Table of Contents
Invite a Friend
If every Scout brings a friend to a meeting by April 1, how many lives will be impacted?
How many more youth in our community will learn essential life lessons in character, citizenship, leadership, and personal fitness?
If every Scout brings just one friend to a meeting, and only 25% of those friends decide to join, local Scouting will serve 1,000 more youth in April than it does today.
Encourage your Scouts to bring a friend to experience Scouting’s adventures!
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. Tidewater Council’s goal is to raise $500,000 through Friends of Scouting in 2024.
All Friends of Scouting donations stay local to support families in northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia.
Campaign Progress as of March 13, 2024
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal:
Has your unit scheduled its 2024 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
VFW Scholarship Programs and Contests
March
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) and the VFW Auxiliary have scholarship programs and contests available for youth.
The information below has been shared on behalf of Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary, Post 392 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1211, which serve the Virginia Beach area. If you are located in another part of the council, please contact your local VFW Post for submission information.
Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest: Due March 31
The VFW National Auxiliary recognizes young artists (grades 9-12) and encourages patriotism in youth with the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest. National scholarships are awarded to the winners.
Illustrating America Art Contest: Due March 31
The Illustrating America Art Contest introduces, encourages, and recognizes young artists (grades K-8) with patriotism through art. Winners are awarded with gift cards.
Get Excited for the Red, White and Blue!: Due March 31
This VFW Auxiliary national singing contest is for students in grade K-12. Students submit a video solo performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Winners are awarded with gift cards.
For those in Virginia Beach, please submit the entry on a flash drive to VFW Post 392 Auxiliary. For all others, please contact the local VFW Post for submission instructions.
Pinewood Derbies
March - April
Princess Anne District Pinewood Derby: March 16
Registration for the Princess Anne District Pinewood Derby has closed. Race Day is March 16, 2024 at The Church of the Ascension, 4853 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
Bayside District Pinewood Derby: March 16
Bayside District is off to the races on March 16, 2024 at Baylake United Methodist Church, 4300 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. Registration has now closed.
Albemarle District Pinewood Derby: March 23
Join us under the checkered flag at the Albemarle District Pinewood Derby at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1453 N. Road Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 on Saturday, March 23.
All racers of each rank from every pack in Albemarle District are eligible to race. Arrow of Light Scouts who have just bridged to a troop are still eligible. Family Fun Run races are an open class that will race after the qualified racers.
Three Rivers District Pinewood Derby: March 23
The Three Rivers District Pinewood is Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 10 AM – 2 PM at the Church of the Resurrection, 3501 Cedar Lane, Portsmouth, VA 23703.
The top three finishers of each den, from every pack in Three Rivers, are eligible to race in the Three Rivers District Pinewood Derby. Arrow of Light (AOL) Scouts who have just bridged to a troop are still eligible.
All cars must be turned in to the impound lot prior to the race. All cars must have a 2024 Pinewood Derby “Driver’s License” turned in with the racer’s car. Two dates are available for turn-in prior to race day: March 16 and 18. See the “Driver’s License” for more information. Cars also will be accepted between 8-9 AM on race day. No cars will be accepted after 9 AM on race day.
Council Pinewood Derby: April 7
The top three racers of each rank/grade at each District Pinewood Derby will be invited to compete for the council championship! The Council Pinewood Derby will take place on Sunday, April 7 at Apex Entertainment – the same day as Family Fun Day at Apex!
Annual Leadership Breakfast
March 21
Join us for Tidewater Council’s 2024 Annual Leadership Breakfast featuring Super Bowl Champion Gary Clark!
As a wide receiver for James Madison University’s football team, Gary Clark earned the 1982 Virginia Offensive Player of the Year award and All-American honorable mentions in his junior and senior years. He was inducted into the JMU Hall of Fame in 1994 and is the first person at JMU to have his jersey retired.
Clark played for two years with the United States Football League’s Jacksonville Bulls before joining the NFL in 1985. Over eight seasons with Washington, Clark earned two Super Bowl rings and made four Pro Bowl appearances. He ranks third in the team’s history in receptions and receiving yardage. Clark is often regarded as the heart and soul of the Joe-Gibbs-era in Washington.
To learn more about how you, your company, or your community group can host a table at the Annual Leadership Breakfast, please contact Christy Cooper at christy.cooper@scouting.org.
