Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Webelos Woods
October 8-10
Webelos Woods is the first opportunity for 4th and 5th grade Webelos Cub Scouts to learn what Scouts BSA is all about. It is a weekend experience that exposes first and second year Webelos Scouts to Scouts BSA camping using the patrol method, in a Scouts BSA-led outdoor adventure, supervised by adult Scouts BSA leaders.
The weekend event gives Webelos a taste of a little more independence and self-reliance than in Cub Scouts (an appealing prospect for boys and girls at this age). The patrol method is the way Scouts BSA organizes activities, giving youth an experience in group living, working, and fun.
Lion and Tiger Day
October 9
Lion and Tiger Day is an opportunity for our youngest Cub Scouts and their parents to experience Pipsico Scout Reservation for a day. Lions and Tigers will “Be Prepared” to return with their pack for future weekend events. This Saturday event will allow families to take a nature hike, play some field games, visit handicraft, and try their skills at archery.
Order of the Arrow Fall Fellowship
October 15-17
Registration is now open for the Order of the Arrow Fall Fellowship. All Lodge members are encouraged to participate in a weekend of service and fellowship. Arrowmen are encouraged to register and seek Brotherhood Honor.
Registration is required, so sign-up now!
Albemarle District Cub-O-Ree
Gold Rush!
October 22-24
The Gold Rush is an Albemarle District Family Camping event held at Currituck County Rural Center. This event is for all Cub Scouts and their families and/or leaders to experience together. Non-Scout siblings are invited to participate in all activities during Gold Rush. Activities include BB guns, archery, field games, making your own kite, cooking a snack, learning new songs and skits, trying to catch a fish, learning about horsemanship, enjoying a campfire program, and more.
Mark your calendar now for October 22-24. The cost is $40/family if paid by October 8. The LATE FEE of $50/family is quickly approaching, so register before October 9, 2021. Packs are asked to plan on having skits and songs for the campfire program. Let’s get ready to camp! Registration is now open.
New Scouts who register July 2021 through October 2021 may attend for the day, on Saturday, October 23 from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, at no charge. Register for the day here.
If new families would like to enjoy the entire weekend (highly encouraged), fees apply as stated, and they need to register here.
Sporting Clays Tournament
October 23
Who is Tidewater Council’s best marksman? Teams of four will compete to find out in Tidewater Council’s Sporting Clays Tournament in Shawboro, NC!
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
October 23-24
BALOO is a Cub Scout leader training required for any den or pack wanting to hold an outdoor, overnight event. It is comprised of two components, an online pre-course and then a weekend practical session. Join us at Pasquotank Ruritan Club in Elizabeth City, NC for BALOO this fall!
ScoutReach Golf Classic
October 25
ScoutReach is the outreach program of the Boy Scouts of America. In ScoutReach, the council and donors fund the Scouting program for disadvantaged families.
Support this worthy cause with a day on the links at Red Wing Lake Golf Course! All proceeds from the tournament will benefit local ScoutReach programs.
Albemarle Spook-O-Ree
October 29-31
Come join the Spook-O-Ree!
Albemarle District is holding its Fall Camporee – that is, Spook-O-Ree – October 29-31, 2021 at KOA Currituck, 1631 Waterlilly Road, Coinjock, NC 27923. All Tidewater Council troops, crews, and ships are welcome to attend. Registration is open on Black Pug.
You don’t want to miss out on the “Haunted Trail.” The trail will lead you down a dark winding path filled with uncertainty and suspense. If you’re ready for a heart-pounding stroll on a brisk autumn night, we dare you to enter the trail!
There will also be patrol pumpkin carving, a Scout cook-off which will incorporate use of a pumpkin, and, of course, costumes (Scout-appropriate)! Adults will vie for the Spook-O-Ree favorite for bragging rights. After the trail, the district will provide a cracker barrel feast for all that you won’t want to miss.
The late fee starts October 21, so sign-up soon.
Princess Anne District Fall Camporee
October 29-31
In the wake of a long camporee hiatus, Princess Anne district has established the “Rise of the Phoenix District Games” in The Capital (Izaak Walton League Park). An event in which Scouts between the ages of 10 and 17 (Arrow of Light Scouts, Venturing crews, and Scouts BSA troops) are divided into patrols and entered into a Scout skills competition adapted to the theme, where they must battle each other and rise from the ashes, just like the Phoenix, to claim victory. Awards will be given for each competition event and for an overall camporee award.
To celebrate Halloween weekend, troops are encouraged to decorate their campsites in their best Halloween gear. Camporee staff will choose the three best decorated campsites that represent the spirit of Halloween.
