Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Scout Night with the Norfolk Admirals
December 15
Join the Scouts to cheer on the Norfolk Admirals as they take on the Cincinnati Cyclones!
Tickets are now available for $18 each at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 until December 13, or sold out. A portion of ticket sales supports local Scouting. Units purchasing tickets will be recognized on the video board.
The tickets purchased in the Scout Shop are actual tickets with assigned seats. If you are attending Scout Night with the Norfolk Admirals as a unit or with a group, please purchase the tickets together to ensure you are seated together.
Scout Day at Winterplace Ski Resort
January 26, 2025
The new year means winter weather and winter sports! For the third year in a row, Winterplace Ski Resort in Ghent, WV is offering a special winter sports program for Tidewater Council Scouts, leaders, family members, friends, and neighbors! No matter what Scouting program you’re a part of (Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Exploring, Sea Scouting), this winter sports day is open to you!
Youth Scouts who register by January 3, 2025 are guaranteed an event patch. Youth Scouts registering after January 3 may receive a patch, as supplies last.
The package includes a full-day lift ticket, ski equipment rental, helmet rental, and a customized 90-minute group lesson – all for a discounted rate! There are optional add-ons available for meal vouchers and snowtubing (additional cost).
Lodging is not included in the package, but there are nearby facilities at Winterplace and the Summit Bechtel Reserve for group/unit lodging. For individuals and families, there are hotels in nearby Beckley, WV.
For members of Scouts BSA, the Winter Sports merit badge will also be offered in conjunction with this program. Scouts interested in earning this badge will need to participate in one of the discussion sessions held prior to the Scout Day, and must demonstrate their proficiency (skis/snowboard) on the slopes.
Please contact Mr. Mack Brunson (mack_brunson@yahoo.com) for more information on the event and to sign up for the merit badge.
2025 Virginia Beach Trade-O-Ree
February 21-22, 2025
Scouting collectibles rock!
Trade, buy, sell, or browse all types of collectible Scouting items. The Trade-O-Ree will be held at the Church of the Ascension Community Center in Virginia Beach. Check out the flyer for information on table rates, or come to browse and shop with free admission.
Wood Badge
May 2-4 and May 31-June 1
Registration for Wood Badge 2025 is now open!
Participating in Wood Badge will show you tips, tricks, and best practices for being an adult volunteer at any program level, whether you are a brand-new leader or have been leading for years. What’s more, though, is how it will change YOU. You will find yourself talking about team development and leadership tendencies at work, about managing conversations at home, and about what your personality tendencies are when interacting with others.
Wood Badge is the doorway, the start to learning about yourself and others, and the spark you will carry and instill in your Scouts. It will teach you how to lead from the perspective of the youth you serve.
Register now for Wood Badge and enter for a chance to win custom-made course swag! The earlier you are paid in full, the more chances you have to win! Prizes include an engraved nametag, a set of four coasters, and a travel mug, with a grand prize of a course jacket.
Chances to Win
- Paid in full by December 31, 2024 = 4 tickets
- Paid in full by February 1, 2025 = 2 tickets
- Paid in full by March 15, 2025 = 1 ticket
Black Pug allows for a self-paced payment plan, and some loan and scholarship funds may be available.
For more information, contact Kate Sklat, Course Director, at 2025TWCWoodBadge@gmail.com.
Cub Scout Day Camp
June 2025
Cub Scout day camp is a summer outdoor experience for Cub Scout youth. Staffed by a team of volunteers, day camp activities include sports and games, academics, STEM and science activities, nature exploration, crafts, marksmanship, and skits and songs. Each activity is challenging and age appropriate. Cub Scouts have the opportunity to try new things as they work on elective Cub Scouting Adventures.
Planning is already underway to provide your Cub Scouts with awesome experiences in 2025!
National Scout Jamboree
July 22-31, 2026
The next National Scout Jamboree will be held on July 22-31, 2026 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia! The National Scout Jamboree is a gathering of thousands of members of Scouting America from across the nation.
Start early in gauging interest in attending and planning fundraising so Scouts can take advantage of this unique opportunity. For assistance in planning unit fundraising, check out the popcorn sale or contact the district executive.
Reserve your spot for the adventure of a lifetime now with a $100 deposit!
