Table of Contents
Friends of Scouting
Friends of Scouting is Tidewater Council’s annual giving campaign. The Friends of Scouting campaign provides 21% of the council’s annual budget – that means more than a fifth of every dollar in the council budget comes from the generosity of Scouting families, alumni, and community supporters. Friends of Scouting keeps the overall cost of Scouting affordable so all families can participate.
Campaign Progress as of January 31, 2023
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal:
Has your unit scheduled its 2023 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.
Upcoming Events
Scouting for Food
February 4-12
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 why we participate annually in Tidewater Council’s Scouting for Food drive. 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, Scouts distribute bags and/or doorhangers to let their neighbors know about the drive. On the second, Scouts revisit those houses to pick up bags full of canned food, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, juice, and other nonperishable items. So, save the dates to distribute information on the weekend of February 4-5, 2023, and return to pick-up donations on February 11-12, 2023.
Visit the Scouting for Food webpage for resources including doorhanger templates, report forms, and information on the Foodbank Truck drop-off.
Silver Beaver Nomination Deadline
February 4
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 cutcharmstrong@live.com and alison.harrison@scouting.org.
Learn about Tidewater Council’s three most recent Silver Beaver recipients:
Scouting for Blood Drive
February 7
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, February 7, 2023
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
Klondike Derby
Quest for the Gold
February 24-26
Klondike Derby is less than a month away. It is time to sign up for the 2023 Klondike Derby: Quest for the Gold in beautiful Camp Lions, Pipsico Scout Reservation!
Using your sled, compete in skills from First Aid, Wilderness Survival, Fire Building, Cooking, Pioneering, and Rifle Shooting. The Blue Heron Lodge will conduct an OA Call-Out Ceremony on Saturday night.
If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Mike Maruska at mikemaruska1179@gmail.com.
Virginia Beach Trade-O-Ree
February 24 and February 25
Buy, sell, and trade Scouting collectible memorabilia at the 2023 Virginia Beach Trade-O-Ree. Check out the event flyer for more information.
VFW Scout of the Year Nomination Deadline
March 1
Annually, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) awards three individuals who have risen above their peers in exemplifying the qualities of the highest youth Scouting ranks. Recipients can be awarded scholarships at both the local and national levels.
The deadline to apply is March 1, 2023 at 11 PM. Please review the local handout from VFW Post 392 for more information, as well as the brochure and entry form.
Pinewood Derby
March - April
Get your engines ready – it is 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 2023 Pinewood Derby Rules & Procedures for Tidewater Council here. Scouts must make a new car each year.
Albemarle District Pinewood Derby: March 4
Get ready to rumble at the Albemarle District Pinewood Derby on March 4 at 10 AM at Sawyer’s Creek Baptist Church, 241 Sawyers Creek Road, Camden, NC 27921, just minutes from downtown Elizabeth City. All racers of each rank from every pack in Albemarle District are eligible to race. Arrows of Light (AOL) who have just bridged to a troop are still eligible. Family Fun Run races are an open class that will race after the qualified racers. The entry fee for qualified pack racers is $8.50 per car. Family racers are $10 per car (no trophies for family racers; this is for bragging rights only).
Registration is open now on Black Pug. Late registration starts February 19 and the deadline to register is Friday, March 3 at 5 PM. For more information, contact Anthony Dowd at adowd2@yahoo.com.
Bayside District Pinewood Derby: March 4
Start your engines! The top three finishers of each rank from every pack in Bayside District are eligible to race in the Bayside District Pinewood Derby. Arrow of Light Scouts (AOL) who have just bridged to a troop are still eligible.
Registration and more information are coming soon.
Three Rivers District Pinewood Derby: March 4
Get ready for the Three Rivers District Pinewood Derby! The top three finishers of each rank from every pack in Three Rivers district are eligible to race. Arrows of Light (AOL) who have just bridged to a troop are still eligible.
Registration and more information are coming soon.
Princess Anne District Pinewood Derby: March 18
Race time is fast approaching, so get your cars prepped! On March 18, find out which car is the fastest racer in the district at each rank level.
The top three pack finishers from each rank from every Princess Anne District Cub Scout pack are eligible to enter this event. Arrow of Light Scouts who raced with their pack this year and have since bridged to Scouts BSA are eligible to race. If a qualified racer cannot attend, the Pack Pinewood Derby Coordinator can substitute.
