Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Scout Scarf Day
August 1
Around the world, neckerchiefs have different names, including “necker” and “scarf.”
On August 1, Scouts worldwide wear their scarves to celebrate the first Scouting adventure to Brown Sea Island in 1907.
Tidewater Council’s International Scouting Committee invites you to join us in celebrating and promoting Scouting by wearing your scarf on August 1!
Scouting for Blood Drive
August 2
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.
WHEN:
Tuesday, August 2, 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
The American Red Cross is thanking all those who present to give blood in August with a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. PLUS, they’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win gas for a year (a $6,000 value)! There will be three lucky winners. Terms apply at RedCrossBlood.org/GasForAYear
Princess Anne District Fall Kickoff Roundtable
August 9
Join Princess Anne District for the fall program kickoff at the August Roundtable!
Special Location
The Princess Anne District August Roundtable will be held at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 3201 Edinburgh Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. The time (6:45 PM) is unchanged.
Bayside District Fall Kickoff Roundtable
August 9
Bayside District will be kicking off the 2022-2023 Program Year at the August Roundtable! There will be flyers and special guests – the people who are putting on the 2022-2023 district and council events. Of course, there will be pizza and other treats for all the Scouters in attendance. Join Bayside District at 7:15 PM on Tuesday, August 9 at Haygood UMC, 4713 Haygood Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455!
Albemarle District Fall Kickoff Roundtable
August 10
Come join your fellow Scouters on August 10, 2022 from 6-8 PM at Pilmoor United Methodist Church, 192 Courthouse Road, Currituck, NC. We will have food, fellowship, and lots of fall program updates. Fried chicken will be provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. We are asking for an RSVP to our district commissioner, Brian Ives, at ivesbk@gmail.com. We hope to see all Albemarle District Scouters!
Three Rivers Fall Kickoff Potluck
August 11
Join Three Rivers District for a special District Roundtable Potluck on Thursday, August 11 at 7 PM at Deep Creek Baptist, 250 Mill Creek Pkwy., Chesapeake, VA 23323. Kick off the start of the program year with food and fellowship!
Order of the Arrow August Service and Ordeal Weekend
August 26-28
Registration is now open on Black Pug for the August Service and Ordeal Weekend. New candidates are invited to register and attend. Don’t delay, register today. We want to know who is planning to attend so we can Be Prepared.
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)
Bayside District Recruiting Kickoff Roundtable
September 13
Bayside District will be kicking off the Fall Recruiting Drive at the September Roundtable!
Get the resources to get new Scouts in your pack, troop, crew, or ship! We will have programs to guide you in getting the most new families, how to recruit parents into leadership, and, of course, we will have yard signs and other resources available. We look forward to seeing you there!
Join us on Tuesday, September 13 at 7:15 PM at Haygood UMC, 4713 Haygood Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.
Hooked on Scouting
October 15
Calling all Cub Scout Packs!
October 15 will be special for every pack in Tidewater Council. Mark the date on your calendar for all the new Cub Scouts who join your pack this fall. When they join Cub Scouting this fall, they will receive their very own fishing lure. Throughout the council, there will be Hooked on Scouting activity days on October 15. There will be many activities, such as field games, shooting sports, and, of course, using their new fishing lures.
It is a great way to get the Scouting adventures started early and to keep new Scouts Hooked on Scouting!
Albemarle District Hooked on Scouting Family Camp
October 14-16
Albemarle District’s Hooked on Scouting Family Camping event will be held at Currituck County Rural Center. This event is for all Cub Scouts, their families, and leaders to experience together. Non-Scout siblings are invited to participate in all activities during our Hooked on Scouting event. Activities include BB guns, archery, field games, crafts, campfires, and much more.
Mark your calendar now for October 14-16. The cost is $50/family if paid by October 2, and $60 after that date. Packs will be given more details on what units are asked to contribute. Let’s get ready to camp! Registration will be open soon.
New Scouts who register July 2022 through October 2022 may attend for the day on Saturday, October 15 from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM at no charge.
If new families would like to enjoy the entire weekend (highly encouraged), fees apply as stated.
Bayside, Princess Anne, and Three Rivers Districts Hooked on Scouting Events
October 15
Locations and sign-up information for the Bayside, Princess Anne, and Three Rivers Hooked on Scouting events are coming soon.
