Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Princess Anne District Fall Camporee
October 20-22
The 2023 Princess Anne District Fall Camporee is coming to Camp Kiwanis at Pipsico Scout Reservation this fall!
Get ready for an adventure-filled weekend with:
- Scout skills and puzzles led by older Scouts
- Saturday night cookoff
- Potluck cracker barrel for youth and adults
- Saturday night campfire conducted by the Princess Anne chapter of the Blue Heron Lodge
For questions, please contact Sam Grinvalsky at sgrinvalsky@gmail.com or 757-639-7214.
Albemarle District Fall Cuboree
October 27-29
This Cub Scout Family Camping Weekend is an opportunity to experience Scouting with others! There will be a variety of activities to include things for nature enthusiasts, fishermen, marksmen (aspiring marksmen), and more. The program schedule is jam packed with activities; however, if a Scout tires out or a program doesn’t interest you, feel free to do your own thing. Please try not to arrive late to sessions, as safety briefings must start on time.
Participants are invited to camp from Friday evening through Sunday, or any portion in between. Families are welcome to arrive on Friday to set up camp and relax (this makes Saturday easier). Likewise, after a day of activity on Saturday, you are welcome to take it easy Saturday night and make your way home on Sunday morning.
The Albemarle District Family Camping event will be held at Currituck County Rural Center for all Cub Scouts and their families and/or leaders to experience together. Non-Scout siblings are invited to participate in activities (some age restrictions may apply).
Three Rivers District Fall Camporee
October 27-29
Members of Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouting are invited to the Three Rivers District Troop O’Treat Fall Camporee at Izaak Walton League Park in Chesapeake.
- Practice and demonstrate Scout skills
- Show off cooking skills in patrol and unit cooking challenges
- Decorate campsites for Halloween (Decorations are to be fun and spooky, but may not be graphic, violent, or have a horror theme.)
- Enjoy a Saturday campfire and Scouts’ Own Service
- Compete for the Traveling District Trophy
For questions, contact Mike Zemienieuski at mzemienieuski@gmail.com or 757-617-7440.
Three Rivers District Cub-O-Ree
October 27-29
Cub Scouts, Webelos, and their families will have the ultimate Halloween Weekend at the Three Rivers District Cub-O-Ree at Izaak Walton League Park!
- Fun games and activities
- Shooting sports
- Trick-or-treating at the Scouts BSA Camporee
Bayside District Cuboree
October 28-29
Race into Scouting at the Bayside Cuboree! Join us at Camp Kiwanis at Pipsico Scout Reservation for either a day visit or an overnight campout!
- Archery
- Relay races
- Games
- Scavenger hunts
- Build your own soapbox car
Princess Anne District Field Day
October 28
Cub Scouts and their families are invited to participate in a variety of fall outdoor activities!
- Race matchbox cars
- Run relays
- Learn Scout skills
- Kick off the program year
Troops are encouraged to staff stations and develop relationships with packs in their area. To volunteer, please contact Andrew Huddle at startscouting@gmail.com.
Darden Gala
November 4
Join us for the 2023 Darden Gala on November 4, 2023 at the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center!
The Darden Gala is an annual fundraising event for Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America. Each year, Tidewater Council bestows the “Scouter Citizen of the Year Award” to deserving individuals who exemplify public service in the community.
In 2023, we are pleased to honor Barbara Lewis as our Scouter Citizen of the Year. Barbara is the founder and president of Town Center City Club. She established the Outstanding Professional Women’s Awards to create role models and motivation for women, and hosted the Inaugural Examples of Success Dinner to honor our region’s first female Eagle Scouts. In 2022, the Virginia Beach Jaycees recognized Barbara as the First Citizen of Virginia Beach.
The Darden Gala will feature Monte Carlo games, live and silent auctions, live music, and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Join us for a night of elegance under the City Lights!
Scouting for Blood Drive
November 8
Did you know that one donation of blood can save up to three lives? Or that every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood? Tidewater Council is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive through the Pint-Size Hero program. This program introduces youth to the components of blood and the importance of blood donation. Scouts have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership by recruiting blood donors, hosting drives, and engaging in the community.