News
Popcorn
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Online Sales
It is not too late for your unit to participate in the 2024 Popcorn Sale! Online sales continue until November 24. 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.
If you need your Scout’s Seller ID for online sales, please contact your Unit Popcorn Kernel.
Scout Shop
Scouting America Uniform Strips
Scouting America tan uniform strips are now available at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop. Interested Scouters may sew the patch over the current BSA logo on tan uniform shirts. Sewing instructions are available here.
In Scouting, “Once a uniform, always a uniform.” That means that it is NOT required to adhere the Scouting America strip over the BSA logo – it is simply an option for those who are interested. At this time, there is no charge for the Scouting America strip.
Cub Scout Hoodies
Fall is in the air, which means cool days and cooler nights. We have hoodies for all sizes, and now have new Cub Scout hoodies for Cub Scouts. These royal blue hoodies feature the Cub Scout emblem on the front, are 50% cotton / 50% polyester, have a front pocket, come in youth sizes small – XL, and sell for $29.99. Scout-related outerwear provides warmth AND advertises Scouting!
Sleeping Bags
There’s nothing like snuggling into a warm sleeping bag at night while camping. We have a good supply of the Coleman Big & Tall sleeping bags for a great price of $69.99. These bags are not only designed for taller people, but the 30–degree adjustable bag also gives you several options. This bag divides so you may cover just your torso, or feet and legs. The divided cover unzips for just a lightweight sheet in warmer weather. We also have regular-size mummy bags for $59.99.
Holiday Ornaments
NEW this season are holiday ornaments from the Boy Scouts of America. We have the Eagle ornament and the fleur-de-lis ornament, each selling for $12.99. Also new are Tidewater Council/Pipsico Scout Reservation ornaments for 2024, which sell for $10 each. Come in and pick up a few while we have them in stock. These ornaments make great gifts, especially for collectors.
Shipping
We continue to ship orders by USPS and accept VISA, Mastercard, and Discover cards with no extra fee. Call us (757-497-2688) or send us an email (polly.fugate@scouting.org or staci.vankirk@scouting.org). We will calculate shipping charges and call you back.
Scout Shop Hours
Winter Scout Shop hours are now in effect.
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Scout Shop Hours
Our next special hours will be:
On Thursday, November 21, the Scout Shop will open late at 1 PM.
The Scout Shop will be closed on November 28-30 for Thanksgiving weekend.
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.
Generators
Portable generators are a common tool when temporary or remote power is needed. In Scouting, these could be used at large district or council events, or at summer or winter camps. Generators can be incredibly helpful but do have some inherent dangers.
Help Needed: Camp Moonyah Improvement Projects
Camp Moonyah has been an integral part of Tidewater Council’s camps for more than 85 years. As such, it has a rich history hosting functions, events, celebrations, and ceremonies encompassing all arenas of the Scouting program. Over the past many, many decades, dedicated volunteers have continually strived to improve the camp to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for all. Even with past improvements, it is time to bring this facility into the 21st century. To that end, there are two proposals before the council:
Introduction of Electrical Power
Working with Dominion Power, bringing power into Camp Moonyah will require several measured electrical wire runs of 250’+ from a transformer located off property to the maintenance shed where the meter base would be located. Because of the distance, a 25kw transformer will be required to maintain a continual, safe load of power. The cost of connection to a power source, running a total of 500’+ of underground cable, the transformer, and other fees associated with this project will run from $10,000 – $12,000.
Potable Water
Working with the City of Chesapeake water department, tapping into an existing water line conveniently located just outside the camp entrance will bring viable potable water into the camp. City connection fees, trenching a water line to a meter and further on to end at a frost-free water spigot similar to those in use at Pipsico will run from $3,400 – $5,000.
What's Next?
To achieve the success of these projects, we are reaching out to you in Tidewater Council to either help fund in full or in part one or both of these projects. By doing so, you will ensure the continued success and growth of Camp Moonyah for decades to come.
For questions or to find out more about how you can support Camp Moonyah improvements, please contact Ron Misfeldt at mustangron@aol.com and Wes Parker at wparker@pipsicobsa.com.
Development Corner
Giving Tuesday
Mark your calendar for Giving Tuesday on December 3, 2024 – a global day of generosity and giving back.