Albemarle District Fall Camporee
October 21-23
A camporee can be a perfect showplace for the Scouting program and, therefore, go far beyond just being a gathering of youth. A camporee starts with the recognition that a patrol is the basic camping unit. The patrol demonstrates its very best camping techniques and shares its experiences with other patrols. The camporee involves the type of equipment that can be carried in a pack by youth and can be set up entirely by them, allowing them to be completely self-sufficient for a self-reliant experience.
This year, Albemarle District will hold its Fall Camporee October 21-23, 2022 at Maple Commerce Park in Barco, NC. This year’s theme is Are You Prepared? We are looking to expand your knowledge and sharpen your abilities on how to react to different emergencies. We have several scenarios planned out to reinforce our Scouts’ first aid knowledge and abilities.
All Tidewater Council Scouts BSA troops, Venturing Crews, and Sea Scout Ships are welcome and encouraged to attend. We hope to see you there.
Registration is now open on Black Pug.
Princess Anne District Fall Camporee
October 21-23
Are you ready to Escape to the Wilderness? Adventure on to the Princess Anne District Fall Camporee at Camp Kiwanis, Pipsico Scout Reservation to practice skills from the First Aid, Wilderness Survival, and Pioneering merit badges. The morning will include skills instruction, with competitions following in the afternoon. Participants will receive partial completions in each of the three merit badges. The Princess Anne chapter of the Order of the Arrow will lead the Saturday night campfire.
Merit Badge Counselors Needed
The Camporee Committee is looking for merit badge counselors (MBCs) for the First Aid, Wilderness Survival, and Pioneering merit badges. MBCs will have the opportunity to help plan the activities. If you are interested, please contact Chris Noble at PASPRINGCAMPOREECHAIR@gmail.com.
Three Rivers District Fall
Camp-O-Ree & Cub-O-Ree
October 21-23
Get All Fired Up for the Three Rivers District Camp-O-Ree and Cub-O-Ree this fall. Scouts will enjoy fire safety, fire building, special visitors, and – of course – a camp fire!
If you would like to assist with the event, please contact Mike Z. at 3rcamping@gmail.com.
Darden Gala
October 29
Join us for a fun-filled evening to support local Scouting! The 2022 Darden Gala will feature beach-themed attire, Monte Carlo games, live and silent auctions, live music, and heavy hors d’oeuvres.
Pipsico Fall Festival: International Scouting
November 4-6
Pipsico Scout Reservation has been serving the youth of Tidewater Council and beyond for 63 years. We invite all packs, troops, crews, ships, and posts to join us for a fall weekend of fun. After setting up your tents, enjoy your campfire Friday night and get ready for a fun-filled Saturday.
Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on Saturday, such as fishing Lake Beasley, climbing the tower, hiking the trails, and showing your marksmanship on one of the ranges available for your rank. You can also enjoy fellowship with Scouts from around the council, brush up on your knots and other camp skills, and visit Huskanaw or the Gaga Pit. Also be ready for the pumpkin and chili cook-offs. When you think you’ve done it all, prepare for a campfire program like no other.
We would like each Scout unit to select a country to represent throughout the weekend. Get ready to stamp passports and present yours for stamping as you travel around the world and learn about Scouting in other countries. Have your unit learn about the country you select so they can share with others.
In addition to the camp activities, units are encouraged to set up an activity booth or display in the main activity field during the morning session. Let us know what country your unit will represent so that we can plan to have a great variety of things to do. Select a game or activity that your unit can take turns staffing with a few members and others take turns participating. You can teach a skill or host a game.
Please come out for the events on Saturday, enjoy the fall weather, the fellowship, and the many activities. Registration is coming soon via Black Pug. If you’re interested in supporting an activity booth Saturday morning, contact Kirsten Misfeldt at kmisfeldt62@gmail.com.
Veterans Day Parade
November 11
Save the date for the 2022 Tidewater Veterans Day Parade at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. We are looking for a volunteer to chair this event. If you are interested, please email Christy Cooper at christy.cooper@scouting.org for more details.
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
November 11-13 and November 18-20
In 2017, leadership was quietly added as the fourth aim of Scouting. Leadership development has always been an important outcome of Scouting programs. However, not every Scout takes full advantage of all the opportunities available. It is estimated that 2% of Scouts BSA youth attend National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). NYLT is an outstanding and impactful program that helps Scouts become the best leaders they can be.
Have the Scouts in your unit (aged 13 and above) attended the BSA’s premier youth leadership training program?
