Table of Contents
COVID-19 Safety Officers
As always, the safety of our Scouts, volunteers, employees, and communities is our top priority. In an effort to provide S.A.F.E. environments to continue the Scouting movement this fall and winter, the Tidewater Council, BSA has developed a detailed approach to how council and district activities and events will be organized and monitored. The cornerstone of this approach is the implementation of a COVID-19 Safety Officer (C19SO) whose responsibilities are separate, but not mutually exclusive, from the health and safety officer normally at our activities and events.
The specifics of this position are detailed further below, but the first step is to organize a group of qualified adults who can be available to support or fulfill this role at upcoming events and activities. We are going to hold three options for the required 1.5-hour training session in the coming weeks to certify our first group of volunteers. If, after reading the definition below, you are interested in supporting this critical role this fall, please contact Wes Parker, VP of Camping Operations, at wparker@PipsicoBSA.com to register for one (1) of the trainings below. Upon registration confirmation, you’ll be sent a Zoom link.
- Saturday, September 5 at 1:00 PM
- Tuesday, September 8 at 7:00 PM
- Thursday, September 10 at 7:00 PM
What is a COVID-19 Safety Officer?
During the initial planning for any event or activity, a responsible individual must be designated and completely embrace the role and responsibilities that come with being a designated COVID-19 Safety Officer (C19SO). This individual (or his/her designee) MUST be the first person to arrive at the event or activity’s physical location.
This individual will be directly responsible for:
- Ensuring ALL participants are screened prior to entering the program area.
- Ensuring ALL policies and procedures outlined in this document are followed.
- Monitoring and enforcing social distancing and healthy hygiene behaviors throughout the day and night.
- Promoting behaviors throughout the event that reduce the risk for spread.
- Identifying staff to assist with compliance of these procedures and maintaining health operations.
- Developing an event/activity-specific COVID-19 Mitigation Plan.
A designated C19SO must complete a Tidewater Council Training course specifically designed for this role. Please contact Wes Parker, VP of Camping Operations, at wparker@PipsicoBSA.com for more information and how to schedule a training.
Upcoming Events
Many events have been postponed due to COVID-19.
Click here for a continuously updated list of event changes. Tidewater Council’s official updates and policies can be found here.
Family Fun Fest
September 12
Connect with Scouts around the country for The Ultimate Pinewood Derby Speedway Race Event! Tune in on Facebook Live at 11 AM for fun activities, the chance to win prizes, and more. Learn more at scouting.org/familyfunfest.
Three Rivers Merit Badge University
September 12
We are still open for more merit badge counselors to join us for Three Rivers Merit Badge University on September 12. We will work both in-person and in the virtual world. Join us in hosting a merit badge session either online or at your choice of location. Contact 3rdistrictmbu@gmail.com to volunteer or learn more.
We hope to offer a beneficial program for our Scouts, but we can only be successful with the generous help of our volunteers.
Online registration is now open. Scouts should have their Scoutmaster’s approval prior to registering for a session.
This will be a single-day event. The COVID-19 situation continues to impact us. To resolve facility-use issues, we will work with counselors to host merit badges throughout the district. Scouts will go to the merit badge counselor or meet virtually. Bring a bag lunch. We plan to finish the in-person requirements and check off the prerequisites accomplished. For merit badges that cannot be completed in one session, Scouts will follow up with the counselor to finish.
Outdoor Adventure Weekend
AKA Fall Guns 'n' Grillin' Plus
September 25-27
Troops, crews, ships, and posts – mark your calendar for an awesome outdoor weekend. We will have shooting sports, climbing, Ax Yard, and other skill builders and challenges in Huskanaw.
Saturday lunch is included – that’s the “Grillin'” part! Units bring their own camping equipment and all other meals. Contact Kirsten Misfeldt for more information.
Council Banquet and Legends Dinner
September 30
Celebrate outstanding Scout volunteers and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the OA Cook Crew! The annual Council Banquet and Legends Dinner will honor the 2020 Silver Beavers, 2020 Living Legends, 2019 Eagle Scouts, Venturing Leadership Award recipients, Sea Scout Leadership Award recipients, Council Alumnus of the Year, and more. Join us at 6 PM on Wednesday, September 30 at the Norfolk Masonic Temple.
National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award recipient Wes Parker will be the keynote speaker for the Eagle portion of the event.
