Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Many events have been postponed due to COVID-19. The 2020 Annual Leadership Breakfast has been canceled. The 2021 Annual Leadership Breakfast will be on March 10, 2021.
Click here for a continuously updated list of event changes. Tidewater Council’s official updates and policies can be found here.
Outdoor Adventure Weekend
AKA Fall Guns 'n' Grillin' Plus
September 25-27
Troops, crews, ships, and posts – mark your calendar for an awesome outdoor weekend. We will have shooting sports, climbing, Ax Yard, and other skill builders and challenges in Huskanaw.
Saturday lunch is included – that’s the “Grillin'” part! Units bring their own camping equipment and all other meals. Contact Kirsten Misfeldt for more information.
Council Banquet and Legends Dinner
September 30
Celebrate outstanding Scout volunteers and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the OA Cook Crew! The annual Council Banquet and Legends Dinner will honor the 2020 Silver Beavers, 2020 Living Legends, 2019 Eagle Scouts, Venturing Leadership Award recipients, Sea Scout Leadership Award recipients, Council Alumnus of the Year, and more. Join us at 6 PM on Wednesday, September 30 at the Norfolk Masonic Temple.
National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award recipient Wes Parker will be the keynote speaker for the Eagle portion of the event.
Sponsor one or more Eagle Scouts to attend the event and receive a limited-edition commemorative patch and recognition at the event! Click here for more information.
2019 Eagle Scouts can attend at no cost – reserve your ticket online!
Fall Family Camp
Back to the Campfire!
October 2-4
Let’s take a break and get back to the campfire for a fun-filled weekend at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Scouts and families are invited to camp from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning with activities planned for learning and lots of fun on Saturday. There will be a variety of activities including archery, BB’s, handicrafts, cooking, and sports. Register on Black Pug now.
Webelosree
Webelos in the Woods
October 9-11
Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts will spend a fun-filled weekend learning and practicing basic Scout camping skills at Pipsico Scout Reservation. The Scouts will learn from experienced Scouts, Venturers, and members of the Order of the Arrow.
- The Scouts will advance through four stations, where they will learn and practice cooking, first aid, flags, and shooting sports.
- All meals will be provided by and prepared by the participants in their campsites.
- A campfire will be held Saturday evening. All dens are expected to participate.
Attendance is limited to the first 250 Webelos/Arrow of Light Scouts registered.
Sign up today – this event is expected to fill quickly!
Lion & Tiger Day
October 10
Lion and Tiger Cub Scouts are invited to Pipsico Scout Reservation for a fun-filled, action-packed day of exciting activities! Lion & Tiger Day is an opportunity to get away from the busy buzz of the city for a Saturday and experience Pipsico Scout Reservation. Our youngest Cub Scouts will experience the outdoor adventure of Scouting and learn to “Be Prepared” to return with their packs for future weekend events.
There will be a variety of activities to include things for nature enthusiasts, aspiring marksmen, crafty folks, and sports fans.
This is a single-day event, not a camping weekend. Participants check-in at 9:30 AM on Saturday and check-out at 3:30 PM for the ride home. Please arrive on time as it will be difficult to catch up to your group in our 916-acre camp.
Lunch will be provided at the event. A mid-day cookout will occur for all participants. Water will be available around the program areas, but you must bring your own water bottle for refilling. Closed toe shoes are required for walking around camp. Dress for the weather – uniforms are not required, but wearing a Scout activity t-shirt is awesome!
Sporting Clays Tournament
October 10
Who is Tidewater Council’s best marksman? Teams of four will compete to find out in Tidewater Council’s Sporting Clays Tournament in Shawboro, NC.
Albemarle District Gold Rush Cub-O-Ree
Yee-Haw! There’s GOLD in them there fields!
October 16-18
The Gold Rush is an Albemarle District Family Camping event held at Currituck County Rural Center for all Cub Scouts, their families, and/or leaders to experience together. Non-Scout siblings are invited to participate in all activities during Gold Rush. Activities include: BB guns, archery, field games, crafts, campfires, and much more. Registration and the leader’s guide are available on Black Pug. The cost will be $40 per family if paid by October 2, and $50 after that date. Packs will be given more details from our Sherriff, Tiffany Bounds, on what units are expected to contribute. Let’s get ready to camp!
Order of the Arrow Fall Fellowship
October 16-18
All Order of the Arrow members are invited to join us for an awesome weekend of games and activities at Pipsico. Sign up for Fall Fellowship in Tentaroo.
