Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Albemarle District Freezoree
January 28-30
Winter Weekend is a chance to join in one of the oldest traditions in Boy Scouts of America – coming together as a district for Scouting. District gatherings provide an opportunity for fun, friendship, and fellowship. We would love for you to come join the fun and excitement of this year’s Winter Weekend.
Join us January 28-30, 2022 at Maple Commerce Park, Barco, NC. All Tidewater Council troops, crews, and ships are welcome to attend. Registration is open on Black Pug.
This weekend, the Scouts have the option to participate in a couple district-sponsored winter-themed activities. The majority of time, troops will focus on their needs and try to stay warm. Coffee and hot cocoa will be provided during the Saturday morning and afternoon activities to any Scout or Scouter who has their own mug (no cups will be provided).
The Scout Oath and Law will govern the behavior of all participants during this weekend. The principles of Leave No Trace should be always practiced.
NESA Scholarship Deadline
January 31
Earning the Eagle Scout rank is an impressive achievement that provides lasting impacts on one’s life. One of those impacts can be financial support for higher education.
The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) is currently accepting applications for 65 annual scholarships of varying amounts. Applicants must:
- Have completed an Eagle Scout board of review before January 24, 2022.
- Be a member of NESA. (Click here to join.)
- Submit the application through the NESA scholarship portal between December 1, 2021 and January 31, 2022.
- Visit nesa.org/for-eagle-scouts/scholarships to review full details and eligibility requirements.
To learn about scholarships offered to Scouts from other institutions, click here.
Silver Beaver Nomination Deadline
February 5
The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered Scouters who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given at the council-level.
To nominate a worthy Scouter, please submit the nomination form to bobwhite433@cox.net and alison.harrison@scouting.org.
Scouting for Food 2022
February 5-13
As Scouts, we know how fortunate we are to have a warm meal every night — whether around the campfire or at the kitchen table. And we know that not everyone is so lucky.
That’s the genesis of Scouting for Food, a food collection drive run by Tidewater Council BSA. It’s another reminder to our local communities that Scouts are here, doing good turns.
Scouting for Food takes place on two consecutive weekends. On the first weekend (February 5-6), Scouts distribute door hangers to let their neighbors know about the drive. On the second weekend (February 12-13), Scouts revisit those houses to pick up bags full of canned food, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, juice, and other nonperishable items.
The food is delivered to families in need through your chartered organization’s food pantry, through the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, or through the Food Bank of the Albemarle. This year, we will also have the Foodbank collection truck at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center on Sunday, February 13 from noon to 4 PM to accept dropped-off collections. Drop-off at the council will only be accepted at the designated time.
The first step in getting your unit involved in a food drive is to find a Scouting for Food Chair – someone who will organize and promote the project and be a liaison between your unit and district. Once that person is identified, it is easy to enlist your unit’s youth and adult leaders to participate. Please sign your unit up at 247scouting.com/forms/596-SFF2022. Units can print door hangers at their convenience to leave at locations where they would like to collect donations.
If you have any questions, contact Tracy McGlothian, Scouting for Food Chairperson, Tidewater Council BSA, at Tracy@mtolivetgroup.com.
Three Rivers Merit Badge University
February 12
Three Rivers District invites you to Merit Badge University at Deep Creek Baptist. This is a great opportunity for Scouts to gain new skills and earn merit badges (some of which are not typically offered at summer camps).
This event is open to all registered Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Sea Scouts. Register today!
Scouts BSA Adult Leader Training
February 12
Adult leaders have the opportunity to participate in training as part of the Three Rivers Merit Badge University at Deep Creek Baptist Church. The training team will offer:
American Red Cross Pint-Size Hero Blood Drive
February 16
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:
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
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
Virginia Beach Trade-O-Ree
February 25-26
Buy, sell, and trade Scouting collectible memorabilia at the 2022 Virginia Beach Trade-O-Ree. Check out the event flyer for more information.
2022 Tidewater Council Living Legends Nominations Due
March 5
Nominations are now open for 2022 Tidewater Council Living Legends.
Each year, Tidewater Council recognizes those volunteers who continue to provide significant leadership, service, and support to Scouting over many years and in many roles, and who continue serving after they may have been recognized in other traditional ways (Silver Beaver, Award of Merit, etc.). Help to acknowledge those volunteers for their continued contributions before their council peers at the Tidewater Council Annual Recognition Banquet. Provide inspiration for others to also continue their valued service to Scouting.
