Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Popcorn Order Deadline
August 22
The deadline for units to submit popcorn orders through Scout Boss for the second shipment is Monday, August 22 at midnight.
Family Den Kick-Off
August 24
Tidewater Council has been accepted into a national pilot program for Family Dens in Cub Scout packs.
The pilot is open to all family packs in Tidewater Council and allows family packs to create mixed-gender dens at the Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos levels. Arrow of Light dens are excluded from the pilot and must maintain single-gender dens at this time.
Join us for a Zoom kick-off on Wednesday, August 24 from 6:30-7:30 PM. Individuals who RSVP will receive the Zoom link on the day of the kick-off. The briefing will cover the requirements of the program. To participate in the pilot program, the pack must fill out and submit a Pack Memorandum of Understanding to the district executive by September 1, 2022.
Order of the Arrow August Service and Ordeal Weekend
August 26-28
Registration is now open on Black Pug for the August Service and Ordeal Weekend. New candidates are invited to register and attend. Don’t delay, register today. We want to know who is planning to attend so we can Be Prepared.
Three Rivers District Recruiting Kickoff Roundtable
September 8
Are you ready to grow your unit and get new families Hooked on Scouting? Come to the Three Rivers District Roundtable on September 8 to get the tips and resources needed for fall membership recruitment.
Join us on September 8 at 7 PM at Deep Creek Baptist, 250 Mill Creek Pkwy., Chesapeake, VA 23323.
Powder Horn
September 9-11 and September 16-18
Powder Horn is a resource course designed to introduce Scouting’s adults and youth to the exciting outdoor and high-adventure program possibilities for their unit. The ultimate goal is for the participants to leave the course with a list of ideas to help their program, along with the contacts and resources needed to implement them.
Participant Requirements
- Must be either:
- An adult registered in BSA, fully trained for their position
- A youth 14 years old (or 13 years old and have completed 8th grade) by the start of the course, AND have unit leader approval, AND have taken ILS for their unit type
- Must have completed and submitted training certificates for:
- Youth Protection Training
- Hazardous Weather
- Safety Afloat
- Safe Swim Defense
- Climb On Safely
- Must submit current, completed Annual Health and Medical Record (AHMR) Parts A, B, and C
- Must submit proof of swim classification (any level is accepted)
Bayside District Recruiting Kickoff Roundtable
September 13
Bayside District will be kicking off the Fall Recruiting Drive at the September Roundtable!
Get the resources to get new Scouts in your pack, troop, crew, or ship! We will have programs to guide you in getting the most new families, how to recruit parents into leadership, and, of course, we will have yard signs and other resources available. We look forward to seeing you there!
Join us on Tuesday, September 13 at 7:15 PM at Haygood UMC, 4713 Haygood Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.
Cub Scout Family Camp
September 30 - October 2
Cub Scouts and families, join us for a fun-filled weekend at Pipsico Scout Reservation! Cub Scout Family Camping Weekends are an opportunity to get away from the busy buzz of the city for the weekend and enjoy some time in the great outdoors.
There will be a variety of activities to include things for nature enthusiasts, marksmen (aspiring marksmen), water lovers, crafty folks, sports fans, and more.
Participants are invited to camp from Friday through Sunday, or any portion in between. No food will be provided this weekend; campers have the benefit of creating their own menu.
Neptune Festival Parade
October 1
March with Tidewater Council in the annual Neptune Festival Parade on October 1. The first 120 people to register will receive a free patch from the Festival committee. There are positions available for 80 youth to carry banners, 20 adults to supervise, and for 20 youth to ride on the council floats. For more information, contact Andrew Huddle at pack496vb@gmail.com.
Webelosree
October 7-8
Webelos Woods is the first opportunity for 4th and 5th grade Webelos Cub Scouts to learn what Scouts BSA is all about. It is a weekend camping event that exposes the first and second year Webelos Scouts to Scouts BSA camping using the patrol method, in a Scouts BSA-led outdoor adventure.
Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts will spend a fun-filled weekend learning and practicing basic Scout camping skills. The Scouts will advance through stations where they will learn and practice cooking, knot-tying, campsite set-up, and shooting sports.
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
October 7-8
This hands-on adult skills course is designed to teach adults the basic skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. This course will be offered October 7-8 at Camp Moonyah in Chesapeake. Registration opens on August 31.
Lion & Tiger Day
October 8
Lions and Tigers, with their parent(s) or guardian(s), are invited to come out to Pipsico Scout Reservation for a fun-filled day of activities!
Lion and Tiger Day is an opportunity to experience camp for a day. By participating in this single-day (non-camping) event, the youngest Cub Scouts will “Be Prepared” to return with their pack for future weekend events. Cub Scouts will experience a nature hike, play some field games, visit handicraft, and try their skills at archery.
Lunch will be provided.
Hooked on Scouting
October 15
Calling all Cub Scout Packs!
October 15 will be special for every pack in Tidewater Council. Mark the date on your calendar for all the new Cub Scouts who join your pack this fall. When they join Cub Scouting this fall, they will receive their very own fishing lure. Throughout the council, there will be Hooked on Scouting activity days on October 15. There will be many activities, such as field games, shooting sports, and, of course, using their new fishing lures.
It is a great way to get the Scouting adventures started early and to keep new Scouts Hooked on Scouting!
Albemarle District Hooked on Scouting Family Camp
October 14-16
Albemarle District’s Hooked on Scouting Family Camping event will be held at Currituck County Rural Center. This event is for all Cub Scouts, their families, and leaders to experience together. Non-Scout siblings are invited to participate in all activities during the Hooked on Scouting event. Activities include BB guns, archery, field games, crafts, campfires, and much more.
Mark your calendar now for October 14-16. The cost is $50/family if paid by October 2, and $60 after that date. Packs will be given more details on what units are asked to contribute. Let’s get ready to camp! Registration is now open on Black Pug.
New Scouts who register July 2022 through October 2022 may attend for the day on Saturday, October 15 from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM at no charge.
If new families would like to enjoy the entire weekend (highly encouraged), fees apply as stated.
Bayside and Princess Anne Districts Hooked on Scouting Event
October 15
The combined Bayside and Princess Anne Districts Hooked on Scouting event will be held on October 15 from 9 AM – 12 noon at Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area, 5381 Shell Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. This fall fishing event is for all new Cub Scouts who have joined since August 1. There will be contests for longest fish, heaviest fish, and the first non-fish caught.
Three Rivers District Hooked on Scouting Event
October 15
The Three Rivers District Hooked on Scouting event will be held at Elizabeth River Park, 1400 Elizabeth River Way, Chesapeake, VA 23324 from 1-4 PM. More details are coming soon.
Jamboree on the Air
October 15
Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) uses amateur radio to link Scouts and hams around the world, around the nation, and in your own community. This jamboree requires no global travel – just to a nearby amateur radio operator’s ham station. The local ham club will set up a station for Scouts to participate in this international event. The event will be held on October 15 from 1-5 PM at Lake Lawson, following the Hooked on Scouting event. Youth will have an opportunity to work on STEM/NOVA awards and the Radio Merit Badge. Sign-up information is coming soon.
National Scout Jamboree Contingent Meeting
October 16
The National Scout Jamboree (NSJ) is an opportunity for Scouts to experience a life-changing outdoor challenge. On October 16, Tidewater Council’s NSJ contingent will hold its first meeting to start the planning process. The prices of transportation, food, and materials are continually increasing – so register now to lock in the current prices!
There are two websites to visit for registration:
- National site: jamboree.scouting.org
- Tidewater Council site: scoutingevent.com/596-Jambo23
Details on the contingent meeting will be emailed to all registered participants.
Albemarle District Fall Camporee
October 21-23
A camporee can be a perfect showplace for the Scouting program and, therefore, go far beyond just being a gathering of youth. A camporee starts with the recognition that a patrol is the basic camping unit. The patrol demonstrates its very best camping techniques and shares its experiences with other patrols. The camporee involves the type of equipment that can be carried in a pack by youth and can be set up entirely by them, allowing them to be completely self-sufficient for a self-reliant experience.
