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.
Our 2023 Friends of Scouting campaign has raised $473,137 for local Scouting, 102.9% of our $460,000 goal!
Campaign Progress as of June 13, 2023
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal:
While we have achieved the 2023 Friends of Scouting goal, our team is continuing to hold family presentations and reach out to community donors.
Join the community of supporters by submitting a pledge card to william.sherman@scouting.org or donating online.
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
Beaver Day
June 17
OA Summer Camp Workday, also referred to as Beaver Day, is a chance for everyone (not just OA members) to help get Pipsico ready for summer camp. Help make camping areas and structures useful to everyone for years to come.
On Saturday, June 17, work will begin at 9 AM and end around 4 PM. There will be projects for everyone, skilled and unskilled alike. Whether you are a master carpenter, an amateur gardener, or a lawyer, everyone can be a “Busy Beaver” on a project of their choice. Some of the projects include:
- Setting up tents and cots
- Moving boats to waterfront and by the pool for cleaning
- Moving canoes to the waterfront
- Preparing staff cabins
- A list of projects will be available for troops looking for service hours and/or conservation hours.
- Volunteers with specialized skills not mentioned above, please contact Mike Maruska to coordinate a project.
As a thank you to volunteers, camping will be available at no cost on Friday and/or Saturday. Lunch will be provided for all who sign up.
To sign up for this AWESOME event and help kick off a great summer for the Scouts, please visit scoutingevent.com/596-workday23.
For questions, contact Council Maintenance Chairman Mike Maruska at 757-641-2373 or mikemaruska1179@gmail.com.
Rick Anoia Scouting Golf Classic
June 22
Are you looking for a fun day on the golf course AND to support a good cause? Join us for the Rick Anoia Scouting Golf Classic at Virginia Beach National Golf Club on Thursday, June 22!
Enjoy 18 holes of golf at this premier course, plus lunch, dinner, contests, and prizes!
Golfers have a chance to win:
- A two-year lease on a Mercedes-Benz EQ or a Maserati Grecale
- A new driver of their choice (up to $549)
- A YETI cooler package
- A choice of Srixon golf balls (either 10 dozen Q-Star or 8 dozen Z-Star)
- And more!
If you are interested in volunteering at the event, please contact Christy Cooper at christy.cooper@scouting.org.
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 – REGISTRATION CLOSED
Week #3 – July 9 to July 15 – FULL
Week #4 – July 16 to July 22 – SLOTS AVAILABLE
Popcorn Training
July 12 & July 17
Join us to learn about the 2023 Tidewater Council Popcorn Sale!
There are two training dates available, and both trainings will be offered both in-person and virtually. The same information will be covered at each session, so pick the date that is best for you!
- Wednesday, July 12 at 6:30 PM
- Monday, July 17 at 6:30 PM
This popcorn training is designed for both new and returning popcorn kernels. We will focus on what is new for this year’s sale, best practices, and opportunities that can benefit your unit.
This training will be offered both in-person at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center and virtually. For questions, contact Pam Samples at popcorn@tidewaterbsa.com.
Scout Night with the Edenton Steamers
July 15
Join us at Historic Hicks Field in Edenton, NC on July 15 to cheer on the Steamers as they take on Catawba Valley!
Admission packages include a ticket, patch, and picnic meal consisting of a hamburger, hot dog, chips, and drink for $15.
There is also an opportunity to sleep on the field following the game – camping vouchers are available for an additional $5 each.
For questions, please contact Brian Chappell at bchappell14@gmail.com.
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:
Wednesday, August 2, 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
Princess Anne District Fall Camporee
October 20-22
The 2023 Princess Anne District Fall Camporee is coming to Camp Kiwanis at Pipsico Scout Reservation this fall!
Get ready for an adventure-filled weekend with:
- Scout skills and puzzles led by older Scouts
- Saturday night cookoff
- Potluck cracker barrel for youth and adults
- Saturday night campfire conducted by the Princess Anne chapter of the Blue Heron Lodge
For questions, please contact Sam Grinvalsky at sgrinvalsky@gmail.com or 757-639-7214. Save the date – registration is coming soon!
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
October 21-22
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) is a one-and-a-half day course that introduces leaders to the Cub Scout outdoor program. BALOO is designed for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their pack activities.
BALOO consists of an online pre-requisite component and an overnight, hands-on practical. The course teaches BSA’s Cub Scout level camping policies and the necessary tools to help units carry out a successful camping experience. When a Cub Scout pack or Webelos den camps, a minimum of one adult who has completed this training must be present on the overnight experience.
