Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
District Relaunches and Roundtables
August 10-12
Join your district for its Roundtable this August for a special relaunch gathering. We’ll provide units with tips and tools for recruitment, so we can help the youth in our community Escape the Indoors. Refreshments will be served.
- Albemarle District: Wednesday, August 11 at 7 PM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1453 N. Road Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909
- Bayside District: Tuesday, August 10 at 7:15 PM at Haygood United Methodist Church, 4713 Haygood Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. Use the doors on the west side of the building.
- Princess Anne District: Tuesday, August 10 at 6:30 PM at Community United Methodist Church, 1072 Old Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
- Three Rivers District: Thursday, August 12 at 7 PM at Deep Creek United Methodist Church, 141 George Washington Highway N., Chesapeake, VA 23323
Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides
August 13
Take me out to the ballgame!
Scouts and families are invited to join us at Harbor Park as the Norfolk Tides take on the Memphis Redbirds. Ticket vouchers are available at the Scout Shop until August 7 (or sold out).
Commemorative COVID patches are available to the first 400!
Adult First Aid / CPR / AED Training
August 21
The Adult First Aid/CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies, such as burns, cuts, scrapes, sudden illnesses, and breathing and cardiac emergencies. Successful students will receive a certificate for Adult First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years.
This is a blended learning course. Participants must complete the online portion of the course before taking one of the skills demonstration sessions, which will be offered at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center in Virginia Beach. There will be three sessions, each limited to eight participants.
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.
Units with volunteering merit badge counselors will have the opportunity to register first. Those units will receive an access code that will be required for registration through August 14. After August 14, registration will open to all.
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!
News
New Bayside District Executive Bryan Cornell
Bryan joined Tidewater Council as a Tiger Cub at age six. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in Tidewater Council, as well as served over eleven years as a camp staff member at Pipsico Scout Reservation.
Bryan spent eight years employed with Norfolk Public Schools and worked as the Member Relations Director at Broad Bay Country Club.
Being a life-long resident of Norfolk, Bryan looks forward to growing the Scouting organization in the place that he’s always called home.
Bryan will serve Bayside district. You can reach him at Bryan.Cornell@scouting.org.
New Three Rivers District Executive Christina Viglietta
Christina Viglietta has been involved in Scouting for ten years. She started in a Venturing crew and immediately fell in love with the BSA program. She started working at a summer camp in 2012 as a first camper counselor and worked all the way up to program director. At Radford University, she continued following the ideals of Scouting by getting involved with Alpha Phi Omega. She held numerous positions in the co-ed service fraternity throughout her time in the undergraduate program. Continuing her education, Christina graduated from Old Dominion University in May 2020 with a Master of Science in Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies with a concentration in Youth Development. She was previously a district associate (part time district executive) in Colonial Virginia Council prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Christina also taught the program section at National Camp School this past spring.
Christina will serve Three Rivers district. You can reach her at Christina.Viglietta@scouting.org.
Rich Becker now serves Princess Anne District, and Christy Cooper continues to serve Albemarle District. For contact information, visit our Staff Directory.
Popcorn
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Five Things Your Unit Should Be Doing Now
- If you missed the Popcorn Kernel Meet & Greet, contact your district executive to pick up your sales flyers, sample box, and promotional items.
- Hold your unit kick-off. Train Scouts how to sell with Pecatonica River Popcorn’s Interactive Activity. Train families about unit product distribution and payment policies, as well as key dates and deadlines. Show everyone the fun activities your unit will be able to participate in because of the funds raised by popcorn sales.
- Coordinate sign-ups for slots at your unit’s upcoming Show & Sells.
- Start selling online!
- If your unit placed a first order, sign up for a popcorn distribution pick-up time. Popcorn distribution is only available through scheduled appointments. The Scout Shop and administrative staff are unable to assist with popcorn distribution.
Online Sales
Online sales begin August 2. Each Scout receives a unique Seller ID. Customers will enter the Scout’s Seller ID when they make purchases at prpopcornstore.3dcartstores.com to give the Scout credit for the sale. If you do not know your Scout’s Seller ID, contact your Unit Popcorn Kernel for assistance.
When an online sale is made, the parent and the Unit Popcorn Kernel each receive a notification email when the product is shipped. Unit Popcorn Kernels can also look up online sales through the unit’s Scout Boss account, which is typically updated weekly. Unit Popcorn Kernels are responsible for tracking online sales for prizes.
Upcoming Key Dates
- Monday, August 2: Online sales begin
- Thursday, August 5: Popcorn delivery (Email Alison Harrison if you are available to help unload the trucks.)
- Friday, August 6: Popcorn distribution from 9 AM – 5 PM (Pre-order pickup. Schedule your slot.)
- Saturday, August 7: Popcorn distribution from 8 AM – 12 PM (Pre-order pickup. Schedule your slot.)