Online registration is now open in Black Pug. The cost is $12.00 per person (youth and adult). Troops, crews, and Arrow of Light dens must register no later than October 9, 2021. If registered after October 9, a late fee of $5.00 will be applied. Registration ends on October 23, 2021. No on-site registration will be accepted.
Pipsico Fall Festival
November 5-7
Pipsico Scout Reservation has been serving the youth of Tidewater Council and beyond for 63 years, and we are inviting all packs, troops, crews, ships, and posts to join us for a fall weekend of fun. After setting up your tents, enjoy your campfire Friday night and get ready for a fun-filled Saturday. Saturday activities you may enjoy are to fish Lake Beasley, climb the tower, hike the trails, and show your marksmanship on one of the ranges available for your rank. You can also enjoy fellowship with Scouts from around the council, brush up on your knots and other camp skills, and visit Huskanaw or the Gaga Pit. When you think you’ve done it all, prepare for a campfire program like no other.
We will have a Scout Show Saturday morning. Some attendees are a blacksmith guild, beekeepers, and a cooking demonstration. Units are encouraged to bring an activity to share for a Scout Show Saturday morning with other Scouts. Scouting and Staff Alumni are welcome; please come and share your memories of how much fun it was and see how much fun Scouts are having now!
Please come out for the events on Saturday, enjoy the fall weather, the fellowship, and the many activities. Registration is open on Black Pug. If you’re interested in supporting a Scout Show event Saturday morning, contact Kirsten Misfeldt at kmisfeldt62@gmail.com.
American Red Cross Pint-Size Hero Blood Drive
November 8
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. Each Scout who recruits a donor will receive an American Red Cross braided bracelet.
WHEN: Monday, November 8
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 2 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 Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony
November 11
All Tidewater Council packs, troops, ships, posts, and crews are invited to participate in the 2021 Tidewater Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony.
This year, the Veterans Day Parade at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront will begin at 16th and Atlantic Avenue and proceed to the Tidewater Veterans Memorial on 19th Street across from the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Check in and line up begin at 8:00 AM with exact location to be determined; the parade starts at 9:00 AM. Scouts will get to see the entire parade and then step off as one of the last units in the lineup. All units are requested to bring their American and unit flags. Scouts and leaders should be in uniform. Scouts are invited to remain for the 11:00 AM Memorial Service.
Register your unit to march in the parade and pre-order your patches no later than October 30, 2021. Registration is required and a patch is available by pre-order only. Register now on Black Pug. Patches will be available for pick‐up by December 17.
Wood Badge Reunion Dinner
November 13
Reunite with your patrol, enjoy the fellowship of other critters, and share stories with past participants and staff!
- $30 per person or $50 per couple
- Cash bar
- Silent auction to raise funds for the Wood Badge/NYLT Scholarship Fund
- Catering by Beach Bully BBQ
- Doors open at 6:30 PM
Join us at Gilwell!
Pow Wow
November 13
Pow Wow is a supplemental, action-packed training event for adult Cub Scout leaders, pack committee members, chartered organization representatives, parents of Cub Scouts, and others interested in Cub Scouting. Mark your calendar for November 13 to save the date for Tidewater Council’s next Pow Wow!
Winter Camp
January 14-17, 2022
Winter Camp is held at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Great merit badge counselors are what make this event the best. Volunteer today and make a positive difference in the life of a Scout on their way to Eagle. Email both Wes Parker and Christy Cooper to volunteer. In your email, include:
- What merit badge you wish to counsel
- How many 3-hour sessions needed
- The number of Scouts per session
- Materials and costs
- Pre-requisites
Registration opens on Black Pug on October 11 at 10 AM. The merit badge schedule will be available by the end of October for planning. Merit badge selections will be available online starting November 20 at 10 AM.
National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC)
July 25-30, 2022
From July 25-30, 2022, Arrowmen from around the country will have the opportunity to gather at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN to attend the 2022 National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC). Several thousand Arrowmen from around the USA are expected to attend the conference seeking the best that the Order of the Arrow (OA) has to offer. Each time a national conference is held, Arrowmen come together from around the world 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.
In order to reserve your spot on the contingent, you must either pay in full the early bird rate of $575 or make a deposit of $100 towards the regular fee to Tidewater Council by December 1, 2021. The regular rate is $625 and the remainder after the $100 deposit is due no later than May 15, 2022. There will be an additional transportation fee that will be determined after contingent fundraising has been conducted. Registration is open on Black Pug.
