Table of Contents
Tidewater Council Camporall 2026
Celebrate Tidewater's American Adventure!
April 17-19
Scouts get to experience a unique combination of Scouts BSA troop and Venturing crew camping fun, competition, challenges, and learning at the “Tidewater American Adventure” Camporall at Tidewater Council’s Awesome Pipsico Scout Reservation.
Fun and exciting activities are themed on significant eras of the history and unique traditions found only in the United States. This weekend event will also honor and participate in the national “America 250” celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Camporall 2026 Committee is in high gear planning and executing the final program details. The full Leaders’ Guide (updated 3/25/26) is available here. Unit leaders will be invited to several informational Zoom calls to find out more about the event, how they can best prepare their Scouts and adult leaders for participation, and answer any questions they may have about the event.
Registration is open on Black Pug at scoutingevent.com/596-26Camporall. Don’t delay – prices increase on April 6.
Program Additions and Updates
Plan on joining Scouts around the council for a unique Scouting experience involving fun, skill challenges, learning, and celebration of what makes the history and traditions of the United States and our area unique.
Resources
- Leaders’ Guide
- How to Get the Most from Camporall Guide
- Contacts:
- Camporall 2026 Chair, Rick McIlrath ([email protected])
- Program Chair, Dale Ward ([email protected]).
Camporall Staff Opportunities
Be part of an incredible team putting on a once-in-a-lifetime event! To learn more about staff opportunities, contact Anwen Sheedy ([email protected]) and Dale Ward ([email protected]).
T-shirts will be provided for Camporall staff who register and submit their shirt size by April 5. Scholarships are available for youth staff.
Calling all Scout and Scouter Musicians!
We want you for the Camporall Main Stage!
If you have a band or an act you would like to perform at the Council Camporall, contact Wes Sherman at [email protected] and let us know what you can do!
Upcoming Events
Council Good Turn Project
Helping Our Military Families
Now - April 18
The Need:
The Uniformed Service Organization (USO) Mid-Atlantic has asked Tidewater Council Scouts to support our military members and their families with personal care packages. Right now, we have service members deploying on very short notice (like packing a bag and being ready to jump on a flight within 24 hours). The USO is also supporting service members and family members who are being evacuated from the Middle East area and resettling in the Tidewater region on very short notice, having left many of their personal belongings behind at their Middle East duty stations and assignments. Care packages will also be used at local USO offices and available to members and families stopping by the USO in the airport and other military facilities on their way to their next assignment. The USO has been distributing hundreds of care packages each week.
How to Participate:
- Prepare individual care packages in gallon-sized zip-top bags, containing mostly toiletry kits with basic items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shaving cream, razor, sunblock, bug repellent, floss, ChapStick, etc. – as much as you can fit.
- Optionally, include a note in an envelope to a service member with an uplifting message and thanking them for their service.
- Bring the care packages to the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center and place them in the collection box by April 18, 2026. The USO will collect care packages for distribution to those who have a need.
Family Fun Day, Council Pinewood Derby, and Outlaw Derby
April 19
Rev your engines and get ready for a fun-filled day at Dave & Buster’s in Virginia Beach!
Dave & Buster's Family Fun Day
Enjoy games, food, and family fun at Dave & Buster’s while supporting local Scouting!
With Family Fun Day, 20% of all food, non-alcoholic beverages, and game play will be donated to help provide life-changing programs for youth in our community. Bring your friends and family for an easy, fun way to make a difference!
Present the flyer at the time of purchase for your family fun to give back to local Scouting!
Council Pinewood Derby®
Scouts who placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in their rank at one of the four District Pinewood Derbies are qualified to register and compete in the Council Pinewood Derby at Dave & Buster’s!
There is no cost for qualified Scouts to participate, but registration is required. Sign up on Black Pug by April 15 using the “Cub Scout Youth” registration type.
The 2026 Tidewater Council Pinewood Derby Rules & Procedures can be found here.
Outlaw Derby
Want even more racing? The new Outlaw Derby is open to parents, guardians, leaders, siblings, and friends. Entry is $10 per car, and there are only 75 slots available, so be sure to register early.
For the Outlaw Class, each car must follow all dimension requirements listed in the 2026 Tidewater Council Pinewood Derby Rules & Procedures, with one exception: weight.
Outlaw cars may weigh up to 7.000 oz. on the official race event scale at check-in.
