Table of Contents
Invite a Friend
If every Scout were challenged to bring a friend to a meeting by April 1, how many lives would be impacted?
How many more youth in our community would learn essential life lessons in character, citizenship, leadership, and personal fitness?
If every Scout brought just one friend to a meeting, and only 25% of those friends decided to join, local Scouting would serve 1,000 more youth in April than it does today.
Encourage your Scouts to bring a friend to experience Scouting’s adventures!
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. Tidewater Council’s goal is to raise $500,000 through Friends of Scouting in 2024.
All Friends of Scouting donations stay local to support families in northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia.
Campaign Progress as of January 31, 2024
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal:
Upcoming Events
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:
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
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
Silver Beaver Nomination Deadline
February 10
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 Silver Beaver Committee Chair Byron McPherson at byronkmc@gmail.com and staff advisor Alison Harrison at alison.harrison@scouting.org.
Learn about Tidewater Council’s three most recent Silver Beaver Award recipients:
Scouts BSA Leader Training
February 10
At Scouts BSA Leader Training on Saturday, February 10 at Portsmouth Catholic Regional High School, leaders will have the opportunity to complete Scoutmaster-Specific Training, Troop Committee Challenge Training, and Merit Badge Counselor Orientation.
Scoutmaster-Specific Orientation
Scoutmaster-Specific Training introduces adult leaders to everything they need to know about running a Scouts BSA troop.
In Scouts BSA, adult leaders serve in more of a “mentor” position, where their job is to help youth members learn and practice leadership. While this training will not answer every single question about being a Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster, it is a great introduction.
Along with Youth Protection Training and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), this course is required for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters to be considered “position trained.”
Troop Committee Challenge
Running a Scouts BSA troop is a little like running a business: there’s a budget and a calendar, there’s money coming in (fundraising and dues), there’s money going out (activities, equipment purchases, registration fees), there’s a “workforce” (adult volunteers), and there are goals and evaluation of whether the troop reached its goals. And, of course, all this occurs within the unique context of Scouting with some special rules and requirements. This foundational training provides the tools and best practices to succeed.
Merit Badge Counselor Orientation
A merit badge counselor is a responsible adult with knowledge and enthusiasm about a career, hobby, or other subject who is willing to share that knowledge and enthusiasm with Scouts. This training provides merit badge counselors with understanding of the methods of counseling and their role in the advancement program of the Boy Scouts of America.
Coin Collecting Merit Badge
Virginia Beach Coin Show
February 17-18
Join the Tidewater Coin Club for the Virginia Beach Coin Show at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
Saturday, February 17: 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday, February 18: 9 AM – 4 PM
There will be a Coin Collecting merit badge program at 10 AM on Saturday. Advanced registration is required; please contact Eddie DeVault at eddiedevault911@gmail.com or Fran Ryan at fryan88f250@gmail.com to reserve a spot.
Klondike Derby
February 23-25
Klondike Derby is coming soon!
Sign up for the 2024 Klondike Derby in beautiful Camp Lions, Pipsico Scout Reservation. Using your sled, compete in skills from first aid, wilderness survival, lumberjack skills, branding, fire building, cooking, pioneering, and shooting sports with black powder rifles.
The Blue Heron Lodge will conduct an Order of the Arrow call-out ceremony on Saturday night.
Sign up today at scoutingevent.com/596-KlondikeDerby24.
If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Mike Maruska at mikemaruska1179@gmail.com.
Virginia Beach Trade-O-Ree
February 23 and February 24
Buy, sell, and trade Scouting collectible memorabilia at the 2024 Virginia Beach Trade-O-Ree. Check out the event flyer for more information.
Scouting for Food
February 24-25 and March 2-3
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 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 24-25, 2024, and return to pick-up donations on March 2-3, 2024.
Rovers Kickoff Event
February 25
The Rovers are back!
Who Are the Rovers?
The Rovers are a group of young adults aged 21-34 with a passion for the outdoors, giving back to the community, and hanging out with like minded peers.
Our Goal
Our goal is to provide a community for young adults who would have previously “aged out” of other Scouting programs. You don’t stop learning and growing when you turn 21, so we want to continue fostering the values of Scouting as young adults.
