Table of Contents
Friends of Scouting
Be a Pathfinder for Friends of Scouting! Pathfinders are donors who blaze the trail for a successful Friends of Scouting campaign by making their gift or pledge by January 31. Pathfinder donors are recognized with a special lapel pin.
You can donate online via the donate button at the top of this page. The look of our online donation portal has changed, but, as before, all Friends of Scouting donations stay local and benefit the same Scouting program you love. You can also fill out a Friends of Scouting pledge card and email it to shannon.foster@scouting.org.
Progress as of January 22, 2021:
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal.
Progress as of January 22, 2021:
Upcoming Events
Many events have been canceled or 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.
Silver Beaver Nominations Due
February 6
The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered Scouters who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given at the council-level.
To nominate a worthy Scouter, please submit the nomination form to the Scout Shop.
District Award of Merit Nominations Due
February 6
District Award of Merit nominations are due to your district executive by February 6. This is a council award presented by districts, in the same manner that the Silver Beaver is a national award presented by councils.
The award is available to Scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the district level. Requirements are listed below.
- A nominee must be a registered Scouter.
- A nominee must have rendered noteworthy service to youth in Scouting, outside Scouting, or both. Note: The nature and value of “noteworthy service to youth” may consist of a single plan or decisions that contributed vitally to the lives of large numbers of youth or it may have been given to a small group over an extended period of time.
- Consideration must be given to the nominee’s Scouting position and the corresponding opportunity to render outstanding service beyond the expectations of that Scouting position.
- The nominee’s attitude toward and cooperation with the district and/or council is to be taken into consideration.
- Nominations cannot be considered for posthumous awards.
Scouting for Food
February 6-14
As Scouts, we know how fortunate we are to have a warm meal every night — whether around the campfire or at the kitchen table. And we know that not everyone is so lucky.
That’s the genesis of Scouting for Food, a food-collection drive run by Tidewater Council BSA. It’s another reminder to our local communities that Scouts are here, doing good turns.
Scouting for Food takes place on two consecutive weekends. On the first weekend (February 6-7), Scouts distribute door hangers to let their neighbors know about the drive. On the second weekend (February 13-14), Scouts revisit those houses to pick up canned food, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, juice, and other non-perishable items.
The food is delivered to needy families through your chartered organization’s food pantry, through the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, or through the Food Bank of the Albemarle. This year, we will also have the Foodbank collection truck at the council service center on Sunday, February 14 from noon to 4 PM to accept dropped-off collections.
The first step in getting your unit involved in a food drive is to find a Scouting for Food Chair – someone who will organize and promote the project and be a liaison between your unit and district. Once that person is identified, it is easy to enlist your unit’s youth and adult leaders to execute. Please sign your unit up at https://247scouting.com/forms/596-SFF2021. Units can print door hangers at their convenience to leave at locations where they would like to collect donations.
If you have any questions, you can contact Tracy McGlothian, Scouting for Food Chairperson, Tidewater Council BSA at Tracy@mtolivetgroup.com.
Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Nominations Due
February 12
The National Eagle Scout Association established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year award (ESSPY) to recognize valuable service of an exceptional nature by an Eagle Scout candidate to a religious institution, school, community or other entity through completion of an Eagle Scout project.
Deadline extended!
The nomination deadline for Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year has been extended to February 12. The change was made nationally to ensure that members of the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts can be included. Any Scouts who have passed their Eagle board of review between January 1, 2020 and February 8, 2021 are eligible.
How to get the award
An Eagle Scout, their parents, or any registered BSA volunteer (with the Eagle Scout’s permission) may submit the Eagle Scout service project for consideration.
The nomination must be submitted to the council advancement committee of the council in which the service project was completed. Submissions must be received by February 12, 2021, either by hard copy submitted at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center, Attn: Geraldine Eady, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455, or via email to Geraldine.Eady@scouting.org.
The council will submit the winning Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook and Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Nomination Form – including attachments – to the National Eagle Scout Association.
Evaluation criteria
- Project planning
- Effort to develop the project
- Extent and character of leadership provided by the Scout
- Extent of achievement of the planned result
- Project’s impact on the beneficiary and/or on the community at large
- Originality of the project
- Time and materials contributed
- Level of skill employed to complete the project
- Whether the project will have long-lasting impact
Albemarle Freeze-O-Ree
February 12-14
These are crazy times, so why not have a crazy theme? Laid Back Luau in February doesn’t get much crazier than that! Join us on February 12-14 at Camp Maple in Barco, NC.