WHEN:
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
WHERE:
Tidewater Council
Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center
1032 Heatherwood Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
TIME:
1-6 PM
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT:
There are two easy ways to schedule your appointment:
1. Visit redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code “TidewaterBSA” in the “Find a Blood Drive” field.
2. Make your appointment on the American Red Cross Blood Donor App.
CONTACT:
Nicole Moga
704-564-5565
Nmoga149@yahoo.com
Albemarle Merit Badge Weekend
November 10-12
Share your expertise! Albemarle Merit Badge Weekend is seeking merit badge counselors. The sessions will be offered in the morning and afternoon on Saturday, November 11 and in a morning session on Sunday, November 12. Merit badge counselors who can assist for any or all of the sessions are needed. This annual event offers an exciting and valuable program for Scouts, and it is only successful with the assistance of volunteers wanting to share their knowledge. If interested, please complete this interest form.
Albemarle District Merit Badge Weekend is an annual educational and advancement opportunity open to registered Scouts. All meals on Saturday and lunch on Sunday are included in the fee, so no cooking is required. Online registration is now open on Black Pug.
Veterans Day Parade
November 11
All packs, troops, crews, ships, and posts are invited to participate in the annual Tidewater Veterans Day Parade and ceremony at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
Event Details
- This year, the parade will begin at 16th Street and Atlantic Avenue, and proceed to the Tidewater Veterans Memorial on 19th Street, across from the Virginia Beach Convention Center. This is a different route from previous years.
- Check-in and line-up begin at 8:00 AM, with exact location to be determined.
- Scouts will get to see the entire parade and then step off as one of the last units in the parade.
- All units are requested to bring their American and unit flags.
- Scouts and leaders should be in uniform.
- Scouts are invited to remain for the 11:00 AM Memorial Service.
Registration
- Registration is required. Please register by unit.
- Registration closes on November 9, 2023.
- Patches are available by pre-order only. The deadline to pre-order patches is November 9, 2023.
- Patches will be available after the event for pick-up at Roundtables or in the Scout Shop. Units that order patches will be notified when they arrive, so pick-up can be coordinated.
Trainer's EDGE
November 18
Trainer’s EDGE is the Boy Scouts of America’s trainer development course designed to help Scouts and Scouters:
- Put into practice the EDGE training model
- Gain self-confidence through hands-on training experiences
- Develop the platform skills of a trainer
- Raise the level of skill a trainer brings to the learning experience
- “Train the trainer” on behaviors and resources while offering hands-on experience in methods and media
This course is part of a continuous process of updating trainers with the latest training methods, principles, and technologies.
Trainer’s EDGE is ideal for:
- District and council trainers
- Merit badge counselors
- Summer camp staff, including both youth and adults
- Winter Camp staff, including both youth and adults
- Roundtable staff
- Pack trainers
- Commissioner trainers
- Youth troop guides and instructors
- Unit leaders
- Staff for Wood Badge and National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
The course will be offered on November 18 at United Way of South Hampton Roads in Norfolk.
Scoutmaster Specific Training
December 2
Scoutmaster-Specific Training introduces adult leaders to everything they need to know about running a Scouts BSA troop.
In Scouts BSA, adult leaders serve in more of a “mentor” position, where their job is to help youth members learn and practice leadership. While this training will not answer every single question about being a Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster, it is a great introduction.
Along with Youth Protection Training and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), this course is required for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters to be considered “position trained.”
Troop Committee Challenge
December 2
Running a Scouts BSA troop is a little like running a business: there’s a budget and a calendar, there’s money coming in (fundraising and dues), there’s money going out (activities, equipment purchases, registration fees), there’s a “workforce” (adult volunteers), and there are goals and evaluation of whether the troop reached its goals. And, of course, all this occurs within the unique context of Scouting with some special rules and requirements.
At Troop Committee Challenge training on December 2, get the foundational training with the tools and best practices to succeed.
Scout Night with the Norfolk Admirals
December 9
Join the Scouts to cheer on the Norfolk Admirals as they take on the Jacksonville Icemen!
Tickets are available for $18 each at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 until December 2, or sold out. A portion of ticket sales supports local Scouting. Units purchasing tickets will be recognized on the video board.
Stay after the game for FREE public ice skating!
Scout Day at Winterplace Ski Resort
January 28, 2024
Winterplace Ski Resort in Ghent, WV is offering a special ski program for Tidewater Council Scouts, leaders, family members, friends, and neighbors!
The package offers a special rate of up to 50% off, and includes a full-day lift ticket, ski equipment rental, helmet rental, and a customized 90-minute group lesson.
