Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Cub Scout Family Camp
October 1-3
Cub Scout Family Camp is an opportunity to take your family out to the woods and experience Pipsico Scout Reservation. There will be activities, and you can also enjoy the facilities. Meals are not provided, but fun is!
Three Rivers Fall Camporee
October 1-3
Come and join the Three Rivers District Fall Camporee at Izaak Walton League!
Scouts will spend a fun-filled weekend practicing and demonstrating basic Scout camp skills. The units will compete to win the Traveling District Trophy by earning points during patrol and unit cooking-related challenges.
Webelos Woods
October 8-10
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 experience that exposes first and second year Webelos Scouts to Scouts BSA camping using the patrol method, in a Scouts BSA-led outdoor adventure, supervised by adult Scouts BSA leaders.
The weekend event gives Webelos a taste of a little more independence and self-reliance than in Cub Scouts (an appealing prospect for boys and girls at this age). The patrol method is the way Scouts BSA organizes activities, giving youth an experience in group living, working, and fun.
Lion and Tiger Day
October 9
Lion and Tiger Day is an opportunity for our youngest Cub Scouts and their parents to experience Pipsico Scout Reservation for a day. Lions and Tigers will “Be Prepared” to return with their pack for future weekend events. This Saturday event will allow families to take a nature hike, play some field games, visit handicraft, and try their skills at archery.
Order of the Arrow Fall Fellowship
October 15-17
Registration is now open for the Order of the Arrow Fall Fellowship. All Lodge members are encouraged to participate in a weekend of service and fellowship. Arrowmen are encouraged to register and seek Brotherhood Honor.
Registration is required, so sign-up now!
Albemarle District Cub-O-Ree
Gold Rush!
October 22-24
The Gold Rush is an Albemarle District Family Camping event held at Currituck County Rural Center. This event is for all Cub Scouts and their families and/or leaders to experience together. Non-Scout siblings are invited to participate in all activities during Gold Rush. Activities include BB guns, archery, field games, crafts, campfires, and much more.
Mark your calendar now for October 22-24. The cost is $40/family if paid by October 8, and $50 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.
New Scouts who register July 2021 through October 2021 may attend for the day, on Saturday, October 23 from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, at no charge. Register for the day here.
If new families would like to enjoy the entire weekend (highly encouraged), fees apply as stated, and they need to register here.
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
October 23-24
BALOO is a Cub Scout leader training required for any den or pack wanting to hold an outdoor, overnight event. It is comprised of two components, an online pre-course and then a weekend practical session. Join us at Pasquotank Ruritan Club in Elizabeth City, NC for BALOO this fall!
Albemarle Spook-O-Ree
October 29-31
Albemarle District is holding its Fall Camporee – that is, Spook-O-Ree – October 29-31, 2021 at KOA Currituck, 1631 Waterlilly Road, Coinjock, NC 27923. Halloween is associated with fires, costumes, candy, gatherings, carving pumpkins, surprises, and just an overall good time. All troops, crews, and ships are welcome to attend. Campers are encouraged to participate in the Spook-O-Ree theme, which may include costumes and decorating camp sites. Registration is open on Black Pug.
Princess Anne District Fall Camporee
October 29-31
Princess Anne’s District Fall Camporee will be the Rise of the Phoenix. It has been years since Princess Anne held a camporee, so come out to Izaak Walton League Park and challenge yourself with archery and Scouting skills. There will be a contest for best Halloween-themed campsite.
Pipsico Fall Festival
November 5-7
Pipsico Scout Reservation has been serving the youth of Tidewater Council and beyond for 63 years, and we are inviting 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. Saturday activities you may enjoy are to fish Lake Beasley, climb the tower, hike the trails, and show 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. When you think you’ve done it all, prepare for a campfire program like no other.
Units are encouraged to bring an activity to share for a Scout Show Saturday morning with other Scouts. Scouting and Staff Alumni are welcome; please come and share your memories of how much fun it was and see how much fun Scouts are having now!
Please come out for the events on Saturday, enjoy the fall weather, the fellowship, and the many activities. Registration is coming soon via Black Pug. If you’re interested in supporting a Scout Show event Saturday morning, contact Kirsten Misfeldt at kmisfeldt62@gmail.com.
American Red Cross Pint-Size Hero 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. Each Scout who recruits a donor will receive an American Red Cross braided bracelet.
