Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Salute to Our COVID Heroes Reception
September 9
The Coastal VA Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “Salute to Our COVID Heroes” reception. This award presentation is to honor those who gave tirelessly to help our coastal Virginia communities during the pandemic.
Tidewater Council is honored to be one of the award recipients. Local Scouting is being recognized for countless acts of Scouts’ selfless service, including Scouting for Food and making masks.
Uniformed Scouts and families are invited to attend the awards reception on September 9 at Zeiders American Dream Theater, 4509 Commerce Street, Virginia Beach. The reception beings at 6:30 PM and the awards presentation begins at 7:30 PM. Hon. George Allen and Del. Alex Askew will present the awards.
The event is free and open to the public but reservations are required, as seating is limited. Please RSVP to jp@coastalvachamber.com.
Three Rivers Merit Badge University
September 11
Join us for Three Rivers Merit Badge University on September 11. Merit badge offerings include Law, Communications, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Nuclear Science, Metalwork, and more.
Hurry! Registration ends today.
Scoutmaster-Specific Training
September 11
Scoutmaster-Specific Training introduces you to everything you need to know about running a Scouts BSA Troop. This course, along with Youth Protection Training and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, is required for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters to be considered trained. Join us at Deep Creek Baptist Church on September 11!
Troop Committee Challenge
September 11
Troop Committee Challenge introduces you to what you need to know about running a troop. Running a Scouts BSA Troop is a little like running a business: there’s a budget and a calendar, there’s money coming in (fundraising and dues), there’s money going out (activities, equipment purchases, registration fees), there’s a “workforce” (your fellow adult volunteers), and there are goals and evaluation of whether you reached those goals. The next Troop Committee Challenge training will be offered at Deep Creek Baptist Church on September 11.
Guns 'n' Grillin' 2.0 Outdoor Adventure Weekend
September 24-26
Join us for a weekend of outdoor fun at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Experience programs normally reserved for summer camp, including .22 rifles, shotguns, AR-15s, and archery. There will also be opportunities for large-scale pioneering projects, canoeing, climbing, and much more! The only thing better than all these activities will be Saturday’s lunch of hotdogs and hamburgers served fresh from the grill!
Units are encouraged to develop their own organizational structure using the patrol method and to practice outdoor camping skills. Sign your unit up on Black Pug today!
Cub Scout Family Camp
October 1-3
Cub Scout Family Camp is an opportunity to take your family out to the woods and experience Pipsico Scout Reservation. There will be activities, and you can also enjoy the facilities. Meals are not provided, but fun is!
Three Rivers Fall Camporee
October 1-3
Come and join the Three Rivers District Fall Camporee at Izaak Walton League!
Scouts will spend a fun-filled weekend practicing and demonstrating basic Scout camp skills. The units will compete to win the Traveling District Trophy by earning points during patrol and unit cooking-related challenges.
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.
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, crafts, campfires, and much more.
Mark your calendar now for October 22-24. The cost is $40/family if paid by October 8, and $50 after that date. Packs will be given more details on what units are asked to contribute. 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.
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!
Albemarle Spook-O-Ree
October 29-31
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. Halloween is associated with fires, costumes, candy, gatherings, carving pumpkins, surprises, and just an overall good time. All troops, crews, and ships are welcome to attend. Campers are encouraged to participate in the Spook-O-Ree theme, which may include costumes and decorating camp sites. Registration is open on Black Pug.
Princess Anne District Fall Camporee
October 29-31
Princess Anne’s District Fall Camporee will be the Rise of the Phoenix. It has been years since Princess Anne held a camporee, so come out to Izaak Walton League Park and challenge yourself with archery and Scouting skills. There will be a contest for best Halloween-themed campsite.
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, 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.
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 coming soon via Black Pug. If you’re interested in supporting a Scout Show event Saturday morning, contact Kirsten Misfeldt at kmisfeldt62@gmail.com.
Veterans Day Parade
November 11
Save the date for the 2021 Tidewater Veterans Day Parade at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
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.
News
Scout Shop
Back to school means back to fun for the Scouts! We are here to provide your needs for uniforms, books, awards, camping, and even Scout-related gifts.
Uniform Sale
The uniform sale is going strong now and will continue through October. Buy a uniform shirt and any bottom of the same program (zip-off pants, shorts, skorts, rollup pants) and get 25% off the bottoms. The savings can add up when you are buying for more than one Scout.
