Table of Contents
Friends of Scouting
Has your unit held its 2021 Friends of Scouting presentation? It is a great opportunity to hear about some of the council’s highlights and accomplishments over the past year, and to illustrate to families how the program is funded. All units that hold a Friends of Scouting presentation will receive a special ribbon for their unit flag. Contact your district executive to schedule your presentation.
You can donate online via the donate button at the top of this page. The look of our online donation portal has changed, but, as before, all Friends of Scouting donations stay local and benefit the same Scouting program you love. You can also fill out a Friends of Scouting pledge card and email it to shannon.foster@scouting.org.
Progress as of June 15, 2021:
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal.
Progress as of June 15, 2021:
AmazonSmile
Shopping for last-minute Father’s Day gifts on Amazon or getting ready for Prime Day? Sign up for AmazonSmile and select Boy Scouts of America Tidewater Council as your preferred charity at smile.amazon.com/ch/54-0505875. Remember to shop for deals at smile.amazon.com, or with AmazonSmile ON in the Amazon app, and AmazonSmile will donate a portion of your eligible purchases to local Scouting at no cost to you.
Upcoming Events
Camp Card Sale
Now through July 3
Earn your way to camp with Camp Cards! Camp Cards are cards that offer valuable discounts to local retailers. Some of the discounts are single-use, while many can be used throughout the year. Scouts sell the cards to family, friends, neighbors, and community members. Units earn a 50% sales commission, which they can use to pay for camping adventures.
The Camp Cards have great discounts from The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium, iFly Virginia Beach, Harris Teeter, Tractor Supply Co., and more! See the full list of vendors here.
Contact your district executive to sign up for the sale.
Cub Scout Range Master Training
June 19
Attend Range Master Training to become a certified Range Master for Cub Scout shooting sports. Range Masters are required to attend this training to operate the ranges during Day Camp and other district/council events. You must be registered with BSA and at least 18 years of age. This training is valid for two years. Range Masters are required to operate water bottle rocket launches and other devices that shoot items into the air at unit activities.
2021 Cub Scout Day Camps
June & July
Cub Scout Day Camp is right around the corner. Are you ready to experience Weird Science?
Virginia Beach Day Camp
Dates: June 21-25
Location: Tabernacle Baptist Academy
Time: Monday-Thursday 9 AM-4 PM; Friday 9 AM-1 PM
Registration: Contact Camp Director Kate Nicholson.
Elizabeth City Twilight Camp
Dates: June 21-25
Location: Forest Park Church
Time: 3-7 PM
Registration: Contact Camp Director Christina Raymer.
Norfolk Day Camp
Dates: June 28 – July 2
Location: Elks Lodge
Time: Monday-Thursday 9 AM-4 PM; Friday 9 AM-2 PM
Registration: Contact Camp Directors Michelle Miranda or Jeanne Blair.
Chesapeake Twilight Camp
Dates: June 28 – July 2
New Location: Izaak Walton Park
Time: 3-8 PM
Registration: Contact Camp Director John Ammons.
Portsmouth Twilight Camp
Dates: July 12-16
Location: Coast Guard Base Portsmouth
Time: 3-8 PM
Online Registration Extended Until Saturday, June 19: scoutingevent.com/596-PortsmouthDayCamp2021
Summer Camp at Pipsico 2021
June - July
Camp Local! Choose to have your Summer Camp Adventure at Pipsico Scout Reservation.
For Weeks 1-3, contact Wes Parker, John Scheib, or Christy Cooper to check availability.
- Week #1 – June 27 to July 3
- Week #2 – July 4 to July 10
- Week #3 – July 11 to July 17
For Week 4, online registration is available through June 20 at scoutingevent.com/596-Pipsico2021.
- Week #4 – July 18 to July 24
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit for pipsicobsa.com for answers to Frequently Asked Questions, including health and safety protocols and recorded information sessions.
Meet our Awesome Camp Staff
Popcorn Kernel Meet & Greet
July 17
Popcorn Kernels, drop by the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center on Saturday, July 17 between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM to meet your District Popcorn Kernels and pick up your sales flyers, sample box, and promotional items.
Cub Scout and Webelos Family Resident Camp
July 29 - August 1
Pipsico Scout Reservation is the ultimate in outdoor Scout camping in Tidewater Council. Cub Scout and Webelos Family Resident Camp is a great way to enjoy a safe haven for each Scout amid a beautiful wilderness camp, while learning about the out-of-doors. These fun-filled days spent in camp will make memories that will last a lifetime.
All Cub Scouts, leaders, den chiefs, parents, and siblings are encouraged to participate during their stay at Pipsico. As you travel through the day’s activities, everyone will have the opportunity to participate in hiking, games, and swimming. Plus there will be some activities just for our Cub Scout-aged participants, such as crafts and shooting sports. Pirates of Pipsico, set out for the adventure of a lifetime at Cub Scout and Webelos Family Resident Camp!