The Benefits of Rovers
The Rover program benefits the entire Scouting community. Other Scouting programs will have access to younger adult volunteers. Rovers will have the opportunity to give back and to participate in outdoor adventures without feeling like they are taking time away from other activities. As Rovers grow, we also hope to support career building, higher education, vocational workshops, and more.
For anyone looking for a good place to stay involved in Scouting while having your own adventures, look no further!
How to Get Involved
- If you are interested in learning more, come to the Rovers Kickoff Event on February 25, 2024 from 4-6 PM at Send it Climbing Gym in Norfolk. The cost for an adult day pass is $22 per person. RSVP at forms.gle/5F2LKCu36yFMJGD97.
- Fill out the interest survey at forms.gle/n13yCcjhN1NWb8f96.
- Contact Kate Kilmer at k.kilmer2020@gmail.com.
University of Scouting
March 9
Old Dominion University
Scouting is a Game with a Purpose
All Scouts, prospective Scouts, leaders, parents, and volunteers are invited to attend the Tidewater Council University of Scouting. This jamboree-style event offers interactive trainings and certifications, hands-on activities and adventures, merit badges and advancement opportunities, and personalized Scout quests to earn prizes and rewards.
Everyone Has Something to Offer
Many hands make light work, and we want your help teaching a class, counseling a merit badge, leading a program station, and organizing the event. All units are encouraged to run an interactive program station demonstrating a Scout skill or activity. Community partners are invited to promote their programs, teach skill sessions, and run interactive program stations.
- If interested in counseling a merit badge, please fill out this form.
- If interested in volunteering in another capacity, please fill out this form.
- For questions, please contact TidewaterUniversity@gmail.com.
Colleges
Earn your degree or your doctorate while studying Commissioner Science, Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Older Youth Programs.
Classes include:
- First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
- Cooking
- Scouting Heritage
- Event Planning
- Unit Management
- Scouting Tools & Technology
- Recruiting
- Fundraising
- And more!
Academies - Bring the Whole Family!
- Dragon Academy will entertain Lions, Tigers, and younger siblings for a fun-filled day of adventure.
- Akela’s Academy welcomes Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light Scouts for fun adventures while working on advancements.
- Brownsea Island is a chance for new Scouts BSA to master their Scoutcraft requirements.
- Merit Badge Academy offers a range of badges, including several required for Eagle Scout.
- VESSI Academy is an opportunity for older youth to prepare for high adventure and get involved with Venturers, Explorers, Sea Scouts, and International opportunities.
Programs
Visit activity stations, complete quests, and earn prizes and rewards!
Activity stations include:
- Scoutcraft
- Tidewater Adventures
- Scouting Adventures
- Duty to God
- STEM
- Pioneering
- International
- Outdoor Ethics
- Community Service
- Cooking
- Escape Rooms
- Simulations
- Disability Awareness
- And much more!
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
March 15-16
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) is a one-and-a-half day course that introduces leaders to the Cub Scout outdoor program. BALOO is designed for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their pack activities.
BALOO consists of an online pre-requisite component and an overnight, hands-on practical. The course teaches BSA’s Cub Scout level camping policies and the necessary tools to help units carry out a successful camping experience. When a Cub Scout pack or Webelos den camps, a minimum of one adult who has completed this training must be present on the overnight experience.
Tidewater Council’s next BALOO course will be offered in Shiloh, NC on March 15-16.
Annual Leadership Breakfast
March 21
We are pleased to announce the keynote speaker for Tidewater Council’s 2024 Annual Leadership Breakfast: Gary Clark!
As a wide receiver for James Madison University’s football team, Gary Clark earned the 1982 Virginia Offensive Play of the Year award and All-American honorable mentions in his junior and senior years. He was inducted into the JMU Hall of Fame in 1994 and is the first person at JMU to have his jersey retired.
Clark played for two years with the United States Football League’s Jacksonville Bulls before joining the NFL in 1985. Over eight seasons with Washington, Clark earned two Super Bowl rings and made four Pro Bowl appearances. He ranks third in the team’s history in receptions and receiving yardage. Clark is often regarded as the heart and soul of the Joe-Gibbs-era in Washington.
To learn more about how you, your company, or your community group can host a table at the Annual Leadership Breakfast, please contact Christy Cooper at christy.cooper@scouting.org.
