Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Trainer's EDGE
November 18
Trainer’s EDGE is the Boy Scouts of America’s trainer development course designed to help Scouts and Scouters:
- Put into practice the EDGE training model
- Gain self-confidence through hands-on training experiences
- Develop the platform skills of a trainer
- Raise the level of skill a trainer brings to the learning experience
- “Train the trainer” on behaviors and resources while offering hands-on experience in methods and media
This course is part of a continuous process of updating trainers with the latest training methods, principles, and technologies.
Trainer’s EDGE is ideal for:
- District and council trainers
- Merit badge counselors
- Summer camp staff, including both youth and adults
- Winter Camp staff, including both youth and adults
- Roundtable staff
- Pack trainers
- Commissioner trainers
- Youth troop guides and instructors
- Unit leaders
- Staff for Wood Badge and National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
The course will be offered on November 18 at United Way of South Hampton Roads in Norfolk.
NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award Nomination Deadline
December 1
The National Eagle Scout Association established the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award during the Boy Scouts of America’s 100th Anniversary celebration in 2010. Popularly known by its acronym, “NOESA,” this award recognizes Eagle Scouts notable for their local, state, regional, or national distinguished service.
NOESA recipients have inspired others through their positive actions reflected by recognized accomplishments and devotion to their community, profession, avocation, and beliefs. Previous recipients include authors, explorers, scientists, physicians, military officers, judges, attorneys, government officials, community leaders, media personalities, entrepreneurs, and prominent businesspeople. Each recipient’s record of service and accomplishments elevates the public stature and reputation of Eagle Scouts. Learn more about Tidewater Council’s three most recent NOESA recipients: Cutch Armstrong, Bill Campbell, and John Scheib.
Nominations are due to the council service center by December 1, 2023. Please be sure to use the 2023 revision of the nomination form.
Scoutmaster Specific Training
December 2
Scoutmaster-Specific Training introduces adult leaders to everything they need to know about running a Scouts BSA troop.
In Scouts BSA, adult leaders serve in more of a “mentor” position, where their job is to help youth members learn and practice leadership. While this training will not answer every single question about being a Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster, it is a great introduction.
Along with Youth Protection Training and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), this course is required for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters to be considered “position trained.”
Troop Committee Challenge
December 2
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.
At Troop Committee Challenge training on December 2, get the foundational training with the tools and best practices to succeed.
Scout Night with the Norfolk Admirals
December 9
Join the Scouts to cheer on the Norfolk Admirals as they take on the Jacksonville Icemen!
Tickets are available for $18 each at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 until December 2, or sold out. A portion of ticket sales supports local Scouting. Units purchasing tickets will be recognized on the video board.
The tickets purchased in the Scout Shop are actual tickets with assigned seats. If you are attending Scout Night with the Norfolk Admirals as a unit or with a group, please purchase the tickets together to ensure you are seated together.
Stay after the game for FREE public ice skating!
Scout Day at Winterplace Ski Resort
January 28, 2024
Winterplace Ski Resort in Ghent, WV is offering a special ski program for Tidewater Council Scouts, leaders, family members, friends, and neighbors!
The package offers a special rate of up to 50% off, and includes a full-day lift ticket, ski equipment rental, helmet rental, and a customized 90-minute group lesson.
There are optional add-ons available for meal vouchers and snowtubing.
Lodging is not included in the package, but there are nearby facilities at Winterplace and the Summit Bechtel Reserve.
Adams Award Nomination Deadline
January 31, 2024
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. Learn about Tidewater Council’s most recent Adams Award recipient, Simone N., here.
Nominations for the Adams Award are due to the council by January 31, 2024. An Eagle Scout, parents, or any registered BSA volunteer (with the Eagle Scout’s permission) may submit Eagle Scout service projects to the council for consideration. One council recipient is selected each year. Council recipients are considered for further recognition at the territory level.
The Adams Award nomination form has been updated. Please submit nominations using the updated 2024 nomination form.
Eagle Scouts are strongly encouraged to record a short video (3-5 minutes in length) as part of the nomination. The video should tell the story of their Eagle Scout Service Project and describe the impact on their community, as well as themselves.
