10.99) and the Hiking Card game ($13.99) are just two of the fun stocking stuffers we have. The Ten Essentials game ($14.99) is a fun, fast-paced game to prepare for the wild! Plus, we have Chess, Science Lab, Smithsonian telescopes, Scout-themed caps, hoodies and jackets, T-shirts, and much more!
Order Now
Order now if you want to get any item before our holiday closing schedule. We can’t guarantee any special orders will arrive in time for the holidays after the middle of December.
Thorlo Socks
Thorlo Socks are still on sale through December, which, for us, will be December 22. Get two pairs and get 25% off each pair. These socks are wonderful gifts for anyone doing outdoor sports or who just love warm feet.
Hint: Grandparents love them too!
Pinewood Derby
Pinewood Derby kits are well stocked.
Many packs purchase them to give to the Cub Scouts for the holidays. BSA no longer carries the kits in the gift-wrapped boxes, so allow time for wrapping them if your pack wants that seasonal look.
The kits are $6.99 each, with $0.25 off per kit when 10 or more are purchased. With the discount, a case of 48 is $323.52.
Gift Certificates
Gift certificates make great gifts for anyone in the program and may be used for uniforms, games, camping equipment, and everything in between. They may be purchased for any amount for the person who likes to shop for their own wants and needs.
Shipping
We WILL be shipping orders in December on Wednesdays and Fridays through December 22. Call (757-497-2688) or email (polly.fugate@scouting.org) your order, and we will calculate shipping and call you back for a VISA or Mastercard number.
Scout Shop Hours and Holidays
- Closed on Friday, December 15 for a staff gathering
- Closed Friday, December 23 through Monday, January 1 for Christmas, inventory, and New Year’s.
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.
AED Basic Care and Maintenance
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a small, portable medical device that generates a shock that can jolt the heart into beating correctly. To ensure AEDs function properly when needed, regular inspections are required. When was the last time the AED in your meeting location was inspected?
Bullying Awareness
The idea that a Scout should treat others as he or she wants to be treated—a Scout is kind—is woven throughout the programs and literature of the Boy Scouts of America. When a Scout follows the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, bullying and hazing situations should never occur. The Boy Scouts of America has fact sheets and resources to help with bullying awareness and protecting children.
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.
Special Commemorative Item Sale
Patch Set Honoring Order of the Arrow National Chief Zach Grinvalsky
Tidewater Council’s Blue Heron Lodge is the home of the National Order of the Arrow Chief, Zach Grinvalsky.
Limited edition six-patch sets featuring Zach’s signature are available for purchase now. Supporting Zach’s desire to give back to his council and Blue Heron Lodge, all proceeds from the sale of these patches will be applied to purchasing new tents for Pipsico Scout Reservation.
Purchase of the six-patch set is now open to all. Only 50 patch sets will be available, and purchases are limited to one set per person.
The patch sets may be purchased through Blue Heron Lodge’s online trading post at councilstuff.com/596-OA under “Special Commemorative Items.”
Adding a Den Chief to a Pack in Scoutbook
Den chief is a youth position of responsibility. Scouts who serve as den chiefs assist a Cub Scout den leader or Webelos den leader. Lion and Tiger dens do not have den chiefs. All youth protection protocols are observed for den chiefs, as they are still youth.
Den chiefs who are registered in a Scouts BSA troop can be connected to a Cub Scout pack in Scoutbook. Once connected:
- Den chiefs and their parents can be sent emails and calendar reminders from their den and pack.
- Den chiefs are included in attendance records.
- Den chiefs and their parents can view den and pack calendars.
For instructions on linking a den chief in Scoutbook, click here.
Awards Spotlight
Journey to Excellence
Journey to Excellence is a program designed to help units plan, monitor, and evaluate their ability to serve youth.
Journey to Excellence involves looking at key metrics known to make for a successful Scouting program, with specific measurements in areas of planning and budgeting, membership, program, and volunteer leadership. Each metric has a point value and uses a balanced scorecard approach. There are three levels of achievement: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Bronze is earned by delivering an effective program, and Silver is considered excellent. Gold is exceptional and is often difficult to achieve year after year.
Journey to Excellence goes hand in hand with recharter efforts, as it provides units with an overall look at achievements over the course of the year and serves as a template for planning the next year. Scorecards for 2023 and 2024 are available here.
Units should meet with their unit commissioner to review their Journey to Excellence achievements for the current year, discuss where to find metrics they do not have readily available, identify areas for improvement in the coming year, and raise awareness of the unit’s needs.
Journey to Excellence is an important tool to ensure that the unit, and the entire Scouting organization, can provide a quality and effective program.
Succession Planning
Change of leadership is to be expected in a Scouting unit. Often, leaders move up in the program with their children. It is extremely important that every unit have a succession plan. Succession planning is an ongoing process of systematically identifying, assessing, and developing talent to ensure the leadership continuity for all key positions in an organization.