Three Rivers District Appreciation Event
March 27
Scouters and their families are invited to attend this special evening of recognition for outstanding adult leaders. Join Three Rivers District on Wednesday, March 27 at 6:30 PM at New Creation United Methodist Church, 4320 Bruce Road, Chesapeake, VA 23321. The $20 registration fee includes the meal and awards.
Three Rivers District Spring Camporee
April 5-7
Hear ye, hear ye! Come, all ye lads and ladies, to the Highlander Games!
Combining the traditions and skills of the great Scottish Highland Games, Scouts and Scouters from the Three Rivers District will gather April 5-7, 2024 at Pipsico Scout Reservation for the Highlander Games. Expect loads of fun! There will be activities, challenges, and competitions, based on skills only a true Highlander possesses. Get into shape and make plans to join us for this unique event!
Save the date – registration is coming soon.
Wood Badge
April 12-14 and May 4-5
Wood Badge is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide adult members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their Scouting positions and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. Lord Baden-Powell originally designed it so that Scouters could learn, in as practical a way as possible, the skills and methods of Scouting. It is, first and foremost, learning by doing.
Wood Badge has evolved over the years into the core leadership skills training course for the BSA. The Wood Badge course focuses on strengthening every volunteer’s ability to work with and lead groups of youth and adults and is less focused on outdoor skills, which are more effectively addressed in other courses.
Summer Camp at Pipsico
June and 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 23 to June 29, 2024 – FULL
Week #2 – June 30 to July 6, 2024
Week #3 – July 7 to July 13, 2024
Week #4 – July 14 to July 20, 2024
National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC)
July 29 - August 3
From July 29 through August 3, 2024, Arrowmen from around the country will have the opportunity to gather at the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO to attend the 2024 National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC). Attendance is expected to exceed several thousand, as Arrowmen from around the USA come together to share ideas, learn from one another, and, most importantly, experience an outstanding event unlike any other in Scouting. NOAC is open to all active members of the OA.
The estimated fee to attend is $1,450 and can be paid in six installments until May 15, 2024 at scoutingevent.com/596-noac2024. The final fee will be adjusted when transportation costs are finalized.
For More Information or Questions
- Contact Philip Durant, NOAC 2024 Chair, at 757-505-6355 or philipscouting@gmail.com
- Contact Mack Brunson, NOAC Adviser, at 619-972-3790 or mack_brunson@yahoo.com
- Visit oa-bsa.org/program/events/noac
2025 Philmont Trek
June 19 - July 3, 2025
Save the date for Tidewater Council’s next Philmont trek in summer 2025! If interested in joining the council contingent or getting more information, contact Bill Lawrence at Bill.Lawrence2@scouting.org. Registration is coming soon.
In Fond Remembrance
A. Kent Glover
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of a life-long Scouter, servant leader, mentor, and our dear friend, Kent Glover.
Mr. Glover’s Scouting resume is too lengthy to note it all, however highlights include Eagle Scout Class of 1946, District Commissioner, Unit Commissioner, Sea Scout Skipper, Council Executive Board, Council Commodore, Silver Beaver, Tidewater Council Living Legend in 2019, and awarded the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award in 2021. In 2022, he was the Eagle Honoree and keynote speaker at the Council Banquet honoring the 2021 Class of Eagle Scouts.
Some of Kent’s most notable contributions to Scouting are those that most wouldn’t have directly noticed. He was instrumental in the design and installation of the current mooring system that Pipsico Scout Reservation uses during the summer months to anchor our motorboats. Prior to this system, we were spending significant financial resources on repairing boats every year due to damage. He is also leaving a lasting legacy to hundreds of Scouts who have been through one of the council’s High-Adventure Sailing programs. Kent was the mastermind of these programs, envisioning a weeklong sailing program operated out of Pipsico, calling it Sail the James. This program started in 2005, transformed, and continues to carry on to this day under the name of Sail Hampton Roads: a 5-day, 4-night experience where Scouts sail 42 ft. sailboats along the Chesapeake Bay and the waters of Hampton Roads. These sailing programs have taught problem solving and leadership skills to hundreds of Scouts, some even using these experiences as steppingstones to carry them to the US Naval Academy (from which Kent was also a graduate).
Mr. Glover spent more than 15 years as Council Commodore, continually advocating for Sea Scouting and how its program advances the aims of Scouting through promoting better citizenship and advancing leadership skills through instruction and practice in water safety, boating skills, outdoor, social, service experiences, and knowledge of our maritime heritage. His name is well known throughout the boating community of southeast Virginia, and everyone always had a deep and profound respect for his commitment to advancing youth aquatic programs.
