Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
First Popcorn Order Due
July 17
The first unit popcorn order is due by Wednesday, July 17.
Unit Popcorn Kernels must place the order through the unit Scout Boss account. Use order type “Show & Sell” and place the order in full cases. As in previous years, Chocolate Lovers, Cheese Lovers, Classic Trio, and Double Butter come as one item per case. All others come with eight items per case.
For additional instructions, see the Scout Boss Guide in the Popcorn Guide.
For assistance, please contact the District Popcorn Kernel.
Arrow of Light / Webelos Summer Camp
July 25-28
New for 2024 and featuring the updated Cub Scout Adventures, Pipsico Scout Reservation invites rising 4th and 5th graders, den leaders, and you to an all-new Arrow of Light/Webelos Summer Camp experience!
Per the Guide to Safe Scouting, these age groups are allowed to camp as dens with leaders.
This 4-day, 3-night program is packed full of activities exclusively for older Cub Scouts, including rappelling, air rifles, fire building, and more! All meals will be provided in our Dining Hall, and campers can sleep on the provided cots in platform tents, just like the older Scouts do at Summer Camp.
Don’t miss the kickoff to Tidewater Council’s Cub Scout theme for 2024-2025, Bug Hunters!
Cub Scout Summer Family Camp
Bug Hunters!
July 26-28
Calling all Bug Hunters!
Cub Scout Summer Family Camp is an opportunity for all Cub Scouts and siblings to participate in some of the new Adventures with the Summer Camp Staff at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Fish with your Scout, climb our rock wall, work on a conservation project, and enjoy our top-notch aquatics program. Enjoy a camp-wide campfire program on Saturday night and all the amenities available at Pipsico Scout Reservation, including our newly renovated Nature Center.
All meals will be provided in our Dining Hall. Families can choose to camp using our platform tents and cots or pitch their own tents.
Scouting for Blood Drive
August 7
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, August 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
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.
National Scout Jamboree
July 22-31, 2026
The next National Scout Jamboree will be held on July 22-31, 2026 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia! The National Scout Jamboree is a gathering of thousands of members of Scouting America from across the nation.
Start early in gauging interest in attending and planning fundraising so Scouts can take advantage of this unique opportunity. For assistance in planning unit fundraising, check out the popcorn sale or contact the district executive.
Reserve your spot for the adventure of a lifetime now with a $100 deposit!
News
Popcorn
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Seven Reasons to Sell Popcorn
- Fund your unit’s 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.
- Scouts develop salesmanship, camaraderie, and communication skills, and learn the value of earning their own way.
- Participation in the Popcorn Sale may help Scouts meet certain advancement requirements.
- It is easy to get started, with no upfront costs and no vendor contracts to negotiate.
- Our amazing team of District Popcorn Kernels is here to support you!
Seven Things to Do Now to Get Started
- Read the Popcorn Guide.
- Sign up for the sale at pecatonicariverpopcorn.com using Council Key 596TWC. Even returning Unit Popcorn Kernels will need to “Create Unit Profile” the first time they access this site for the fall 2024 sale.
- Develop the unit budget and fundraising goals at the unit’s annual program planning meeting.
- Set up Show & Sells.
- Hold a unit kick-off.
- Place the unit’s first popcorn order by July 17.
- Get Scouts ready to start online sales on August 1.
Resources
Did your unit miss Popcorn Training or Popcorn 101 for new kernels? You can view the recordings on the Popcorn Sale webpage. Make sure to review the 2024 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.
Blue Heron Lodge NOAC Contingent Needs Your Support
The National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) contingent needs your support to make Blue Heron Lodge’s presence at this year’s NOAC the most successful, and to best represent the great Blue Heron Lodge.
Krispy Kreme Donuts
The NOAC Contingent is partnering with Krispy Kreme donuts to offer one dozen of their original glazed donuts for $14. In return for your $14, you will receive a “Digital Dozen” certificate that does not expire and may be redeemed at any Krispy Kreme store.
