Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
National Camp T-Shirt Day
November 15
National Camp T-Shirt Day is celebrated on November 15. For counselors, campers, and leaders, camp is a memorable experience.
On November 15, wear your favorite camp T-shirt and tell your friends about your awesome camping experiences. Take a picture and tag @tidewaterbsa on Facebook and @tidewatercouncilbsa on Instagram.
Cub Scout Leader Specific Training
November 19
Facilitator-led Cub Scout Leader Specific Training provides new leaders with an opportunity to learn from experienced Cub Scout leaders. This training lays the groundwork for success as a Cub Scout leader, in an atmosphere that is collaborative and welcoming.
Register now to attend Cub Scout Leader Specific Training on Saturday, November 19. The training will be held at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. Registration is open on Black Pug.
Zomboree
December 2-4
The haunts of fall don’t end on October 31 in Tidewater Council; they extend on into December.
Do you have what it takes to join the ranks of one of the last human strongholds during a Zombie Outbreak? Can you put your Scout skills to work to overcome any challenge that may come your way?
On December 2-4, 2022, Pipsico Scout Reservation puts you to the test! Register now for Zomboree on Black Pug.
Staff Needed
For information on volunteering as Zomboree staff, please contact scoutajdavis@gmail.com or bigbnva83@gmail.com.
Pow Wow
December 3
A long time ago in a Cub Scout pack that’s not so far away…
Adult leaders gathered to learn more about the Force within the program.
They turned their eyes to training opportunities for new and experienced adults.
They found Pow Wow, the annual supplemental Cub Scout leader and parent training.
They discovered classes that covered events, Scoutbook, working with Scouts with special needs, using the Patrol method with Webelos, games, communications, succession planning, songs, and so much more!
Register now for this year’s Pow Wow. Come join us at Hickory Middle School in Chesapeake on Saturday, December 3, 2022 as “The Pack Awakens” for more fun and adventure for all!
Position-Specific Training
December 3
Scoutmaster-Specific Training
Join us at Hickory Middle School for Scoutmaster-Specific Training. This course introduces Scouts BSA leaders to everything they need to know about running a troop. In particular, adult leaders learn about the “mentor” role and how to help youth members learn and practice leadership. This course, combined with Youth Protection Training and the Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) course, are required to be considered a “fully trained” Scouts BSA leader.
Troop Committee Challenge
Running a Scouts BSA troop is a little like running a business: there’s a budget and a calendar, there’s money coming in (fundraising and dues), there’s money going out (activities, equipment purchases, registration fees), there’s a “workforce” (adult volunteers), and there are goals and evaluation of whether the troop reached its goals. And, of course, all this occurs within the unique context of Scouting with some special rules and requirements.
Troop committee members, join us at Hickory Middle School to get the foundational training with the tools and best practices to succeed.
Wood Badge Association Dinner
December 9
The annual Tidewater Council Wood Badge Association Reunion Dinner is almost here! Join us on Friday, December 9, 2022 at VFW Post 4809 (5728 Bartee Street, Norfolk, VA 23502).
Together we will join in food, fun, and fellowship as we celebrate Wood Badgers across Tidewater Council.
During the event, we will have our Critter Call-out to see which critter reigns supreme. Can the Owls maintain their title?
We will also have merchandise and memorabilia for sale, including a new limited edition commemorative glass!
All proceeds benefit the scholarship fund, which supports Scouts and Scouters on their quest to develop as leaders by attending Wood Badge, NYLT, and NAYLE.
Come one, come all to this non-uniform event. Register here today!
Scout Night with the Norfolk Admirals
December 10
Join the Scouts to cheer on the Norfolk Admirals as they take on the Adirondack Thunder!
Tickets are available at the Scout Shop, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 until December 3, or sold out. A portion of ticket sales supports local Scouting. Units purchasing tickets will be recognized on the scoreboard.
