“EK” Electronic Knapsack – March 1, 2024

Table of Contents

Scouts around a campfire with tagline "bring a buddy on your next adventure"

Invite a Friend

If every Scout brings a friend to a meeting by April 1, how many lives will be impacted?

How many more youth in our community will learn essential life lessons in character, citizenship, leadership, and personal fitness?

If every Scout brings just one friend to a meeting, and only 25% of those friends decide to join, local Scouting will 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 February 29, 2024
Council Goal: $500,000
51.8%

Each district shares a portion of the overall goal:

Albemarle District Goal: $48,000
21.7%
Bayside District Goal: $175,000
38.1%
Princess Anne District Goal: $159,000
70.7%
Three Rivers District Goal: $118,000
58.6%

Has your unit scheduled its 2024 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

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.

If your unit is picking up contributions on March 2-3, bring food to a local food pantry of your choice or to the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 on Sunday, March 3 between 12-4 PM. Donations delivered to the council service center will be donated to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.

After the unit’s collection is complete, please complete and submit the 2024 Scouting for Food Report to the district executive. Unit ribbons and patches for youth participants will be distributed after the report is received.

VFW Scholarship Programs and Contests

March

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) and the VFW Auxiliary have scholarship programs and contests available for youth.

The information below has been shared on behalf of Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary, Post 392 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1211, which serve the Virginia Beach area. If you are located in another part of the council, please contact your local VFW Post for submission information.

Scout of the Year Program: Due March 1

Annually, the VFW recognizes individuals who have risen above their peers in exemplifying the qualities of the highest youth Scouting ranks. For members of the Boy Scouts of America, those awards are Eagle Scout (Scouts BSA), Summit Award (Venturing), and Quartermaster (Sea Scouting).

Recipients can be awarded scholarships at both the local and national levels.

Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest: Due March 31

The VFW National Auxiliary recognizes young artists (grades 9-12) and encourages patriotism in youth with the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest. National scholarships are awarded to the winners.

Illustrating America Art Contest: Due March 31

The Illustrating America Art Contest introduces, encourages, and recognizes young artists (grades K-8) with patriotism through art. Winners are awarded with gift cards.

Get Excited for the Red, White and Blue!: Due March 31

This VFW Auxiliary national singing contest is for students in grade K-12. Students submit a video solo performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Winners are awarded with gift cards.

For those in Virginia Beach, please submit the entry on a flash drive to VFW Post 392 Auxiliary. For all others, please contact the local VFW Post for submission instructions.

Princess Anne District Awards Nomination Deadline

March 3

Time is running out! Now is the time to submit nominations for Princess Anne District leaders who go above and beyond.

Visit https://forms.gle/BVyHgJaB1xD7frgq5 or scan the QR code on the flyer to access the nomination form for Princess Anne District Awards.

Please this pass along to your unit leaders and parents!

2024 Tidewater Council University of Scouting logo: Scout Quest

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.

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!
Emblem for Angling Educator BSA Fishing

BSA Angling Educator Course

March 9 at University of Scouting

Tidewater Council is proud to offer the BSA Angling Educator course during University of Scouting on March 9, 2024.

Fishing is one of the most popular youth activities. It is also a great way to recruit new Scouts and retain current Scouts.

The BSA Angling Educator course can give a Scouter who has never fished before (or recently) the skills and knowledge to go to a pond and be successful quickly. It is primarily designed to teach leaders how to teach Cubs and Scouts to fish, and how to plan and run a fishing event. This course can also be a great refresher for any seasoned fisher.

Age requirement: 15+
Class capacity: 20 students
For more information: Contact Joe McGinnis at jmcg1965@outlook.com

BALOO logo

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.

Pinewood Derby promotional resource for councils

Pinewood Derbies

March - April
Princess Anne District Pinewood Derby: March 16

Let’s Go Racing!

Registration is now open for the Princess Anne District Pinewood Derby. Race Day is March 16, 2024 at The Church of the Ascension, 4853 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

The top three racers of each den from each pack in Princess Anne District are invited to compete. Please share the flyer, rules, and registration information with your den leaders.

Bayside District Pinewood Derby: March 16

Bayside District is off to the races on March 16, 2024 at Baylake United Methodist Church, 4300 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. The top 3 finishers of each rank from every pack in the Bayside District are eligible.

All racers will receive a 2024 Pinewood Derby patch and a BeACub Racing sticker. Trophies will be awarded to the top three racers by rank/grade and the overall top three.