This year, Albemarle District will hold its Fall Camporee October 21-23, 2022 at Maple Commerce Park in Barco, NC. This year’s theme is Are You Prepared? We are looking to expand your knowledge and sharpen your abilities on how to react to different emergencies. We have several scenarios planned out to reinforce our Scouts’ first aid knowledge and abilities.
All Tidewater Council Scouts BSA troops, Venturing crews, and Sea Scout ships are welcome and encouraged to attend. We hope to see you there.
Registration is now open on Black Pug.
Princess Anne District Fall Camporee
October 21-23
Are you ready to Escape to the Wilderness? Adventure on to the Princess Anne District Fall Camporee at Camp Kiwanis, Pipsico Scout Reservation to practice skills from the First Aid, Wilderness Survival, and Pioneering merit badges. The morning will include skills instruction, with competitions following in the afternoon. Participants will receive partial completions in each of the three merit badges. The Princess Anne chapter of the Order of the Arrow will lead the Saturday night campfire.
Merit Badge Counselors Needed
The Camporee Committee is looking for merit badge counselors (MBCs) for the First Aid, Wilderness Survival, and Pioneering merit badges. MBCs will have the opportunity to help plan the activities. If you are interested, please contact Chris Noble at PASPRINGCAMPOREECHAIR@gmail.com.
Three Rivers District Fall
Camp-O-Ree & Cub-O-Ree
October 21-23
Get All Fired Up for the Three Rivers District Camp-O-Ree and Cub-O-Ree this fall. Scouts will enjoy fire safety, fire building, special visitors, and – of course – a camp fire!
If you would like to assist with the event, please contact Mike Z. at 3rcamping@gmail.com.
Darden Gala
October 29
Join us for a fun-filled evening to support local Scouting! The 2022 Darden Gala will feature beach-themed attire, Monte Carlo games, live and silent auctions, live music, and heavy hors d’oeuvres.
Pipsico Fall Festival: International Scouting
November 4-6
Pipsico Scout Reservation has been serving the youth of Tidewater Council and beyond for 63 years. We invite all packs, troops, crews, ships, and posts to join us for a fall weekend of fun. After setting up your tents, enjoy your campfire Friday night and get ready for a fun-filled Saturday.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on Saturday, such as fishing Lake Beasley, climbing the tower, hiking the trails, and showing your marksmanship on one of the ranges available for your rank. You can also enjoy fellowship with Scouts from around the council, brush up on your knots and other camp skills, and visit Huskanaw or the Gaga Pit. Also be ready for the pumpkin and chili cook-offs. When you think you’ve done it all, prepare for a campfire program like no other.
We would like each Scout unit to select a country to represent throughout the weekend. Get ready to stamp passports and present yours for stamping as you travel around the world and learn about Scouting in other countries. Have your unit learn about the country you select so they can share with others.
In addition to the camp activities, units are encouraged to set up an activity booth or display in the main activity field during the morning session. Let us know what country your unit will represent so that we can plan to have a great variety of things to do. Select a game or activity that your unit can take turns staffing with a few members and others take turns participating. You can teach a skill or host a game.
Please come out for the events on Saturday, enjoy the fall weather, the fellowship, and the many activities. Registration is open on Black Pug. If you’re interested in supporting an activity booth Saturday morning, contact Kirsten Misfeldt at kmisfeldt62@gmail.com.
Veterans Day Parade
November 11
Save the date for the 2022 Tidewater Veterans Day Parade at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. We are looking for a volunteer to chair this event. If you are interested, please email Christy Cooper at christy.cooper@scouting.org for more details.
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
November 11-13 and November 18-20
In 2017, leadership was quietly added as the fourth aim of Scouting. Leadership development has always been an important outcome of Scouting programs. However, not every Scout takes full advantage of all the opportunities available. It is estimated that 2% of Scouts BSA youth attend National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). NYLT is an outstanding and impactful program that helps Scouts become the best leaders they can be.
