Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Many events have been postponed due to COVID-19.
Click here for a continuously updated list of event changes. Tidewater Council’s official updates and policies can be found here.
Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA)
Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI)
October 16-18
The world’s largest digital and radio Scout event promoting friendship and global citizenship is scheduled for October 16-18. The dynamic program features a variety of non-formal education activities, including webinars, global campfires, talent shows, live shows, and much more. World Scouting’s global partners are actively involved in the event, offering their expertise and fun activities to engage participants. The JOTA-JOTI program aims to support Scouts and non-Scouts of all ages to learn about communications technology, the values of global citizenship, and how together we can solve the most pressing challenges facing our planet.
District Gold Rush Cub Scout Field Days
October 17
Princess Anne
Princess Anne Cub Scout packs, join us at Mt. Trashmore Kids Cove from 10 AM – 2 PM for fun, games, and entertainment! Contact event chair Nick Boyle for more information.
Albemarle
Albemarle Cub Scout packs, come out to Camp Maple in Barco, NC. There will be a variety of activities to include things for the marksmen (aspiring marksmen), crafty folks, sports fans, and more.
Highlander Games at the Albemarle District Camporee
October 23-25
There are many legends about the origins of the Scottish Games. The oldest traces the Games tradition back to the period of Roman invasions in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, where Scottish warriors reputedly displayed their bravery and strength by performing feats of skill and power in front of the opposing army. The most widely accepted tale describes the Games as informal athletic tests by which Kings and Clan Chiefs examined the agility, cunning, and physical strength of their clansmen. The victors of these trials were then awarded positions of leadership both on the battlefield and within the clan. The Scottish Highland Games or “Heavy Events” are the modem continuation of this ancient Celtic tradition. Each event you watch today may look like a simple matter of brute strength, but each also requires excellent timing, balance, and technique. (They also require a kilt!) Join us in Maple, NC this fall for some Highlander games.
Cub Scout Leader Specific Training
October 24
Cub Scout Leader Position-Specific Training gives new leaders the knowledge and skills they need to be successful. Join us at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center.
Den Chief Training
October 24
Den Chiefs and any adult leaders who recruit or work with them are invited to attend this training at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center. Den Chief Training promotes a full understanding of the Den Chief role and its many benefits to leaders, Scout units, and the Den Chiefs themselves.
BALOO
October 24-25
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) is the Cub Scout leader training required for any Cub Scout den or pack outdoor event, including pack camping overnighters and Webelos den overnighters. Join us at Camp Maple in Barco, NC.
Scoutmaster Specific Training
October 31
Scoutmaster-Specific Training introduces leaders to everything they need to know about running a Scouts BSA troop. Join us at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center.
Merit Badge Counselor Orientation
October 31
By serving as a merit badge counselor, volunteers offer their time, knowledge, and other resources so that Scouts can explore a topic of interest. This training, held at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center, will cover the policies and procedures necessary to serve as a merit badge counselor.
Pipsico Fall Festival
November 6-8
It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy camping weather. All packs, troops, crews, ships, posts, and Scout families are invited to join us at Pipsico for a Fall Festival. Camp from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning. There will be a variety of activities including the Great Scout Scavenger Hunt, shooting sports, pumpkin decorating, and food cook-offs. Space is limited, so register now! Registration is now open on Black Pug. Sign up today!
Adult First Aid, CPR & AED Training
November 7
The Adult First Aid/CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies such as burns, cuts, scrapes, sudden illnesses, and how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies. Three sessions will be offered at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center.
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
November 7-8
In this hands‐on course at Pipsico Scout Reservation, adult leaders work together as a patrol and learn the practical skills they need to lead Scouts in the outdoors.
Outdoor Ethics Virtual Conference
November 13-14
The National Outdoor Ethics Subcommittee will hold the 2020 National Outdoor Ethics Virtual Conference, replacing the in-person conference previously scheduled to be held at Camp Durant in Carthage, NC. The virtual conference will have eight Zoom sessions, each approximately 30-45 minutes in duration. Participants can choose to attend one or all of the conference sessions.
This free Outdoor Ethics conference is especially well-suited for all Scouters interested in current science, methods, and understanding in practicing environmentally appropriate behavior in the outdoors. All Scouters are welcome.
Pow-Wow Cub Scout Leader Training
November 14
Become a mad scientist and discover the fun
side of Cub Scout leader training! Pow-Wow will offer a virtual laboratory full of interactive classes, demonstrations, and activities.