Albemarle District Pinewood Derby: March 23

Join us under the checkered flag at the Albemarle District Pinewood Derby at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1453 N. Road Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 on Saturday, March 23.

All racers of each rank from every pack in Albemarle District are eligible to race. Arrow of Light Scouts 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.

Three Rivers District Pinewood Derby: March 23

The Three Rivers District Pinewood is Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 10 AM – 2 PM at the Church of the Resurrection, 3501 Cedar Lane, Portsmouth, VA 23703.

The top three finishers of each den, from every pack in Three Rivers, are eligible to race in the Three Rivers District Pinewood Derby. Arrow of Light (AOL) Scouts who have just bridged to a troop are still eligible.

All cars must be turned in to the impound lot prior to the race. All cars must have a 2024 Pinewood Derby “Driver’s License” turned in with the racer’s car. Two dates are available for turn-in prior to race day: March 16 and 18. See the “Driver’s License” for more information. Cars also will be accepted between 8-9 AM on race day. No cars will be accepted after 9 AM on race day.

Council Pinewood Derby: April 7

The top three racers of each rank/grade at each District Pinewood Derby will be invited to compete for the council championship! The Council Pinewood Derby will take place on Sunday, April 7 at Apex Entertainment – the same day as Family Fun Day at Apex!

Photo of Gary Clark in Washington NFL uniform

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 Player 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.

Princess Anne District Awards Breakfast

March 23

Recognize Princess Anne District leaders who go above and beyond at the Princess Anne District Awards Breakfast! The event will be held on Saturday, March 23 from 8-10 AM at Applebee’s, 1426 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464. Tickets are only $12 each. Registration for the Awards Breakfast is now open on Black Pug. Join us for a wonderful time recognizing outstanding leaders and enjoying a great meal!

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.

Patch for Three Rivers District Spring Camporee 2024: Highlander Games

Three Rivers District Spring Camporee

Highlander Games
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!

Registration is now open on Black Pug.

2024 Tidewater Council Living Legends Nominations Due

April 6

Nominations are now open for 2024 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.

Learn about Tidewater Council’s most recent Living Legends:

Nomination forms must be received no later than Saturday, April 6, 2024 to be considered.

Family Fun Day at Apex

April 7

Come have a fun day with your family at Apex Entertainment. Play games, drive cars, and putt around for a good cause. Proceeds support Scouting in our community.

Register online before the deadline or pay at the door on the day of the event.

$20 per person includes:

  • One (1) round of Bumper Cars
  • One (1) round of Mini Golf
  • One (1) 60-Minute Non-Redemption Arcade Card
  • Free bowling shoe rentals with the purchase of a bowling lane

$5 of each $20 ticket purchased will be donated back to Scouting!

Red bag with Wood Badge NST 15-594-24 and white travel mug

Wood Badge

April 12-14 and May 4-5

We “Saved the Antelope” in 2021, we impacted “3 Gens Out” in 2022, we said “Thank You to everyone who said ‘Yes’” in 2023, and we can’t wait to “Build Tomorrow’s Leaders” in 2024! Please join us at Wood Badge this April and May to take part in an opportunity to learn communication skills, project planning, team building, and much more!

This is a two weekend event: April 12-14 and May 4-5, 2024 at Pipsico Scout Reservation.

The first 30 fully paid participants will receive a Wood Badge swag bag! Reserve your spot now for just $50.00!

Sign up on Black Pug.

If you have any questions, please contact the Course Director, Karen Allgaier, at twcwb2024@gmail.com or 757-985-9553.

Patch for 2024 Princess Anne District Camporee

Princess Anne District Spring Camporee

Merit Badges for ALL
April 19-21, 2024

Princess Anne District’s 2024 Spring Camporee is just a couple months away. Registration is now open!

The Camporee will be held at Izaak Walton Park in Chesapeake. Join us for:

  • Scout Skills for younger Scouts
  • Merit Badges for ALL
  • Saturday night youth cookoff
  • Saturday night adult cookoff
  • OA Callout Ceremony conducted by the Princess Anne Chapter of Blue Heron Lodge

If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Jessica Harlan at just.smile@mac.com.

If you would like to come out and counsel a Merit Badge on Saturday, please contact Mike Maruska at mikemaruska1179@gmail.com or 757-641-2373.

May 15, 2024 Blood Drive Graphic - All in to help save lives!

Scouting for Blood Drive

May 15

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, May 15, 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

Tidewater Council Recognition Banquet graphic with stars

Council Recognition Banquet

May 15

Save the date for Tidewater Council’s Recognition Banquet: Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

Join us to recognize youth and adults, including 2023 Eagle Scouts, Silver Beaver Award recipients, National Outstanding Eagle Scouts, and many more!