Princess Anne District Awards Breakfast
March 23
Recognize Princess Anne District leaders who go above and beyond at the Princess Anne District Awards Breakfast! The event will be held on Saturday, March 23 from 8-10 AM at Applebee’s, 1426 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464. Tickets are only $12 each. Registration for the Awards Breakfast is now open on Black Pug. Join us for a wonderful time recognizing outstanding leaders and enjoying a great meal!
Three Rivers District Appreciation Event
March 27
Scouters and their families are invited to attend this special evening of recognition for outstanding adult leaders. Join Three Rivers District on Wednesday, March 27 at 6:30 PM at New Creation United Methodist Church, 4320 Bruce Road, Chesapeake, VA 23321. The $20 registration fee includes the meal and awards.
Three Rivers District Spring Camporee
Highlander Games
April 5-7
Hear ye, hear ye! Come, all ye lads and ladies, to the Highlander Games!
Combining the traditions and skills of the great Scottish Highland Games, Scouts and Scouters from the Three Rivers District will gather April 5-7, 2024 at Pipsico Scout Reservation for the Highlander Games. Expect loads of fun! There will be activities, challenges, and competitions, based on skills only a true Highlander possesses. Get into shape and make plans to join us for this unique event!
Registration is now open on Black Pug.
2024 Tidewater Council Living Legends Nominations Due
April 6
Nominations are now open for 2024 Tidewater Council Living Legends.
Each year, Tidewater Council recognizes those volunteers who continue to provide significant leadership, service, and support to Scouting over many years and in many roles, and who continue serving after they may have been recognized in other traditional ways (Silver Beaver, Award of Merit, etc.). Help acknowledge those volunteers for their continued contributions before their council peers at the Tidewater Council Annual Recognition Banquet. Provide inspiration for others to also continue their valued service to Scouting.
Learn about Tidewater Council’s most recent Living Legends:
Nomination forms must be received no later than Saturday, April 6, 2024 to be considered.
Family Fun Day at Apex
April 7
Come have a fun day with your family at Apex Entertainment. Play games, drive cars, and putt around for a good cause. Proceeds support Scouting in our community.
Register online before the deadline or pay at the door on the day of the event.
$20 per person includes:
- One (1) round of Bumper Cars
- One (1) round of Mini Golf
- One (1) 60-Minute Non-Redemption Arcade Card
- Free bowling shoe rentals with the purchase of a bowling lane
$5 of each $20 ticket purchased will be donated back to Scouting!
Albemarle District Spring Camporee
April 12-14
It’s no surprise that fishing remains a favorite pastime on most Scout outings and can be witnessed at many Scout camps. It attracts interest for the excitement of the first cast, the first bite, the excitement of a new personal record size, or a new species catch. Baden-Powell claimed fishing as one of his favorite pastimes, saying “Every Scout ought to be able to fish in order to get food for himself.”
This year, Albemarle District will hold its Spring Camporee on April 12-14 in Edenton, NC. Scouts with any fishing skill level are welcome, from beginners with the basic equipment to experienced fishermen with honed fishing skills. Camping will be at the American Legion Fairgrounds,1317 W. Queen Street, Edenton, NC. Scout units will need transportation for their Scouts for fishing at Chowan River Fishing Pier, 248 Wharf Landing Road, Edenton, NC.
Wood Badge
April 12-14 and May 4-5
We “Saved the Antelope” in 2021, we impacted “3 Gens Out” in 2022, we said “Thank You to everyone who said ‘Yes’” in 2023, and we can’t wait to “Build Tomorrow’s Leaders” in 2024! Please join us at Wood Badge this April and May to take part in an opportunity to learn communication skills, project planning, team building, and much more!
This is a two weekend event: April 12-14 and May 4-5, 2024 at Pipsico Scout Reservation.
The first 30 fully paid participants will receive a Wood Badge swag bag! Reserve your spot now for just $50.00!
If you have any questions, please contact the Course Director, Karen Allgaier, at twcwb2024@gmail.com or 757-985-9553.
Princess Anne District Spring Camporee
Merit Badges for ALL
April 19-21
Princess Anne District’s 2024 Spring Camporee is next month – register now!
The Camporee will be held at Izaak Walton Park in Chesapeake. Join us for:
- Scout Skills for younger Scouts
- Merit Badges for ALL
- Saturday night youth cookoff
- Saturday night adult cookoff
- OA Callout Ceremony conducted by the Princess Anne Chapter of Blue Heron Lodge
If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Jessica Harlan at just.smile@mac.com.