For only $15, each participant receives:
- Up to five fully interactive virtual learning experiences on November 14
- A supply kit containing materials for all hands-on demonstrations
- A PDF of all reference materials and handouts
- Exclusive online access to ALL 20 classes
Order of the Arrow Service and Ordeal Weekend
November 20-22
Congratulations to the Order of the Arrow Candidates who completed their Ordeal in August! Blue Heron Lodge has scheduled an additional Service and Ordeal Weekend for November 20 to 22. Registration is now available in Tentaroo. This event is open to all elected Candidates, those seeking Brotherhood, and all current members to provide service. Let us know your skill set and we can match you to a great project.
Zomboree
It's never too early to Be Prepared for the apocalypse!
December 4-6
A zombie outbreak is threatening civilization as we know it. The inhabitants of Pipsico City are hunkered down and determined to survive…
Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Explorers are invited to Pipsico Scout Reservation for a competitive camporee-style event that will test your teamwork and Scout skills. Gather your Zombie Survival Team of 4-8 youth now – Registration is limited to the first 250 registrants.
Meals are not provided for this event, but there will be two cracker-barrels (Friday and Saturday nights).
Order of the Arrow Holiday Banquet
December 12
Arrowmen, join us for the OA Holiday Banquet on December 12. Registration is open in Tentaroo.
Winter Festival Camp
December 28-30
Join us for this NEW event for Scouts BSA troops, Venturing crews, Sea Scout ships, and Exploring posts at Pipsico Scout Reservation. There will be three merit badge sessions offered, as well as awesome activities and some time for service. Details and the guide are coming soon on PipsicoBSA.com. Registration will open on October 19 on Black Pug. Look for more information in the next EK!
Winter Camp
January 15-18, 2021
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 Kirsten Misfeldt and Brendan Kane 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
The merit badge schedule will be available by November 2nd for planning. Scouts will make their merit badge selections in November.
News
Charter Renewal
2021 online charter renewal opens on November 1, 2020. Charter renewal packages are being distributed at October roundtables. Contact your unit commissioner or district executive if your unit did not have a representative at this month’s roundtable.
Charter renewals will not be accepted at the Scout Shop; they must be turned in at one of the District Audit/Turn-In Dates.
The council’s charter renewal resource page at tidewaterbsa.com/charterrenewal includes:
- National and council updates
- All forms from the Charter Renewal Packet
- Auto-calculating version of the Charter Renewal Worksheet
- Tutorial links
- District-specific forms with turn-in dates
- Online charter renewal link
Before You Begin
- Close out all Leads and Online Applications in Application Manager and Invitation Manager by October 31
- Turn in all paper applications by October 31
- Online applications will be shut down on November 1
- Ensure that all unit members (youth and adults) are registered and listed in Scoutbook
- Ensure that all adults (new and returning) have completed the training requirements
Training for Charter Renewal
As charter renewal approaches, it is time for adult leaders to update their Youth Protection Training. Each leader’s training must expire on or after December 31, 2021. Now is a good time to log on to My.Scouting and take the training before the rush. To complete the training, leaders must take all three learning modules and pass the test.
All direct contact leaders must be current in Hazardous Weather Training at charter renewal.
Every Scout deserves a trained leader! All leaders should be position-trained. Position-specific training is available online for all Cub Scout leaders, all Venturing leaders, all Sea Scout leaders, all Exploring leaders, and for Scouts BSA committee members. For Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters, some of the training is available online, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) must be completed in-person. Check the council calendar for upcoming courses.
Unit Key 3 leaders can download training reports for their unit’s leaders on My.Scouting under Training Manager.
Help Desk
Many volunteers nationwide have reported issues with their Youth Protection Training recording. Please check your training records now so we can help you resolve any issues before your charter renewal is due.
What should I do if I've taken the training, but it doesn't show up in my records?
The National Council no longer has a volunteer help desk, so please contact Shannon Foster at shannon.foster@scouting.org for assistance with Youth Protection Training – or any other help desk issues. In your email, please include:
- Your Name
- Member ID
- Username
- Date Training Taken
- Browser Used
- Contact Phone Number
- Contact Email Address
- What is the issue? (Password reset, a module is freezing, forgot username, etc.)
What should I do if I need to update my Youth Protection Training?
You can still take Youth Protection Training. We suggest taking a screenshot of the completion screen of each module if possible. Check your records after completing all four modules and contact Shannon Foster if your completed training is not reflected.
