Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Tzofim Friendship Caravan’s Community Performance
July 17
The Tzofim Friendship Caravan is returning to Tidewater, celebrating 50 years of sharing excitement, energy, and friendship across North America.
A troupe of talented Israeli Scouts (called “Tzofim”) will celebrate culture, unity, friendship, and leadership through music, dance, and personal stories.
The Friendship Caravan will perform at the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community in Virginia Beach. The performance is free to attend, but RSVP is requested.
First Popcorn Order Due
July 23
The first unit popcorn order is due by Wednesday, July 23.
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.
Range and Target Activity Trainings
August - November
Interested in become a certified firearms or archery instructor? Tidewater Council’s Shooting Sports Committee can help Scout leaders fulfill these ambitions and become qualified to lead range and target activity programs for their units.
In 2025, Tidewater Council is offering training for multiple types of firearms. Not only that, but the council also offered its first USA Archery Level 1 Instructor course. Tidewater Council’s Shooting Sports Committee offers leaders opportunities to obtain instructor credentials at a fraction of the cost available elsewhere.
Class sizes are limited – sign up today!
Course Schedule
- NRA Basic Pistol Course: August 9 – WAITLIST ONLY
- NRA Pistol Instructor Course: September 6
- NRA Range Safety Officer Course: September 27
- NRA Basic Rifle Course: October 4 – WAITLIST ONLY
- NRA Rifle Instructor Course: November 1
Visit the Black Pug registration page for course details, pricing, and more information. For questions, please contact the Shooting Sports Committtee at [email protected].
Three Rivers Webelosree
September 26-28
Webelosree is back! Three Rivers District is excited to welcome Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts to a weekend campout designed just for them!
The Three Rivers Webelosree will offer several Adventures and electives that Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts will be able to complete.
Join in the fun and fellowship to bring this event back stronger than ever!
High Adventure Canoeing Training
September 26-28
Does your unit have a dynamic outdoor program that includes water sports activities? Have you taken a canoe trip with youth? Have you considered doing a weekend canoeing campout? How about a longer trip – a weeklong trip?
High Adventure programs bring out the best in youth. The first day is a bit of a struggle, but soon, their skill level improves, and they take up the challenge to complete the trip. High Adventure activities are a great way to retain older youth in a Scouting unit and deliver the promise of Scouting.
To undertake such a journey, every participant must learn the basic skills required. On September 26-28, Tidewater Council will provide training for participants to learn and understand the basic skills for canoe trips.
Course Curriculum
- Planning the trip
- Working a budget
- Making reservations
- Keeping costs affordable
- How to conduct work-up trips to ensure everyone is prepared to complete the trip
- Two nights of camping
- Two days of cooking
- And much more
Itinerary
Friday, September 26: The training will begin at Camp Moonyah in the Deep Creek area of Chesapeake.
Saturday, September 27: Participants will travel by canoe along the scenic Intercoastal Waterway. The trip will include transiting the locks at Great Bridge, and will end at Camp Baker on Centerville Turnpike. Participants will camp for the night at Camp Baker.
Sunday, September 28: The course will conclude around noon on Sunday.
Cost and Materials
The cost for the course is $35.00 per person. This fee includes food, canoe rental, course materials, and the camping fee.
Participants will bring their personal gear. A pre-meeting, with the date to be determined by participants, will include instructions on proper gear and how to waterproof.
Participant Qualifications
This course is designed for adults. A unit leader who registers for the course may bring one senior youth with them. Senior youth are the ones who would become crew leaders.
Space is limited. High Adventure trips are held in small groups, normally no more than twelve.
Contact
For further information, contact Jeffrey Irving at 757-646-5218.
CubCraft Cub Scout Family Camp
October 3-5
Gear up for CubCraft, where Cub Scouts build character one block at a time!
This pixel-packed adventure is loaded with fun!
- Range and target activities
- Sports and games
- STEM activities
- Exploring nature
- Crafts galore
- Campfire – bring a skit or a song to perform!
- Cooking competition
Save the date – registration opens August 1!
Princess Anne Fall Cuboree
October 10-12
Stir up some spooky fun at the 2025 Princess Anne Cuboree!
A bubbling brew of STEM, range and target activities, and Halloween thrills awaits – costumes, cauldrons, and adventure all weekend long!
Save the date – registration opens August 15.
Cub Scout Investigators Family Camp
November 7-9
Cub Scouts and their families are invited to participate in a variety of crime-solving and investigation activities at Pipsico Scout Reservation!
- Climbing and bouldering
- Range and target activities
- Games and crafts
- Scavenger hunt
- Campfire – bring a skit or a song to perform!