We would be remiss if we also didn’t mention Kent’s commitment to saying “yes” to just about anything that was asked. He was the constant “phone a friend” and provided service for countless, seemingly random, tasks around the council, from repairing flag poles (yes, he would climb these barehanded), inspecting donated boats, building maintenance, car maintenance, and even just always being there to have a good ear to talk to.
At this time, there is no information on arrangements. However, we will provide updates when available from the family. Anyone wishing to help in continuing Kent’s legacy of promoting youth boating programs is encouraged to reach out to Wes Parker and Peter Anoia at wparker@pipsicobsa.com.
Mr. Glover’s presence will be missed deeply, but his legacy will live on through the thousands of people he influenced through his servant leadership. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Skipper.
News
Scout Shop
If you are looking for excitement this month, there are several fun-filled events! Many packs have Pinewood Derby races, and many units celebrate Scout Sunday, Scout Sabbath, or Scout Jumuah. Some Scouts are moving up from Arrow of Light to a new troop. The Scout Shop is ready to meet these needs!
Pinewood Derby
Pinewood Derby season isn’t finished! Some packs are holding races a little later this year, and the Scout Shop has a good stock of all the accessories, including the newest car decals ($4.99), weights, high-speed graphite, and many other things to get the fastest car! Lose a wheel? We have the tubes with four wheels and axles in various colors for just $2.49.
Scout Sunday
Scout Sunday is February 11. The 2024 BSA Scout Sunday patch, an elegant church-shaped patch with colorful stained-glass windows ($3.99) is in stock at the front table in the store. Scout Sunday Program Covers ($13.99/100 pk.) and inserts ($7.99/25 pk.) are also available.
Arrow of Light Crossover
Arrow of Light Wooden Plaques ($34.99) make the perfect keepsake for Arrow of Light Scouts who are crossing over to troops. The plaques include engraving plates and are made for wall hanging. We usually keep a half dozen on hand, but we can order more when needed.
As we approach crossover time, please be aware of the needs of new Scouts coming into your troop. We can help with basic uniform needs. Scout leaders, please inform them of the following:
- What the troop provides (neckerchief, slide, book, shoulder loops, custom numbers, etc.)
- Color of the neckerchief the troop uses
- Patrol patch (if applicable)
Cub Scout Handbook Sale
Cub Scout handbooks are now $10 OFF at Tidewater Council’s Scout Shop. For the remainder of this school year, Cub Scout handbooks are $14.99 each.
This discount applies only to the current Cub Scout handbooks.
Cub Scout Program Changes
The Cub Scout Program is changing at the end of May 2024. If any packs have extra awards to return for the current program, they must be returned by Feb. 29, 2024. Since Scout Shops cannot return awards to National Supply for credit, we are unable to accept returns of these items after this date.
Shipping
As always, we are happy to ship orders by USPS for anywhere in the continental US. Just phone (757-497-2688) or email the order to polly.fugate@scouting.org or staci.vankirk@scouting.org. Once the order (including shipping) has been calculated, we can call you back for a VISA or Mastercard number.
Scout Shop Hours
The Scout Shop is always closed on Mondays, so there are no additional holiday closings for February.
Regular store hours are:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Camp Cards
Want an easy NO-RISK fundraiser that offers 50% profit? Do you have Scouts who haven’t raised enough to attend day camp or summer camp? Does your unit have new members? Then the Camp Card fundraiser is for your unit!
How to Participate
Contact the district executive to register and pick-up cards.
Training and resources are available online at TidewaterBSA.com/2024campcardsale. Review these resources for deadlines and important information.
And then – simply sell. This is a super easy fundraiser that scores Scouts some serious bucks toward camp.
2024 Camp Card Vendors
Camp Cards include valuable discounts to local retailers and Bonus Savings that are available for your choice of retailers nationwide.
2024 Vendors - North Carolina Camp Card
- 3 Amigos
- Abbey’s Waggin’ Tails
- The Adventure Park
- Apex Entertainment
- The Barrel Room
- Brew 2 Rescue
- Currituck Feed & Seed
- Harris Teeter
- Hungry Panda
- Jade Whale Co.
