Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Popcorn First Order Deadline
July 20
The deadline for units to submit popcorn orders through Scout Boss for the first delivery is Wednesday, July 20 at midnight.
Scout Scarf Day
August 1
Around the world, neckerchiefs have different names, including “necker” and “scarf.”
On August 1, Scouts worldwide wear their scarves to celebrate the first Scouting adventure to Brown Sea Island in 1907.
Tidewater Council’s International Scouting Committee invites you to join us in celebrating and promoting Scouting by wearing your scarf on August 1!
Scouting for Blood Drive
August 2
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:
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
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
The American Red Cross is thanking all those who present to give blood in August with a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. PLUS, they’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win gas for a year (a $6,000 value)! There will be three lucky winners. Terms apply at RedCrossBlood.org/GasForAYear
Wood Badge Critter Picnic
August 6
Registration is now open for the Wood Badge Critter Picnic on August 6, 2022 at Camp Moonyah in Chesapeake. All Scouters, Wood Badgers, and families are welcome. Enjoy food, fun, and fellowship while learning about how Wood Badge and NYLT can benefit your unit’s program.
Three Rivers Fall Kickoff Potluck
August 11
Join Three Rivers District for a special District Roundtable Potluck on Thursday, August 11 at 7 PM at Deep Creek Baptist, 250 Mill Creek Pkwy., Chesapeake, VA 23323. Kick off the start of the program year with food and fellowship!
Powder Horn
September 9-11 and September 16-18
Powder Horn is a resource course designed to introduce Scouting’s adults and youth to the exciting outdoor and high-adventure program possibilities for their unit. The ultimate goal is for the participants to leave the course with a list of ideas to help their program, along with the contacts and resources needed to implement them.
Participant Requirements
- Must be either:
- An adult registered in BSA, fully trained for their position
- A youth 14 years old (or 13 years old and have completed 8th grade) by the start of the course, AND have unit leader approval, AND have taken ILS for their unit type
- Must have completed and submitted training certificates for:
- Youth Protection Training
- Hazardous Weather
- Safety Afloat
- Safe Swim Defense
- Climb On Safely
- Must submit current, completed Annual Health and Medical Record (AHMR) Parts A, B, and C
- Must submit proof of swim classification (any level is accepted)
Princess Anne District Fall Camporee
October 21-23
Are you ready to Escape to the Wilderness? Adventure on to the Princess Anne District Fall Camporee at Camp Kiwanis, Pipsico Scout Reservation to practice skills from the First Aid, Wilderness Survival, and Pioneering merit badges. The morning will include skills instruction, with competitions following in the afternoon. Participants will receive partial completions in each of the three merit badges. The Princess Anne chapter of the Order of the Arrow will lead the Saturday night campfire.
Merit Badge Counselors Needed
The Camporee Committee is looking for merit badge counselors (MBCs) for the First Aid, Wilderness Survival, and Pioneering merit badges. MBCs will have the opportunity to help plan the activities. If you are interested, please contact Chris Noble at PASPRINGCAMPOREECHAIR@gmail.com.
Three Rivers District Fall
Camp-O-Ree & Cub-O-Ree
October 21-23
Get All Fired Up for the Three Rivers District Camp-O-Ree and Cub-O-Ree this fall. Scouts will enjoy fire safety, fire building, special visitors, and – of course – a camp fire!
If you would like to assist with the event, please contact Mike Z. at 3rcamping@gmail.com.
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
November 11-13 and November 18-20
In 2017, leadership was quietly added as the fourth aim of Scouting. Leadership development has always been an important outcome of Scouting programs. However, not every Scout takes full advantage of all the opportunities available. It is estimated that 2% of Scouts BSA youth attend National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). NYLT is an outstanding and impactful program that helps Scouts become the best leaders they can be.
Have the Scouts in your unit (aged 13 and above) attended the BSA’s premier youth leadership training program?
Tidewater Council’s next NYLT course will be held the weekends of November 11-13 and 18-20, 2022 at Pipsico Scout Reservation, Camp Lions. If you have any questions, please contact the course director, James Carroll, at 596nylt@gmail.com.
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, Mount Jack hikes, 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.
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)
- One female Scouts BSA troop (36 youth and four adults)
- One Venturing crew (36 youth and four adults)
If your unit would like a presentation about the National Scout Jamboree and the adventure and activities available, contact Erich Röetz.
News
2023 Annual Leadership Breakfast
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 the Washington Football Team.
The 2023 Annual Leadership Breakfast will be held on March 15, 2023. To learn more about how you, your company, or your community group can host a table, please contact Senior Development Executive, Susan Miley-Petrehn, at susan.miley-petrehn@scouting.org.
Popcorn Sale
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Seven Reasons Why Your Unit Should Sell Popcorn
- Fund your program year and defray costs for Scouting families.