If you would like to come out and counsel a Merit Badge on Saturday, please contact Mike Maruska at mikemaruska1179@gmail.com or 757-641-2373.
Colonial Virginia Council Powder Horn
April 19-21 and May 17-18
Colonial Virginia Council will be hosting a Powder Horn course at Beaverdam Park in Gloucester, VA over two weekends: April 19-21 and May 17-18. The cost is $180 per participant, and registration is open to attendees from all councils.
What to Expect?
- “Learn by doing” from expert consultants and an all-star staff of experienced Scouters
- Discover where to obtain resources including equipment, facilities, guides, instructors, and certifications
- Sample the high adventure activities that are available for Scouts
- Bring ideas and resources back to the unit
Who Should Attend?
Powder Horn is for all registered BSA leaders and mature youth leaders ages 14 and older.
- Youth Leaders ages 14 or older; youth must have completed their unit leadership training (i.e., ILST, ILSC, ILSS)
- New Adult Leaders who may lack experience in high adventure
- Experienced Adult Leaders who feel their unit is in a rut
- Other Registered Adults who have been sitting on the sidelines and want to get involved
NOTE: Adult leaders must be trained in their position.
Sample Topics
- Astronomy
- Backpacking
- Cave Exploring
- Conservation
- Emergency Preparedness
- Expedition Planning
- Geocaching
- Orienteering
- Outdoor Ethics/Leave No Trace
- Outdoor Living History
- Plants and Wildlife/Ecology
- Wilderness Survival
Scouts Read Sacred Texts Worldwide
May 2
The BSA’s National Religious Relationships Committee is inviting all Scouts and their families to participate in the National Day of Prayer on May 2, 2024 by reading a portion of their own sacred text at 5:30 PM local time on that day. This is the first-of-its-kind worldwide effort organized by the National Religious Relationships Committee.
Scouting for Blood Drive
May 15
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 15, 2024
WHERE:
Tidewater Council
Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center
1032 Heatherwood Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
TIME:
1-6 PM
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT:
There are two easy ways to schedule your appointment:
1. Visit redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code “TidewaterBSA” in the “Find a Blood Drive” field.
2. Make your appointment on the American Red Cross Blood Donor App.
CONTACT:
Nicole Moga
704-564-5565
Nmoga149@yahoo.com
Council Recognition Banquet
May 15
Save the date for Tidewater Council’s Recognition Banquet: Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
Join us to recognize youth and adults, including 2023 Eagle Scouts, Silver Beaver Award recipients, National Outstanding Eagle Scouts, and many more!
Popcorn 101 Training
May 29
Designed for new Unit Popcorn Kernels, Popcorn 101 training lays the groundwork for a successful popcorn sale.
- Great resource course for new Unit Popcorn Kernels, Committee Chairs, and Treasurers!
- Gain fundamental knowledge BEFORE the popcorn arrives!
- Chock-full of helpful tips!
- Entry-level information to help form a successful popcorn fundraiser, from start to finish!
- Networking opportunity that shouldn’t be missed!
- Come join us for a popping-good time!
This training will be offered both in-person at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center and virtually. For questions, contact Tony Montemurno at kerneltbaloney@gmail.com.
Princess Anne Cub Scouts Shooting Sports Day
June 1
Princess Anne District will hold a Cub Scouts Shooting Sports Day on Saturday, June 1 at the Columbian Club, 1236 Prosperity Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. There will be two sessions: 9 AM-12 PM and 1 PM-4 PM.
During each session, Cub Scouts will have the opportunity to earn the Level 1 Shooting Sports Awards!
Save the date – more information is coming soon!
Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides
June 14
Join us for Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides: Friday, June 14, 2024. Cheer on the Tides as they take on the Memphis Redbirds at Harbor Park!
Ticket vouchers and camping vouchers are now available at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop!
After the game, Scouts and their families have the opportunity to sleep under the stars in the outfield and catch a movie on the big screen. Each youth and adult must have their own camping voucher.
Ticket vouchers must be exchanged for seat tickets at the Harbor Park Ticket Office. Vouchers can be exchanged in advance or the night of the game. Groups are strongly encouraged to exchange vouchers in advance to ensure everyone sits together.
Cub Scout Day Camps
June
From the depths of the ocean to the wonders of the woods, Cub Scouts at Day Camp will become explorers, ready for adventure in the great outdoors!
