“EK” Electronic Knapsack – March 15, 2022

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.

All 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 shannon.foster@scouting.org or donate using the button below:

Campaign progress as of March 14, 2022:

Council Goal: $450,000
56.5%

Each district shares a portion of the overall goal.
Progress as of March 14, 2022:

Albemarle District Goal: $30,000
76.9%
Bayside District Goal: $185,000
39%
Princess Anne District Goal: $145,000
67.7%
Three Rivers District Goal: $90,000
67.4%

Has your unit scheduled its 2022 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

Engage Norfolk

March 20

Tidewater Council will have a table at the CivicFAIR at Engage Norfolk this Sunday, March 20 from 11 AM – 3 PM at SCOPE Exhibition Hall. Come by and say hello! This event provides civic engagement opportunities and a chance to meet some of Norfolk’s elected officials. If you are interested in helping with the table, please contact Bill Lawrence at bill.lawrence2@scouting.org. If you are planning to attend the event, we encourage you to wear your Scout field or activity uniform to build Scouting’s visibility in our community. We hope to see you there!

New Member Coordinator Training

March 22

Calling all Cubmasters and Committee Chairs-

Do you find that you are being pulled in 15 different directions? Wouldn’t it be nice to have an extra set of hands? Someone to follow up on those new leads or help a new family with their questions? The three-word solution is: New Member Coordinator.

Let us show you how this position can be an asset to your unit and make your life a whole lot easier. We will also be showing new key 3’s how to work Invitation Manager to help grow your unit. If you have a person in mind or would like to learn more about this position and Invitation Manager, this evening is for you.

Join us on March 22 from 6:30-8:00 PM at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. No registration is necessary. For questions, please contact Pam Samples at pasamp42@gmail.com or Rich Becker at Richard.Becker@scouting.org.

Tidewater Council Annual Recognition Banquet

March 24

The Annual Recognition Banquet is held each year to recognize Eagle Scouts and the volunteers of Tidewater Council. Some of the highlights of the evening will be the presentation of the Kent Glover 2021 Class of Eagle Scouts, Silver Beaver Awards, and NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Awards. The evening will start with dinner served by our own Blue Heron Lodge cook crew. This will be a night of food and fellowship you will not want to miss. Join us on March 24, 2022 at 6 PM at the Khedive Shrine Center, 645 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, VA. Registration is open on Black Pug.

Special Honorees
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Pinewood Derby

March - April

Get your engines ready – it is Pinewood Derby season!

What is a Pinewood Derby? The Pinewood Derby is one of the most popular and successful family activities in Cub Scouting. Cub Scouts design and build their own small wooden cars, with some help from their families. Then they race their cars in competition, down a gravity-powered track.

Win or lose, Cub Scouts will take pride in having done their best. Cub Scouts learn craft skills, STEM principles, the rules of fair play, and good sportsmanship—things they will remember for life.

You can view the 2022 Pinewood Derby Rules & Procedures for Tidewater Council here. Scouts must make a new car each year.

Princess Anne District Pinewood Derby: March 26

Let’s race! The Princess Anne District Pinewood Derby will be held at Kempsville Presbyterian Church. The top three finishers of each rank from every pack in Princess Anne district are eligible to race. Arrows of Light (AOL) who have just bridged to a troop are still eligible. For questions, please contact Andrew Huddle at Pack496vb@gmail.com or Adam Harlan at gunner0879@mac.com.

Council Pinewood Derby: April 9

Scouts who qualify in the top three of their rank in their district race are eligible for the council derby on April 9 at Courthouse Community UMC, 2708 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. District Pinewood Derby Chairs will submit the list of qualified racers to the Council Pinewood Derby Chair, Brian Stahlbock, at bstahlbock@gmail.com by April 6. Check-in and race times are:

RankCheck-In/ Inspection*Race Start Time**
Arrow of Light9:30 – 9:50 AM10:00 AM
Webelos10:00 – 10:20 AM10:30 AM
Bear10:30 – 10:50 AM11:15 AM
Wolf11:30 – 11:50 AM12:00 PM
Tiger12:00 – 12:20 PM12:30 PM
Lion12:30 – 12:50 PM1:00 PM
FinalsN/A1:30 PM

*Cars must be presented for pre-race inspection within this time frame in order to race.
**Start times are tentative and may be delayed, depending on the number of racers.