Direct questions can be addressed to Charlie Tate at 757-214-7534 or cetate981@gmail.com. Please visit oa-bsa.org/program/events/noac for more information.
News
Support Scouting
There are many ways to support local Scouting and build our community’s next generation of leaders:
- Federal employees, you can designate your Combined Federal Campaign contribution to local Scouting with CFC Code: 94511.
- If you give to United Way, you can designate your gift to Tidewater Council. Tidewater Council is a partner agency with United Way of South Hampton Roads and Albemarle Area United Way.
- If you shop on Amazon, use AmazonSmile and designate Tidewater Council as your charity. Amazon will donate to Tidewater Council at no cost to you.
- Donate online or learn more about James E. West Fellowships and tribute gifts at tidewaterbsa.com/support.
Scout Shop
Uniform Sale
The fall uniform sale is STILL going on through October. Buy a shirt and bottoms from the same program and get 25% off on the pants. Bottoms include zip-off pants, shorts, rollup pants, and skorts. Shop while you can still get this great deal!
Cub Scout Rank T-Shirts
Cub Scout rank T-shirts are once again in full stock. At the low price of $9.99, these 100% cotton T-shirts are an inexpensive “Class B” shirt. For packs doing an outing, these T-shirts make it easy to spot groups of each rank. They come in orange (Tiger), red (Wolf), light blue (Bear), and olive green (Webelos).
Scout Uniform Pant Shortage
National Supply is experiencing a shortage in Scout pants in both youth and adult sizes. Due to vendor and COVID-19 issues, they are unable to get a new supply of the green uniform pants until spring 2022. We are already out of boys’ sizes 10, 12, 14, and 20, and some of the adult sizes have been depleted also. We apologize for this inconvenience and will have them back in stock as soon as possible.
Once a Uniform, Always a Uniform!
You can always wear uniforms from previous years, no matter what the style. Gideon, a Scout in Albemarle Troop 162, wears a uniform from the 1950s. He said his vintage uniform has been a great conversation starter.
Flags
Tidewater Council is no longer accepting flags for retirement ceremonies. Please contact the VFW to donate flags for retirement. We do still have some left, so if you would like to pick up flags for a ceremony, come in and get them before we run out.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4809 in Norfolk also offers American flags that need to be properly retired. The post will bundle 25 flags for your unit to pick up for your next ceremony. Send unit information, leader point of contact, and phone number to VFW Post 4809 Commander Ron Riffle at vfw4809ron@gmail.com. Please request flags at least one week prior to the date needed.
Day Camp T-Shirt BOGO Sale
Fun and colorful day camp T-shirts from previous years are only $5, and right now you can Buy One, Get One Free! Located on the table in the lobby, pick up a few on your way in.
New Scout Shop Hours
NEW HOURS went into effect on September 1. To better accommodate our customers, we have extended our Scout Shop hours:
Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Thursday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Friday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM
Shipping
For customers who can’t get to the Scout Shop, we continue to ship orders (by USPS only). Simply call (757-497-2688) or email your order (polly.fugate@scouting.org). We can take a VISA or Mastercard number over the phone and ship it directly to your house.
Popcorn
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Delivery
Our third delivery is scheduled to arrive on October 7. Unit Popcorn Kernels, check your email for an important update on your order.
We are looking for volunteers to help unload the truck. Please email alison.harrison@scouting.org if you are able to assist.
Upcoming Key Dates
- Tuesday, October 5
- Unit payments due for second popcorn order
- Thursday, October 7
- Estimated delivery date for third popcorn order (Email alison.harrison@scouting.org to volunteer)
- Friday, October 8
- Order pick-ups from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Sign up online)
- Saturday, October 9
- Order pick-ups from 8-11 AM (Sign up online)
- Thursday, October 14
- Interim appointments from 3-5 PM (Sign up online)
- Thursday, October 21
- Interim appointments from 3-5 PM (Sign up online)
- Thursday, October 28
- Closeout appointments from 1-5 PM (Sign up online)
- Friday, October 29
- Closeout appointments from 10 AM – 4 PM (Sign up online)
- Monday, November 1
- Closeout appointments from 10 AM – 5 PM (Sign up online)
- Final unit payments due
- Final day to return unsold product
- Deadline for units to submit popcorn orders through Scout Boss for the final popcorn order. Preorders must be paid in full.
Distribution
Popcorn distribution is only available through scheduled appointments. The Scout Shop and administrative staff are unable to assist with popcorn distribution.
For online sales, the product is shipped directly to the customer with free shipping.