Do you have a Hawaiian shirt that fits over your cold weather gear? WEAR IT! Have a lei or a grass skirt that fits over your cold weather gear? WEAR IT! Any apparel or decorations tropical in nature are encouraged. This weekend, Scouts have the option to participate in a couple district-sponsored luau activities. The majority of the time, the troops will focus on their needs and try to stay warm in the woods.
Register online by February 11!
Troop Committee Challenge
February 20
This full-day course introduces Scouts BSA troop committee members to everything they need to know about their roles and responsibilities.
Scoutmaster Specific Training
February 20
This full-day course will cover almost everything you need to know to run a troop. Scoutmaster Specific Training, along with Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, is required for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters to be considered trained.
Merit Badge Counselor Orientation
February 20
Join us at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center to learn the policies and procedures behind being an effective merit badge counselor.
National Celebration Event for the Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts
February 21
Mark your calendars for a special event celebrating America’s first female Eagle Scouts. On February 21, 2021 at 8 PM, the BSA will mark this historic milestone.
Members of the Inaugural Class of female Eagle Scouts are invited to share details about their journey that will be used to make a commemorative gift. Visit www.scouting.org/inauguralclass for more information.
Klondike Derby
February 26-28
A Klondike Derby is an event held by the Boy Scouts of America during the winter months and is based on the heritage of the Klondike Gold Rush. The Klondike Derby consists of a race between multiple stations where patrols/ teams/ units will test their Scoutcraft skills and their leadership abilities, earning points towards a total score. Each team must transport their gear on a homemade sled pulled by the Scouts. No meals will be provided this year; participants should plan and bring all meals.
This event is open to Scouts BSA, Venturers, Sea Scouts, and Explorers and is entirely co-ed. Each unit will have one sled and determine the 4- to 8-person team for each trek. Other Scouts are encouraged to cheer on their team as they complete each station. Unit/teams will lose points for any additional assistance from bystanders. Participants may be considered youth through age 20; however registrants aged 18-20 may register as adults if they are supporting youth in a capacity of a “BSA Adult Member.”
VFW Scout of the Year Nominations Due
March 1
Annually, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States awards three Scouts who have achieved the highest rank in their Scouting program and who exemplify the qualities of that rank. For members of the BSA, that means the Scout is a recipient of the Eagle Scout Award, Venture Summit Award, or Sea Scout Quartermaster Award. Scouts must be registered, active members of their troop, crew, or ship, and must demonstrate exemplary citizenship in school, Scouting, and community.
There is no minimum age requirement for applicants as long as all other eligibility criteria has been met. The maximum age requirement for applicants is 18 years old. If an applicant reaches their 18th birthday during the nomination year, they remain eligible as long as they are still in high school at the time of the submission deadline. Furthermore, the student does not have to be a military dependent, nor do they need to be related to a VFW or VFW Auxiliary member to participate in this program.
Awards are:
- $5,000 1st place National scholarship
- $3,000 2nd place National scholarship
- $1,000 3rd place National scholarship
To apply, submit:
- Photograph of the Scout
- School Participation Record
- Scouting Record
- Community Service Record
- Letters of Recommendation
- Completed Entry Form
Complete rules and eligibility requirements can be found at www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/scout-of-the-year. Contact Connie Mitchell, Scholarship Chairman of VFW Post 392 Auxiliary, at cjmitchell02531@gmail.com. The deadline for entering the VFW Scout of the Year Award is March 1, 2021.
Spring Break Day Camp
April 5-9
Calling all budding scientists and space explorers! Join us for Tidewater Council’s first-ever Spring Break day camp: Endless Voyage! Participate in a week-long program discovering the wonders of space through a lens of STEM. Save the date for April 5-9, and watch the EK for a registration link, coming soon to Black Pug. Contact James Carroll at padaycamp@gmail.com or 757-550-0624 with questions.
Wilderness/Remote First Aid
May 15-16
Register now for Wilderness/Remote First Aid – space is limited!
All High Adventure Bases require that at least one person in each crew (two for Philmont) be currently certified in Wilderness First Aid or the equivalent and CPR from the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or equivalent. It is also recommended for any unit that is conducting backcountry hiking or camping trips.
Pre-requisites:
- Current CPR/AED certification is required to attend this course. Please bring your card to the course for verification.
- Be at least 14 years of age on or before the last scheduled session of the course.