Bayside District Recognition Breakfast

March 26

Bayside District will recognize adult volunteers for their outstanding service in Scouting for 2021 with a Lumberjack Pancake Breakfast!

This breakfast event will include recognition of District Award winners and District Award of Merit recipients. Bring your friends and family for a morning of food, fun, and fellowship.

Albemarle District Spring Camporee

April 1-3

It’s time to “Show Your Know-How” of your Scout skills at Albemarle District’s Past, Present and the Future Spring Camporee. All troops, crews, and ships are invited to join us for some patrol and unit competition. The Albemarle Camporee will ensure patrols and new Scouts are working through the four phases of team development and will recognize Honor Campers with an OA Callout Ceremony. Scoutmasters will also show their culinary skills and try to take home the coveted Golden Spatula Award. Mark your calendar and plan to join us on the weekend of April 1-3 at the Currituck County Rural Center, 184 Milburn Sawyer Road, Powells Point, NC 27966. Registration is now open, so sign up today!

Princess Anne District Spring Camporee

April 1-3

“Finish First” at the Princess Anne District Spring Camporee, April 1-3 at the Columbian Club, 1236 Prosperity Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. The program will consist of Scout skills stations led by senior Scouts, using the EDGE training method (Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, Enable). These stations will provide an opportunity for newer Scouts to learn and demonstrate skills required for First Class, and for experienced Scouts to teach via EDGE, fulfilling Life Scout rank requirement #6.

Camp Card Sale Begins

April 4

Camp Cards are cards that offer valuable discounts to local retailers. Some of the discounts are single-use, while many can be used throughout the year. Scouts sell the cards to family, friends, neighbors, and community members. Units earn a sales commission, which they can use to pay for camping adventures.

Sign up for the sale and reserve your unit’s first card order by submitting this form. For questions, please contact your district executive or Susan Miley-Petrehn.

Annual Leadership Breakfast

April 6

Join us for the Annual Leadership Breakfast on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 7:15 AM at the Westin Town Center, 4535 Commerce Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

Those in attendance will have the opportunity to make a significant Friends of Scouting gift and to hear from keynote speaker Todd Huston, Distinguished Eagle Scout, amputee, author, world record holder, and inventor. With his journey of pain, determination, and adventure, including his expedition to the highest peaks in all 50 United States, he inspires others to overcome their own challenges. 

To RSVP or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Susan Miley-Petrehn at susan.miley-petrehn@scouting.org or 757-284-0796.

Wood Badge

April 8-10 and April 30-May 1

Wood Badge is the preeminent Scouting leadership program for adult leaders. Wood Badge courses make Scouters better leaders by teaching advanced leadership skills, and by creating a bond amongst leaders working toward improving Scouting for all.

Attending Wood Badge is an amazing personal experience. Participants develop lasting friendships. The personal and professional skills learned at Wood Badge help Scouts, Scouting units, and even benefit participants in their careers.

Wood Badge Course NST15-596-22 will be held at Pipsico Scout Reservation on Friday, April 8 – Sunday, April 10 and Saturday, April 30 – Sunday, May 1, 2022. Participants must attend both weekends of the course activities to complete the practical phase of the training.

For more information, contact NST15-596-22 Course Director Jon McGlothian at 2022WoodBadge@gmail.com or your District Training Chairperson.

Three Rivers District Spring Camporee

April 22-24

Come out to Camp Kiwanis April 22-24 for the Three Rivers District Camporee. Scouts will spend a fun-filled weekend practicing and demonstrating Scouting skills while incorporating technology. The units will compete to win the Traveling District Trophy by earning points during patrol and unit-related challenges.

Bayside District Spring Camporee

May 13-15

Save the date for the Bayside District Spring Camporee: May 13-15, 2022 at Newport News Park. If you are interested in assisting to plan this fun-filled weekend event, please contact Bill Lawrence at bill.lawrence2@scouting.org.