Donations
Please report any donations received by using the Military Donation Form and emailing it to alison.harrison@scouting.org. Military donations typically are fulfilled locally through the USO to provide popcorn to service men and women, veterans, and their families.
Online Sales
Online sales are a great opportunity for families and Scout units with concerns about COVID-19 safety. The customer orders and pays online and the product is shipped directly to them, making the sale completely contactless.
Online sales are also a plus for Scouts who want to sell to out-of-town friends and relatives, and for those who want a certain product available online-only, such as White Ruby or peanut clusters.
All Tidewater Council Scouts are eligible to participate in online popcorn sales, regardless of the unit’s participation in traditional in-person sales. Contact us if you are interested in selling online but have not received your Scout’s sales link.
National Scout Jamboree
Mark your calendar for the next National Scout Jamboree: July 19-28, 2023!
Journey to Excellence
The 2021 Unit Journey to Excellence (JTE) Tracking Workbooks have been updated with the save date of 2021-09-07 in the file name. The updated workbooks supersede all earlier versions. Download the updated versions here.
Supporting Scouts with Special Needs
The BSA has a planning resource for families and leaders to use to jointly map out the future for a Scout with special needs. The Individual Scout Advancement Plan (ISAP) is modeled after Individual Education Programs (IEP) and 504 plans used in public schools. Unlike an IEP or 504 plan, the ISAP does not create legal rights or legal status.
An ISAP is developed by the BSA leadership familiar with the Scout, their parent/guardian, and, as applicable, the Scout themself. The ISAP can be updated as a Scout matures and moves through the Scouting program.
Many obstacles will be unknown until the Scout makes an attempt on a requirement. If there is doubt about whether a Scout can complete a task, he or she should be given a chance to complete the requirement as it is written. Be careful not to force the Scout to fail. Once the adult team knows what alternatives are needed, they develop and submit them to the council advancement committee for approval.
A Scout is Reverent
The National Religious Relationships Committee provides members of the BSA with opportunities to grow closer to their faith and connect with members of other faith groups around a message of positivity and hope.
Virtual Interfaith 5K
The second annual Virtual Interfaith 5K is a virtual event that can be completed on your own schedule any time during October. Funds raised by the event will support virtual programs hosted by the National Religious Relationships Committee and a scholarship fund for faith-based training conferences at the Philmont Training Center, Sea Base, and Summit Bechtel Reserve. Registration ends October 15.
Virtual Protestant Religious Emblems Classes
This fall, members of the National Religious Relationships Committee are offering virtual Zoom classes for Protestant religious emblems. Registration is required. Learn more here.
Community Service
Youth civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of one’s community. It also involves developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make that difference. These activities enrich the lives of youth and are socially beneficial to the community. What projects does your unit plan this fall?
Recording Activities in Internet Advancement and Scoutbook
Tidewater Council and its districts track Scout service hours. We share information about service projects with the community and potential donors so they can see the impact of Scouting. Reporting the service hours Scouts are already doing is an easy way to support Scouting!
Visit this Scoutbook How-To link for instructions on reporting service hours.
Service Opportunities
Service is Scouting’s greatest legacy and the primary reason that the Boy Scouts of America is the world’s premier youth organization. We currently have several opportunities for youth to give back to our communities through service. Here are some current projects needing assistance:
- As part of Albemarle Area United Way‘s Day of Caring, there is an opportunity to send Cards of Encouragement to homebound seniors and Letters of Love to long-term care facility residents through the Albemarle Commission. Learn more here.
- Marshview Park is a little known gem in an undeveloped wetland area between Seatack and Shadowlawn. Many years ago when it was privately owned, some parts of the park were used to dump construction debris in the wetlands. Virginia Beach recently improved the trails and park facilities at this location and several groups of volunteers have started to remove some of the debris, but we need a hard working crew to get serious about finishing the job. The city will bring a dumpster as close to the site as possible, but we will need wheel barrows and strong backs to pull the debris out of the wetlands and transport it to the dumpster. We are looking for at least ten people, including leaders, for about three or four hours. There is also the potential for a unit to adopt this area as a long-term service project, as there is additional work that needs to be done, including invasive plant removal, trail maintenance, and park improvements. Contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org or 757-773-1636.
- Rain garden project to benefit the SPCA. Contact Clay Bernick at clay@lrnow.org or 757-377-3120.
- Various projects for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Contact Clay Bernick at clay@lrnow.org or 757-377-3120.
- Build two five- to six-foot wooden benches with plant boxes and complete a butterfly garden for the ViBe District Mediterranean Avenue Parklet. Contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org or 757-773-1636.
