Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
October 3-4 and October 24-25
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) provides hands-on basic outdoors skills needed to conduct a Cub Scout camping program. Packs must have a BALOO-trained leader onsite for pack camping.
BALOO training consists of an online pre-requisite component in addition to an overnight, hands-on practical. Two BALOO training options will be offered in October:
October 3-4
Pipsico Scout Reservation
57 Pipsico Road
Spring Grove, VA 23881
October 24-25
Fentress Naval Auxiliary Landing Field
2500 Lockheed Ave.
Chesapeake, VA 23322
Renewal Summit – Be Ready for 2027!
October 15
Renewal is an important part of keeping Scouting units strong and ready to serve youth. Tidewater Council is hosting a Renewal Summit to help unit leaders understand the renewal process and prepare for a successful 2027 renewal.
Renewal Summit Details
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: In-person at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center or via Zoom teleconference
In-Person Attendance Address: 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Zoom Attendance Details:
Topic: Tidewater Council Renewal Summit
Time: Oct 15, 2026, 6:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 831 7375 4849
Passcode: nqpy0q
Key Topics of Discussion
- Online unit renewal process: Learn how to navigate the online renewal process and what units need to do.
- Individual renewals: Understand the process for renewing individual youth and adults.
- Important renewal information: Get answers to your questions and learn how to stay ahead of the renewal process.
Mark Your Calendar!
Whether you are new to the renewal process or have been through it before, come learn, ask questions, and make sure your unit is prepared for renewal.
Don’t wait until renewal is due – Be Prepared!
Three Rivers AOL Connections
October 15
Three Rivers District invites Arrow of Light Scouts to AOL Connections, a transition meeting to learn about the next step of their Scouting adventure in Scouts BSA.
- Meet & Connect: Meet local troops and leaders, and learn about opportunities in Scouts BSA
- Explore & Discover: Check out different troops and find the right fit for your next adventure
- Build Your Future: Make connections that will help you grow, lead, and make memories that last a lifetime
AOL Connections will be held on Thursday, October 15 from 6-8 PM at Great Bridge Baptist Church in Chesapeake. For questions, contact Steven Dewey at 757-589-0722 or steven.d.dewey@gmail.com.
JOTA-JOTI
October 16-18
Jamboree-on-the-Air Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTA-JOTI) is the world’s largest digital and radio Scout event, promoting friendship and global citizenship.
Who Can Participate in JOTA-JOTI?
Anyone can participate in JOTA-JOTI! Whether you’re part of a Scout group, joining as an individual, or participating with your family, everyone is welcome to be part of this exciting global event.
How Do You Participate?
You can join JOTA-JOTI from anywhere in the world! JOTA-JOTI activities are accessible online, offline, and through radio.
Visit jotajoti.info to discover the map of activities, prepare to participate, and register for this international event.
Three Rivers Fall Scouts BSA Spook-O-Ree
October 23-25
The 2026 Three Rivers Fall Scouts BSA Spook-O-Ree at Fentress Airfield will be full of Fairy Tales and Folklore. Get ready for a spine-tingling fun time!
Whether you’re a seasoned Scout or a first timer, this camp is perfect for brave souls who love the thrill of the season.
Space is limited, so don’t miss out on your chance to join in for a frightfully fun weekend!
Three Rivers Fall Cub-O-Ree
October 23-25
Step into a world of Fairy Tales and Folklore at this year’s Three Rivers Cub Scout Spook-O-Ree!
Young adventurers will enjoy a weekend filled with fun activities, games, and plenty of seasonal surprises. Whether they’re brave enough to face a few spooky tales or simply excited for a weekend of Scouting fun, there’s something for every Cub Scout to enjoy.
Sign up today for a frightfully fun adventure!
College of Commissioner Science
October 31
Tidewater Council’s 2026 College of Commissioner Science, held at Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Chesapeake, will give current, new, and prospective commissioners the tools needed to succeed in the goal to help youth become engaged citizens who strengthen our communities, nation, and world. All are welcome, including currently registered Commissioners and anyone who wants to know more about Commissioning!