Klondike Derby
February 23-25, 2024
Klondike Derby registration is now open!
The 2024 Klondike Derby: Quest for the Gold will be held in beautiful Camp Lions, Pipsico Scout Reservation. Using your sled, compete in skills from first aid, wilderness survival, lumberjack skills, fire building, cooking, pioneering, and shooting.
The Blue Heron Lodge will conduct an Order of the Arrow call-out ceremony on Saturday night.
If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Mike Maruska at mikemaruska1179@gmail.com.
Wood Badge
April 12-14 and May 4-5, 2024
Wood Badge is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide adult members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their Scouting positions and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. Lord Baden-Powell originally designed it so that Scouters could learn, in as practical a way as possible, the skills and methods of Scouting. It is, first and foremost, learning by doing.
Wood Badge has evolved over the years into the core leadership skills training course for the BSA. The Wood Badge course focuses on strengthening every volunteer’s ability to work with and lead groups of youth and adults and is less focused on outdoor skills, which are more effectively addressed in other courses.
National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC)
July 29 - August 3, 2024
From July 29 through August 3, 2024, Arrowmen from around the country will have the opportunity to gather at the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO to attend the 2024 National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC). Attendance is expected to exceed several thousand, as Arrowmen from around the USA come together 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.
The estimated fee to attend is $1,450 and can be paid in six installments until May 15, 2024 at scoutingevent.com/596-noac2024. Attendees who have paid $625 of their total fee by January 31, 2024 will be able to save $50 by being eligible for the discounted programming rate (so the total fee will be only $1,400). The final fee will be adjusted when transportation costs are finalized.
For More Information or Questions
- Contact Philip Durant, NOAC 2024 Chair, at 757-505-6355 or philipscouting@gmail.com
- Contact Mack Brunson, NOAC Adviser, at 619-972-3790 or mack_brunson@yahoo.com
- Visit oa-bsa.org/program/events/noac
News
Scout Shop
Knit Caps
With fall weather, there is a need for warmer outerwear. Besides the jackets and hoodies we carry, don’t forget about our Scout-themed knit caps. We have new ones this year, two for Scouts and one for Cubs. The Cub Scout Camo Mohawk is blue and yellow and sells for $22.99. Both Scout knit caps (gray and green) are $24.99 and have the fleur-de-lis. A great way to show off Scout pride and keep warm!
Thank you!
As our busy fall season winds down, we want to give a huge “THANK YOU” to Dave & Anne Bussiere for their help in the Scout Shop during some busy Saturdays. They came to the aid of many new customers, and we truly appreciate them!
Need a Knife?
We have a good selection of BSA-logo knives ranging in size from 2.25 inches to 7.5 inches and priced anywhere from $10.00 (Pipsico knife) to $29.99 (Boy Scout Deluxe Knife). Several are multi-tools and come in their own case. Looking ahead, these make great stocking stuffers!
Pinewood Derby
Pinewood Derby cars will be coming in a large shipment by mid-November for those packs who purchase them to give out as stocking stuffers. The price is $6.99 per car and there is a discount of $0.25 per car when you purchase 10 or more. This year, there are many new accessories which we will be getting in after the holidays.
Gifts
Speaking of holidays, this is a good time to start shopping for Scout-related gifts. Remember, anything Scout-related makes a wonderful gift for any occasion. We encourage customers to look online at scoutshop.org, find something you want to purchase, and give us a call at 757-497-2688. If we don’t have it, we can order it and usually have it in stock within a week. The sooner we order, the better. You can avoid expensive shipping charges by ordering through us, but any order placed after the first week in December may not be here in time before our holiday closings.
Shipping
We continue to ship orders by USPS on Wednesdays and Fridays. If a holiday happens that week, we can ship on other days. Call or email your order, and we will calculate shipping and call you back for a VISA or Mastercard number.
Scout Shop Hours and Holidays
November has a few holiday closings to remember:
- Open late (3 PM) on Friday, November 17 for staff gathering
- Closed Thursday, November 23 – Saturday, November 25 for Thanksgiving
Have a fun and safe November!