- A few projects on the horizon for those Scouts wanting to be a part of planning, execution, and maintenance are slated for the future. A landscape project in the ViBe District, a living shoreline project in Great Neck, and a couple fall tree plantings. Contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org or 757-773-1636.
Youth Protection Updates
- In buddy pairs, the groups must be the same gender. (This applies to tenting and walking around camp, not to group program activities.)
- It is recommended that adults be in buddy pairs to model behavior for the youth.
- At National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) and during Order of the Arrow (OA) events, there must be at least two Scouts of the same gender in the patrol or clan.
- Most cases of accident incident reporting come from activities that could have been avoided by reading the Guide to Safe Scouting. Do not allow Scouts to participate in prohibited activities.
Make sure that all leaders have current youth protection training. If you have any questions about youth safety policies, please ask!
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.
Winter Sports Safety
As the weather starts to cool down, Scouts start thinking about cold-weather activities. While winter sports can deliver on adventure, they also present challenges. Essential ingredients for fun include skill training and an awareness of the hazards unique to these activities.
Internet Recharter 2.0
The Boy Scouts of America offers an online charter renewal process for units. Recently, this process was moved to improve systems and increase speed and efficiency. Located at advancements.scouting.org, the new Internet Recharter system provides a simpler approach to the rechartering process and can be completed from start to finish without a single piece of paper changing hands.
A new draft version of the Internet Rechartering User Guide has been published. While more details may be added for the final version, this provides commissioners and unit leaders accurate information about the new process.
Day Camp 2022
In a cloud of dust comes the thundering sound of horse hooves. Suddenly you see the Lone Cub Scout. Join us as we travel the trails to the thrilling days of yesteryear for Cub Scout Western Day Camp 2022. The Council Day Camp Committee meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM in the food court of Greenbrier Mall. We are seeking deputy sheriffs to plan and run a fun-filled week of activities. Contact Rich Becker at richard.becker@scouting.org for more information.
Halloween Recruiting Ideas
- Trunk or Treat: If your chartering organization or local civic organization is hosting a Trunk or Treat, ask if your Scout unit can participate. Adults can wear their Scout uniforms and distribute not only candy, but also joining information.
- Pack Costume Meeting: Make your last meeting before Halloween a costume meeting. Scouts can invite their friends to attend, show off their costumes, and really display the fun and excitement of Scouting to potential members.
- Trick or Treat (out with kids): When you walk around your neighborhood with your children, wear your uniform. Have some joining information handouts with you to give to other parents you meet.
- Trick or Treat (at home): Stick a unit business card, flyer, or join Scouting sticker in kids’ candy bags (along with some candy too, of course). Place Scouting yard signs in your yard, since families will be walking by and admiring everyone’s decorations.
New Leader Training
Every Scout deserves a trained leader. If you have recruited new leaders, or if you are a new leader, there are resources available to help. Position-specific training courses lay the foundation for leaders to provide fun and engaging programs. Training is available online or in instructor-led courses. Learn more at scouting.org/training/adult.
Introduction to Leadership Skills
Introduction to Leadership Skills courses are designed to teach Scouts with leadership positions about their new roles and how to reach success most effectively in those roles. Scouts learn to understand their responsibilities and are equipped with organizational and leadership skills to fulfill those responsibilities.
These courses are the first in a series of leadership training offered to youth. They are a prerequisite to participate in more advanced leadership courses, including National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE), and Kodiak Challenge treks.
Kodiak Challenge Trek
What is a Kodiak Challenge?
The Kodiak Challenge is a six-day trek-oriented course for older Scouts in all programs designed to further develop their leadership skills. This adventure pushes the boundaries of every participant and encourages them to try new things.
Who can participate?
Participants must be at least 14 years old and have completed the eighth grade. In addition, they must have completed the Introduction to Leadership Skills course for their unit type. National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is highly recommended, and National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) experience is a plus.
How to hold a course
Units can apply to the Council Training Committee for permission to hold a course. Contact Rich Becker at richard.becker@scouting.org for more information.
COVID-19 Assistance
Does your family need assistance due to COVID-19? 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.
Scouts in Action
Pack 117 gave back to the community by assisting at the Walk Against Addiction 5K, handing out water and medals to the participants. Great job Scouts!
Troop 162 has been busy in the new school year with lots of learning and plenty of fun! The Scouts are pictured here working on the Canoeing Merit Badge.
Albemarle Scouts and Scouters are excited to get more youth into their units and continue to host great recruiting events. Big round of applause to Pack 771 with their LEGO Derby and to Pack 117 with their K-9 demonstration recruitment.
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