Tidewater Council’s next NYLT course will be held the weekends of November 11-13 and 18-20, 2022 at Pipsico Scout Reservation, Camp Lions. If you have any questions, please contact the course director, James Carroll, at 596nylt@gmail.com.
Pow Wow
December 3
A long time ago in a Cub Scout pack that’s not so far away…
Adult leaders gathered to learn more about the Force within the program.
They turned their eyes to training opportunities for new and experienced adults.
They found Pow Wow, the annual supplemental Cub Scout leader and parent training.
They discovered classes that covered events, Scoutbook, working with Scouts with special needs, using the Patrol method with Webelos, games, communications, succession planning, songs, and so much more!
Save the date on Saturday, December 3, 2022 for this year’s Pow Wow. Come join us as “The Pack Awakens” for more fun and adventure for all!
Wood Badge Association Dinner
December 9
Wood Badgers, friends, and families – Enjoy food, fun, and fellowship with your fellow critters!
- $30 per person or $50 per couple
- Silent auction to raise funds for the Wood Badge/NYLT Scholarship Fund
- Doors open at 6:30 PM
Join us at Gilwell!
2023 Annual Leadership Breakfast
March 15, 2023
We are pleased to announce the keynote speaker for Tidewater Council’s 2023 Annual Leadership Breakfast: Mark Moseley!
With an impressive NFL career spanning 1970-1987, Mark Moseley is the all-time scoring leader for the Washington Football Team.
To learn more about how you, your company, or your community group can host a table, please contact Senior Development Executive, Susan Miley-Petrehn, at susan.miley-petrehn@scouting.org.
2023 National Scout Jamboree
July 19-28, 2023
The National Scout Jamboree, Scouting’s flagship event, is one-of-a-kind. Over the course of ten summer days, tens of thousands of members of the Boy Scouts of America from across the country gather together to explore all kinds of adventures—stadium shows, pioneer village, Mount Jack hikes, adventure sports, and more—in the heart of one of nature’s greatest playgrounds. With 10,000 acres to explore at the Summit, there is no shortage of opportunities to build Scouting memories.
Tidewater Council is organizing a contingent to attend this awesome event in West Virginia. The contingent will consist of:
- Two male Scouts BSA troops (72 youth and eight adults)
- One female Scouts BSA troop (36 youth and four adults)
- One Venturing crew (36 youth and four adults)
If your unit would like a presentation about the National Scout Jamboree and the adventure and activities available, contact Erich Röetz.
In Fond Remembrance
Stewart Forster
Stew Forster was an Eagle Scout, a U.S. Navy veteran, and a longtime Scouting volunteer. He received the Silver Beaver Award in 1981 and was named a Legend of Tidewater Council in 1999. Stew spent countless hours volunteering at the Tidewater Council Service Center, always friendly and willing to lend a hand. He will be greatly missed.
News
Popcorn Sale
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Five Things Your Unit Should Be Doing in August
- Start selling online at prpopcornstore.com. If you do not know your Scout’s Seller ID, please contact the Unit Popcorn Kernel.
- Sign up here to help with the first delivery on Thursday, August 4.
- If your unit placed an order and cannot help with the delivery, sign up for a pick-up time on Friday, August 5 or Saturday, August 6.
- Place the unit’s next popcorn order by August 22.
- Sell, sell, sell!
Getting Started
It is not to late for your unit to participate in the 2022 Popcorn Sale! To get started:
- Read the Popcorn Guide.
- Sign up for the sale at pecatonicariverpopcorn.com using Council Key 596TWC.
- Set sales goals.
- Hold a unit kick-off. Contact your district executive to get sales materials and a tasting kit.
- Watch the recorded Popcorn Training at tidewaterbsa.com/2022popcornsale.
- Contact your District Popcorn Kernel for help getting started.
Resources
Did your unit miss Popcorn Training? You can view the recording on our Popcorn Sale webpage. Make sure to review the 2022 Popcorn Guide while you’re there too!
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 here.
Camp Cards: Sale Extended
To assist units with busy summer schedules, the Camp Card sale has been extended until August 22!
Contact your district executive to check out additional cards, return unsold cards, and to make payments.
Scout Shop
As summer begins to wind down, the Scout Shop is preparing for fall. With all the events the fall season brings, including new recruits, we want to serve our customers in the best way possible.