Popcorn
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Take Order Pickup
If your unit placed a final order (“Take Order”), please schedule a pickup appointment on Friday, November 17 here.
Online Sales
It is not too late for your unit to participate in the 2023 Popcorn Sale! Online sales continue until November 20 at approximately 9 AM. Product purchased online is shipped directly to the purchaser with free shipping. Units earn 30% commission on online sales, and do not have to handle product or logistics. Each Scout receives a unique Seller ID to ensure credit goes to the right unit.
If you need your Scout’s Seller ID for online sales, please contact your Unit Popcorn Kernel.
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/Pink Eye
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.
Cub Scouting News and Reminders
Combining Dens
Dens containing both boys and girls are now permitted (but still optional). Having coed dens may help integrate girls into the pack when there are not enough girls to have a separate all-female den.
If the pack has only a few Scouts at one age level, the pack may also consider combining dens. For example, two Wolves and three Tigers could be combined and meet together in a multi-rank den.
Lion Dens
Be sure to provide proper support to Lion dens. New kindergarten parents should not be left alone to figure out what Scouting is all about. An experienced volunteer or two can work with or oversee new dens of kindergartners and their parents.
Tiger Dens
Tigers are the barometer of a pack’s health. The larger the Tiger den, the better for the future of the pack. Often, Tiger parents become the next few years’ pack leaders. In growing and thriving packs, the Tiger den is usually the largest den in the pack.
Program Changes in June 2024
On June 1, 2024, the Cub Scout program will be updated. The four main areas of change are:
- Bobcat: Bobcat will no longer be a badge that is earned once when a Cub Scout joins. It will become a required Adventure for each rank and earned each year. The requirements for the Bobcat Adventure will be different for each grade to make them age-appropriate.
- Cub Scout Adventures: Changes to Cub Scout Adventures will make it easier to deliver the program to multi-rank dens or as a pack. Earning each rank in Cub Scouting will require a Cub Scout to earn the six required Adventures and two elective Adventures. Required Adventures reflect the aims and focus areas of the BSA. The number of elective Adventures will increase.
- Webelos: Webelos and Arrow of Light will be separated. Webelos will become the 4th grade program in Cub Scouting. Arrow of Light will become a stand-alone badge of rank for 5th graders, and will be the program that prepares Cub Scouts to join Scouts BSA.
- Cub Scout Awards: Cub Scouts Awards will be reimagined as Cub Scout Adventures. Topics like camping, STEM, and target sports will remain and be reimagined into elective Adventures that can be used towards earning badges of rank.
Be on the lookout for opportunities to learn about the new program, which is designed to be fun, simple to understand, and easy to deliver. For more information, see the official BSA announcement and the November 10 episode of Cub Chat Live!
Short-Term Camp Administrators
What is a Short-Term Camp?
- Any council or district-organized overnight camping program
- May be one-time or continuing
- May be one, two, or three nights in length
- The council or district provides staffing (including volunteer leadership) and may provide program and/or food services
- May be conducted on or off council properties
Short-Term Camp Requirements
Each Short-Term Camp must have a Short-Term Camp Administrator. This person is responsible for:
- Ensuring the planned camp complies with the Boy Scouts of America’s National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) Short-Term Camp Standards
- Walking the property to ensure that it is appropriate for the event
- Ensuring that paperwork is filed and any written BSA approvals are completed and obtained through the council
- Confirming facilities and program are safe and in good order before starting operation
- Ensuring that appropriate health, safety, and sanitation provisions are made
- Ensuring that all activities at the short-term camp comply with the applicable BSA National Camp Standards
Short-Term Camp Administrator Training
In order to serve as a Short-Term Camp Administrator, a current certification is required. The Short-Term Camp Administrator certification is valid for two years from the course date.
Online courses are facilitated through the National Service Center. The training consists of several modules designed to prepare the participant to manage the Short-Term Camp from planning and program development to staff recruitment to assessment. Upon registration for one of these courses, participants will receive a link to log into the training room.
Upcoming training dates for both first time certification and recertification are available here.