Registration and more information are coming soon.
Council Pinewood Derby: April 1
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!
University of Scouting
March 11
The University of Scouting is the largest annual training event for Scouts and Scouters of all ages in Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Sea Scouting, Venturing, and Exploring. All leaders, parents, and volunteers are encouraged to attend this fun-filled conference to learn new skills and make new friends. Adults and youth (10+) will participate in exciting classes, while Cub Scouts and younger siblings will have fun at day camp.
Registration
Register on Black Pug at scoutingevent.com/596-UoS2023
Classes Include:
- First Aid/CPR/AED
- How to Backup a Trailer
- Basic Boating
- Pizza Cooked More Ways Than You Can Imagine
- Iron Chef Competition
- The History of Women in BSA
- First-Hand Experience of Scouting Adventures
- International Opportunities
- Using Social Media & Other Technologies
- Scouts with Special Needs
- High Adventure
- Project Management
- Mentoring
- Older Youth Programs: Sea Scouts, Venturing, and Exploring
- And MUCH more!
Cub Scout Day Camp
Bring the whole family to a fun-filled day!
Sasquatch Expedition – The ESCAPE!
Experience a brand-new escape room.
Staff & Instructors Wanted
Teach the next generation of Scouts & Scouters.
Midway Booths Available
Space available for vendors, information booths, demonstrations, and units.
Contact
For more information, please contact Keegan Daley at TidewaterUniversityOfScouting@gmail.com
2023 Annual Leadership Breakfast
Featuring NFL MVP Mark Moseley
March 15
Tidewater Council’s Annual Leadership Breakfast honors and supports the efforts of thousands of volunteers who provide a quality year-round Scouting program to youth in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.
Keynote speaker Mark Moseley is the only special teams player to win the NFL MVP award. With an impressive career spanning 1970-1987, Mark Moseley is the all-time scoring leader for Washington’s NFL team.
To learn more about how you, your company, or your community group can host a table, please contact Christy Cooper at christy.cooper@scouting.org.
Wood Badge
March 24-26 and April 22-23
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.
Wood Badge Course NST15-596-23 will be held at Pipsico Scout Reservation on Friday, March 24 – Sunday, March 26 and Saturday, April 22 – Sunday, April 23, 2023. Participants must attend both weekends of the course activities to complete the practical phase of the training.
For more information, contact NST15-596-23 Course Director Matthew Hipsher at dubroq@gmail.com or your district training chair.
Welcome from Course Director Matthew Hipsher
Thank you for your interest in Wood Badge! Wood Badge training was begun by Baden-Powell in 1919 to ensure that the leaders of Scout troops were properly trained. Since then, Wood Badge has been held worldwide, providing advanced leadership training to thousands of Scout leaders.
But you might be wondering, why should I attend Wood Badge? For me, Wood Badge taught me a myriad of things, including communication skills I have used with youth and adults, team building, unit recruiting techniques, how all the Scouting programs work together to teach character building and leadership skills to our youth, and countless other things not taught in the basic leader trainings for our programs. But my biggest take away in my years of involvement with this course is the personal connections to other leaders I have made. Be it mentors, partners, resources, or friends that eventually become family, the #1 reason I tell leaders to attend is the exposure to other great leaders like yourself. The skills learned at Wood Badge will not only help your Scouting unit excel, but will also benefit your personal and professional lives as well.
Join us in March and April at Pipsico Scout Reservation for the 2023 Wood Badge Course. Consider bringing along a friend to share in the fun. I will guarantee you will have a great time, will make friends, will be challenged, and will have lots of fun doing it.
2023 Tidewater Council Living Legends Nominations Due
March 25
Nominations are now open for 2023 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 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 25, 2023 to be considered.
Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award Nominations Due
March 31
Nominations are now open for the Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award.
The Fretwell Award is presented to those who work in education and who follow the BSA’s mission “to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.”
Any school employee who is equipping students to make moral and ethical choices is eligible for this award. This could be a teacher, administrator, custodian, cafeteria worker, attendance clerk, resource officer, teacher’s aide, or any number of others.