District Relaunches and Roundtables
August 10-12
Join your district for its Roundtable this August for a special relaunch gathering. We’ll provide units with tips and tools for recruitment, so we can help the youth in our community Escape the Great Indoors. Refreshments will be served.
- Albemarle District: Wednesday, August 11 at 7 PM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1453 N. Road Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909
- Bayside District: Tuesday, August 10 at 7:15 PM at Haygood United Methodist Church, 4713 Haygood Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. Use the doors on the west side of the building.
- Princess Anne District: Tuesday, August 10 at 6:30 PM at Community United Methodist Church, 1072 Old Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
- Three Rivers District: Thursday, August 12 at 7 PM at Deep Creek United Methodist Church, 141 George Washington Highway N., Chesapeake, VA 23323
News
Membership Fees
The National Council BSA has announced new membership fees that will go into effect on August 1, 2021. These fees, which are paid to the National Council, represent an increase of $3-6 per person, depending on the program.
Tidewater Council is committed to keeping local council fees at the lowered $24 rate. The council fee stays local and includes insurance costs. The council fee is due only at charter renewal.
As always, financial assistance is available.
Popcorn
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Six Reasons Why Your Unit Should Sell Popcorn
- Fund your program year and defray costs for Scouting families.
- Tidewater Council offers some of the highest commissions in the BSA.
- Tidewater Council provides great prizes to reward Scouts.
- Teach Scouts salesmanship and the value of earning their own way.
- Scouts build camaraderie and learn communication skills.
- Participation in the Popcorn Sale may help Scouts meet certain advancement requirements.
Six Things Your Unit Should Be Doing Now to Get Started
- Read the 2021 Popcorn Guide.
- Identify the Unit Popcorn Kernel.
- Sign up for the sale at prpopcorn.com using Council Key 596TWC.
- Develop the unit budget and fundraising goals at the unit’s annual program planning meeting.
- Set up Show & Sells.
- Plan and promote your unit kick-off.
Resources
Did your unit miss Popcorn Training or Popcorn 101 for new kernels? You can view recordings on our Popcorn Sale webpage.
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 on the last page of the Popcorn Guide.
Scout Shop
Ready for Summer?
It’s the time for ADVENTURE for Scouts of all ages! Camping is in full swing this year and the Scout Shop has what you need to make preparation fast and convenient. Come in and check out our camping section with tents, sleeping bags and mats, mosquito netting, emergency blankets, mess kits, flashlights, backpacks, and much more. If it is not in stock, we can order it for you.
Thorlos Sock Sale
The Thorlos Sock Sale is still going on through June 19. Buy two or more pairs and get 25% off each pair! These socks are fantastic for hiking! They reduce pressures points, pain, moisture, and blisters. With cushioned instep and arch, a ventilation panel for moisture control, and padding specifically engineered for hiking, these socks offer the ultimate comfort. The Thorlos Outdoor Fanatic socks even have copper yarns with anti-fungal properties and odor reduction. Come in and pick up a few pairs. Your feet will thank you!
Merit Badge Pamphlets
Merit badge pamphlets ($4.99 each) are in full stock, helping Scouts earn merit badges throughout the summer and beyond. For units using blue cards, they come packaged by 25 ($2.49) and by 100 ($9.99). We also keep a good stock of the computer-ready blue cards ($0.39/sheet).
Flags
We have flags for retirement ceremonies. Our stock has grown this past year, so please feel free to come in and take out as many as you can carry. Just ask at the front counter.
Masks
Per CDC guidelines, all unvaccinated customers must wear face masks when inside the Scout Shop. (You are at your Scout’s Honor.)
Unable to Shop In-Person?
For customers not able to shop in person, just give us a call (757-497-2688) and we can ship the order by USPS. We accept VISA and Mastercard or customers may mail in a check. You may also email us at polly.fugate@scouting.org.
Scout Shop Hours
For planning purposes, please note the Scout Shop will be closed July 3 – July 9.
Relaunch Scouting
Families are ready to ESCAPE THE GREAT INDOORS!
This fall, parents will be looking for things to do for their kids and the whole family! You are well aware of the character-building, learning, and fun your family experiences in Scouting. Now is the time to bring other families into your pack!
We want to give 100% of Cub Scout packs the resources to reach 100% of the school and homeschool families in our community. There are 8 steps you can take before school starts in August/September to prepare your pack for fall recruiting success:
- Complete a Membership and Leadership Inventory
- Recruit a New Member Coordinator
- Plan your program calendar for 2021-2022
- Update your BeAScout Pin
- Produce an information sheet for your pack
- Attend the District Kickoff at your August District Roundtable
- Complete a Pack Marketing Plan
- Plan an open house in a public place frequented by families
Your district executive, district membership committee member, and unit commissioner will be contacting you to help you and provide resources.
