Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
First Popcorn Order Due
July 22
The first unit popcorn order is due by Wednesday, July 22.
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 Activities Trainings
August - September
Want to learn how to run a safe range? Interested in joining range and target activities staff at council events like Outdoor Adventure Weekend? Want the ability to run unit-level range and target activities events for older Scouts? Tidewater Council offers multiple training opportunities for NRA and USA Archery certifications.
Course Schedule
- NRA Basic Shotgun: August 8
- NRA Basic Rifle: August 9
- NRA Basic Pistol: August 15
- NRA Instructor Pre-Qualification Range Day: August 16
- NRA Range Safety Officer: September 26
Contact
- If interested in assisting with range and target activities training, email nratc.twc@gmail.com.
- If interested in staffing a Tidewater Council range and target activities event, email shootingsports@pipsicobsa.com.
High Adventure Backpacking and Canoeing Training
September 11-13
Have you thought about traveling through the wilderness of our great country? Enjoying clear nights where you see so many stars that you cannot pick out a constellation? Observing wildlife in its natural habitat? Fishing in streams brimming with large bass or salmon? If you long to see nature unencumbered by man’s development, you should join or organize a High Adventure trip for your unit. Scouting’s High Adventure program allows you to travel through the undeveloped parts of our country and view nature at its best.
The heart of Scouting America’s program are the outdoor activities we conduct. The two separate training courses for High Adventure, backpacking and canoeing, are scheduled for September 11-13, 2026. The training provides Scout leaders and senior youth with the skills to plan and conduct a High Adventure trek involving backpacking or canoeing.
Backpacking
In the backpacking training, participants will learn and practice the skills involved by hiking with full gear for at least 5 miles. The location of this hike will be announced by the summer.
Canoeing
The canoe training will begin at Camp Moonyah with basic training in canoeing, then participants will travel from Camp Moonyah to Camp Baker, a ten-mile trek, via the Intracoastal Waterway.
Course Details
Adult leaders will learn how to organize and execute one of these adventures, while the senior youth will learn what is expected of a crew leader.
The fee for a participant is $45, which includes food, canoe rentals, and site fees. Registration is now open in Black Pug. Each course is limited to 20 participants.
For further information, please contact Jeffrey Irving at 757-646-5218 or Chip Elliott at 858-386-6209.
Cub Scout Pool Party at Pipsico
September 11-13
Cub Scouts and their families are invited to make a splash this fall at the Cub Scout Pool Party at Pipsico Scout Reservation. This event will offer an opportunity for Cub Scouts ages 5–11 to connect with friends and enjoy aquatic fun in a safe, family-friendly environment.
Throughout the weekend, Scouts and siblings will rotate through a variety of aquatic-themed stations designed to promote confidence, teamwork, and fun. Activities may include open swimming, pool games, relay races, water rescue demonstrations, floating challenges, water safety instruction, and opportunities to practice basic swimming skills. Scouts can participate in aquatic-themed crafts, knot-tying challenges, sponge and bucket relays, fishing activities, and interactive programs focused on aquatics, wildlife, and fun in the outdoors.
2nd Annual Tidewater Council Air-O-Ree
September 17-20
Mark your calendar for the 2nd Annual Tidewater Council Air-O-Ree at the 2026 NAS Oceana Air Show!
This unique event is open to Cub Scout packs, Scouts BSA troops, Sea Scouting ships, Venturing crews, and Exploring posts.
- Come watch the Blue Angels and other top-tier aviators show the right stuff at the 2026 NAS Oceana Air Show
- Camp at Naval Air Station Oceana
- Participate in special Q&A sessions for Scouting participants
- Contribute service hours by helping with Foreign Object Debris (FOD) walkdown
- And MORE!
Campsites will be available starting Thursday night (September 17).
For questions, contact Chip Elliott at 858-386-6209 or chipselliott@gmail.com.
Save the date – more information is coming soon!
Three Rivers Webelosree
September 25-27
Webelosree is back again!