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
June 20-26
NYLT will be held the week of June 20-26 at Pipsico Scout Reservation. The course director is currently recruiting youth staff for the course. The minimum requirements to be a youth staff member are:
- Be at least age 14 when the course starts
- Have held positions of leadership in their home unit
- Have been an NYLT course participant
Interviews for youth staff will be held on January 30 from 10 AM to 4 PM. They will be held in person (location to be determined) or virtually at the Scout’s discretion. If a Scout is interested in staffing but unable to interview on January 30, please contact Course Director Frances Creel at madamcommish15@gmail.com.
Please register for an interview slot on Sign-Up Genius.
In Fond Remembrance
Thomas Hulehan
Mr. Hulehan began his career in Scouting with Pack 364 in 2007, working with the youth of the Jolly Rogers den. He exited the pack as a decorated Webelos leader, and then joined Troop 364 as an Assistant Scoutmaster in March 2009.
During his time with Troop 364, Mr. Hulehan served as an Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, and instructor for Bayside District Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, led Map and Compass Merit Badge courses at Pipsico Scout Reservation, and initiated Troop 364’s new format for Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops.
Mr. Hulehan was a Certified National Rifle Association Rifle and Pistol instructor, as well as a qualified Range Safety Officer. He attained these qualifications to assist the troop in staffing its annual Shooting Sports weekend.
He was instrumental in organizing Troop 364 Scouts when they attended the 2013 National Scout Jamboree in West Virginia.
Mr. Hulehan also attended the 2013 National Scout Jamboree as a firearms instructor on the High Power Rifle Range. He served as the Rangemaster on several of Pipsico Scout Reservation’s shooting sports weekends.
In March 2013, he stepped up as the Scoutmaster, holding this position for two years until March of 2015. Mr. Hulehan’s favorite Scout saying was: “Behind every Eagle Scout, lies a … ‘Dedicated and Patient Parent.’”
Mr. Hulehan’s family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Troop 364. To donate, you can send a check to Bayside Presbyterian Church, 1400 Ewell Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. In the comments or memo section, please note that the gift is in memory of Thomas Hulehan.
News
Popcorn Top Sellers
In the January 11, 2021 edition of the EK, we mistakenly omitted Colby D., Troop 828, from the popcorn top seller list. He sold over $4,000 in popcorn in 2020. Congratulations Colby!
Scout Shop
HAPPY NEW YEAR from the Scout Shop! As we begin 2021, we look forward to serving all your needs for Pinewood Derbies, crossovers, Scout Sunday, Blue & Gold, and anything in between!
Pinewood Derby
We have plenty of car kits in stock. Buy 10 or more cars and get a 25-cent discount on each car (regular price $4.49 each, discount price $4.24 each). Need advice on speed or design? We have books to help you get the best speed. We also have the Pinewood Derby “wedges,” blocks of wood cut at an incline (for those who prefer to NOT have to use a saw), and they are $3.49 each.
Winter Camping
We have a variety of cold weather sleeping bags, pads, jackets, and caps for colder weather! Keep your feet warm and dry with our wool Thorlos socks. Come in and browse our camping section so you can be prepared for winter camping.
Journey to Excellence (JTE) Patches
Units may use the 2021 JTE order form to prepay for the patches for which they qualify ($2.19 each), which come in bronze, silver, and gold. For 2021, there are NO JTE ribbons or 100% Boys’ Life patches available. Patches are NOT automatically ordered based on a unit qualifying. Orders are placed weekly and must be PREPAID, so the sooner your order is received, the sooner your unit can begin proudly wearing them.
Thank You!
A big THANKS to our wonderful volunteers who came to help with inventory: Mike & Sharon Scott, Mary Jo Robins, Kathy Lull, Dave & Anne Bussiere, and Kathy Forsten. These folks make a long and tedious job much easier!
Shop & Ship
As always, we are glad to ship orders by USPS for the amount of the order plus shipping (never any handling fees). Feel free to call us with an order using Visa or Mastercard. A 3% fee is charged with any debit/credit transaction. Just call the Scout Shop at 757-497-2688 or email polly.fugate@scouting.org.
Swimming Deferments for Advancement
The BSA has posted its decision regarding swimming and advancement for all Scouts:
Swimming remains a major health and safety concern and cannot be abandoned by Scouts BSA. With that in mind, the Swimming rank requirements for Second Class (5b) and First Class (6a) may be deferred until each Scout’s next rank, as necessary (through Life, but not Eagle).
Second Class requirement (5b) Demonstrate your ability to pass the BSA beginner test: Jump feet first into water over your head in depth, level off and swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming, then return to your starting place.
First Class requirement (6a) Successfully complete the BSA swimmer test.
