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.
Campaign Progress as of February 14, 2023
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal:
Has your unit scheduled its 2023 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
Albemarle District Appreciation Dinner
February 18
This is the premier event of the year for Albemarle District. On this one night, the entire Scouting family comes together to celebrate the impact and service of all the volunteers in the district, and in particular, those who have made an outstanding impact in 2022. We also will honor those Albemarle Scouts who earned Eagle in 2022.
Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate, including families. The dinner is Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Pasquotank Ruritan Club, 2213 Main Street Extended, Elizabeth City, NC. The doors open at 6:00 PM for fellowship, with dinner and program beginning promptly at 6:30 PM.
The cost for a meal ticket is $10 per person, except 2022 Albemarle Eagles, who will be our guests. Registration closes February 15, so sign up now!
Coin Collecting Merit Badge
Virginia Beach Coin Show
February 18-19
Join the Tidewater Coin Club for the Virginia Beach Coin Show on February 18-19 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Admission is free and there will be educational displays.
There will be a Coin Collecting merit badge program at 10:30 AM on Saturday. Advanced registration is required; please contact fryan88f250@gmail.com or eddiedevault911@gmail.com.
To learn more about the coin show, please visit tidewatercoinclub.org.
Klondike Derby
Quest for the Gold
February 24-26
Klondike Derby is less than two weeks away. It is time to sign up for the 2023 Klondike Derby: Quest for the Gold in beautiful Camp Lions, Pipsico Scout Reservation!
Using your sled, 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.
If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Mike Maruska at mikemaruska1179@gmail.com.
Virginia Beach Trade-O-Ree
February 24 and February 25
Buy, sell, and trade Scouting collectible memorabilia at the 2023 Virginia Beach Trade-O-Ree. Check out the event flyer for more information.
VFW Scout of the Year Nomination Deadline
March 1
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.
Pinewood Derby
March - April
Get your engines ready – it is Pinewood Derby season!
What is a Pinewood Derby? The Pinewood Derby is one of the most popular and successful family activities in Cub Scouting. Cub Scouts design and build their own small wooden cars, with some help from their families. Then they race their cars in competition, down a gravity-powered track.
Win or lose, Cub Scouts will take pride in having done their best. Cub Scouts learn craft skills, STEM principles, the rules of fair play, and good sportsmanship—things they will remember for life.
You can view the 2023 Pinewood Derby Rules & Procedures for Tidewater Council here. Scouts must make a new car each year.
Albemarle District Pinewood Derby: March 4
Get ready to rumble at the Albemarle District Pinewood Derby on March 4 at 10 AM at Sawyer’s Creek Baptist Church, 241 Sawyers Creek Road, Camden, NC 27921, just minutes from downtown Elizabeth City. All racers of each rank from every pack in Albemarle District are eligible to race. Arrows of Light (AOL) who have just bridged to a troop are still eligible. Family Fun Run races are an open class that will race after the qualified racers. The entry fee for qualified pack racers is $8.50 per car. Family racers are $10 per car (no trophies for family racers; this is for bragging rights only).
Registration is open now on Black Pug. Late registration starts February 19 and the deadline to register is Friday, March 3 at 5 PM. For more information, contact Anthony Dowd at adowd2@yahoo.com.
Bayside District Pinewood Derby: March 4
Start your engines and race to the Bayside District Pinewood Derby on March 4, 2023 at Larchmont United Methodist Church, 1101 Jamestown Crescent, Norfolk, VA 23508. The top three finishers of each rank from every pack in Bayside District are eligible to race. Arrows of Light (AOL) who have just bridged to a troop are still eligible. The entry fee for qualified pack racers is $11.00 per car.
Races will be staggered starting at 10:00 AM. Start times are tentative and may be delayed, depending upon the number of racers. In no case will a rank begin racing before the scheduled start time.
Arrow of Light (Grade 5): 10:00 AM
Webelos (Grade 4): 10:30 AM
Bear: 11:00 AM
Wolf: 11:30 AM
Tiger: 12:00 PM
Lions: 12:30 PM
Finals: Immediately following Lions at approximately 1:00 PM
Registration is live on Black Pug at scoutingevent.com/596-bapwd. Registration closes February 28, 2023.
