Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Order of the Arrow Holiday Banquet
December 11
Arrowmen of the Blue Heron Lodge, the end of our 75th Anniversary year is quickly approaching, and we have a wonderful event planned: our 2021 Holiday Banquet. The evening will consist of a mouth-watering menu, wonderful entertainment, door prizes, installation of newly elected Lodge Officers, and presentation of awards. We will recognize the winners of the Golden Arrow and the Spirit award, the Honor Arrowmen, new Ordeal members, those who completed their Brotherhood walks, and the Vigil Class of 2021. The Lodge will also announce the recipients of the Silver Heron (James E. West) Award and the Founders Award.
Registration is on Black Pug and the cost is $15.00 per person until December 5, 2021. On December 5, the cost will increase to $20.00 per person. Registration is open to all Arrowmen, their families, and friends. Don’t wait too long, as tickets are limited.
In observance of CDC recommendations and to provide everyone with the safest possible environment, everyone is asked to wear a mask until they are sitting at their table to eat. If these safety recommendations are relaxed, participants will be notified.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Event Advisor Marie Kane at Pa2va96@cox.net.
Scout Night at the Norfolk Admirals
December 11
Join the Scouts to cheer on the Norfolk Admirals as they take on the Florida Everblades!
Tickets are available at the Scout Shop, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 until December 8 at 6 PM, or sold out. Tickets are also available online. A portion of ticket sales supports local Scouting. Units purchasing tickets will be recognized on the scoreboard.
Celebrate the first home team goal by throwing a soft toy onto the ice for Toys for Tots!
Outstanding Eagle Scout Nominations Due
December 16
Applications are now being accepted for the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Outstanding Eagle Scout Award. More information and the nomination form can be found on nesa.org. Completed applications are due by 4 PM on Thursday, December 16, 2021, either by paper copy submitted to the Scout Shop or electronically to ronves@myexcel.com or tglundquist15@gmail.com.
Wreaths Across America
December 18
Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 1,600 locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad. Find your local cemetery by visiting wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Winter Camp
January 14-17, 2022
Merit Badge Counselors and staff are still needed! 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
- Any position you may be interested in assisting
Registration is currently by waitlist only for youth on Black Pug.
Trainer's EDGE
January 22, 2022
Trainer’s EDGE is the BSA’s trainer development course. The course is designed to help Scouters put into practice the EDGE training model and gain self-confidence through hands-on training experiences. Trainer’s EDGE helps to develop the platform skills of a trainer.
This course is recommended for merit badge counselors, youth applying for summer camp staff, staff for National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) and Wood Badge, and unit leaders.
Albemarle District Freezoree
January 28-30, 2022
Winter Weekend is a chance to join in one of the oldest traditions in Boy Scouts of America – coming together as a district for Scouting. District gatherings provide an opportunity for fun, friendship, and fellowship. We would love for you to come join the fun and excitement of this year’s Winter Weekend.
Join us January 28-30, 2022 at Maple Commerce Park, Barco, NC. All Tidewater Council troops, crews, and ships are welcome to attend. Registration is open on Black Pug.
This weekend, the Scouts have the option to participate in a couple district-sponsored winter-themed activities. The majority of time, troops will focus on their needs and try to stay warm. Coffee and hot cocoa will be provided during the Saturday morning and afternoon activities to any Scout or Scouter who has their own mug (no cups will be provided).
The Scout Oath and Law will govern the behavior of all participants during this weekend. The principles of Leave No Trace should be always practiced.
Silver Beaver Nomination Deadline
February 5, 2022
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 bobwhite433@cox.net and alison.harrison@scouting.org.
Scouting for Food 2022
February 5-13, 2022
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 why we participate annually in Tidewater Council’s Scouting for Food drive. 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, Scouts distribute bags and/or door hangers to let their neighbors know about the drive. On the second, Scouts revisit those houses to pick up bags full of canned food, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, juice, and other nonperishable items. So, save the dates to distribute information on the weekend of February 5-6, 2022, and return to pick-up donations on February 12-13, 2022.
More information is coming soon.
Tidewater Council Annual Recognition Banquet
March 24, 2022
The Annual Recognition Banquet is held each year to recognize Eagle Scouts and the volunteers of Tidewater Council. Some of the highlights of the evening will be the presentation of the 2021 Class of Eagle Scouts, Silver Beaver Awards, and NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Awards. The evening will start with dinner served by our own Blue Heron Lodge cook crew. This will be a night of food and fellowship you will not want to miss. Save the date for March 24, 2022.
National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC)
July 25-30, 2022
From July 25-30, 2022, Arrowmen from around the country will have the opportunity to gather at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN to attend the 2022 National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC). Several thousand Arrowmen from around the USA are expected to attend the conference, seeking the best that the Order of the Arrow (OA) has to offer. Each time a national conference is held, Arrowmen come together from around the world to share ideas, learn from one another, and most importantly, experience an outstanding event unlike any other in Scouting. NOAC is open to all active members of the OA.
