Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Many events have been 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.
Webelosree
Webelos in the Woods
October 9-11
Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts will spend a fun-filled weekend learning and practicing basic Scout camping skills at Pipsico Scout Reservation. The Scouts will learn from experienced Scouts, Venturers, and members of the Order of the Arrow.
- The Scouts will advance through four stations, where they will learn and practice cooking, first aid, flags, and shooting sports.
- Units/participants provide their own meals in their campsites.
- Flags and campfires will be in individual campsites due to COVID-19.
Attendance is limited to the first 200 Webelos/Arrow of Light Scouts registered.
Registration closes Sunday, October 4 at midnight!
Lion & Tiger Day
October 10
Lion and Tiger Cub Scouts and their adult partner are invited to Pipsico Scout Reservation for a fun-filled day of exciting activities! Lion & Tiger Day is an opportunity to get away from the busy buzz of the city for a Saturday and experience Pipsico Scout Reservation. Our youngest Cub Scouts will experience the outdoor adventure of Scouting and learn to “Be Prepared” to return with their packs for future weekend events.
There will be a variety of activities to include things for nature enthusiasts, aspiring marksmen, crafty folks, and sports fans.
This is a single-day event, not a camping weekend. Participants check-in at 9:30 AM on Saturday and check-out at 3:30 PM for the ride home. Please arrive on time as it will be difficult to catch up to your group in our 916-acre camp.
Lunch will be provided at the event. A mid-day cookout will occur for all participants. Water will be available around the program areas, but you must bring your own water bottle for refilling. Closed toe shoes are required for walking around camp. Dress for the weather – uniforms are not required, but wearing a Scout activity t-shirt is awesome!
Sporting Clays Tournament
October 10
Who is Tidewater Council’s best marksman? Teams of four will compete to find out in Tidewater Council’s Sporting Clays Tournament in Shawboro, NC.
Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA)
Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI)
October 16-18
The world’s largest digital and radio Scout event promoting friendship and global citizenship is scheduled for October 16-18. The dynamic program features a variety of non-formal education activities, including webinars, global campfires, talent shows, live shows, and much more. World Scouting’s global partners are actively involved in the event, offering their expertise and fun activities to engage participants. The JOTA-JOTI program aims to support Scouts and non-Scouts of all ages to learn about communications technology, the values of global citizenship, and how together we can solve the most pressing challenges facing our planet.
Albemarle District Gold Rush Cub-O-Ree
October 16-18
The Albemarle District Gold Rush Cub-O-Ree has been postponed due to state restrictions on gatherings. More information and new dates will be announced when available.
Order of the Arrow Fall Fellowship
October 16-18
Join the Lodge for a weekend of activities and challenges. Chapters will compete to see who is the best at solving a mystery. Registration is open in Tentaroo.
District Gold Rush Cub Scout Field Days
October 17
Princess Anne
Princess Anne Cub Scout packs, join us at Mt. Trashmore Kids Cove from 10 AM – 2 PM for fun, games, and entertainment! Contact event chair Nick Boyle for more information.
Three Rivers
Three Rivers Cub Scout Packs will host a carnival for our newest recruits at Izaak Walton League Park from 10 AM – 2 PM. Our packs will each host a game booth. See the flyer for more details. Registration is now open on Black Pug. Scouts and adults are $5 each. Our newly recruited Scouts may attend for free but should still register.
Bayside
Bayside Cub Scout packs, join us for a carnival of fun from 10 AM – 2 PM at Calvary Baptist Church in Virginia Beach!
Albemarle
Albemarle’s Gold Rush field day will be incorporated in with the district Cub-O-Ree (see above).
2020 Rick Anoia Scouting Golf Classic
October 19
This year’s annual golf outing promises to be the best yet! We are looking forward to welcoming players and guests for a wonderful round of golf at Broad Bay Country Club. The event begins at 11 AM with check-in and a boxed lunch. Why not entertain your business colleagues and secure the deal out in the fresh air without any office interruptions, while supporting our future leaders of America? Then sit back and relax with dinner provided by Beach Bully while enjoying our silent auction. Be sure to add your name to our list of supporters thus far:
Wells Fargo
Superior Air
Wall, Einhorn & Chernitzer, P.C.