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.
Three Rivers
Three Rivers Cub Scout Packs will host a carnival for our newest recruits at Izaak Walton League Park from 10 AM – 2 PM. Our packs will each host a game booth. See the flyer for more details. Registration is now open on Black Pug. Scouts and adults are $5 each. Our newly recruited Scouts may attend for free but should still register.
Bayside
Bayside Cub Scout packs, join us for a carnival of fun from 10 AM – 2 PM at Calvary Baptist Church in Virginia Beach!
Albemarle
Albemarle’s Gold Rush field day will be incorporated in with the district Cub-O-Ree (see above).
2020 Rick Anoia Scouting Golf Classic
October 19
Join us at Broad Bay Country Club for a golf tournament in support of local Scouting.
STEM Stay Camp
October 19 - November 16
Are you ready for an incredible adventure? You can explore the world of science at STEM Fall Stay Camp 2020.
Five Weeks of Exploration and Discovery! Each week, subject experts will take your Scout on an adventure based in science, technology, engineering, and math! Scouts can earn up to 5 different Nova Awards with our experts and Nova Counselors.
- October 19: Down and Dirty
- October 26: Digging in the Past
- November 2: Fearful Symmetry
- November 9: Up and Away
- November 16: Out of this World
Scouts will receive a “Payload Pack” of the tools they need to explore, create, and learn. It also includes a patch to remember their epic mission!
Your Scout gets all of this for only $45! (Or $63 if you need the Payload Pack shipped to your home.) Participants can view live sessions on Zoom and/or watch the recorded videos on your own schedule.
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.
Princess Anne District Camporee
October 23-25
Princess Anne troops, crews, and Arrow of Light Scouts! Are you ready to get out and have a weekend filled with camping, cooking, expos, and games? Then you are ready for the 2020 Fall District Camporee at the Military Aviation Museum!
The weekend of October 23-25 will be a time to relax with your friends, compete against other units for awards, and to ultimately determine who will be crowned Champion of Princess Anne District. Check out the Leaders Guide for more details. Register today!
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
October 23-25 and November 13-15
NYLT will be hosted at Pipsico Scout Reservation by Colonial Virginia Council in two sessions this fall. Participants must attend both weekends.
NYLT is an exciting, action-packed program designed to provide youth members (ages 13-20) of the Boy Scouts of America with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops, as well as other life situations demanding leadership of self and leadership of others. We welcome registered Scouts ages 13 or older and Venturers and Sea Scouts who have completed Introduction to Leadership Training for Troops/Crews/Ships.
To learn more, visit the course webpage at www.cvcboyscouts.org/nylt or contact Course Director Mike Murawski at cvc595nylt@gmail.com or 757-595-3356
Scout Day at Nauticus
October 31
Come out and join us for our 11th Annual Scout STEM Day at Nauticus. The 2020 event occurs earlier in the year than previous years, so remember to mark your calendar.
Scout STEM Day at Nauticus includes opportunities to work on NOVA awards, many different Cub Scout electives, and some merit badge requirements.
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. Registration is now open on Blackpug. Sign up today!
Albemarle Merit Badge Weekend
November 13-15
Share your expertise! We are looking for merit badge counselors for Albemarle Merit Badge Weekend. The classes will be offered in a morning and afternoon session on the 14th and a morning session on the 15th. If you can assist any or all of the weekend, we need your support. We hope to offer an exciting and valuable program for our Scouts. We can only accomplish this with the assistance of volunteers wanting to share their knowledge. Contact Ray Bland at raybee01@hotmail.com to volunteer or ask questions.
Units, save the date for the weekend. Online registration and a leader guide will be coming soon. The COVID-19 situation has continued to impact us, but we are hopeful that Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City will be able to allow us to conduct the event again this year.
Pow-Wow Cub Scout Leader Training
November 14
Join our gathering of Mad Scientists as we hone our Cub Scout leader skills to provide the best program we can for our Scouts! Classes will be offered virtually and in-person at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center. Every Leader Scientist will receive a kit of supplies to use during and after training.
Worried about being in classes all day? You don’t have to! All Pow Wow classes will be recorded. You will receive access to all classes once we are through.
Registration and additional details are coming soon!
Questions? Contact Anne Bussiere at AnneL.Bussiere@gmail.com.
Pow-Wow Survey
What would you like to see at Pow-Wow 2020? Take the Pow-Wow survey because:
- Your personal experience and ideas add value.