Download the 2021 Pack Relaunch Guide to help you in the process of bringing new families to your pack!
Updating Your BeAScout Pin
BeAScout pins are a good way to help interested families find your unit – but only if your information is current.
The BeAScout pin can be updated by a unit “Key 3” leader or a “Key 3 Delegate.” The Key 3 leaders are:
- Unit Leader (Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Crew Advisor, or Skipper)
- Committee Chair
- Chartered Organization Representative
Any member of the Unit Key 3 can appoint up to three Key 3 Delegates from other registered leaders, using Organization Security Manager in My.Scouting.org. Key 3 Delegates must be re-delegated annually.
Log in to your My.Scouting.org account. Under “Organization Manager,” update the Unit Pin data and settings.
- Ensure that contact information is correct.
- Link the unit’s website.
- Include relevant details in the Additional Unit Information box. When does the unit meet? With COVID-19 restrictions being lifted, what is the unit doing this summer?
Next, update settings such as:
- Acceptance of online applications.
- Make a Cub Scout pack a family pack.
- Update email settings. Customize a welcome email to every family that joins online.
For visuals and videos demonstrating the process, visit scouting.org/resources/online-registration.
Invitation Manager
Invitation Manager is the unit’s membership leads resource tool. The Unit Key 3, Key 3 Delegate, or registered New Member Coordinator can access this tool in My.Scouting.org under “Invitation Manger.”
- Access a URL or QR code for applications:
- Available upon logging into “Invitation Manager.”
- Copy and share. QR codes are ideal for printed materials, such as flyers. URLs are ideal for digital media, including websites and emails.
- Email an application link to a potential new member:
- Enter the individual’s name, phone number, and email address to immediately send them a link to sign up. No paper needed!
- Convenient for back to school events, open houses, meet and greets, community festivals, and any time you hear that someone is interested in joining.
Membership Retention and Recovery
How many families in your unit did not renew their membership for 2021 due to COVID-19? Please take a few moments to contact them, tell them what your unit is doing this summer, and invite them to rejoin. Email your calendar of events and personalize it by calling them with an invitation.
Annual Program Planning
To deliver the promise of Scouting, your unit needs a great program. And to deliver a great program, your unit must Be Prepared with a plan.
Cub Scout Packs
Every year, the families in the pack get together for the annual program planning meeting.
- Who leads the meeting? The pack committee chair.
- Who participates in the meeting? All families in the pack.
- When should it be held? June or July.
- What should you bring? A copy of the school calendar, council calendar, and your chartered organization’s calendar to plan your events, as well as the previous year’s pack budget.
- What will you plan during the meeting? Pack calendar (all the pack meetings and pack activities for the coming program year) and pack budget. As you develop the budget, don’t forget to set the unit’s popcorn sales goal.
- Resources: Pack Committee Resources
Scouts BSA Troops
In Scouting, planning is a two-phase process. Long-term planning results in an annual calendar and a set of unit goals for the year. Short-term planning yields detailed plans for one month’s meetings and outings—and sometimes a little more.
Long-term planning happens at the annual planning conference, typically held in late spring or early summer, as soon as possible after school, community, and council calendars have been published. A month or two before the planning conference, the committee chair, Scoutmaster, and senior patrol leader get together to start the process.
Resources:
Resources for Older Youth Programs
Youth Protection Training Update
On June 1, the National Council updated the Youth Protection Training modules. This training is available at My.Scouting.org.
In Tidewater Council, every adult leader must have current Youth Protection Training that expires after their registration does. When renewing registration this fall, all adults must have Youth Protection Training expiring on or after January 1, 2023. Take a few moments this summer to update your training to avoid the fall rush.
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.
Hammock Camping
Camping in hammocks has gained in popularity over the past 10 years. More camping equipment manufacturers are offering hammock-style tents as a way of reducing the “footprint” on the camping area. This is helpful from a Leave No Trace standpoint. If you are using solid, living trees, special care should be taken not to damage the outer bark. Some hammock-tents have wide bands for securing them around living trees. These bands of material help to spread out the stress of the hammock-tent.
However, hammocks are not without their risks.
Hurricane Preparedness
Scouts learn to Be Prepared. With hurricane season here, it is an opportune time for Scouts and their families to work on emergency preparedness.
- Know Your Zone: Evacuation may become necessary depending on the track and severity of the storm. Find your home’s hurricane evacuation zone so you are prepared when evacuation orders are announced.