- Dessert bake-off competitions
- Door prize drawing
Save the date – registration opens September 8!
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
November 7-9 and November 14-16
National Youth Leadership Training is an exciting, action-packed program designed to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use. Participants must attend both weekends:
- Weekend 1: November 7-9 at Izaak Walton League Park, Chesapeake
- Weekend 2: November 14-16 at Camp Kiwanis, Pipsico Scout Reservation
The NYLT course centers around the concepts of what a leader must BE, must KNOW, and must DO. The key elements are taught with a clear focus on HOW TO.
Content is delivered in a troop and patrol outdoor setting with an emphasis on the immediate application of learning in a fun environment. Interconnecting concepts and work processes are introduced early, built upon, and aided, which allows participants to understand and employ leadership skills much faster.
For more information, contact [email protected].
National Scout Jamboree
July 22-31, 2026
Get ready for the ultimate Scouting experience! The 2026 National Scout Jamboree, being held from July 22-31, 2026 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia, is more than just an event—it is a high-adventure, memory-making, confidence-building journey that your Scout will never forget.
Picture thousands of Scouts from across the country coming together for ten action-packed days of ziplining, mountain biking, rock climbing, water sports, skateboarding, fishing, patch trading, leadership development, and lifelong friendships.
The National Scout Jamboree is a chance for Scouts to grow, explore, and connect in a way that only Scouting can offer. Whether they are looking for adrenaline-pumping adventure or a deeper connection to the Scouting movement, the Jamboree delivers.
Do not miss this incredible opportunity to be part of something big. Spots are filling quickly—learn how your Scout can be part of the excitement by visiting TidewaterBSA.com/jamboree.
National Scholarship Program
Dreaming of the 2026 National Jamboree but concerned about the cost? The National Scholarship Program is here to help!
The National Scholarship Program for the 2026 National Jamboree is designed specifically for Scouts who are excited to join this life-changing experience but may need financial support to make it happen.
Details
- Scholarships cover a portion of the national registration fee.
- Additional council fees (travel, gear, etc.) are not included.
- Full scholarships are rare; most awards cover less than half the national fee.
- Staff members are not eligible, but those aged 16–29 receive a reduced staff fee.
Deadlines
- Round 1: Apply by July 31, 2025 (notifications in early fall)
- Round 2: Apply by November 30, 2025 (notifications by mid-winter)
How to Apply
- Visit the official Jamboree site at Jamboree.Scouting.org/participants.
- Complete the online scholarship application.
- Submit by the appropriate deadline.
Don’t let finances hold you back. Apply today and take the first step toward an unforgettable adventure!
News
Scout Shop
Shop local at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop!
Eagle Scout Court of Honor
Have you seen the new Eagle Scout Court of Honor invitations and thank you cards?
The Scout Shop now has two design options for invitations and thank you cards!
There are also three design options for tableware to display your Eagle Scout pride!
Come check out the Eagles Nest section of the Scout Shop for all your Eagle Scout Court of Honor needs!
Welcome Lucas!
Visitors to the Scout Shop might see a new face around the store. Lucas C. will be interning with the Scout Shop throughout the summer and upcoming school year.
Lucas is joining the Scout Shop team as part of the Entrepreneurship and Business Academy program at Kempsville High School. He is a long-time Scout from Troop 375 in Virginia Beach and is excited to complete his internship at the Scout Shop.
If you see Lucas around the store, say hi and give him a friendly Scout welcome!
Performance Uniforms
Stock of the new performance uniform shirts and shorts is starting to decrease. These items are trial run items and, as such, once supplies run out, they are out for good.
If you are interested in the new lightweight moisture-wicking shirts and shorts, stop by the store and grab your size before they run out!
Shipping
Having a hard time getting to the Scout Shop? We are glad to ship orders by USPS. Just call us at 757-497-2688 or email [email protected]. We can fill the order, calculate shipping, and call you back for a VISA, Mastercard, or Discover credit card number.
Scout Shop Hours
The Scout Shop’s next holiday closing is August 30 for Labor Day weekend.
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.
- Raise funds for National Scout Jamboree and other exciting adventures.
- Tidewater Council offers some of the highest commissions in Scouting America.
- Tidewater Council provides gift cards and prizes to reward Scouts.
- Scouts learn salesmanship, communication, resilience, money management, goal-setting, planning, teamwork, and 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.
Eight Things to Do Now to Get Started
- Read the Popcorn Guide.
- If you didn’t attend Popcorn 101 or Popcorn Training, view the recordings here.
- 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 2025 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 order in Scout Boss by July 23.
- Get Scouts ready to start online sales on August 1.