Three Rivers District Pinewood Derby: March 4
Get ready for the Three Rivers District Pinewood Derby! The top three finishers of each rank from every pack in Three Rivers district are eligible to race. Arrows of Light (AOL) who have just bridged to a troop are still eligible.
Princess Anne District Pinewood Derby: March 18
Race time is fast approaching, so get your cars prepped! On March 18, find out which car is the fastest racer in the district at each rank level.
The top three pack finishers from each rank from every Princess Anne District Cub Scout pack are eligible to enter this event. Arrow of Light Scouts who raced with their pack this year and have since bridged to Scouts BSA are eligible to race. If a qualified racer cannot attend, the Pack Pinewood Derby Coordinator can substitute.
Registration and more information are coming soon.
Council Pinewood Derby: April 1
Scouts who qualify in the top three of their class at the district level will qualify for the council derby. We hope to see you there!
University of Scouting
March 11
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.
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!
Sasquatch Expedition – The ESCAPE!
Experience a brand-new escape room.
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
Register by February 26 before prices increase!
Den Chief Training
March 11
Den Chief Training combines fun and enjoyment with an excellent character‐building experience. Participants learn leadership, organization, and, most importantly, how to work with Cub Scouts.
The training is designed for current and aspiring den chiefs. Adults who work with den chiefs are encouraged to attend as well; den leaders will benefit from learning about the den chief role and how den chiefs can best support the den.
Den Chief Training will be offered during University of Scouting on March 11. There are additional youth courses for ages 10+, so Scouts can enjoy a full day at the University.
2023 Annual Leadership Breakfast
Featuring NFL MVP Mark Moseley
March 15
Tidewater Council’s Annual Leadership Breakfast honors and supports the efforts of thousands of volunteers who provide a quality year-round Scouting program to youth in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.
Keynote speaker Mark Moseley is the only special teams player to win the NFL MVP award. With an impressive 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 Christy Cooper at christy.cooper@scouting.org.
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
March 17-18
This one-and-a-half-day course introduces the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders interested in including a camping component in their pack activities. BALOO training consists of an online pre-requisite component and an overnight, hands-on practical. BALOO teaches BSA’s Cub Scout camping policies and equips leaders to carry out a successful camping experience. Completion of this course is mandatory for at least one adult on every pack overnighter.
Albemarle District will host a BALOO course March 17-18 at Shiloh Baptist Church in Shiloh, NC.
If you cannot attend the March BALOO training, save the date for the next course: April 14-15 at Camp Baker in Chesapeake. Registration for the April course will open soon.
Wood Badge
March 24-26 and April 22-23
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.
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.
Welcome from Course Director Matthew Hipsher
Thank you for your interest in Wood Badge! Wood Badge training was begun by Baden-Powell in 1919 to ensure that the leaders of Scout troops were properly trained. Since then, Wood Badge has been held worldwide, providing advanced leadership training to thousands of Scout leaders.
But you might be wondering, why should I attend Wood Badge? For me, Wood Badge taught me a myriad of things, including communication skills I have used with youth and adults, team building, unit recruiting techniques, how all the Scouting programs work together to teach character building and leadership skills to our youth, and countless other things not taught in the basic leader trainings for our programs. But my biggest take away in my years of involvement with this course is the personal connections to other leaders I have made. Be it mentors, partners, resources, or friends that eventually become family, the #1 reason I tell leaders to attend is the exposure to other great leaders like yourself. The skills learned at Wood Badge will not only help your Scouting unit excel, but will also benefit your personal and professional lives as well.
Join us in March and April at Pipsico Scout Reservation for the 2023 Wood Badge Course. Consider bringing along a friend to share in the fun. I will guarantee you will have a great time, will make friends, will be challenged, and will have lots of fun doing it.
2023 Tidewater Council Living Legends Nominations Due
March 25
Nominations are now open for 2023 Tidewater Council Living Legends.
Each year, Tidewater Council recognizes those volunteers who continue to provide significant leadership, service, and support to Scouting over many years and in many roles, and who continue serving after they may have been recognized in other traditional ways (Silver Beaver, Award of Merit, etc.). Help acknowledge those volunteers for their continued contributions before their council peers at the Tidewater Council Annual Recognition Banquet. Provide inspiration for others to also continue their valued service to Scouting.