Have the Scouts in your unit (aged 13 and above) attended the BSA’s premier youth leadership training program?
Tidewater Council’s next NYLT course will be held the weekends of November 11-13 and 18-20, 2022 at Pipsico Scout Reservation, Camp Lions. If you have any questions, please contact the course director, James Carroll, at 596nylt@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!
Save the date on Saturday, December 3, 2022 for this year’s Pow Wow. Come join us as “The Pack Awakens” for more fun and adventure for all!
Wood Badge Association Dinner
December 9
Wood Badgers, friends, and families – Enjoy food, fun, and fellowship with your fellow critters!
- $30 per person or $50 per couple
- Silent auction to raise funds for the Wood Badge/NYLT Scholarship Fund
- Doors open at 6:30 PM
Join us at Gilwell!
University of Scouting
March 11, 2023
Save the date for University of Scouting, Tidewater Council’s annual adult training event: March 11, 2023!
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 the Washington Football 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.
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
New Bayside District Executive Matt Russell
Please join us in welcoming our new Bayside District Executive, Matt Russell!
Matt started his journey in Scouting with Pack 283 in Vernon, New Jersey. After obtaining the Arrow of Light rank, he continued his Scouting career in Boy Scouts with Troop 404, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Matt is a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow.
Matt is a veteran, having joined the US Navy in 2012 as a submariner. You might already know him from the climbing tower – he has served as the climbing director at Pipsico Scout Reservation since 2020. Matt is excited to support units and serve families in the Bayside District!
New Princess Anne District Executive Wes Sherman
Please join us in welcoming our new Princess Anne District Executive, Wes Sherman!
Wes is a long-time Scouter. As a youth, he was a member of Tidewater Council’s Pack and Troop 62, chartered by Scott Memorial UMC in Virginia Beach. Wes earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2000 and was Blue Heron Lodge Chief in 2003.
Wes has chaired many events in Tidewater Council. He has been involved in resident camp at Pipsico Scout Reservation for eleven seasons and has served in various positions, including Camp Director and Program Director. This summer, Wes served as the 2022 Camp Commissioner.
Wes has work experience in several industries, most recently in insurance as an auto liability adjuster. He is excited to start his journey working with the Princess Anne District, where he will team up with Senior District Executive Rich Becker.
Cub Scout Packs - Be Seen at Your School!
Meet the Teacher, Open House, Back to School Night, or whatever your school calls it – that first night where parents and guardians meet teachers, tour the school, and learn about extracurricular activities – is a big deal!
These events are a great opportunity for packs to let every family know about their upcoming adventures. You don’t want families checking out all the activities available without checking out Cub Scouts too! It is important that Cub Scouting has a presence at every one of these.
With all the activities available to kids, we want to help you make a big splash! The district executive will help the pack get presence in nearby schools, and packs will receive a Meet the Teacher Kit for each school.
Meet the Teacher Kits include:
- 20 New Parent Guides
- 50 flyers with pack contact information
- 1 poster
- 20 Hooked on Scouting flyers
- 20 Cub Scout council activity trifolds
- 1 sign-in sheet
- 1 copy of the Pack Recruiting Tacklebox
- 10 youth applications
- 4 adult applications
Each district will hold an All Pack Recruiting Zoom Call between now and August 26. Make sure a unit representative is on that call to learn about the available resources for Cub Scout Fall Recruiting!
Popcorn Sale
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Four Things Your Unit Should Be Doing in August
- Start selling online at prpopcornstore.com. If you do not know your Scout’s Seller ID, please contact the Unit Popcorn Kernel.
- Place the unit’s next popcorn order by August 22.
- If your unit needs additional inventory to stock a Show & Sell, sign up here for an interim pick-up slot on Wednesday, August 17. Council inventory is very limited.
- Sell, sell, sell!