- Family Emergency Communication Plan: Complete a family communication plan. Prepare for how you will assemble and communicate with your family and loved ones. Identify meeting locations and anticipate where you will go. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidance for creating family emergency communications plans is available here.
- Check your insurance coverage: There may be a waiting period for a flood insurance policy to become effective. Not all hurricane-related losses, such as flooding, are covered under traditional policies. Review your coverage before the storm threatens and contact your insurance agent for any changes. If you are not insured against floods, talk to your insurance agent or visit floodsmart.gov. If you are a renter, ensure you have adequate coverage to protect your belongings.
- Make an emergency kit: Assemble an emergency kit that includes nonperishable food, water, medication, sanitary supplies, radios, extra batteries, and important documents. Learn more about building an emergency supply kit here.
- Stay informed: Identify trusted sources of information during emergencies. Check with your local emergency management office to sign up for alerts that go directly to your phone or email. Be sure to monitor local news for watches and warnings in your area and follow directions of local officials. Power outages are always a concern during weather events—make sure you have a battery-operated radio available so you can still receive life-saving alerts.
Red Cross Preparedness Programs
Prepare with Pedro
Prepare with Pedro is a preparedness education program offered by the American Red Cross for grades K-2. This 30-45-minute program follows Pedro the Penguin and his friends as they learn how to be prepared and take action during an emergency. Participants receive a storybook to share what they have learned at home.
Contact Danielle Englund at danielle.englund@redcross.org or call 540-676-5316.
Pillowcase Project
The Pillowcase Project is a preparedness education program offered by the American Red Cross for grades 3-5. This 40-60-minute program teaches youth about personal and family preparedness, local hazards, and basic coping skills. Red Cross volunteers lead students through a “Learn, Practice, Share” framework. Upon completion, participants receive a sturdy pillowcase in which to build their personal emergency supplies kit.
Contact Danielle Englund at danielle.englund@redcross.org or call 540-676-5316.
Scouting with Special Needs
The ISAP and the IEP
What is the difference between an Individual Scout Advancement Plan (ISAP) and an Individualized Education Program (IEP)? An IEP is a legal document under United States law. It is developed by a team of school personnel familiar with the student, their parent/guardian, and, as applicable, the student themself. There are legal consequences if any part of the contract is not followed. The ISAP, on the other hand, is not legally binding and should not be viewed as such. An ISAP is developed by the BSA leadership familiar with the Scout, their parent/guardian, and, as applicable, the Scout themself. An ISAP should be only about four pages in length, and it should address the specific items listed on the ISAP form and in the Guide to Advancement.
Can the Scout’s IEP be used to develop an alternative plan needed for the Scout’s success? The two documents are not interchangeable. Some of the information and supports contained in the IEP may help to develop the Scout’s ISAP. Some of the services provided to the child at school may help the Scout when working on rank requirements. But it is important to include only the relevant portions. Those who work with Scouts with special needs and are familiar with IEPs can help to develop the Scout’s ISAP. Please contact your district executive or district advancement chair for assistance.
Community Service
A service project is a special “Good Turn” that puts Scout spirit into action. 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:
- 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.
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
Joseph B., an Eagle Scout from Three Rivers Troop 934, celebrated his Eagle Scout Court of Honor at his home on June 6.
Troop 934’s first Eagle Scout, Joshua Lee, issued Joseph the Eagle Charge and Challenge.
Congratulations Joseph!
Emmett M., a Life Scout in Bayside Troop 1, was featured on the WTKR news for his plans to build a dog park at Norfolk International Airport for his Eagle project.
Thank you to Ken Cason and the Scouts and Scouters of Bayside Troop 24 for helping with the Norfolk NATO Festival and the United States parade float!
It is a tremendous honor for the Scouts to represent our country.
Scouts assisted the Adam Thoroughgood Chapter, D.A.R. with a Memorial Day Commemoration at West Point Cemetery in Norfolk.
Blue Heron Lodge held its May Order of the Arrow Ordeal and Service Weekend at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Pictured here are Albemarle Troop 127’s Raging Moose Patrol Leader and First Class Scout Preston M. and Assistant Scoutmaster Matt Mullins.
Community members gathered on May 25 to raise funds for local Scouting at Tidewater Council’s Annual Leadership Breakfast. Four-time Super Bowl champion Rocky Bleier delivered his keynote address twice, to two socially-distanced separate groups. Thank you to our outstanding youth speakers – David S., Gidget S., and Kaitlyn R., to our two emcees – Scott Cash and Joe Flanagan, to L.B. Benjamin for his outstanding renditions of the National Anthem, to the Friends of Scouting team and the Annual Leadership Breakfast committee, and to all in attendance.
Volunteers in Princess Anne District enjoyed gathering at Community United Methodist Church on June 8 for their first in-person Roundtable since the pandemic began.
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