Antigoni Savvides
The Anoia Family
S.B. Ballard
Southern Bank
Pender & Coward
Dills Architects
CWM
Aqua Leisure
McAllister Towing
Tidewater Drywall
Whitley’s
Tim Miller
Dominion Energy
Towne Bank
Cameron Chemicals
Barry Robinson Center
David Byler
Myron Nahra
Air Systems
Langley Federal Credit
Highlander Games at the Albemarle District Camporee
October 23-25
There are many legends about the origins of the Scottish Games. The oldest traces the Games tradition back to the period of Roman invasions in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, where Scottish warriors reputedly displayed their bravery and strength by performing feats of skill and power in front of the opposing army. The most widely accepted tale describes the Games as informal athletic tests by which Kings and Clan Chiefs examined the agility, cunning, and physical strength of their clansmen. The victors of these trials were then awarded positions of leadership both on the battlefield and within the clan. The Scottish Highland Games or “Heavy Events” are the modem continuation of this ancient Celtic tradition. Each event you watch today may look like a simple matter of brute strength, but each also requires excellent timing, balance, and technique. (They also require a kilt!) Join us in Maple, NC this fall for some Highlander games.
Princess Anne District Camporee
October 23-25
Princess Anne troops, crews, and Arrow of Light Scouts! Are you ready to get out and have a weekend filled with camping, cooking, expos, and games? Then you are ready for the 2020 Fall District Camporee at the Military Aviation Museum!
The weekend of October 23-25 will be a time to relax with your friends, compete against other units for awards, and to ultimately determine who will be crowned Champion of Princess Anne District. Check out the Leaders Guide for more details. Register today!
Pipsico Fall Festival
November 6-8
It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy camping weather. All packs, troops, crews, ships, posts, and Scout families are invited to join us at Pipsico for a Fall Festival. Camp from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning. There will be a variety of activities including the Great Scout Scavenger Hunt, shooting sports, pumpkin decorating, and food cook-offs. Space is limited, so register now! Registration is now open on Black Pug. Sign up today!
Pow-Wow Cub Scout Leader Training
November 14
Attention all Cub Scout leaders and parent Mad Scientists! Get your goggles and lab coats ready for Pow Wow. We will be virtual this year so everyone can participate. Just like Stay Camp, you’ll receive a kit with supplies for all this year’s sessions. Sessions will be recorded, and we will send you a link to access all 20 classes after Pow Wow is over. The cost is $15 per participant.
Special thanks to everyone who completed the survey! The Leaders Guide and Black Pug sign up will be available on October 10.
Order of the Arrow Service and Ordeal Weekend
November 20-22
Congratulations to the Order of the Arrow Candidates who completed their Ordeal in August! Blue Heron Lodge has scheduled an additional Service and Ordeal Weekend for November 20 to 22. Registration is now available in Tentaroo. This event is open to all elected Candidates, those seeking Brotherhood, and all current members to provide service. Let us know your skill set and we can match you to a great project.
Zomboree
It's never too early to Be Prepared for the apocalypse!
December 4-6
A zombie outbreak is threatening civilization as we know it. The inhabitants of Pipsico City are hunkered down and determined to survive…
Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Explorers are invited to Pipsico Scout Reservation for a competitive camporee-style event that will test your teamwork and Scout skills. Gather your Zombie Survival Team of 4-8 youth now – Registration is limited to the first 250 registrants.
Meals are not provided for this event, but there will be two cracker-barrels (Friday and Saturday nights).
Order of the Arrow Holiday Banquet
December 12
Arrowmen, join us for the OA Holiday Banquet on December 12. Registration is open in Tentaroo.