Range and Target Activities Trainings
April - September
Want to learn how to run a safe range? Interested in joining range and target activities staff at council events like the Camporall or Guns ‘n’ Grillin’? Want the ability to run unit-level range and target activities events for older Scouts? Tidewater Council offers multiple training opportunities for NRA and USA Archery certifications.
Course Schedule
- USA Archery Level 1 Instructor: April 11
- NRA Range Safety Officer: May 9
- NRA Basic Shotgun: August 8 – Waitlist only
- NRA Basic Rifle: August 9
- NRA Range Safety Officer: September 26
Contact
- If interested in assisting with range and target activities training, email [email protected].
- If interested in staffing a Tidewater Council range and target activities event, email [email protected].
Council Banquet
April 29
Get your tickets now for the Council Banquet! Join the families and leaders of Tidewater Council to celebrate a great Scouting year in 2025. Some of the highlights of the evening will be:
2025 Class of Eagle Scouts
John Scheib
Keynote Speaker and 2025 Class of Eagles Honoree
John Scheib
Distinguished Eagle Scout Award
Laura Bussiere
Silver Beaver Award, Class of 2025
Noel Falcon
Silver Beaver Award, Class of 2025
Bob Patton
Silver Beaver Award, Class of 2025
Todd Corillo
NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award
David Lannetti
NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award
Joel Nied
NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award
Christopher Beale
Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award
Living Legends of Tidewater Council
Meritorious Action Awards, James E. West Fellows, Good Turn Society, and more!
Join us on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 6 PM (check-in begins at 5:15 PM) at the Khedive Shrine Center in Chesapeake!
Wood Badge
May 1-3 and May 30-31
Wood Badge is the premier, global training for Scout leaders. It’s a course for enhancing leadership skills, for learning about team development, for networking, for personal growth and development, all rolled into two fun-filled weekends of camping and Scouting.
Whether you’re completely new to Scouting or you’ve been a member for decades, Wood Badge is for you. “The Expert in Anything was Once a Beginner.”
Join us at awesome Pipsico Scout Reservation, where we will walk through the journey of a Scout, from Cub Scouting to Scouts BSA to Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring. Explore ways you can enhance the Scouting program for today’s youth and beyond.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available from the Tidewater Wood Badge Association. The scholarship will pay up to 50% of the registration fee. There are still several available, and the application can be found on the Black Pug information page in the attachments area.
Learn More
- Wood Badge Video (Watch on Facebook)
- Wood Badge Pre-Course Orientation
- First, log in to My.Scouting.org.
- Then, navigate to training.scouting.org/courses/SCO_12017 to access the orientation.
Registration
Register online through Black Pug.
Contact
For questions, reach out to 2026 Wood Badge Course Director Tom Conter at [email protected].
Scouts Read Sacred Texts Worldwide
May 7
Scouts Read Sacred Texts, an initiative originating from Scouting America’s National Religious Relationships Committee, is now a worldwide invitation to youth, designed to inspire them to set aside some time to read a sacred text from their religion.
The event is held in conjunction with the U.S. National Day of Prayer. Youth are encouraged to read their text on that day, or anytime that week, when it’s convenient. Most Scouts will set aside some time to read the sacred text of their religion at home with their families on the evening of the National Day of Prayer. They can also do it at their place of worship or wherever else they please.
Now in its third year, the Scouts Read Sacred Texts program has grown by 50% and is still growing! Learn more, sign up to participate, download promotional materials, and purchase patches or stickers at scoutsreadsacredtextsworldwide.org.
Our community comes from diverse backgrounds, and is able to work together with peace and love!
2026 Princess Anne District Spring Merit Badge Day
May 30
Join Scouts from across the district for an action-packed day of learning, exploring, and earning merit badges— all focused on digital citizenship, safety, and technology. This exciting event, held at at Kempsville Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach, is designed to empower Scouts to Protect and Serve in the Digital World. With great power comes great online responsibility. Be the hero your Digital World Needs!
With guidance from expert mentors and merit badge counselors, Scouts will have the opportunity to earn merit badges in topics such as Animation, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Digital Technology, Drafting, Electricity, Electronics, Energy, Engineering, Game Design, Genealogy, Graphic Arts, Programming, and Robotics. (Merit badge offerings are contingent upon the availability of merit badge counselors to instruct the badges.)
Save the date – registration opens May 1!