Nomination forms must be received no later than Saturday, March 25, 2023 to be considered.
Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award Nominations Due
March 31
Nominations are now open for the Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award.
The Fretwell Award is presented to those who work in education and who follow the BSA’s mission “to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.”
Any school employee who is equipping students to make moral and ethical choices is eligible for this award. This could be a teacher, administrator, custodian, cafeteria worker, attendance clerk, resource officer, teacher’s aide, or any number of others.
To nominate a worthy educator, please submit the nomination form to FretwellTidewaterBSA@gmail.com by March 31, 2023.
Scouting Olympics
Three Rivers District Spring Camporee
March 31 - April 2
At the Three Rivers District Spring Camporee, Scouts will spend a fun-filled weekend practicing and demonstrating Scouting skills while participating in Olympic-style challenges. Each unit will compete to win the Traveling District Trophy by earning points during patrol and unit-related challenges.
- Patrol and unit challenges that incorporate teamwork and communication skills
- Scout Spirit and campsite inspection points
- Saturday campfire, with options to play a video or perform a skit or song
- Scouts Own Service
- OA Call-Out
Join us at Camp Kiwanis, Pipsico Scout Reservation on March 31 – April 2. Registration is $15 per person, and participants must be registered in advance by March 25. On-site registration will not be accepted.
For more information, please contact Mike Zemienieuski at mzemienieuski@gmail.com or 757-617-7440, or Kirsten Misfeldt at kmisfeldt62@gmail.com or 757-323-6172.
American Red Cross (ARC) Instructor Training
April 15
Tidewater Council will host a course on April 15 at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center to train registered adult leaders to be ARC Instructors. Course participants must be currently certified in First Aid/CPR/AED. Leaders who are not currently certified can become so at the University of Scouting on March 11.
This training is offered at a substantial discount for Scout leaders, and participants must commit to teaching/co-teaching a course for the Council Training Committee at least once per year after completing the course. This does not include any instructing done at the unit-level.
Back to Brownsea
Bayside District Spring Camporee
April 14-16
It was not long after Lord Baden-Powell started Scouting that a Chicago businessman and publisher, William D. Boyce, was traveling in England and got lost in the famous London fog. Out of the mist appeared a young lad dressed in a Scout uniform. The Scout helped Boyce find his way, and Boyce offered to pay him for his troubles.
The Scout replied, “I can’t accept your money. I am a Boy Scout and have just done my good deed for today.”
Impressed, Boyce picked up a trunk load of literature from Baden-Powell’s office about the young movement for British boys, leading him to incorporate the Boy Scouts of America soon after returning to the United States.
- Who was the first Chief Scout Executive? How long did he serve?
- Who was known as Uncle Dan? What was his profession?
- Can anyone tell the name of the young Scout who helped William D. Boyce?
Upon the challenge trail at the Back to Brownsea Camporee, Scouts could encounter a group of merry knights. To pass, the patrol must win their challenge at jousting.
Capture the Flag!
Albemarle District Spring Camporee
April 28-30
A camporee is many things—camping fun for youth, the thumping of hundreds of feet on the way to an evening campfire, and the blue smoke from fires cooking stew or ham and eggs. It’s the ripple of wind-blown flags in the morning sun. It’s catching the idea of teamwork in a patrol.
This year, Albemarle District will hold its Spring Camporee April 28-30, 2023 at Maple Commerce Park in Maple, NC. The theme is Capture the Flag. Scouts will be challenged while having fun in competitions based upon skills in the Scouts BSA handbook. Come ready for an active and exciting day. Teamwork, physical fitness, sportsmanship, and other skills will be tested by the day’s events.
Don’t forget to bring ingredients to compete in the patrol cook-off. Whip up your tastiest vittles and win the coveted Golden Spatula.
Scout Day at The Adventure Park
May 7
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.
Wilderness First Aid
May 13-14
Wilderness first aid, or “WFA”, commonly refers to any training course that focuses on prevention, assessment, and treatment for an ill or injured person in a remote environment where definitive care by a physician and/or rapid transport is not readily available. It is essential to have some basic principles of wilderness first aid and know how to apply them, even under stress. Knowing how to treat minor injuries and keep serious casualties stable until further help is available can make a difference in an emergency situation. Although there are innumerable injuries and ailments, the basic principles of first aid can be applied to almost any situation.
