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.
All Friends of Scouting donations stay local to support families in northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia. You can fill out a Friends of Scouting pledge card and email it to shannon.foster@scouting.org or donate using the button below:
Thank you to the incredible Friends of Scouting team of volunteer leaders and staff who have raised $380,440 so far in 2022!
Campaign progress as of June 30, 2022:
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal.
Progress as of June 30, 2022:
Upcoming Events
Cub Scout Day Camps
June - July
Regular registration for Cub Scout Day Camp has ended. If interested in attending, please contact the Camp Director or Program Director.
4-Day Twilight Camp
| Date | Time | Location | Camp Director (Marshal) | Program Director (Sheriff) |
| July 11-14 | 3:30 – 8:15 PM | Covenant UMC, Chesapeake | Kirsten Misfeldt | Jaime Tolentino |
Popcorn Training
July 5 and July 12
Join us to learn about the 2022 Tidewater Council Popcorn Sale! This popcorn training is designed for both new and returning popcorn kernels. We will focus on what is new for this year’s sale, best practices, and opportunities that can benefit your unit. For those who register to attend in-person, we will have promotional items available for pick-up. Please register no later than noon on the date of the training to ensure your promotional kit is available at the training.
There are two training dates available, and both trainings will be offered both in-person and virtually. The same information will be covered at each session, so pick the date and location that is best for you! If you choose to attend virtually, the Zoom link will be sent one week prior to the training date.
Cub Scout Family Resident Camp
July 29-31
Resident Camp at Pipsico Scout Reservation is an overnight camping experience for the whole family. Cub Camps are open to every level of Cub Scouting, plus siblings, family members, and den chiefs.
Pipsico is the perfect spot for your family to have a great outdoor adventure. It has 916 acres of land and one and a half miles of unspoiled beachfront on the banks of the James River in Surry County, Virginia. It is home to bald eagles, blue herons, wild turkeys, deer, and much more. On the beach you will find fossilized remains of sharks and whales amongst shells and fossils pouring out of the cliffs on the beach. Facilities include an air-conditioned dining hall, a swimming pool (with handicap access), shower and latrine facilities, a fully equipped health lodge, a trading post, shooting ranges, and more.
Discover your adventure this summer at Pipsico!
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
Wood Badge Critter Picnic
August 6
Registration is now open for the Wood Badge Critter Picnic on August 6, 2022 at Camp Moonyah in Chesapeake. All Scouters, Wood Badgers, and families are welcome. Enjoy food, fun, and fellowship while learning about how Wood Badge and NYLT can benefit your unit’s program.
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!
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)
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.
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
November 11-13 and November 18-20
Every leader deserves a trained Scout! Youth aged 13 and above are eligible for BSA’s premier youth leadership training program, NYLT. This program is designed to help Scouts make the most of their leadership skills, to become the best leaders that they can.
The objectives of the course are to:
- Provide a toolbox of leadership skills
- Relate these skills to leading in their unit
- Instill knowledge and confidence to run the unit program
- Enhance the relationship between the Scout and the unit
- Share ideas and experiences with other Scouts
- Experience Scouting at its best
- Have fun!
The course will be held the weekends of November 11-13 and 18-20, 2022 at Pipsico Scout Reservation. If you have any questions, please contact the course director, James Carroll, at 596nylt@gmail.com.
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
Percy C. Jones, Sr.
We note the passing of a longtime and accomplished Scout leader from Tidewater Council.
Percy C. Jones, Sr. was a founding member of Pack, Troop, and Post 98, once chartered to Covenant Presbyterian Church in Norfolk.
As a youth, he attended the BSA National Jamboree in Valley Forge, PA and later served on the 1973 Jamboree staff at Moraine State Park, PA.
Later, Jones was a Scoutmaster and Post Advisor. He led several Tidewater Council Philmont expeditions and earned his Wood Badge beads. He received the Silver Beaver Award from Tidewater Council and the Vigil Honor from Blue Heron Lodge, Order of the Arrow.
He was born in Newport News on Aug. 6, 1922, and joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 to serve in World War ll. His family was preparing to celebrate Jones’ 100th birthday when he died on June 18, 2022. He was preceded in death in December by his wife, Mary J. Jones, with whom he had three children – all Eagle Scouts. They also had a host of foster children.
Corey Sargent
Tidewater Council Eagle Scout Corey Sargent was tragically killed in a car accident on June 11. Corey was an honor graduate of Kempsville High School and Old Dominion University, earning a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Physics. He was poised to be the first in ODU history to receive a Ph.D. in Astrophysics. In addition to his education, he was an Eagle Scout from Troop 408 in Virginia Beach, VA.
Corey enjoyed hiking off-trail in state parks, kayaking, collecting firearms, building space-themed Lego sets, and looked forward to eventually going to space. Everything was a competition: baseball, kayaking, hiking, even school where he won nearly every award possible from the ODU Physics Department.
Corey leaves behind many people who love him, and he will be dearly missed.
News
Popcorn Sale
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Seven Reasons Why Your Unit Should Sell Popcorn
- Fund your program year and defray costs for Scouting families.
- Tidewater Council offers some of the highest commissions in the BSA.
- Tidewater Council provides great prizes to reward Scouts.
- Teach Scouts salesmanship and the value of earning their own way.
- Scouts build camaraderie and learn communication skills.
- Participation in the Popcorn Sale may help Scouts meet certain advancement requirements.
- A team of volunteer leaders and council staff is here to support
you.
