Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
STEM Fun Day
May 2
Bring a friend to discover the adventures of Scouting at STEM Fun Day on Saturday, May 2 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Elizabeth City!
Explore STEM with archery, microscopes, stomp rockets, knots, and more. All Scouts, families, and community members are welcome to participate. The event is free of charge, thanks to support from the Elizabeth City Foundation.
Scouts Read Sacred Texts Worldwide
May 7
Scouts Read Sacred Texts, an initiative originating from Scouting America’s National Religious Relationships Committee, is now a worldwide invitation to youth, designed to inspire them to set aside some time to read a sacred text from their religion.
The event is held in conjunction with the U.S. National Day of Prayer. Youth are encouraged to read their text on that day, or anytime that week, when it’s convenient. Most Scouts will set aside some time to read the sacred text of their religion at home with their families on the evening of the National Day of Prayer. They can also do it at their place of worship or wherever else they please.
Now in its third year, the Scouts Read Sacred Texts program has grown by 50% and is still growing! Learn more, sign up to participate, download promotional materials, and purchase patches or stickers at scoutsreadsacredtextsworldwide.org.
Our community comes from diverse backgrounds, and is able to work together with peace and love!
Backpack to Retention
May 20
Cub Scout packs, spring is the best time to load up your backpacks with the tools to ready your pack for fall success. We are gathering some of the most successful Cub Scouters in the council to share some of their best methods in:
- Planning the next program year
- Recruiting more Scouts
- Turning parents into leaders
- Retaining Scouting families
In addition to these great tools, you will be the first to see the reveal of our 2026 recruiting theme!
Join us on Wednesday, May 20 at 6:30 PM at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.
Trail Service Weekend
May 29-31
The Tidewater Council High Adventure Committee and volunteers from the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club will hold a Trail Service Weekend at Pipsico Scout Reservation on May 29-31. This volunteer effort supports the ongoing restoration of the Red Trail and a broader long-term vision to develop it as both a valuable camp hiking resource and a future High Adventure training route for local Scout units preparing for backpacking treks and outdoor leadership experiences.
Participants will work alongside experienced trail club volunteers to help improve and maintain the trail for future use. Projects may include clearing the trail corridor, removing debris, and improving sections of trail as needed. The goal of the weekend is simple: bring together volunteers, make meaningful progress, and support an important outdoor resource for Scouting in Tidewater Council.
2026 Princess Anne District Spring Merit Badge and Training Day
May 30
Join Scouts from across the district for an action-packed day of learning, exploring, and earning merit badges— all focused on digital citizenship, safety, and technology. This exciting event, held at at Kempsville Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach, is designed to empower Scouts to Protect and Serve in the Digital World. With great power comes great online responsibility. Be the hero your Digital World Needs!
With guidance from expert mentors and merit badge counselors, Scouts will have the opportunity to earn merit badges in topics such as Animation, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Digital Technology, Drafting, Electricity, Electronics, Energy, Engineering, Game Design, Genealogy, Graphic Arts, Programming, and Robotics.
Additional training courses are planned, including Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED, Cub Scout Position-Specific Training, Cub Scout Rangemaster Training, Den Chief Training, Cub Scout Day Camp Administration, Scouts BSA Position-Specific Training, and Understanding and Preventing Youth-on-Youth Abuse Training.
Registration is now open on Black Pug.
Popcorn 101
June 3
Designed for new Unit Popcorn Kernels, Popcorn 101 training lays the groundwork for a successful popcorn sale.
- Great resource course for new Unit Popcorn Kernels, Committee Chairs, and Treasurers!
- Gain fundamental knowledge BEFORE the popcorn arrives!
- Chock-full of helpful tips!
- Entry-level information to help form a successful popcorn fundraiser, from start to finish!
- Networking opportunity that shouldn’t be missed!
- Come join us for a popping-good time!
This training will be offered both in-person at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center and virtually. For questions, contact Tony Montemurno at [email protected].
Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides
June 12
The Norfolk Tides welcome Scouting families to enjoy an evening at the ballpark as they take on the Memphis Redbirds on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 6:35 PM at Harbor Park!
Tickets and camping vouchers for Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides are now available. Purchase vouchers at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop. Tickets are $19 each and camping vouchers are $5 each. The deadline to purchase vouchers is Thursday, June 11 at noon, or until sold out.
Ticket vouchers must be exchanged for seat tickets at the Harbor Park Ticket Office. Vouchers can be exchanged in advance or the night of the game. Groups are strongly encouraged to exchange vouchers in advance to ensure everyone sits together.