- Pow Wow must be a training built on the success of the past and not repeat its failures.
- Pow Wow can meet your and your unit’s needs and expectations with your input.
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 opens on September 21 and 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.
News
Charter Renewal
The commissioner staff has worked hard to make the charter renewal process easier for your unit and the volunteers who complete your charter renewal.
Changes to simplify charter renewal include:
- The council program and insurance fees have been lowered to a $24 flat fee for everyone.
- Families who have difficulty affording the council fee will be able to apply for special assistance.
- Every district will hold a recharter orientation, as they hand out the packets to the units.
- There is a complete step-by-step checklist of every item needed for charter renewal.
- Each district will hold at least three turn-in and assistance dates to make sure your charter renewal is correct before it leaves your hands.
Click on your district to see more details!
Popcorn
Product Pick-Up
The next popcorn shipment is scheduled to arrive on Thursday, September 17 at 8 AM. Volunteers are needed to help unload the truck. Please contact Alison Harrison if you are able to assist. Units that help unload on Thursday will be able to pick-up their product that day.
All other units that placed an order should schedule a pick-up time for Friday, September 18 or Saturday, September 19. Click the link below to schedule your slot. Unit must be current on payments in order to pick-up additional product.
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.
Online Sales
Enjoy non-contact sales and free delivery with online popcorn sales!
Online sales are now open at prpopcornstore.3dcartstores.com. Contact your unit popcorn kernel for your Scout’s Seller ID.
Donations
Throughout the sale, any donations collected are exclusively designated for the Military Donation Program. Units receive 40% commission on Military Donations.
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.
With the beginning of a new school year, your Scout Shop can supply you with ALL the program supplies you need, from uniforms and accessories to books, craft kits, and much more!
Uniform Sale
Our annual fall uniform sale kicked off in August and runs through October 10. Buy uniform pants and shirt and get 25% off the pants. This includes both shorts and skorts, and is applicable to all programs (Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing), but the uniform parts must be from the SAME program. For anyone needing a full uniform, this is the best time to get it!
New Shirts
The tan Scout shirts have a new look, new fabric, and new prices. The traditional poplin and microfiber shirts will be sold at reduced prices to make room for the new stock! These clearance-priced shirts may still be used for the uniform sale to get 25% off the pants. What a great deal!
New Hours
September begins new fall hours!
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM – 5 PM
Thursday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Friday: 11 AM – 5 PM
Saturday: Noon – 3 PM
Sunday: Closed
Most Asked Questions
Even though we can provide customers with the main uniform items for each grade level, there are some things we have no way of knowing. Help us help new customers by giving them the necessary information for:
- Unit number for your pack, troop, crew, ship, or post
- Den number or patrol symbol
- Neckerchief color (troops decide)
- Anything provided to new youth by the pack or troop
Virtual Meetings
Craft kits can be a fun activity for virtual meetings. Check out the BSA Supply website for available kits and order through the Tidewater Council Scout Shop to avoid expensive shipping.
Unit Accounts
Since store accounts may be used for anything, why use a unit credit card? Avoid credit card interest and fees by keeping money in a store account for awards. If you need to update the current account, just email Polly Fugate for a new form. Have it signed, return it by email, and your account can be updated.
We ship orders by USPS. Call 757-497-2688 or email polly.fugate@scouting.org.
Journey to Excellence
As we prepare for the last quarter of the year, please take a moment to review your unit’s current Journey to Excellence (JTE) score. You can download a workbook to help calculate the score, and your unit commissioner is prepared to assist you. JTE scorecards are submitted with the unit’s annual charter renewal package. Major areas to focus on are:
- Membership – What can you do to make sure your unit grows?
- Advancement –Ensure that all rank advancements are submitted.
- Leader Training – Work with your unit leadership to complete online training.
- Service Projects – Record all unit and Eagle service projects as they happen.
As of August 31, 2020, the district standings are:
- Albemarle – Silver (Only 75 points from Gold)
- Bayside – Silver (300 points from Gold)
- Three Rivers – Bronze (Only 75 points from Silver)
- Princess Anne – Bronze (225 points from Silver)
Be Prepared
National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As Scouts, our motto is “Be Prepared.” Take the opportunity this month to discuss disaster plans with youth and make a disaster kit. The Scouts can even make their own emergency preparedness presentation to your chartered organization or a community group. Explore some of the resources available to teach youth about preparedness:
- Safety Moments: BSA resources to teach safety measures on a wide variety of topics – everything from snake bites to how to make the most of a nap.