Seven Things Your Unit Should Be Doing Now to Get Started
- Identify the Unit Popcorn Kernel.
- Sign up for the sale at pecatonicariverpopcorn.com using Council Key 596TWC.
- Attend Popcorn Training on July 5 or July 12.
- Read the Popcorn Guide.
- Develop the unit budget and fundraising goals at the unit’s annual program planning meeting.
- Set up Show & Sells.
- Plan and promote your unit kick-off.
Resources
Did your unit miss Popcorn 101 for new kernels? 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.
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 will take effect 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.
Scout Shop
With summer in full swing, it’s a good time to stop by and visit the Scout Shop for all Scouting needs. We still have plenty of camping gear, uniforms, T-shirts, literature, and don’t forget the MOSQUITO NET!
Camping Gear
We have a good stock of our two-person 9-piece camping mess kits ($23.99). These kits are made of anodized aluminum for even cooking and easy cleanup, and they include a storage bag for take along. The 7-piece Cascadian table sets are also in stock ($14.99). These lightweight sets are durable, come with a carry bag, and include plate, bowl, cup, knife, fork, and spoon.
If you have a camping trip in the future, make sure to stock up on socks and extra activity T-shirts. We have the half ‘n’ half moisture-wicking T-shirts (half cotton, half polyester) with a price that can’t be beat ($12.99/ youth and $14.99/adult).
Kids' Activities
Got bored kids? We have science kits to spark their interest. The Smithsonian STEM Telescope is a great value ($14.99) for a beginner. It has the dual function of telescope (30X) or monocular and comes with an aluminum tabletop tripod. All you need is a clear night!
The Smithsonian Solar Powered Eco-Science Kit has THREE projects to build: a helicopter, a fan, and a windmill with LED. The kit includes a poster (but batteries not included). At $9.99, it’s worth every penny for children 8 years and older.
The Knot Typing pamphlet ($2.49) is a convenient activity while traveling. Just take along some cord and your Scout can spend hours practicing knots.
Cyber Chip
The Cub Scout Cyber Chip emblem is being discontinued. We still have some in stock and will continue getting them for Cub Scouts who earned them this year, as long as National Supply has them in stock. This award will not be part of the 2022-23 program, as it will be replaced by the “Protect Yourself” videos (appropriate for each rank).
Shipping
Need something shipped? We gladly send orders by USPS. You can email your order to polly.fugate@scouting.org or call us at 757-497-2688, and we can call you for a credit card number.
Scout Shop Hours
Our next holiday closing will be July 3-11 for 4th of July week.
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.
Fire Safety with Backpacking Stoves
Stoves made for the outdoors can extend the range of your travels by giving you a reliable way to safely cook anywhere and in any weather. Typically, backpacking stoves use white gas, kerosene, propane, butane, or isobutane gas as a fuel. Ultralight trekkers also favor alcohol stoves.
Award Spotlight
Summertime Pack Award
The Summertime Pack Award recognizes those Cub Scout packs that conduct activities in June, July, and August. Tidewater Council will recognize packs that complete the award requirements with a streamer for the unit flag. Individuals who participate in all the events are eligible to purchase a pin.
Community Organization Award
Community Organization Awards are a category of BSA awards used by secular, national, and community organizations to recognize their members for voluntary service and achievement. There are twenty Community Organization Awards currently available through BSA national chartered organizations. The award and the criteria for granting the award is under the ownership and auspices of the national chartered organization which presents the award.
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Lifesaving and Meritorious Action Award
These awards recognize registered youth and adults who have performed an attempt to save a life or to recognize notable acts of service that need not involve attempts of rescue or risk to self, but put into practice Scouting skills and/or ideals. To nominate a deserving individual, submit the form to the district advancement chair.
Outer Banks Historical Trail
Explore OBX with the Outer Banks Historical Trail! Visit sites spanning from the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton. Hike in one of OBX’s national wildlife refuges. Give back with a conservation project. Camp and cook in the great outdoors.
Any registered Scout or Scouter is eligible for the Outer Banks Historical Trail Award, but the Trail should be completed in groups of six or more. Those who meet the listed requirements will be eligible to purchase the Outer Banks Historical Trail Award. The patches are $4 each and the medals are $10 each. Both recognition items are available only at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop.
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
Fundraising Assistant Job Opening
Tidewater Council has an opening for a fundraising assistant.
The fundraising assistant will be responsible for fundraising record keeping, data entry, assisting with preparation for special events, customer service, and general office support.
Candidates must work well in a fast-paced office and be proficient in Microsoft Office. Blackbaud experience is a plus.
We will accept emailed resumes and cover letters beginning on July 5. Please email hr@tidewaterbsa.com to apply. Phone calls and in-person inquiries will not be accepted.
Tidewater Council is an equal opportunity employer.
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.
Tidewater Council is an equal opportunity employer.
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
Congratulations to some of Tidewater Council’s newest Eagle Scouts!
Eagle Scouts Lucas and Beau of Troop 587 were featured in The Beacon on June 26. Congratulations!
Cub Scouts have been enjoying the Wild Wild West at Cub Scout Day Camp! A huge thank you to the camp directors, program directors, camp staff, and go-fer patrols who planned and delivered an awesome program! Thank you to the Cub Scouts and families who lived the Scout Law while enjoying these outdoor adventures!
The awesome Pipsico Scout Reservation summer camp staff has trained and prepared for camp, and welcomed the first week of campers!
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