Getting Started
It is not to late for your unit to participate in the 2022 Popcorn Sale! To get started:
- Read the Popcorn Guide.
- Sign up for the sale at pecatonicariverpopcorn.com using Council Key 596TWC.
- Set sales goals.
- Hold a unit kick-off. Contact your district executive to get sales materials and a tasting kit.
- Watch the recorded Popcorn Training at tidewaterbsa.com/2022popcornsale.
- Contact your District Popcorn Kernel for help getting started.
Resources
Did your unit miss Popcorn Training? You can view the recording on our Popcorn Sale webpage. Make sure to review the 2022 Popcorn Guide while you’re there too!
Do you need help with any aspect of the sale? We have a great team of District Popcorn Kernels who are here to help you! You can find their contact information here.
Camp Cards: Sale Extended
To assist units with busy summer schedules, the Camp Card sale has been extended until August 22!
Contact your district executive to check out additional cards, return unsold cards, and to make payments.
Scout Shop
As summer begins to wind down, the Scout Shop is preparing for fall. With all the events the fall season brings, including new recruits, we want to serve our customers in the best way possible.
Uniform Sale
The annual fall uniform sale (sponsored by National Supply and honored in the Tidewater Council Scout Shop) began on August 2 and runs through October 29. Buy a uniform shirt and bottoms (from the same program) and get 10% off the bottoms, which include zip-off pants, shorts, capris, and skorts. For Scouts needing a full uniform, this is the best time to buy!
Beat the Rush
Beat the fall rush by shopping in August. Whether you need summer-earned awards or uniforms, August has the advantage of fewer customers, more available fitting rooms, newly re-stocked inventory, and quicker lines at check-out.
Eagle Gifts
Eagle gifts are available in the front display case. Prices range from $14.99 for our Eagle water bottle to $79.99 for our beautiful Crystal Eagle. The Crystal Eagle comes in a satin-backed box and includes an engraving plate. A nice mid-price point gift is our blue chrome Eagle Cross pen ($34.99). Many Eagle Courts of Honor are held in August, so come in and browse or let us order for you.
Need to update a store account?
August is a good time to update the unit’s store account BEFORE the busy fall season. If you need a new form to update signatures, pick one up at the Scout Shop or email the Scout Shop Manager. After a new form is signed, bring it back or email it to the store office and the account will be updated.
Camping Supplies
Attending a late-summer summer camp? Camping supplies are available here at the Scout Shop. We still have a good supply of mosquito nets, sleeping bags, mats, bug protection, backpacks, and more!
Uniform Price Lists
Uniform price lists are available in the Scout Shop on the table inside the door, or by emailing polly.fugate@scouting.org. Besides uniform parts, the list includes prices for the main insignia and handbooks, as well as Scout Shop hours, the council phone number, and the store email address.
Shipping
We ship orders by USPS for customers calling or emailing in orders. We gather the items, calculate shipping, and phone you back. Credit card information (VISA or Mastercard) is put into our system as given over the phone and is NOT saved here, which keeps it secure. Orders are normally mailed on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Scout Shop Hours
Our regular hours of operation are:
Tuesday – Friday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM
CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY
Our next closing will be Saturday, August 20.
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.
Stroke
Stroke is the most common cause of severe and long-term disability in America, and while most strokes occur in people over 65, they can occur at any age. In many cases permanent disability can be prevented or reduced but only if the stroke victim receives immediate medical attention. To avoid delay, learn the signs of stroke and remember to act quickly, noting the time the stroke began and calling 911. Remember that minutes count!
Growing Scouting
Scouting is a community outreach program that helps young people grow into good citizens. Every youth deserves the opportunity to experience Scouting.
Units deliver the promise of Scouting, providing a place where youth want to go and activities that they want to invite their friends to join. Does your unit have fun and exciting monthly activities that capture the Scouts’ imagination and excitement? Does the unit visit different places for weekend activities or have special guests once a month? There are free and low-cost events available throughout the Tidewater region.