Order of the Arrow Holiday Banquet
December 10
Arrowmen of the Blue Heron Lodge, the end of our 75th Anniversary year is quickly approaching, and we have a wonderful event planned: our 2022 Holiday Banquet!
- Mouth-watering menu
- Wonderful entertainment
- Door prizes
- Installation of newly elected Lodge Officers
- Presentation of awards
- Golden Arrow
- The Spirit Award
- The Honor Arrowmen
- New Ordeal members
- Those who completed their Brotherhood walks
- The Vigil Class of 2022
- The Silver Heron (James E. West) Award
- The Founders Award
Registration is on Black Pug and the cost is $15.00 per person until December 6, 2022. On December 6, 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.
If you have any questions, please contact Event Advisor Marie Kane at Pa2va96@cox.net.
NOESA Nomination Deadline
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, 2022, electronically to Christina Viglietta at Christina.Viglietta@scouting.org.
Learn about Tidewater Council’s two 2021 NOESA recipients:
Wreaths Across America
December 17
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 13-16, 2023
Registration for Winter Camp participants is waitlist-only, but Merit Badge Counselors and staff are 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
Albemarle District Freezoree
January 27-29, 2023
Winter Weekend is a chance to join in one of the oldest traditions in Boy Scouts of America – coming together as a district for Scouting. District gatherings provide an opportunity for fun, friendship, and fellowship. We would love for you to come join the fun and excitement of the 2023 Winter Weekend.
Join us January 27-29, 2023 at Maple Commerce Park, Barco, NC. All Tidewater Council troops, crews, and ships are welcome to attend. Registration and more details are coming soon.
Adams Award Deadline
January 31, 2023
The National Eagle Scout Association established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award (ESSPY) to recognize valuable service of an exceptional nature by an Eagle Scout candidate to a religious institution, school, community, or other entity through completion of an Eagle Scout project.
Nominations are due to the council by January 31, 2023. The youth must have passed their Eagle Board of Review between January 1 – December 31, 2022.
Read about Tidewater Council’s 2021 Adams Award recipient here.
Scouting for Food
February 4-12, 2023
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 4-5, 2023, and return to pick-up donations on February 11-12, 2023.
Units should select a Scouting for Food Coordinator. More information is coming soon.
Silver Beaver Nomination Deadline
February 4, 2023
The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered Scouters who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given at the council-level.
To nominate a worthy Scouter, please submit the nomination form to cutcharmstrong@live.com and alison.harrison@scouting.org.
Learn about Tidewater Council’s three most recent Silver Beaver recipients:
Klondike Derby
Quest for Gold
February 24-26, 2023
Are you ready to go on a hunt for gold? Are you ready for some competition? If you answered yes, then it’s time to sign up for the 2023 Klondike Derby: Quest for the Gold!
Join us in beautiful Camp Lions, Pipsico Scout Reservation with your sled to compete in skills from first aid, wilderness survival, fire-building, cooking, pioneering, and rifle shooting. The Blue Heron Lodge will conduct an OA Call-Out Ceremony on Saturday night.
Station Coordinators Needed
The Klondike Derby Committee is looking for one adult and one youth to run a station during the derby. There is a special patch for those who run a station. If you are interested, please contact Mike Maruska at mikemaruska1179@gmail.com.
VFW Scout of the Year Nomination Deadline
March 1, 2023
Annually, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) awards three individuals who have risen above their peers in exemplifying the qualities of the highest youth Scouting ranks. Recipients can be awarded scholarships at both the local and national levels.
The deadline to apply is March 1, 2023 at 11 PM. Please review the local handout from VFW Post 392 for more information, as well as the brochure and entry form.
University of Scouting
March 11, 2023
University of Scouting is a fun-filled, hands-on opportunity for leaders to network and gain skills. University of Scouting offers courses for leaders in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Sea Scouts, Venturing, as well as programs for Commissioners, Doctoral Students, and youth leaders. Courses include STEM, songs and skits, knots, event planning, high adventure, recruiting, fundraising, and more. New ideas are always welcome.
Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader
To help as a staff member, instructor, or dean, please contact Keegan Daley at TidewaterUniversityOfScouting@gmail.com.
2023 Annual Leadership Breakfast
March 15, 2023
We are pleased to announce the keynote speaker for Tidewater Council’s 2023 Annual Leadership Breakfast: Mark Moseley!
With an impressive NFL career spanning 1970-1987, Mark Moseley is the all-time scoring leader for Washington’s NFL team.
To learn more about how you, your company, or your community group can host a table, please contact Linda Boyce at linda.boyce@scouting.org.
Wood Badge
March 24-26, 2023 and April 22-23, 2023
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 NST15-596-23 will be held at Pipsico Scout Reservation on Friday, March 24 – Sunday, March 26 and Saturday, April 22 – Sunday, April 23, 2023. Participants must attend both weekends of the course activities to complete the practical phase of the training.
For more information, contact NST15-596-23 Course Director Matthew Hipsher at dubroq@gmail.com or your district training chair.
2023 National Scout Jamboree
July 19-28, 2023
The National Scout Jamboree, Scouting’s flagship event, is one-of-a-kind. Over the course of ten summer days, tens of thousands of members of the Boy Scouts of America from across the country gather together to explore all kinds of adventures—stadium shows, pioneer village, Mount Jack hikes, adventure sports, and more—in the heart of one of nature’s greatest playgrounds. With 10,000 acres to explore at the Summit, there is no shortage of opportunities to build Scouting memories.
Tidewater Council is organizing a contingent to attend this awesome event in West Virginia. The contingent will consist of:
- Two male Scouts BSA troops (72 youth and eight adults)
- One female Scouts BSA troop (36 youth and four adults)
- One Venturing crew (36 youth and four adults)
If your unit would like a presentation about the National Scout Jamboree and the adventure and activities available, contact Erich Röetz.
News
Hooked on Scouting Competition
Fish and win!
The Competition
Post a photo of your Scout and their catch on Facebook and/or Instagram with hashtag #HookedOnScoutingTWC to enter. Entries will be judged based on fish size, Scouting spirit, and Scouting attire.
The Prize
Two winners per month will receive a fishing tackle set with a telescopic fiberglass fishing rod!
The Winners
This contest is open to currently registered youth members of Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America.
Monthly from September 2022 to December 2022, two winners will be selected. One winner will be a Cub Scout and the second winner will be a member of Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, or Exploring.
Each Scout may enter as many times as they’d like, but may only win once.
Scout Shop
Fall Outerwear
Fall weather calls for warm outerwear and we have a couple of new choices. Our BSA light gray hoodie and the charcoal Eagle zippered hooded jacket are BSA’s most recent additions. Both are a cotton/polyester blend, machine washable, and sell for $54.99. Cub Scout hoodies are still in stock, some red and some navy, all with the diamond shape Cub Scout symbol on the front and sell for $24.99. What better way to stay warm and advertise Scouting? They also make great holiday gifts.
Holiday Gifts
Speaking of holidays, they are right around the corner, and we have many gift ideas. Since anything Scouting-related makes a wonderful gift for a Scout, we suggest you come in and browse to find great stocking stuffers, books, socks, uniforms, camping items…you name it!
Gift certificates may be purchased for any amount and used on anything! You can also check out the National website for things we may not have in stock. We are happy to order for you so you can avoid shipping charges. Just be sure to shop ahead of time. Once we get into December, we cannot guarantee receiving things before the holidays. We can ship orders to you if time allows, or you can pick them up at the Scout Shop.
Pinewood Derby Kits
We are stocking up on Pinewood Derby kits since many units like to give them for presents. BSA Supply no longer stocks the “gift edition” kits. The kits are $5.99 each, but if you purchase 10 or more kits, you get a discount of $0.25 off per car.