- The Kraken Coffeehouse
- Moyock Farm Market
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Pass the Salt Café
- RCE Theaters
- Waterfall Blossom Cafe
- Wendy’s
- PLUS Bonus Savings!
2024 Vendors - Virginia Camp Card
- The Adventure Park
- Apex Entertainment
- The Barrel Room
- Big Apple Pizza
- Breakout Games
- Burrito Perdido
- Harris Teeter
- iFly Virginia Beach
- Latitude
- Liberty Transmission
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Wendy’s
- PLUS Bonus Savings!
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.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature that is dangerous and potentially fatal if not properly cared for. Hypothermia most often occurs when individuals are exposed to extremely cold temperatures for extended periods of time. However, it can also occur in warmer environments in situations such as wearing wet clothing in windy conditions, becoming chilled from being in the rain for an extended period, or being submersed in cold water. Planning is essential before a trek or outing to make sure you are prepared for possible changes in environmental conditions.
Updated Adult Application Flow
A new process for adult application flow will be implemented beginning Monday, March 4.
At that time, the adult application flow will change to require the completion of the criminal background check (results received) before the new adult volunteer can assume a leadership role.
- Once an adult application is processed, the membership status will be “pending.”
- The adult leader will get an email notice informing them their registration is being processed and they are not to assume any leadership role until the completion of the criminal background check. The unit key 3 (unit leader, committee chair, and chartered organization representative) will also get an email.
- If the criminal background check comes back clear, the leader and the unit key 3 will receive an email with notification that they can now be an active leader.
- If the criminal background check comes back with cause to deny membership in the Boy Scouts of America, council staff will contact the applicant and the unit.
Please keep in mind that criminal background checks require processing time. To ensure youth safety, adult leaders may NOT assume a leadership role until they have passed the background screening.
Camp Baker Closure Update
Recent scheduling changes from Dominion Virginia Power have impacted the Camp Baker closure dates.
Camp Baker will now be closed from June 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025.
Thank you for your cooperation and patience. Any questions regarding Camp Baker or Camp Moonyah use can be directed to Ron Misfeldt, City Camps Ranger, at 757-646-1384 or mustangron@aol.com.
2024 Pinewood Derby Rules
The rules and inspection sheet for 2024 Pinewood Derbies are available here.
All Tidewater Council district races and the council derby will use the official Tidewater Council Pinewood Derby Rules & Procedures and the TWC Pinewood Derby Car Inspection Form.
Leave a Legacy
James E. West Fellowship Award
The James E. West Fellowship Award is a national recognition for individuals who contribute $1,000 or more in cash or securities to the Tidewater Council BSA endowment fund. This contribution is in addition to, and does not diminish or replace, the donor’s annual gift to the council’s Friends of Scouting campaign.
Organizations or individuals may contribute an award in honor of someone — an Eagle Scout, a Silver Beaver recipient, Living Legend, any outstanding Scout or Scouter.
Program Ideas
February
- National River Day: February 2
- Take a riverside hike.
- Organize a river cleanup.
- Discuss sustainable water choices with Scouts.
- Boy Scouts of America’s Birthday: February 8
- Offical papers establishing the Boy Scouts of America were signed on February 8, 1910 – the date now celebrated as the birthday of the BSA. Celebrate the BSA’s 114th birthday!
- Share some of the BSA’s early history with Scouts:
- A Scout is Reverent
- Each February, around the time of the BSA’s birthday, Scouts around the country focus on the 12th point of the Scout Law: reverent. Through celebrations that can be either inter-religious or specific to a particular faith, Scouts can reflect on faith. Every unit can celebrate these days as they choose — some opt to attend a worship service wearing a full field uniform, participate in a worship service, or conduct a service project for a religious organization.
- Scout Jumuah (Islam) is February 8-9, 2024
- Scout Shabbat (Judaism) is February 9-10, 2024
- Scout Sunday (Christianity) is February 11, 2024. However, units and chartered organizations are free to schedule their Scout Sunday on any Sunday in February.
- International Stand Up to Bullying Day: February 23
- The idea that a Scout should treat others as they want to be treated—a Scout is kind—is woven throughout the programs and literature of the Boy Scouts of America. When a Scout follows the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, bullying and hazing situations should never occur.
- Have youth watch the age and rank-appropriate Personal Safety Awareness videos.