Nomination forms must be received no later than Saturday, March 5, 2022 to be considered.
Tidewater Council Annual Recognition Banquet
March 24
The Annual Recognition Banquet is held each year to recognize Eagle Scouts and the volunteers of Tidewater Council. Some of the highlights of the evening will be the presentation of the 2021 Class of Eagle Scouts, Silver Beaver Awards, and NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Awards. The evening will start with dinner served by our own Blue Heron Lodge cook crew. This will be a night of food and fellowship you will not want to miss. Join us on March 24, 2022 at 6 PM at the Khedive Shrine Center, 645 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, VA. Registration is open on Black Pug.
Annual Leadership Breakfast
April 6
Join us for the Annual Leadership Breakfast on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 7:15 AM at the Westin Town Center, 4535 Commerce Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
Those in attendance will have the opportunity to make a significant Friends of Scouting gift and to hear from keynote speaker Todd Huston, Distinguished Eagle Scout, amputee, author, world record holder, and inventor. With his journey of pain, determination, and adventure, including his expedition to the highest peaks in all 50 United States, he inspires others to overcome their own challenges.
To RSVP or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Susan Miley-Petrehn at susan.miley-petrehn@scouting.org or 757-284-0796.
Wood Badge
April 8-10 and April 30-May 1
Wood Badge is the preeminent Scouting leadership program for adult leaders. Wood Badge courses make Scouters better leaders by teaching advanced leadership skills, and by creating a bond amongst leaders working toward improving Scouting for all.
Attending Wood Badge is an amazing personal experience. Participants develop lasting friendships. The personal and professional skills learned at Wood Badge help Scouts, Scouting units, and even benefit participants in their careers.
Wood Badge Course NST15-596-22 will be held at Pipsico Scout Reservation on Friday, April 8 – Sunday, April 10 and Saturday, April 30 – Sunday, May 1, 2022. Participants must attend both weekends of the course activities to complete the practical phase of the training.
For more information, contact NST15-596-22 Course Director Jon McGlothian at 2022WoodBadge@gmail.com or your District Training Chairperson.
Cub Scout Family Camp
April 22-24
Cub Scouts and their families are invited to escape the indoors and experience a variety of activities during a fun-filled weekend at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Cub Scout Family Camping Weekends are an opportunity to get away from the busy buzz of the city for the weekend and enjoy some time in the great outdoors. Explore with nature walks, shooting sports, crafts, and fishing. To assist with campsite assignments, it is recommended that you register your entire pack at one time. Registration opens on February 14.
Wilderness/Remote First Aid
May 14-15
Wilderness first aid (WFA) refers to any training course that focuses on prevention, assessment, and treatment for an ill or injured person in a remote environment where definitive care by a physician and/or rapid transport is not readily available. WFA courses are intended for anyone planning a remote high adventure, from lay responders to medical professionals.
All four of the BSA high-adventure bases require at least one person per trek (two per trek at Philmont Scout Ranch) to be current in WFA through one of the BSA’s approved providers. Of course, having more participants trained in WFA skills is highly recommended for any high adventure or backcountry experience.
Tidewater Council’s next WFA course is scheduled for May 14-15. Current CPR/AED certification is required to attend this course.
Summer Camp at Pipsico
June 26 - July 23
Pipsico Scout Reservation offers Scouts and Scouters the opportunity to immerse themselves in a positive camping environment, at a beautiful property, with a friendly camp staff. Tidewater Council is proud to offer quality programs for everyone.
Week #1 – June 26 to July 2
Week #2 – July 3 to July 9
Week #3 – July 10 to July 16
Week #4 – July 17 to July 23
Summer Adventure Programs at Pipsico
Take your adventure to the next level! Looking for something a little bit different? Pipsico also offers three Summer Adventure Program opportunities. Each is operated in parallel with base camp, and was developed for more experienced Scouts.
- Sail Hampton Roads: A full week of sailing and nightly port visits on the James and Elizabeth Rivers
- SCUBA Camp: Earn “Open Water Diver” SCUBA Certification and your SCUBA Merit Badge
- PEX: Take your adventure to the next level with the adrenaline-fueled Pipsico Experience
Powder Horn
September 9-11 and September 16-18
Powder Horn is a resource course designed to introduce Scouting’s adults and youth to the exciting outdoor and high-adventure program possibilities for their unit. The ultimate goal is for the participants to leave the course with a list of ideas to help their program, along with the contacts and resources needed to implement them.