Scouting Safety Moment
It is recommended to include a Scouting Safety Moment during meetings to inform Scouts and parents and keep everyone safe. Numerous downloadable Scouting Safety Moments are available here.
CPR
Are you prepared to help in a real and very common crisis—one that could happen at any time? Do you know how to correctly perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?
Performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible greatly increases the chance of someone surviving cardiac arrest. Everyone should learn these lifesaving techniques.
Religious Emblems
Cub Scout Family and Reverence Adventures
Cub Scouts of all ages may choose to earn their rank-specific Family & Reverence Adventure by earning the Religious Emblem of their family’s preference.
The Religious Emblems programs have been developed over the years by religious groups in conjunction with Scouting America. Though the programs are administered by the religious groups themselves, they have been approved by Scouting America.
Scouts working on the Religious Emblem for their faith use curriculum booklets produced by their religious organization. Contact the Scout Shop to ask about the booklets in stock, or reach out to your religious organization to obtain the proper curriculum booklet.
If a Cub Scout’s religious emblem award covers two years, then they’ve earned the Family & Reverence Adventures for both of those years.
Learn more by reading “Cub Scouting’s Family & Reverence Adventures are great for winter break” from Aaron on Scouting.
Virtual Religious Emblem Opportunity
P.R.A.Y. (Programs of Religious Activities with Youth) has an opportunity for Protestant Scouts to earn their religious medal virtually.
Salem in Ballwin United Methodist Church, P.R.A.Y., and the national committees and associations of Protestant faiths announced that national virtual programs are returning for 2025. While not intended to replace in-person religious emblems or awards participation, this program makes the religious emblems available to all youth, especially those who are having difficulty finding an in-person class or congregational support near them.
These classes are open to any Protestant, Non-Denominational, or Independent Christian youth in any organization, grades K-12, who is interested in fortifying their experience through their faith.
Classes will be offered in each of the five program levels and will be presented over Zoom. There is room for 2,000 total students (400 per program offered). Registration is free and open until September 30.
Detailed information for each program and registration can be found by visiting the P.R.A.Y. Virtual Programs page at praypub.org/virtual-programs.
Contact
For questions on Religious Emblems programs, contact Marianne Tate at [email protected].
Registrar's Corner
The National Council of Scouting America has produced job aids to help units and individuals with common registration situations. Click on the topics below for step-by-step instructions with screenshots.
- Individual Registration Renewal
- Parent Renewal of a Youth
- Unit Pay for Member Renewal
- How to Manage Member ID Number
- How to Transfer from One Council to Another Online
- Key Steps for Membership and Unit Renewal
Units and families, please communicate with each other about membership payments to ensure that memberships are not double paid.
Blue Heron Lodge Dues
This year, Blue Heron Lodge is giving out the amazing Council of Chiefs Year of Change Lodge Flap as a thank you – just for paying your dues!
To pay Lodge dues for 2025, visit: scoutingevent.com/596-OA2025Dues.
If you are a member of another Lodge and would like to transfer into Blue Heron Lodge, please let us know. For questions, email Mike Maruska at [email protected] or Noel Falcon [email protected].
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.
Potable Water
Many thanks to a generous donor who has funded the potable water project!
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.
What's Next?
To achieve the success of these projects, we are reaching out to you in Tidewater Council to help fund the electrical power project either in full or in part. 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 [email protected] and Wes Parker at [email protected].
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 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 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.
- 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 Engagement
2025 Tidewater Veterans Day Parade: Honoring Vietnam Veterans
The 2025 Tidewater Veterans Day Parade will be a special opportunity to honor Vietnam War veterans, with the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. This year’s event will include The Moving Wall that honors those who passed in the war.
Any Vietnam War veterans who are interested in being a key component of the Scouting America Tidewater Council parade contingent should contact [email protected] to learn more.
2026 Virginia DWR Archery Open
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) invites the archery and conservation community to participate in the 2026 DWR Archery Open. The second annual competition will take place Saturday, January 10, 2026 in Richmond, Virginia.
Complete the interest form at dwr.virginia.gov/archery-open to subscribe to event updates.
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.
Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Congratulations to the new Eagle Scouts in June!
Scouts from Pack 490 and Troop 490, both chartered by St. Gregory the Great, and Pack 408, chartered by Church of the Ascension, visited and toured the Basilica of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Norfolk as part of the Catholic Scouting Jubilee Year. Each Scout earned a special Jubilee patch to commemorate the visit.
The Scouts and their families enjoyed learning about this historic church that dates back to 1858!
We want to hear from you! Send stories, photos, and videos of your Scouts in action to [email protected] (with parental permission, of course).