The $20 fee includes lunch, a patch, and a full day of impactful courses. Select from an array of Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate-level courses, including:
- A Legacy of Servant Leadership
- Building Relationships
- Commissioners Service in Tidewater
- Conducting the Roundtable Planning Session
- Connecting with Units
- Core Concepts of Unit Service
- Resolving Critical Unit Issues
- Roundtables in Unit Service
- Service to Units at Risk
- Succession Planning
- The Commissioner and the Professional
- The Essential Element (A Servant’s Heart)
- Turning Relationships into Partnerships
- Unit and Roundtable Commissioners Working Together
- View from the Council Service Territory (CST)
The program will include a special Lunch-and-Learn Presentation from Rev. David Weyrick, a 2026 Silver Buffalo recipient, Eagle Scout, pastor, and author. Rev. Weyrick will give an inspiring presentation on membership retention strategies.
For more information, contact Alan Webber at aewebber@gmail.com.
Cub Scout Fall Family Camp: Super Hero Training Camp
November 6-8
Come join us at Pipsico Scout Reservation November 6-8 for Super Hero Training Camp!
Scouts will master Super Hero skills and walk the path of a Super Hero. This fun-filled weekend will include range and target activities, field games, a scavenger hunt, climbing, a bake-off, and a camp-wide campfire program.
Registration is now open. Come dressed in your best Super Hero costume!
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
November 6-8 and November 13-15
Get ready for an unforgettable leadership adventure at National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)! Join us during the first two weekends of November for a Scout Games-themed experience packed with exciting challenges, friendly competition, and hands-on leadership development.
NYLT is designed to help Scouts build the skills they need to lead with confidence. Participants will strengthen their communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership abilities while making new friends from across Tidewater Council. Whether they’re leading their patrol, troop, crew, or ship, NYLT provides practical tools and experiences they can take back to their unit.
Who Can Attend?
- Scouts who are 14 years of age or older
- Have earned the First Class rank or higher
- Have a Scoutmaster’s recommendation
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow as a leader, take on exciting challenges, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Register today at scoutingevent.com/596-NYLT2026.
Scouts on Skis at Winterplace
January 23-24, 2027 and January 30-31, 2027
Winterplace Ski Resort in Ghent, WV is offering a special winter sports program for Tidewater Council Scouts, leaders, family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors!
The package includes:
- A full day (open to close) Lift Ticket
- Ski or Snowboard Rental Equipment (boots, poles, skis)
- Helmet rental
- 90-minute Beginner Group Lesson (minimum age for a group lesson is 8)
There are optional add-ons available for meal vouchers and snowtubing (additional cost).
Book your experience at shop.winterplace.com/groups with the promo code for your preferred date:
- January 23: TIDEJAN2327
- January 24: TIDEJAN2427
- January 30: TIDEJAN3027
- January 31: TIDEJAN3127
University of Scouting
March 5-6, 2027
All Scouts, prospective Scouts, leaders, parents, and volunteers are invited to attend the Tidewater 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.
There is something for everyone, including adult classes, youth classes, merit badges, new Scout classes, and Cub Scout Adventures.
Wood Badge
April 30 – May 2 and May 21-23, 2027
Wood Badge is an advanced, national leadership course for Scouting leaders. Scouters from Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring, and district and council Scouters all are welcome.
What do we learn?
- Listening
- Managing conflict
- Leading change
- Stages of team development
- Coaching and mentoring
- Leadership for different stages
- Servant leadership
- Project planning
- And more!
Why?
- Stronger units. Make your Scouting unit — and your sons’ and daughters’ units — stronger.
- What and why of Scouting. Develop a deeper understanding of what Scouting is and why we do it.
- Experience. Learn skills and useful leadership tools that will make a difference both inside and outside Scouting.
- Fun. Have fun and meet interesting people.
What's next?
If interested in attending as a participant or serving on staff, fill out this interest form. You’ll be the first to know as course updates are announced!
Pipsico Scout Reservation Scouts BSA Summer Camp
June - July 2027
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.
Programs for Every Scout
Pipsico’s unique Huskanaw program encompasses over an acre of property, filled with amenities specifically designed to focus on requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. New and younger Scouts learn about troop structure, the value of the patrol method, the importance of the buddy system, and the benefits of learning and applying new skills using the E.D.G.E. Method (Explain Demonstrate Guide Enable).
More than 60 merit badge programs are available to capture the interests of all Scouts.