WHEN: Monday, November 8
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 2 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
Veterans Day Parade
November 11
Save the date for the 2021 Tidewater Veterans Day Parade at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
Pow Wow
November 13
Pow Wow is a supplemental, action-packed training event for adult Cub Scout leaders, pack committee members, chartered organization representatives, parents of Cub Scouts, and others interested in Cub Scouting. Mark your calendar for November 13 to save the date for Tidewater Council’s next Pow Wow!
Winter Camp
January 14-17, 2022
Winter Camp is held at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Great merit badge counselors are what make this event the best. Volunteer today and make a positive difference in the life of a Scout on their way to Eagle. Email both Wes Parker and Christy Cooper to volunteer. In your email, include:
- What merit badge you wish to counsel
- How many 3-hour sessions needed
- The number of Scouts per session
- Materials and costs
- Pre-requisites
Registration opens on Black Pug on October 11 at 10 AM. The merit badge schedule will be available by the end of October for planning. Merit badge selections will be available online starting November 20 at 10 AM.
News
Scout Shop
Back to school means back to fun for the Scouts! We are here to provide your needs for uniforms, books, awards, camping, and even Scout-related gifts.
Uniform Sale
The uniform sale is going strong now and will continue through October. Buy a uniform shirt and any bottom of the same program (zip-off pants, shorts, skorts, rollup pants) and get 25% off the bottoms. The savings can add up when you are buying for more than one Scout.
New Families
New families need information. New Cub Scout parents need to know their pack and den numbers. Scouts need to know the color of the neckerchief. Does your unit give something to new recruits? Does your unit have custom neckerchiefs, T-shirts, or caps? Make the shopping experience easier for the new Scouts in your unit by answering questions or providing a shopping list before they visit the Scout Shop. Please help us help them get exactly what they need.
New Scout Shop Hours
NEW HOURS went into effect on September 1. To better accommodate our customers, we have extended our Scout Shop hours:
Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Thursday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Friday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM
New Patch
The Scout Shop has a limited supply of Tidewater Radio Scouting patches for $3.99 each. These patches were made especially for youth who have earned the Radio merit badge or anyone with an FCC license. If you or someone you know fits into that category, get them while they last!
Leader Manuals
Leader manuals can help build the knowledge new leaders need. Den Leader handbooks are $8.99, Cub Scout Leader books are $9.99, and Troop Leader Guides are $12.99, all ready for binders. In the future, many of the leader books will only be available online, so pick one up while you can.
Bookcovers
Bookcovers are often overlooked, but they really are a necessity. Our canvas covers sell for $9.99 and are worth every penny. The Cub Scout covers fit each Cub Scout book from Tiger through Webelos/Arrow of Light. The Scouts BSA book covers will help preserve the handbook through their entire Scouting years.
Help Needed
We are now hiring for the Scout Shop. Prior experience and knowledge of the Scouting program is helpful, but not necessary. If you or someone you know is interested in a part-time position with opportunity for advancement, resumes may be sent to polly.fugate@scouting.org. We also have applications available in the Scout Shop.
Shipping
We continue to ship orders for customers who are not able to do in-person shopping. Give us a call (757-497-2688) or email Polly Fugate. We can get the order together, calculate shipping, then call you back for a VISA or Mastercard number. All orders are shipped by USPS with a tracking number.
Popcorn
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Inventory
Many units are having record-breaking popcorn sales! Due to high demand, the council’s excess inventory is down to only seven cases. If your unit has excess inventory, please let your District Popcorn Kernel know. They can assist you in transferring product to other units that need it.
Upcoming Key Dates
- Wednesday, September 22:
- Deadline for units to submit popcorn orders through Scout Boss for the third popcorn order. Units must be current on their invoice payments in order to obtain additional product.
- Return deadline for Cheese Lover’s and Hometown Heroes Trios.
- Interim pick-ups and returns. Sign up for a slot.
- Wednesday, September 29:
- Interim pick-ups and returns. Sign up for a slot.
- Tuesday, October 5:
- Payment due for second popcorn order.
- Thursday, October 7:
- Estimated delivery date for third popcorn order.
Distribution
Popcorn distribution is only available through scheduled appointments. The Scout Shop and administrative staff are unable to assist with popcorn distribution.
For online sales, the product is shipped directly to the customer with free shipping.
Donations
Please report any donations received using page 24 of the Popcorn Guide and emailing it to alison.harrison@scouting.org. Military donations typically are fulfilled locally through the USO to provide popcorn to service men and women, veterans, and their families.
Online Sales
Online sales are a great opportunity for families and Scout units with concerns about COVID-19 safety. The customer orders and pays online and the product is shipped directly to them, making the sale completely contactless.
Online sales are also a plus for Scouts who want to sell to out-of-town friends and relatives, and for those who want a certain product available online-only, such as White Ruby or peanut clusters.
