Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
2025 Cub Scout Day Camp
June - July
Cub Scout Day Camp is the place to be this summer for a fun-filled Invention Convention!
Cub Scouts of all ranks will have fun while learning at Day Camp. In a program designed to spark their creativity, new and returning Cub Scouts will get to create cool gadgets like a Sailing Car, conduct experiments powering cars with balloons, and continue fundamental skill development with the Cub Scout program.
Current Lions who will be Tigers this fall (rising 1st graders) will have their own special program too, working on the elective adventure “Designed by Tiger.”
Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts (rising 4th and 5th graders) will get to create their very own toolbox to use for years to come and have a blast creating their very own battery-powered robot. All this, and so much more!
There’s no time to waste; get those gears cranking and REGISTER NOW!
For current Cub Scouts, regular pricing for a five-day camp is only $140!
(And pricing for the special three-day Portsmouth camp and two-day OBX camp is even lower!)
Invite a friend! Not-yet-Cub-Scouts can take advantage of a special registration offering: Register for Day Camp for $235 and get a one-year Scouting America membership.
Virginia Beach Day Camp (Princess Anne): June 23-27
Princess Anne Day Camp will be held at Tabernacle Baptist Academy in Virginia Beach. Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with Friday wrapping up early at 1:00 PM.
Online registration has closed. For questions, contact Danielle Smith at [email protected].
Virginia Beach Twilight Camp (Princess Anne): July 14-18
Princess Anne Twilight Camp will be held at the Columbian Club in Virginia Beach. Camp runs from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday – Friday.
For questions, contact Danielle Smith at [email protected].
Portsmouth Day Camp (Three Rivers): July 18-20
Three Rivers will hold a special three-day camp at Portsmouth Masonic Lodge in Portsmouth. Camp runs from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, and 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM on Sunday.
For questions, contact KC Pitko at [email protected].
Chesapeake Twilight Camp (Three Rivers): July 21-25
Three Rivers Twilight Camp will be held at Great Bridge Baptist Church in Chesapeake. Camp runs from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday – Friday.
For questions, contact Steven Dewey at [email protected].
OBX Day Camp (Albemarle): July 25-26
For fun in the Outer Banks, Albemarle will offer a special two-day camp at Kitty Hawk United Methodist in Kitty Hawk. Camp runs from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday and 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday.
For questions, contact Tiffany Bounds, [email protected].
Earn the Radio Merit Badge at ARRL Field Day
June 28
Get ready for a hands-on dive into the exciting world of amateur radio!
On Saturday, June 28, Scouts will have a unique opportunity to earn the Radio Merit Badge while experiencing the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day, the largest on-air amateur radio event in North America. Hosted in partnership with the Virginia Beach Amateur Radio Club (VBARC), Scouts will see live stations operating voice, Morse code, digital, and even satellite communications.
This free workshop is limited to 20 Scouts, but all families are welcome to visit the Field Day site at Great Neck Park in Virginia Beach to see and participate in the action!
Popcorn Training
June 26 & July 8
Join us to learn about the 2025 Tidewater Council Popcorn Sale!
There are two training dates available, and both trainings will be offered both in-person and virtually. The same information will be covered at each session, so pick the date and location that is best for you!
- Thursday, June 26 at 6:30 PM at Moyock United Methodist Church
- Tuesday, July 8 at 6:30 PM at the Mary Jayne Breeden Tidewater Council Service Center
This popcorn training is designed for both new and returning popcorn kernels. We will focus on what is new for this year’s sale, best practices, and opportunities that can benefit your unit.
For questions, contact Erin Alford at [email protected].
Scout Night with the Edenton Steamers
July 12
Enjoy a night of baseball fun at Historic Hicks Field in Edenton, NC!
Admission packages will include a ticket and a patch for just $6! Post-game camping on the baseball field is available for Scouts and Scouts’ family members for $5 per person.
For questions, please contact Brian Chappell at [email protected].
Range and Target Activity Trainings
August - November
Interested in become a certified firearms or archery instructor? Tidewater Council’s Shooting Sports Committee can help Scout leaders fulfill these ambitions and become qualified to lead range and target activity programs for their units.
In 2025, Tidewater Council is offering training for multiple types of firearms. Not only that, but the council also offered its first USA Archery Level 1 Instructor course. Tidewater Council’s Shooting Sports Committee offers leaders opportunities to obtain instructor credentials at a fraction of the cost available elsewhere.