There are optional add-ons available for meal vouchers and snowtubing.
Lodging is not included in the package, but there are nearby facilities at Winterplace and the Summit Bechtel Reserve.
Klondike Derby
February 23-25, 2024
Klondike Derby registration is now open!
The 2024 Klondike Derby: Quest for the Gold will be held in beautiful Camp Lions, Pipsico Scout Reservation. Using your sled, compete in skills from first aid, wilderness survival, lumberjack skills, fire building, cooking, pioneering, and shooting.
The Blue Heron Lodge will conduct an Order of the Arrow call-out ceremony on Saturday night.
If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Mike Maruska at mikemaruska1179@gmail.com.
Wood Badge
April 12-14 and May 4-5, 2024
Wood Badge is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide adult members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their Scouting positions and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. Lord Baden-Powell originally designed it so that Scouters could learn, in as practical a way as possible, the skills and methods of Scouting. It is, first and foremost, learning by doing.
Wood Badge has evolved over the years into the core leadership skills training course for the BSA. The Wood Badge course focuses on strengthening every volunteer’s ability to work with and lead groups of youth and adults and is less focused on outdoor skills, which are more effectively addressed in other courses.
In Fond Remembrance
Forrest Hooper
Forrest Hooper was a 2nd year Cub Scout with Pack 413 in Chesapeake, Virginia. As a member of the Bear den, he demonstrated an outstanding sense of adventure and eagerly embraced the Cub Scout values embedded in the Scout Oath, and the Scout Law.
Forrest had a passion for dinosaurs. He could tell you about any dinosaur that ever existed, who they were, who they got along with, and even their personalities. He loved dinosaur movies, especially Jurassic Park. He was always eager to share his knowledge with others, sparking the imaginations of those fortunate enough to be part of his life. He planned to dress up as Alan Grant from the Jurassic Park movies for Halloween.
Forrest was a third-grader at Southeastern Elementary School, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and in the impact he made during his time with us. We will remember a young boy with boundless potential, a dedicated Cub Scout with a heart full of wonder, and a dinosaur enthusiast whose passion for life was contagious. We will forever honor his spirit and the joy he brought to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Visitation Service:
Monday, October 16, 2023 from 4 PM – 6 PM
Altmeyer Funeral Home – Chesapeake Chapel
929 Battlefield Blvd. S., Chesapeake, VA 23322
640 S. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23322
Christopher D'Andrea
Beloved Scouter Christopher D’Andrea has Gone Home. Chris passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023 after a four year battle with cancer. He served in Tidewater Council since 2012 as a Committee Member with Troop 490, Committee Chair for Crew 490, and was a Brotherhood member with Blue Heron Lodge. He attended NOAC in 2015; earned his Wood Badge beads in 2016 and was very proud to be a Beaver; and served on NYLT staff in 2016. In 2019, Chris was the founding Scoutmaster for Troop 5067, one of the first female Scouts BSA troops in Tidewater Council.
Chris got his Scouting start in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba with Pack 3401 and Troop 435. He served as an adult leader with Troop 180 at Aloha Council, leading the Scouts in a wide variety of outdoor activities, including summer camp on the Island of Kauai where the troop completed a 100-mile trip including biking, hiking, and kayaking. Chris served as a Catholic Religious leader with both the Aloha and Tidewater Councils for the Pope Pius XII and Ad Altare Dei programs. He was also a founding member of Crew 300 at Aloha Council and completed a Philmont Trek with the crew in 2012.
Chris’ compassion and understanding when talking to the Scouts spoke volumes about who he was as a person. He wasn’t there to simply lead; he was there to pass on life lessons. He assisted his sons, Eric and Dylan, (and numerous other young Scouts) with their Eagle Scout projects and rank advancements.
Chris’ final wish was that we focus on the positive and celebrate his life. His wife, Eileen, will receive friends at an open casket viewing on Friday, October 27, 2023 from 5-8 PM at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach. A Celebration of Life for Chris will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 2-5 PM at Baylake United Methodist Church, 4300 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach. If you are a Scouter, please wear your Scouting uniform. To help with reception planning, Eileen asks that you let her know if you plan to attend the Celebration of Life by RSVPing here.
Chris will be laid to rest with his son Eric at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lymphoma Society in Chris’ name at here.
Gene Thompson
Gene Thompson, 93, passed away on October 7, 2023, after a short battle with cancer.