This temporary deferment will allow Scouts to advance in rank up to, and including Life Scout, but not beyond. All other rank requirements must still be earned to advance. When conditions warrant and upon direction from the National Council, these requirements will be reinstated with 30 days’ notice to our Scouting family via Workplace, Bryan on Scouting, Scouting Wire, social media, and any other means determined appropriate.
For clarity, the following swimming requirements can be completed on dry land and are not a hindrance to advancing:
Second Class requirement (5c) Demonstrate water rescue methods by reaching with your arm or leg, by reaching with a suitable object, and by throwing lines and objects.
First Class requirement (6e) With a helper and a practice victim, show a line rescue both as tender and as rescuer. (The practice victim should be approximately 30 feet from shore in deep water.)
For Scouts working on swimming requirements, the Lynnhaven Dive Center in Virginia Beach offers rental of their indoor pool for Scout swim tests. Contact them at 757-481-7949, swim@ldcscuba.com, or ldcsales@ldcscuba.com. Swimming is also available at select times at Virginia Beach Recreation Centers. Contact these locations directly for pricing and availability.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Merit Badge
The introduction of the proposed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion merit badge is being delayed, allowing for the careful consideration and evaluation of feedback received from a wide variety of commenters on the draft requirements. Until further notice, all Scouts working on the Eagle Scout rank should continue to use current rank requirements. Once the Eagle-required Diversity, Equity and Inclusion merit badge is introduced, Scouts in the process of earning the rank of Eagle Scout will be given adequate time to earn it.
Inclusion Toolbox
For the last two years, the National Council has been working on a replacement for the 2007 Scouting for Youth with Disabilities Manual. The new product will be rolled out on Scouting.org as a web-based information resource called the Special Needs and Disabilities Inclusion Toolbox, or Toolbox for short. The Toolbox is designed to support several different audiences with actionable knowledge. Families new to Scouting will find information about how Scouting works and how to get the most from the programs. Unit-level leaders will find ideas and techniques for building inclusive units.
NESA Scholarships
The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) is proud to offer scholarships that can help Eagle Scouts continue their educational adventures. Applicants must be an active member of NESA in order to receive a scholarship.
Service Opportunities at Camp Baker
Are you looking for service hours? Camp Baker has outdoor opportunities for both Scouts and adults. This camp is located in Chesapeake on the Intracoastal Waterway, off Centerville Turnpike just north of Mt. Pleasant Road.
Service opportunities are available for single day events or over a weekend. Projects include, but are not limited to:
- Groundskeeping
- Brush and deadfall timber cleanup
- Site clearing
- Painting
- General maintenance
- Tree removal and cut up (Must be experienced and qualified chain saw operator.)
All BSA guidelines, rules, and regulations will be observed. The goal is to perform service for the Scouting program, have fun, and stay safe.
For additional information about these service opportunities, please contact Ron Misfeldt at 757-646-1384 or mustangron@aol.com.
Radio Scouting - Technician Course
The Tidewater Council International Scouting Committee (ISC), in partnership with the Chesapeake Amateur Radio Service (CARS), is pleased to announce a series of online presentations to prepare Scouts and family members to take the Technician Class exam to become amateur (“ham”) radio operators. Presentations will begin Thursday, February 11 from 7-9 PM and run for nine weeks, after which an FCC license exam will be held. Registration for the series of presentations is a nominal fee of $5. It is strongly suggested, but not required, that the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual be purchased as a study guide. In addition to instructional material, this manual includes the entire pool of questions which may appear on the exam.
Technician Class is the “beginner’s” license. It gives the holder the privilege of broadcasting on all VHF/UHF amateur bands (including use local 2-meter repeaters), and a few privileges for broadcasting over HF bands (shortwave radio). The Technician Class test is a 35-question Technician multiple choice exam.
Scouts and adults who hold the Technician Class license can join local radio clubs to make use of their radios and participate in club contests, participate in local emergency management communication support (e.g., support to local hurricane shelters), make use of local repeaters with low-cost (<$100) handheld radios, use the handhelds on Scout outings, and more.
The FCC Technician License exam covers basic regulations, operating practices, and electronics theory, with a focus on VHF and UHF applications. Morse code is not required for this license. With a Technician Class license, you will have all ham radio privileges above 30 MHz. These privileges include the extremely popular 2-meter band. Many Technician licensees enjoy using small (2 meter) hand-held radios to stay in touch with other hams in their area. Technicians may operate FM voice, digital packet (computers), television, single-sideband voice, and several other interesting modes. You can even make international radio contacts via satellites, using relatively simple station equipment. Technician licensees now also have additional privileges on certain HF frequencies. Technicians may also operate on the 80-, 40-, and 15-meter bands using CW (Morse Code), and on the 10-meter band using CW, voice, and digital modes.
