Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Giving Tuesday
November 30
Save the date for Giving Tuesday – November 30, 2021. All 2021 Giving Tuesday gifts to Tidewater Council will support local ScoutReach programs.
ScoutReach is the outreach program of the Boy Scouts of America. In ScoutReach programs, the council and donors fund the Scouting program for disadvantaged families. Because of your generosity, we provided nearly $40,000 in financial assistance to local Scouting families over the last year. All youth deserve an opportunity to join Scouting!
How to Contribute
- Donate to Tidewater Council on Facebook on November 30. All Facebook donations received on November 30 will automatically be designated for ScoutReach.
- On November 30, or at any time, donate online using the Donate button at tidewaterbsa.com/support. In the “Description” field, please note that your gift is a ScoutReach contribution.
- Send a check to Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 with “ScoutReach contribution” in the memo line.
Zomboree
December 3-5
Have you gained the Scout Skills to Survive a zombie outbreak? Take on the Scouting Zombie Escape Room, fortify your campsites, and do whatever it takes to make it through the weekend! Visit Black Pug today and sign up for the 2021 Zomboree on December 3–5 at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Show off your skills at shooting sports, the Adventure Course, and the Climbing Tower. Join in on the Zombie Run and Eat Zombie Brains. Will you survive the fun?
Order of the Arrow Holiday Banquet
December 11
Arrowmen of the Blue Heron Lodge, the end of our 75th Anniversary year is quickly approaching, and we have a wonderful event planned: our 2021 Holiday Banquet. The evening will consist of a mouth-watering menu, wonderful entertainment, door prizes, installation of newly elected Lodge Officers, and presentation of awards. We will recognize the winners of the Golden Arrow and the Spirit award, the Honor Arrowmen, new Ordeal members, those who completed their Brotherhood walks, and the Vigil Class of 2021. The Lodge will also announce the recipients of the Silver Heron (James E. West) Award and the Founders Award.
Registration is on Black Pug and the cost is $15.00 per person until December 5, 2021. On December 5, the cost will increase to $20.00 per person. Registration is open to all Arrowmen, their families, and friends. Don’t wait too long, as tickets are limited.
In observance of CDC recommendations and to provide everyone with the safest possible environment, everyone is asked to wear a mask until they are sitting at their table to eat. If these safety recommendations are relaxed, participants will be notified.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Event Advisor Marie Kane at Pa2va96@cox.net.
Scout Night at the Norfolk Admirals
December 11
Join the Scouts to cheer on the Norfolk Admirals as they take on the Florida Everblades!
Tickets are available at the Scout Shop, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 until December 8 at 6 PM, or sold out. Tickets are also available online. A portion of ticket sales supports local Scouting. Units purchasing tickets will be recognized on the scoreboard.
Celebrate the first home team goal by throwing a soft toy onto the ice for Toys for Tots!
Outstanding Eagle Scout Nominations Due
December 16
Applications are now being accepted for the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Outstanding Eagle Scout Award. More information and the nomination form can be found on nesa.org. Completed applications are due by 4 PM on Thursday, December 16, 2021, either by paper copy submitted to the Scout Shop or electronically to ronves@myexcel.com or tglundquist15@gmail.com.
Wreaths Across America
December 18
Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 1,600 locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad. Find your local cemetery by visiting wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Winter Camp
January 14-17, 2022
Merit Badge Counselors and staff are still needed! Winter Camp is held at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Great merit badge counselors are what make this event the best. Volunteer today and make a positive difference in the life of a Scout on their way to Eagle. Email both Wes Parker and Christy Cooper to volunteer. In your email, include:
- What merit badge you wish to counsel
- How many 3-hour sessions needed
- The number of Scouts per session
- Materials and costs
- Pre-requisites
- Any position you may be interested in assisting
Registration is currently by waitlist only for youth on Black Pug. Merit badge selections will be available online starting November 20 at 10 AM.
Scouting for Food 2022
February 5-13, 2022
As Scouts, we know how fortunate we are to have a warm meal every night — whether around the campfire or at the kitchen table. And we know that not everyone is so lucky.
That’s why we participate annually in Tidewater Council’s Scouting for Food drive. It’s another reminder to our local communities that Scouts are here, doing good turns.
Scouting for Food takes place on two consecutive weekends. On the first weekend, Scouts distribute bags and/or door hangers to let their neighbors know about the drive. On the second, Scouts revisit those houses to pick up bags full of canned food, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, juice, and other nonperishable items. So, save the dates to distribute information on the weekend of February 5-6, 2022, and return to pick-up donations on February 12-13, 2022.
More information is coming soon.
Tidewater Council Annual Recognition Banquet
March 24, 2022
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 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. Save the date for March 24, 2022.