Wilderness/Remote First Aid

May 14-15

Wilderness first aid (WFA) refers to any training course that focuses on prevention, assessment, and treatment for an ill or injured person in a remote environment where definitive care by a physician and/or rapid transport is not readily available. WFA courses are intended for anyone planning a remote high adventure, from lay responders to medical professionals.

All four of the BSA high-adventure bases require at least one person per trek (two per trek at Philmont Scout Ranch) to be current in WFA through one of the BSA’s approved providers. Of course, having more participants trained in WFA skills is highly recommended for any high adventure or backcountry experience.

Tidewater Council’s next WFA course is scheduled for May 14-15. Current CPR/AED certification is required to attend this course.

Scouting for Blood Drive

May 18

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, May 18, 2022

WHERE:
Tidewater Council
Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center
1032 Heatherwood Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23455

TIME:
2-6 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

Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides

June 17

Take me out to the ballgame! Save the date for Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides on Friday, June 17. Cheer on the Tides as they take on the Syracuse Mets. More information on ticket vouchers and camping is coming soon.

Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Training

May 21

The Adult First Aid/CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies such as burns, cuts, scrapes, sudden illnesses, and how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies for victims about 12 years and older. Successful students will receive a certificate for Adult First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years. This is a blended learning course; you must complete the online portion before taking one of the skills demonstration sessions. There will be three sessions offered on May 21 at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center.

Cub Scout Day Camps

June - July

It is time to round up the Cub Scouts for the Day Camp Rendezvous in the Wild Wild West. This annual outdoor summer experience is full of fun, excitement, and adventure. The marshal and sheriff are busy planning crafts, STEM activities, and games for each Day Camp. Registration is coming soon to Black Pug. Please register as a unit, not individuals.

DatesTimesLocationCamp Director (Marshal)Program Director (Sheriff)
June 20-248:30 AM – 4:00 PMTabernacle Baptist Academy, Virginia BeachTed GreenDavid Montoto
June 20-248:30 AM – 4:00 PMBurrow Memorial Baptist, NorfolkAmy Devault Marianne West
June 27-303:30 – 8:15 PMGreat Bridge Baptist, ChesapeakeKirsten MisfeldtJaime Tolentino
June 27 – July 18:30 AM – 4:00 PMForest Park Church, Elizabeth CityTiffany BoundsCorie Stratton
July 6-93:30 – 8:15 PMIzaak Walton League Park, ChesapeakeKirsten MisfeldtJaime Tolentino
July 11-143:30 – 8:15 PMCovenant UMC, ChesapeakeKirsten MisfeldtJaime Tolentino

Summer Camp at Pipsico

June 26 - July 23

Program Director Bob Beauter welcomes you for summer camp at Pipsico Scout Reservation.

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 26 to July 2
Week #2 – July 3 to July 9
Week #3 – July 10 to July 16
Week #4 – July 17 to July 23

Summer Camp Information Sessions

Want to know more about summer camp at Pipsico? Did you miss the first information session? Catch the recording on YouTube!

Please join some of our awesome camp staff, including camp director and program director, to learn more about summer camp at Pipsico and to ask your questions on our second of several monthly Zoom meetings, April 5, 2022 at 7 PM. Contact christy.cooper@scouting.org for the Zoom credentials.

Summer Adventure Programs at Pipsico

Take your adventure to the next level! Looking for something a little bit different? Pipsico also offers three Summer Adventure Program opportunities. Each is operated in parallel with base camp, and was developed for more experienced Scouts.

  • Sail Hampton Roads: A full week of sailing and nightly port visits on the James and Elizabeth Rivers
  • SCUBA Camp: Earn “Open Water Diver” SCUBA Certification and your SCUBA Merit Badge
  • PEX: Take your adventure to the next level with the adrenaline-fueled Pipsico Experience

Summer Adventure Programs are full for Week 1 and Week 3. Sign up for Week 2 or Week 4 today so you don’t miss out on your adventure!