To meet the goal, the NOAC contingent needs to sell 250 dozen donuts.
To purchase “Digital Dozens,” go to scoutingevent.com/596-Krispy_Kreme and follow the on-screen instructions.
Certificates will be emailed to you. Certificates are processed in batches, so there will be some delay until you receive yours. Contact Mack Brunson if you have questions about this fundraiser.
Contact
Philip Durant
NOAC Contingent Lead
Billy Howey
NOAC Fundraising Lead
Mack Brunson
NOAC Adviser
mack_brunson@yahoo.com
619-972-3790
Scout Shop
After being closed for a week (June 29 – July 5), the Scout Shop reopened on Saturday, July 6. As you prepare for camping and other events, keep in mind the Scout Shop has a good stock of supplies. Whether the need is for uniforms or camping gear, we can help.
New Cub Scout Program
As most Cub Scout leaders and parents are aware, the new Cub Scout program officially began on June 1. New Cub Scout handbooks are available ($23.99) for Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light. (Webelos and Arrow of Light now use two separate handbooks.) The Lion and Tiger ranks use the pamphlet kits for youth and adults, which sell for $12.99.
The NEW awards are in stock, and the awards from the previous program are in a “discontinued” section for packs still needing them.
Need an Eagle Gift?
The Scout Shop carries knives that any Eagle would appreciate. We have the small seven-function Victorinox Swiss Army knife ($24.99) with the Eagle rank engraved. This small knife (2.25”) easily fits in a pocket and can be very useful. The larger (3.5”) 12-function Victorinox Tinker knife has a blue background with white stars and an Eagle head. This knife sells for $37.
Another new addition to our Eagle gift section is the set of Eagle coasters. This ceramic 4-pc. coaster set is cork-backed with the Eagle rank displayed inside a navy background. Each coaster is 4”x 4”, and the set sells for $24.99.
Help New Families Be Prepared
Leaders, as we have previously mentioned, we need your help to help our customers. New recruits and parents often come in for uniform items without knowing a unit number, color of neckerchief, den number, or other things relevant to the unit. Please help your new families have a successful shopping trip by making sure they have this information.
Shipping
We continue to ship orders by USPS. Just email polly.fugate@scouting.org or staci.vankirk@scouting.org. We can get the order together, calculate shipping, and call you for a VISA or Mastercard number.
Scout Shop Hours
Our next holiday closing will be Saturday, August 31 through Monday, September 2 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.
Orthopedic Injuries
We all know how easy it is to turn an ankle on a rough trail with a heavy pack on our backs. Even minor injuries can quickly bring a trip to an unpleasant end. Injuries of the bones (fractures), joints (dislocations), ligaments (sprains), or muscles and tendons (strains) are common after falls, collisions, twists, or overuse. Fortunately, many of these types of injuries can be prevented.
Channing Zucker Patches
Join us in celebrating our Class of 2023 Eagle Scouts honoree, Distinguished Eagle Scout Channing Zucker!
Channing was recently featured in the Scouting Magazine article, “Decorated military veteran encourages young Scouts to continue to serve Scouting.”
If you would like to purchase one of the Channing Zucker commemorative shoulder patches, please contact Wes Sherman at William.Sherman@scouting.org. A special discount is available for members of Tidewater Council’s 2023 Class of Eagle Scouts and for sponsors of the 2024 Council Banquet.
Help Needed: Camp Moonyah Improvement Projects
Camp Moonyah has been an integral part of Tidewater Council’s camps for more than 85 years. As such, it has a rich history hosting functions, events, celebrations, and ceremonies encompassing all arenas of the Scouting program. Over the past many, many decades, dedicated volunteers have continually strived to improve the camp to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for all. Even with past improvements, it is time to bring this facility into the 21st century. To that end, there are two proposals before council:
Introduction of Electrical Power
Working with Dominion Power, bringing power into Camp Moonyah will require several measured electrical wire runs of 250’+ from a transformer located off property to the maintenance shed where the meter base would be located. Because of the distance, a 25kw transformer will be required to maintain a continual, safe load of power. The cost of connection to a power source, running a total of 500’+ of underground cable, the transformer, and other fees associated with this project will run from $10,000 – $12,000.