Gene was a longtime Scouter who made an impact in many volunteer roles, including chartered organization representative, committee chair, committee member, merit badge counselor, and 18 years as Scoutmaster. His more than fifty years of service included tenure in Pack 42, Pack 320, Troop 42, and Troop 320.
Gene earned his Wood Badge beads and was honored for his many contributions to Scouting with the Silver Beaver Award in 1977, the District Award of Merit in 1979, and the Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor.
He will be greatly missed, but his legacy of leadership will endure.
News
Scout Shop
Hoodies
Fall weather brings cool, brisk days, and what better way to stay warm than a Scout hoodie? These jackets are a great advertisement for Scouting, and this year we have a new assortment.
The Cub Scout hoodies come in light gray with a large Cub Scout symbol on the front and sell for $29.99. The Scout hoodies have two styles, both selling at $44.99, a great price for the value. The dark gray zippered hoodie has a fleur-de-lis symbol on the left shoulder. The light gray pullover hoodie has a large fleur-de-lis symbol on the front. We still have a few hoodies from last year’s season, so come in and check out our stock for yourself. Looking ahead, hoodies make wonderful holiday gifts.
Fall Uniform Sale
The Fall Uniform Sale will continue through October. Buy the shirt and bottoms (for the same program) together and get 10% off the bottoms. Bottoms include zip-off pants, rollup pants (capris), shorts, and skorts.
New Recruits Need Your Help!
New families need information about what they need to purchase. Most new Cub Scout customers do not know if their pack is using den numbers, and, if so, which number they need. Scout customers often are unsure of what color neckerchief the troop is using. These are questions the Scout Shop cannot answer, so please help the new families in your unit Be Prepared when they come to shop. If your unit provides certain things (custom numbers, neckerchiefs, books, etc.), please make sure families know.
Scouting Accessories
Besides uniforms, there are many accessories that relate to the Scouting program. Draw-string bags for Cub Scouts are handy for carrying things to and from den meetings, are available for each rank, and sell for only $5.99. We also have the larger backpack-style bags for Cubs and Scouts for $19.99. These larger bags measure 14” x 18” and have a side pocket.
Eagle Sling Bag
New to our Scout-themed bags is the Eagle Sling bag. The design reduces strain on the shoulders, measures 17” X 13” X 6”, has front zippered pockets, and has approximately 1326 cubic inches of storage capacity. Made of polyester material, these bags have the Eagle rank logo on the front.
Shipping
We continue to ship orders by USPS. Just call or email polly.fugate@scouting.org or staci.vankirk@scouting.org. We will get your order together, calculate shipping, and call you back for a VISA or Mastercard number. We ship orders on Wednesdays and Fridays, so try to place orders on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the fastest turnaround time.
Scout Shop Hours
Our next holiday closing is November 10-13 for Veterans Day weekend.
Popcorn
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Six Things To Do by November 1
- Schedule a closeout appointment on October 18, October 25, October 30, October 31, or November 1.
- Make final returns. See page 12 of the Popcorn Guide for details on the return policy.
- Place the final unit popcorn order.
- Submit the unit’s military donations using this form. Remember, all donations are military donations.
- Submit and confirm all unit-to-unit transfers.
- Submit the final payment.
Getting Started
It is not too late for your unit to participate in the 2023 Popcorn Sale!
- Conduct “take order” sales. Scouts can make personal sales to family, friends, and neighbors. Units have until November 1 to order the product needed to fill take orders, with delivery in mid-November. The sales flyer is available here, or contact the district executive for a sales kit.
- Participate in online sales. The online sale is slated to continue until November 20. Product purchased online is shipped directly to the purchaser with free shipping. Units earn 30% commission on online sales, and do not have to handle product or logistics. Each Scout receives a unique Seller ID to ensure credit goes to the right unit.
Contact your District Popcorn Kernel for help getting started.
Resources
Did your unit miss Popcorn Training? You can view the recording on the Popcorn Sale webpage. Make sure to review the 2023 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.
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.
Winter Activities
There is magic to camping in winter. It is one of the most challenging of outdoor adventures. The Boy Scouts of America operates the National Cold-Weather Camping Development Center at Northern Tier through the Okpik program. Special considerations for winter camping include qualified supervision, equipment, physical fitness, buddy system, planning, safe area, weather check, burning, and discipline.