All High Adventure Bases require that at least one person in each crew (Philmont requires two) be currently certified in Wilderness First Aid or the equivalent, and CPR from the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or equivalent. Wilderness First Aid is recommended for any unit that is conducting backcountry hiking or camping trips. Attending this training also meets one of the requirements for the Venturing Ranger Award.
Tidewater Council will be offering a Wilderness First Aid course on May 13-14. Registration is now open.
Scouting for Blood Drive
May 17
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 17, 2023
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
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Training
May 20
The Adult First Aid/CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies, such as burns, cuts, scrapes, sudden illnesses, and how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies for victims about 12 years and older. Successful students will receive a certificate for Adult First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years. This is a blended learning course; you must complete the online portion before taking one of the skills demonstration sessions.
Registration is now open. There will be three sessions on May 20, limited to 12 students per session.
Off to the Races
Day Camp 2023
June & July
What is Off to the Races? It is the theme for this summer’s day camps!
At 2023 Cub Scout Day Camp, Scouts will enjoy:
- Great Crafts
- Amazing Science
- Scout Skills
- The Great Range
- The Great Nature
- Sports
- And Much, Much More!
Discover the excitement and adventure for yourself by attending 2023 Cub Scout Day Camp!
Princess Anne Day Camp: June 19-24
Registration is now open for Princess Anne Day Camp at Tabernacle Baptist Academy. Work with the unit day camp coordinator to sign up now.
For questions, contact:
- David Montoto (Camp Director) at totodope@yahoo.com or 757-575-8880
- Ted Green (Program Director) at greentn83@gmail.com or 724-931-0224
More Day Camps
The Day Camp Planning Committee is currently booking locations for camps in Albemarle, Bayside, and Three Rivers districts. The tentative dates for these day camps are:
- June 12-16 in Albemarle; contact Tiffany Bounds at tnt8596@yahoo.com
- June 19-23 in Bayside; contact Amy DeVault at konshak@yahooo.com
- June 26-30 (twilight camp) in Three Rivers; contact Kirsten Misfeldt at kmisfeldt62@gmail.com
Summer Camp 2023
June & 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 25 to July 1 – FULL
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
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
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!
New for 2023: Prizes
A new tiered prize incentive program features:
- An exclusive Camp Card patch
- Cinema Café movie ticket
- $25 Amazon gift card
- Entries for a drawing to win an Oculus
The number of cards a Scout sells determines what prize they earn. It’s a great way to invigorate Scouts to sell while earning money for camp.
How to Participate
Contact the district executive to register and pick-up cards. Cards are usually delivered at district Roundtables, but district executives will make arrangements for units that cannot attend Roundtable.
Training and resources are available online at TidewaterBSA.com/2023campcardsale. 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.
Special National Scout Jamboree Offer
Tidewater Council is offering a special incentive for Scouts who are attending the 2023 National Scout Jamboree. If any Scouts in your unit are headed to that great adventure, contact Rich Becker at richard.becker@scouting.org or 757-575-6609 for more details.
Camp Card Vendors
Camp Cards include valuable discounts to local retailers and 25 Bonus Savings per card that are available for your choice of retailers nationwide.
- 3 Amigos
- The Adventure Park
- Edenton Coffee House
- H2OBX
- Harris Teeter
- Hungry Panda
- iFly Virginia Beach
- Itza Boutza Pizza
- Latitude Climbing + Fitness
- LJ Beaners
- Pass the Salt Café
- Philly Pretzel Factory
- Tractor Supply Co.
- Wendy’s
- PLUS Bonus Savings!
- The Adventure Park
- Big Apple Pizza
- Harris Teeter
- iFly Virginia Beach
- Latitude Climbing + Fitness
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Philly Pretzel Factory
- Tractor Supply Co.
- Wendy’s
- PLUS Bonus Savings!
Contact
For questions, please contact the district’s Camp Cards Chair:
Albemarle: Julie Roasa at rjnkroasa@centurylink.net
Bayside: Cory Van Kirk at eelyroc@yahoo.com
Princess Anne: Jen Conway at jflores87@gmail.com
Three Rivers: Liz Schwegel at lizschwegel@icloud.com
Camp cards are in limited supply, so don’t miss out!