Potable Water
Working with the City of Chesapeake water department, tapping into an existing water line conveniently located just outside the camp entrance will bring viable potable water into the camp. City connection fees, trenching a water line to a meter and further on to end at a frost-free water spigot similar to those in use at Pipsico will run from $3,400 – $5,000.
What's Next?
To achieve the success of these projects, we are reaching out to you in Tidewater Council to either help fund in full or in part one or both of these projects. By doing so, you will ensure the continued success and growth of Camp Moonyah for decades to come.
For questions or to find out more about how you can support Camp Moonyah improvements, please contact Ron Misfeldt at mustangron@aol.com and Wes Parker at wparker@pipsicobsa.com.
Development Corner
Sponsor a Tent at Pipsico Scout Reservation
Many of Pipsico Scout Reservation’s tents have been in service for 30 years. In order to continue to provide a high-quality camping experience for our Scouts, Tidewater Council is replacing 200 tents between 2023-2027.
Based on the recommendation of our Camping Committee, we are replacing the current wooden platforms and ridge pole system tents with new platforms and Diamond Brand tents with aluminum-mounted frames. In addition to housing Scouts and keeping them dry, the new tents will exponentially decrease the time needed for tent setup and takedown. The cost of a new tent, platform, and frame is approximately $1,640 each. A contribution in any amount is appreciated, and will be designated to provide new tents at Pipsico.
Thank you for ensuring that our Scouts enjoy their camping adventures at Pipsico!
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.
Program Ideas
July
- Space Exploration Day: July 20
- Work on the Space Exploration merit badge.
- Work on the Sky is the Limit Adventure for Tigers.
- Learn about astronauts who were youth Scouts.
- Learn about the newest Eagle Scout astronauts.
- National Hammock Day: July 22
- Share the Hammock Safety for Camping Safety Moment.
- Share the “Hammock camping, the BSA way” article in Scouting Magazine.
- World Nature Conservation Day: July 28
- Work on the Environmental Science merit badge.
- Work on the Soil and Water Conservation merit badge.
- Work on the Sustainability merit badge.
- Work on the Cub Scout rank-specific Champions for Nature Adventure.
- Work on a World Conservation Award.
- Conduct a conservation service project.
August
- Family Fun Month
- Go camping.
- Have a barbecue or campfire.
- Go fishing.
- Have a family field day at a local park.
- Invite new families to check out Scouting’s adventures!
- World Scout Scarf Day: August 1
- Wear your neckerchief!
- National Lighthouse Day: August 7
- National S’mores Day: August 10
- Gather your unit, patrol, or den for a campfire and everyone’s favorite campout treat!
- National Radio Day: August 20
- Work on the Radio merit badge.
- Learn about, and make a plan to participate in, Jamboree-on-the-Air.
- National Trail Mix Day: August 31
- Go for a hike and enjoy some trail mix.
- Discuss the best trail mix ingredients – and then make some!
- If you’re selling popcorn, tell your customers it’s National Trail Mix Day.
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. You may also visit NC 211 or 2-1-1 Virginia for assistance finding resources.
Community Engagement Fundraising Opportunity
Virginia Beach Water Lantern Festival: August 3
The Virginia Beach Water Lantern Festival is seeking workers to assist with set-up and event tasks. This is a fundraising opportunity that could benefit troops, crews, ships, or posts. Crew members must be 15 years of age or older. An adult representative for the group must be present to collect a check, made out to the Scout unit, at the end of the shift.
If you are interested:
- Find more information on this flyer.
- Submit a Unit-Money Earning Application to Wes Sherman at William.Sherman@scouting.org.
- Only after receiving Wes’s approval, register the group with the Water Lantern Festival at this link.
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.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Congratulations to the newest Eagle Scouts!
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).