Merit Badge Counselors
Merit Badge Counselors volunteer their time to be mentors and guides to help Scouts explore specific topics. Generally, counselors have a passion and in-depth knowledge of the subject. However, some merit badges require specific certifications in order to be a counselor.
As merit badge counselors renew their annual registration, it is important to take a moment to ensure that any necessary certifications are current. The special qualification and certification requirements can be found in Chapter 7 of the Guide to Advancement.
The following merit badges have special qualifications or certifications:
- All aquatics-related merit badges (Canoeing, Kayaking, Lifesaving, Motor Boating, Rowing, Scuba Diving, Small Boat Sailing, Swimming, Water Sports, Whitewater)
- All shooting sports merit badges (Archery, Rifle Shooting, Shotgun Shooting)
- Climbing
- Snow Sports
Scouts BSA How-To Videos
To help adult and youth Scout leaders teach skills with confidence, the Boy Scouts of America has produced a library of Scouts BSA How-To Videos. These videos aim to furnish clear explanations and useful techniques pertaining to a variety of skills. Following the EDGE Method, the videos Explain and Demonstrate skills during training sessions.
Topics include:
- Troop Meeting: Opening Ceremony, Leader’s Minute, Journey to Eagle Ceremony, Parable of the Toothpaste, and more
- General Information: A Game with a Purpose, Putting Skills Into Action, Outdoor Ethics Guide, Patrol Leaders’ Council, and more
- Activities: Lizzie Gator, Hula Hoop Horseshoes, True or False Steal the Bacon, 50-Foot Rescue Relay, Water Boiling Race, Bandage Relay, and more
- Campcraft Skills: Diagonal Lashing, Heat Related Injuries, Timber Hitch, Laying a Fire, Using a Camp Saw, Facing a Bearing, and more
- Program Features: Caving, COPE, Special Needs Awareness, Citizenship, Orienteering, Engineering, and more
Webelos to Scout Transition
As Webelos near the end of the Cub Scout trail, it’s time for them to embrace that pledge and prepare for the next leg of the journey: Scouts BSA.
Webelos and their families should be familiar and comfortable with the youth and adult leaders of the Scouts BSA troop, their role in the troop and troop activities, and feel excited about beginning this new adventure. The passage from a pack to a troop should be smooth, with no time lost in between. The crossover ceremony should clearly signify the transition to a new level of Scouting. It could include the presentation of the Arrow of Light badge, a Scouts BSA Handbook, and a troop neckerchief.
The key factor to a good Webelos transition is the ongoing working relationship of the leaders of a Cub Scout pack and a Scouts BSA troop. By planning and coordinating their efforts, the pack and troop can help make the Webelos-to-Scout transition seamless and give all Webelos Scouts a chance to experience the fun and excitement of joining a Scouts BSA troop. Start the process now by talking to nearby units about coordinating visits or activities where Webelos can meet different troops.
Service Projects
"On my honor I will do my best to... help other people at all times"
What meaningful service projects does your unit have planned to benefit the community? How are the Scouts in your unit learning to “Do a Good Turn Daily” and always be helpful to others?
Service projects are more meaningful, and more fun, if they are well-planned and if Scouts are interested in the project. Discuss service ideas with Scouts, families, and adult leaders. The chartered organization, local schools, area nonprofits, or local governments may have ideas of projects needing assistance.
For tips on planning and carrying out service projects, visit scouting.org/awards/journey-to-excellence/unit-tips.
Remember to report service hours via Internet Advancement. The council reports service hours to foundations, funders, and other community stakeholders, which helps raise funds for Scouting and, in turn, keeps costs lower for Scouting families.
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 BSA 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.
Camp Baker Temporary Closure in 2024
In an effort to bring additional electric power to the region, Dominion Power will engage in a 12-month project at Camp Baker, erecting 50-60 new power line towers in the area east of the camping areas. Project construction plans involve camp road impacts, which include the widening and reinforcement of the ground to accommodate large semi-trucks bringing in construction materials and equipment. The work will be continual (seven days a week).
As a result, from February 15, 2024 through December 2024 (and possibly into spring 2025), Camp Baker will be closed to camping to allow for construction activities. Although unfortunate, this action is necessary to avoid putting campers in an unsafe environment. As soon as the project in Camp Baker concludes, even if earlier than planned, the reopening will be announced.
Short-term camping will still be available at Camp Moonyah, located in the Deep Creek area of Chesapeake, or at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Make camp reservations early, as the fall through spring/early summer months are peak camping times in these camps.