Scout Shop
February begins a season of busy and fun events, including Scout Sunday, Pinewood Derby races, Blue & Gold Celebrations, Scouting for Food, and Arrow of Light Scouts moving to troops!
Pinewood Derby
The Scout Shop is your headquarters for all Pinewood Derby awards. We have the ten-pack of Participation Ribbons ($8.99/package), the red, white, and blue car medals ($4.99 each), the bronze, silver, and gold medal lanyards ($5.99 each) and Pinewood Derby trophies. The trophies come in 7 ½” ($7.99 each), 8 ½” ($8.99 each), and 9 ½” ($9.99 each). Engraving plates are included on the bottom of each trophy.
Scout Sunday
A Scout is REVERENT. This year, Scout Sunday was officially February 12, but it is permissible for a local church to celebrate on the Sunday most acceptable to the pastor and congregation. Scout Jumuah was February 10 and Scout Shabbat was February 10-11. To celebrate unit participation, we have very colorful Scout Sunday 2023 patches ($3.99 each), program inserts ($7.99 for 25), and program covers ($13.99 for a 100 pack). National Supply currently is not able to provide new Blue & Gold items, but we do have some of the previous year’s patches with no year listed for $0.99.
New Scouts
Got new Scouts? Help us help them by letting them know exactly what they need. Does your troop provide books, unit numbers, shoulder loops, or neckerchiefs? New families need to know what COLOR of neckerchief the troop is wearing, or any other troop specific information.
New Point of Sale System
The Scout Shop is transitioning to a new point of sale system. One of the advantages of the new system is the ability for units to use their store accounts to sign up for events remotely. However, in order to use the account, the user must provide us with a current email address. We don’t need email addresses for all authorized users, just the person(s) who may be using the account remotely to pay for events. Feel free to email this information to polly.fugate@scouting.org or give us the information when you come in.
Shipping
We continue to provide shipping service by USPS, but please be aware USPS rates have gone up again in January. We never charge tax or handling fees and calculate shipping charges based on the USPS price calculator site. You may call or email in your order (polly.fugate@scouting.org) and we will figure the total amount and call you for a VISA or Mastercard number. We no longer charge 3% for use of credit/debit cards.
Scout Shop Hours
Our next holiday closing will be April 7-10 (Easter weekend).
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.
Indoor Bodyflight
So, you want to take your first shot at an indoor bodyflight facility? If you are not prepared, you might be at risk for more injuries than you think. Bodyflight requires trained professionals to help you have the best experience possible in their facility, so it is recommended that you look up the activity requirements before you take off on your first flight adventure.
Journey to Excellence 2023
Journey to Excellence (JTE) is the Boy Scouts of America’s program to help packs, troops, crews, ships, and posts to plan, monitor, and evaluate their performance and ability to serve youth. There are specific criteria for units to plan and accomplish in categories such as Planning and Budget, Membership, Program, and Leadership. JTE standards are reviewed and revised each year to ensure that they are valuable planning tools.
The 2023 Journey to Excellence scorecards and workbooks for packs and troops are now available.
Great units are balanced in the service provided to youth. There is no requirement or expectation for units to achieve Gold in all JTE criteria. JTE is meant to encourage excellence in providing a quality program at all levels of the BSA.
Black Pug Support
Black Pug is the vendor the council uses for event registration. Tutorial videos are available to help leaders use their services:
- My Account: Two videos to help with registering for events. The council uploads unit rosters quarterly; the next upload will occur after charter renewal is complete.
- Registration: Two videos on registering for an event and completing check-out.
- Selecting Classes: One video; important for merit badge colleges and summer camp.
- My Account Management : One video; discusses how to use the unit Scout Shop account to pay for items.
- Creating a Camp Reservation: How to register a unit for a council property reservation.
Community Engagement
Beakitecture Birdhouse Project
Norfolk Botanical Garden is looking for fun, original, whimsical, and one-of a kind-birdhouses for a Beakitecture community during the summer of 2023. From the tiniest house to larger-than-life human-sized birdhouses, the Enchanted Forest at Norfolk Botanical Garden will be home to these community-based creations.