Winter Festival Camp
December 27-30
Join us for this NEW event for Scouts BSA troops, Venturing crews, Sea Scout ships, and Exploring posts at Pipsico Scout Reservation. There will be a few merit badges, as well as awesome activities and some time for service. Look for more information in the next EK!
Winter Camp
January 15-18
Basic registration for Winter Camp will open October 12 at noon. Units providing merit badge counselors will be given priority. Email both Kirsten Misfeldt and Brendan Kane 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
The merit badge schedule will be available in late October for planning. Scouts will make their merit badge selections in November.
News
Help Desk and Youth Protection Training
Many volunteers nationwide have reported issues with their Youth Protection Training recording. Please check your training records now so we can help you resolve any issues before your charter renewal is due.
What should I do if I've taken the training, but it doesn't show up in my records?
The National Council no longer has a volunteer help desk, so please contact Shannon Foster at shannon.foster@scouting.org for assistance with Youth Protection Training – or any other help desk issues. In your email, please include:
- Your Name
- Member ID
- Username
- Date Training Taken
- Browser Used
- Contact Phone Number
- Contact Email Address
- What is the issue? (Password reset, a module is freezing, forgot username, etc.)
What should I do if I need to update my Youth Protection Training?
You can still take Youth Protection Training. We suggest taking a screenshot of the completion screen of each module if possible. Check your records after completing all four modules and contact Shannon Foster if your completed training is not reflected.
What should I do if I need to submit an adult application or charter renewal?
You can still submit adult applications and your unit’s charter renewal, even if your training record hasn’t been corrected yet. Print and attach a copy of your email to Shannon to the application, so the Registrar knows that the correction is in progress.
Popcorn
Product Pick-Up
Interim pick-ups and returns will be available on Thursday, October 8 from 12-2 PM at 5423 Henneman Drive, Norfolk, VA 23513. Sign up for your slot on Sign-Up Genius.
Payments
Payments should be turned in at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 during regular Scout Shop hours.
The preferred method of payment is a single check from the unit’s account. Credit card payments will be subject to a 3% processing fee. We cannot accept checks that are written to the unit from individuals. Checks returned for insufficient funds will be charged the standard return fee as posted in the Council Scout Shop as of the date of the incident.
Units must be current on payments in order to check out additional product or receive prizes.
Online Sales
This has been Tidewater Council’s best year yet for online popcorn sales! Scouts have sold $40,875 in popcorn products online.
Families with health concerns during the pandemic can sell online safely. Product is shipped directly to the purchaser, there is no money to handle, and there are no shipping charges.
Online sales are ongoing at prpopcornstore.3dcartstores.com. Contact your unit popcorn kernel for your Scout’s Seller ID.
Donations
Throughout the sale, any donations collected are exclusively designated for the Military Donation Program. Units receive 40% commission on Military Donations. You can submit the Unit Military Donation Report at the Scout Shop, during your popcorn pick-up, or by email to Alison Harrison.
Prizes
Reward your Scouts often! You can request council-provided prizes multiple times throughout the sale by filling out this form.
Thank you!
Thank you to the amazing team who unloaded 25,283 pounds of popcorn on September 17!
Scout Shop
Shop Local! The Tidewater Council Scout Shop is the only place where you can purchase official BSA merchandise and have the proceeds stay in our local Scouting community.
The fall Scouting program is in full swing and the Scout Shop is here to meet every uniform and program need, whether you are a new customer or regular volunteer.
Uniform Sale
The uniform sale goes through October 10, so there’s still time to take advantage of it. Purchase a uniform shirt and ANY bottom (pants, shorts, skorts) and get 25% off the bottoms. Uniform items must be from the same program (Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing). Right now, the Scout shirts in the previous style and fabrics (with the “Boy Scouts of America” logo) have been marked down. These shirts may still be used with the sale to get 25% off on the pants, a deal too good to pass up! We don’t have many of the poplin and microfiber shirts left in stock, so get them while you can, since they are being discontinued. Remember – Once a uniform, always a uniform.