What should I do if I need to submit an adult application or charter renewal?
You can still submit adult applications and your unit’s charter renewal, even if your training record hasn’t been corrected yet. Print and attach a copy of your email to Shannon to the application, so the Registrar knows that the correction is in progress.
Popcorn
Thank you!
Thank you to the awesome team who unloaded the third popcorn shipment!
Product Pick-Up
Interim check-outs and returns will be available:
- Friday, October 23 from 12-2 PM
- Thursday, October 29 from 12-5 PM
- Monday, November 2 from 10 AM-5 PM
All check-outs and returns take place at 5423 Henneman Drive, Norfolk, VA 23513. Sign up for your slot on Sign-Up Genius.
Online Sales
This has been Tidewater Council’s best year yet for online popcorn sales! Scouts have sold $48,195 in popcorn products online.
Families with health concerns during the pandemic can sell online safely. Product is shipped directly to the purchaser, there is no money to handle, and there are no shipping charges.
Online sales are ongoing at prpopcornstore.3dcartstores.com. Contact your unit popcorn kernel for your Scout’s Seller ID.
In-Person Sales
Many units continue to have success with in-person sales.
Scouts from Princess Anne Troop 362 went door-to-door in their neighborhood with a little red wagon full of popcorn.
If you’re doing storefront sales, consider bringing a bottle of hand sanitizer for the booth and using a credit card reader to avoid money handling. Always wear a mask and be polite!
Do you have families who are willing to sell, but no storefront sales booked? Do you have a storefront sale booked, but not enough Scouts to fill it? Contact Council Popcorn Kernel Pam Samples at popcorn@tidewaterbsa.com to coordinate with other units and make the most of all the opportunities available.
Payments
Payments should be turned in at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 during regular Scout Shop hours.
The preferred method of payment is a single check from the unit’s account. Credit card payments will be subject to a 3% processing fee. We cannot accept checks that are written to the unit from individuals. Checks returned for insufficient funds will be charged the standard return fee as posted in the Council Scout Shop as of the date of the incident.
Units must be current on payments in order to check out additional product or receive prizes.
Donations
Throughout the sale, any donations collected are exclusively designated for the Military Donation Program. Units receive 40% commission on Military Donations. You can submit the Unit Military Donation Report at the Scout Shop, during your popcorn pick-up, or by email to Alison Harrison.
Prizes and Incentives
How are you motivating your Scouts to sell? In addition to council-provided prizes, many units offer special camping opportunities or reduced unit dues.
Princess Anne Pack 496 Cubmaster Andrew Huddle went above and beyond to encourage popcorn sales, allowing the Cub Scouts to pie him in the face if they met the sales goal.
Scout Shop
Shop Local! The Tidewater Council Scout Shop is the only place where you can purchase official BSA merchandise and have the proceeds stay in our local Scouting community.
The fall Scouting program is in full swing and the Scout Shop is here to meet every uniform and program need, whether you are a new customer or regular volunteer.
Uniform Sale EXTENDED
The uniform sale has been extended through October 31, so there’s still time to take advantage of it! Purchase a uniform shirt and ANY bottom (pants, shorts, skorts) and get 25% off the bottoms. Uniform items must be from the same program (Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing). Right now, the Scout shirts in the previous style and fabrics (with the “Boy Scouts of America” logo) have been marked down. These shirts may still be used with the sale to get 25% off on the pants, a deal too good to pass up! We don’t have many of the poplin and microfiber shirts left in stock, so get them while you can, since they are being discontinued. Remember – Once a uniform, always a uniform.
New Uniforms
The new Scout uniform pants and shirts in boys’ and men’s sizes are in stock! The new uniform shirts are displayed on the front rack in the Scout Shop. The ladies’ and girls’ shirts made their debut last fall, and the new Scout shirts for boys and men are the same cotton, polyester, and spandex fabric with the fleur-de-lis logo and the letters “BSA” in red. Youth shirts sell for $34.99 and adult shirts are $39.99.
Jackets
With fall weather on the way, jackets and hoodies can warm up those cooler days and evenings. We have youth sizes only on our front rack, priced from $24.99 – $34.99. If we don’t have your size in stock, we can order it for you.
Rank T-Shirts
Cub Scout rank T-shirts are back! The logo is slightly different, but the low price is the same ($9.99), a great value for these 100% cotton Gildan T-shirts. Colors are the same for the Tiger (orange), Wolf (red), and Bear (light blue) T-Shirts, but the Webelos have a new green color, matching the green on the uniform caps.