Starting new units in communities that are underserved also helps Scouting to grow and provides more opportunities for local youth. Do you know of an organization whose values align with Scouting? Contact your district executive if you can help arrange an appointment to visit with them.
Merit Badge Counselor Listings
You can adjust how you display on the list of merit badge counselors.
- Log onto Scoutbook using your My.Scouting login name and password.
- Click on My Dashboard
- Click on Administration
- Click on My Account
- Go to the My Positions page
Your merit badge counselor position should display similarly to this:
If your merit badge counselor registration isn’t in the My Positions section of your account and you are not showing in Scoutbook as a merit badge counselor, please submit a help desk ticket.
Scoutbook shows blue check marks next to the badges you are approved by the council to counsel and shows how your visibility settings are set.
“Counselor for any Scout in the BSA” in the above example means the counselor is visible to any unit in the BSA. By default, this setting is set to be a counselor for the local council, which means you are visible to all units in the council. To adjust your settings, click on the Merit Badge Counselor position. You will see a screen similar to the following:
- Default Position: You can set the merit badge counselor role as your default (primary in Scoutbook) position.
- Availability
- Available – Available to counsel Scouts
- Busy – Too busy right now to counsel any more Scouts
- Listing Preference
- Any Council (Worldwide) – Name shows up in lists accessible throughout the BSA
- Council List – Restrict the listing to the local council
- District List – Restrict the listing to the district
- Unit List – Restrict the listing to one or more units
- Not Listed – Not listed at all on any lists (This does not remove the merit badge counselor registration. To be removed from the position, contact the council service center.)
Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Counselors
Those who would like to serve as merit badge counselors for the Citizenship in Society merit badge must complete the BSA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (SCO_1800) course. The course is only available online through the BSA Learn Center. Diversity training from other organizations will NOT be accepted.
Requests to serve as a merit badge counselor for the Citizenship in Society merit badge will be on hold until the training certificate for this course is submitted to the council.
Succession Planning
Change of leadership is to be expected in a Scout unit. To avoid potential future problems, units should Be Prepared for those changes.
Succession planning is an ongoing process of systematically identifying, assessing, and developing talent to ensure the leadership for all key positions. Succession Planning training is available on the BSA Learn Center via My.Scouting. The learning plan consists of four modules:
- Volunteer Impact on Membership
- Recruiting Unit Leaders
- Volunteer Recruitment
- Succession Planning
It is recommended that future leaders be identified in time for the outgoing leader to mentor their successor. Unit commissioners are excellent resources to help with succession planning.
Journey to Excellence
Journey to Excellence (JTE) is the BSA’s planning, performance, and recognition program designed to encourage and reward the success of Scouting units. Units are not expected to achieve Gold in all JTE criteria. A great unit is balanced in the service that it provides to youth. Continuous improvement many mean aiming for Bronze or Silver achievement in some categories.
JTE scorecards can be downloaded here. Unit commissioners can help fill out the scorecard and assess what units need to do to improve. The scorecard is turned in with the unit’s charter renewal package in December.
Award Spotlight
Interpreter Strip
Youth and adult members may earn an interpreter strip if they demonstrate their knowledge of a foreign language or sign language by:
- Carrying on a five-minute conversation in the language
- Translating a two-minute speech or address
- Writing a letter in the language (does not apply for sign language)
- Translating 200 words from the written word
Keep America Beautiful Hometown USA Award
The Boy Scouts of America has been affiliated with Keep America Beautiful for more than 50 years. The Keep America Beautiful Hometown USA Award recognizes outstanding efforts of Scouts in their communities in regard to citizenship and environmental improvement. This award for Scouts BSA youth provides a way for Scouts to make a significant contribution toward keeping America beautiful.
When a Scout has completed the award requirements, the unit leader should turn in the application to the Scout Shop and order the patch there.
Veteran Unit Award
Youth and adult members of units that have been chartered for 25 years or more can wear a Veteran Unit Award. The award is available in five-year increments and can be purchased in the Scout Shop. To verify inventory or order the award needed for your unit, please contact Scout Shop Manager Polly Fugate at polly.fugate@scouting.org.