There are a wide range of activities, varying between camps, but most camps will include most of the following:
- Shooting Sports
- Sports and Games
- Academics
- Science
- Nature
- Crafts
- Skits and Songs
- Mealtime Programs
Four camps are available. Save $10 per Scout by registering by April 13 at the Early Bird Rate!
Albemarle Day Camp: June 17-21
Registration is now open for Albemarle Day Camp at Holy Family Catholic Church in Elizabeth City. For questions, contact dcalbemarle@tidewaterbsa.com.
Bayside Day Camp: June 17-21
Registration is now open for Bayside Day Camp at Bayside Masonic Lodge #218 in Virginia Beach. For questions, contact baysidedaycamp.tidewaterbsa@gmail.com.
Three Rivers Twilight Camp: June 17-21
Registration is now open for Three Rivers Twilight Camp at Great Bridge Baptist Church in Chesapeake. For questions, contact Joel.Cesar@scouting.org or Christina.Raymer@scouting.org.
Princess Anne Day Camp: June 24-28
Registration is now open for Princess Anne Day Camp at Tabernacle Baptist Academy in Virginia Beach. For questions, contact twcpa.daycamp@gmail.com.
Summer Camp at Pipsico
June and 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 23 to June 29, 2024 – FULL
Week #2 – June 30 to July 6, 2024
Week #3 – July 7 to July 13, 2024 – FULL
Week #4 – July 14 to July 20, 2024
Webelos Summer Camp
July 25-28
Experience a new concept for Webelos Long-Term Summer Camp!
Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts will participate in a variety of activities at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Get away from the busy buzz of the city for the weekend and enjoy some time in the great outdoors at Pipsico Scout Reservation.
There will be a variety of activities to include things for nature enthusiasts, marksmen (aspiring marksmen), water lovers, crafty folks, sports fans, and more.
All meals will be provided and served in the Dining Hall!
Cub Scout Summer Family Camp
Bug Hunters!
July 26-28
Cub Scouts and their families are invited participate in a variety of summer activities at Pipsico Scout Reservation!
Experience summer fun at Pipsico and explore the outdoors as Bug Hunters! Meals will be provided throughout the event.
2025 Philmont Trek
June 19 - July 3, 2025
Save the date for Tidewater Council’s next Philmont trek in summer 2025! If interested in joining the council contingent or getting more information, contact Bill Lawrence at Bill.Lawrence2@scouting.org. Registration is coming soon.
News
Silver Beaver Awards
Tidewater Council Class of 2023
Congratulations to Tidewater Council’s newest Silver Beaver Award recipients!
Ralph Ingraham, Bayside Asst. District Commissioner, Troop 24 Committee Member, Pack 24 Committee Member, and Merit Badge Counselor
Pam Samples, Council Popcorn Kernel, Princess Anne District Membership Committee, and Merit Badge Counselor
Mike Zemienieuski, Chartered Organization Representative for Pack 207, Troop 234, and Ship 596; Three Rivers District Committee; and Merit Badge Counselor
Mike, Pam, and Ralph will be honored at the Council Recognition Banquet on May 15.
Scouting for Food
If your unit participated in Scouting for Food, please fill out the report form and submit it to william.sherman@scouting.org. After receiving the report, Tidewater Council will provide patches and a unit participation ribbon.
If your unit has not done a Scouting for Food drive yet and would like to participate, please contact the district executive to obtain collection bags.
National Scout Jamboree
July 22-31, 2026
The next National Scout Jamboree will be held on July 22-31, 2026 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia! The National Scout Jamboree is a gathering of thousands of members of the Boy Scouts of America from across the nation.
Start early in gauging interest in attending and planning fundraising so Scouts can take advantage of this unique opportunity. For assistance in planning unit fundraising, check out the Camp Card sale and popcorn sale, or contact the district executive.
Scout Shop
With Pinewood Derby district races, crossovers, and new recruits, March is a busy month!
Pinewood Derby
We still have Pinewood Derby cars and accessories, plus weights, wheels, axles, and more.
Webelos-to-Scout Crossovers
Unit leaders, please make sure new Scouts know what they need to purchase in addition to the main uniform items (shirt, pants, cap, belt, socks). Many units provide shoulder loops, custom numbers, books, neckerchiefs, and slides, or any variation of these items. Help US help THEM through this process.
2024 Scouts BSA Requirements Books
2024 Scouts BSA Requirements Books are now in stock for $7.99. This book makes it very convenient for leaders and Scouts to see every requirement under one cover. Besides rank requirements, it gives a synopsis of requirements for every merit badge, which makes choosing electives much easier.