Uniform Sale
The annual fall uniform sale (sponsored by National Supply and honored in the Tidewater Council Scout Shop) begins August 2 and runs through October 29. Buy a uniform shirt and bottoms (from the same program) and get 10% off the bottoms, which include zip-off pants, shorts, capris, and skorts. For Scouts needing a full uniform, this is the best time to buy!
Beat the Rush
Beat the fall rush by shopping in August. Whether you need summer-earned awards or uniforms, August has the advantage of fewer customers, more available fitting rooms, newly re-stocked inventory, and quicker lines at check-out.
Eagle Gifts
Eagle gifts are available in the front display case. Prices range from $14.99 for our Eagle water bottle to $79.99 for our beautiful Crystal Eagle. The Crystal Eagle comes in a satin-backed box and includes an engraving plate. A nice mid-price point gift is our blue chrome Eagle Cross pen ($34.99). Many Eagle Courts of Honor are held in August, so come in and browse or let us order for you.
Need to update a store account?
August is a good time to update the unit’s store account BEFORE the busy fall season. If you need a new form to update signatures, pick one up at the Scout Shop or email the Scout Shop Manager. After a new form is signed, bring it back or email it to the store office and the account will be updated.
Camping Supplies
Attending a late-summer summer camp? Camping supplies are available here at the Scout Shop. We still have a good supply of mosquito nets, sleeping bags, mats, bug protection, backpacks, and more!
Uniform Price Lists
Uniform price lists are available in the Scout Shop on the table inside the door, or by emailing polly.fugate@scouting.org. Besides uniform parts, the list includes prices for the main insignia and handbooks, as well as Scout Shop hours, the council phone number, and the store email address.
Shipping
We ship orders by USPS for customers calling or emailing in orders. We gather the items, calculate shipping, and phone you back. Credit card information (VISA or Mastercard) is put into our system as given over the phone and is NOT saved here, which keeps it secure. Orders are normally mailed on Wednesdays and Fridays.
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. However, hammocks are not without their risks.
Incident Reporting
Prompt reporting of incidents allows everyone concerned to respond and ensures that the proper authorities are notified. Incidents include:
- Allegations of abuse
- Inappropriate behavior of a Scout, leader, or parent
- All injuries and illnesses that occur during Scouting activities.
Information reporting tools are available to assist with gathering the needed information.
Guide to Safe Scouting
All participants in official Scouting activities should become familiar with the Guide to Safe Scouting and applicable program literature or manuals, and be aware of state or local government regulations that supersede Boy Scouts of America practices, policies, and guidelines. The Guide to Safe Scouting is an overview of Scouting policies and procedures gleaned from a variety of sources. For some items, the policy statements are complete. Unit leaders are expected to review the additional reference material cited prior to conducting such activities.
In situations not specifically covered in this guide, activity planners should evaluate the risk or potential risk of harm, and respond with action plans based on common sense, community standards, the Scout motto, and safety policies and practices commonly prescribed for the activity by experienced providers and practitioners.
Youth Protection Training
As a reminder, adults who are renewing their registration for 2023 must have Youth Protection Training that expires on or after December 31, 2023. Why not avoid the fall rush and renew this training during the heat of the summer?
Training + Membership
Does training have a place in a membership growth plan? Of course. Training is integral to supporting membership growth and retention.
As youth membership increases, so does the need for adult leaders. Training gives new leaders the tools they need to deliver the promise of Scouting. Trained leaders make a positive impact on youth retention.
Training teaches leaders how to perform their role and how they can learn more. While position-specific training is a critical foundation, continuous learning is important to provide adult leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to keep youth energized and engaged. Learning can be formal (structured position-specific training) or informal (networking with experts). Roundtables offer both networking opportunities and sessions of learning on focused topics.
Registration Fees
The National Council, Boy Scouts of America has worked to keep membership fees as low as possible. As you know, costs continue to rise, and the annual fee must be increased to address the fiscal realities to deliver a safe and quality Scouting program.
To ensure the necessary resources to fulfill the promise of Scouting, the following national membership fee structure has taken effect as of August 1, 2022.
- $75 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts participants (pro-rated). This is an increase of $3 per year (pro-rated increase of $0.25 per month).
- $45 for Exploring participants (pro-rated). No change from current fees.
- $30 for council-paid memberships (pro-rated). No change from current fees.
- $45 for all adult volunteers (includes cost of background check; pro-rated). No change from current fees.
- $100 for a unit charter/affiliation fee (paid only for new charters and at charter renewal). This is an increase of $25.
- $25 one-time joining fee for new program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts (not pro-rated). No change from current fees.