- Wednesday, August 18: Interim popcorn distribution from 3-5 PM (Supplies are limited. Schedule your slot.)
- Wednesday, August 18: Deadline for units to submit popcorn orders for the second delivery
- Wednesday, August 25: Interim popcorn distribution from 3-5 PM (Supplies are limited. Schedule your slot.)
- Thursday, September 2: Estimated delivery date for second popcorn order
Scout Shop
As summer is winding down, we are gearing up for a great sale season at the Scout Shop!
Now Hiring
There is an opening at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop for a part-time position. For information or to submit a resume, email polly.fugate@scouting.org.
Uniform Sale
From August 2 through October 30, buy a uniform shirt and bottoms together (same program) and get 25% off the bottoms. This sale is a convenient money-saver for customers who need the whole uniform. Bottoms include zip-off pants, rollup pants, shorts, and skorts. If you need more than one uniform, the savings can really add up, so shop and save while you can! (Sale prices do NOT include pants and shirts already on clearance.)
Commissioner Caps
Are you a commissioner or know someone who is? Get noticed with the new flex-fit commissioner caps. Made with a blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex, with the commissioner design on the front, the caps sell for $15.99.
Guide to Advancement
The Guide to Advancement 2021 is available online-only. The National Council is not currently printing this guide and does not plan to offer it in print.
Download the Guide to Advancement 2021 here.
Scout Shop Accounts
Now is a good time to update unit store accounts with any changes. If you need to make any changes, email the Scout Shop Manager at polly.fugate@scouting.org. Polly will send you a form, which you can complete, get signed, and send back electronically to open an account or update a present one.
BOGO Sale
Visit the Scout Shop for a BOGO sale on Cub Scout Day Camp T-shirts from previous years. Located on the back wall labeled “Clearance,” these T-shirts usually sell for $5 each, or three for $10. During the month of August only, they will be buy one/get one while they last. Sizes and color vary, and stock is limited.
Mask Mandate
In accordance with CDC guidelines, fully vaccinated customers are NOT required to wear a mask. Any changes to this policy will be reflected on our website and with a sign on the front door.
Beat the Fall Rush
Beat the fall rush by shopping in August. Whether you need awards earned during the summer or uniform updates, August shopping has several advantages: Fewer customers makes shopping easier, fitting rooms have little to no wait, store stock is full, and checkout time is greatly reduced.
Shipping
We can still mail orders by USPS and accept VISA and Mastercard. You may call in an order (757-497-2688) or email the Scout Shop Manager. The shipping charge is in accordance with the USPS price calculator, and we never charge a handling fee.
Scout Shop Hours
Store hours are remaining the same at this time:
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Tuesday & Thursday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Wednesday & Friday: 11 AM – 5 PM
Saturday: Noon – 3 PM
Our next store closing will be September 4-6 for Labor Day weekend.
Blue Heron Lodge Survey
Troops, Crews, and Ships of Tidewater Council – please fill out a brief survey for Blue Heron Lodge. The Lodge leadership would like to ensure that each unit receives the support they need to hold Order of the Arrow elections, receive visitations, and support for unit events.
Seeking Volunteers: Back to School Care Fair
The Council Membership Committee is seeking your assistance for the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Back to School Care Fair on August 7.
- The evening before the event, VB Schools is seeking 20 volunteers to assist in setting up tables. Volunteers are needed on Friday, August 6 from 7-9 PM.
- If you plan to attend the event, please encourage your Scouts to attend in uniform to increase visibility of Scouting, and stop by Tidewater Council’s table to say hello.
- The Membership Committee is also seeking energetic and enthusiastic Cub Scouts to volunteer at our table in one-hour increments and help us tell the community about the fun of Scouting.
If interested, please contact Dave Bussiere at dave.bussiere@gmail.com.
Leaving a Legacy
Scouting would not be possible without you. Your actions and leadership shape the future of our community by demonstrating volunteerism and service to others. The unit and Eagle Service projects have a lasting effect on the community. As you recruit, don’t forget to mention the enduring impact your unit has had on the community.
“Legacy is not what you accomplish. Legacy is what others accomplish because of you.” – Mark Batterson
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 summer and 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.
The increased visibility of Scouting in the community is vital ahead of the fall recruiting season. Use the Summer of Service PR Playbook to engage the community in an exciting conversation about Scouting. The Summer of Service PR Playbook contains key messages, sample social media posts, and more.
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.
Relaunch Scouting
Families are ready to ESCAPE THE GREAT INDOORS!
This fall, parents will be looking for things to do for their kids and the whole family! You are well aware of the character-building, learning, and fun your family experiences in Scouting. Now is the time to bring other families into your pack!