Class sizes are limited – sign up today!
Course Schedule
- NRA Basic Pistol Course: August 9
- NRA Pistol Instructor Course: September 6
- NRA Range Safety Officer Course: September 27
- NRA Basic Rifle Course: October 4
- NRA Rifle Instructor Course: November 1
Visit the Black Pug registration page for course details, pricing, and more information. For questions, please contact the Shooting Sports Committtee at [email protected].
High Adventure Canoeing Training
September 26-28
Does your unit have a dynamic outdoor program that includes water sports activities? Have you taken a canoe trip with youth? Have you considered doing a weekend canoeing campout? How about a longer trip – a weeklong trip?
High Adventure programs bring out the best in youth. The first day is a bit of a struggle, but soon, their skill level improves, and they take up the challenge to complete the trip. High Adventure activities are a great way to retain older youth in a Scouting unit and deliver the promise of Scouting.
To undertake such a journey, every participant must learn the basic skills required. On September 26-28, Tidewater Council will provide training for participants to learn and understand the basic skills for canoe trips.
Course Curriculum
- Planning the trip
- Working a budget
- Making reservations
- Keeping costs affordable
- How to conduct work-up trips to ensure everyone is prepared to complete the trip
- Two nights of camping
- Two days of cooking
- And much more
Itinerary
Friday, September 26: The training will begin at Camp Moonyah in the Deep Creek area of Chesapeake.
Saturday, September 27: Participants will travel by canoe along the scenic Intercoastal Waterway. The trip will include transiting the locks at Great Bridge, and will end at Camp Baker on Centerville Turnpike. Participants will camp for the night at Camp Baker.
Sunday, September 28: The course will conclude around noon on Sunday.
Cost and Materials
The cost for the course is $35.00 per person. This fee includes food, canoe rental, course materials, and the camping fee.
Participants will bring their personal gear. A pre-meeting, with the date to be determined by participants, will include instructions on proper gear and how to waterproof.
Participant Qualifications
This course is designed for adults. A unit leader who registers for the course may bring one senior youth with them. Senior youth are the ones who would become crew leaders.
Space is limited. High Adventure trips are held in small groups, normally no more than twelve.
Contact
For further information, contact Jeffrey Irving at 757-646-5218.
CubCraft Cub Scout Family Camp
October 3-5
Gear up for CubCraft, where Cub Scouts build character one block at a time!
This pixel-packed adventure is loaded with fun!
- Range and target activities
- Sports and games
- STEM activities
- Exploring nature
- Crafts galore
- Campfire – bring a skit or a song to perform!
- Cooking competition
Save the date – registration opens August 1!
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
November 7-9 and November 14-16
National Youth Leadership Training is an exciting, action-packed program designed to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use. Participants must attend both weekends:
- Weekend 1: November 7-9 at Izaak Walton League Park, Chesapeake
- Weekend 2: November 14-16 at Camp Kiwanis, Pipsico Scout Reservation
The NYLT course centers around the concepts of what a leader must BE, must KNOW, and must DO. The key elements are taught with a clear focus on HOW TO.
Content is delivered in a troop and patrol outdoor setting with an emphasis on the immediate application of learning in a fun environment. Interconnecting concepts and work processes are introduced early, built upon, and aided, which allows participants to understand and employ leadership skills much faster.
For more information, contact [email protected].
National Scout Jamboree
July 22-31, 2026
Get ready for the ultimate Scouting experience! The 2026 National Scout Jamboree, being held from July 22-31, 2026 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia, is more than just an event—it is a high-adventure, memory-making, confidence-building journey that your Scout will never forget.
Picture thousands of Scouts from across the country coming together for ten action-packed days of ziplining, mountain biking, rock climbing, water sports, skateboarding, fishing, patch trading, leadership development, and lifelong friendships.
The National Scout Jamboree is a chance for Scouts to grow, explore, and connect in a way that only Scouting can offer. Whether they are looking for adrenaline-pumping adventure or a deeper connection to the Scouting movement, the Jamboree delivers.
Do not miss this incredible opportunity to be part of something big. Spots are filling quickly—learn how your Scout can be part of the excitement by visiting TidewaterBSA.com/jamboree.