Guests must adhere to all Harbor Park policies, including the Fan Code of Conduct and the Clear Bag Policy. All Guide to Safe Scouting rules apply. Only registered leaders may camp with troops, crews, ships, or posts.
Cub Scout Day Camps
June-July
Get ready to stomp, chomp, and roar your way through the most “dino”-mite adventure of the summer. At Dinotopia Day Camp, explorers will dig into prehistoric discoveries, unleash their inner T-Rex, and build friendships that are a million years in the making. Every day is packed with larger than life fun.
Early bird registration discounts have been extended until May 8. Sign up today to save a stego-stack of cash!
Cub Scout day camps and twilight camps are summer outdoor experiences for Cub Scout youth. Staffed by a team of volunteers, day camp activities include sports and games, academics, STEM and science activities, nature exploration, crafts, range and target activities, and skits and songs. Cub Scouts have the opportunity to try new things as they work on elective Cub Scouting Adventures.
Elizabeth City Day Camp (Albemarle)
June 15-19, 2026
Albemarle Day Camp will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Elizabeth City. Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with Friday wrapping up early at 1:00 PM.
For questions, contact Tiffany at [email protected].
Virginia Beach Day Camp (Bayside)
June 15-19, 2026
Bayside Day Camp will be held at Bayside Masonic Lodge in Virginia Beach. Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with Friday wrapping up early at 1:00 PM.
For questions, contact Michelle at [email protected].
Virginia Beach Day Camp (Princess Anne)
June 22-26, 2026
Princess Anne Day Camp will be held at Tabernacle Baptist Academy in Virginia Beach. Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with Friday wrapping up early at 1:00 PM.
For questions, contact Andrew at [email protected].
Virginia Beach Twilight Camp (Princess Anne)
July 13-17, 2026
Princess Anne Twilight Camp will be held at the Columbian Club in Virginia Beach. Camp runs from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
For questions, contact Andrew at [email protected].
Chesapeake Twilight Camp (Three Rivers)
July 20-24, 2026
Three Rivers Twilight Camp will be held at Great Bridge Baptist Church in Chesapeake. Camp runs from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
For questions, contact Steven at [email protected].
Pipsico Scout Reservation Summer Camp
June-July
Pipsico Scout Reservation offers a wide variety of activities and programs that enable Scouts to earn awards while having fun!
Facilities include a 40-foot climbing and rappelling tower, air conditioned dining hall, swimming pool with ramp access for those with mobility needs, recently-renovated aquatics center, fully equipped health lodge, trading post, ranges for range and target activities, and more.
All Pipsico programs and facilities are Nationally Accredited.
What are you waiting for? Sign up for Beazley Scouts BSA Summer Camp 2026 today and get ready for an awesome camping experience, at a beautiful property, with a friendly camp staff!
Week 1: June 21 – June 27
Week 2: June 28 – July 4
Week 3: July 5 – July 11
Week 4: July 12 – July 18
Popcorn Training
June 24 & June 29
Join us to learn about the 2026 Tidewater Council Popcorn Sale!
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!
- Wednesday, June 24 at 6:30 PM at Moyock United Methodist Church
- Monday, June 29 at 6:30 PM at the Mary Jayne Breeden Tidewater Council Service Center
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 questions, contact Erin Alger at [email protected].
Range and Target Activities Trainings
August - September
Want to learn how to run a safe range? Interested in joining range and target activities staff at council events like the Camporall or Guns ‘n’ Grillin’? Want the ability to run unit-level range and target activities events for older Scouts? Tidewater Council offers multiple training opportunities for NRA and USA Archery certifications.
Course Schedule
- NRA Basic Shotgun: August 8 – Waitlist only
- NRA Basic Rifle: August 9
- NRA Range Safety Officer: September 26
Contact
- If interested in assisting with range and target activities training, email [email protected].
- If interested in staffing a Tidewater Council range and target activities event, email [email protected].
High Adventure Backpacking and Canoeing Training
September 11-13
Have you thought about traveling through the wilderness of our great country? Enjoying clear nights where you see so many stars that you cannot pick out a constellation. Observing wildlife in their natural habitat. Fishing in streams brimming with large bass or salmon. If you long to see nature unencumbered by man’s development, you should join or organize a High Adventure trip for your unit. Scouting’s High Adventure program allows you to travel through the undeveloped parts of our country and view nature at its best.