Save the date for the next BALOO course on October 21-22 at Camp Moonyah in Chesapeake. Registration opens on August 23.
News
Popcorn
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Six 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.
Six Things Your Unit Should Be Doing Now to Get Started
- Identify the Unit Popcorn Kernel.
- 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 2023 sale.
- Sign up for Popcorn Training. There are two training opportunities available: Wednesday, July 12 and Monday, July 17.
- Develop the unit budget and fundraising goals at the unit’s annual program planning meeting.
- Set up Show & Sells.
- Plan and promote the unit kick-off.
Resources
Did your unit miss Popcorn 101 for new kernels? You can view the recording on our Popcorn Sale webpage.
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.
Scout Shop
Summertime and fun-filled adventures go together! As exciting as summer can be with all the Scouting activities, there are some challenges that we can meet at the Scout Shop.
Going Hiking?
We have your back, literally, with a good supply of backpacks and daypacks to meet each need. Our Mountaineer backpacks come in 40 Liter ($99.99) and 60 Liter ($119.99) with the features needed for comfort and protection:
- Heavy duty breathable mesh on full length of frame
- Shoulder straps heavily padded and adjustable to fit short and tall body frames
- Adjustable padded waist belt and chest strap
- Full-size rain cover in bottom pocket
- Compression straps for securing gear
- Elastic cargo straps
- Many accessory loops for clipping on extras
- Hydration bladder pocket with water hose hole built in and hose clip on shoulder strap.
We also have daypacks for $49.99 and Sport Hydration packs for $34.99, all with great comfort and carrying features. Come in and check out our selection for YOUR best fit.
Tents
Tents are a must for overnight camping, and we have the “Be Outdoors” Sport Dome 7’ x 7’ x 48” for $69.99. These tents have waterproof flooring, factory-coated rain fly and seams, two interior storage pockets, side mesh panels and two windows for good circulation, plus shock corded fiberglass poles for quick connects. These are good quality tents that can sleep up to three for an unbeatable price.
Sleeping Bags
Sweet dreams with one of our sleeping bags. The Deluxe Mummy sleeping bags (20 degrees) sell for $59.99, while the Coleman Big & Tall Men adjustable comfort bags (30-70 degrees) are $69.99. Don’t forget a camping pillow (17” x 12”) for $12.99.
Camping Essentials
We have many other camping items as well as uniforms, socks, and “Class B” T-shirts. Let the Scout Shop be your one-stop-shop for ALL your camping needs. While you can order online from the National site at scoutshop.org, we are always willing to ship directly from our store to you by USPS. Just call us (757-497-2688) or email polly.fugate@scouting.org.
Please note: The items pictured and mentioned above are available ONLY through the Tidewater Council Scout Shop.
New Eagle Mug
The new Orca Chaser 27 for Eagle Scouts is a 27 oz. stainless steel bottle in bright red with the Eagle rank insignia. The double-walled vacuum seal keeps things hot or cold for hours, it has a clear spill-proof lid, is dishwasher safe, and sells for $39.99. This will make a wonderful gift for any Eagle Scout.
Scout Shop Hours
Our next holiday closing will be July 1-7. We will reopen on Saturday, July 8. Have a safe and happy 4th of July!
National Scout Jamboree Patches
On behalf of Tidewater Council and Blue Heron Lodge, there is a unique opportunity for the public to purchase National Jamboree contingent patches. Purchases of these collectible sets will help provide scholarships, tents, gear, and travel expenses for Scouts and leaders attending the 2023 Jamboree.
Tidewater Council Jamboree Shoulder Patches (JSP) celebrate the bountiful tidings of the Chesapeake Bay, Albemarle Sound, and Pamlico Sound. The patches highlight the state saltwater fish of North Carolina (the red drum) the state saltwater fish of Virginia (the striped bass), and the blue crabs of Tidewater’s waters. The staff JSP shows the Jefferson scallop, which can be found on the shores of Pipsico Scout Reservation along the James River.
Order the patch sets online at councilstuff.com/596-2023Jambo
There are two bundles available:
- All four Jamboree Shoulder Patches and the center patch for $35 per set
- All four Jamboree Shoulder Patches and the center patch, PLUS two OA flaps for $50 per set
Patch orders will be available for pick-up in the Tidewater Council Scout Shop in late June or early July. To request that patch sets be shipped, please change the delivery method from “Pickup at Council Service Center” to “Ship to My Address” at checkout.