News
Scout Shop
New Merchandise This June
Shop local at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop – and check out new items available this month!
Cub Scout Sherpa Blanket
The new Cub Scout Sherpa Blanket has glow in the dark paw prints and the Cub Scout logo. It is micro plush on the front and Sherpa on the back. Cozy enough for couch lounging and big enough to provide warmth during the cool nights while camping, it’s a great gift for Cub Scouts moving up to the next rank!
Scouting America Tote Bag
The new Scouting America tote is a heavy duty, white and navy blue, canvas bag. It is great for leaders to carry their meeting essentials. Show off your Scouting America pride by coming in and getting the new bag.
Day Camp Essentials
The Scout Shop has many day camp essentials in store, such as drawstring backpacks, water bottles, and bug spray. Swing by the store and see all the different options available to get your Cub Scout ready for day camp!
Shipping
Having a hard time getting to the Scout Shop? We are glad to ship orders by USPS. Just call us at 757-497-2688 or email [email protected]. We can fill the order, calculate shipping, and call you back for a VISA, Mastercard, or Discover credit card number.
Scout Shop Hours
The Scout Shop’s next holiday closing is July 1-5 for 4th of July week.
New Signage
AGI generously supported Tidewater Council with new signage at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center. The updated signs refresh the building’s appearance with the Scouting America name, enhance visibility, and help welcome families and visitors. Thank you to AGI for your compassion and community involvement!
Popcorn
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Seven Reasons to Sell Popcorn
- Fund your unit’s program year and defray costs for Scouting families.
- Raise funds for National Scout Jamboree and other exciting adventures.
- Tidewater Council offers some of the highest commissions in Scouting America.
- Tidewater Council provides gift cards and prizes to reward Scouts.
- Scouts learn salesmanship, communication, resilience, money management, goal-setting, planning, teamwork, and the value of earning their own way.
- Participation in the Popcorn Sale may help Scouts meet certain advancement requirements.
- It is easy to get started, with no upfront costs and no vendor contracts to negotiate.
Seven Things to Do Now to Get Started
- Identify the Unit Popcorn Kernel.
- If you didn’t attend Popcorn 101, view the recording here.
- Sign up for Popcorn Training on Thursday, June 26 or Tuesday, July 8.
- Sign up for the sale at pecatonicariverpopcorn.com using Council Key 596TWC. Even returning Unit Popcorn Kernels will need to “Create Unit Profile” the first time they access this site for the fall 2025 sale.
- Develop the unit budget and fundraising goals at the unit’s annual program planning meeting.
- Set up Show & Sells.
- Plan and promote the unit kick-off.
Scouting Safety Moment
It is recommended to include a Scouting Safety Moment during meetings to inform Scouts and parents and keep everyone safe. Numerous downloadable Scouting Safety Moments are available here.
Poisonous Plants
Millions of Americans—many of them Scouts and Scouters—will be affected by poisonous plants each year. Almost everyone has heard the warning “leaves of three, let it be.” Despite training to identify them on sight and efforts to avoid them, almost everyone has stumbled through a patch of poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, or one of several other plants that can cause an uncomfortable itch, a rash, and often blisters.
Blue Heron Lodge Dues
This year, Blue Heron Lodge is giving out the amazing Council of Chiefs Year of Change Lodge Flap as a thank you – just for paying your dues!
To pay Lodge dues for 2025, visit: scoutingevent.com/596-OA2025Dues.
If you are a member of another Lodge and would like to transfer into Blue Heron Lodge, please let us know. For questions, email Mike Maruska at [email protected] or Noel Falcon [email protected].
Registrar's Corner
How To Take Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT)
- Log into My.Scouting.org.
- Check the current Youth Protection Training (YPT) / Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) date. Adults cannot renew their membership if their YPT/SYT expires before their membership expires.
- Click on the S.A.F.E. Guarding Youth logo. Choose either the English or Spanish version.
- Select “Enroll.”
- Click the “Start” button.
- Launch the video with the “Start Course” button.
- Click on the play button to begin the training.
- After finishing the course (including passing the test), the training certificate will be sent by email. It make take up to 48 hours to receive the certificate, but it is typically faster.
For printable instructions with screenshots, click here.