Any questions regarding Camp Baker or Camp Moonyah can be directed to Ron Misfeldt, Camps Baker and Moonyah Ranger, at 757-646-1384 or mustangron@aol.com.
Thank you for your cooperation and patience.
High Adventure Treks in 2024 and 2025
Many units regularly pack yearly schedules with outings and activities that keep youth coming back and wanting more. Units provide many different activities which appeal to a variety of age groups. Youth ages 11-13 crave and need activities that deliver basic skills, such as camping. Youth ages 14-17 are looking for more robust adventures that challenge their physical abilities, as well as their minds. Additionally, older Scouts are looking for activities which become available as they mature.
To help older youth keep their interest in Scouting, the Council High Adventure Committee has produced a long-range calendar outlining longer (5+ days) high adventure activities. To assist units, the council offers these longer treks on a council contingent basis. The High Adventure Committee is soliciting youth and units’ interest in these treks for 2024 and 2025. Units and individuals with an interest in these activities should contact Jeffreyirving@cox.net or bill.lawrence2@scouting.org for more information. The first two treks are:
Okpik Winter Program at Northern Tier: December 2024
Okpik is the premier winter camping program in the Boy Scouts of America. The Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base in Minnesota is the site of the Boy Scouts of America’s National Cold Weather Camping Development Center. All trips are fully outfitted and provisioned, including almost all the personal gear necessary to stay warm in the winter. A highly trained staff member, called an Interpreter, accompanies all crews on their trek.
This activity is scheduled around winter break (December 2024). Northern Tier has a wide range of winter treks. Crews can choose cabin stay programs, cross country skiing (which could include sleeping one night on a frozen lake), or dog sledding (which includes living with and caring for the sled dogs).
Learn to never fear the cold again while experiencing all the Great North Woods have to offer. The cost varies with the activity the crew chooses, but is estimated around $2,000 per person.
Backpacking at Philmont Scout Ranch: Summer 2025
Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America’s largest National High Adventure Base, challenges Scouts and Venturers with more than 214 square miles of rugged northern New Mexico wilderness. Backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades, and training and service programs offer young people many ways to experience this legendary country.
Tidewater Council is planning a trek to Philmont during summer 2025. Costs for 2025 are not yet available, but, for reference, the fee for the 2022 council contingent trek to Philmont was around $2,300 per person.
Participants who sign up for either trek must make a $250 deposit.
In succeeding years, Tidewater Council-offered contingents will include Sea Base in Florida and The Summit in West Virginia.
Members of the High Adventure Committee are available to assist individuals and units in developing and conducting long (5+ days) high adventure treks. Contact Jeffreyirving@cox.net or bill.lawrence2@scouting.org.
Program Ideas
October
- Jamboree-on-the-Air/Jamboree-on-the-Internet is October 20-22, 2023.
- Jamboree-on-the-Internet, or JOTI, is an annual international Scouting event sponsored by the World Organization of the Scout Movement. Each year, during the third weekend in October, Scouts from around the world gather online to learn about other cultures and the activities in which other Scouts participate. They communicate with each other using Internet-enabled devices such as computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. Each year, nearly 16,000 Scouts and leaders from more than 145 countries participate!
- Jamboree-on-the-Air, or JOTA, is one of the largest Scouting events in the world. It is held annually during the third full weekend in October. JOTA uses amateur radio to link Scouts and radio operators around the world, around the nation, and in Scouts’ own communities. It’s a great way to get more youth interested in amateur radio. Scouts can experience the fun of amateur radio, as well as the service aspects of emergency communication. The scope of JOTA activities is only limited by your imagination.
- National Book Month:
- Schedule a library tour
- Invite a local author to a unit meeting
- Work on the Reading Merit Badge
- National Bullying Prevention Month: The idea that a Scout should treat others as they want to be treated—a Scout is kind—is woven throughout the programs and literature of the Boy Scouts of America. When a Scout follows the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, bullying and hazing situations should never occur.
- For youth in grades 6-12, the Cyber Chip helps keep youth safe while online. Topics include cyberbullying, cell phone use, texting, blogging, gaming, and identity theft.
- Review and share the BSA’s Bullying Awareness resources with Scouts and families.
- For adults, take Youth Protection Training.
- Review the BSA’s Social Media Guidelines for valuable information on internet safety and youth protection when using social media.