For those seeking more thrill and less advancement, choose from a collection of specialty programs. The diverse offering of programs includes a week-long sailing program, SCUBA camp, and the Pipsico Experience (PEX). PEX is a varied experience that includes range and target activities, fishing, climbing, aquatics activities, and a trip to a water park at the end of the week.
What are you waiting for? Sign up for Summer Camp 2027 today and get ready for an awesome camping experience, at a beautiful property, with a friendly camp staff!
2027 Summer Camp Schedule
Week 1: June 20 – June 26
Week 2: June 27 – July 3
Week 3: July 4 – July 10
Week 4: July 11 – July 17
News
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.
Concussions
A concussion, also known as a traumatic brain injury (TBI), is an injury that results from a blow to the head causing an alteration of brain function. Concussions may also be due to falls or blows to the body that cause the brain to move quickly back and forth.
Be A Leader in Safeguarding
A safe Scouting environment is created through the everyday actions of everyone involved. Leaders and volunteers play an important role by modeling positive behavior, respecting appropriate boundaries, and speaking up when something doesn’t feel right.
By working together and staying mindful of how one’s actions affect others, the Scouting community can help ensure that every young person has a safe, welcoming place to learn, grow, and thrive.
Take a moment to review and share the “Be A Leader in Safeguarding” poster for simple reminders about how everyone can help keep Scouting safe.
Popcorn
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Seven Things to Do in October
- If your unit placed a “Re-Order,” sign up for a pickup time on Friday, October 2 or Saturday, October 3.
- Pay the unit’s September 7 invoice at the “Re-Order” pickup or by October 3, 2026 at 2 PM, whichever comes first.
- Place the unit’s final popcorn order by Wednesday, October 28.
- Submit the 2026 Popcorn Prizes & Military Donations form by October 28 for the third round of recognition.
- If the unit needs to return product, make the return no later than Wednesday, October 28 at 5 PM.
- Make the final unit invoice payment by Wednesday, October 28 at 5 PM.
- Sell popcorn!
Getting Started
It is not too late for your unit to participate in the 2026 Popcorn Sale!
- Conduct “take order” sales. Scouts can make personal sales to family, friends, and neighbors. Units have until October 28 to order the product needed to fill take orders, with delivery in mid-November. The sales flyer is available here, or contact the district executive to get the unit’s sales kit.
- Participate in online sales. Online popcorn sales are an easy way to earn money for your unit, with no product handling or money handling required! The customer orders and pays online, with free shipping straight to the customer. The online sale is slated to continue until November 20. Units earn 30% commission on online sales, and each Scout receives a unique Seller ID to ensure credit goes to the right unit. Sell online at prpopcornstore.com. If you do not know your Scout’s Seller ID, please contact the Unit Popcorn Kernel.
Contact your District Popcorn Kernel for help getting started.
Now Hiring
Part-Time Scout Shop Associate
Do you enjoy helping others, providing great customer service, and supporting the mission of Scouting? We’re looking for a friendly, dependable, and organized individual to join our team as a Part-Time Scout Shop Associate!
Position Details:
- 20 hours per week
- Availability: Tuesday through Saturday
Performance Expectations:
- Provide friendly and knowledgeable customer service
- Assist customers with uniforms, advancement items, camping gear, and other Scouting merchandise
- Operate the point-of-sale system and handle cash/credit card transactions
- Stock, organize, and maintain merchandise displays
- Receive and process inventory
- Answer phone calls and assist with customer questions
- Keep the Scout Shop clean, organized, and welcoming
- Assist with other Scout Shop and office duties as needed
Qualifications:
- Excellent customer service and communication skills
- Dependable, professional, and organized
- Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
- Basic computer and point-of-sale skills
- Can learn Scouting merchandise, uniforms, and advancement procedures
- Previous retail or customer service experience is preferred
- Knowledge of Scouting is helpful, but not required
This is a great opportunity for someone looking for a flexible part-time position while supporting Scouting and the families we serve.
Interested in joining our team? Email your resume and contact information to Sam Jennings at Sam.Jennings@scouting.org.
Come help provide an outstanding Scout Shop experience for our Scouts, families, and volunteers!
