Table of Contents
Friends of Scouting
Friends of Scouting is Tidewater Council’s annual giving campaign. The Friends of Scouting campaign provides 21% of the council’s annual budget – that means more than a fifth of every dollar in the council budget comes from the generosity of Scouting families, alumni, and community supporters. Friends of Scouting keeps the overall cost of Scouting affordable so all families can participate. Tidewater Council’s goal is to raise $500,000 through Friends of Scouting in 2024.
All Friends of Scouting donations stay local to support families in northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia.
Campaign Progress as of June 10, 2024
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal:
Upcoming Events
Scout Night with the Edenton Steamers
July 6
Get ready for a night of fun at Historic Hicks Field in Edenton, NC!
For only $5, you can get a ticket to cheer on the Steamers and a special patch!
There also will be an opportunity to sleep on the field following the game – camping vouchers are available for an additional $5 each.
Get your tickets and camping vouchers on Black Pug today – sales end July 5 at 3 PM.
Popcorn Training
July 10
Join us to learn about the 2024 Tidewater Council Popcorn Sale!
This training will be offered on Wednesday, July 10 at 6:30 PM at the Tidewater Council Mary Jayne Breeden Service Center. A virtual Zoom attendance option is available as well.
This popcorn training is designed for both new and returning popcorn kernels. We will focus on what is new for this year’s sale, best practices, and opportunities that can benefit your unit.
For questions, contact Erin Alford at erin@realresultsva.com.
Arrow of Light / Webelos Summer Camp
July 25-28
New for 2024 and featuring the updated Cub Scout Adventures, Pipsico Scout Reservation invites rising 4th and 5th graders, den leaders, and you to an all-new Arrow of Light/Webelos Summer Camp experience!
Per the Guide to Safe Scouting, these age groups are allowed to camp as dens with leaders.
This 4-day, 3-night program is packed full of activities exclusively for older Cub Scouts, including rappelling, air rifles, fire building, and more! All meals will be provided in our Dining Hall, and campers can sleep on the provided cots in platform tents, just like the older Scouts do at Summer Camp.
Don’t miss the kickoff to Tidewater Council’s Cub Scout theme for 2024-2025, Bug Hunters!
Cub Scout Summer Family Camp
Bug Hunters!
July 26-28
Calling all Bug Hunters!
Cub Scout Summer Family Camp is an opportunity for all Cub Scouts and siblings to participate in some of the new Adventures with the Summer Camp Staff at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Fish with your Scout, climb our rock wall, work on a conservation project, and enjoy our top-notch aquatics program. Enjoy a camp-wide campfire program on Saturday night and all the amenities available at Pipsico Scout Reservation, including our newly renovated Nature Center.
All meals will be provided in our Dining Hall. Families can choose to camp using our platform tents and cots or pitch their own tents.
Scouting for Blood Drive
August 7
Did you know that one donation of blood can save up to three lives? Or that every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood? Tidewater Council is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive through the Pint-Size Hero program. This program introduces youth to the components of blood and the importance of blood donation. Scouts have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership by recruiting blood donors, hosting drives, and engaging in the community.
WHEN:
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
WHERE:
Tidewater Council
Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center
1032 Heatherwood Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
TIME:
1-6 PM
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT:
There are two easy ways to schedule your appointment:
1. Visit redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code “TidewaterBSA” in the “Find a Blood Drive” field.
2. Make your appointment on the American Red Cross Blood Donor App.
CONTACT:
Nicole Moga
704-564-5565
Nmoga149@yahoo.com
2025 Philmont Trek
June 19 - July 3, 2025
Save the date for Tidewater Council’s next Philmont trek in summer 2025! If interested in joining the council contingent or getting more information, contact Bill Lawrence at Bill.Lawrence2@scouting.org. Registration is coming soon.
National Scout Jamboree
July 22-31, 2026
The next National Scout Jamboree will be held on July 22-31, 2026 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia! The National Scout Jamboree is a gathering of thousands of members of Scouting America from across the nation.
Start early in gauging interest in attending and planning fundraising so Scouts can take advantage of this unique opportunity. For assistance in planning unit fundraising, check out the popcorn sale or contact the district executive.
Reserve your spot for the adventure of a lifetime now with a $100 deposit!
News
Popcorn
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Eight Reasons to Sell Popcorn
- Fund your unit’s program year and defray costs for Scouting families.