National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC)
July 25-30, 2022
From July 25-30, 2022, Arrowmen from around the country will have the opportunity to gather at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN to attend the 2022 National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC). Several thousand Arrowmen from around the USA are expected to attend the conference seeking the best that the Order of the Arrow (OA) has to offer. Each time a national conference is held, Arrowmen come together from around the world to share ideas, learn from one another, and most importantly, experience an outstanding event unlike any other in Scouting. NOAC is open to all active members of the OA.
In order to reserve your spot on the contingent, you must either pay in full the early bird rate of $575 or make a deposit of $100 towards the regular fee to Tidewater Council by December 1, 2021. The regular rate is $625 and the remainder after the $100 deposit is due no later than May 15, 2022. There will be an additional transportation fee that will be determined after contingent fundraising has been conducted. Registration is open on Black Pug.
Direct questions can be addressed to Charlie Tate at 757-214-7534 or cetate981@gmail.com. Please visit oa-bsa.org/program/events/noac for more information.
National Scout Jamboree
July 19-28, 2023
Save the date for the 2023 National Scout Jamboree at The Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. Tidewater Council plans to send at least one boy troop (36 youth and four adults) and one-half girl troop (18 youth and two adults). Registration is coming soon.
In Fond Remembrance
Mary Guynn
Longtime Scouting volunteer Mary H. Guynn passed away in October. Mary made a big impact in the Scouting community, serving in many roles over the decades. She started her Scouting tenure as a Den Mother for her son, nearly 60 years ago. Mary also volunteered as Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner, Unit Commissioner, and District Commissioner for the Elizabeth River District. She was a member of the Order of the Arrow.
Mary also contributed to Pipsico Scout Reservation through her role as a volunteer Campmaster. Along with her husband, Claudius, Mary helped to survey and lay out Camp Lions.
She was honored with several awards, including the Silver Fawn, District Award of Merit, Commissioner Arrowhead, and many more. In addition to her robust Scouting career, Mary was the first female letter carrier in Hampton Roads. She will be greatly missed.
In Fond Remembrance
Karen Grinvalsky
Karen Grinvalsky passed away peacefully earlier this month. Karen leaves a lasting legacy through the many Scouts she supported in her roles as Den Leader and Merit Badge Counselor. She was a beloved wife and mother of four, including two sons who are Eagle Scouts and Arrowmen.
A memorial service and reception will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home & Crematory, Princess Anne Chapel, 3445 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.
News
Scout Shop
Cub Scout Jackets and Hoodies
With cooler weather approaching, Cub Scout-themed jackets and hoodies ($24.99) are available in youth sizes only. The fleece hoodies and jackets, a cotton/polyester blend, are a comfortable way to layer, and the Cub Scout emblem makes it a fun way to display your love of Scouting!
Pinewood Derby
Start planning now for the Pinewood Derby. Many packs like to give out Pinewood Derby kits during the holidays. We have gift edition kits in stock for $4.99 each, which come in decorative holiday packaging. If you purchase 10 or more, there is a discount of $0.25 per car, which can add up when you buy for a pack. We only receive one order of the gift edition kits each year, so zoom in to the Scout Shop to get yours before they are gone!
After the gift edition is sold out, we will continue to carry the regular edition throughout the Pinewood Derby season.
Thorlos Sock Sale
The Thorlos sock sale begins again from November 23 through the rest of the year. Buy two pairs and get 25% off each pair. These socks are so warm and cozy, you don’t have to wait until a hike to enjoy them. They make great holiday gifts too!
Eagle Gifts
Got Eagles? Our full inventory of Eagle gifts and awards are on our main front display. Besides the Eagle award kits (which most troops buy to present to their Eagles), we have neckerchiefs and slides, bolo ties, dog tags, money clips, key rings, challenge coins, water bottles, mugs, caps, and buckles. That’s not to mention all the party goods. If it’s not in stock, we can get it if BSA Supply carries it.
Shipping
We continue to ship orders for customers by USPS. Just call 757-497-2688 or email your order to polly.fugate@scouting.org. We can figure shipping costs and call you for a VISA or Mastercard number.
Holiday Hours
During November, we will be closed:
- Thursday, November 18 from 2-4 PM for a staff gathering
- Thursday, November 25 through Saturday, November 27 for Thanksgiving. We will reopen on Tuesday, November 30.
Have a safe and fun Thanksgiving weekend!
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.
Development Corner
Support Scouting
There are many ways to support local Scouting and build our community’s next generation of leaders:
- Federal employees, you can designate your Combined Federal Campaign contribution to local Scouting with CFC Code: 94511.
- If you give to United Way, you can designate your gift to Tidewater Council. Tidewater Council is a partner agency with United Way of South Hampton Roads and Albemarle Area United Way.
- If you shop on Amazon, use AmazonSmile and designate Tidewater Council as your charity. Amazon will donate to Tidewater Council at no cost to you.