For every unit position, there should be someone preparing to take over that position at a later date. The newest members can observe and help. Experienced parents and leaders act as co-chairs and co-leaders. Almost everyone has something to contribute and may only be waiting to be asked. A good place to begin is by asking a parent to help in a small way or by completing a task. If they do well, they can be asked to take on a larger responsibility in the future.
Create a culture of volunteering in the unit! When new Scouts sign up, be sure the parents understand that they are encouraged to help too, even if it is a small responsibility.
Future leaders can get a head start when current leaders speak with them early about the possibility of taking on a volunteer role with the unit. This will give them time to observe what is currently being done in that role and begin to get training.
Scouts BSA Advancement Updates
The following changes to Scouts BSA advancement requirements will be effective January 1, 2024.
Rank Requirements
The Personal Safety Awareness Series will replace the Cyber Chip requirement for Scout rank (requirement 6) and Star rank (requirement 6).
Eagle Palms
Scouts will no longer have to wait three months between Eagle Palms. They will have to earn five additional merit badges, and live by the Scout Oath and Law.
Merit Badges: Significant Changes
- Automotive Maintenance will be updated to include electric/hybrid vehicles.
- Canoeing will have a major reorganization.
- Coin Collecting will be reorganized and updated for new/retired coinages.
- Fire Safety will include safety updates.
- First Aid will become more hands-on.
- Golf will be reorganized and will add a disc golf option.
- Insect Study will include expanded requirements.
- Journalism will include social media.
- Nuclear Science will be updated to add more active options.
- Safety will be updated to include natural disasters.
- Skating will add a skateboarding option.
- Surveying will add use of drones.
- Sustainability is undergoing a major reorganization.
- Swimming will add correct demonstration of strokes.
Merit Badges: Minor Changes
- Backpacking (requirement 11b)
- Bird Study (requirements 2, 4, 7, 8c, 9d, 11, and 12)
- Camping (requirement 9c)
- Chemistry (requirements 2c and 5)
- Cooking (requirements 5 a,b,c,d,e)
- Digital Technology (requirement 1)
- Engineering (requirements 5 and 6c)
- Fly-Fishing (requirements 3b, 3c, and 10)
- Indian Lore (requirements 2, 3, 4, and 5)
- Law (requirements 1, 5, and 11)
- Mining in Society (requirement 8c)
- Photography (requirement 1b)
- Plant Science (requirement 8 Option 1: Agronomy E5c)
- Programming (requirement 1a)
- Radio (requirement 9a5)
- Scouting Heritage (requirements 2b3, 2b4, 3, and 4c)
For More Information
Current merit badge requirements are always available at scouting.org/skills/merit-badges. The requirements will be updated there when they become effective in January 2024.
Program Ideas
December
- Bill of Rights Day: December 15
- Work on the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge (requirement 4b).
- Wreaths Across America: December 16
- Remember, honor, and teach about our servicemen and women by participating in this national event. Visit wreathsacrossamerica.org to find local opportunities to participate.
- Wright Brothers Day: December 17
- Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
- Learn a Foreign Language Month
- Recognize members who speak a foreign language with the Interpreter Strip.
January
- National Hobby Month
- Merit badges can introduce youth to a variety of hobbies. Art, Chess, Geocaching, Wood Carving… the list goes on!
- Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month
- Attend Scout Day at Winterplace Ski Resort. Make sure to contact Mr. Mack Brunson in advance if Scouts would like to work on the Snow Sports merit badge.
- Family Fit Lifestyle Month
- For Cub Scouts, work on a personal fitness-focused Cub Scout Adventure, such as Fun on the Run (Lion), Tiger Bites (Tiger), Running with the Pack (Wolf), Bear Picnic Basket (Bear), or Stronger, Faster, Higher (Webelos).
- For Scouts BSA, work on a healthy lifestyle-related merit badge, such as Personal Fitness.
- Bring the whole family on a unit hike or bike ride.
- Financial Wellness Month
- Help youth understand finances at an early age by working on the Personal Management merit badge.
- Teen Driving Awareness Month
- Teens and adults can both take Drive Safely training.
- Review the Transportation Safety Moment (especially #5).
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
Camp Staff for Summer Camp 2024
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, 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.
District Executive Job Opening
Since 1910, Scouting has helped mold the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes and understands that helping youth puts us on a path towards a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.
Today’s professional Scouters are a diverse group of men and women sharing a dynamic career offering independence, achievement, and stability. This is work that makes a difference, work that calls one to continual learning and challenge, work that offers solid compensation, benefits, and advancement.
If you or someone you know is interested in making a difference through a career in Scouting, please contact Bill Lawrence at bill.lawrence2@scouting.org.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Congratulations to some of Tidewater Council’s newest Eagle Scouts!
We are pleased to announced the Top Three Popcorn Sellers for 2023!
The Top 10 Sellers will be announced in an upcoming edition of this newsletter.
Top Popcorn Sales Participation
Congratulations to those units that had more than 80% of their Scouts participate in the sale! Great job on motivating your families and providing opportunities to fund the local Scouting program!