We want to give 100% of Cub Scout packs the resources to reach 100% of the school and homeschool families in our community. There are 8 steps you can take before school starts in August/September to prepare your pack for fall recruiting success:
- Complete a Membership and Leadership Inventory
- Recruit a New Member Coordinator
- Plan your program calendar for 2021-2022
- Update your BeAScout Pin
- Produce an information sheet for your pack
- Attend the District Kickoff at your August District Roundtable
- Complete a Pack Marketing Plan
- Plan an open house in a public place frequented by families
Your district executive, district membership committee member, and unit commissioner will be contacting you to help you and provide resources.
Download the 2021 Pack Relaunch Guide to help you in the process of bringing new families to your pack!
Youth Protection Training
When you update your Youth Protection Training, be sure to “Enroll” in the course before beginning the modules. If you do not enroll first, the learning management system (LMS) in the BSA Learn Center may not show your correct completion date. Instructions for completing Youth Protection Training are available here.
To verify your correct training dates and print your certificate of completion, look under “My Training” in your My.Scouting account.
National Certified Angling Instructor Training
The National Certified Angling Instructor training course is for adult leaders and Scouting youth ages 16 and up who enjoy teaching fishing skills to youth and want to enhance their teaching and event planning skills.
The next National Certified Angling Instructor online training course will run for six weeks, from August 10 through September 14, 2021. Weekly sessions will occur on Tuesday nights from 7-9 PM on Zoom. Course participants are expected to attend all six sessions and to complete course homework.
Learn more and register at bsafishing.com.
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.
Psychological First Aid
The purpose of psychological first aid is to provide basic care, comfort, and support to anyone experiencing stress. Stay alert to signs of stress in yourself and others.
All of us experience stress. Family issues, the death of a loved one, natural disasters, trauma, or even exams, arguments, or breakups can be stressful. Individuals respond differently to stress, depending upon our coping mechanisms. Negative symptoms of stress include physical complaints, behavioral changes, or emotional instability. Results may be devastating when people can’t find ways to cope effectively with what happened.
Review the Full Safety Moment and Resources for symptoms of poor coping strategies, how to help, what to do when you can’t help, and additional resources, including a Psychological First Aid podcast.
Guide to Advancement Update
The Guide to Advancement has been updated for 2021 to reflect changes to programs, requirements, and policies. Changes come from a team of national-level professionals and volunteers. Many of the new changes are the result of frequently asked questions that the National Advancement Program Team is answering through new policies or procedures. Almost every section of this guide has received some minor or major revisions since the last edition. Please take careful note of the significant changes listed in topic 1.0.3.0 on page 7.
Access the current version here.
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
Scouts and Scouters from across Tidewater Council came together to help hand out 5,000 glowsticks, red, white, and blue party favors, and BeAScout cards at the City of Chesapeake’s Celebrate Freedom event on July 3 at Chesapeake City Park. Organized by the Three Rivers District Membership team, there was a recruitment booth with a small Pinewood Derby test track for kids to try their racing skills while parents could speak with Scouters. Thank you to the members of Pack 55, Pack 374, Pack 496, Pack 585, Pack 700, Pack 901, Troop 800, Troop 901, and the district and council Scouters who supported this event.
How do you get the word out about Scouting? You get out there in the community and help others! If you would like to help with the Symphony Under the Stars event on September 5 at Chesapeake City Park, please email cubmaster@pack901.com.
Scouts from Pack 493 and Troop 493 held a flag ceremony for Local Heroes Day on July 17. This celebration of local front line heroes was recognized with a proclamation by City of Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer. The Scouts enjoyed the honor of meeting the mayor and offering their patriotic service to the community.
Princess Anne Troop 362 travelled to Cherokee Scout Camp from July 18-24. They were the only out-of-council unit present that week, but they made a lasting impression. Troop 362 received the top award of “Honor Troop” out of fifteen units. Second Class Scout Ian S. was awarded Camp Honor Scout for his “can-do” attitude and achievements. The troop also hosted a morning flag ceremony for the entire camp and joined forces with NC Troop 508 to complete two service projects, with over 40 Scouts participating.
The Scouts had an amazing time, learning about automotive maintenance, welding, muzzle-loading, metalworking, and many other trades. The Scouts earned 104 merit badges (29 of which were Eagle requirements). Troop 362 also earned certifications for lifesaving and lifeguarding and received top awards for rifle and muzzle-loading marksmen. Adults received certifications for paddle craft safety and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, and one leader even placed second in the skeet shoot competition.
On July 17, Unit Popcorn Kernels were able to meet their District Popcorn Kernels and gather up supplies for the upcoming season. It was also a good time to strategize and answer any last minute questions. Thanks to all of the wonderful volunteers supporting the annual popcorn sale!
If you were not able to attend, please contact your district executive to get your sales flyers and promotional materials.
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