- National Fire Prevention Month:
- Visit a fire station
- Present the Campfire Safety Safety Moment at a unit meeting
- Present the Behavior Around Campfires Safety Moment at a unit meeting
- Work on the Fire Safety Merit Badge
- Earn the Firem’n Chit
November
- Native American Heritage Month:
- Invite a Native American guest speaker to a unit meeting
- Work on the Indian Lore Merit Badge
- Veterans Day:
- Participate in the Tidewater Veterans Day Parade
- Invite a veteran to be a guest speaker at a unit meeting
- Make thank you cards for veterans
- National Hiking Day (November 17):
- Take a hike!
- Work on the Hiking Merit Badge
- Learn about the Six Essentials for Cub Scouts and the Ten Essentials for older Scouts
Community Care Assistance
Does your family need assistance accessing community resources? Tidewater Council is a partner agency with United Way of South Hampton Roads and Albemarle Area United Way, as well as a member of the Unite Us Hampton Roads United Coordinated Network and NCCARE360. For coordinated care referrals, please contact us.
Help Wanted
District Executive Job Opening
Since 1910, Scouting has helped mold the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes and understands that helping youth puts us on a path towards a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.
Today’s professional Scouters are a diverse group of men and women sharing a dynamic career offering independence, achievement, and stability. This is work that makes a difference, work that calls one to continual learning and challenge, work that offers solid compensation, benefits, and advancement.
If you or someone you know is interested in making a difference through a career in Scouting, please contact Bill Lawrence at bill.lawrence2@scouting.org.
Commissioners
Commissioners are volunteers who believe in Scouting and want to prepare youth become responsible, participating citizens and leaders who are guided by the Scout Oath and Law.
They are a resource for unit leaders when the leader has questions on Scouting policies and procedures. Unit commissioners guide and assist units through the charter renewal process.
Each district needs dedicated volunteers to support Scouting units. If you are interested in learning more about being a commissioner; contact the district commissioner or district executive.
American Red Cross Instructors
Tidewater Council is seeking current American Red Cross Instructors to become part of the council’s Authorized Provider agreement. Instructors who are part of the Authorized Provider agreement can host courses for Scouts and Scout leaders.
The council is also seeking an American Red Cross Instructor Trainer to help qualify new instructors.
Contact Richard Becker for more information.
Bats, Bats, and More Bats
With Halloween approaching, bats are a common feature in movies, costumes, and decorations.
The Army Corps of Engineers lease Camps Baker and Moonyah to Tidewater Council. They have reached out to the Scouts of Tidewater Council to help them with a… well, a bat problem.
A property they possess recently has been overrun with bats, and they would like help from Scouts in providing a more suitable home for bats. They are seeking 9-15 bat houses to be constructed and placed in the area. To ensure uniformity, a simple set of plans will be provided to construct a suitable bat house.
If your unit has Scouts needing service hours, this is a great opportunity to earn service time, as well as help out the community. For further information, contact Ron Misfeldt at 757-646-1384 or mustangron@aol.com.
Camp Service Weekends
Attention all Scouting units!
If you have Scouts who need service time, your unit is needed at Camp Moonyah or Camp Baker. The ongoing need for grounds maintenance, mowing, trimming, site-clearing, clean-up, and more is never-ending. We are seeking units that can dedicate a full day or a weekend of service time to these two camps in Chesapeake.
As an added incentive, Scouts and Scouters can work towards earning the highly sought-after and much-desired camp service patch. Contact Ron Misfeldt at 757-646-1384 or mustangron@aol.com for additional details.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
On October 7, Scouts and Scouters from Troop 362 volunteered to staff the Father Savas Constantinou Memorial Family Mission Walk by manning water and first aid stations along the Cape Henry Trail at First Landing State Park. The memorial walk helps Orthodox Christian churches across Virginia in their efforts to support Orthodox missionaries, seminaries, and charities. The congregations of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Virginia Beach and Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Norfolk banded together to host the Mission Walk.
Approximately 220 people attended the Liturgy and picnic, and 111 supporters walked the Cape Henry Trail to raise funds and awareness. These efforts raised $6,000 for Holy Cross Seminary, Orthodox Christian charities, and for the Virginia Beach City Public Schools “Beach Bags” program – a worthy first step for a revitalized effort.
The sense of “one community” was evident throughout the event. Thank you to Troop 362 for giving back to the community!
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).