Scout Night with the Edenton Steamers

July 2

Save the date for Scout Night with the Edenton Steamers! Join us at Historic Hicks Field in Edenton, NC to cheer on the Steamers as they take on the Virginia Beach Sea Dogs. Admission packages will include a ticket, a patch, and a picnic meal consisting of a hamburger, a hot dog, chips, and a drink for $15. There will be an opportunity to sleep on the field following the game – camping vouchers will be available for an additional $5 each. Tickets and voucher sales are coming soon. For questions, please contact Brian Chappell at bchappell14@gmail.com.

Cub Scout Family Resident Camp

July 29-31

Resident Camp at Pipsico Scout Reservation is an overnight camping experience for the whole family. Cub Camps are open to every level of Cub Scouting, plus siblings, family members, and den chiefs.

Pipsico is the perfect spot for your family to have a great outdoor adventure. It has 916 acres of land and one and a half miles of unspoiled beachfront on the banks of the James River in Surry County, Virginia. It is home to bald eagles, blue herons, wild turkeys, deer, and much more. On the beach you will find fossilized remains of sharks and whales amongst shells and fossils pouring out of the cliffs on the beach. Facilities include an air-conditioned dining hall, a swimming pool (with handicap access), shower and latrine facilities, a fully equipped health lodge, a trading post, shooting ranges, and more.

Discover your adventure this summer at Pipsico!

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)

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)

November 11-13 and November 18-20

Every leader deserves a trained Scout! Youth aged 13 and above are eligible for BSA’s premier youth leadership training program, NYLT. This program is designed to help Scouts make the most of their leadership skills, to become the best leaders that they can.

The objectives of the course are to:

  • Provide a toolbox of leadership skills
  • Relate these skills to leading in their unit
  • Instill knowledge and confidence to run the unit program
  • Enhance the relationship between the Scout and the unit
  • Share ideas and experiences with other Scouts
  • Experience Scouting at its best
  • Have fun!

The course will be held the weekends of November 11-13 and 18-20, 2022 at Pipsico Scout Reservation. If you have any questions, please contact the course director, James Carroll, at 596nylt@gmail.com.

2023 National Scout Jamboree

July 19-28, 2023

What adventure awaits you at the National Scout Jamboree? Have fun and meet new people from across the country. Over 40,000 Scouts will camp in six square miles of camping and program areas. Youth will have the opportunity to:

  • Climb on one of the most extensive rope courses in the country
  • Explore twenty-seven miles of mountain bike trails
  • Get an adrenaline rush at the second largest skate park in America
  • Practice their marksmanship, with over 100 shooting sports stations

The National Scout Jamboree fee provides programming, food, cots, tables, cook kits, stoves, and a participant recognition package. The council fees cover workups, council recognition items, transportation, and tents.

Tidewater Council is organizing a contingent to attend this 10-day ultimate experience. We are currently accepting youth sign ups for the limited spaces available. Adults who are interested in attending as leaders should contact Jeff Irving at jeffreyirving@cox.net.

Apply before April 30, 2022 to be eligible to apply for scholarships.

News

Scout Shop

Keep Warm

March is the most unpredictable weather month of the year, so don’t be caught off guard on camping trips by warm days and cold nights. Pick up some items to keep yourself warm and comfy.

  • Coleman Silverton 25 degree, 82”x32” mummy sleeping bags: $59.99
  • Therm-a-Rest Tech blanket, compresses into its own zippered bag: $49.99
  • Emergency sleeping bags: $4.99
  • Emergency blankets: $2.99
  • Thorlo hiking socks: $17.49-$19.99, depending on style
Cub Scout Bear and Webelos Handbooks

Cub Scout Bear and Webelos handbooks have changed. If you are a Bear or Webelos Den Leader, be aware that some of the Cubs may be using the old edition (2018) and some the new (2021). As of May 31, 2022, BSA is retiring 19 of the elective Adventures currently in the program. The 2021 printing of the handbooks had these Adventures already removed, and this printing is the only one available for the Bears and Webelos/Arrow of Light. The four Bear Adventures being retired are the following: Beat of the Drum, World of Sound, Make it Move, and Robotics. The seven Webelos/Arrow of Light Adventures being retired are: Looking Forward Looking Back, Maestro, Project Family, Build My Hero, Adventures in Science, Fix It, and Movie Making. We have also discovered that in the 2021 edition of the Bear handbook, the Table of Contents is incorrect.