Space Derby Clearance Sale
The Space Derby program has been officially retired at BSA, but some packs may still have Space Derby kits. We no longer have the kits, but we do have plenty of the prizes. We have the red, white, and blue space derby ships, the bronze, silver, and gold lanyards, participation ribbons, patches, and a few other things on clearance. They are selling for less than half the original price and are located at the back of the store in the Clearance section.
Shipping
Our shipping schedule days are Wednesday and Friday. If you order on Tuesday or Thursday, we can ship your order by USPS the following day. Call us with your order, and we will pack it, weigh it, determine shipping costs, and call you back for a VISA or Mastercard number. You may also email orders to polly.fugate@scouting.org.
Scout Shop Hours
Our November schedule has extra closing times. On Thursday, November 17, we close early at 2 PM for a staff event. We are closed for Thanksgiving weekend from Thursday, November 24 through the Saturday, November 26. We are normally closed on Sunday and Monday, so we will reopen as usual on Tuesday, November 29. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
Popcorn Sale
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Online Sales
Online sales continue through November 28. This is an easy way to earn money for your unit, with no product handling or money handling required! The customer orders and pays online, with free shipping straight to the customer.
If you need your Scout’s Seller ID for online sales, please contact your Unit Popcorn Kernel.
Share Your Story
The Popcorn Committee is putting together a video to recognize Scouts and families for their efforts this season. We invite all Scouts who sold popcorn this year to submit short videos saying why they sell popcorn, what their favorite flavor is, and/or any tips they would like to share with other Scouts. Photos of Scouts selling are also welcome. Please submit your videos and photos to popcorn@tidewaterbsa.com.
Thank You!
Final popcorn returns took place November 1. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped that day and thanks to the units. Our return rate was only 5% this year. Great job everyone!
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.
Can we bring animals or pets on campouts?
No, animals or pets are not part of tours or activities in Scouting.
This does not preclude service animals or merit badge programs where specific animals are part of the merit badge (Horsemanship, Mammal Study, Reptile and Amphibian Study, etc.).
In general, the Boy Scouts of America follows the policies of the American Camping Association regarding service animals. Other than certified service dogs, pets are not allowed at Scouting activities. Note that an emotional support animal whose purpose is to provide comfort (that does not otherwise qualify as a service animal) is not considered a service animal.
Den Leader Resources
Serving as a Den Leader provides an opportunity to make a positive lifelong impact on the children in the den. The den is where Cub Scouts build friendships, work together to learn new things, and progress towards earning their badge of rank.
There are many resources available to help den leaders:
- Training
- Position-Specific training is available online or in-person.
- Roundtables are monthly district meetings that provide program updates and resources to help plan the next 45-60 days of Scouting program delivery.
- Cub Chat Live is a Facebook Live event that happens every Friday at 3 PM. Hosted by Scouting magazine, this weekly show features the National Director of Cub Scouting and/or the National Chair of Cub Scouting addressing Cub Scout program questions. All episodes are recorded and can be watched on the Scouting magazine Facebook page.
- Den Leader Resources Webpage
- Tips and tricks videos
- Digital tools and apps
- Literature and guidebooks
- Social Media
- Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America: Official council Facebook page
- Tidewater Den Leader Forum: For local den leaders to exchange ideas
- Scouting Volunteer Tech Support: Help with Scouting’s technology, such as Scoutbook and Internet Advancement
- Scoutbook- Tips, Tricks and Help: Help with questions related to Scoutbook
Cub Scout Preview Adventures
Cub Scout Preview Adventures are new elective adventures for Cub Scouts. During the preview period, these adventures are under evaluation and possible revision. Successful Preview Adventuress may be included in future Cub Scout handbooks. Preview Adventure recognition items are purple in color for all ranks to signify they are in preview mode.
Preview Adventures count toward advancement just like other elective adventures.