- Monster Guard: A free mobile app for kids created by the American Red Cross. Follow Maya, Chad, Olivia, and all the monsters as they teach kids ages 7-11 how to prepare for real-life emergencies in a fun and engaging game.
- My Preparedness Workbook: A downloadable resources from the American Red Cross to help kids and families prepare their emergency plans.
E-Learning Opportunities
There are many online safety and training courses available to support Scout volunteers. Each of these courses must be renewed every two years.
- Safe Swim Defense – Needed prior to conducting any swimming activity.
- Safety Afloat – Needed prior to conducting any boating activity.
- Weather Hazards – Needed prior to conducting any outdoor activity, and needed in order to be position-trained.
- Climb on Safely – Needed prior to conducting any climbing activity.
Training Awards
Training awards and keys are designed to recognize volunteer Scouters for tenure, training, and performance. There are awards available to recognize adult leaders in all leadership roles.
To apply for a training award:
- Download the application from scouting.org/training/adult (near the bottom of the page) and fill it out.
- Unit leaders indicated on the application sign it and submit the application the district training chair.
- The district training chair approves the application and submits it to the council office.
- The council staff processes the award.
- The certificate and training knot are presented at the district roundtable.
Update BeAScout - And Win!
What’s the easiest way for potential members to join your Scout unit? The answer is BeAScout! But it only works if your unit information is current. Now, if you update your pin, your unit could win!
Just make sure your unit BeAScout pin is updated anytime between June 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020, and your unit will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $500 Scout Shop gift card, or one of five $100 Scout Shop gift cards. See the full rules for the giveaway here.
Need help updating your pin? Find a complete set of step-by-step instructions on how to update your BeAScout pin in this instructional video:
As we move into recruiting season, now is the time to be Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, and Kind – do a Good Turn and update your pin so people who are looking for a great Scouting unit can find you! You just might win something in the process!
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.
In Fond Remembrance
Troop 504 lost their beloved Scoutmaster, Bob Haugh, on August 14, 2020. Bob was a conscientious and dedicated leader for almost 14 years. Scouting was a passion for Bob, and he respected and thoroughly enjoyed sharing that with others. Bob was an avid geocacher, so much so that he got many of the Scouts and leaders involved. There was rarely a troop campout where a geocache was not found! He shared his wisdom of Scouting with many beyond the troop level as he attended almost every opportunity that would help him learn and pass along information to others. He leaves behind a tremendous legacy through the 38 Scouts who made the rank of Eagle Scout (including his own son) during his tenure as Scoutmaster. Bob was recognized as Scoutmaster of the year in 2009 and again in 2019, a well-deserved honor. He did so much for the Scouting program and truly left his mark on the hearts of all who knew him.
James “Jim” Oglesby passed away on August 17, 2020. Jim served Scouting and Tidewater Council for many years. He grew up in Scouting and earned the Eagle rank. After earning his Eagle Scout rank, Jim continued to mentor and support Scouting throughout his life.
A past Blue Heron Lodge Chief, Jim received a Centurion Award for his significant contributions to the lodge’s legacy. He even took a delegation to the National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) back when the mode of transportation was train.
Jim was instrumental in helping the council close Darden Scout Reservation and transition to Pipsico Scout Reservation. Jim served in many council-level adult positions and was on the executive board for numerous years.
Jim often said Scouting was a key to his success in life. We have lost a great Scouter.
Scouts in Action
Congratulations to new Eagle Scout Max E. of Princess Anne Troop 417! Max did a great job at his virtual Eagle Board of Review on September 9.
Families from Bayside Pack 493 participated in the 1,000,000 Pieces of Trash community clean-up project. The Cub Scouts and their families cleaned up the Cape Henry Trail at First Landing State Park. Great work!
Albemarle Troop 165 enjoyed finishing up their fishing merit badge with a fish fry dinner before their first Court of Honor since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Many Scouts in the unit earned awards and all had a great evening of fun.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Princess Anne Pack 471 looked for a fun alternative way for Cub Scouts to earn their Summertime Pack Award during the month of August. The pack developed a family photo scavenger hunt consisting of 10 photos that paid tribute to the state of Virginia, first-responders, patriotism, and Scouting, while also staying safe. The photos were then shared on the pack’s Facebook page. In addition to earning their Summertime Pack Award, Scouts also earned a special scavenger hunt patch that will be awarded at the next in-person meeting.
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).
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