Purchasers will be contacted by email when their order is ready for pick-up.
Quantities are limited – order today!
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.
Homesickness
Many of us can feel a bit out of sorts when away from familiar surroundings, and Scouts are no different. Many Scouts experience some symptoms of homesickness during campouts, and identifying these symptoms early and addressing them can help make the event a great experience for everyone.
Younger Scouts usually are those affected the most. Those who experience homesickness typically have little experience with separation, are anxious or depressed before camp, and may feel they have little control over their situation. They may have no camping experience, feel forced to attend, have insecurities at home, or have overheard their parents express anxiety about them leaving. Scout leaders can mitigate many of the potential problems of homesickness by planning ahead and following the advice found in the Homesickness Safety Moment.
BSA Swimwear Guidelines
Part of Being Prepared for summer fun is ensuring that Scouts have the right gear – and the right attire – for their activities.
Statement from the BSA National Aquatics Committee:
We recommend that swimwear should be comfortable, functional, and appropriate for the specific aquatic activity. As always, we remind everyone that Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse state, 'Appropriate attire is required for all activities.' Policies should reflect the BSA’s statement and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Additional Swimwear Considerations
- Swimwear must be clean.
- Swimming attire must be designed as swimwear.
- Swimwear must be appropriate to the activity.
- Swimwear must be secure enough to not shift or fall off while participating.
- Infants and toddlers must wear swimwear over swim diapers. Anyone not potty trained must wear a swim diaper.
- T-shirts or additional layers may be allowed if they do not hamper movement in the water.
- Safety is the most important component. Swimwear must protect each person’s health and safety, while maintaining dignity and respect.
Cub Scout Recruiting
Race to Scouting with Cub Scouts this fall!
The Membership Committee (and Scoutcar driver Bobby Katz) are developing great resources to help recruit new Cub Scouts this fall.
District executives will reach out to each Cub Scout pack to inform them about fall recruiting resources and to help build each pack’s custom recruiting plan.
Unit Dashboard Tool
A new unit tool has been added to My.Scouting under Organization Manager.
The Unit Dashboard shows all the unit program details from My.Scouting and Scoutbook in one place, including:
- Key Unit Leaders
- Commissioner(s)
- Youth protection and position training reports
- Roundtable attendance and upcoming roundtable location
- Youth membership
- Advancement
- Unit activities, including campouts, hikes, and service projects
- Unit charter renewal status
Summer Training
Summer is a great time to update training before the rush of fall activities. There are some trainings that must be renewed regularly. Leaders can check their training records in My.Scouting for training expiration dates.
- Youth Protection Training: Leaders who are renewing their membership for 2024 must have Youth Protection Training that expires on or after January 1, 2025.
- Safe Swim Defense: BSA groups use Safe Swim Defense for all swimming activities. Adult leaders supervising a swimming activity must have completed Safe Swim Defense training within the previous two years.
- Safety Afloat: BSA groups use Safety Afloat for all boating activities. Adult leaders supervising activities afloat must have completed Safety Afloat training within the previous two years.
- Hazardous Weather Training: The Hazardous Weather Training module covers hazardous weather conditions for which Scouts need to plan ahead, and the steps needed to be prepared. Hazardous Weather Training is required for direct contact leaders to be position trained, and is required for at least one leader on any overnight camping trip. Hazardous Weather Training must be renewed every two years.
- Climb On Safely: Climb On Safely is the Boy Scouts of America’s procedure for organizing BSA climbing/rappelling activities at a natural site or a specifically designed facility such as a climbing wall or tower. Contact Matt Russell at 757-597-8537 for information on climbing certification opportunities.
- Nap On Safely: While Nap On Safely is not required training, it is a favorite Safety Moment for long summer days.
Program Planning
Providing a year-round, quality Scouting program is the goal for every Scouting unit. Each unit should hold an Annual Program Planning Conference in the late spring or during the summer to plan an ideal year of Scouting.
The Program Planning Conference results in:
- An annual program plan
- A budget
- A fundraising plan to reach the program goals
- A well-managed, well-financed Scouting unit
In developing the annual program plan, it is important to focus on what the unit wants to do, not to get stuck on what it has always done.
What to bring?
- Journey to Excellence workbooks
- Calendars:
- Council calendar (use the “Print” function in the upper right corner to retrieve up to 12 months in a PDF format)
- School calendar(s)
- Chartered organization’s calendar
- Personal calendars for leaders
- Previous year’s budget
- Previous year’s fundraising goals (If the unit or leadership is new to unit fundraising, a recording of Popcorn 101 training is available here.)