Scout Uniform Pants

Scout uniform pants are slowly coming back into stock in the men’s sizes. The current estimated timeline for restocking boys’ youth sizes is April. Girls’ and ladies’ sizes are still available.

Scout Shop Accounts

Does your unit’s store account need to be updated? As Arrows of Light crossover to troops, the parents often go too, which could mean the unit needs to update the authorized users of its store account. If you don’t know who is on your account or if your unit has an account, call the Scout Shop or email polly.fugate@scouting.org. The update form can be emailed for signatures, or you can come by the Scout Shop to pick up a blank form. Remember, if you use a credit card, you not only pay interest for the card, but also the 3% processing fee charged here.

Store accounts:

  • Are convenient
  • Save units money
  • Keep track of expenses
  • Can be used for store merchandise, registration, or events
  • Statements are available upon request
Shipping

Shipping orders is always an option. Call (757-497-2688) or email (polly.fugate@scouting.org) with your order and we will figure shipping cost (USPS) and call you for a VISA or Mastercard number.

Scout Shop Hours

Our next holiday closing will be April 15-16 (Friday and Saturday) for Easter 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.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a common inflammation or infection of the lining of the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball. Conjunctivitis can occur in both adults and youth; it may be highly contagious and can be spread easily to others.

Conjunctivitis presents as a redness or pinkness in the appearance of the eyeball, often accompanied by watery or thick drainage. Most cases of conjunctivitis are due to viral or bacterial infections, allergens, or irritants. Bacterial or viral infections can be very contagious, so it is very important to use good handwashing techniques. All types of conjunctivitis typically go away by themselves, so generally the Scout or Scouter does not have to leave the campout or other event.

Journey to Excellence

Journey to Excellence (JTE) is the Boy Scouts of America’s planning, performance, and recognition program, designed to encourage and reward unit success. JTE encourages excellence and continuous improvement in providing a quality program. Revised 2022 scorecards will be posted on the JTE webpage soon.

A preview of the scorecards for Cub Scout packs and Scouts BSA troops is available here.

Unit Program Planning

Most Scouting units plan their program year during the summer, aligning the program year with the traditional school year. At that time, the unit also prepares its budget. To develop the unit budget, the unit must identify what activities it would like to offer. Looking back at the previous year’s events can help to determine activity costs. Units should also be sure to include incidentals, such as printing and mailing costs, as well as program supplies and advancements.

Planning Resources

Richmond Raceway

Richmond Raceway offers exclusive discounts and unique experiences for Scouts, including discounted tickets and camping opportunities. 

In 2021, Tidewater Council Troop 362,  Pack 374, Troop 462, Pack 585, and Pack 700 recited the Pledge of Allegiance in front of the crowd at a NASCAR Cup Series race. Pack 407, Troop 407, and Pack 996 participated in the Presentation of Colors at a NASCAR Xfinity Series race.

Check out this flyer for information on how your Scouts can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Richmond Raceway. The deadline to reserve seats is Friday, March 18.

Wilderness/Remote First Aid

National High Adventure Bases, as well as some council high adventure programs, require wilderness first aid (WFA) provider certification to attend a high adventure trek. Check with the specific base or program for specifics on requirements. In general, at least two participants trained and certified in WFA is required for Philmont treks. Northern Tier, Florida Sea Base, and The Summit Bechtel Reserve typically require one trained participant per trek.

On March 23, 2022 at 8:00 PM, the BSA is hosting a webinar: “Wilderness First Aid Training for the BSA – Who, What, When, and Where.” This in-depth webinar is highly recommended for all who are interested in a High Adventure trek and/or Wilderness First Aid. There is no cost to attend.

Guide to Awards and Insignia

Do you know where to place all the patches earned in Scouting? The Guide to Awards and Insignia is the essential reference. The guide is available online or can be purchased at the Scout Shop. Uniform inspection sheets also are available at the same site.

Blue Heron Lodge

Arrowmen, the time has come for us to renew our dues for the 2022 Service Year. You can pay your dues online here or at the Scout Shop using this form. It is incredibly important that you pay your dues, as it helps us support our program for Scouts throughout Hampton Roads and Northeastern North Carolina, as well as aiding our Lodge Performance. Thank you all for your dedication and support to Blue Heron Lodge.