We only have four spots remaining and registration will close at the end of the day on December 3. The regular rate is $625 and the remainder after a $100 deposit is due no later than May 15, 2022. There will be an additional transportation fee that will be determined after contingent fundraising has been conducted. Registration is open on Black Pug.
Direct questions can be addressed to Charlie Tate at 757-214-7534 or cetate981@gmail.com. Please visit oa-bsa.org/program/events/noac for more information.
National Scout Jamboree
July 19-28, 2023
The National Scout Jamboree is a gathering of thousands of members of the Boy Scouts of America, usually held every four years and organized by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Since 1937, the Jamboree has been held at various locations around the country.
Scouting’s next big adventure is on the way July 19-28, 2023! Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Sea Scouts attending the Jamboree will enjoy more than five miles of zip line and challenge courses, 36 miles of mountain bike trails, and 13 acres of shooting sports ranges on a sprawling 10,600-acre site in West Virginia! There are also world class venues for white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, bouldering, skateboarding, and BMX, as well as arena shows, exhibit areas, and more.
Youth members sign up to attend the Jamboree through their council. Tidewater Council plans to send a troop of male youth, a half troop of female youth, and a partial crew of Venturing/Sea Scouting youth. There are 61 places for youth participants.
The youth fee to attend the National Jamboree as part of the Tidewater Council contingent is approximately $1,950.00. The exact fee will be announced after the National Council releases the National Scout Jamboree fee.
Adult participants are limited to seven spaces. Adults wanting to attend with the council contingent must express interest in being a contingent leader and can click here to submit an interest form. Interest forms must be received by the council office by January 15.
Contingent adult leaders are selected by a council Jamboree committee. Interested adults will receive information concerning the selection process after submitting an interest form. The qualifications for an adult leader to attend Jamboree are on the interest form.
Adults also can attend the Jamboree as staff members. The National Council has not yet released the information on staff positions for the 2023 National Scout Jamboree.
News
Scout Shop
With December being the shortest shopping month of the year for the Scout Shop, we have some helpful suggestions.
Shop Early
Shop early in the month, since the last two weeks have many closings including Christmas, year-end inventory, and New Year’s.
Holiday Gift Ideas
- Gifts $20 or under include Cub or Scout knives, various science kits, First Aid kits, mess kits, and Class B t-shirts.
- Gifts $10 or under make great stocking stuffers and include knife cases, wallets, drawstring bags, Scout law bracelets, Live & Learn cards, and Cub Scout leggings.
- Cub Scout jackets and hoodies are available for $24.99 each.
- Timeless red wool jackets for adults are $79.99 each.
Order Now
Order now in case in-store inventory is limited. Tidewater Council can order the items available online at National Scout Shops, saving you money on shipping fees and keeping revenue in our local community. Order now – after December 10, we can’t guarantee that we will receive any special orders before the holidays.
Gift Certificates
Gift certificates are always appreciated, don’t expire for at least a year, and may be used for anything. Even with the current supply chain disruption, there are still many things available in our store, so it’s worth making a trip to browse!
Thorlos Sock Sale
Thorlos socks will remain on sale until the end of the year. These socks are so comfortable, you don’t need to be hiking to buy them! Buy two or more pairs and get 25% off each pair. Anyone who likes warm cozy feet will LOVE these socks!
Pinewood Derby
Pinewood Derby gift edition car kits are still in stock at $4.99 each. Purchase 10 or more and get $0.25 off per car. Since many packs like to give these car kits before the holidays, the gift edition boxes are very convenient and are selling fast!
Shipping
We continue to ship orders by USPS, but allow extra time for the holidays. Call us at 757-497-2688 or email polly.fugate@scouting.org.
Holiday Hours
Special December Holiday Hours:
- Closed December 17 for a staff day
- Closed December 23-27 for Christmas
- OPEN December 28
- Closed December 29 – January 3 for inventory and New Year’s
- We reopen on Tuesday, January 4 to begin 2022!
SEASON’S GREETINGS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Camp Staff for Summer Camp 2022
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, 2022 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.
Development Corner
Support Scouting
There are many ways to support local Scouting and build our community’s next generation of leaders:
- Federal employees, you can designate your Combined Federal Campaign contribution to local Scouting with CFC Code: 94511.
- If you give to United Way, you can designate your gift to Tidewater Council. Tidewater Council is a partner agency with United Way of South Hampton Roads and Albemarle Area United Way.
- If you shop on Amazon, use AmazonSmile and designate Tidewater Council as your charity. Amazon will donate to Tidewater Council at no cost to you.
- Donate online or learn more about James E. West Fellowships and tribute gifts at tidewaterbsa.com/support.
Popcorn
Upcoming Key Dates
- Friday, December 3
- Online sales end at 9 AM.
- Monday, December 6
- Deadline to submit popcorn prize requests. (No exceptions.)