Family Den Pilot Program
Tidewater Council is participating in the Boy Scouts of America National Family Den Pilot Program.
What does this mean?
- Current Family Packs can have gender-integrated dens from Lions to Webelos (grades K-4)
- Arrow of Light dens (grade 5) must remain gender separate to help facilitate moving into Scouts BSA
How can a Cub Scout pack sign up to participate?
To participate in the pilot program, the pack must fill out a Family Den Pilot Program Pack Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and return it to their district executive by September 1, 2022. The committee chair and the chartered organization representative both must sign the MOU.
Once the pack turns in the MOU, the council will designate the pack as participating in the pilot. This will allow the pack to set up the dens in Scoutbook.
Scouts with Disabilities
We want especially to help the weaker not to feel their weakness, and to gain hope and strength.
Scouting is for every youth. The basic premise of Scouting for youth with disabilities is that all youth want to participate and be respected like every other member of the unit. There are many resources for leaders and parents.
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
National Scout Jamboree Service Team
What makes a Jamboree awesome? What is the key to a world-class, life-changing experience? It’s you. If you love Scouting and being part of a high-performing team that delivers amazing experiences, then the 2023 National Scout Jamboree Service Team wants you. The 2023 National Scout Jamboree is all about moving Scouting forward.
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, all of which 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. This program will resume in September.
- 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. This program is on summer break, but will resume in October.
- Southwestern Elementary in Chesapeake has an afterschool program. This program is on a summer break, but will resume in the fall. Contact Christina Viglietta at 757-969-2396 or christina.viglietta@scouting.org if you are interested in assisting.
Photographers
Want to be in the middle of the action and create lasting memories for years to come? Tidewater Council is seeking volunteer photographers to capture the excitement of local Scouting events. If interested, please contact alison.harrison@scouting.org.
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
Blue Heron Lodge attended the 2022 National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a contingent of 47 members. Arrowmen were able to participate in athletic competitions including a morning 5K, a triathlon, ultimate frisbee, and a flag football tournament. Intriguing trainings covered a variety of topics, both in and outside of the OA. Attendees enjoyed the chance to meet Arrowmen from throughout the country through various expos and events. We can’t wait to see where NOAC 2024 will take us. Stay tuned!
Forty-two Scouts and leaders went on a twelve-day trek at the 219-mile Philmont Scout Ranch. Philmont is the Boy Scouts of America’s high adventure base in the New Mexico Rocky Mountains, with 35 staffed camps and 55 trails with elevation as high as 12,441 feet. The contingent from Tidewater Council backpacked to the top of those 12,441 feet on rugged, rocky trails. They also rock climbed, rode horses, shot black powder rifles, pole climbed, mountain biked, and panned for gold!
The contingent led by Bryan Wilson from Troop 63 has worked for more than a year to get into the physical condition needed to hike 50-75 miles with a 30-40-pound pack. The crew led by Jennifer Graham and Chip Elliott was the first all-girl Scouts BSA crew. On the trail, each of the four crews were led by youth crew leaders. The mountains, trails, adventures, and activities are not just fun and challenging – they are the culmination of years of Scouting, put to use in its biggest classroom.
Local Eagle Scout Evan N. was featured on WHRO after receiving a Teen Tikkun Olam Award from the Helen Diller Foundation. Evan was honored for his environmentalism and student-led non-profit, Planting Shade. Congratulations Evan!
Albemarle District has hit the road to gather new Scouts into the program!
National Night Out at Waterfront Park in Elizabeth City
Lowe’s in Kill Devil Hills
Summerfest at the YMCA in Barco
There have been many more since, and they aren’t stopping. Way to kick off the new school year, Albemarle!
The Princess Anne District membership team hosted a recruiting table at the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Back to School Care Fair on August 13. They met many interested families and one member of the group even dressed up as Baloo!
Scouts are off to a strong start selling popcorn!
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