Popcorn 101
June 3
Designed for new Unit Popcorn Kernels, Popcorn 101 training lays the groundwork for a successful popcorn sale.
- Great resource course for new Unit Popcorn Kernels, Committee Chairs, and Treasurers!
- Gain fundamental knowledge BEFORE the popcorn arrives!
- Chock-full of helpful tips!
- Entry-level information to help form a successful popcorn fundraiser, from start to finish!
- Networking opportunity that shouldn’t be missed!
- Come join us for a popping-good time!
This training will be offered both in-person at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center and virtually. For questions, contact Tony Montemurno at [email protected].
Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides
June 12
The Norfolk Tides welcome Scouting families to enjoy an evening at the ballpark as they take on the Memphis Redbirds on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 6:35 PM at Harbor Park!
Tickets and camping vouchers for Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides are now available. Purchase vouchers at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop. Tickets are $19 each and camping vouchers are $5 each. The deadline to purchase vouchers is Thursday, June 11 at noon, or until sold out.
Ticket vouchers must be exchanged for seat tickets at the Harbor Park Ticket Office. Vouchers can be exchanged in advance or the night of the game. Groups are strongly encouraged to exchange vouchers in advance to ensure everyone sits together.
Guests must adhere to all Harbor Park policies, including the Fan Code of Conduct and the Clear Bag Policy. All Guide to Safe Scouting rules apply. Only registered leaders may camp with troops, crews, ships, or posts.
For questions, contact [email protected].
Cub Scout Day Camps
June-July
Get ready to stomp, chomp, and roar your way through the most “dino”-mite adventure of the summer. At Dinotopia Day Camp, explorers will dig into prehistoric discoveries, unleash their inner T-Rex, and build friendships that are a million years in the making. Every day is packed with larger than life fun. Sign up today to save a stego-stack of cash!
Cub Scout day camps and twilight camps are summer outdoor experiences 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, range and target activities, and skits and songs. Cub Scouts have the opportunity to try new things as they work on elective Cub Scouting Adventures.
Norfolk Twilight Camp (Bayside)
June 5-7, 2026
Bayside Twilight Camp is a hybrid weekend-long outdoor experience. Camp runs from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday, and 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday.
For questions, contact Michelle at [email protected].
Elizabeth City Day Camp (Albemarle)
June 15-19, 2026
Albemarle Day Camp will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Elizabeth City. Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with Friday wrapping up early at 1:00 PM.
For questions, contact Tiffany at [email protected].
Virginia Beach Day Camp (Bayside)
June 15-19, 2026
Bayside Day Camp will be held at Bayside Masonic Lodge in Virginia Beach. Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with Friday wrapping up early at 1:00 PM.
For questions, contact Michelle at [email protected].
Virginia Beach Day Camp (Princess Anne)
June 22-26, 2026
Princess Anne Day Camp will be held at Tabernacle Baptist Academy in Virginia Beach. Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with Friday wrapping up early at 1:00 PM.
For questions, contact Andrew at [email protected].
Virginia Beach Twilight Camp (Princess Anne)
July 13-17, 2026
Princess Anne Twilight Camp will be held at the Columbian Club in Virginia Beach. Camp runs from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
For questions, contact Andrew at [email protected].
Chesapeake Twilight Camp (Three Rivers)
July 20-24, 2026
Three Rivers Twilight Camp will be held at Great Bridge Baptist Church in Chesapeake. Camp runs from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
For questions, contact Steven at [email protected].
Pipsico Scout Reservation Summer Camp
June-July
Pipsico Scout Reservation offers a wide variety of activities and programs that enable Scouts to earn awards while having fun!
Facilities include a 40-foot climbing and rappelling tower, air conditioned dining hall, swimming pool with ramp access for those with mobility needs, recently-renovated aquatics center, fully equipped health lodge, trading post, ranges for range and target activities, and more.
All Pipsico programs and facilities are Nationally Accredited.
What are you waiting for? Sign up for Beazley Scouts BSA Summer Camp 2026 today and get ready for an awesome camping experience, at a beautiful property, with a friendly camp staff!
Week 1: June 21 – June 27
Week 2: June 28 – July 4
Week 3: July 5 – July 11
Week 4: July 12 – July 18
National Scout Jamboree
July 22-31
Get ready for the ultimate Scouting experience! The 2026 National Scout Jamboree, being held from July 22-31, 2026 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia, is more than just an event—it is a high-adventure, memory-making, confidence-building journey that your Scout will never forget.