Help Needed: Camp Moonyah Improvement Projects
Camp Moonyah has been an integral part of Tidewater Council’s camps for more than 85 years. As such, it has a rich history hosting functions, events, celebrations, and ceremonies encompassing all arenas of the Scouting program. Over the past many, many decades, dedicated volunteers have continually strived to improve the camp to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for all. Even with past improvements, it is time to bring this facility into the 21st century.
Potable Water
Many thanks to a generous donor who has funded the potable water project!
Introduction of Electrical Power
Working with Dominion Power, bringing power into Camp Moonyah will require several measured electrical wire runs of 250’+ from a transformer located off property to the maintenance shed where the meter base would be located. Because of the distance, a 25kw transformer will be required to maintain a continual, safe load of power. The cost of connection to a power source, running a total of 500’+ of underground cable, the transformer, and other fees associated with this project will run from $10,000 – $12,000.
What's Next?
To achieve the success of these projects, we are reaching out to you in Tidewater Council to help fund the electrical power project either in full or in part. By doing so, you will ensure the continued success and growth of Camp Moonyah for decades to come.
For questions or to find out more about how you can support Camp Moonyah improvements, please contact Ron Misfeldt at [email protected] and Wes Parker at [email protected].
Development Corner
Sponsor a Tent at Pipsico Scout Reservation
Many of Pipsico Scout Reservation’s tents have been in service for 30 years. In order to continue to provide a high-quality camping experience for our Scouts, Tidewater Council is replacing 200 tents between 2023-2027.
Based on the recommendation of our Camping Committee, we are replacing the current wooden platforms and ridge pole system tents with new platforms and tents with aluminum-mounted frames. In addition to housing Scouts and keeping them dry, the new tents will exponentially decrease the time needed for tent setup and takedown. The cost of a new tent, platform, and frame is approximately $1,640 each. A contribution in any amount is appreciated, and will be designated to provide new tents at Pipsico.
Thank you for ensuring that our Scouts enjoy their camping adventures at Pipsico!
Leave a Legacy: James E. West Fellowship Award
The James E. West Fellowship Award is a national recognition for individuals who contribute $1,000 or more in cash or securities to the Tidewater Council endowment fund. This contribution is in addition to, and does not diminish or replace, the donor’s annual gift to the council’s Friends of Scouting campaign.
Organizations or individuals may contribute an award in honor of someone — an Eagle Scout, a Silver Beaver recipient, Living Legend, any outstanding Scout or Scouter.
Program Ideas
June
- National Camping Month
- Attend Cub Scout Day Camp.
- Attend Summer Resident Camp.
- Work on the Camping merit badge.
- Work on the Cub Scout rank-specific Camping Adventure:
- Let’s Camp Lion
- Let’s Camp Tiger
- Let’s Camp Wolf
- Let’s Camp Bear
- Let’s Camp Webelos
- Outdoor Adventurer (Arrow of Light)
- Go camping!
- National Go Fishing Day: June 18
- Work on the Fishing merit badge.
- Work on the Fly Fishing merit badge.
- Work on the Fish and Wildlife Management merit badge.
- Work on the Complete Angler Recognition.
- Work on the Cub Scout rank-specific Fishing Adventure:
- Lion: Go Fish
- Tiger: Fish On
- Wolf: A Wolf Goes Fishing
- Bear: A Bear Goes Fishing
- Webelos: Catch the Big One
- Arrow of Light: Fishing
- Go fishing!
- Lightning Safety Awareness Week: June 22-28
- Share the Weather-Related Safety Safety Moment.
- Take Hazardous Weather Training on My.Scouting.
- Take the Scouting Magazine Before the Storm Safety Quiz.
- Share the Scout Life article, “Be Prepared for These 5 Common Weather Hazards.”
- Work on the Weather merit badge.
July
- National U.S. Postage Stamp Day: July 1
- Work on the Stamp Collecting merit badge.
- Invite Scouts to write and mail a letter, card, or postcard.
- Independence Day: July 4
- Work on the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge.
- Work on the American Heritage merit badge.
- Have a Scout barbecue.
- Watch fireworks with your unit.
- Plan a patriotic service project.
- National Swimming Pool Day: July 11
- Work on the Swimming merit badge.
- Work on the Cub Scout rank-specific Swimming Adventure:
- Lion: Time to Swim
- Tiger: Tigers in the Water
- Wolf: Paws for Water
- Bear: Salmon Run
- Webelos: Aquanaut
- Arrow of Light: Swimming
- Learn about aquatics safety with Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat training at My.Scouting.