New Families
New families need information. New Cub Scout parents need to know their pack and den numbers. Scouts need to know the color of the neckerchief. Does your unit give something to new recruits? Does your unit have custom neckerchiefs, T-shirts, or caps? Make the shopping experience easier for the new Scouts in your unit by answering questions or providing a shopping list before they visit the Scout Shop. Please help us help them get exactly what they need.
New Scout Shop Hours
NEW HOURS go 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
Our next store closing will be September 4-6 for Labor Day weekend.
New Patch
The Scout Shop has a limited supply of Tidewater Radio Scouting patches for $3.99 each. These patches were made especially for youth who have earned the Radio merit badge or anyone with an FCC license. If you or someone you know fits into that category, get them while they last!
Leader Manuals
Leader manuals can help build the knowledge new leaders need. Den Leader handbooks are $8.99, Cub Scout Leader books are $9.99, and Troop Leader Guides are $12.99, all ready for binders. In the future, many of the leader books will only be available online, so pick one up while you can.
Bookcovers
Bookcovers are often overlooked, but they really are a necessity. Our canvas covers sell for $9.99 and are worth every penny. The Cub Scout covers fit each Cub Scout book from Tiger through Webelos/Arrow of Light. The Scouts BSA book covers will help preserve the handbook through their entire Scouting years.
Help Needed
We are now hiring for the Scout Shop. Prior experience and knowledge of the Scouting program is helpful, but not necessary. If you or someone you know is interested in a part-time position with opportunity for advancement, resumes may be sent to polly.fugate@scouting.org. We also have applications available in the Scout Shop.
Shipping
We continue to ship orders for customers who are not able to do in-person shopping. Give us a call (757-497-2688) or email Polly Fugate. We can get the order together, calculate shipping, then call you back for a VISA or Mastercard number. All orders are shipped by USPS with a tracking number.
Popcorn
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
From the Council Popcorn Kernel
Our popcorn sale is off to an OVERWHELMING start! Many units are selling out of popcorn as soon as they can get their hands on it. Thank you for keeping us updated on your sales, and great job selling!
If your unit has extra product, please post it on the Tidewater Council Popcorn Kernels Facebook page. There is no restocking fee for transferring unit to unit. If you need to transfer and don’t know how, please reach out to your District Popcorn Kernel. (You can find their name and contact information on the last page of the Popcorn Guide). Thanks to all those who have already helped other units.
If you cannot fill a Show & Sell location, please post the date and area on the Facebook page as well and ask that people contact you directly for details. Once it is filled, please update your post to let others know that it is no longer available. The goal is to not leave a good sales location empty. A few days’ notice is ideal, if possible.
If you can help offload the next delivery on September 2, please email Alison at alison.harrison@scouting.org. We appreciate the help, and you get your stash fast.
Let me just say these numbers rolling in are just incredible! Thanks everyone for your hard work.
Happy selling,
Pam Samples
Upcoming Key Dates
- Thursday, September 2:
- Delivery date for second popcorn order. Email alison.harrison@scouting.org if you are able to help unload.
- Friday, September 3:
- Distribution for second popcorn order. Sign up for a pick-up time.
- Saturday, September 4:
- Distribution for second popcorn order. Sign up for a pick-up time.
- Wednesday, September 8:
- Payment due for first popcorn order.
- Interim pick-ups and returns. Sign up for a slot.
- Wednesday, September 15:
- Interim pick-ups and returns. Sign up for a slot.
- Wednesday, September 22:
- Deadline for units to submit popcorn orders through Scout Boss for the third popcorn order.
- Return deadline for Cheese Lover’s and Hometown Heroes Trios.
- Interim pick-ups and returns. Sign up for a slot.
- Wednesday, September 29:
- Interim pick-ups and returns. Sign up for a slot.
- Tuesday, October 5:
- Payment due for second popcorn order.
- Thursday, October 7:
- Estimated delivery date for third popcorn order.
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.
Older Youth Personal Safety Awareness
The BSA has partnered with subject matter experts from the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center Foundation to develop a Personal Safety Awareness Series. The main goal of the series is to educate teens about what to do if they experience abusive behavior, educate them about safe and unsafe touches, and encourage them to go to a parent or another trusted adult for help.