To nominate a worthy educator, please submit the nomination form to FretwellTidewaterBSA@gmail.com by March 31, 2023.
Scouting Olympics
Three Rivers District Spring Camporee
March 31 - April 2
At the Three Rivers District Spring Camporee, Scouts will spend a fun-filled weekend practicing and demonstrating Scouting skills while participating in Olympic-style challenges. Each unit will compete to win the Traveling District Trophy by earning points during patrol and unit-related challenges.
- Patrol and unit challenges that incorporate teamwork and communication skills
- Scout Spirit and campsite inspection points
- Saturday campfire, with options to play a video or perform a skit or song
- Scouts Own Service
- OA Call-Out
Join us at Camp Kiwanis, Pipsico Scout Reservation on March 31 – April 2. Registration is coming soon. Registration will be $15 per person, and participants must be registered in advance by March 25. On-site registration will not be accepted.
For more information, please contact Mike Zemienieuski at mzemienieuski@gmail.com or 757-617-7440, or Kirsten Misfeldt at kmisfeldt62@gmail.com or 757-323-6172.
Back to Brownsea
Bayside District Spring Camporee
April 14-16
Lord Baden-Powell was an officer in the British army. He served several tours of duty in India and Africa in the late 1800s. As you can imagine, there were not lot of amenities that are in use today. Mainly, he lived in the woods, where he learned camping skills – the same ones still practiced in Scouting today.
How did Lord Baden-Powell make biscuits for his meals? Do you think your Scoutmaster and Senior Patrol Leader can cook biscuits as good as our founder’s? Bring them to the Back to Brownsea camporee on April 14-16 and find out. Aspiring biscuit chefs probably will want to bring a Dutch oven or a cardboard box oven. They will be provided with all the regular ingredients for making biscuits, but should pack their secret ingredient to make their biscuit a cut above the others.
What did Lord Baden-Powell do in Africa that earned him great honors? Come to the Back to Brownsea camporee and find out.
Scout Day at The Adventure Park
May 7
The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium presents Boy Scouts Tidewater Council Day on May 7, 2023!
Members of Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring, and their guests, are invited to enjoy an “adventure in the trees,” with aerial trails, challenge bridges, and zip lines. Scouts and their guests can register at the discounted rate of $45, and Scouts who bring a uniform item will receive a special patch. Per the Guide to Safe Scouting and the the BSA’s Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities, this event is not for Cub Scout packs.
Each timed ticket will include a 30-minute safety briefing and harnessing session and a three-hour climbing session. Register for your climbing adventure here.
Wilderness First Aid
May 13-14
Wilderness first aid, or “WFA”, commonly 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. It is essential to have some basic principles of wilderness first aid and know how to apply them, even under stress. Knowing how to treat minor injuries and keep serious casualties stable until further help is available can make a difference in an emergency situation. Although there are innumerable injuries and ailments, the basic principles of first aid can be applied to almost any situation.
All High Adventure Bases require that at least one person in each crew (Philmont requires two) be currently certified in Wilderness First Aid or the equivalent, and CPR from the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or equivalent. Wilderness First Aid is recommended for any unit that is conducting backcountry hiking or camping trips. Attending this training also meets one of the requirements for the Venturing Ranger Award.
Tidewater Council will be offering a Wilderness First Aid course on May 13-14. Registration is now open.
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Training
May 20
The Adult First Aid/CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies, such as burns, cuts, scrapes, sudden illnesses, and how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies for victims about 12 years and older. Successful students will receive a certificate for Adult First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years. This is a blended learning course; you must complete the online portion before taking one of the skills demonstration sessions.
Registration opens on February 15. There will be three sessions on that date, limited to 12 students per session.
Day Camp 2023 - Off to the Races
June & July
Join us for a weeklong adventure with racing-themed games, activities, and fun. Your district day camp pit crew wants you to join them in planning the 2023 racing season. Do you want to see car racing or foot racing? How about drag racing?
The day camp planning committee meets the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM at Great Bridge Baptist Church. Unit representatives are welcome to attend.