Eagle Scout Section
The Eagle Scout Section is being revived with new and re-stocked items from National Supply. Restocked items include Eagle cups ($7.99 for 50), balloons ($7.99 for 25), and confetti ($6.49 per packet), all with a new look.
One NEW item this year is the Eagle Scout Silver Balloon Banner kit ($9.99). The banner spells out “Eagle Scout” in silver letters that measure approximately 15” tall by 5” wide.
Another new item is the Eagle Scout Balloon Arch Kit. This 173-piece kit sells for $19.99 and includes red, white, and blue latex balloons of various sizes, some metallic, some with confetti design, and the tools needed to put it together. Height can vary depending on how the arch is put together, but it will certainly add a decorative touch to any Eagle Scout celebration.
Cub Scout Program Changes
Cub Scouting is changing. The new program officially begins June 1, 2024. New requirements will generate new awards and Cub Scout Handbooks.
We are selling all the current Cub Scout handbooks at $14.99 ($10 discount) for THIS year’s program. New stock is expected in by April or May, in time for the coming year beginning June 1.
The final day to return current Cub Scout awards and books was February 29. We are unable to accept returns of these items.
Beginning on April 2, prepayment will be required before we can order any current Cub Scouting award that is out of stock.
We hope to have a smooth transition as we move from one Cub Scouting program to the other. Our goal is to provide the current needs of our customers without being over-stocked on awards that we cannot return. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Shipping
We continue to ship items by USPS. You may call your order in (757-497-2688) or email polly.fugate@scouting.org or staci.vankirk@scouting.org. We calculate the cost including shipping and will call you back for a VISA or Mastercard number.
Scout Shop Hours
Our next holiday closing will be March 29 and 30 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.
Poisonous Plants
Millions of Americans—many of them Scouts and Scouters—will be affected by poisonous plants each year. Almost everyone has heard the warning “leaves of three, let them be.” Despite training to identify them on sight and efforts to avoid them, almost everyone has stumbled through a patch of poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, or one of several other plants that can cause an uncomfortable itch, a rash, and often blisters.
Camp Cards
Want an easy NO-RISK fundraiser that offers 50% profit? Do you have Scouts who haven’t raised enough to attend day camp or summer camp? Does your unit have new members? Then the Camp Card fundraiser is for your unit!
How to Participate
Contact the district executive to register and pick-up cards.
Training and resources are available online at TidewaterBSA.com/2024campcardsale. Review these resources for deadlines and important information.
And then – simply sell. This is a super easy fundraiser that scores Scouts some serious bucks toward camp.
2024 Camp Card Vendors
Camp Cards include valuable discounts to local retailers and Bonus Savings that are available for your choice of retailers nationwide.
2024 Vendors - North Carolina Camp Card
- 3 Amigos
- Abbey’s Waggin’ Tails
- The Adventure Park
- Apex Entertainment
- The Barrel Room
- Brew 2 Rescue
- Currituck Feed & Seed
- Harris Teeter
- Hungry Panda
- Jade Whale Co.
- The Kraken Coffeehouse
- Moyock Farm Market
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Pass the Salt Café
- RCE Theaters
- Waterfall Blossom Cafe
- Wendy’s
- PLUS Bonus Savings!
2024 Vendors - Virginia Camp Card
- The Adventure Park
- Apex Entertainment
- The Barrel Room
- Big Apple Pizza
- Breakout Games
- Burrito Perdido
- Harris Teeter
- iFly Virginia Beach
- Latitude
- Liberty Transmission
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Wendy’s
- PLUS Bonus Savings!
2024 BSA National Registration Fees
New Member Joining Fees
The New Member Joining Fee will be eliminated on April 1, 2024. This will be a cost savings of $25 per new member.
Annual Membership Fees
Effective April 1, 2024, the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America will implement the following annual national membership fees:
- $85 per year for youth participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouting (Increase of $5)
- $65 per year for adult volunteers (Increase of $5)
- $50 per year for Exploring participants and leaders (No change)
- $25 per year for Merit Badge Counselors (No change) – This fee applies only for Merit Badge Counselors who do not hold another paid registration.
- $100 per year for the unit charter fee (No change)
- $15 per year for optional Scout Life magazine subscription (No change)
For Assistance
For information about need-based financial assistance or unit fundraising opportunities, please contact the district executive.