New Member Paraprofessional
Do you want to help build Scouting, so more local youth can experience its character-building adventures? The New Member Paraprofessional will support the council’s membership growth efforts by assisting with the recruitment, onboarding, and engagement of new youth and families. This position works closely with district executives, volunteers, schools, chartered organizations, and prospective Scouting families to help create a positive and timely experience, from initial recruitment through joining a unit.
The New Member Paraprofessional will provide consistent follow-up with prospective families, assist with recruitment events and campaigns, maintain accurate membership information, and help units convert prospective families into registered members.
Position Details:
- Part-time
- Availability: Must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends for recruitment events and council activities
Performance Expectations:
- Provide timely and professional follow-up to prospective members and families
- Maintain accurate membership and recruitment records
- Demonstrate excellent customer service
- Meet established activity and recruitment goals
- Work collaboratively with district executives and volunteers
- Take initiative in identifying and resolving barriers to membership
- Represent Scouting America positively and professionally in all interactions
- Maintain confidentiality and follow all Scouting America policies and procedures
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education or experience in business, education, human services, nonprofit management, customer service, or a related field preferred
- Experience working with children, families, volunteers, schools, or community organizations preferred
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong organizational and follow-up skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Comfortable making telephone calls, sending emails, and communicating with prospective families
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn membership and customer relationship management systems
- Must be willing to support the mission and values of Scouting America
Interested in joining our team? Email your resume and contact information to Christy Cooper at Christy.Cooper@scouting.org.
Scout Shop
Fall Uniform Sale
The Scout Shop has begun its annual uniform sale, and there are two ways to save!
Offer #1
Save 10% on Uniform Bottoms with Tops
From July 27 through December 31, 2026, customers can receive 10% off uniform bottoms with the purchase of the matching uniform top.
- Tops include Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing uniform shirts, including Lion T-Shirts. Clearance uniforms are also INCLUDED in this promotion.
- Bottoms include switchbacks, shorts, skorts, and roll-up pants.
- Please note this offer cannot be combined with any other discount.
Offer #2
Save 20% on a Full Uniform Purchase
From July 27 through October 31, 2026, customers can receive 20% off when purchasing a complete uniform for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, or Venturing.
- A full Cub Scout uniform includes top, bottoms, belt, neckerchief, slide, cap, and socks.
- A full Scouts BSA or Venturing uniform includes top, bottoms, belt, cap, and socks.
Fall Recruitment
As fall recruiting season for Cub Scouts begins, please help new families by providing them a list of items needed.
This uniform checklist is a great way to send new families to the Scout Shop prepared to start their Scouting journey. We look forward to seeing all the new families in the store soon!
New Military Service Knot
Scouting America Outfitters has announced the new Military Service Knot, created specifically for adult Scouting members who currently serve or have previously served in the U.S. military, either full-time or in the reserves.
This knot provides an opportunity to honor military service while supporting the next generation of Scouting. Every purchase helps fund free registration for children of military families, opening the door for more young people to experience the adventure, character development, leadership, and values of Scouting.
Scout Shop Hours
October Scout Shop hours are:
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The Scout Shop will shift to fall and winter hours beginning November 1, 2026:
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
November holiday closings include:
- Closed on Wednesday, November 11 for Veterans Day
- Adjusted hours on Thursday, November 19: The Scout Shop will open late at 1 PM
- Closed on Thursday, November 26 through Monday, November 30 for Thanksgiving
Sons of the American Revolution Arthur M. & Berdena King High School Eagle Scout Contest
The National Eagle Scout Commitee of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all Eagle Scouts to apply for its annual Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Contest. The contest is open to all active Eagle Scouts who will not reach their 19th birthday this year.
There is a monetary prize at each of three judging levels (local chapter, state, and national). Application requirements include a 500-word patriotic-themed essay, a four-generation ancestor chart, and an application form that focuses on the Eagle Scout’s Scouting activities and awards.
For more information:
- See the Sons of the American Revolution Arthur M. & Berdena King High School Eagle Scout Contest flyer.
- Visit the SAR High School Eagle Scout Contest webpage.
- Contact your local SAR Chapter Scouting Chairman:
- For Bayside and Princess Anne units, contact Michael Miller at michael.miller8@att.net.
- For Three Rivers and Albemarle units, contact Kimball Thompson at thompson15@cox.net.
The local submission deadline is November 22, 2026.