The tentative dates for 2023 day camps are:
- June 12-16 in Albemarle; contact Tiffany Bounds at tnt8596@yahoo.com
- June 19-23 in Princess Anne; contact Dave Montoto at totdope@yahoo.com
- June 19-23 in Bayside; contact Amy DeVault at konshak@yahooo.com
- June 26-30 (twilight camp) in Three Rivers; contact Kirsten Misfeldt at kmisfeldt62@gmail.com
Summer Camp 2023
June & July
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 25 to July 1 – FULL
Week #2 – July 2 to July 8
Week #3 – July 9 to July 15
Week #4 – July 16 to July 22
NYLT Leadership Academy
July
NYLT Leadership Academy is a national course devoted to building leaders, communicators, and evaluators who will propel Scouting into the future. Built around a core curriculum of public speaking, evaluation, and experiential leadership, the Academy has a proven track record of enabling Scouting’s youth to be effective trainers and leaders in programs across the Boy Scouts of America.
Scouts who attend NYLT Leadership Academy access several unique opportunities:
- Meet with leaders from business, senators and congresspeople, and national Scouting leadership to hear their unique stories and leadership lessons
- Collaborate with other youth from across the country to understand the challenges and opportunities facing Scouting and to share best practices
- Take part in a college credit program, thanks to the exciting partnership between the BSA and West Virginia University.
Two sessions of NYLT Leadership Academy will be held at Summit Bechtel Reserve during the weeks of July 2-8 and July 9-15, just before the National Scout Jamboree.
Participant Qualifications
This course is for Scouts BSA members, Sea Scouts, and Venturers who meet the following qualifications:
- Have completed National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
- First Class rank or above; or a Venturer
- All participants must be 13 years old and have completed 8th grade by the opening day of course, but not yet 18; or, if a Venturer, not yet 21.
- Willingness to take newly acquired knowledge and skills back to the council, troop, and community
2023 National Scout Jamboree
July 19-28
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, 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. Scouts will have an opportunity to interact with youth not only from across the country, but also from the international community of Scouts, as many countries send representatives to the Jamboree.
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) led by Scoutmaster Steve Bowser. The first male troop is full and Scouts are registering now for the second troop.
- One female Scouts BSA troop (36 youth and four adults) led by Scoutmaster Brandy Schlossberg. The female troop is almost full, so sign up now!
If your unit would like a presentation about the National Scout Jamboree and the adventure and activities available, contact Karen Allgaier.
News
Camp Cards
Camp Cards are cards that offer valuable discounts to local retailers. Some of the discounts are single-use, while many can be used throughout the year. Scouts sell the cards to family, friends, neighbors, and community members. Units earn a sales commission, which they can use to pay for camping adventures.
New for 2023: In addition to a 50% unit sales commission, Scouts can ALSO earn prizes!
Sign up for the sale and reserve your unit’s first card order by contacting your district executive.
2023 Vendors - North Carolina Camp Card
- 3 Amigos
- The Adventure Park
- Edenton Coffee House
- H2OBX
- Harris Teeter
- Hungry Panda
- iFly Virginia Beach
- Itza Boutza Pizza
- Latitude Climbing + Fitness
- LJ Beaners
- Pass the Salt Café
- Philly Pretzel Factory
- Tractor Supply Co.
- Wendy’s
- PLUS Bonus Savings!
2023 Vendors - Virginia Camp Card
- The Adventure Park
- Big Apple Pizza
- Harris Teeter
- iFly Virginia Beach
- Latitude Climbing + Fitness
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Philly Pretzel Factory
- Tractor Supply Co.
- Wendy’s
- PLUS Bonus Savings!
Scout Shop
February begins a season of busy and fun events, including Scout Sunday, Pinewood Derby races, Blue & Gold Celebrations, Scouting for Food, and Arrow of Light Scouts moving to troops!
Pinewood Derby
The Scout Shop is your headquarters for all Pinewood Derby awards. We have the ten-pack of Participation Ribbons ($8.99/package), the red, white, and blue car medals ($4.99 each), the bronze, silver, and gold medal lanyards ($5.99 each) and Pinewood Derby trophies. The trophies come in 7 ½” ($7.99 each), 8 ½” ($8.99 each), and 9 ½” ($9.99 each). Engraving plates are included on the bottom of each trophy.