Picture thousands of Scouts from across the country coming together for ten action-packed days of ziplining, mountain biking, rock climbing, water sports, skateboarding, fishing, patch trading, leadership development, and lifelong friendships.
The National Scout Jamboree is a chance for Scouts to grow, explore, and connect in a way that only Scouting can offer. Whether they are looking for adrenaline-pumping adventure or a deeper connection to the Scouting movement, the Jamboree delivers.
Do not miss this incredible opportunity to be part of something big. Spots are filling quickly—learn how your Scout can be part of the excitement by visiting TidewaterBSA.com/jamboree. Sign up today!
2026 National Jamboree Staff Band
The 2026 National Jamboree Band is actively seeking talented musicians to join its full-time staff ensemble. Composed entirely of registered Scouts and Scouters, the band provides musical support for ceremonies, special events, concerts, and entertainment throughout the National Jamboree for thousands of attendees.
Seeking
- Registered Scouts and Scouters with musical experience
- All instrument positions available, including drumline
- Repertoire includes popular music, patriotic selections, marches, and pep band favorites
Eligibility
- Young adult staff: Ages 16-29
- Adult staff: Ages 30+ (Applications welcome, though initial preference given to youth staff)
How to Apply
- Visit: jamboreeband.colbsa.net
- Email Director George Pinchock at [email protected]
Join an unforgettable experience combining a love of music with the adventure of the National Jamboree!
World Scout Jamboree
July 30 - August 8, 2027
The World Scout Jamboree is held every four years around the world. The next Jamboree will be held in Gdansk, Poland in the summer of 2027 and will have approximately 45,000 Scouts and leaders from over 140 countries in attendance.
Age Requirements
- Participants must be between the ages of 14-17 at the start of the Jamboree on July 30, 2027.
- Those over 17 at the start of the Jamboree can apply to be a unit leader or on staff.
- Those under age 14 are not eligible to attend the 2027 World Scout Jamboree. Save the date for the 2031 World Scout Jamboree in Denmark!
For More Information
- World Scout Jamboree website: jamboree2027.org
- US Contingent website: wsj2027.us
- In-council point of contact: Keegan Daley, [email protected], 716-381-7200
News
Staff Updates
Tidewater Council is pleased to announce two staff promotions on our team:
Bill Lawrence: Senior Development Director
For the past six years, Bill has been a dedicated leader within Tidewater Council, consistently working to strengthen Scouting through his commitment to growth, service, and stewardship. Guided by his long-standing belief in leaving things better than he found them, Bill has made a lasting impact on both our volunteers and the communities we serve.
In his new role as Senior Development Director, Bill will expand his focus on financial development, deepening his expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and resource development. This position will build upon Bill’s strong background in finance and development while continuing to ensure the long-term sustainability and success of Scouting in our region.
Bill’s passion for Scouting, combined with his extensive experience and leadership, make him uniquely suited for this role. We are excited to see how he will continue to build strong relationships and secure the resources needed to deliver life-changing programs for our youth.
Christy Cooper: Assistant Scout Executive
Christy has been a dedicated member of the Tidewater Council team since March 2019, when she began serving as district executive for the Albemarle District. Through her strong leadership and commitment to Scouting, she was promoted to Senior District Executive, and later to Development Director. In each role, Christy has demonstrated a passion for building relationships, supporting volunteers, and strengthening the Scouting program across the council.
Christy’s connection to Scouting began long before her professional career. She has been actively involved in Scouting since 2007, when her youngest child joined Cub Scouts. Over the years, all four of her children became involved in the program, and each of them earned the rank of Eagle Scout. As a military family, Christy and her family experienced Scouting across several councils, giving her a unique and broad perspective on the impact of the program.
Christy brings both professional experience and personal passion to her new role. Her deep understanding of Scouting, combined with her dedication to youth development and volunteer support, will continue to benefit Tidewater Council in meaningful ways.
Please join us in congratulating Christy and Bill on these well-deserved promotions!
Scout Shop
America 250
America 250 merchandise has arrived in Tidewater Council’s Scout Shop! We have patches, t-shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, water bottles, and more. Come in and get the limited time items to celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary!
Liberty in Action
The new Liberty in Action emblem is now available in the Scout Shop. This is a great challenge to work on over the summer with Scouts of all ages!
Learn about the Liberty in Action 250th Anniversary Challenge here. Come in to the store to purchase the patch after completing the challenge.