Three Rivers District is excited to offer Webelosree in fall 2026. There will be several Adventures and electives that Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts will be able to complete. Please join in for some fun and fellowship to make this event better and stronger than ever!
Three Rivers Webelosree will be held at Camp Kiwanis at Pipsico Scout Reservation, located in Surry, VA. This is an excellent opportunity for rising Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts to kick off their advancement in September. This camping event introduces Cub Scout youth to the leadership style of Scouting, where older youth lead, guide, and teach younger youth. Check out the Leaders Guide for details of what Adventures will be included during this event.
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) will be offered at Camp Kiwanis the same weekend. Leaders who plan to cross over to a troop with the youth can use this opportunity to get trained for their next adult leadership position. Leaders attending IOLS should use the separate IOLS registration.
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
September 26-27
Outdoor skills are critical to the success of the Scouting program. Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) provides leaders with the basic outdoor skills information needed to start a program right.
Working as patrols, this hands-on course provides adult leaders with the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable enough with the skills learned to coach and guide older Scouts. Those older Scouts can then teach younger Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank.
Every participant should bring writing materials and individual camping equipment as listed in the Scouts BSA Handbook. Please eat breakfast on Saturday before arriving. Lunch and dinner on Saturday, along with breakfast and lunch on Sunday, will be provided.
Leaders participating in other activities at Pipsico Scout Reservation (Outdoor Adventure Weekend or Three Rivers Webelosree) will camp and eat the meals not listed above with their units. Be sure to register as a “Camporee Participant.” Training will start Saturday directly after morning colors in Kiwanis. Additional information will be provided at the Friday leaders’ meeting in Camp Kiwanis. Information will also be provided to the Burton Center in Camp Lions.
Bring Annual Health and Medical Record parts A and B, along with proof of completion for SCO_800 Hazardous Weather.
Along with Scoutmaster Specific Training, IOLS is required for all direct contact leaders registered in Scouts BSA troops to be considered “trained.”
For questions, contact Charlie Tate at 3rtrainingchair@gmail.com.
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
November 6-8 and November 13-15
Get ready for an unforgettable leadership adventure at National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)! Join us during the first two weekends of November for a Scout Games-themed experience packed with exciting challenges, friendly competition, and hands-on leadership development.
NYLT is designed to help Scouts build the skills they need to lead with confidence. Participants will strengthen their communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership abilities while making new friends from across Tidewater Council. Whether they’re leading their patrol, troop, crew, or ship, NYLT provides practical tools and experiences they can take back to their unit.
Who Can Attend?
- Scouts who are 14 years of age or older
- Have earned the First Class rank or higher
- Have a Scoutmaster’s recommendation
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow as a leader, take on exciting challenges, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Register today at scoutingevent.com/596-NYLT2026.
Wood Badge
April 30 – May 2 and May 21-23, 2027
Wood Badge is an advanced, national leadership course for Scouting leaders. Scouters from Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring, and district and council Scouters all are welcome.
What do we learn?
- Listening
- Managing conflict
- Leading change
- Stages of team development
- Coaching and mentoring
- Leadership for different stages
- Servant leadership
- Project planning
- And more!
Why?
- Stronger units. Make your Scouting unit — and your sons’ and daughters’ units — stronger.
- What and why of Scouting. Develop a deeper understanding of what Scouting is and why we do it.
- Experience. Learn skills and useful leadership tools that will make a difference both inside and outside Scouting.
- Fun. Have fun and meet interesting people.
What's next?
If interested in attending as a participant or serving on staff, fill out this interest form. You’ll be the first to know as course updates are announced!
World Scout Jamboree
July 30 - August 8, 2027
The World Scout Jamboree is held every four years around the world. The next Jamboree will be held in Gdansk, Poland in the summer of 2027 and will have approximately 45,000 Scouts and leaders from over 140 countries in attendance.
Registration Waitlist
Registration for the US contingent is now 100% full. Information on joining the waitlist can be found at wsj2027.us.