- Review and share the BSA’s Bullying Awareness resources with Scouts and families.
- For adults, take Youth Protection Training.
- Review the BSA’s Social Media Guidelines for valuable information on internet safety and youth protection when using social media.
March
- National Nutrition Month
- Work on nutrition-related advancement curriculum:
- Fun on the Run (Lion)
- Tiger Bites (Tiger)
- Running with the Pack (Wolf)
- Bear Picnic Basket (Bear)
- Cast Iron Chef (Webelos)
- Tenderfoot Rank (requirement 2)
- Second Class Rank (requirement 2)
- First Class Rank (requirement 2)
- Cooking merit badge
- Work on nutrition-related advancement curriculum:
- National Play Outside Day: March 1
- National Play Outside Day is the first Saturday of every month. Make a monthly tradition of encouraging families to explore the outdoors!
- Read Across America Day: March 2
- Work on the Reading merit badge.
- Visit a local library.
- Pick up a copy of Scout Life. If you’d like to subscribe to the magazine and did not do so with your registration, subscribe online at subscribe.scoutlife.org/subscribe and apply promo code DIRPAS to get a discounted member rate (one-year subscription for only $15).
- National Anthem Day: March 3
- Work on the American Heritage merit badge (requirement 3b).
- National Dentists Day: March 6
- Work on the Dentistry merit badge.
- National Napping Day: March 11
- Share the Nap On Safely Safety Moment at a unit meeting.
- Popcorn Lover’s Day: March 14
- Say thank you to the Unit Popcorn Kernel.
- Plan the unit’s sales strategy for the 2024 Popcorn Sale.
- Have Scouts role play sales techniques.
- Enjoy a popcorn snack!
- International Day of Forests: March 21
- Plant a tree.
- Go on a forest hike.
- Work on the Forestry merit badge.
- Walk in the Sand Day: March 23
- Go for a hike on the beach.
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.
Help Wanted
Camp Staff for Summer Camp 2024
What are your plans for this summer? Are you looking for an awesome opportunity to learn new things, develop new skills, share what you know, meet new people, work an internship, and enjoy Pipsico Scout Reservation?
We are accepting applications for Counselors in Training, Junior Staff, Area Directors, and Commissioners. Program areas include aquatics, shooting sports, Scout skills for new Scouts and for seasoned Scouts, handicraft, nature, cook crew, and more.
You must be at least 14 years of age by June 16, 2024 to be considered. Camp staff is composed of youth, young adults, college students, school teachers, bus drivers, professionals who want to get away from the office, and folks who have an open schedule. Fill out the online application at pipsicobsa.com/summer-camp-programs/staffapplication and we will contact you for an interview.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Congratulations to some of our newest Eagle Scouts!
On Sunday, January 28, more than 100 participants from ten units attended the 2024 (second annual) Scout Day at Winterplace Ski Resort in West Virginia. Scouts, leaders, and family members enjoyed skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, or, in some cases, all three winter activities! The morning started with a drizzle, which turned to snow flurries at lunchtime. The snow continued through the night.
Four units chose to spend Saturday and Sunday nights at Summit Bechtel Reserve, while one stayed at Powhatan Scout Reservation.
Thanks to Mack Brunson from Troop 6, who counseled the Snow Sports merit badge. 15 Scouts completed the badge, and 6 others earned a partial completion.
It was a real treat to have Tidewater Council Scouts participate in these types of activities and have a chance to enjoy the snow. Thanks to all who participated: Troop 6, Troop 12, Pack 57, Troop 67, Pack 303, Pack 374, Troop 413, Troop 800, Troop 824, and Troop 5067!
The Council Key 3 (Council President John Scheib, Council Commissioner Tim Briggs, and Scout Executive James Parnell) visited all four districts in January to meet Scout leaders and families, and to discuss opportunities and successes in the council. Thanks to all who attended!
Tidewater Council Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow 2024 National Chief David Gosik was featured in The Catholic Virginian. Great job, David!
Tidewater Council’s district executives are busy visiting schools and telling youth about the many opportunities available in Scouting! Matt Russell and Wes Sherman recently held a school talk at College Park Elementary in Virginia Beach.
We want to hear from you! Send stories, photos, and videos of your Scouts in action to alison.harrison@scouting.org (with parental permission, of course).