The current Preview Adventures are:
- The Protect Yourself Rules Preview Adventure
- Yo-Yo Preview Adventure
- Modular Design Preview Adventure
Requirements, den meeting plans, and program resources are available at scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts/preview-adventures.
Award Spotlight
National Honor Patrol Award
The National Honor Patrol Award encourages patrols to have identity, spirit, be active, to do Good Turns and service projects, complete rank advancement, wear the uniform, be organized, participate with the troop, and grow. The recognition item for this award is a cloth strip worn on the uniform beneath the patrol emblem.
National Outdoor Challenge Unit Award
The National Outdoor Challenge Unit Award encourages Scouts BSA troops to do more outdoor trips and long-term camping, have an annual program plan, have an activity with a Webelos den, conduct a Leave No Trace program, and teach outdoor-related merit badges. The recognition item for this award is a troop flag ribbon.
Recharter Preparations
As the time nears to renew membership in Scouting units, take a moment to ensure the following items are completed:
- All adults who are renewing their membership have Youth Protection Training that is valid through December 31, 2023
- All youth and adults’ contact information is correct and updated in My.Scouting
- All direct contact leaders’ Hazardous Weather training will be current at the time of charter renewal
Princess Anne District Charter Renewal
In order to assist units with charter renewal, the Princess Anne District Commissioner Staff has scheduled training, orientation, and charter reviews.
Charter Review
- Saturday, November 19 from 12 – 4 PM at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 3201 Edinburgh Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. Contact Al Barr to schedule an appointment.
Charter Turn-In
- Saturday, December 3 at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.
Albemarle District Charter Renewal
In order to assist units with charter renewal, the Albemarle District Commissioner has scheduled charter orientation, charter review, and turn-in as follows:
Charter Review/Turn-In
- Saturday, November 19 from 9 AM – 1 PM. Location TBD.
- Saturday, December 3 from 5:30 PM – 7 PM. Location TBD. By appointment only.
- Charter Renewals will NOT be accepted at the council office.
For questions, please contact:
Brian Ives
Albemarle District Commissioner
252-202-2615
ivesbk@gmail.com
Christy Cooper
Albemarle District Executive
208-597-6044
Christy.Cooper@scouting.org
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.
Help Wanted
ScoutReach Volunteers
ScoutReach is the outreach program of the Boy Scouts of America, bringing Scouting’s leadership and character-building programs to underserved communities. Tidewater Council currently has three ScoutReach programs that are seeking volunteer support.
- The Seatack area in Virginia Beach has a monthly evening program for families with elementary-aged youth. Contact Rich Becker at 757-575-6609 or richard.becker@scouting.org if you are interested in assisting.
- Lindenwood Elementary in Norfolk has a biweekly afterschool program. Contact Bill Lawrence at 828-582-6955 or Bill.Lawrence2@scouting.org if you are interested in assisting.
- Southwestern Elementary in Chesapeake has an afterschool program. Contact Christina Viglietta at 757-969-2396 or christina.viglietta@scouting.org if you are interested in assisting.
Volunteer with the Membership Team
The Tidewater Council Membership Team is looking for volunteer assistance from Spanish-speaking Scouters, to speak to potential chartered partners and 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.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
On October 29, community members came together to honor Cheryl McLeskey, raise funds for local Scouting, and have a great time at the Darden Gala. Thank you to all who sponsored, attended, and supported this event!
Albemarle District enjoyed the wonderful fall weather November 11-13 at Merit Badge Weekend. More than 160 Scouts and 50 Scouters registered to attend the weekend at US Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City. More than 400 merit badges were earned or started during the weekend. The 3 on 3 basketball tournament was a success, and we even added a volleyball tournament this year. Eight Scouters benefited from the IOLS course as well. Great job, Scouts!
Pack 585 went ringside at a Norfolk Admirals game on October 29. Selling popcorn allowed the pack to provide this fun event for Cub Scout families.
Troop 362 had some “spare” time for some good healthy competition.
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