- Donate online or learn more about James E. West Fellowships and tribute gifts at tidewaterbsa.com/support.
Philmont Trek 2022
June 19 - July 4, 2022
Looking for the adventure of a lifetime? Join the Tidewater Council contingent headed to Philmont Scout Reservation next summer. There are five youth spaces available, open to either female or male Scouts. Contact Bill Lawrence at bill.lawrence2@scouting.org to learn more.
Popcorn
Upcoming Key Dates
- Wednesday, November 17
- Distribution date for final popcorn order.
- Friday, December 3
- Online sales end at 9 AM.
- Monday, December 6
- Deadline to submit popcorn prize requests. (No exceptions.)
Donations
Please report any donations received by using the Military Donation Form and emailing it to alison.harrison@scouting.org. Military donations typically are fulfilled locally through the USO to provide popcorn to service men and women, veterans, and their families.
Online Sales
Online sales are a great opportunity for families and Scout units with concerns about COVID-19 safety. The customer orders and pays online and the product is shipped directly to them, making the sale completely contactless.
Online sales are also a plus for Scouts who want to sell to out-of-town friends and relatives, and for those who want a certain product available online-only, such as White Ruby or peanut clusters.
All Tidewater Council Scouts are eligible to participate in online popcorn sales, regardless of the unit’s participation in traditional in-person sales. Contact us if you are interested in selling online but have not received your Scout’s sales link.
NESA Scholarships
Earning the Eagle Scout rank is an impressive achievement that provides lasting impacts on one’s life. One of those impacts can be financial support for higher education.
Beginning December 1, the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) will be accepting applications for five annual scholarships of varying amounts. Applicants must:
- Have completed an Eagle Scout board of review before January 24, 2022.
- Be a member of NESA. (Click here to join.)
- Submit the application through the NESA scholarship portal between December 1, 2021 and January 31, 2022.
- Visit nesa.org/for-eagle-scouts/scholarships to review full details and eligibility requirements.
To learn about scholarships offered to Scouts from other institutions, click here.
Outdoor Ethics and Cub Scouting
Outdoor ethics guide us to be responsible outdoor citizens and to protect our natural world for generations to come. Introduce Cub Scouts to the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace principles with these program resources.
BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award
In response to the needs of Scouts working toward the BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award, Scouting U and the Outdoor Programs Team have released a new training program for BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award Advisors and Council Conservation Committee members. This training will only be available online.
These new training programs are available through the BSA Learn Center at my.scouting.org. In the BSA Learn Center, search the catalog for the DCSA Advisor/Committee Training Learning Plan. The two-hour training program is divided into eight modules. The Learning Plan should be completed in order, working on the modules as arranged from top to bottom.
Day Camp 2022
In a cloud of dust comes the thundering sound of horse hooves. Suddenly you see the Lone Cub Scout. Join us as we travel the trails to the thrilling days of yesteryear for Cub Scout Western Day Camp 2022. The Council Day Camp Committee meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM in the food court of Greenbrier Mall. We are seeking deputy sheriffs to plan and run a fun-filled week of activities. Contact Rich Becker at richard.becker@scouting.org for more information.
Powder Horn
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.
Save the dates for Powder Horn 2022: September 9-11, 2022 and September 16-18, 2022. If you are interested in participating, please submit this interest form.
Community Service
Youth civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of one’s community. It also involves developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make that difference. These activities enrich the lives of youth and are socially beneficial to the community. What projects does your unit plan this fall?
Recording Activities in Internet Advancement and Scoutbook
Tidewater Council and its districts track Scout service hours. We share information about service projects with the community and potential donors so they can see the impact of Scouting. Reporting the service hours Scouts are already doing is an easy way to support Scouting!
Visit this Scoutbook How-To link for instructions on reporting service hours.
Service Opportunities
Service is Scouting’s greatest legacy and the primary reason that the Boy Scouts of America is the world’s premier youth organization. We currently have several opportunities for youth to give back to our communities through service. Here are some current projects needing assistance:
- As part of Albemarle Area United Way‘s Day of Caring, there is an opportunity to send Cards of Encouragement to homebound seniors and Letters of Love to long-term care facility residents through the Albemarle Commission. Learn more here.
- Marshview Park is a little known gem in an undeveloped wetland area between Seatack and Shadowlawn. Many years ago when it was privately owned, some parts of the park were used to dump construction debris in the wetlands. Virginia Beach recently improved the trails and park facilities at this location and several groups of volunteers have started to remove some of the debris, but we need a hard working crew to get serious about finishing the job. The city will bring a dumpster as close to the site as possible, but we will need wheel barrows and strong backs to pull the debris out of the wetlands and transport it to the dumpster. We are looking for at least ten people, including leaders, for about three or four hours. There is also the potential for a unit to adopt this area as a long-term service project, as there is additional work that needs to be done, including invasive plant removal, trail maintenance, and park improvements. Contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org or 757-773-1636.