Age Requirements
- Participants must be between the ages of 14-17 at the start of the Jamboree on July 30, 2027.
- Those over 17 at the start of the Jamboree can apply to be a unit leader or on staff.
- Those under age 14 are not eligible to attend the 2027 World Scout Jamboree. Save the date for the 2031 World Scout Jamboree in Denmark!
For More Information
- World Scout Jamboree website: jamboree2027.org
- US Contingent website: wsj2027.us
- In-council point of contact: Keegan Daley, kdaley8349@gmail.com, 716-381-7200
News
Ride the Wave with the Tidewater Council 2026 National Scout Jamboree Patch Set!
Celebrate the spirit of East Coast surfing in Virginia and North Carolina, and the 2026 National Scout Jamboree, with the exclusive Tidewater Council National Jamboree Patch Set. This limited-edition collection tells the story of Tidewater Council through some of the region’s most iconic surfing destinations, organizations, and personalities.
Only 100 complete sets are available! Your purchase helps fund the cost of sending 80 participants on the adventure of a lifetime at the National Scout Jamboree at Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia on July 22-31.
The Complete Set of Eight Patches Includes:
- Four National Jamboree Council Shoulder Patches (CSPs)
- 17th Street Surf Shop (Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Kill Devil Hills)
- Kai & Blayr Barton, National Surf Champions from Sandbridge Beach (sponsored by WRV)
- Cavalier Surf Shop (Nags Head)
- Virginia Beach Ocean Rescue
- Two Order of the Arrow Lodge Flaps
- Ocean Breeze Waterpark
- Exclusive Staff Lodge Flap
- One Hanging Dangle Patch
- Features the official Jamboree Gnome
- One Oversized Centerpiece Patch
- Showcases Wave Riding Vehicles and Atlantic Park Surf
- Ties the entire collection together in a stunning display
Whether you’re a surfer, collector, trader, Scouter, or supporter of Tidewater Council, this set is designed to be one of the most memorable collections from the 2026 National Scout Jamboree.
Limited Time Only!
Only 100 complete limited-edition sets remain for purchase. Once they’re gone, they’re gone! Online sales will close on Saturday, July 18 or when sold out.
Shop now at councilstuff.com/596-2026Jambo. The complete eight-patch set is available for only $75. Reserve yours today and be part of Tidewater Council’s National Jamboree adventure!
Popcorn
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Eight Reasons to Sell Popcorn
- Fund your program year and defray costs for Scouting families. Tidewater Council offers some of the highest sales commissions of all Scouting America councils.
- Sales proceeds not only support your unit, but also your local Scouting program and Pipsico Scout Reservation, Camp Moonyah, and Camp Baker, your council camps.
- Incentivize Scouts with prizes including patches, gift cards, and more.
- Teach Scouts salesmanship and the value of earning their own way.
- Scouts learn communication, resilience, money management, goal-setting, planning, and teamwork skills.
- Participation in the sale may help Scouts meet advancement requirements.
- It is easy to get started, with no upfront costs and no vendor contracts to negotiate.
- A team of volunteer leaders and council staff is here to support you.
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 2026 sale.
- Promote online sales (now open at prpopcornstore.com).
- Develop the unit budget and fundraising goals at the unit’s annual program planning meeting.
- Hold a unit kick-off.
- Set up Show & Sells.
- Place the unit’s first order in Scout Boss by July 22.
Pecatonica River Popcorn Training Video
- Sales Script (06:32)
- Online Resources (08:40)
- Apps to Manage Your Sales: My PR Popcorn and Kernel Tracker (12:10)
Registrar's Corner
BeAScout Update Coming August 3
On August 3, 2026, BeAScout will introduce an updated look and feel designed to better support prospective families. The enhanced experience will provide answers to common questions before families contact a unit, including:
- Estimated cost to join
- Unit meeting days and times
- Whether the unit charges additional dues
To support these improvements, several new fields have been added to the Unit Pin page in Organization Manager:
- Fundraising Helps Cover Costs
- Trial Visit Encouraged
- Unit Fee
- Meeting Schedule
- Meeting Frequency
- Meeting Day
- Start Time
- End Time
Unit leaders can now begin updating these fields within their Unit Pin settings. Please complete these updates prior to August 3, 2026 to ensure unit details are accurate and fully displayed in the updated BeAScout experience.