There are a series of videos for Scouts aged 11-13 (Digital Safety, Bullying, Abuse, and Youth Protection Policies). There is a second series of videos for Star Rank or Scouts 14-17 (Persistence for Pictures, Grooming & Sexual Abuse, Sexual Abuse in the Family, and Friends Should Never Look the Other Way).
These videos can be found at Scouting.org/Training/Youth-Protection/Scouts-BSA.
Scout Life Mini-Mag
The Scout Life mini-mag is now available in a digital format. You can read it online or download a printable version. (Pre-printed copies will not be available this year.)
The mini-mag is a great tool for recruiting, and also gives current Scouts a taste of Scout Life to help them decide if they would like to subscribe to the magazine.
Cub Chat Live
Cub Chat Live is a weekly Facebook Live event hosted by Scouting Magazine. Simple go to the Scouting Magazine Facebook page every Friday at 3:00 PM to tune in.
Missed a show? No problem – the past episodes are available here.
Upcoming shows include:
- September 3: “How to Welcome New Families”
- September 10: “Cub Scouting in the Outdoors”
- September 17: “Putting the FUN into Fundraising”
- September 24: “Getting Parents Comfortable with Camping”
- October 1: “Recording Cub Scout Advancement”
Jamboree On The Air - Jamboree On the Internet
Jamboree on the Air – Jamboree on the Internet (JOTA-JOTI) will be October 15-17. This international digital and radio Scouting event is great for Scouts who are interested in the World Scouting Community, and there are resources for leaders and chances to network too. Follow @jota_joti on Instagram and @jota.joti.wosm on Facebook for updates.
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:
- 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.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training
Scouting U is pleased to announce the soft launch of our new volunteer Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Training. The training is a 30-minute online course that includes key aspects of DEI, demonstrates ways to promote an inclusive culture in the Scouting movement, and demonstrates how diversity helps build community and a sense of belonging. The training is in the BSA Learn Center and can be taken immediately by volunteers.
New Commissioner Training
New position specific basic training for commissioners will be available online through the BSA Learn Center in early September. This will include new learning plans and modules for unit, roundtable, district, and council commissioners. These modules will replace the current online training modules. New instructor-led materials will be released simultaneously with the release of the online learning, and will be located on the basic training section of the Commissioner Development page.
Training Reminder
As a reminder, adult Scouters who plan to renew their registration for 2022 will need to ensure that their Youth Protection Training expires on or after January 1, 2023. For adults who are considered a direct contact leader, their Hazardous Weather Training also must be current. Don’t wait to the last minute when the system is overloaded!
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.
Incident Reporting
Timely and complete incident reporting provides the BSA with an opportunity for analysis of incidents that occur and promotes continuous improvement of our programs. In our experience, the sooner a clear, concise, and complete incident report is made, the sooner that an appropriate response to the incident can occur.
It is important that incident reports are filled out as completely as possible. This will help bring clarity to the situation and avoid unnecessary calls or emails for additional information. Photographs of the site, facilities, vehicles, or equipment can add value to the report. Remember to include only pertinent facts about the incident. Do not assign blame or include personal opinions. Stick to the facts.
Congressional App Challenge
The Congressional App Challenge is an annual non-partisan competition for middle and high school students. Individuals or teams of up to four members develop original apps in any programming language for any platform. This challenge encourages students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Submissions are due online by November 1, 2021.
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
Congratulations to new Eagle Scout, Trevor H. of Princess Anne Troop 504!
Bayside Sea Scout Ship 42 took Princess Anne Cub Scout Pack 991 out for a Cub Cruise on August 29.
Members of Ship 42 navigated the vessel and taught the Cub Scouts about the basics of sailing and water safety. Several of the Cub Scouts said they cannot wait to become Sea Scouts or to get their own sailboats.
It was a beautiful day for sailing, a fun family experience, and the Scouts even spotted a some dolphins in the bay!
Portsmouth Police Department Exploring Post 201 was featured on WTKR News Channel 3 for their introductory Law Enforcement Explorer Academy.
From August 23-27, Post 201 hosted the free academy to teach defensive tactics, law enforcement practices, teamwork, leadership, and more.
Recruiting time is here! Scouts and Scouters are excited to invite new families to experience the adventure of Scouting. Units throughout the council are holding open houses, ice cream socials, Raingutter Regattas, LEGO Derbies, field days, and more.
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