2022 National Veterans Day Poster Contest

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) holds an annual art contest. The winning poster is display in VA facilities, global U.S. military installations, classrooms, government office buildings, and even have been seen occasionally on television shows and movies. Most importantly, the winning design will be the official program cover for the Veterans Day observance at Arlington National Cemetery on November 11, 2022, during which a grateful nation will honor veterans for their service and sacrifices.

Submissions are due by April 1, 2022 and should reflect the 2022 theme of “Honor.”

Help Desk

Tidewater Council is switching to a new Help Desk system to provide more responsive service. Visit tidewaterbsa.com/help to open a ticket.

COVID-19 Assistance

Does your family need assistance due to COVID-19? 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

Camp Staff for Summer Camp 2022

What are your plans for next summer? Are you looking for an awesome opportunity to learn new things, develop new skills, share what you know, meet new people, work an internship, and enjoy Pipsico Scout Reservation?

We are accepting applications for Counselors in Training, Junior staff, Area directors, Commissioners, and administration. Program areas include aquatics, shooting sports, Scout skills for new Scouts and for seasoned Scouts, handicraft, cook-crew, and more.

You must be at least 14 years of age by June 20, 2022 to be considered. Camp staff is composed of youth, young adults, college students, school teachers, bus drivers, professionals who want to get away from the office, and folks who have an open schedule. Fill out the online application at pipsicobsa.com/summer-camp-programs/staffapplication and we will contact you for an interview.

Volunteer with the Membership Team

The Tidewater Council Membership Team is looking for volunteer assistance:

  • Scouts BSA Recruiting Chair
    • Assist the membership committee with developing recruiting campaigns directed at middle and high school-aged youth.
    • Time commitment: 3-6 hours per month plus one monthly committee meeting
  • Homeschool Parents
    • Assist the membership committee with developing a recruiting campaign directed at homeschooling families.
    • Help staff 2-4 daytime joining events in March and/or April.
    • Time commitment: 2-4 hours planning, 1-2 hours for each joining event
  • Millennial Scout Moms
    • Take part in developing an Instagram campaign. The goal is to encourage Instagram-savvy parents to act as “Scouting Influencers” by using agreed-upon hashtags to promote Scouting activities.
    • Time commitment: 3-6 hours in total
  • Spanish-Speaking Scouters
    • Speak to potential chartered partners to 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.

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.

Volunteer 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. The next two opportunities are the Council Banquet on March 24 and the Annual Leadership Breakfast on April 6. If interested in these or future opportunities, please contact alison.harrison@scouting.org.

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.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.

Scouts in Action

A big congratulations to the District Pinewood Derby winners! Find out who triumphed in Albemarle, Bayside, and Three Rivers districts at tidewaterbsa.com/derby. The Princess Anne District Pinewood Derby is coming up fast on March 26, followed by the Council Pinewood Derby on April 9.

There was some hot competition at the Albemarle District Pinewood Derby, but all had a fun event. Congratulations, racers!

Cub Scouts raced to the finish at the 2022 Three Rivers District Pinewood Derby. Great job, Cub Scouts!

Congratulations to Tidewater Council’s newest District Award of Merit recipients from Princess Anne and Three Rivers Districts! This award, which recognizes Scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the district level, is the highest honor a district can bestow to a volunteer leader.

Tim Briggs, Three Rivers District
Andrew Huddle, Princess Anne District
Michael Maruska, Princess Anne District
Charlie Tate, Three Rivers District

Great job, leaders!

Bayside District Awards of Merit will be awarded at the Bayside District Recognition Breakfast on March 26. Albemarle District Awards of Merit will be awarded at the Albemarle District Appreciation Dinner on May 14.

The Scouting ministry is alive and well at Hertford United Methodist Church. Cub Scout Pack 150 shared in the service on Scout Sunday. The Cub Scouts were recognized for their contributions in the community.

Albemarle Troop 158 welcomed the newest members of Scouts BSA in a bridging ceremony from Cub Scout Pack 158 and Pack 771.

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