Registrar's Corner
2026-2028 Membership Transition: The Move to February
Beginning in September 2026, Scouting America is shifting all unit renewals to February. Starting in 2027, member (adult and youth) renewals will also shift to February.
This strategic shift will create a true “renewal season,” improve retention, better capture those who join in peak recruiting season, and, most importantly, put leaders in control of the renewal process. In addition, these shifts lower the initial fee to join, eliminate the 2-month lapse period, and align safeguarding training to renewal dates. These changes directly support membership AND retention.
See the “Scouting America 2026-2028 Membership Transition: The Move to February” handout for more information on the transition plan and impact.
Merge Member ID
The Merge Member ID (MID) functionality is now live in My.Scouting. Any user who has a current registration and more than one MID can now go to Manage Member ID within My.Scouting and perform the merge. Once done, they will only have one MID that will follow them throughout the organization.
The Merge project will have three phases:
- Phase 1 (current phase) is user-initiated only. See the “Merge Member ID – Individual Merge” job aid for step-by-step instructions and frequently asked questions.
- Phase 2 will be a tool in Registrar Tools that will allow the council to merge members.
- Phase 3 will be done by the National Council to merge duplicate records that have not been merged in Phases 1 or 2.
Fee Waiver for Military Families
Scouting America is committed to expanding access to Scouting for military-connected youth.
Scouting America is waiving the $85 national youth registration fee for eligible military families through a verification and code process during online registration. See the Military Family Fee Waiver handout for details.
Key Points to Remember:
- Eligibility and verification processes were set by the National Council of Scouting America and may not be altered locally.
- The fee waiver is for online registration only. There are no workarounds or other options.
- There is a verification process in place to verify military status as part of the registration process.
- The discount applies only to the National fee.
- It includes Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard.
- Click here to see screenshots of the process.
Earn a FREE Recruiter Patch
Scouting is better with friends!
Now through December 31, 2026, Scouts can earn a FREE Recruiter Strip patch when they recruit a friend who joins Scouting!
For more details and the claim form, visit Scouting.org/welcome.
Subscribe to Scout Life
Why subscribe to Scout Life?
- Supports Scouting year-round
- Reinforces adventures and merit badges
- Encourages screen-free reading
- Inspires outdoor exploration
- Builds leadership and character
- Safe, age-appropriate content
- 80% of parents say Scout Life helps kids understand the Scout Oath and Law
- 73% of parents say Scout Life gives kids the tools to succeed in Scouting
- Nearly 100% of parents call Scout Life informative and fun
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 klull179@gmail.com to be included in the display.
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.
United Way Donor Designations
Tidewater Council is a partner agency with Albemarle Area United Way and United Way of South Hampton Roads. Did you know that you can designate a United Way gift to local Scouting?
- For Albemarle Area United Way, you can designate your gift to support Scouting America Tidewater Council (4004).
- For United Way of South Hampton Roads, you can designate your gift to support Scouting America Tidewater Council.
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
October
- Kids Music Day: October 2
- Frugal Fun Day: October 3
- A Scout is thrifty. Discuss what it means to be thrifty.
- Have Scouts brainstorm activities that are both frugal and fun – and then choose one for a unit, den, or patrol outing.
- World Space Week: October 4-10
- Work on the Space Exploration or Astronomy merit badges.
- Work on the Sky is the Limit Adventure for Tigers.
- Learn about Eagle Scout Neil Armstrong.
- National Stop Bullying Day: October 14
- The idea that a Scout should treat others as they want to be treated—a Scout is kind—is woven throughout the programs and literature of Scouting America. When a Scout follows the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, bullying and hazing situations should never occur.
- Have youth watch the age and rank-appropriate Personal Safety Awareness videos.
- Review and share Scouting America’s Bullying Awareness resources with Scouts and families.
- For adults, take Safeguarding Youth Training.
- Review Scouting America’s Social Media Guidelines for valuable information on internet safety and youth protection when using social media.
- Jamboree-on-the-Air/Jamboree-on-the-Internet: October 16-18
- Visit jotajoti.info to find ways your unit can particpate.
- National New Friends Day: October 19
- Invite a friend to visit a Scout meeting or event.
- Make a card or another gesture of friendship to new members in your Scout unit.