Participant Requirements
- Must be either:
- An adult registered in BSA, fully trained for their position
- A youth 14 years old (or 13 years old and have completed 8th grade) by the start of the course, AND have unit leader approval, AND have taken ILS for their unit type
- Must have completed and submitted training certificates for:
- Youth Protection Training
- Hazardous Weather
- Safety Afloat
- Safe Swim Defense
- Climb On Safely
- Must submit current, completed Annual Health and Medical Record (AHMR) Parts A, B, and C
- Must submit proof of swim classification (any level is accepted)
2023 National Scout Jamboree
July 19-28, 2023
Scouting’s next big adventure is on the way July 19-28, 2023! The National Scout Jamboree is a gathering of thousands of members of the Boy Scouts of America.
Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Sea Scouts attending the Jamboree will enjoy more than five miles of zip line and challenge courses, 36 miles of mountain bike trails, and 13 acres of shooting sports ranges on a sprawling 10,600-acre site in West Virginia! There are also world class venues for white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, bouldering, ATVs, skateboarding, and BMX, as well as arena shows, treetop canopy tours, exhibit areas, patch trading, and more.
Tidewater Council is organizing a contingent to attend this 10-day ultimate experience. We are currently accepting youth sign ups for the limited spaces available. Adults who are interested in attending as leaders should contact Jeff Irving at jeffreyirving@cox.net.
News
Pinewood Derby
Get your engines ready – we are almost to Pinewood Derby season!
What is a Pinewood Derby? The Pinewood Derby is one of the most popular and successful family activities in Cub Scouting. Cub Scouts design and build their own small wooden cars, with some help from their families. Then they race their cars in competition, down a gravity-powered track.
Win or lose, Cub Scouts will take pride in having done their best. Cub Scouts learn craft skills, STEM principles, the rules of fair play, and good sportsmanship—things they will remember for life.
You can view the 2022 Pinewood Derby Rules & Procedures for Tidewater Council here. Scouts must make a new car each year. Be on the lookout for district derby information coming soon. Scouts who qualify in the top three of their class at the district level will qualify for the council derby. We hope to see you there!
Camp Projects
Camp Baker and Camp Moonyah Monthly Volunteer Work-Crew
Camp Baker and Camp Moonyah are rugged properties in Chesapeake, Virginia leased by Tidewater Council. Camp Baker is located on the Intercoastal Waterway, off Centerville Turnpike. Camp Moonyah is located in Deep Creek, off Greenwing Drive.
Ron Misfeldt manages and maintains both camps, and is currently assembling a volunteer work group to assist with camp maintenance. There will be one work date per month for each camp, and dates will vary.
Projects will include:
- Groundskeeping
- Mowing and trimming
- Tree work
- Clearing leaves
- Additional projects as needed
If interested, please contact Ron Misfeldt by email at mustangron@aol.com or via text message at 757-646-1384.
Busy Beavers at Pipsico
Pipsico Scout Reservation is Tidewater Council’s camp in Surry County, Virginia. Members of the Pipsico Busy Beavers work on camp projects at Pipsico on Wednesdays. Learn more about the Busy Beavers here.
Camp Maintenance Structures
Tidewater Council is looking to install non-permanent structures for storing maintenance equipment at both Camp Baker (size: 12′ x 20′) and Camp Moonyah (size: 10′ x 12′). The structures would be used to store grounds equipment, riding and push mowers, tools, and materials for future projects. We are seeking donations of either funding or materials and labor. For more information, contact Ron Misfeldt at mustangron@aol.com or via text message at 757-646-1384.
Scout Shop
A new year is beginning with lots of fun events ahead! Pinewood Derby races, Scout Sunday, Blue and Gold celebrations, and Arrow of Light crossovers are all events supported by the Scout Shop. From Pinewood Derby accessories to new uniforms and books, the Scout Shop can supply the need.
Pinewood Derby
Pinewood Derby car kits and accessories are hot sellers in January, and we have a good supply in stock. This year’s Pinewood Derby participation patch sells for $1.79 each. Come in and shop for weights, decals, display cases, and more!
Journey to Excellence Patches
We will be taking orders for the 2021 Journey to Excellence (JTE) patches as long as they are available. The order form is available online or in the Scout Shop. The patches are $2.25 each and orders must be prepaid.
Winter Camping
We have gear you might need for winter camping, including sleeping bags, emergency blankets, extra warm socks, and many other items to help keep you warm and dry. Give us a call or come in and shop!
Thank You!