MosquitOasis
The Scout Shop has the new and improved MosquitOasis pop-up mosquito net in store. This new net is larger and comes with a blackout cover to give your Scout a little more privacy when they share tents at summer camp. It is fully collapsible and easy to set up. It’s a great option for any Scout going camping this summer.
Scout Shop Hours
The Scout Shop will be closed:
- Friday, April 3
- Saturday, April 4
- Friday, April 24
- Saturday, April 25
Scouting Safety Moment
It is recommended to include a Scouting Safety Moment during meetings to inform Scouts and parents and keep everyone safe. Numerous Scouting Safety Moments are available here.
Seizure
A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain. It can be frightening to see someone have a seizure. Most seizures will stop without intervention, but the goal is to keep the individual from getting hurt during the seizure. Do not try to hold the individual still, but keep them from banging into other objects. Do not put anything in the individual’s mouth during a seizure. Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or if this is the first time someone has had a seizure.
National Scout Jamboree Patch Sets
Celebrate the spirit of Scouting and Tidewater’s east coast surfing vibe with exclusive, licensed 2026 National Jamboree patch sets!
There are two patch set options:
6 Piece 2026 Jamboree Emblem Set (without OA): $65
Includes:
- One large center patch
- Four Jamboree Shoulder Patches (JSPs)
- One button-loop dangle patch
8 Piece 2026 Jamboree Emblem Set (with OA): $75
Includes:
- One large center patch
- Four Jamboree Shoulder Patches (JSPs)
- One button-loop dangle patch
- Two Blue Heron Lodge, Order of the Arrow pocket flap patches
How to Pre-Order
Reserve your set today at councilstuff.com/596-2026Jambo. The pre-order deadline is April 24, 2026.
All proceeds directly support Tidewater Council’s contingent attending the 2026 National Jamboree. Your purchase helps local youth afford this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Now Hiring
Beazley Scouts BSA Summer Camp Staff Opportunities
Join the team at Pipsico Scout Reservation!
Are you ready to make a difference next summer and create unforgettable experiences for Scouts and fellow staff members? Pipsico Scout Reservation is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our team! Whether you’re passionate about outdoor education, adventure programming, or supporting behind the scenes, we have a role for you.
Positions Available
- Camp Commissioners
- Area Directors: Huskanaw, Waterfront, Pool, Nature, Scout Craft, Heritage, Handicraft, Range and Target Activities, Climbing, Trading Post, PEX High Adventure Program
- Dining Hall Manager
- Medic/Health and Safety Officer
- Program Staff
- Kitchen Crew
- Camp Counselors
- Administrative Support
Why Work at Pipsico?
- Gain valuable leadership and teamwork skills.
- Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while making lasting memories.
- Be part of a vibrant and supportive Scouting community.
Don’t wait—applications are open and positions are filling fast!
Pipsico Tree Photos
A favorite stop on a Pipsico Scout Reservation hike is the Pipsico Tree, a tulip poplar nearly 20 feet in circumference that predates the arrival of the first English colonists.
Pipsico’s Heritage Area team and volunteer camp maintenance team, the Busy Beavers, are seeking your photos with the Pipsico Tree for a collage and slideshow. Please send any photos to [email protected] to be included in the display.
Development Corner
Friends of Scouting
Friends of Scouting is Tidewater Council’s annual giving campaign. The generosity of Scouting families, alumni, and community supporters keeps the overall cost of Scouting affordable so all families can participate. Tidewater Council’s goal is to raise $550,000 through Friends of Scouting in 2026.
Has your unit scheduled its 2026 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.
Campaign Progress as of March 29, 2026
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal:
United Way Donor Designations
Tidewater Council is a partner agency with United Way of South Hampton Roads and Albemarle Area United Way. Did you know that you can designate a United Way gift to local Scouting?
- For United Way of South Hampton Roads, you can designate your gift to support Scouting America Tidewater Council.
- For Albemarle Area United Way, you can designate your gift to support Scouting America Tidewater Council (4004).
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 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, or any outstanding Scout or Scouter.
Program Ideas
April
- National Farm Animals Day: April 10
- Work on the Animal Science merit badge.
- Visit a local farm or petting zoo.
- National Gardening Day: April 14
- Tend a flowerbed or garden for the unit’s chartered organization (with permission).
- Plant seeds.
- Visit a botanical garden.
- Work on the Gardening merit badge.