All Tidewater Council Scouts are eligible to participate in online popcorn sales, regardless of the unit’s participation in traditional in-person sales. Contact us if you are interested in selling online but have not received your Scout’s sales link.
Deliver the Promise of Scouting
Kids need opportunities to make new friends, interact with a supportive peer group, and participate in engaging activities. Scouting provides that opportunity.
For kids, Scouting is all about adventure. Scouts participate in fun activities – like making rockets, canoeing, archery, racing Pinewood Derby cars, and camping.
For parents, Scouting prepares their child for life’s challenges. Scouts learn to try new things, to set and achieve goals, to plan, to overcome obstacles – or even to cook a healthy meal for their family.
How is your unit delivering the promises – both the adventure and the character development – of Scouting?
Cub Scout Camping
Youth in Cub Scouts list camping as the top reason why they wanted to join Cub Scouting. However, some parents are anxious or concerned about their child’s first camping experience.
Cub Scouting is designed to introduce families to outdoor experiences in small steps, increasing everyone’s comfort level gradually and leading to more advanced activities. This could look like:
- Take an outdoor walk
- Visit a local park and practice introductory Scout skills
- Work on rank and elective requirements outdoors instead of inside
Wood Badge
Wood Badge is a five-day adult leadership training course where leadership principles are experienced through the context of Scouting. Participants learn, apply, and experience leadership principles known to empower participants. Skills include listening, leading, developing, supporting, and more.
Colonial Virginia Council Wood Badge 2021
Colonial Virginia Council will hold a Wood Badge course October 29-31, 2021 and November 13-14, 2021 at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Learn more at cvcboyscouts.org/wood-badge. Online registration ends September 24.
Tidewater Council Wood Badge 2022
Save the dates for Tidewater Council Wood Badge 2022: April 8-10, 2022 and April 30-May 1, 2022 at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Registration is scheduled to open on November 9, 2021.
Inclusion Toolbox
AbleScouts.org is creating the Inclusion Toolbox for Special Needs and Disabilities, a virtual and printable resource with information on how to best serve Scouts with special needs. This toolbox will replace the 2007 Scouting for Youth with Disabilities Manual.
Community Service
Youth civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of one’s community. It also involves developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make that difference. These activities enrich the lives of youth and are socially beneficial to the community. What projects does your unit plan this fall?
Recording Activities in Internet Advancement and Scoutbook
Tidewater Council and its districts track Scout service hours. We share information about service projects with the community and potential donors so they can see the impact of Scouting. Reporting the service hours Scouts are already doing is an easy way to support Scouting!
Visit this Scoutbook How-To link for instructions on reporting service hours.
Service Opportunities
Service is Scouting’s greatest legacy and the primary reason that the Boy Scouts of America is the world’s premier youth organization. We currently have several opportunities for youth to give back to our communities through service. Here are some current projects needing assistance:
- As part of Albemarle Area United Way‘s Day of Caring, there is an opportunity to send Cards of Encouragement to homebound seniors and Letters of Love to long-term care facility residents through the Albemarle Commission. Learn more here.
- Marshview Park is a little known gem in an undeveloped wetland area between Seatack and Shadowlawn. Many years ago when it was privately owned, some parts of the park were used to dump construction debris in the wetlands. Virginia Beach recently improved the trails and park facilities at this location and several groups of volunteers have started to remove some of the debris, but we need a hard working crew to get serious about finishing the job. The city will bring a dumpster as close to the site as possible, but we will need wheel barrows and strong backs to pull the debris out of the wetlands and transport it to the dumpster. We are looking for at least ten people, including leaders, for about three or four hours. There is also the potential for a unit to adopt this area as a long-term service project, as there is additional work that needs to be done, including invasive plant removal, trail maintenance, and park improvements. Contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org or 757-773-1636.
- Rain garden project to benefit the SPCA. Contact Clay Bernick at clay@lrnow.org or 757-377-3120.
- Various projects for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Contact Clay Bernick at clay@lrnow.org or 757-377-3120.
- Build two five- to six-foot wooden benches with plant boxes and complete a butterfly garden for the ViBe District Mediterranean Avenue Parklet. Contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org or 757-773-1636.
- A few projects on the horizon for those Scouts wanting to be a part of planning, execution, and maintenance are slated for the future. A landscape project in the ViBe District, a living shoreline project in Great Neck, and a couple fall tree plantings. Contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org or 757-773-1636.