A one-hour “Intro to Ham Radio” presentation will be offered on Thursday, January 28 for 7-8 PM. Join from your computer, tablet or smartphone at
www.gotomeet.me/RaymondReis/chesapeake-amateur-radio-service.
Pinewood Derby
Get your engines ready – we are almost to Pinewood Derby season!
What is a Pinewood Derby? The Pinewood Derby is one of the most popular and successful family activities in Cub Scouting. Cub Scouts design and build their own small wooden cars, with some help from their families. Then they race their cars in competition, down a gravity-powered track.
Win or lose, Cub Scouts will take pride in having done their best. Cub Scouts learn craft skills, STEM principles, the rules of fair play, and good sportsmanship—things they will remember for life.
You can view the 2021 Pinewood Derby Rules & Procedures for Tidewater Council here. Scouts must make a new car each year. Be on the lookout for district derby information coming soon. Scouts who qualify in the top three of their class at the district level will qualify for the council derby. We hope to see you there!
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.
Annual Health and Medical Record (AHMR)
The BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (often known as the “medical form” or “annual physical”) is designed to help ensure that all participants in the Scouting program are healthy enough for the adventure of Scouting. It is not intended to limit participation but to inform and protect.
The forms should be maintained by a designated leader. To assure privacy, the forms should be carefully stored and used only as needed to provide for planning and rendering care. The AHMR should not be scanned, stored, or sent electronically except as specifically directed for a BSA national event such as the national jamboree or NOAC.
Parts A and B should be completed for all participants and Scouting leaders. Part C should be completed by a licensed health care provider before the participant attends any Scouting event that is longer than 72 hours, such as a summer camp, trek, or multiday excursion.
Development Corner
Planned Giving: Retirement Plan Designations
The need to plan today for the future is never more apparent than with retirement. For many people, retirement is a reward for a lifetime of work. But to make sure it is a reward rather than a burden, it is important to plan early — the security and comfort you deserve hinges on proper preparation.
In addition to the Social Security and Medicare systems, many individuals supplement their retirement income with investments in IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts), pension and profit-sharing plans, and other savings vehicles. In fact, many people discover that the bulk of their retirement assets are invested in these plans.
Many people also do not realize that, after providing for themselves and those who depend on them, these retirement investments offer many convenient and cost-effective charitable gift opportunities. With the growth in retirement and pension plans, many people now choose to designate their favorite charities as beneficiaries of any excess, or remaining, retirement funds once these funds are no longer needed. This is increasingly common, since these assets are often the most heavily taxed of all your assets if they are left instead to family members.
It is very easy to make these gifts to Scouting. If you have an IRA, Keogh plan, or a qualified pension or profit-sharing plan, you can contact your plan administrator to designate Scouting as the beneficiary of any remaining funds you do not use. During your life, you retain complete access to the funds. There is an estate tax deduction for any assets that go to Scouting, and you have the satisfaction of knowing you have made a meaningful and thoughtful gift.
Please contact Dr. Susan Miley-Petrehn at 757-284-0796 or susan.miley-petrehn@scouting.org if you are contemplating this potential gift. We will assist you in determining how to use your gift, and in answering any questions you may have. Your plans will remain confidential if you desire.
Camp Staff for Summer 2021
What are your plans for next summer? Are you looking for an awesome opportunity to learn new things, develop new skills, share what you know, meet new people, work an internship, and enjoy Pipsico Scout Reservation?
We are accepting applications for Counselors in Training, Junior staff, Area directors, Commissioners, and administration. Program areas include aquatics, shooting sports, Scout skills for new Scouts and for seasoned Scouts, handicraft, cook-crew, and more.
You must be at least 14 years of age by June 20, 2021 to be considered. Camp staff is composed of youth, young adults, college students, school teachers, bus drivers, professionals who want to get away from the office, and folks who have an open schedule. Fill out the online application at pipsicobsa.com/summer-camp-programs/staffapplication and we will contact you for an interview.
Scouts in Action
Congratulations to new Eagle Scout, Erik M. of Princess Anne Troop 504!
Lisa Miller and Rick McIlrath made a series of videos to teach Cub Scout leaders how to cook in the outdoors with Scouts. Learn how to make an omelette in a bag, box oven pizza, Dutch oven chicken, and more. Start with their introduction below, or view the whole playlist on YouTube.
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