Scout Sunday
A Scout is REVERENT. This year, Scout Sunday is officially February 12, but it is permissible for a local church to celebrate on the Sunday most acceptable to the pastor and congregation. Scout Jumuah is February 10 and Scout Shabbat is February 10-11. To celebrate unit participation, we have very colorful Scout Sunday 2023 patches ($3.99 each), program inserts ($7.99 for 25), and program covers ($13.99 for a 100 pack). National Supply currently is not able to provide new Blue & Gold items, but we do have some of the previous year’s patches with no year listed for $0.99.
New Scouts
Got new Scouts? Help us help them by letting them know exactly what they need. Does your troop provide books, unit numbers, shoulder loops, or neckerchiefs? New families need to know what COLOR of neckerchief the troop is wearing, or any other troop specific information.
New Point of Sale System
In the near future, the Scout Shop will be transitioning to a new point of sale system. One of the advantages of the new system is the ability for units to use their store accounts to sign up for events remotely. However, in order to use the account, the user must provide us with a current email address. We don’t need email addresses for all authorized users, just the person(s) who may be using the account remotely to pay for events. Feel free to email this information to polly.fugate@scouting.org or give us the information when you come in.
Shipping
We continue to provide shipping service by USPS, but please be aware USPS rates have gone up again in January. We never charge tax or handling fees and calculate shipping charges based on the USPS price calculator site. You may call or email in your order (polly.fugate@scouting.org) and we will figure the total amount and call you for a VISA or Mastercard number. We no longer charge 3% for use of credit/debit cards.
Scout Shop Hours
Our next holiday closing will be April 7-10 (Easter 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.
Transportation Shorts
Driving is a big part of Scouting and, historically, has been in the top five in frequency and severity of claims. Many fun and exciting activities start with driving. Any driving situation includes numerous and changing conditions, and those changes can happen in an instant. Motor vehicle accidents can be prevented when drivers plan ahead. Planning for the trip will provide awareness of route conditions and situations.
These 12 Transportation Safety Shorts can help with all types of driving situations. The handouts address hazards and conditions that could occur and provide tips to help drivers handle situations that may be encountered. Use these safety shorts during the planning stage of any trip. Review with all drivers one or more of the subjects that could be encountered on an upcoming trip or outing.
The topics are:
- Avoiding Rear-end Collisions
- Distracted Driving
- Driving a Full-size Van
- Driving in Adverse Weather Conditions
- Driving in Construction Zones
- Drowsy Driving
- Fuel-efficient Driving
- Loading and Towing Trailers Safely
- Night Driving
- Pedestrians
- Road Rage (Aggressive Driving)
- Rural Driving Safety
Updated Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook
An updated version of the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook is available online for Eagle Scout candidates. If an Eagle candidate has started preparing their workbook using the 2021 version, they may continue to use it; they do not need to redo the workbook using the 2022 version. If the candidate has not started preparing their workbook, they must use the new edition.
Community Engagement
Beakitecture Birdhouse Project
Norfolk Botanical Garden is looking for fun, original, whimsical, and one-of a kind-birdhouses for a Beakitecture community during the summer of 2023. From the tiniest house to larger-than-life human-sized birdhouses, the Enchanted Forest at Norfolk Botanical Garden will be home to these community-based creations.
If you are interested in building a one-of-a-kind birdhouse as a pack, den, patrol, or individual, please contact birdhouse@nbgs.org or 757-441-5830 ext. 319. There is no fee to participate, but participants are responsible for any expenditures incurred in construction and transportation. Review the Application Packet to learn more about how birdhouses will be selected and how to submit your design. All entry forms should be received by March 17, 2023.
Go See It Opportunity: Rescue Squad Open House
The Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad is hosting an open house on Saturday, February 18 from 12-6 PM at 3769 East Stratford Road, Virginia Beach. Bring your Scouts out for:
- Station tours
- Equipment demos
- Medical and public safety vendors
- Community engagement
The event is free and open to the public; you do not need to be a Virginia Beach resident to attend.
Training News
Free CPR, First Aid and Stop the Bleed Training
The Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad (VBVRS) is offering the American Heart Association Family & Friends® CPR program, which teaches adult, child, and infant CPR with AED use and relief of choking. The First Aid program teaches general principles, trauma and medical emergency care, and what to do in environmental situations.