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 – FULL
Week #4 – July 14 to July 20, 2024

Patch for NOAC 2024 - Seek new heights

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

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.

News

Thank You! The NRA Foundation is America's leading charitable organization in support of the shooting sports. For more information, visit www.nrafoundation.org and www.friendsofnra.org

NRA Foundation Grant

We are pleased to announce that the NRA Foundation has awarded Tidewater Council a grant totaling $11,000 to fund youth shooting sports education. The grant provides new shooting sports, archery, and safety equipment, which Scouts will have the opportunity to use at summer resident camp, day camps, and weekend events.

2024 BSA National Registration Fees

New Member Joining Fees

The New Member Joining Fee will be eliminated on April 1, 2024. This will be a cost savings of $25 per new member.

Annual Membership Fees

Effective April 1, 2024, the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America will implement the following annual national membership fees:

  • $85 per year for youth participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouting (Increase of $5)
  • $65 per year for adult volunteers (Increase of $5)
  • $50 per year for Exploring participants and leaders (No change)
  • $25 per year for Merit Badge Counselors (No change) – This fee applies only for Merit Badge Counselors who do not hold another paid registration.
  • $100 per year for the unit charter fee (No change)
  • $15 per year for optional Scout Life magazine subscription (No change)
For Assistance

For information about need-based financial assistance or unit fundraising opportunities, please contact the district executive.

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.

Multiple Registration Expiration Date Alignment

In order to streamline the registration process for members who hold multiple BSA registrations, the expiration date for all registrations held by a single individual will be aligned.

Who does this affect?
This update will affect any BSA member who holds a multiple registration. It applies to both unit and non-unit registrations.

What does this mean?
For all members who hold both a primary (paid) registration and a multiple registration of any kind, the expiration date of the multiple position will change to align with their primary registration expiration date.

For example, if an individual holds a primary registration in Troop 100 that expires on 12/31/24 and a multiple registration in Crew 100 that expires on 10/31/24, the expiration date of the multiple registration in Crew 100 will change to 12/31/24 to match the member’s primary registration.

What if I don’t have a paid registration?
All members of the BSA must hold a paid registration. If a multiple registration currently exists without a paid registration, the multiple registration will be automatically expired.

When will this happen?
The update will take place in mid-March 2024.

What do I need to do?
No action is needed. The update will run automatically. 

Scout Shop

With Pinewood Derby district races, crossovers, and new recruits, March is a busy month!

Pinewood Derby

We still have Pinewood Derby cars and accessories, plus weights, wheels, axles, and more.

Webelos-to-Scout Crossovers

Unit leaders, please make sure new Scouts know what they need to purchase in addition to the main uniform items (shirt, pants, cap, belt, socks). Many units provide shoulder loops, custom numbers, books, neckerchiefs, and slides, or any variation of these items. Help US help THEM through this process.

Scouts BSA Requirements Book cover
2024 Scouts BSA Requirements Books

2024 Scouts BSA Requirements Books are now in stock for $7.99. This book makes it very convenient for leaders and Scouts to see every requirement under one cover. Besides rank requirements, it gives a synopsis of requirements for every merit badge, which makes choosing electives much easier.

Eagle Scout Section

The Eagle Scout Section is being revived with new and re-stocked items from National Supply. Restocked items include Eagle cups ($7.99 for 50), balloons ($7.99 for 25), and confetti ($6.49 per packet), all with a new look.

One NEW item this year is the Eagle Scout Silver Balloon Banner kit ($9.99). The banner spells out “Eagle Scout” in silver letters that measure approximately 15” tall by 5” wide.

Another new item is the Eagle Scout Balloon Arch Kit. This 173-piece kit sells for $19.99 and includes red, white, and blue latex balloons of various sizes, some metallic, some with confetti design, and the tools needed to put it together. Height can vary depending on how the arch is put together, but it will certainly add a decorative touch to any Eagle Scout celebration.

Eagle Scout balloons, cups, and decorations
Cub Scout Program Changes

Cub Scouting is changing. The new program officially begins June 1, 2024. New requirements will generate new awards and Cub Scout Handbooks.

We are selling all the current Cub Scout handbooks at $14.99 ($10 discount) for THIS year’s program. New stock is expected in by April or May, in time for the coming year beginning June 1.

The final day to return current Cub Scout awards and books was February 29. We are unable to accept returns of these items.