- Tidewater Council offers some of the highest commissions in the BSA.
- Tidewater Council provides great prizes to reward Scouts.
- Teach Scouts salesmanship and the value of earning their own way.
- Scouts build camaraderie and learn communication skills.
- Participation in the Popcorn Sale may help Scouts meet certain advancement requirements.
- A team of volunteer leaders and council staff is here to support
you.
Seven Things Your Unit Should Be Doing Now
- Sign up for the sale at pecatonicariverpopcorn.com using Council Key 596TWC.
- Read the Popcorn Guide.
- Develop the unit budget and fundraising goals at the unit’s annual program planning meeting.
- Set up Show & Sells.
- Hold your unit kick-off.
- Place your first unit order by July 20.
- Get your Scouts ready to start online sales on August 1.
Resources
Did your unit miss Popcorn Training? You can view the recording on our Popcorn Sale webpage. Make sure to review the 2022 Popcorn Guide while you’re there too!
Do you need help with any aspect of the sale? We have a great team of District Popcorn Kernels who are here to help you! You can find their contact information here.
Cub Scout Recruiting Kickoffs
Each district will hold a Fall Recruiting Kickoff for Cub Scout packs. Packs will receive recruiting materials and learn how the council and district will partner with the unit to bring more families into Scouting. For the convenience of all leaders, each kickoff will take place at a scheduled District Roundtable.
- Albemarle: Wednesday, August 10
- Bayside: Tuesday, September 13
- Princess Anne: Tuesday, September 13
- Three Rivers: Thursday, September 8
Camp Cards: Sale Extended
To assist units with busy summer schedules, the Camp Card sale has been extended until August 22!
Contact your district executive to check out additional cards, return unsold cards, and to make payments.
Scout Shop
With summer in full swing, it’s a good time to stop by and visit the Scout Shop for all Scouting needs. We still have plenty of camping gear, uniforms, T-shirts, literature, and don’t forget the MOSQUITO NET!
Camping Gear
We have a good stock of our two-person 9-piece camping mess kits ($23.99). These kits are made of anodized aluminum for even cooking and easy cleanup, and they include a storage bag for take along. The 7-piece Cascadian table sets are also in stock ($14.99). These lightweight sets are durable, come with a carry bag, and include plate, bowl, cup, knife, fork, and spoon.
If you have a camping trip in the future, make sure to stock up on socks and extra activity T-shirts. We have the half ‘n’ half moisture-wicking T-shirts (half cotton, half polyester) with a price that can’t be beat ($12.99/ youth and $14.99/adult).
Kids' Activities
Got bored kids? We have science kits to spark their interest. The Smithsonian STEM Telescope is a great value ($14.99) for a beginner. It has the dual function of telescope (30X) or monocular and comes with an aluminum tabletop tripod. All you need is a clear night!
The Smithsonian Solar Powered Eco-Science Kit has THREE projects to build: a helicopter, a fan, and a windmill with LED. The kit includes a poster (but batteries not included). At $9.99, it’s worth every penny for children 8 years and older.
The Knot Typing pamphlet ($2.49) is a convenient activity while traveling. Just take along some cord and your Scout can spend hours practicing knots.
Cyber Chip
The Cub Scout Cyber Chip emblem is being discontinued. We still have some in stock and will continue getting them for Cub Scouts who earned them this year, as long as National Supply has them in stock. This award will not be part of the 2022-23 program, as it will be replaced by the “Protect Yourself” videos (appropriate for each rank).
Shipping
Need something shipped? We gladly send orders by USPS. You can email your order to polly.fugate@scouting.org or call us at 757-497-2688, and we can call you for a credit card number.
Scout Shop Hours
Our next holiday closing will be September 3-5 for Labor Day 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.
Trampoline Park Safety
An indoor trampoline park is an enclosed gymnasium-like space holding many connected trampolines that turn it into a massive trampoline area. What may seem like a fun and safe activity can actually pose many risks. You can identify and help to mitigate those risks with a little research and some discussion with your chosen facility.
Registration Fees
The National Council, Boy Scouts of America has worked to keep membership fees as low as possible. As you know, costs continue to rise, and the annual fee must be increased to address the fiscal realities to deliver a safe and quality Scouting program.
To ensure the necessary resources to fulfill the promise of Scouting, the following national membership fee structure will take effect August 1, 2022.
- $75 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts participants (pro-rated). This is an increase of $3 per year (pro-rated increase of $0.25 per month).
- $45 for Exploring participants (pro-rated). No change from current fees.
- $30 for council-paid memberships (pro-rated). No change from current fees.
- $45 for all adult volunteers (includes cost of background check; pro-rated). No change from current fees.
- $100 for a unit charter/affiliation fee (paid only for new charters and at charter renewal). This is an increase of $25.
- $25 one-time joining fee for new program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts (not pro-rated). No change from current fees.