- Before the unit program planning conference, survey Scouts on activities they enjoyed, activities they did not enjoy, and new activities they would like to try. Bring the survey results to the conference.
Resources
- Cub Scout Pack Meeting Plans
- Pack Committee Resources – Including budget planning resources
- Scouts BSA Unit Program Planning Tools
- Program Features consists of 48 themed modules to help make program planning easier for troop leaders. The mix of topics—outdoor, sports, health and safety, citizenship and personal development, STEM, and arts and hobbies—provide the kind of variety, adventure, and increasing challenge every unit needs to keep members coming back while also facilitating advancement.
- Venturing Annual Program Planning
- Sea Scouts Program Toolbox
- Exploring Program Planning Meeting Guide
- Exploring Activity Library
- The unit commissioner and/or district executive are available to assist
Community Engagement
Celebrate Freedom Event: July 3
Scouts, Scouters, and parents are invited to volunteer with Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism at the annual Celebrate Freedom event. Hand out freebies and help to recruit new Scouts. Stick around for the evening and enjoy patriotic music and fireworks! Class A uniforms are recommended.
If interested, please contact Mike Fererra at Mike1926@gmail.com.
National Night Out: August 1
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Check with local civic groups, neighborhood organizations, and chartered organizations for opportunities for Scouting units to get involved. This is a great way for Scouts to be involved citizens in the community, and for units to show off what Scouting has to offer!
Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit: July 6
The Daughters of the American Revolution, Adam Thoroughgood Chapter, is sponsoring a stop of the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit National Tour in Norfolk on July 6.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at Nauticus (1 Waterside Drive) from 10 AM – 4 PM. There will be a special “Welcome Home” Vietnam Veterans Ceremony at 11 AM.
The goal of the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit is to bring communities together and teach patriotism while remembering the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes. The mobile exhibit includes interactive exhibits, short films, and shared stories.
VBCPS Back-to-School Care Fair: August 12
Virginia Beach City Public Schools will host the Back-to-School Care Fair on Saturday, August 12 from 10 AM – 2 PM at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Tidewater Council will participate as one of the community partners. If interested in assisting with recruitment and activities, please contact Pam Samples, Princess Anne District Membership Chair, at pasamp42@gmail.com.
International Coastal Cleanup Day: September 16
International Coastal Cleanup Day (ICCD) is one of the world’s largest annual preservation and protection events and volunteer efforts for the ocean, waves, and beaches.
If interested in participating in a cleanup event at the 17th Street Oceanfront Entertainment Park on Saturday, September 16, please contact Pam Samples.
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.
VBthrive
Virginia Beach residents, VBthrive is an economic mobility program offering coaching and resources for mentoring, housing, employment and education, financial management, and wellbeing.
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 some of the newest Eagle Scouts!
Scouts from Pack 24 and Troop 24 marched in the inaugural Larchmont Memorial Day Parade organized by Larchmont Edgewater Civic League. The units’ chartered organization of Larchmont UMC hosted the end-of-parade wreath-laying ceremony and reception.
Thanks to all who demonstrated patriotism and citizenship on Memorial Day!
Congratulations to Carrie B., the 2023 valedictorian of Oscar Smith High School!
Carrie is a Scout from Troop 5800 and a member of the Eagle Scout Class of 2021. She was honored by the Chesapeake Rotary Club on June 14.
Great job achieving excellence in school and in Scouting!
Three Rivers district held its Annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet on May 31 at New Creation United Methodist Church in Chesapeake. Thank you to all who attended to recognize a few of those who dedicate so much of their time and talents to Scouting in Three Rivers. Attendees also took a moment to remember our friend and Scouter Joann West.
Congratulations to the 2023 Award Recipients:
Bryan Thomas (Pack 57): Cub Scout “Sparkplug”
Heather Bluemel: Scouts BSA “Sparkplug”
Liz Schwegel: Cub Scout Committee Member of the Year
Paul Hunter: Joann West Cub Scouter of the Year
Tom Conter: Scouts BSA Committee Member of the Year
Skip Brady: Scouts BSA Scouter of the Year
Pack 57: Cub Scout Honor Unit
Troop 413: Scouts BSA Honor Unit
Paul Johnson (Troop 57): District Committee “Sparkplug”
Kate Sklat: District Committee Member of the Year
BG Lee: Commissioner of the Year
Mike Zemienieuski: Legend of Service
Jeff Stobie: District Award of Merit
Ken Sumner: District Award of Merit
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).