Unit Training Chairs
The unit training chair position is part of the unit committee, is an important and helpful role, and doesn’t require a big-time commitment. The unit training chair is appointed by the committee chair to:
- Ensure training opportunities are available
- Inform leaders and parents about training opportunities
- Maintain training records and materials
- Ensure all unit leaders complete BSA Youth Protection Training
The unit committee chair gives the unit training chair access to Training Manager in order to pull reports on who needs which training.
The goal of the unit training chair is to have 100% of the adult leadership trained in their positions of responsibilities.
Succession Planning
Change of leadership is to be expected in a Scouting unit. Often, leaders move up in the program with their children. It is extremely important that every unit have a succession plan. Succession planning is an ongoing process of systematically identifying, assessing, and developing talent to ensure the leadership continuity for all key positions in an organization.
For every unit position, there should be someone preparing to take over that position at a later date. The newest members can observe and help. Experienced parents and leaders act as co-chairs and co-leaders. Almost everyone has something to contribute and may only be waiting to be asked. A good place to begin is by asking a parent to help in a small way or by completing a task. If they do well, they can be asked to take on a larger responsibility in the future.
Create a culture of volunteering in the unit! When new Scouts sign up, be sure the parents understand that they are encouraged to help too, even if it is a small responsibility.
Future leaders can get a head start when current leaders speak with them early about the possibility of taking on a volunteer role with the unit. This will give them time to observe what is currently being done in that role and begin to get training.
Awards Spotlight
BSA National Outdoor Challenge
The National Outdoor Challenge Unit Award encourages 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.
As units work on their charter renewal, it is a good time to take a moment with the Patrol Leaders Council to complete and submit the application for this award.
Venturing Shooting Sports Outstanding Achievement Award
The Venturing Shooting Sports Outstanding Achievement Award encourages Venturers to shoot in multiple disciplines and be recognized for several challenging requirements.
While working on the Ranger Shooting Sports elective, Venturers are required to complete one of the following seven disciplines: air pistol, air rifle, archery, muzzle-loading rifle, shotgun, pistol, or small bore rifle. Venturers who go beyond the basic requirement and complete five of the seven disciplines can earn the Venturing Shooting Sports Outstanding Achievement Award.
Special Needs and Disabilities Roundtables
The Boy Scouts of America holds quarterly virtual Special Needs and Disabilities Roundtables. The next Roundtable is scheduled for Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 7:30 PM, and will focus on “Resources and how to become a Special Needs and Disabilities Champion.” Register here to attend.
More information about serving Scouts with special needs and disabilities, as well as recordings of previous webinars, can be found at scouting.org/resources/disabilities-awareness.
2024 OA High Adventure
Registration is now open for Order of the Arrow (OA) High Adventure programs. These programs range from 8 to 14 days long and include components of service and trek activities. Registration is submitted on an individual basis and crews are composed of participants from across the nation.
- Northern Tier offers OA Wilderness Voyage and OA Canadian Odyssey for OA members ages 16-20.
- Philmont Scout Ranch offers OA Trail Crew for OA members ages 16-20.
- Summit Bechtel Reserve offers OA Summit Experience for OA members ages 14-17.
Granting Roles and Permissions in Scoutbook
Scoutbook uses two kinds of permissions:
- Position based permissions: Position based permissions are all about the individual’s position or role in the unit.
- Connection permissions: Connection permissions are assigned between specific Scouts and adults. For example, an adult leader could be assigned permission to edit advancement for the youth in only one patrol.
For information on Scoutbook permissions and how to add them, visit help.scoutbook.scouting.org.
High Adventure Treks in 2024 and 2025
Many units regularly pack yearly schedules with outings and activities that keep youth coming back and wanting more. Units provide many different activities which appeal to a variety of age groups. Youth ages 11-13 crave and need activities that deliver basic skills, such as camping. Youth ages 14-17 are looking for more robust adventures that challenge their physical abilities, as well as their minds. Additionally, older Scouts are looking for activities which become available as they mature.