If you are interested in building a one-of-a-kind birdhouse as a pack, den, patrol, or individual, please contact birdhouse@nbgs.org or 757-441-5830 ext. 319. There is no fee to participate, but participants are responsible for any expenditures incurred in construction and transportation. Review the Application Packet to learn more about how birdhouses will be selected and how to submit your design. All entry forms should be received by March 17, 2023.
Go See It Opportunity: Rescue Squad Open House
The Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad is hosting an open house on Saturday, February 18 from 12-6 PM at 3769 East Stratford Road, Virginia Beach. Bring your Scouts out for:
- Station tours
- Equipment demos
- Medical and public safety vendors
- Community engagement
The event is free and open to the public; you do not need to be a Virginia Beach resident to attend.
Advancement and Recognition News
Volunteer Recognition Month
April is Volunteer Recognition Month. While it is a couple of months away, Be Prepared now to recognize outstanding leaders. Some of the BSA volunteer recognitions include:
- Den Leader Training Award
- District Award of Merit
- Scouter’s Key
- Scouter’s Training Award
- Unit Leader Award of Merit
- Veteran Award
Service stars and certificates of appreciation (available at the Scout Shop) also make suitable recognitions.
Veteran Scouter Recognition
The Veteran Award recognizes BSA adult individual members for tenure in Scouting. The award is available in five-year increments.
Interpreter Strip
The Boy Scouts of America is a member organization of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. As part of a global community, Scouting encourages youth and adults to share their culture and heritage with others. The Interpreter Strip recognizes Scouts and Scouters for proficiency in a foreign language, American sign language, or Morse code, and informs others that the wearer can communicate in that language.
Spring Recruiting
Scouting provides life-changing opportunities for youth, families, and communities at large. Welcoming new families is vital to ensure that local youth have opportunities to develop character, citizenship, leadership, and personal fitness.
Cub Scout packs are encouraged to conduct membership inventories and tailor recruiting efforts to dens that have suffered retention losses and military moves. Remember that it is not the time of year to recruit Lions, as they are in preschool now and will not be eligible to join until August. When recruiting in the spring, it is important to have an active summer program to keep new Scouts engaged.
Spring recruiting is not just for packs. Scouts BSA troops are encouraged to hold an event for new fifth graders, either with a Cub Scout pack or as an Open House. Tell new members about the troop’s plan for summer camp and invite them to attend.
Contact your district membership team, unit commissioner, or district executive for assistance in planning and promoting recruiting efforts.
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 by sponsoring a tent at Pipsico!
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 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.
Special Needs and Disabilities Committee
Tidewater Council has formed a Council Special Needs and Disabilities Committee. This committee will focus on:
- Membership and Unit Growth: Supporting units to serve Scouts with special needs and membership growth through recruitment
- Program Support: Finding and supplying training and resources for units and districts
- Advancement Support: Helping navigate the advancement adaptations and modifications available to Scouts with special needs
If interested in assisting the Special Needs and Disabilities Committee, or for questions, please contact:
James Bennett
571-331-6435
knightspast@gmail.com
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Three finalists have been selected for the 2022 Tidewater Council Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. The Adams Award will be presented to one of these Scouts at the Tidewater Council Annual Recognition Banquet on May 11. All three finalists will receive commemorative patches from the National Eagle Scout Association at the event.
The finalists are:
- Alexander V., Troop 490: Courtyard renewal and rejuvenation at Thalia Elementary
- Nicholas V., Troop 490: Construction of an outdoor classroom at Thalia Elementary
- Simone N., Lone Scout: Collecting school supplies for low-income students at Park Place School
Congratulations to some of our newest Eagle Scouts!
Congratulations to the Arrow of Light Scouts from Pack 117 and Pack 127! The Scouts crossed over and joined their Scouts BSA families. We look forward to seeing where their new journeys lead.
Albemarle District is proud to see a Wood Badge team come to award Brenda Johnson for completing her ticket and earning her beads. Congratulations!
Albemarle Freezoree attendees enjoyed a weekend of honing their orienteering skills, working on the patrol method, and staying warm with temperatures falling below 32 degrees.
Troop 362 held a merit badge weekend. Great job, Scouts!
Pack 585 took a chilly whale watching cruise and saw a humpback whale up close.
Scouts from Troop 362 participated in Scout Sunday at Community United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach.
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).
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