Sponsor one or more Eagle Scouts to attend the event and receive a limited-edition commemorative patch and recognition at the event! Click here for more information.
Fall Family Camp
Back to the Campfire!
October 2-4
Let’s take a break and get back to the campfire for a fun-filled weekend at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Scouts and families are invited to camp from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning with activities planned for learning and lots of fun on Saturday. There will be a variety of activities including archery, BB’s, handicrafts, cooking, sports, and a campfire program. Register on Black Pug now.
Albemarle District Gold Rush Cub-O-Ree
Yee-Haw! There’s GOLD in them there fields!
October 16-18
The Gold Rush is an Albemarle District Family Camping event held at Currituck County Rural Center for all Cub Scouts, 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, crafts, campfires, and much more. Registration and the leader’s guide are available on Black Pug. The cost will be $40 per family if paid by October 2, and $50 after that date. Packs will be given more details from our Sherriff, Tiffany Bounds, on what units are expected to contribute. Let’s get ready to camp!
District Gold Rush Cub Scout Field Days
October 17
Princess Anne
Princess Anne Cub Scout packs, save the date for the district Gold Rush field day! Join us at Mt. Trashmore Kids Cove from 10 AM – 2 PM. Contact event chair Nick Boyle for more information.
Three Rivers
Three Rivers Cub Scout Packs will host a carnival for our newest recruits at Izaak Walton League Park from 10 AM – 2 PM. Our packs will each host a game booth. See the flyer for more details. Registration is now open on Black Pug. Scouts and adults are $5 each. Our newly recruited Scouts may attend for free but should still register.
Bayside
Bayside Cub Scout packs, save the date for the district Gold Rush field day. Join us from 10 AM – 2 PM at Calvary Baptist Church in Virginia Beach! Contact event chairs Michelle Miranda and Brittany Szkaradnik for more information.
Albemarle
Albemarle’s Gold Rush field day will be incorporated in with the district Cub-O-Ree (see above).
STEM Stay Camp
October 19 - November 16
Are you ready for an incredible adventure? You can explore the world of science at STEM Fall Stay Camp 2020.
Five Weeks of Exploration and Discovery! Each week, subject experts will take your Scout on an adventure based in science, technology, engineering, and math! Scouts can earn up to 5 different Nova Awards with our experts and Nova Counselors.
- October 19: Down and Dirty
- October 26: Digging in the Past
- November 2: Fearful Symmetry
- November 9: Up and Away
- November 16: Out of this World
Scouts will receive a “Payload Pack” of the tools they need to explore, create, and learn. It also includes a patch to remember their epic mission!
Your Scout gets all of this for only $45! (Or $63 if you need the Payload Pack shipped to your home.) Participants can view live sessions on Zoom and/or watch the recorded videos on your own schedule.
Highlander Games at the Albemarle District Camporee
October 23-25
There are many legends about the origins of the Scottish Games. The oldest traces the Games tradition back to the period of Roman invasions in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, where Scottish warriors reputedly displayed their bravery and strength by performing feats of skill and power in front of the opposing army. The most widely accepted tale describes the Games as informal athletic tests by which Kings and Clan Chiefs examined the agility, cunning, and physical strength of their clansmen. The victors of these trials were then awarded positions of leadership both on the battlefield and within the clan. The Scottish Highland Games or “Heavy Events” are the modem continuation of this ancient Celtic tradition. Each event you watch today may look like a simple matter of brute strength, but each also requires excellent timing, balance, and technique. (They also require a kilt!) Join us in Maple, NC this fall for some Highlander games.
Princess Anne District Camporee
October 23-25
Princess Anne troops and crews, save the date for the district camporee!
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
October 23-25 and November 13-15
NYLT will be hosted at Pipsico Scout Reservation by Colonial Virginia Council in two sessions this fall. Participants must attend both weekends.
NYLT is an exciting, action-packed program designed to provide youth members (ages 13-20) of the Boy Scouts of America with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops, as well as other life situations demanding leadership of self and leadership of others. We welcome registered Scouts ages 13 or older and Venturers and Sea Scouts who have completed Introduction to Leadership Training for Troops/Crews/Ships.
To learn more, visit the course webpage at www.cvcboyscouts.org/nylt or contact Course Director Mike Murawski at cvc595nylt@gmail.com or 757-595-3356
Scout Day at Nauticus
October 31
Come out and join us for our 11th Annual Scout STEM Day at Nauticus. The 2020 event occurs earlier in the year than previous years, so remember to mark your calendar.