- Share Scouting Safety Moments:
- Space Exploration Day: July 20
- Work on the Space Exploration merit badge.
- Work on the Sky is the Limit Adventure for Tigers.
- Learn about astronauts who were youth Scouts.
- National Hammock Day: July 22
- Share the Hammock Safety for Camping Safety Moment.
- Share the “Hammock camping, the BSA way” article in Scouting Magazine.
- World Nature Conservation Day: July 28
- Work on the Environmental Science merit badge.
- Work on the Soil and Water Conservation merit badge.
- Work on the Sustainability merit badge.
- Work on the Cub Scout rank-specific Champions for Nature Adventure.
- Work on a World Conservation Award.
- Conduct a conservation service project.
Community Engagement
2025 Tidewater Veterans Day Parade: Honoring Vietnam Veterans
The 2025 Tidewater Veterans Day Parade will be a special opportunity to honor Vietnam War veterans, with the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. This year’s event will include The Moving Wall that honors those who passed in the war.
Any Vietnam War veterans who are interested in being a key component of the Scouting America Tidewater Council parade contingent should contact [email protected] to learn more.
2026 Virginia DWR Archery Open
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) invites the archery and conservation community to participate in the 2026 DWR Archery Open. The second annual competition will take place Saturday, January 10, 2026 in Richmond, Virginia.
Complete the interest form at dwr.virginia.gov/archery-open to subscribe to event updates.
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. You may also visit NC 211 or 2-1-1 Virginia for assistance finding resources.
Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Congratulations to Tidewater Council’s new Eagle Scouts!
Over the course of several den meetings, Bears and Webelos from Cub Scout Pack 462 in Deep Creek Chesapeake built ten squirrel boxes for Evelyn’s Wildlife Refuge. The boxes will provide a safe home for squirrels that need to be rehabilitated before being released back into the wild.
Great job, Scouts!
At the Order of the Arrow, Section E9 Conclave on April 27, Tidewater Council’s own AJ Kelly assumed the role of Section Adviser.
AJ is a Vigil Honor member of Tidewater Council’s Blue Heron Lodge #349. As a youth, AJ served two terms as Blue Heron Lodge Chief alongside his Lodge Adviser, John Donat. Before the Order of the Arrow sections were realigned, AJ also led Section E9’s predecessor, Section SR-7A, in all three officer roles from 2012 to 2014.
Since 2017, AJ has served the section as Associate Section Adviser supporting the Section Secretary, managing key administrative responsibilities, and contributing to the success of numerous events. AJ is the longest-active serving member of the adult leadership team.
AJ has played a key role in almost every National Program of Emphasis (NPOE) since 2012 and was recognized with the Founder’s Award, the Section E9 Legacy Fellowship, and the Distinguished Service Award (DSA class of 2018).
Outside of Scouting, AJ recently began a new role as Director of Sales at The Port of Virginia. In his free time, AJ enjoys graphic design and traveling with his wife, most recently exploring Japan.
AJ succeeded John Donat, who has served with distinction as Section Adviser since May 2020. John guided Section SR-7A and Section E9 through the challenges of the pandemic, leading the largest Conclave in the Eastern Region’s young history, and overseeing the nation’s largest Conclave in 2024. John’s impact on the section—and the six Section Chiefs he directly advised—has been profound. His legacy of steady, selfless service will long be remembered and appreciated. For his service to Scouting, John has received the Founder’s Award, Silver Beaver Award, District Award of Merit, Section E9 Legacy Fellowship, and the Distinguished Service Award (DSA class of 2024).
Each year, the Chesapeake Rotary Club recognizes a select group of outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in academics, leadership, service, and career readiness.
Two Scouts were among the nine seniors honored at the Rotary Club Senior Recognition on June 11.
Colby D., a senior at Great Bridge High School, is an Eagle Scout from Troop 828. In addition to demonstrated academic excellence, Colby was recognized for a remarkable record of service to community, leadership, and civic engagement.
Alec E. of Troop 259 was the senior honored from Oscar Smith High School. Alec is a top-performing student with a deep commitment to service and leadership.
Congratulations to Colby and Alec!
We want to hear from you! Send stories, photos, and videos of your Scouts in action to [email protected] (with parental permission, of course).