- International Artist Day: October 25
- Visit a local art museum or gallery.
- Work on an art-related merit badge, such as Animation, Art, Graphic Arts, Photography, Pottery, or Sculpture.
- For Webelos, work on the Art Explosion Adventure.
- Encourage Scouts to use their creativity in an art project.
November
- Family Stories Month
- Invite Scouts to come up with questions or prompts to ask their family members at holiday gatherings.
- Work on the Genealogy or Family Life merit badges.
- Encourage Cub Scouts to discuss their families’ faith traditions as they work on the rank-specific Family & Reverence Adventure:
- Lion: Lion’s Pride
- Tiger: Tiger Circles
- Wolf: Footsteps
- Bear: Fellowship
- Webelos: My Family
- Arrow of Light: Duty to God
- Native American Heritage Month
- Work on the American Indian Culture merit badge.
- Veterans Day: November 11
- March in the Tidewater Veterans Day Parade.
- Attend a Veterans Day ceremony.
- Place American flags on veterans’ graves.
- Invite a veteran to be a special guest speaker at a unit meeting.
- Make thank you cards for veterans.
- World Kindness Day: November 13
- A Scout is Kind. Discuss the sixth point of the Scout Law.
- As a den or patrol, plan ways to show kindness.
- America Recycles Day: November 15
- Work on the Environmental Science or Sustainability merit badges.
- Work on the rank-specific Cub Scout Champions for Nature Adventure:
- Participate in a conservation service project.
- National Hiking Day: November 17
- Work on the Hiking merit badge.
- Work the rank-specific Cub Scout Adventure for outdoor exploration:
- Lion: Mountain Lion
- Tiger: Tigers in the Wild
- Wolf: Paws on the Path
- Bear: Bear Habitat
- Webelos: Webelos Walkabout
- Arrow of Light: Outdoor Adventurer
- Go on a hike!
Community Engagement
City of Norfolk Annual Resource Fair Block Party
The City of Norfolk Department of Human Services Community Engagement Street Team invites Norfolk residents to attend the Annual Resource Fair Block Party.
This free, outdoor event connects local residents with essential services, community support, and valuable local resources all in one place.
Event Details:
- Date: Monday, October 12, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location: 741 Monticello Ave., Norfolk, VA 23510 (Outdoors)
- Highlights: Live broadcast from 95.7 R&B, free food, music, giveaways, and access to key resources (health & wellness, housing, social services, employment support, education, legal assistance, and more)
Community Care Assistance
Does your family need assistance accessing community resources? Tidewater Council is a partner agency with Albemarle Area United Way and United Way of South Hampton Roads, 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.
Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
For his Eagle Scout project, Carson C. of Troop 901 wanted to give back to a teacher and a school that made a difference. Many Butts Road Intermediate students credit music teacher Mr. Stokes with fostering an early love of music education.
In August, Carson and several of his fellow Butts Road Intermediate alumni built and installed four new custom shelving units for the BRI Music Department. Great job!
Local Scouts gathered to explore the Military Service & Veterans Test Lab merit badge at the Joint Staff in September.
The Scouts enjoyed learning about and discussing our nation’s Armed Forces alongside two active duty Navy Captains (Eagle Scouts), a retired Army Colonel (Eagle Scout), and a former Navy Hospital Corpsman Second Class, all of whom serve in leadership roles in Troops 259 and 5259.
Activities included researching the history, mission, and organization of the US Air Force; exploring a career as a Fighter Pilot; researching Medal of Honor recipient Col. George “Bud” Day; and more. Following completion of the Test Lab badge, Scouts were able to provide feedback on the experience, giving youth a voice in Scouting America’s curriculum development.
Thank you to retired Army Col. Robert K. Bertrand for coordinating this unique and meaningful opportunity!
The Chesapeake Spring Arts Festival, presented by Chesapeake Rotary and the Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission, showcased the creativity of more than 170 artists, alongside food, fun, live music, and even a children’s craft area (where you may have spotted some Scout and Scouter volunteers).
Tidewater Council is grateful to receive a $2,000 gift from Chesapeake Rotary following this year’s festival to support the Handicraft area at Pipsico Scout Reservation, providing opportunities for youth to discover the arts!
Thank you to Chesapeake Rotary for investing in local youth and the arts!
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).