- Tidewater Council offers some of the highest commissions in the BSA.
- Tidewater Council provides great prizes to reward Scouts.
- Teach Scouts salesmanship and the value of earning their own way.
- Scouts build camaraderie and learn communication skills.
- Participation in the Popcorn Sale may help Scouts meet certain advancement requirements.
- It is easy to get started, with no upfront costs and no vendor contracts to negotiate.
- Our amazing team of District Popcorn Kernels is here to support you!
Eight Things to Do Now to Get Started
- Read the Popcorn Guide.
- Identify the Unit Popcorn Kernel.
- If you didn’t attend the June training, sign up for Popcorn Training on Wednesday, July 10.
- Sign up for the sale at pecatonicariverpopcorn.com using Council Key 596TWC. Even returning Unit Popcorn Kernels will need to “Create Unit Profile” the first time they access this site for the fall 2024 sale.
- Develop the unit budget and fundraising goals at the unit’s annual program planning meeting.
- Set up Show & Sells.
- Plan and promote the unit kick-off.
- Place the unit’s first popcorn order by July 17.
Scout Shop
Happy 4th of July!
After being closed for a week (June 29 – July 5), the Scout Shop will reopen on Saturday, July 6. As you prepare for camping and other events, keep in mind the Scout Shop has a good stock of supplies. Whether the need is for uniforms or camping gear, we can help.
New Cub Scout Program
As most Cub Scout leaders and parents are aware, the new Cub Scout program officially began on June 1. New Cub Scout handbooks are available ($23.99) for Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light. (Webelos and Arrow of Light now use two separate handbooks.) The Lion and Tiger ranks use the pamphlet kits for youth and adults, which sell for $12.99.
The NEW awards are in stock, and the awards from the previous program are in a “discontinued” section for packs still needing them.
Need an Eagle Gift?
The Scout Shop carries knives that any Eagle would appreciate. We have the small seven-function Victorinox Swiss Army knife ($24.99) with the Eagle rank engraved. This small knife (2.25”) easily fits in a pocket and can be very useful. The larger (3.5”) 12-function Victorinox Tinker knife has a blue background with white stars and an Eagle head. This knife sells for $37.
Another new addition to our Eagle gift section is the set of Eagle coasters. This ceramic 4-pc. coaster set is cork-backed with the Eagle rank displayed inside a navy background. Each coaster is 4”x 4”, and the set sells for $24.99.
Help New Families Be Prepared
Leaders, as we have previously mentioned, we need your help to help our customers. New recruits and parents often come in for uniform items without knowing a unit number, color of neckerchief, den number, or other things relevant to the unit. Please help your new families have a successful shopping trip by making sure they have this information.
Shipping
We continue to ship orders by USPS. Just email polly.fugate@scouting.org or staci.vankirk@scouting.org. We can get the order together, calculate shipping, and call you for a VISA or Mastercard number.
Scout Shop Hours
Our one-week summer closing will be Saturday, June 29 through Friday, July 5. We will reopen on Saturday, July 6.
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.
Wounds—Cuts, Abrasions, And Punctures
The most common injuries reported at BSA summer camps are cuts, abrasions, and punctures. Most are minor and require little more than basic first aid. However, some injuries can become more serious if not treated correctly. A few simple steps can take care of these annoying injuries and get you back to the action in a hurry and in good shape.
Channing Zucker Patches
Join us in celebrating our Class of 2023 Eagle Scouts honoree, Distinguished Eagle Scout Channing Zucker!
Channing was recently featured in the Scouting Magazine article, “Decorated military veteran encourages young Scouts to continue to serve Scouting.”
If you would like to purchase one of the Channing Zucker commemorative shoulder patches, please contact Wes Sherman at William.Sherman@scouting.org. A special discount is available for members of Tidewater Council’s 2023 Class of Eagle Scouts and for sponsors of the 2024 Council Banquet.
Promoting Dens in Scoutbook Plus
During this time of year, Cub Scout leaders are moving or “promoting” their Cub Scouts from one den to another. For example, a Tiger Den now becomes a Wolf Den. Grade rollover does not move Cub Scouts in Scoutbook; leaders must do this manually.
The good news is that with Scoutbook Plus, promoting dens and adding youth to dens is simple and easy. It is also easy to “demote” a den if a mistake was made in promoting a den, and it needs to revert back.