- $15 for optional Scout Life magazine. (This $3 per year increase is the first price increase since 2005.)
The national membership fee helps cover the cost of essential services, including program resources, liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, criminal background checks, youth protection, and the development of intellectual property for national, council, and unit programs. As we move forward, the National Council, BSA will continue to look at the membership fee structure and how the Scouting program is delivered for future generations.
Local council fees are not changing at this time. Tidewater Council only collects council fees during charter renewal.
As always, Tidewater Council will continue offering financial assistance. Every youth deserves the opportunity to be a Scout. If interested in contributing to the ScoutReach fund to assist local families, please click on the “Donate” button at the top of the page and put “ScoutReach donation” in the description field on the second page.
Family Den Pilot Program
Tidewater Council is participating in the Boy Scouts of America National Family Den Pilot Program.
What does this mean?
- Current Family Packs can have gender-integrated dens from Lions to Webelos (grades K-4)
- Arrow of Light dens (grade 5) must remain gender separate to help facilitate moving into Scouts BSA
How can a Cub Scout pack sign up to participate?
To participate in the pilot program, the pack must fill out a Family Den Pilot Program Pack Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and return it to their district executive by September 1, 2022. The committee chair and the chartered organization representative both must sign the MOU.
Once the pack turns in the MOU, the council will designate the pack as participating in the pilot. This will allow the pack to set up the dens in Scoutbook.
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.
Help Wanted
National Scout Jamboree Service Team
What makes a Jamboree awesome? What is the key to a world-class, life-changing experience? It’s you. If you love Scouting and being part of a high-performing team that delivers amazing experiences, then the 2023 National Scout Jamboree Service Team wants you. The 2023 National Scout Jamboree is all about moving Scouting forward.
ScoutReach Volunteers
ScoutReach is the outreach program of the Boy Scouts of America, bringing Scouting’s leadership and character-building programs to underserved communities. Tidewater Council currently has three ScoutReach programs, all of which are seeking volunteer support.
- The Seatack area in Virginia Beach has a monthly evening program for families with elementary-aged youth. Contact Rich Becker at 757-575-6609 or richard.becker@scouting.org if you are interested in assisting. This program will resume in September.
- Lindenwood Elementary in Norfolk has a biweekly afterschool program. Contact Bill Lawrence at 828-582-6955 or Bill.Lawrence2@scouting.org if you are interested in assisting. This program is on summer break, but will resume in October.
- Southwestern Elementary in Chesapeake has an afterschool program. This program is on a summer break, but will resume in the fall. Contact Christina Viglietta at 757-969-2396 or christina.viglietta@scouting.org if you are interested in assisting.
Photographers
Want to be in the middle of the action and create lasting memories for years to come? Tidewater Council is seeking volunteer photographers to capture the excitement of local Scouting events. If interested, please contact alison.harrison@scouting.org.
Volunteer with the Membership Team
The Tidewater Council Membership Team is looking for volunteer assistance from Spanish-speaking Scouters, to speak to potential chartered partners and help form units to serve our Hispanic community.
If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact Dave Bussiere at dave.bussiere@gmail.com or 757-575-4117.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Happy Scout Scarf Day and 115th birthday of Scouting!
Tidewater Council’s International Representative, Laura Bussiere, is celebrating at Kandersteg International Scout Center in Switzerland with 2,000 of her closest Scouting friends. Please join the international Scouting community in celebrating by posting a photo of yourself in your neckerchief on social media today.
Order of the Arrow E9 Section Chief, Zach G., and E9 Section Vice Chief, David G., had the honor of attending Pipsico Scout Reservation’s weekly Order of the Arrow ice cream socials as a part of the summer camp program.
During week 4, they were joined by the E10 Section Chief, Andrew A., and hundreds of Arrowmen across the Commonwealth of Virginia in celebrating fellowship within the Order.
2022 E9 Section Chief Zach G. said, “It was an amazing opportunity this past month to connect with dozens of Arrowmen from not just here in Section E9, but from across the country. David and I had a blast, and we are looking forward to meeting more of you all in the future!”
Kaitlyn Röetz, a Tidewater Council Eagle Scout, served as the Content Lead for the National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) Communications Team, supporting the individual Arrowman experience by producing and updating content in the NOAC Application. Kaitlyn is pictured here with fellow members of the NOAC Communications Team. The 2022 conference was the first NOAC with females under 21 as participants and staff.
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