The heart of Scouting America’s program are the outdoor activities we conduct. The two separate training courses for High Adventure, backpacking and canoeing, are scheduled for September 11-13, 2026. The training provides Scout leaders and senior youth with the skills to plan and conduct a High Adventure trek involving backpacking or canoeing.
Backpacking
In the backpacking training, participants will learn and practice the skills involved by hiking with full gear for at least 5 miles. The location of this hike will be announced by the summer.
Canoeing
The canoe training will begin at Camp Moonyah with basic training in canoeing, then participants will travel from Camp Moonyah to Camp Baker, a ten-mile trek, via the Intracoastal Waterway.
Course Details
Adult leaders will learn how to organize and execute one of these adventures, while the senior youth will learn what is expected of a crew leader.
The fee for a participant is $45, which includes food, canoe rentals, and site fees. Registration is coming soon in Black Pug. Each course is limited to 20 participants.
For further information, please contact Jeffrey Irving at 757-646-5218 or Chip Elliott at 858-386-6209.
World Scout Jamboree
July 30 - August 8, 2027
The World Scout Jamboree is held every four years around the world. The next Jamboree will be held in Gdansk, Poland in the summer of 2027 and will have approximately 45,000 Scouts and leaders from over 140 countries in attendance.
Age Requirements
- Participants must be between the ages of 14-17 at the start of the Jamboree on July 30, 2027.
- Those over 17 at the start of the Jamboree can apply to be a unit leader or on staff.
- Those under age 14 are not eligible to attend the 2027 World Scout Jamboree. Save the date for the 2031 World Scout Jamboree in Denmark!
For More Information
- World Scout Jamboree website: jamboree2027.org
- US Contingent website: wsj2027.us
- In-council point of contact: Keegan Daley, [email protected], 716-381-7200
News
New Donor Relations and Endowment Coordinator Alexis Krenzke
Please join us in welcoming Tidewater Council’s new Donor Relations and Endowment Coordinator, Alexis Krenzke!
Alexis Krenzke recently joined Tidewater Council as its Donor Relations and Endowment Coordinator. In her role, she supports fundraising, donor stewardship, and endowment administration efforts. She most recently worked at Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation as a philanthropy associate, where she oversaw donor stewardship.
Alexis is also a proud Cub Scout parent and is excited to support the mission of Scouting at Tidewater Council!
The NRA Foundation Awards Grant to Virginia Scouting Programs
The NRA Foundation has awarded Scouting America Tidewater Council a grant totaling $8,084.00. The grant provides range and target activities equipment for use at Pipsico Scout Reservation and Scout camps in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach.
Scout Shop
Congratulations Graduating Class of 2026!
As the end of the school year nears and graduation ceremonies begin, remember to come in and purchase Eagle Scout Graduation Cords.
Help your Eagle Scout celebrate their accomplishments and show off their Scouting pride when they wear the red, white, and blue Eagle Scout Graduation Cords with their cap and gown. Cords are available in the Scout Shop for $12.99.
Celebrate Your American Pride in Red, White, and Blue!
The Scout Shop has a new Americana T-shirt. It honors more than a century of Scouting tradition with a design rooted in heritage and everyday wearability. Clean, classic, and easy to style, this tee reflects the values and history that have shaped generations of Scouts. Available in adult sizes small – 2XL.
Day Camp is Right Around the Corner
The Scout Shop has many day camp essentials in store, such as drawstring backpacks, water bottles, and bug spray. Swing by the store and see all the different options available to get your Cub Scout ready for day camp!
Scout Shop Hours
The Scout Shop will be closed on Saturday, May 23 for Memorial Day weekend.
Spring Recruiting
Families can join Scouting at any time during the year, and spring is a great time to focus efforts on inviting new youth to join the adventure.
- Showcase the Adventure: Tell prospective members about the unit’s upcoming outdoor activities. Seeing a calendar of upcoming events gives families a more concrete idea of the opportunities available and makes them more excited to join. The council can assist if your unit is hosting a recruiting event that you would like to share with prospective families. We can geofence the event through Facebook. Simply complete this form at least two weeks prior to your event and turn in to your district executive.
- Collaborate: Packs should invite nearby troops to their joining events. Spring recruiting is the ideal time for troops to recruit fifth graders.
- Be Strategic: Do a membership inventory before planning the recruiting event. If some ages or ranks are light, target recruiting to those grades.
- Ask for Help: The district executive wants to help! Contact them for assistance with printing and delivering flyers, arranging a youth talk, geofenced advertising on Facebook (as mentioned above), event planning, or any other advice needed.