SAME STEM Camps
The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) offers summer STEM camps for interested high school students (rising sophomore to rising senior). These hands-on, one-week camps involve fun engineering challenges in a group environment, including construction of concrete beams, among many others.
Industry volunteers in engineering, military, Department of Defense, and STEM fields serve as mentors. The connections made at SAME STEM Camps offer great networking and recommendation opportunities for youth who will be applying to colleges and higher education programs.
Scholarship are available; please see the flyer for more information.
Apply by March 15, 2024.
Camp Baker Closure Update
Recent scheduling changes from Dominion Virginia Power have impacted the Camp Baker closure dates.
Camp Baker will now be closed from June 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025.
Thank you for your cooperation and patience. Any questions regarding Camp Baker or Camp Moonyah use can be directed to Ron Misfeldt, City Camps Ranger, at 757-646-1384 or mustangron@aol.com.
Leave a Legacy
James E. West Fellowship Award
The James E. West Fellowship Award is a national recognition for individuals who contribute $1,000 or more in cash or securities to the Tidewater Council BSA endowment fund. This contribution is in addition to, and does not diminish or replace, the donor’s annual gift to the council’s Friends of Scouting campaign.
Organizations or individuals may contribute an award in honor of someone — an Eagle Scout, a Silver Beaver recipient, Living Legend, any outstanding Scout or Scouter.
Program Ideas
Pack Meeting Plans
With twelve months in the year and twelve points of the Scout Law, why not choose one value to focus on each month? Scout Law-focused Pack Meeting Plans can be found here.
Meeting plans may be used in any order and can be adjusted to fit the needs of the families in the pack.
March
- National Nutrition Month
- Work on nutrition-related advancement curriculum:
- Fun on the Run (Lion)
- Tiger Bites (Tiger)
- Running with the Pack (Wolf)
- Bear Picnic Basket (Bear)
- Cast Iron Chef (Webelos)
- Tenderfoot Rank (requirement 2)
- Second Class Rank (requirement 2)
- First Class Rank (requirement 2)
- Cooking merit badge
- Work on nutrition-related advancement curriculum:
- International Day of Forests: March 21
- Plant a tree.
- Go on a forest hike.
- Work on the Forestry merit badge.
- Walk in the Sand Day: March 23
- Go for a hike on the beach.
April
- National Farm Animals Day: April 10
- Work on the Animal Science merit badge.
- Visit a local farm or petting zoo.
- National Look Up at the Sky Day: April 14
- Camp under the stars.
- Work on the Astronomy merit badge.
- Spend time outdoors watching clouds or observing the sunset.
- Go bird-watching or work on the Bird Study merit badge.
- Volunteer Recognition Day: April 20
- Have Scouts make thank you cards or plan an activity to recognize volunteer leaders.
- Do a service project or volunteer activity.
- National Kids and Pets Day: April 26
- Visit or volunteer at an animal shelter.
- Work on the Pets merit badge.
- Work on the Dog Care merit badge.
- National Honesty Day: April 30
- Discuss the first point of the Scout Law: A Scout is Trustworthy.
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.
Help Wanted
Camp Staff for Summer Camp 2024
What are your plans for this 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, and Commissioners. Program areas include aquatics, shooting sports, Scout skills for new Scouts and for seasoned Scouts, handicraft, nature, cook crew, and more.
You must be at least 14 years of age by June 16, 2024 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.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Congratulations to some of our newest Eagle Scouts!
Troop 362 held their 2024 Order of the Arrow elections. Congratulations to Caleb W., Davey L., Hunter D., Ryder D., and Alex G. on their nominations!
More than 450 individuals attended University of Scouting on Saturday, March 9 at Old Dominion University.
Classes included Great Local Campsites, STEM for Scouts BSA & Older Youth, Working with Scouts Who Have Invisible Disabilities, High Adventure Programs: Beyond the National Bases, Conducting Boards of Review, Planning & Running a Pack Campout, Cooking 101, Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED, Succession Planning, and many more. Pictured here, James Carroll taught two sessions on Navigating the Updated Cub Scout Program.
Youth were involved in the training event as well. Cub Scouts participated in a day camp opportunity. Huskanaw skills and merit badge sessions for youth, including Personal Management, Model Design and Building, Law, Robotics, and more, were offered.
Many thanks to all who staffed and attended University of Scouting 2024! Plan now to attend next year’s event on March 8, 2025.
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).