Scout STEM Day at Nauticus includes opportunities to work on NOVA awards, many different Cub Scout electives, and some merit badge requirements.
Pipsico Fall Festival
November 6-8
It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy camping weather. All packs, troops, crews, ships, posts, and Scout families are invited to join us at Pipsico for a Fall Festival. Camp from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning. There will be a variety of activities so keep watch for more details to follow. Save the date – registration and the leader guide are coming soon.
Albemarle Merit Badge Weekend
November 13-15
Share your expertise! We are looking for merit badge counselors for Albemarle Merit Badge Weekend. The classes will be offered in a morning and afternoon session on the 14th and a morning session on the 15th. If you can assist any or all of the weekend, we need your support. We hope to offer an exciting and valuable program for our Scouts. We can only accomplish this with the assistance of volunteers wanting to share their knowledge. Contact Ray Bland at raybee01@hotmail.com to volunteer or ask questions.
Units, save the date for the weekend. Online registration and a leader guide will be coming soon. The COVID-19 situation has continued to impact us, but we are hopeful that Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City will be able to allow us to conduct the event again this year.
Pow-Wow Cub Scout Leader Training
November 14
Join our gathering of Mad Scientists as we hone our Cub Scout leader skills to provide the best program we can for our Scouts! Classes will be offered virtually and in-person at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center. Every Leader Scientist will receive a kit of supplies to use during and after training.
Worried about being in classes all day? You don’t have to! All Pow Wow classes will be recorded. You will receive access to all classes once we are through.
Registration and additional details are coming soon!
Questions? Contact Anne Bussiere at AnneL.Bussiere@gmail.com.
Pow-Wow Survey
What would you like to see at Pow-Wow 2020? Take the Pow-Wow survey because:
- Your personal experience and ideas add value.
- Pow Wow must be a training built on the success of the past and not repeat its failures.
- Pow Wow can meet your and your unit’s needs and expectations with your input.
News
Popcorn
Interim Pick-Ups and Returns
Additional product pick-up and returns will be available at 5423 Henneman Drive, Norfolk, VA 23513 during the dates and times listed below:
- Thursday, September 3 from 3-5 PM
- Thursday, September 10 from 12-2 PM
Payments
Payments should be turned in at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 during regular Scout Shop hours.
The preferred method of payment is a single check from the unit’s account. Credit card payments will be subject to a 3% processing fee. We cannot accept checks that are written to the unit from individuals. Checks returned for insufficient funds will be charged the standard return fee as posted in the Council Scout Shop as of the date of the incident.
Online Sales
Enjoy non-contact sales and free delivery with online popcorn sales!
Online sales are now open at prpopcornstore.3dcartstores.com. Contact your unit popcorn kernel for your Scout’s Seller ID.
Scout Shop
Shop Local! The Tidewater Council Scout Shop is the only place where you can purchase official BSA merchandise and have the proceeds stay in our local Scouting community.
With the beginning of a new school year, your Scout Shop can supply you with ALL the program supplies you need, from uniforms and accessories to books, craft kits, and much more!
Uniform Sale
Our annual fall uniform sale kicked off in August and runs through October 10. Buy uniform pants and shirt and get 25% off the pants. This includes both shorts and skorts, and is applicable to all programs (Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing), but the uniform parts must be from the SAME program. For anyone needing a full uniform, this is the best time to get it!
New Shirts
The tan Scout shirts have a new look, new fabric, and new prices. The traditional poplin and microfiber shirts will be sold at reduced prices to make room for the new stock! These clearance-priced shirts may still be used for the uniform sale to get 25% off the pants. What a great deal!
New Hours
September begins new fall hours!
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM – 5 PM
Thursday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Friday: 11 AM – 5 PM
Saturday: Noon – 3 PM
Sunday: Closed
Most Asked Questions
Even though we can provide customers with the main uniform items for each grade level, there are some things we have no way of knowing. Help us help new customers by giving them the necessary information for:
- Unit number for your pack, troop, crew, ship, or post
- Den number or patrol symbol
- Neckerchief color (troops decide)
- Anything provided to new youth by the pack or troop
Virtual Meetings
Craft kits can be a fun activity for virtual meetings. Check out the BSA Supply website for available kits and order through the Tidewater Council Scout Shop to avoid expensive shipping.