To help older youth keep their interest in Scouting, the Council High Adventure Committee has produced a long-range calendar outlining longer (5+ days) high adventure activities. To assist units, the council offers these longer treks on a council contingent basis. The High Adventure Committee is soliciting youth and units’ interest in these treks for 2024 and 2025. Units and individuals with an interest in these activities should contact Jeffreyirving@cox.net or bill.lawrence2@scouting.org for more information. The first two treks are:
Okpik Winter Program at Northern Tier: December 2024
Okpik is the premier winter camping program in the Boy Scouts of America. The Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base in Minnesota is the site of the Boy Scouts of America’s National Cold Weather Camping Development Center. All trips are fully outfitted and provisioned, including almost all the personal gear necessary to stay warm in the winter. A highly trained staff member, called an Interpreter, accompanies all crews on their trek.
This activity is scheduled around winter break (December 2024). Northern Tier has a wide range of winter treks. Crews can choose cabin stay programs, cross country skiing (which could include sleeping one night on a frozen lake), or dog sledding (which includes living with and caring for the sled dogs).
Learn to never fear the cold again while experiencing all the Great North Woods have to offer. The cost varies with the activity the crew chooses, but is estimated around $2,000 per person.
Backpacking at Philmont Scout Ranch: Summer 2025
Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America’s largest National High Adventure Base, challenges Scouts and Venturers with more than 214 square miles of rugged northern New Mexico wilderness. Backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades, and training and service programs offer young people many ways to experience this legendary country.
Tidewater Council is planning a trek to Philmont during summer 2025. Costs for 2025 are not yet available, but, for reference, the fee for the 2022 council contingent trek to Philmont was around $2,300 per person.
Participants who sign up for either trek must make a $250 deposit.
In succeeding years, Tidewater Council-offered contingents will include Sea Base in Florida and The Summit in West Virginia.
Members of the High Adventure Committee are available to assist individuals and units in developing and conducting long (5+ days) high adventure treks. Contact Jeffreyirving@cox.net or bill.lawrence2@scouting.org.
Program Ideas
November
- Native American Heritage Month:
- Invite a Native American guest speaker to a unit meeting
- Work on the Indian Lore Merit Badge
- National Hiking Day (November 17):
- Take a hike!
- Work on the Hiking Merit Badge
- Learn about the Six Essentials for Cub Scouts and the Ten Essentials for older Scouts
Scouting Resource Groups on Facebook
- Commissioner Service (BSA)
- Commissioners of Tidewater Council
- Scouting Magazine
- Tidewater Den Leader Forum
- Scoutbook Tips, Tricks, and Help
- National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) – Tidewater Council
- Tidewater Council Powder Horn
- Tidewater Council Training and Trainers
- Tidewater Council Popcorn Kernels
- Wood Badgers from Tidewater Council BSA
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
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.
Commissioners
Commissioners are volunteers who believe in Scouting and want to prepare youth become responsible, participating citizens and leaders who are guided by the Scout Oath and Law.
They are a resource for unit leaders when the leader has questions on Scouting policies and procedures. Unit commissioners guide and assist units through the charter renewal process.
Each district needs dedicated volunteers to support Scouting units. If you are interested in learning more about being a commissioner, contact the district commissioner or district executive.
American Red Cross Instructors
Tidewater Council is seeking current American Red Cross Instructors to become part of the council’s Authorized Provider agreement. Instructors who are part of the Authorized Provider agreement can host courses for Scouts and Scout leaders.
The council is also seeking an American Red Cross Instructor Trainer to help qualify new instructors.
Contact Richard Becker for more information.
Camp Service Weekends
Attention all Scouting units!
If you have Scouts who need service time, your unit is needed at Camp Moonyah or Camp Baker. The ongoing need for grounds maintenance, mowing, trimming, site-clearing, clean-up, and more is never-ending. We are seeking units that can dedicate a full day or a weekend of service time to these two camps in Chesapeake.
As an added incentive, Scouts and Scouters can work towards earning the highly sought-after and much-desired camp service patch. Contact Ron Misfeldt at 757-646-1384 or mustangron@aol.com for additional details.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Scouts, leaders, and families honored veterans by marching in the 2023 Tidewater Veterans Day Parade at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
A recording of the full parade is available here (Scouts spotted beginning at 01:38:45).
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).