This is a free, non-certification training being held once a month from 9 AM-12 PM at VBVRS Station 8 at 1243 Bayne Drive, Virginia Beach, just beyond Fire Station 8. Advanced registration is required. Dates are:
- March 18, 2023
- April 15, 2023
- May 20, 2023
- June 17, 2023
- July 15, 2023
If you are looking for a certification course, Tidewater Council will offer First Aid, CPR, and AED on May 20, 2023.
Free Leave No Trace Youth Educator Training
Join Leave No Trace for a free, virtual youth educator training opportunity on February 8 from 2:00-3:30 PM. The workshop will focus on best practices for effectively reaching youth with Leave No Trace, including fun and interactive games and activities educators can use. The workshop is designed for camp staff and Scout leaders. Participants must be 18 years old or older to register; this program is for those who work with youth, not for youth participants.
Participants who are new to Leave No Trace or have not had Leave No Trace training in recent years are encouraged to participate in a Leave No Trace introductory program or complete the self-paced Leave No Trace Online Awareness Course in advance.
Why Take Position Training?
- Position training is an onboarding process, showing new leaders how to do their jobs.
- Training provides a forum for the interchange of ideas between new and more experienced leaders.
- Training gives Scout leaders tools to ensure that the goals of Scouting are met.
- Training helps leaders to:
- Improve their ability to work with Scouts and other leaders
- Learn Scouting skills
- Plan an effective Scouting program
- Understand the aims and purposes of the Scouting program
- Every Scout deserves qualified, trained leaders who will provide the best program possible, the way it is intended.
Tidewater Council has a wide range of training opportunities available to help volunteers develop as adult Scout leaders.
The Training Path
- Youth Protection Training (YPT) is required to register as an adult leader. This training must be renewed yearly and is available online.
- Position Specific Training for the specific leadership role. Most position specific training is available either online or in-person. Some positions require an outdoor camping course to be completely training.
- Supplemental Training: Learning continues with supplemental training at monthly Roundtables and other courses, such as Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, Weather Hazards, and BALOO. Supplemental Training adds to a Scout leader’s knowledge base and helps bring new program ideas and skills back to the unit.
- Advanced Training: Wood Badge, Powder Horn, Kodiak, and the Philmont Training Center offer more information to help Scouters become even better leaders.
Tents for Pipsico Scout Reservation
To continue to provide a quality camping experience for our Scouts, Tidewater Council plans to replace tents at Pipsico Scout Reservation. The cost to replace one tent and its platform is $1,250. You can make a difference for local Scouts by sponsoring a tent at Pipsico!
Philmont Opening
Troop 791 is taking a crew to Philmont Scout Ranch this summer. If you would like to join them, they have two youth and two adult openings on their crew. Please contact Daniel Wankel at danielwankel@gmail.com for more information.
North Carolina Education Grants
North Carolina families, there is a grant opportunity for 2022 high school graduates to receive funding to attend a North Carolina Community College. Recipients must be North Carolina residents and meet other eligibility criteria. Visit yourhireeducation.com/tuitionfree for more information.
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
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.
Special Needs and Disabilities Committee
Tidewater Council has formed a Council Special Needs and Disabilities Committee. This committee will focus on:
- Membership and Unit Growth: Supporting units to serve Scouts with special needs and membership growth through recruitment
- Program Support: Finding and supplying training and resources for units and districts
- Advancement Support: Helping navigate the advancement adaptations and modifications available to Scouts with special needs
If interested in assisting the Special Needs and Disabilities Committee, or for questions, please contact:
James Bennett
571-331-6435
knightspast@gmail.com
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Participating in a high adventure trek is a life-changing experience. As one of the leaders of Tidewater Council’s 2022 Philmont Scout Ranch contingent, Brian Koman made amazing memories with his son, Nicholas. They both learned about perseverance and personal growth along the way.
Learn more about their adventure-filled experience in Brian’s new book, Back Country Adventure: A Father and Son’s Journey Through Philmont Scout Ranch.
Pack 462 had a special visitor – Meteorologist Myles Henderson of WTKR News 3!
The Pack 991 Lions Den combined service, outdoor adventure, exercise, and fun on January 29. The Cub Scouts and their families hiked 1.5 miles around Lake Trashmore. During their hike, they picked up trash from along the trail. Great job, Lions!
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