For a quick tutorial on how to promote dens, see the 2-minute video below:
Help Needed: Camp Moonyah Improvement Projects
Camp Moonyah has been an integral part of Tidewater Council’s camps for more than 85 years. As such, it has a rich history hosting functions, events, celebrations, and ceremonies encompassing all arenas of the Scouting program. Over the past many, many decades, dedicated volunteers have continually strived to improve the camp to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for all. Even with past improvements, it is time to bring this facility into the 21st century. To that end, there are two proposals before council:
Introduction of Electrical Power
Working with Dominion Power, bringing power into Camp Moonyah will require several measured electrical wire runs of 250’+ from a transformer located off property to the maintenance shed where the meter base would be located. Because of the distance, a 25kw transformer will be required to maintain a continual, safe load of power. The cost of connection to a power source, running a total of 500’+ of underground cable, the transformer, and other fees associated with this project will run from $10,000 – $12,000.
Potable Water
Working with the City of Chesapeake water department, tapping into an existing water line conveniently located just outside the camp entrance will bring viable potable water into the camp. City connection fees, trenching a water line to a meter and further on to end at a frost-free water spigot similar to those in use at Pipsico will run from $3,400 – $5,000.
What's Next?
To achieve the success of these projects, we are reaching out to you in Tidewater Council to either help fund in full or in part one or both of these projects. By doing so, you will ensure the continued success and growth of Camp Moonyah for decades to come.
For questions or to find out more about how you can support Camp Moonyah improvements, please contact Ron Misfeldt at mustangron@aol.com and Wes Parker at wparker@pipsicobsa.com.
Development Corner
Sponsor a Tent at Pipsico Scout Reservation
Many of Pipsico Scout Reservation’s tents have been in service for 30 years. In order to continue to provide a high-quality camping experience for our Scouts, Tidewater Council is replacing 200 tents between 2023-2027.
Based on the recommendation of our Camping Committee, we are replacing the current wooden platforms and ridge pole system tents with new platforms and Diamond Brand tents with aluminum-mounted frames. In addition to housing Scouts and keeping them dry, the new tents will exponentially decrease the time needed for tent setup and takedown. The cost of a new tent, platform, and frame is approximately $1,640 each. A contribution in any amount is appreciated, and will be designated to provide new tents at Pipsico.
Thank you for ensuring that our Scouts enjoy their camping adventures at Pipsico!
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 BSA 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, any outstanding Scout or Scouter.
Program Ideas
June
- National Camping Month
- Work on the Camping merit badge.
- Work on the Cub Scout rank-specific Camping Adventure:
- Let’s Camp – Lion
- Let’s Camp – Tiger
- Let’s Camp – Wolf
- Let’s Camp – Bear
- Let’s Camp – Webelos
- Outdoor Adventure (Arrow of Light)
- Go camping this weekend!
July
- National U.S. Postage Stamp Day: July 1
- Work on the Stamp Collecting merit badge.
- Invite Scouts to write and mail a letter, card, or postcard.
- Independence Day: July 4
- Work on the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge.
- Work on the American Heritage merit badge.
- Have a Scout barbecue.
- Watch fireworks with your unit.
- Plan a patriotic service project.
- National Swimming Pool Day: July 11
- Work on the Swimming merit badge.
- Work on the Cub Scout rank-specific Swimming Adventure:
- Tiger: Tigers in the Water
- Wolf: Spirit of the Water
- Bear: Salmon Run
- Webelos: Aquanaut
- Arrow of Light: Swimming
- Space Exploration Day: July 20
- Work on the Space Exploration merit badge.
- Work on the Sky is the Limit Adventure for Tigers.
- Learn about astronauts who were youth Scouts.
- Learn about the newest Eagle Scout astronauts.
- National Hammock Day: July 22
- Share the Hammock Safety for Camping Safety Moment.
- Share the “Hammock camping, the BSA way” article in Scouting Magazine.
- World Nature Conservation Day: July 28
- Work on the Environmental Science merit badge.
- Work on the Soil and Water Conservation merit badge.
- Work on the Sustainability merit badge.
- Work on the Cub Scout rank-specific Champions for Nature Adventure.
- Work on a World Conservation Award.
- Conduct a conservation service project.
August
- Family Fun Month
- Go camping.
- Have a barbecue or campfire.
- Go fishing.
- Have a family field day at a local park.
- Invite new families to check out Scouting’s adventures!
- World Scout Scarf Day: August 1
- Wear your neckerchief!