Our year-end store inventory went great thanks to some wonderful volunteers! A big THANK YOU to Mike & Sharon Scott, Brandy Schlossberg, Bridget S., Brian & Elena Kaneta, Georg Dahl, Mary Jo Robins, Erica Ward, Scott & Kathy Lull, Joann West, Ethan Rinehart, and RJ S. This huge and tedious year-end job can only be accomplished with help, and we are extremely grateful!
Shipping
We continue to ship orders by USPS. With the holidays behind us, orders should be delivered faster. Give us a call at 757-497-2688 or email polly.fugate@scouting.org.
Scout Shop Hours
Blue Heron Lodge
Arrowmen, the time has come for us to renew our dues for the 2022 Service Year. You can pay your dues online here or at the Scout Shop using this form. It is incredibly important that you pay your dues, as it helps us support our program for Scouts throughout Hampton Roads and Northeastern North Carolina, as well as aiding our Lodge Performance. Pay your dues before January 31 and qualify for the early bird fee. Thank you all for your dedication and support to Blue Heron Lodge.
Cub Scout Day Camp
Are your Cub Scouts ready to visit the OK Corral? The day camp committee is planning fun-filled western-themed experiences for this June and July. Stay tuned for more information coming soon.
Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award
The Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award encourages Cub Scouts to be active in the outdoors.
Cub Scouts may earn the award each program year, as long as the requirements are completed each year. To earn the award, Cub Scouts must attend either day camp or resident camp, complete a specific adventure for their rank, and complete a selection of outdoor activities. Specific details on the requirements can be found here.
Leaders should encourage Scouts to build on skills and experiences from previous years when working on the award for a successive year.
Camp Staff for Summer Camp 2022
What are your plans for next summer? Are you looking for an awesome opportunity to learn new things, develop new skills, share what you know, meet new people, work an internship, and enjoy Pipsico Scout Reservation?
We are accepting applications for Counselors in Training, Junior staff, Area directors, Commissioners, and administration. Program areas include aquatics, shooting sports, Scout skills for new Scouts and for seasoned Scouts, handicraft, cook-crew, and more.
You must be at least 14 years of age by June 20, 2022 to be considered. Camp staff is composed of youth, young adults, college students, school teachers, bus drivers, professionals who want to get away from the office, and folks who have an open schedule. Fill out the online application at pipsicobsa.com/summer-camp-programs/staffapplication and we will contact you for an interview.
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.
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.
Communicable Disease Prevention
We’ve all caught some kind of infection, or sickness, from someone else. These illnesses are known as communicable or contagious diseases because they are spread from one person to another. They may occur when a healthy person becomes infected through contact with a sick person or by touching something that a sick person has contacted. Communicable diseases are caused by germs—both viruses and bacteria—and some examples include colds, flu, or strep throat. You can catch infections in several different ways, but all involve germs coming in contact with mucous membranes (like your eyes, nose, or mouth) or through breaks in the skin (like a cut or a hangnail).
Development Corner: Bequests
Bequests are an alternative way to give to Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America. For questions about bequests or any type of giving to Tidewater Council, please contact Senior Development Executive Susan Miley-Petrehn at Susan.Miley-Petrehn@scouting.org or 757-284-0796.
General Bequest
A general bequest is the simplest way to make a legacy gift to Scouting without conditions. The council board has the freedom and responsibility to determine the use of the funds or property received. They may place the gift in the endowment, spend it on capital or operating needs, etc.
Specific Bequest
This form of bequest differs by either restricting the use of the income or unrestricting the principal. For example, a specific bequest could be designated to fund understaffed Scouting districts, to create camperships for disadvantaged youth, to build or renovate a camp facility or office, etc.
General Endowment Bequest
When this form of bequest is used, the use of the principal and income from the funds or property is governed by the terms of the council’s trust agreement. For many BSA councils, this principal is presumed to be held in perpetuity and may not be spent, unless the donor specifies otherwise.
Specific Endowment Bequest
This form of bequest differs by either restricting the use of the income or unrestricting the principal. For example, a specific endowment bequest could designate income to fund understaffed Scouting districts, to create camperships for disadvantaged youth, to build or renovate a camp facility or office, etc.
Bequest Alternatives
You may also make distributions via beneficiary designations for: life insurance, IRAs and other retirement accounts, charitable trusts, revocable trusts, and gift annuities. To do so, simply ask the plan or fund administrator for a Change of Beneficiary form.
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 some of Tidewater Council’s newest Eagle Scouts!
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