- Dropped Members: Reach out to families who did not renew their membership with the unit’s recharter and ask why. Maybe they needed a personal invitation to come back. Maybe they have moved or have a scheduling conflict – if so, offer for the district executive to contact them to help find another unit. If they have suggestions or complaints, their feedback may help to improve the Scouting program.
- Peer Recruiting: One of the most effective recruiting methods is a personal invitation from a friend. Encourage Scouts to bring a friend to a fun event. When the friend joins Scouting, the Scout qualifies to earn the Recruiter Strip.
- Please note that it is too early to recruit pre-kindergarteners. The Lions program does not start until August 1 each year.
Scouting Safety Moment
It is recommended to include a Scouting Safety Moment during meetings to inform Scouts and parents and keep everyone safe. Numerous Scouting Safety Moments are available here.
Zip Lines
Zip lines, canopy tours, and aerial adventure parks can be exhilarating fun for troops, ships, and crews. Scouting America has developed guidance for leaders in planning and participating in these activities at council camps and appropriate commercial facilities. Use of privately installed, maintained, or operated zip lines by any unit, district, or council is not authorized.
Registrar's Corner
Scoutbook Plus Merit Badge Counselor Functionality
Merit Badge Counselor functionality has been migrated to Scoutbook Plus. New functionality has been added to My.Scouting to assign and register Merit Badge Counselors in a single step.
For more information and instructions on using the new functionality, please see the Scoutbook Plus Merit Badge Counselor Guide.
Safeguarding Youth Refresher Training
The new Safeguarding Youth Refresher Training is now available. The refresher course helps leaders renew this annual required training.
- If you have completed the full Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) course and it is currently active or has expired within the last 7 days, you are eligible to take the Refresher Training.
- If you have never taken the full SYT course or if your SYT has been expired for 7 days or more, you will need to complete the full Safeguarding Youth Training course.
Participants taking the Refresher Training must successfully pass the exam on the first attempt to receive credit. If the exam is not passed, the system will automatically route to the full Safeguarding Youth Training course to ensure a complete review of the material. Once the refresher exam is failed, the refresher course cannot be relaunched, and the full course must be completed.
Now Hiring
District Executive
Since 1910, Scouting has helped shape the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. Scouting 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 Christy Cooper at [email protected].
Beazley Scouts BSA Summer Camp Staff Opportunities
Join the team at Pipsico Scout Reservation!
Are you ready to make a difference next summer and create unforgettable experiences for Scouts and fellow staff members? Pipsico Scout Reservation is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our team! Whether you’re passionate about outdoor education, adventure programming, or supporting behind the scenes, we have a role for you.
Positions Available
- Camp Commissioners
- Dining Hall Manager
- Program Staff
- Kitchen Crew
- Camp Counselors
- Administrative Support
Why Work at Pipsico?
- Gain valuable leadership and teamwork skills.
- Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while making lasting memories.
- Be part of a vibrant and supportive Scouting community.
Don’t wait—applications are open and positions are filling fast!
Pipsico Tree Photos
A favorite stop on a Pipsico Scout Reservation hike is the Pipsico Tree, a tulip poplar nearly 20 feet in circumference that predates the arrival of the first English colonists.
Pipsico’s Heritage Area team and volunteer camp maintenance team, the Busy Beavers, are seeking your photos with the Pipsico Tree for a collage and slideshow. Please send any photos to [email protected] to be included in the display.
Scouts BSA Test Lab
The Scouts BSA Test Lab is an exciting way for participants to help in the development of Scouting America’s merit badge programs.
Scouts can work on Test Lab requirements with a registered adult (following all Scouting America Barriers to Abuse and Safeguarding Youth policies). After completing the requirements, Scouts give their feedback. The fate of potential merit badges rests in your hands!
Current Test Lab topics include:
- Auctioneering: Available until June 30, 2026
- Competitive Gaming: Available until June 1, 2026
- Dance: Available until November 1, 2026
- Life Skills: Available until June 30, 2026
- Military Service & Veterans: Available until October 1, 2026
- Physics: Available until August 2026
- Psychology: Available until December 31, 2026
- Sewing & Needlework: Available until August 31, 2026
- Wildland Fire Management: Available until June 30, 2026
Development Corner
Friends of Scouting
Friends of Scouting is Tidewater Council’s annual giving campaign. The generosity of Scouting families, alumni, and community supporters keeps the overall cost of Scouting affordable so all families can participate. Tidewater Council’s goal is to raise $550,000 through Friends of Scouting in 2026.
Has your unit scheduled its 2026 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.