- National Lighthouse Day: August 7
- National S’mores Day: August 10
- Gather your unit, patrol, or den for a campfire and everyone’s favorite campout treat!
- National Radio Day: August 20
- Work on the Radio merit badge.
- Learn about, and make a plan to participate in, Jamboree-on-the-Air.
- National Trail Mix Day: August 31
- Go for a hike and enjoy some trail mix.
- Discuss the best trail mix ingredients – and then make some!
- If you’re selling popcorn, tell your customers it’s National Trail Mix Day.
Community Care Assistance
Does your family need assistance accessing community resources? 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. You may also visit NC 211 or 2-1-1 Virginia for assistance finding resources.
Help Wanted
District Executive Job Opening
Since 1910, Scouting has helped mold the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes and understands that helping youth puts us on a path towards a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.
Today’s professional Scouters are a diverse group of men and women sharing a dynamic career offering independence, achievement, and stability. This is work that makes a difference, work that calls one to continual learning and challenge, work that offers solid compensation, benefits, and advancement.
If you or someone you know is interested in making a difference through a career in Scouting, please contact Bill Lawrence at bill.lawrence2@scouting.org.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Distinguished Eagle Scout Channing Zucker was featured in Scouting Magazine.
Cub Scouts throughout the council discovered adventure at day camp! A huge thank you to all the leaders and families who supported these engaging outdoor experiences for our youth!
Albemarle Day Camp was held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Elizabeth City on June 17-21. Scouts enjoyed cooking, outdoor skills, marksmanship activities, crafts, STEM and science, and much more!
The Cub Scouts enjoyed special lunch presentations, including a flag retirement ceremony with VFW Post 6060!
Bayside Day Camp was held at Bayside Masonic Lodge #218 in Virginia Beach on June 17-21. Summer adventures included fishing skills, sports and games, cooking, marksmanship activities, crafts, STEM and science, and much more!
The Cub Scouts ended the week with a special egg drop experiment. Scouts built their best protective armor and tested their engineering skills!
Three Rivers Twilight Camp was held at Great Bridge Baptist Church in Chesapeake on June 17-21. Scouts built and tested paper airplanes, played football-less flag football, honed their aim at the range, learned about science and nature, and much more!
Three Rivers Twilight Camp concluded a week of fun with a campfire program and family cookout!
Princess Anne Day Camp was held at Tabernacle Baptist Academy in Virginia Beach on June 24-28. Cub Scouts enjoyed playing kickball, learning about circuits, making peach cobbler, escaping the heat with Mr. Mister, and much more!
The camp ended with a water fun day and family pizza party picnic!
Tidewater Council’s Treasurer, Dan Edwards, recently received the prestigious Cliff Dochterman Award from Rotary International for serving the community through the Rotary and the Boy Scouts of America.
Dan has been a Tidewater Council executive board member since 2013 and has served as its treasurer for five years. He has served in several Virginia Beach Scouting units, and distinguished himself as a member of the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Board.
Thank you to all those who supported and participated in the 2024 Rick Anoia Scouting Golf Classic to raise funds for local Scouting!
Special thanks to our sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor
Anoia & Savvides Family
Silver Sponsor
Southern Bank
Team Sponsors
John Wayne & Susan Abernathy
The Anoia Family
Aqua Leisure Pools
BurgerBusters, Inc.
David Byler
Crenshaw, Ware & Martin, P.L.C.
Dominion Energy
The Garcia Companies
Gentry Locke Attorneys
James Barry-Robinson Institute
Kubic Engineering
The Learning Resource Center
MEB
Pierce & Thornton
Antigoni Savvides
TowneBank
Wall, Einhorn & Chernitzer, P.C.
Waves Parking
Wolcott Rivers Gates Attorneys at Law
Beverage Cart Sponsors
Colliers
Gentry Locke Attorneys
Steven Smith
Lunch Sponsor
Langley Federal Credit Union
Hole-in-One Sponsor
Inner Banks Real Estate Group, Inc.
Tee Sponsors
Dan Edwards
Jonathan Commercial Properties
Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital
Savage, Sabol & Visser Orthodontists
Harry Savvides
TIW Group Contractors
Supporters
Cinema Cafe
Cooper’s Hawk Winery
Fairfield by Marriott
Golf Galaxy
Golf Headquarters
Tautog’s Restaurant
Virginia Beach National Golf Club
Wawa
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).