- $15 for optional Scout Life magazine. (This $3 per year increase is the first price increase since 2005.)
The national membership fee helps cover the cost of essential services, including program resources, liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, criminal background checks, youth protection, and the development of intellectual property for national, council, and unit programs. As we move forward, the National Council, BSA will continue to look at the membership fee structure and how the Scouting program is delivered for future generations.
Local council fees are not changing at this time. Tidewater Council only collects council fees during charter renewal.
As always, Tidewater Council will continue offering financial assistance. Every youth deserves the opportunity to be a Scout. If interested in contributing to the ScoutReach fund to assist local families, please click on the “Donate” button at the top of the page and put “ScoutReach donation” in the description field on the second page.
Family Den Pilot Program
Tidewater Council is participating in the Boy Scouts of America National Family Den Pilot Program.
What does this mean?
- Current Family Packs can have gender-integrated dens from Lions to Webelos (grades K-4)
- Arrow of Light dens (grade 5) must remain gender separate to help facilitate moving into Scouts BSA
How can a Cub Scout pack sign up to participate?
To participate in the pilot program, the pack must fill out a Family Den Pilot Program Pack Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and return it to their district executive by September 1, 2022. The committee chair and the chartered organization representative both must sign the MOU.
Once the pack turns in the MOU, the council will designate the pack as participating in the pilot. This will allow the pack to set up the dens in Scoutbook.
Online Program Resources Video
A new video has been created to help unit leaders navigate the Scouts BSA Resources website. This quick ten-minute tour navigates through the Troop Leader and Troop Program Resource portions of the page. The video highlights the useful information in these sections, which is often overlooked or hard to find.
STEM Nova and Supernova Awards
The STEM Nova and Supernova Awards are available for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Sea Scouts. Since June 1, 2022, these awards are now administered by local councils rather than the National Council.
Registration Beyond the Age of Eligibility
Sometimes a Scout with special needs or disabilities wants to continue participating in youth programming even after the age to advance has been reached. Consider the youth’s abilities, mental and physical maturity, and social awareness. It may be appropriate to register the Scout beyond the age of eligibility. More information can be found in the Guide to Advancement section 10.1.0.2.
Youth and adults who are developmentally disabled or cognitively impaired, or youth with severe physical challenges, may be considered for registration beyond the ages of eligibility: age 11 or older for a Cub Scout, 18 or older for a Scouts BSA member, or 21 or older as a Venturer or Sea Scout. It is not necessary for Scouts to wait until reaching the end of the age eligibility for their program to submit the request. An adult of any age who has developmental disabilities, for example, may be considered for youth membership and join Scouting if a qualified medical professional is able to correlate cognitive abilities to less than the upper limit of an eligibility age.
Caregivers for Scouts with Disabilities
Some BSA youth members have medical conditions, disabilities, or special needs that prevent them from caring for themselves in certain ways independently. For example, some Scouts with disabilities may be unable to bathe themselves, dress themselves, or use the restroom. These Scouts require adult caregivers.
Under the general BSA youth protection policies, only a parent or legal guardian is allowed to do these things for their own child. However, a parent or guardian may not always be available when a Scouting activity takes place. To allow full participation in the program, a caregiver is an acceptable alternative when approved by the local council and charter organization.
A caregiver in Scouting (CIS) is an adult, other than a parent or legal guardian, who has been delegated responsibility by the Scout’s parents/guardians to provide personal assistance for an individual Scout, where that assistance requires touching, one-on-one contact, or presence in private spaces (sleeping quarters, bathing quarters, etc.) that would not ordinarily be allowed to a non-parent by standard BSA youth protection rules. A CIS is not required to have professional qualifications or licenses for caregiving as long as they are trusted by the family.
If you have a Scout who needs assistance from a CIS, please contact richard.becker@scouting.org for more information.
Neurodiversity Conference
Join the Boy Scouts of America National Special Needs and Disabilities Committee for a conference on neurodiversity. This in-person conference will take place on October 28-30, 2022 in Cedar Knolls, NJ. Topics include autism, ADHD, executive functioning, self-removal strategies, obsessive compulsive disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder.
Development Corner
Take Action: Ways to Support Local Scouting
Connect on Social Media
Help us expand our reach on social media by liking and sharing.
Facebook: @tidewaterbsa
Instagram: @tidewatercouncilbsa
LinkedIn: tidewaterbsa
Annual Leadership Breakfast
Recruit community groups or businesses to host a table of ten to attend the 2023 Annual Leadership Breakfast featuring Mark Moseley on March 15, 2023. Contact Susan Miley-Petrehn for more information.
Civic Organizations
- Ask them to choose Tidewater Council as one of the recipients for funds raised at their next special event.
- Do they have guest speakers at their meetings? Contact us to request a presentation about the value of local Scouting.