NOTE: Changes to these fields in Unit Pin settings will not reflect until August 3, 2026.
Managing Multiple Member IDs
For assistance managing multiple member IDs in one My.Scouting account, see this job aid.
Tidewater Council is council #596 and is headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA.
For assistance, please contact registration@twchelpdesk.raiseaticket.com.
Scouting Safety Moment
It is recommended to include a Scouting Safety Moment during meetings to inform Scouts and parents and keep everyone safe. Numerous Scouting Safety Moments are available here.
Mental, Emotional, And Social Health
A person’s mental, emotional, and social health (MESH) can change quickly, including during Scouting activities such as a campout or unit meeting. Consequently, we must Be Prepared for MESH challenges in our youth and adults, just as we prepare for other medical concerns. Scouting America uses the U-S-A Model—a simple, practical approach to help everyone respond when a person may need some help.
Religious Emblem Opportunities
Cub Scout Family and Reverence Requirement
Cub Scouts of all ages have the option to earn their Family & Reverence Adventure by earning the Religious Emblem of the Cub Scout family’s preference, if they choose to do so.
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. To obtain the proper curriculum booklet, contact the Tidewater Council Scout Shop to check if it is in stock, or reach out to the religious organization.
If the Cub Scout’s religious emblem award covers two years, then they’ve earned the Family & Reverence Adventures for both of those years.
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 are excited to announce that national virtual programs are returning for 2026. Sessions begin October 11, 2026. These programs will be beneficial in making religious emblems and awards 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 Kindergarten through 12th, interested in fortifying their experience through their faith. Classes in each of the five program levels are offered and will be presented over Zoom. There is room for 2,000 (400 per program offered) total students.
Registration is free and open until September 30, 2026.
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.
Scouts BSA SPL Summit
A New Opportunity for Youth Voices in Scouts BSA
Scouts BSA is excited to announce the next step in gathering youth feedback: the Scouts BSA SPL Summit.
Building on the foundation established by the National Youth Council, the SPL Summit will bring together Senior Patrol Leaders from troops across the country to share ideas, provide feedback, and help strengthen the program for Scouts everywhere.
The goal is simple: Listen to the youth leaders who experience Scouts BSA every week and ensure their voices help shape the future of the program.
More information, including participation details and launch plans, will be announced by the National Council this summer. The SPL Summit officially launches in September 2026.
Make the Most of the Scouting America Tidewater Council Marketing Toolkit
Did you know that Tidewater Council has a Marketing Toolkit to help leaders, Scouts, and families expand the reach of Scouting’s voice? Assets include logos, social media guidelines and strategy, digital safety resources, Scouting terminology glossary, free tools and design software, best practices, and more.
Microsoft Publisher to Sunset
Microsoft Publisher software will be discontinued in October 2026. While some software platforms retire by eliminating product support and updates, Publisher’s sunset is a complete discontinuation. Users will not be able to open or edit Publisher files.
If you have a unit brochure, calendar, new Scout packet, or other items built in Publisher, act now to ensure you are able to retrieve the content of your designs. More information can be found at support.microsoft.com.
Scout Shop
Scout Shop Hours
The current Scout Shop hours are:
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Celebrate Your American Pride in Red, White, and Blue!
The Scout Shop has a new Americana T-shirt. It honors more than a century of Scouting tradition with a design rooted in heritage and everyday wearability. Clean, classic, and easy to style, this tee reflects the values and history that have shaped generations of Scouts. Available in adult sizes small – 2XL.
Now Hiring
District Executive
Since 1910, Scouting has helped shape the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. Scouting 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 Christy Cooper at christy.cooper@scouting.org.