Donations
Please report any donations received by using the Military Donation Form and emailing it to alison.harrison@scouting.org. Military donations typically are fulfilled locally through the USO to provide popcorn to service men and women, veterans, and their families.
Online Sales
Online sales are a great opportunity for families and Scout units with concerns about COVID-19 safety. The customer orders and pays online and the product is shipped directly to them, making the sale completely contactless.
Online sales are also a plus for Scouts who want to sell to out-of-town friends and relatives, and for those who want a certain product available online-only, such as White Ruby or peanut clusters.
All Tidewater Council Scouts are eligible to participate in online popcorn sales, regardless of the unit’s participation in traditional in-person sales. Contact us if you are interested in selling online but have not received your Scout’s sales link.
BSA Cake Requests
Recognizing a Scout for attaining the rank of Eagle? Celebrating your pack’s Blue & Gold? Whatever the occasion, bakeries must have permission to use any trademarked Boy Scouts of America logo.
Submit your request for permission to use any Boy Scouts of America logos on a cake using this form. Please note that it takes 2-3 business days to review requests and respond accordingly. There is no fee for this service.
VFW Scout of the Year Program
Annually, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) recognizes Scouts who have achieved the highest rank in their Scouting program, including Eagle Scouts, Venturing Summit Award recipients, Sea Scout Quartermasters, and others. The deadline to submit the nomination package to your local Post is March 1.
VFW Auxiliary’s Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest
Each year, more than 4,000 high school students from across the country participate in the VFW Auxiliary’s Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest. The contest began in 1979 to recognize up-and-coming artists and encourage patriotism in youth. The submission deadline to have your artwork to your local VFW Auxiliary is March 31. See the website for eligibility and submission requirements.
NESA Scholarships
Earning the Eagle Scout rank is an impressive achievement that provides lasting impacts on one’s life. One of those impacts can be financial support for higher education.
Beginning December 1, the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) will be accepting applications for five annual scholarships of varying amounts. Applicants must:
- Have completed an Eagle Scout board of review before January 24, 2022.
- Be a member of NESA. (Click here to join.)
- Submit the application through the NESA scholarship portal between December 1, 2021 and January 31, 2022.
- Visit nesa.org/for-eagle-scouts/scholarships to review full details and eligibility requirements.
To learn about scholarships offered to Scouts from other institutions, click here.
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.
Guide to Safe Scouting
Few youth organizations encompass the breadth, volume, and diversity of physical activity common to Scouting. The Guide to Safe Scouting (GTSS) is an overview of Scouting policies and procedures, gleaned from a variety of sources and designed to make the program safer.
While the Guide to Safe Scouting provides guidance on how to assess risks and proceed safely if your activity is not specifically addressed in program materials, it also contains policies such as the Scouter Code of Conduct and the Barriers to Abuse. It also may lead you to requirements found in other BSA program materials.
Tree Climbing and Other Prohibited Activites
Pages 35-39 of the current version of the Guide to Safe Scouting list 22 prohibited activities. The list is not comprehensive, but it serves as a definitive list of prohibited activities and it offers a broad sense of what is not allowed as a Scouting activity.
Some of the prohibitions include:
- Failing to deliver the program as designed or contained in BSA literature
- Extreme sports, including tree climbing
- Pyrotechnics
- Shooting or throwing at each other
Please review the Guide to Safe Scouting for the full list.
Day Camp 2022
In a cloud of dust comes the thundering sound of horse hooves. Suddenly you see the Lone Cub Scout. Join us as we travel the trails to the thrilling days of yesteryear for Cub Scout Western Day Camp 2022. The Council Day Camp Committee meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM in the food court of Greenbrier Mall. We are seeking deputy sheriffs to plan and run a fun-filled week of activities. Contact Rich Becker at richard.becker@scouting.org for more information.
Powder Horn
Powder Horn is a resource course designed to introduce Scouting’s adults and youth to the exciting outdoor and high-adventure program possibilities for their unit. The ultimate goal is for the participants to leave the course with a list of ideas to help their program, along with the contacts and resources needed to implement them.
Save the dates for Powder Horn 2022: September 9-11, 2022 and September 16-18, 2022. If you are interested in participating, please submit this interest form.
Philmont Trek 2022
June 19 - July 4, 2022
Looking for the adventure of a lifetime? Join the Tidewater Council contingent headed to Philmont Scout Reservation next summer. There are five youth spaces available, open to either female or male Scouts. Contact Bill Lawrence at bill.lawrence2@scouting.org to learn more.
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
Pack 150 conducted a service project to make their community a little cleaner. Great job!
Pack 585 families closed out the popcorn season with a Show & Sell over Thanksgiving weekend.
With nearly $3,000 in November sales, Pack 585 led the way in moving extra council inventory – and keeping sales commissions high for all units.
Thank you to Pack 585 and to all 24 units that continued selling in November, selling a total of over $22,000!
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