Special Occasions
Is a loved one celebrating a graduation, birthday, or Scouting milestone? You can give a memorial or tribute gift in their honor.
Is your family or company hosting a party? You can ask for donations to support Scouting in lieu of gifts.
Volunteer
In addition to the many ways that you support program delivery, there are also opportunities available to volunteer with finance. Help plan the Darden Gala, volunteer at the Rick Anoia Scouting Golf Classic, do Friends of Scouting presentations, and more. There is an opportunity for everyone – contact Susan Miley-Petrehn for more information.
Report Service Hours
Tidewater Council reports Scouts’ service hours to United Way and other charitable organizations, and this information impacts the amount of their financial gifts. Report your Scouts’ service hours to help show the community impact of local Scouting programs. Scouts are already doing a Good Turn daily – it just takes a few minutes more to record their community service.
AmazonSmile
If you shop on Amazon, use AmazonSmile and direct your support to Tidewater Council. There is no extra cost to you.
Donate
Friends of Scouting donations stay local to support families in northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia. You can fill out a Friends of Scouting pledge card and email it to your district executive or give online by using the Donate button at the top of this page.
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
Fundraising Assistant Job Opening
Tidewater Council has an opening for a fundraising assistant.
The fundraising assistant will be responsible for fundraising record keeping, data entry, assisting with preparation for special events, customer service, and general office support.
Candidates must work well in a fast-paced office and be proficient in Microsoft Office. Blackbaud experience is a plus.
We are accepting emailed resumes and cover letters. Please email hr@tidewaterbsa.com to apply. Phone calls and in-person inquiries will not be accepted.
Tidewater Council is an equal opportunity employer.
National Scout Jamboree Service Team
What makes a Jamboree awesome? What is the key to a world-class, life-changing experience? It’s you. If you love Scouting and being part of a high-performing team that delivers amazing experiences, then the 2023 National Scout Jamboree Service Team wants you. The 2023 National Scout Jamboree is all about moving Scouting forward.
ScoutReach Volunteers
ScoutReach is the outreach program of the Boy Scouts of America, bringing Scouting’s leadership and character-building programs to underserved communities. Tidewater Council currently has three ScoutReach programs, all of which are seeking volunteer support.
- The Seatack area in Virginia Beach has a monthly evening program for families with elementary-aged youth. Contact Rich Becker at 757-575-6609 or richard.becker@scouting.org if you are interested in assisting. This program will resume in September.
- Lindenwood Elementary in Norfolk has a biweekly afterschool program. Contact Bill Lawrence at 828-582-6955 or Bill.Lawrence2@scouting.org if you are interested in assisting. This program is on summer break, but will resume in October.
- Southwestern Elementary in Chesapeake has an afterschool program. This program is on a summer break, but will resume in the fall. Contact Christina Viglietta at 757-969-2396 or christina.viglietta@scouting.org if you are interested in assisting.
Photographers
Want to be in the middle of the action and create lasting memories for years to come? Tidewater Council is seeking volunteer photographers to capture the excitement of local Scouting events. If interested, please contact alison.harrison@scouting.org.
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
Congratulations to some of our newest Eagle Scouts!
On June 12-13, the Tidewater Council Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Center conducted its first Adventurous Journey. Four participants biked 24 miles each way on the Capital Virginia Trail from Jamestown to Charles City! Simone, Evan, Randall, and Scarlett led the way and worked together to make it to their destination.
If you or your Scouts are interested in participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or learning more, please contact Laura Bussiere or Joel Nied. #WORLDREADY
Three generations of the Arroyo family enjoyed summer camp together at Camp Tuscarora in Four Oaks, NC.
John Sr. started in Scouting in 1989 with his son, and recently re-registered as an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 180.
John III started Scouting as a Tiger Cub in 1989, continuing on to earn the Eagle Scout rank with Troop 180 in 2001. He is now a US Coast Guard Petty Officer and an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 180.
John IV started Cub Scouts as a Bear in 2019, and joined Troop 180 in 2022. This experience at Camp Tuscarora was his first year at Scouts BSA summer camp.
The Arroyo family is pictured here with John Matroni, longtime Scoutmaster of Troop 180.
Scouters gathered for Popcorn Training on July 5 and July 12. The “Crunch to a Million” Popcorn Crew is ready to support your unit’s sales!
(from left)
Bill Lawrence, Assistant Scout Executive
Alison Harrison, Popcorn Staff Advisor
Krista Dunn, Bayside District Popcorn Kernel
Beth Albertson, Three Rivers District Popcorn Kernel
Pam Samples, Council Popcorn Kernel
Tony Montemurno, Princess Anne District Popcorn Kernel
Erin Alford, Bayside District Popcorn Kernel
Rudy Nimmo, Three Rivers District Popcorn Kernel
(not pictured) Brenda Johnson, Albemarle District Popcorn Kernel
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