Pipsico Tree Photos
A favorite stop on a Pipsico Scout Reservation hike is the Pipsico Tree, a tulip poplar nearly 20 feet in circumference that predates the arrival of the first English colonists.
Pipsico’s Heritage Area team and volunteer camp maintenance team, the Busy Beavers, are seeking your photos with the Pipsico Tree for a collage and slideshow. Please send any photos to klull179@gmail.com to be included in the display.
Development Corner
Friends of Scouting
Friends of Scouting is Tidewater Council’s annual giving campaign. The generosity of Scouting families, alumni, and community supporters keeps the overall cost of Scouting affordable so all families can participate. Tidewater Council’s goal is to raise $550,000 through Friends of Scouting in 2026.
United Way Donor Designations
Tidewater Council is a partner agency with Albemarle Area United Way and United Way of South Hampton Roads. Did you know that you can designate a United Way gift to local Scouting?
- For Albemarle Area United Way, you can designate your gift to support Scouting America Tidewater Council (4004).
- For United Way of South Hampton Roads, you can designate your gift to support Scouting America Tidewater Council.
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, or any outstanding Scout or Scouter.
Program Ideas
July
- Space Exploration Day: July 20
- Visit a local planetarium.
- Work on the Space Exploration merit badge.
- Work on the Sky is the Limit Adventure for Tigers.
- 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:
- 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!
- National Golf Month
- Work on the Golf merit badge.
- 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 Leathercraft Day: August 15
- Work on the Leatherwork merit badge.
- World Photography Day: August 19
- Work on the Photography merit badge.
- National Radio Day: August 20
- Work on the Radio merit badge.
- Learn about, and make a plan to participate in, Jamboree-on-the-Air.
- Internet Self-Care Day: August 21
- Discuss digital safety and Scouting America’s Social Media Guidelines with youth.
- Watch Scouting America’s personal safety videos:
- Personal Safety Awareness Video Series for Scouts BSA members
- Protect Yourself Rules for Lion Cub Scouts
- Protect Yourself Rules for Tiger Cub Scouts
- Protect Yourself Rules for Wolf Cub Scouts
- Protect Yourself Rules for Bear Cub Scouts
- Protect Yourself Rules for Webelos Cub Scouts
- Protect Yourself Rules for Arrow of Light Cub Scouts
- Share mental health-related Safety Moments:
- Provide online mental health resources, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) and Scouting America’s Bullying Awareness resources.
- Encourage families to do a digital detox and unplug with a unit hike or outing.
- 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
Community Care Assistance
Does your family need assistance accessing community resources? Tidewater Council is a partner agency with Albemarle Area United Way and United Way of South Hampton Roads, 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!
Scouting America Featured on Life Outdoors
In a recent episode of WAVY-TV 10’s Life Outdoors, Tidewater Council President John Scheib shared how Scouting helps young people build character, resilience, leadership, and confidence through outdoor adventure and hands-on experiences.
From stories of learning through failure to the lasting impact of earning the Eagle Scout rank, the conversation highlighted how Scouting continues to shape future generations more than a century after its founding. Watch the full interview to hear about the life-changing experiences that keep thousands of local youth coming back year after year.
Scouts across Tidewater Council joined thousands of youth around the world for the 2026 Scouts Read Sacred Texts event in May, taking time to explore the sacred writings and faith traditions that are meaningful to them. The event encourages Scouts to reflect on their beliefs, deepen their understanding of others, and live out the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
This year, 204 Scouts from Tidewater Council participated, reading for a combined total of 2,925 minutes (48.75 hours)! Worldwide, the event brought together 15,175 participants from 28 countries and 47 U.S. states, who logged an incredible 4,535 hours reading sacred texts.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this year’s event a success!
The 2027 Youth Read Sacred Texts Worldwide event will take place October 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027. Many participants will choose to read during the week of the National Day of Prayer on May 6, 2027. This expanded participation period allows Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA members to use their participation to fulfill Duty to God advancement requirements. Mark your calendars now!
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).