- Work on the Ready, Set, Grow Adventure for Lions.
- National Look Up at the Sky Day: April 14
- Camp under the stars.
- Work on the Astronomy merit badge.
- Spend time outdoors watching clouds or observing the sunset.
- Go bird-watching or work on the Bird Study merit badge.
- Volunteer Recognition Day: April 20
- Have Scouts make thank you cards or plan an activity to recognize volunteer leaders.
- Do a service project or volunteer activity.
- National Kids and Pets Day: April 26
- Visit or volunteer at an animal shelter.
- Work on the Pets merit badge.
- Work on the Dog Care merit badge.
- National Honesty Day: April 30
- Discuss the first point of the Scout Law: A Scout is Trustworthy.
May
- National Wildfire Awareness Month
- Work on the Fire Safety merit badge.
- Share the Campfire Safety Safety Moment.
- Share the Behavior Around Campfires Safety Moment.
- Work on the Firem’n Chit.
- National Loyalty Day: May 1
- A Scout is Loyal. Discuss what it means to be loyal.
- Display the American flag.
- Say the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Work on the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge.
- World Laughter Day: May 3
- Invite each Scout to tell a joke.
- Ask each den or patrol to perform a funny skit.
- Read the jokes in Scout Life’s Think & Grin section.
- Submit a joke to Think & Grin.
- National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day: May 7
- Share mental health-related Safety Moments:
- Provide resources, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) and the Scouting America’s Bullying Awareness resources.
- National Archery Day: May 9
- Sign up for an upcoming event including archery:
- Work on the Archery merit badge.
- National River Cleanup Day: May 16
- Learn about the Scouting for Clean Waterways initiative.
- Organize or volunteer with a river cleanup.
- Work on the Soil and Water Conservation merit badge.
- Memorial Day: May 25
- Participate in a local parade or ceremony.
- Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 PM.
- Visit a military cemetery.
Community Engagement
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.
Trail Service Weekend: May 29-31
The Tidewater Council High Adventure Committee and volunteers from the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club will hold a Trail Service Weekend at Pipsico Scout Reservation on May 29-31. This volunteer effort supports the ongoing restoration of the Red Trail and a broader long-term vision to develop it as both a valuable camp hiking resource and a future High Adventure training route for local Scout units preparing for backpacking treks and outdoor leadership experiences.
Participants will work alongside experienced trail club volunteers to help improve and maintain the trail for future use. Projects may include clearing the trail corridor, removing debris, and improving sections of trail as needed. The goal of the weekend is simple: bring together volunteers, make meaningful progress, and support an important outdoor resource for Scouting in Tidewater Council.
For more information or to sign up, visit 247scouting.com/forms/?OrgKey=BSA596&id=6140.
STEM Learning at the HRBT Welcome Center
The HRBT Welcome Center (9401 4th View St., Norfolk, VA 23503) is booking free STEM learning sessions for student groups through 2026.
The presentations are STEM-focused, while also exposing students to regional history and the wide range of careers involved in the $3.9 billion interstate expansion. Programs can be tailored to any age group and program objective.
Scout units can send requests to [email protected] for a one to two hour visit with project staff and engineers between 9 AM and 4 PM Monday through Friday. The HRBT Welcome Center team can typically accommodate groups of 10-30 individuals per session.
Sail250® Virginia
In June 2026, Hampton Roads will welcome an international fleet of tall ships, military vessels, and character ships to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. This milestone event, Sail250® Virginia, will welcome more than 60 ships from 20 countries, bringing 10,000 visiting sailors, officers, and dignitaries to Virginia’s shores.
Sail250® Virginia invites all Virginia community organizations to take advantage of their Sail250® Virginia education program, which features three key components:
- Adopt-A-Ship Program
- Online Maritime-Themed Resources and Projects
- Educational Speaker Series
The Sail250® Virginia Adopt-A-Ship program offers student and community groups the chance to become cultural ambassadors by “adopting” one of the visiting ships. Each group will be paired with one of the visiting ships to explore its history, culture of its home country, and eventually, to correspond with its crew as they sail to Virginia in 2026!
Resources:
Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Three Rivers District held its District Pinewood Derby on Saturday, March 28. Thanks to all who came out to support cars, competition, STEM exploration, community engagement, and character-building fun!
We want to hear from you! Send stories, photos, and videos of your Scouts in action to [email protected] (with parental permission, of course).