Safer at Home
If you’re not ready or able to shop in-person, please remember that we can ship orders by USPS. Just call (757-497-2688 ext. 102) or email (polly.fugate@scouting.org) with your order . We accept VISA and Mastercard (with a 3% fee) and charge only the minimal shipping fee.
Thank You!
A hearty THANK YOU to Dave, Anne, & Laura Bussiere and Mike Scott for volunteering on Saturdays in the Scout Shop. During our busy season, these folks have worked on the floor helping new customers with uniforms, restocking shelves, and giving general Scouting information. We couldn’t have the great Saturdays we’ve had without them!
Holiday Hours
Our next holiday closing will be Wednesday, November 11 for Veterans Day.
Kodiak Challenge
Do you want to take your unit on an adventure that is also a great youth leadership training opportunity? How about a Kodiak Challenge?
Kodiak Challenge offers hands-on leadership training for older youth in Scouts BSA troops, Venturing crews, or Sea Scout ships. It is designed to push the boundaries of every participant and encourage youth to try new things out of their comfort zones.
Units can run their own Kodiak Challenge with approval from the council training chair. Participants must be at least 14 years old and have completed the eighth grade. In addition, they must have completed the Introduction to Leadership Skills course for their unit type. NYLT is highly recommended, and NAYLE experience is a plus.
For more information, visit the Kodiak Challenge booth at the midway during the 2021 Tidewater Council University of Scouting. There also will be an SR7 Kodiak Challenge Course Directors Conference (CDC) on February 19-21 at Camp Cherokee, North Carolina, for both youth and adult Kodiak Challenge leaders. The CDC Course Director is Tidewater Council’s own Wayne Page.
Updates to ILST and ILSC
In response to the needs of youth leaders in Scouts BSA troops and Venturing crews, Scouting U has released new virtual training programs for Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) and Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews (ILSC). Youth will log onto my.scouting.org, launch the BSA Learn Center, and select either Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) or Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews (ILSC). There are two Learning Plans (Introduction and Tools of Leadership), and they will need to complete both before taking the third module with their unit.
Upon completion of the first two modules, Scouts should print a certificate of completion and turn it in to their unit leader. The third module provides participants an opportunity to virtually interact with their fellow Scouts and leaders to expand and integrate their leadership expertise. Topics covered in the final one-hour module include Team Development and Characteristics, Group Decisions, Leadership Styles and Tools, Ethics and Values, and the EDGE method.
Unit leaders interested in offering this new Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops and Crews can contact ils2020materials@gmail.com to request the directions, PowerPoint, and script for Module 3.
25th World Scout Jamboree
The World Scout Jamboree is a worldwide youth event that brings together 50,000 Scouts from 169 countries. Held every four years in a different county, World Scout Jamborees aim to promote peace, understanding, cultural exchange, and international friendship. The first World Scout Jamboree took place in England in 1920. The last World Scout Jamboree was held in West Virginia in 2019 and the next will be held in SaeManGeum, South Korea in 2023.
Five Star Military Family Recognition
November is traditionally recognized as Military Family Month. Each year, the Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads recognizes active duty, enlisted service members and their families who best represent service to their country and commitment to their local community through a spirit of volunteerism with the Five Star Military Family Recognition.
Do you know a Five Star Family in Hampton Roads? Nominations may be made by any member of the community or Command. Nominate them online by November 1.
Special Needs Scouting
Every child with special needs deserves a chance to experience Scouting. Most Scouts with special needs have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) at school. The IEP is created through a team effort and reviewed at least once a year. Parents have input into their child’s plan and Scouting can be a part of that plan. Work with parents, special education teachers, and/or reading specialist teachers to develop an Individual Scout Advancement Plan.
Learn more about how to best guide Scouts with special needs by attending the Pow-Wow session: Inclusivity! Working with Scouts on the Autism Spectrum.
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. North Carolina families, please reach out to NCCARE360 to request assistance. Virginia families, please contact the United Way of South Hampton Roads Coronavirus Response team. For other coordinated care referrals unrelated to COVID-19, please contact us.
The BSA has released tips and videos for Coping with COVID-19.
Scouts in Action
Congratulations to the newest Eagle Scout in Albemarle District, Christian C. of Troop 158!
Congratulations to the newest Eagle Scout in Princess Anne Troop 407, Sean C.!