Unit Accounts
Since store accounts may be used for anything, why use a unit credit card? Avoid credit card interest and fees by keeping money in a store account for awards. If you need to update the current account, just email Polly Fugate for a new form. Have it signed, return it by email, and your account can be updated.
We ship orders by USPS. Call 757-497-2688 or email polly.fugate@scouting.org.
Holiday Hours
Our next holiday closing will be September 5 -7 for Labor Day weekend.
Update BeAScout - And Win!
What’s the easiest way for potential members to join your Scout unit? The answer is BeAScout! But it only works if your unit information is current. Now, if you update your pin, your unit could win!
Just make sure your unit BeAScout pin is updated anytime between June 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020, and your unit will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $500 Scout Shop gift card, or one of five $100 Scout Shop gift cards. See the full rules for the giveaway here.
Need help updating your pin? Find a complete set of step-by-step instructions on how to update your BeAScout pin in this instructional video:
As we move into recruiting season, now is the time to be Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, and Kind – do a Good Turn and update your pin so people who are looking for a great Scouting unit can find you! You just might win something in the process!
Journey to Excellence
As we near the last quarter of the year, your district needs your help to maximize their Journey to Excellence score. Your district is evaluated on how well your unit does on many categories.
Advancement
Are all youth advancements submitted? Many units are down from previous years on rank advancement, so please work with the youth to ensure that their achievements are properly recorded. The goal is 48% for Cub Scouts and 44% for Scouts BSA.
Camping
The district is measured on how many youth participated in family camps, day camps, and resident camps. The goal is 40% for Cub Scouts and 57% for Scouts BSA. Please let your district executive or district camping chair know how many youth attended one of these. Virtual camps count. The inclusive dates are September 1, 2019 through August 31, 2020.
Service Hours
Recording service hours is now easier, since it has been incorporated into Scoutbook. The goal is to have an average of four hours of service per registered youth.
Membership
The district’s minimum goal is to have one more youth than last December. Recruiting during the pandemic is challenging, but possible. It will take a team effort to reach every youth possible. Scouts of all ages, in all programs, likely have friends who need the continuing social connections that Scouting provides. The Silver goal is 1% overall growth, which actually equates to 10% growth in each unit.
Retention
This is how many youth renew their membership. During the pandemic, has your unit leadership called each family? If members are missing meetings, how do you follow up?
Training Updates
The national training team is working on a hybrid version of Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) and Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews (ILSC). There will be two online modules followed by a virtual instructor-led session. The hybrid course is expected to be released this September.
The national training team is currently evaluating the viability of a hybrid version of Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), but it is in the early development stages. If the team finds it effective to convert the course, it may be available in 2021.
Exploring Updates
Exploring programs teach important life and career skills to young people. Updated and enhanced tools are rolling out to support Exploring programs.
Online Registration
Now available for youth Explorers and adult Exploring leaders too! Check your My.Scouting account for access.
Scoutbook
Scoutbook for Exploring will open this month. Leaders will be able to view rosters, send messages, and more.
BeAnExplorer
Coming late this year, BeAnExplorer will provide tools similar to BeAScout for clubs and posts. When complete, you will be able to search for Exploring opportunities at joinexploring.org and joinexploring.com.
Post and Club Renewal
Exploring units can now renew online. Review the online FAQs for more information.
Exploring Participants
Just as in Venturing and Sea Scouting, participants ages 18-20 fill out adult applications and take Youth Protection Training. An Exploring Participant (EP) participates as a youth. Learn more here.
Exploring Leadership Experience
This leadership training course, similar to Wood Badge and National Youth Leadership Training, is being developed for both youth Explorers and adult Exploring leaders.
Red Cross Certification Extensions
The Red Cross is authorizing a 120-day extension of all student certifications expiring between March 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020. This includes, but is not limited to, certifications for the following courses:
- First Aid/CPR/AED
- BLS/ALS/PALS
- CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
- Lifeguarding
The extension does not apply to Instructor or Instructor Trainer certifications, online-only courses, or provisional certification courses. There are two ways to access the 120-day certification extension:
- Students can request a 120-day extension through redcross.org.
- Instructors can secure an extension certificate for their students by submitting a course record for the “120-Day Certification Extension” course through the course record entry tool on the Red Cross Learning Center.
The extension certificate awarded must be presented with the expired certificate to be considered proof of current certification.