Campaign Progress as of April 30, 2026
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal:
United Way Donor Designations
Tidewater Council is a partner agency with United Way of South Hampton Roads and Albemarle Area United Way. Did you know that you can designate a United Way gift to local Scouting?
- For United Way of South Hampton Roads, you can designate your gift to support Scouting America Tidewater Council.
- For Albemarle Area United Way, you can designate your gift to support Scouting America Tidewater Council (4004).
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 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, or any outstanding Scout or Scouter.
Program Ideas
May
- National Wildfire Awareness Month
- Work on the Fire Safety merit badge.
- Share the Campfire Safety Safety Moment.
- Share the Behavior Around Campfires Safety Moment.
- Work on the Firem’n Chit.
- National Loyalty Day: May 1
- A Scout is Loyal. Discuss what it means to be loyal.
- Display the American flag.
- Say the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Work on the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge.
- World Laughter Day: May 3
- Invite each Scout to tell a joke.
- Ask each den or patrol to perform a funny skit.
- Read the jokes in Scout Life’s Think & Grin section.
- Submit a joke to Think & Grin.
- National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day: May 7
- Share mental health-related Safety Moments:
- Provide resources, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) and Scouting America’s Bullying Awareness resources.
- National Day of Prayer: May 7
- Participate in Scouts Read Sacred Texts Worldwide.
- National Archery Day: May 9
- Sign up for an upcoming event including archery:
- Work on the Archery merit badge.
- National River Cleanup Day: May 16
- Learn about the Scouting for Clean Waterways initiative.
- Organize or volunteer with a river cleanup.
- Work on the Soil and Water Conservation merit badge.
- Memorial Day: May 25
- Participate in a local parade or ceremony.
- Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 PM.
- Visit a military cemetery.
June
- National Camping Month
- Attend Cub Scout Day Camp.
- Attend Summer Resident Camp.
- Work on the Camping merit badge.
- Work on the Cub Scout rank-specific Camping Adventure:
- Go camping!
- World Bicycle Day: June 3
- Work on the Cycling merit badge.
- Work on the Cub Scout rank-specific Cycling Adventure:
- Go for a bike ride!
- World Food Safety Day: June 7
- Share the Keeping Your Food Safe Safety Moment.
- Work on the Cooking merit badge.
- Flag Day: June 14
- Conduct a flag ceremony.
- Share this article about flag etiquette.
- Work on the American Heritage merit badge (requirement 3b).
- National Go Fishing Day: June 18
- Work on the Fishing merit badge.
- Work on the Fly Fishing merit badge.
- Work on the Fish and Wildlife Management merit badge.
- Work on the Complete Angler Recognition.
- Work on the Cub Scout rank-specific Fishing Adventure:
- Go fishing!
- Lightning Safety Awareness Week: June 21-27
- Share the Weather-Related Safety Safety Moment.
- Take Hazardous Weather Training on My.Scouting.
- Take the Scouting Magazine Before the Storm Safety Quiz.
- Share the Scout Life article, “Be Prepared for These 5 Common Weather Hazards.”
- Work on the Weather merit badge.
Community Engagement
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.
STEM Learning at the HRBT Welcome Center
The HRBT Welcome Center (9401 4th View St., Norfolk, VA 23503) is booking free STEM learning sessions for student groups through 2026.
The presentations are STEM-focused, while also exposing students to regional history and the wide range of careers involved in the $3.9 billion interstate expansion. Programs can be tailored to any age group and program objective.
Scout units can send requests to [email protected] for a one to two hour visit with project staff and engineers between 9 AM and 4 PM Monday through Friday. The HRBT Welcome Center team can typically accommodate groups of 10-30 individuals per session.
Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Scouting in the News
“Virginia Beach Scoutmaster retires after 33 years of service and producing 130 Eagle Scouts for the troop” from News 3 WTKR on April 14, 2026
“The NRA Foundation Awards Grant to Local Scouts for Camp” from the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce on May 1, 2026
Cub Scout Pack 374 enjoyed the ultimate egg drop challenge with help from Virginia Beach Fire Department Stations 11 and 12. Scouts had the opportunity to build vessels to protect eggs, and test them with a ladder truck drop, with a lot of STEM learning, community engagement, and fun along the way.
Local Scouts participated in the Norfolk NATO Festival’s Annual Parade of Nations, honoring and promoting the international influence of the NATO Command in Norfolk and the cultural exchange between Member Nations.
We want to hear from you! Send stories, photos, and videos of your Scouts in action to [email protected] (with parental permission, of course).