- Troop 5505 (Albemarle): 92%
- Troop 182 (Albemarle): 90%
- Troop 19 (Princess Anne): 86%
- Pack 62 (Bayside): 85%
- Troop 150 (Albemarle): 81%
- Pack 407 (Princess Anne): 81%
Highest Retail Dollars
(Including in-person sales, online sales, and donations)
Albemarle District
- Troop 162
- Troop 5505
- Troop 182
- Pack 125
- Troop 150
Bayside District
- Pack 67
- Troop 364
- Troop 5
- Troop 5067
- Troop 67
Princess Anne District
- Pack 374
- Pack 700
- Pack 179
- Pack 303
- Pack 16
Three Rivers District
- Troop 413
- Pack 413
- Pack 6
- Pack 57
- Pack 212
Council-Wide
- Pack 374 (Princess Anne)
- Pack 700 (Princess Anne)
- Pack 67 (Bayside)
- Troop 413 (Three Rivers)
- Pack 179 (Princess Anne)
Highest Dollars Per Scout
(Total sales divided by total youth members in the unit)
Albemarle District
- Troop 182
- Troop 5505
- Troop 162
- Troop 150
- Pack 771
Bayside District
- Troop 5067
- Troop 67
- Troop 5
- Troop 5376
- Pack 382
Princess Anne District
- Troop 16
- Troop 408
- Pack 700
- Pack 303
- Pack 504
Three Rivers District
- Troop 413
- Pack 413
- Troop 934
- Troop 212
- Troop 234
Council-Wide
- Troop 182 (Albemarle)
- Troop 5505 (Albemarle)
- Troop 5067 (Bayside)
- Troop 67 (Bayside)
- Troop 16 (Princess Anne)
Highest Average Scout Sales
(Total sales divided by the number of Scouts in the unit who sold $100 or more)
Albemarle District
- Troop 182
- Troop 5505
- Troop 162
- Pack 771
- Ship 856
Bayside District
- Troop 5
- Troop 5376
- Troop 67
- Pack 382
- Pack 67
Princess Anne District
- Troop 16
- Troop 408
- Pack 405
- Pack 374
- Pack 700
Three Rivers District
- Troop 413
- Troop 212
- Troop 259
- Troop 934
- Pack 413
Council-Wide
- Troop 182 (Albemarle)
- Troop 5505 (Albemarle)
- Troop 413 (Three Rivers)
- Troop 162 (Albemarle)
- Troop 5 (Bayside)
Highest Online Sales
Albemarle District
- Pack 125
- Troop 162
- Pack 158
Bayside District
- Pack 24
- Troop 364
- Pack 364
Princess Anne District
- Pack 700
- Pack 791
- Pack 179
Three Rivers District
- Pack 6
- Pack 462
- Pack 57
Council-Wide
- Pack 700 (Princess Anne)
- Pack 791 (Princess Anne)
- Pack 179 (Princess Anne)
District Goals
- Bayside: Achieved 160% of the budgeted district goal
- Albemarle: Achieved 145% of the budgeted district goal
- Princess Anne: Achieved 115% of the budgeted district goal
- Three Rivers: Achieved 94% of the budgeted district goal
Donations
On December 1, Tidewater Council donated $63,360 in popcorn to the USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia. A huge THANK YOU to all who donated and collected donations to support our local service men and women and their families!
The Team
Thank you to the amazing team of District Popcorn Kernels and the leadership of Council Popcorn Kernel Pam Samples for supporting units throughout the sale!
Albemarle: Brenda Johnson
Bayside: Erin Alford and Krista Dunn
Princess Anne: Matt Conway and Tony Montemurno
Three Rivers: Beth Albertson and Rudy Nimmo
Council: Pam Samples
We are pleased to announce that our entire team is returning for 2024, plus some new faces! Join us in welcoming Nann Jones for Albemarle and Tammy and Clark Walters for Three Rivers!
The Total
Congratulations to the Popcorn Kernels who guessed the council-wide 2023 popcorn sales (closest without going over)!
Unit Kernel: Matt Conway, Pack 405
District Kernel: Beth Albertson, Three Rivers District
Matt and Beth each won a Chocolate Lovers!
The actual council sales total was a whopping $1,151,175! Thank you to all the Scouts, units, leaders, and families who supported the sale!
Barrett W. of Troop 62 and Ian M. of Crew 179 volunteered with the Hometown Heroes Holiday Benefit Concert for ForKids, a nonprofit organization that provides shelter for children and families. Barrett and Ian enjoyed helping Santa Claus and the Grinch take pictures with the kids and collecting unwrapped toys.
Great job giving back to our community this holiday season!
New Cub Scout Pack 40 of Edenton, NC went out in the community to get involved, say thank you to community heroes, and learn something too! They visited with the fire department, sheriff’s department, and communications office, and showed their appreciation with cookies and an oversized handmade thank you card.
The Princess Anne membership team hosted a recruiting table at a craft show near Luxford Elementary, helping to spread the word about Scouting opportunities for families in Princess Anne and Bayside districts.
Thank you to all who are getting involved in the community and continuing to recruit new Scouts as the weather turns colder!
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).