- Rain garden project to benefit the SPCA. Contact Clay Bernick at clay@lrnow.org or 757-377-3120.
- Various projects for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Contact Clay Bernick at clay@lrnow.org or 757-377-3120.
- Build two five- to six-foot wooden benches with plant boxes and complete a butterfly garden for the ViBe District Mediterranean Avenue Parklet. Contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org or 757-773-1636.
- A few projects on the horizon for those Scouts wanting to be a part of planning, execution, and maintenance are slated for the future. A landscape project in the ViBe District, a living shoreline project in Great Neck, and a couple fall tree plantings. Contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org or 757-773-1636.
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.
Asthma
Each day in the U.S., 10 people die from asthma. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that can worsen at any time and for many different reasons. When it is effectively controlled, it should not interfere with a person’s activity; however, when not controlled, it can cause life-threatening symptoms.
Prepared leaders review Annual Health and Medical Records for issues before every event. They know the person’s asthma triggers and are familiar with their rescue medication and usage.
NYLT Leadership Academy
NYLT Leadership Academy is a training course designed to develop and teach National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) graduates how to be outstanding presenters, evaluators, and model leaders in their community, nation, and world. Scouts who attend NYLT Leadership Academy will hone their presentation and evaluation skills, meet successful leaders, participate in problem solving panels, and learn best practices.
There are five courses in summer 2022:
- Beaumont Scout Reservation, Missouri – June 25 – July 2, 2022
- Summit Bechtel Reserve, West Virginia – July 3-9, 2022
- Summit Bechtel Reserve, West Virginia – July 10-16, 2022
- NorCal Adventure Area, California – July 10-16, 2022
- Camp William B. Snyder, Virginia – July 24-30, 2022
Through a partnership with West Virginia University, NYLT Leadership Academy is now able to offer high school students a one-credit course for college credit. Taught and administered by educational professionals, the course enables participants to deepen their understanding of leadership skills and concepts and apply them in a collegiate setting. Most of the activities in the course will be completed through the NYLT Leadership Academy program, with additional required reading and reflection before and after the course. Participants should expect an additional 5-10 hours of work outside of the 50+ hours of instruction at the Leadership Academy, but will leave the course with college credit that can be transferred to collegiate institutions across the country.
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.
Scouts in Action
At the Tidewater Veterans Day Parade on November 11, Tidewater Council Scouts, Scouters, and families paid tribute to the men and women who have served and protected our country and fought for our freedom.
More than 500 Tidewater Council Scouts, Scouters, and family members gathered near 17th Street and Atlantic Avenue at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to watch the parade and march in it, showing appreciation for those who have served.
While many around the council joined together to honor those who served our country, several Albemarle units participated in the annual placement of flags at Old Hollywood Cemetery in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Thank you, Scouts and Scouters!
Cub Scout Pack 991 experienced a fun-filled and relaxing weekend campout at Newport News Park. The Scouts enjoyed a range of activities, including fishing, performing skits, tie-dye, yo-yo, cooking, roasting marshmallows, and spending time together around the campfire.
More than 200 Scouts and 175 Scouters and parents attended Fall Festival at Pipsico Scout Reservation on November 5-7. Families enjoyed an expo full of activities, pumpkin decorating, a re-enactment presentation, shooting sports, climbing, a camp-wide campfire program, and, most of all, fellowship. We hope to see you next year!
Thank you to all who supported Tidewater Council’s Scouting for Blood Drive on November 8. Due to volunteer efforts, our blood drive collected 15 productive pints, saving over 45 lives.
By hosting a blood drive, we have the ability to keep someone else alive. This is a gift beyond measure. With this precious resource, a member of our community is going to make it through what could be the toughest time of their life. We deeply thank the youth and adult volunteers for all their hard work to make the event happen. We also send a thank you for a heart of compassion and human kindness to those who donated.
Our next blood drive will be hosted at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center on February 7, 2022 from 1 PM to 6 PM, and we can’t wait for you to sign up to donate. Our goal is to increase our donations from 15 to 25 pints. Watch the EK for sign-up information as we get closer to the event.
Scouts and Scouters were busy at Albemarle Merit Badge Weekend on November 12-13. Scouts enjoyed Gaga Ball, a cracker barrel, and fellowship on Friday evening. On Saturday, Scouts worked on a wide range of merit badges, everything from Fire Safety at the local fire department to leatherworking. Scouts started blue cards for over 100 merit badges, with many of those being completed during the weekend.
Albemarle Merit Badge Weekend also included Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills. Seven participants from across the council took the next step to becoming fully trained to join the ranks as a Scoutmaster. Thank you for your dedication to serving as a trained Scouter for the youth of our communities.
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