Scouting Safely Update
Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities
An important part of Scouting safely is ensuring that activities are age-appropriate. The Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities has been updated and now includes Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Camping. These changes will align with the upcoming fall 2021 update to the Guide to Safe Scouting.
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.
Youth Suicide Prevention
Youth suicidal behavior is a problem that you may encounter in Scouting or with friends of Scouting youth, but it is often preventable. In order to save the life of a youth at risk, it is important to have a plan in place beforehand, know local professional resources, understand the severity of the problem, look for the signs in the youth you lead, understand major risk factors, and know how you can help.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. During this month, the National Alliance on Mental lllness (NAMI) focuses on providing resources, spreading hope, raising awareness, and sharing vital information to people affected by suicide.
Crisis Resources from NAMI
- If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
- If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255)
- If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
World Scout Jamboree 2023
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime at the 2023 World Scout Jamboree (WSJ) in SaeManGeum, South Korea on August 1-12, 2023. Experience a wide range of programs, from high adventure to learning about sustainable development.
Register your interest in attending at wsj2023.us. Scouts who are ages 14-17 at the time of the WSJ are eligible to apply as participants. Adults ages 18+ can apply to serve on the International Service Team (IST) or as unit leaders for the USA Contingent. Join 50,000 Scouts from more than 170 National Scouting Organizations for the largest youth gathering on the planet!
World Scout Moot
While the 2022 World Scout Moot in Ireland has been canceled, planning is underway for the 2025 World Scout Moot in Portugal. This international event is for young adults ages 18-25 (at the time of the event.)
Scoutbook Feature Assistant Extension
The Scoutbook Feature Assistant Extension is a volunteer-created and volunteer-maintained add-on tool to provide time-saving features for Scoutbook users. This extension adds extra options when the user is logged into Scoutbook.
This tool is not maintained by the BSA. For assistance, please ask questions on the Scoutbook Forums. To access Scoutbook Forums, log into Scoutbook and select the Forums link.
Retiring Elective Cub Scout Adventures
Effective May 31, 2022, the National Council BSA will be retiring 19 of the current Cub Scout Elective Adventures. The Adventures that will be retired are:
- Lions
- None
- Tigers
- Family Stories
- Earning Your Stripes
- Tiger Tales
- Tiger Theater
- Wolf
- Collections and Hobbies
- Grow Something
- Hometown Heroes
- Motor Away
- Bear
- Beat of the Drum
- World of Sound
- Make it Move
- Robotics
- Webelos & Arrow of Light
- Looking Back Looking Forward
- Maestro
- Project Family
- Build My Hero
- Adventures in Science
- Fit It
- Movie Making
For more information, watch the “Retiring Elective Cub Scout Adventures” episode of Cub Chat Live.
COVID-19 Assistance
Does your family need assistance due to COVID-19? Tidewater Council is a partner agency with United Way of South Hampton Roads and Albemarle Area United Way, as well as a member of the Unite Us Hampton Roads United Coordinated Network and NCCARE360. For coordinated care referrals, please contact us.
Scouts in Action
Congratulations to new Eagle Scout Damien G. of Albemarle Troop 116!
Tidewater Council was one of twelve honorees recognized by the Coastal Virginia Chamber of Commerce as COVID Heroes, for Scouts’ many acts of service during the pandemic.
Thanks to Troop 471 and Pack 55, the two units that collected the most food during Scouting for Food 2021, for representing Tidewater Council at the awards reception on September 9.
Thank you to all of Tidewater Council’s Scouts for continually giving back to our community.
Albemarle troops and packs are kicking Scouting into gear with a new school year underway. North Carolina Scouts are enjoying lots of fun and learning!
Tidewater Council Scouts and leaders had the pleasure of conducting pre-race events at both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Cup Series races at Richmond International Raceway on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. It was an honor to be a part of their ceremonies.
At the NASCAR Xfinity Series race, Pack 996, Pack 407, and Troop 407 held the massive American flag.
At the NASCAR Cup Series race, Troop 462, Troop 362, Pack 374, Pack 585, and Pack 700 recited the Pledge of Allegiance in front of the live crowd.
Both ceremonies were televised nationally on NBC Sports. Great job Scouts!
Princess Anne Pack 585 handed out free snow cones and recruitment flyers at the Indian Lakes Association Fall Festival.
Scouts from Princess Anne Troop 362 were “shooting” for some big popcorn sales at Freedom Shooting Center on Labor Day weekend.
Recruiting is here and Albemarle Scouts and Scouters are excited to get more youth into their units. Troop 150 assisted Pack 150 at their recent Family Fun Recruiting event. Way to go!
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