Beginning on April 2, prepayment will be required before we can order any current Cub Scouting award that is out of stock.

We hope to have a smooth transition as we move from one Cub Scouting program to the other. Our goal is to provide the current needs of our customers without being over-stocked on awards that we cannot return. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Shipping

We continue to ship items by USPS. You may call your order in (757-497-2688) or email polly.fugate@scouting.org or staci.vankirk@scouting.org. We calculate the cost including shipping and will call you back for a VISA or Mastercard number.

Scout Shop Hours

Our next holiday closing will be March 29 and 30 for Easter weekend.

Camp Cards header with camping gear, flashlight, boot, lantern, backpack, campfire, Dutch oven, fishing pole, kayak, tent

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!
Photo of 2024 Camp Card with North Carolina vendors
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!
Photo of 2024 Camp Card with Virginia vendors

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.

BSA SAFE Logo
Hazard Trees

According to the U.S. Forest Service, our nation’s forests are experiencing declining health conditions. Broken tops, widow-makers (broken or hanging limbs), and root rot in many tree species along with insect infestations, lightning, wind events, drought, and abundant moisture have led to the creation of abnormally high numbers of “hazard trees.” Hazard trees include dead trees, live trees with dead parts, and live trees that are unstable due to defects and are within striking distance of people or property.

These hazard trees don’t just affect our Scouting family during storms. They can fall—and have fallen—at unpredictable times, even when weather conditions are favorable.

See the Hazard Trees Safety Moment for some tips to prevent a hazard tree from affecting your event.

SAME STEM Camps

The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) offers summer STEM camps for interested high school students (rising sophomore to rising senior). These hands-on, one-week camps involve fun engineering challenges in a group environment, including construction of concrete beams, among many others.

Industry volunteers in engineering, military, Department of Defense, and STEM fields serve as mentors. The connections made at SAME STEM Camps offer great networking and recommendation opportunities for youth who will be applying to colleges and higher education programs.

Scholarship are available; please see the flyer for more information.

Apply by March 15, 2024.

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.

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

Pack Meeting Plans

With twelve months in the year and twelve points of the Scout Law, why not choose one value to focus on each month? Scout Law-focused Pack Meeting Plans can be found here.

Meeting plans may be used in any order and can be adjusted to fit the needs of the families in the pack.

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
  • National Play Outside Day: March 2
    • 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
  • National Dentists Day: March 6
  • National Napping Day: March 11
  • 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
  • Walk in the Sand Day: March 23
    • Go for a hike on the beach.
April
  • National Farm Animals Day: April 10
  • National Look Up at the Sky Day: April 14
  • Volunteer Recognition Day: April 20
    • Have Scouts make thank you cards or plan an activity to recognize volunteer leaders.
    • Do a service project or volunteer activity.
  • National Kids and Pets Day: April 26
  • National Honesty Day: April 30
    • Discuss the first point of the Scout Law: A Scout is Trustworthy.

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

Andrea Kilmer speaking at the Second Annual Examples of Success Event
Andrea Kilmer

Community leaders gathered at Town Center City Club in Virginia Beach on February 29 to honor some of Tidewater Council’s outstanding female Scouts at the Second Annual Examples of Success Dinner. Thank you to Barbara Lewis for hosting and to ABNB Federal Credit Union for sponsoring the event!

Elena T., an Eagle Scout from Troop 5587, and Anya L., a Life Scout from Troop 1791, addressed and impressed the crowd of more than 100 influential women. The event’s keynote speaker was Andrea Kilmer, a longtime Scout leader, wife of an Eagle Scout, mother of two Eagle Scouts, and CEO of The Garcia Companies. Thank you to all three inspirational speakers!

Elena T, Eagle Scout from Troop 5587, speaking at the Second Annual Examples of Success Event
Elena T., Troop 5587
Anya L, Life Scout in Troop 1791, speaking at the Second Annual Examples of Success Event
Anya L., Troop 1791

Scouts are continuing their awesome efforts in the 2024 Scouting for Food drive.

Troop 362 contributed 176 hours of service and collected more than 350 pounds of food! Their collection supported the Community United Methodist Church / Church of the Ascension Roman Catholic Church food pantry.

Group photo of Scouts from Troop 362 following the 2024 Scouting for Food Drive
Scouting for Food collection by Troop 362
Items collected by Troop 362 for Scouting for Food 2024

Cub Scout Pack 991 visited Virginia Beach Fire Station 9. The Scouts enjoyed the opportunity to meet their community’s first responders!

Cub Scout sitting in a fire truck

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). 

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