Congratulations to the newest Eagle Scout in Princess Anne Troop 471, Cody A.!
Scouting is all about developing youth leadership skills. At the recent Council Banquet, Heather T. set a first for Tidewater Council. Heather received the Venturing Leadership Award for the outstanding leadership she has shown in Crew 824. In 2019, she received the Sea Scout Leadership Award for her contributions in Ship 42. Heather is the first Scout to receive both prestigious leadership awards in Tidewater Council.
Heather also has earned the Summit Award in Venturing, is a Life Scout well on her Trail to Eagle in Troop 5067, and is working towards the Quartermaster Award in Sea Scout Ship 42. She is well on her way to achieving her goal of earning all three awards, an unprecedented accomplishment in Tidewater Council.
Congratulations to members of Princess Anne Troop 303 and Princess Anne Crew 303 on earning their religious emblems!
- Katie L., Crew 303, earned the Catholic Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII religious emblems.
- Noah B., Crew 303, earned the Catholic Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII religious emblems, as well as the Pillars of Faith Pin.
- James J., Troop 303, earned the Catholic Pope Pius XII religious emblem and the Pillars of Faith Pin.
- Seth B., Troop 303, earned the Catholic Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII religious emblems, as well as the Pillars of Faith Pin.
Princess Anne Troop 401 hiked with TeamMax from California to end Alzheimer’s for all. The Scouts BSA troop hiked at Pipsico Scout Reservation from Camp Rotary to the Pipsico Tree and along the back roads, for a 15-mile total hike.
Troop 401’s Committee Chair “Dr. Mom” hiked for her father, whose life ended due to Alzheimer’s. Scoutmaster Shannon Blair hiked for her best friend’s mother, who passed away two years ago.
Despite the rain, the Scouts did a fantastic job for a worthy cause.
Albemarle Troop 127 Scouts assisted Baptists on Mission Disaster Relief Ministry in lending aid to a neighborhood community suffering wastewater issues in Moyock, North Carolina.
For his Eagle Scout project, Michael P. of Bayside Troop 24 constructed a labyrinth for Church of the Good Shepherd Norfolk.
The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia wrote, “The people of Good Shepherd are honored by Michael’s work and happy to have such a fine, young man as a parishioner.”
The Commodore of the Coast Guard Auxiliary District 5 Southern Region presented Princess Anne Venturing Crew 303 with a Certificate of Accomplishment. The youth also received challenge coins. The crew learned about the benefits of monofilament recycling containers and built 15 containers for Northwest River Park in Chesapeake for a unit conservation award.
On September 30, volunteers, friends, families, and honorees gathered for the 2020 Council Banquet, honoring Silver Beavers, Venturing Leadership Award recipients, Sea Scout Leadership Award recipients, James E. West fellows, Council Alumnus of the Year, the 2019 Class of Eagle Scouts, and more.
The 4th annual Sporting Clays event was hosted by Powell’s Farm in Shawboro, NC on October 10. The weather held out for the most part, and all had a great time. It was great to have two youth teams compete this year: Albemarle Ship 856 and Albemarle Troop 117. A big thank you to Powell’s Farm Sporting Clays for hosting the event and to our sponsors: Inner Banks Real Estate Group, Inc., CB Plumbing and Mechanical, Inc., and Southwark Hunt Club.
Albemarle Pack 150 had fun at their recent recruiting event, where they had a LEGO Derby, stomp rockets, and a knot-tying station. They ended the evening with a Bobcat ceremony, showing newly interested families the joy on a Cub Scout’s face when earning a rank.
Princess Anne District Cub Scout packs enjoyed fun and recruiting at City View Park on October 10.
Congratulations to Board Member, Rovers Chair, Scoutmaster, and Merit Badge Counselor Jacob Helmka on being named to the Inside Business Top 40 Under 40!
Albemarle Troop 182 had ten Scouts participate in and complete the Building Evidence in Scouting Together (BEST) study. The BEST study was a 2019-2020 independent research study to examine how Scouts and adult leaders work together and to reveal ways the BSA can better support its adult volunteers.
The Scouts received one-third of an exclusive patch set each time they completed a survey. By completing all three surveys, they received the full three-piece collectible patch set.
Thank you to Troop 182 for sharing your insights to help improve the Scouting experience for all!
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).
Subscribe
We hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of the “EK” Electronic Knapsack. Sign up below to receive the latest Tidewater Council news.