You make a meaningful impact by supporting programs that empower young people in our community. Whether it’s through a donation, volunteering your time, or spreading the word, your support makes a difference. Together, we build leaders, foster character development, create unforgettable experiences for youth, and provide a brighter future for the next generation.
Let’s show the power of community on Giving Tuesday!
Sponsor a Tent at Pipsico Scout Reservation
Many of Pipsico Scout Reservation’s tents have been in service for 30 years. In order to continue to provide a high-quality camping experience for our Scouts, Tidewater Council is replacing 200 tents between 2023-2027.
Based on the recommendation of our Camping Committee, we are replacing the current wooden platforms and ridge pole system tents with new platforms and Diamond Brand tents with aluminum-mounted frames. In addition to housing Scouts and keeping them dry, the new tents will exponentially decrease the time needed for tent setup and takedown. The cost of a new tent, platform, and frame is approximately $1,640 each. A contribution in any amount is appreciated, and will be designated to provide new tents at Pipsico.
Thank you for ensuring that our Scouts enjoy their camping adventures at Pipsico!
Leave a Legacy: James E. West Fellowship Award
The James E. West Fellowship Award is a national recognition for individuals who contribute $1,000 or more in cash or securities to the Tidewater Council 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.
Program Ideas
November
- Family Stories Month
- Invite Scouts to come up with questions or prompts to ask their family members at holiday gatherings.
- Work on the Genealogy or Family Life merit badges.
- Encourage Cub Scouts to discuss their families’ faith traditions as they work on the rank-specific Family & Reverence Adventure:
- Lion: Lion’s Pride
- Tiger: Tiger Circles
- Wolf: Footsteps
- Bear: Fellowship
- Webelos: My Family
- Arrow of Light: Duty to God
December
- Learn a Foreign Language Month
- Recognize members who speak a foreign language with the Interpreter Strip.
- National Sock Day: December 4
- Invite Scouts to wear crazy socks to a unit meeting.
- Make sock puppets.
- Work on the Textile merit badge.
- National Slime Day: December 7
- Make slime!
- Wreaths Across America: December 14
- Remember, honor, and teach about our servicemen and women by participating in this national event. Visit wreathsacrossamerica.org to find local opportunities to participate.
- Bill of Rights Day: December 15
- Work on the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge (requirement 4b).
- Wright Brothers Day: December 17
- Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
Community Engagement
Virginia DWR Archery Open 2025
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) invites the archery and conservation community to participate in the 2025 DWR Archery Open. This inaugural competition will take place Saturday, January 11, 2025 in Richmond, Virginia and will feature opportunities for youth and adult level competitors. Event proceeds will contribute to connecting people to conservation.
Learn more and register online at dwr.virginia.gov/archery-open. Early registration ends on November 30, so sign up now to get the best rate!
Community Care Assistance
Does your family need assistance accessing community resources? Tidewater Council is a partner agency with United Way of South Hampton Roads and Albemarle Area United Way, as well as a member of the Unite Us Hampton Roads United Coordinated Network and NCCARE360. For coordinated care referrals, please contact us. You may also visit NC 211 or 2-1-1 Virginia for assistance finding resources.
Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Eagle Scout Simone Nied is the first person to earn the prestigious Gold Level of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award from Tidewater Council’s Award Center.
Tidewater Council is the first Duke of Edinburgh International Award Center in Virginia. Simone was also the first in the region to earn the Bronze and Silver Level Awards.
The Duke of Edinburgh International Award is a globally-recognized achievement. Requirements include progressively more challenging levels of self development in voluntary service, skills, physical recreation, adventurous journey, and, for the Gold Level, a Gold Project.
Congratulations Simone!
Scout leader JW Washington was recognized with the Operation Hat Trick Hero Box Award at Norfolk State University’s Military Appreciation Day football game on November 16. The award recognizes local military heroes.
JW is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Scoutmaster of Scouts BSA Troop 934, Committee Chair of Cub Scout Pack 934, and a Merit Badge Counselor in Three Rivers District.
Congratulations, JW, and thank you for your dedicated service to our nation and our youth!
More than 350 Scouts, leaders, and family members marched in the Tidewater Veterans Day Parade at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on November 11.
Thank you for doing your part to honor our nation’s veterans and for representing Scouting well!
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).