Participating in a Lifeguarding Instructor or Instructor Trainer Review class may not be possible due to COVID-19 public health guidance. To that end, the Red Cross is extending all current Lifeguarding Instructor and Lifeguarding Instructor Trainer certifications through August 31, 2021. There is no action required as the Red Cross will make these updates automatically in the Red Cross Learning Center.
Training Reminders
As the end of the charter year grows near, it is time to review the training records of your unit’s adult leaders. The unit Key 3 and Training Chair can obtain a Youth Protection Training (YPT) report from Training Manager on My.Scouting. This report lists when each adult registered in the unit and when their YPT expires. To renew their registration for 2021, each leader’s YPT must expire on or after December 31, 2021. Take the time now to check and update this training.
The unit Key 3 and Training Chair can also review position-specific training for every registered leader. If they are not trained in their current position, now is the time to complete the training, as most courses are now online. If a leader is changing positions, they should complete the training for the new position.
Please remember that Hazardous Weather is required of all direct contact leaders and must be valid on January 1, 2021. This course must be taken every two years.
Recreational and Family Camping at Pipsico
Did COVID-19 ruin your family’s summer plans? We have just the answer for you! Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America would like to invite you to enjoy camping at Pipsico Scout Reservation.
From July 1 - September 7, you can enjoy the awesomeness that is Pipsico Scout Reservation!
Guests may enjoy kayaking, canoeing, hiking, climbing, shooting sports, campfires, and fishing along the beach or at our lake – just to name a few fun family outdoor activities. With camping options ranging from personal tent campsite camping to renting a cabin, we have the outdoor adventure option for you!
At this time, Camp Moonyah and Camp Baker remain unavailable for use.
Stay Connected
Connect with us on social media!
- @tidewaterbsa on Facebook – Tidewater Council’s main Facebook page
- @tidewatercouncilbsa on Instagram – Tidewater Council’s Instagram account
- YouTube – Tidewater Council’s YouTube channel
- Tidewater Den Leader Forum – Facebook page designed for Cub Scout leaders to interact, trade information, or ask for help
- Eagle Scouts of Tidewater Council BSA – Facebook page for Eagle Scouts and aspiring Eagle Scouts to network
- Tidewater Council Rovers – Facebook page for young adult Scouters ages 21-34
- National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) – Tidewater Council – Facebook page for fellowship among those who completed National Youth Leadership Training
- Tidewater Council Popcorn Kernels – Facebook group for Popcorn Kernels to exchange ideas, tips, and even trade product
- Tidewater Council Training and Trainers – Facebook group for trainers to find out about the latest updates to training, to share ideas, and to ask for help if needed
- Wood Badgers from Tidewater Council BSA – Facebook group for networking among Wood Badgers
- Tidewater Council Wood Badge Association – Facebook group for members of the Wood Badge Association
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. North Carolina families, please reach out to NCCARE360 to request assistance. Virginia families, please contact the United Way of South Hampton Roads Coronavirus Response team. For other coordinated care referrals unrelated to COVID-19, please contact us.
The BSA has released tips and videos for Coping with COVID-19.
Scouts in Action
Aspiring Eagle Scout Jacob was featured on WAVY-TV 10 for his service projects at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk. Jacob secured a headstone for a Johnny Robert Hill, a Scout who passed away in 1970 and was laid to rest with no grave marker.
After this act of kindness, Jacob wanted to do more. He obtained donated flags for veterans laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery and secured benches for the children’s area of the cemetery.
Jacob is an inspiring example of Scouts giving back to their community.
Princess Anne Troop 362 held their first Court of Honor since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The Scouts met outdoors and wore masks to keep safe. At the Court of Honor, Troop 362 awarded 196 merit badges, 47 awards, and 21 rank advancements!
Cub Scouts had a great time at the Princess Anne Shooting Sports Day on August 15!
Scouts are continuing to earn their own way to the adventures of Scouting with popcorn sales. Safety-conscious and resilient, Scouts are using door tags, online sales, and masks at Show-N-Sells.
Princess Anne Pack 407 has sold nearly $20,000 of popcorn in just three weeks!
Elizabeth City Cub Scouts had a fantastic time racing cars made of LEGOs at day camp. (And they learned about sportsmanship and STEM principles along the way.)
Thank you to the Elizabeth City Foundation and to Norfolk Botanical Garden for supporting this activity!
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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