New Uniforms
The new Scout uniform pants and shirts in boys’ and men’s sizes are in stock! The new uniform shirts are displayed on the front rack in the Scout Shop. The ladies’ and girls’ shirts made their debut last fall, and the new Scout shirts for boys and men are the same cotton, polyester, and spandex fabric with the fleur-de-lis logo and the letters “BSA” in red. Youth shirts sell for $34.00 and adult shirts are $39.99.
Tidewater Council Masks
We have custom Tidewater Council masks for sale. White cotton with the “Scout Me In” logo, they sell for $6. They are going fast, and we aren’t sure when we will get more, so come get ‘em while they last!
Jackets
With fall weather on the way, jackets and hoodies can warm up those cooler days and evenings. We have youth sizes only on our front rack, priced from $24.99 – $34.99. If we don’t have your size in stock, we can order it for you.
Rank T-Shirts
Cub Scout rank T-shirts are back! The logo is slightly different, but the colors and low price are the same ($9.99), a great value for these 100% cotton Gildan T-shirts.
Safer at Home
If you’re not ready or able to shop in-person, please remember that we can ship orders by USPS. Just call (757-497-2688 ext. 102) or email (polly.fugate@scouting.org) with your order . We accept VISA and Mastercard (with a 3% fee) and charge only the minimal shipping fee.
Thank You!
A hearty THANK YOU to Dave, Anne, & Laura Bussiere and Mike & Sharon Scott for volunteering on Saturdays in September in the Scout Shop. During our busy season, these folks worked on the floor helping new customers with uniforms, restocking shelves, and giving general Scouting information. We couldn’t have the great Saturdays we’ve had without them!
Holiday Hours
Our next holiday closing will be Wednesday, November 11 for Veterans Day.
Religious Program Help
P.R.A.Y. (Programs of Religious Activities with Youth) has launched a new “Program Resources and Support Group” for Facebook users. This group is for new and seasoned clergy, counselors, mentors, and parents to support one another. This will be an opportunity for discussion, networking, idea-sharing, and even constructive feedback.
Camp Lost & Found
Found at camp: A pair of women’s Michael Kors prescription sunglasses. If they are yours, please contact JManely8@cox.net.
Charter Renewal
The commissioner staff has worked hard to make the charter renewal process easier for your unit and the volunteers who complete your charter renewal.
Changes to simplify charter renewal include:
- The council program and insurance fees have been lowered to a $24 flat fee for everyone.
- Families who have difficulty affording the council fee will be able to apply for special assistance.
- Every district will hold a recharter orientation, as they hand out the packets to the units.
- There is a complete step-by-step checklist of every item needed for charter renewal.
- Each district will hold at least three turn-in and assistance dates to make sure your charter renewal is correct before it leaves your hands.
Click on your district to see more details!
Journey to Excellence (JTE)
When your unit submits its charter renewal package, you also turn in your JTE scorecard. There is a workbook to help you track the items and record them. You only need to turn in the third tab of the workbook. Your unit commissioner can help you fill out the form and he/she can approve it. The council will order the ribbons for your unit flag on January 15, 2021.
Scholarship Opportunities
There are many scholarship opportunities for Scouts and Explorers. Some are for institutions of higher learning and some can be used for other things, such as camp or to become a diving instructor. Click here for more information.
Bullying Awareness
The idea that a Scout should treat others as he or she wants to be treated—a Scout is kind—is woven throughout the programs and literature of the Boy Scouts of America. When a Scout follows the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, bullying and hazing situations should never occur. These fact sheets will help with bullying awareness and direct you to resources provided by the BSA and other entities we work with to protect children.
Internet Safety
With today’s virtual learning for our youth, cyber safety is a concern. To help families and volunteers keep youth safe while online, the Boy Scouts of America introduced the Cyber Chip. The BSA teamed up with content expert NetSmartz®, part of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children® and training expert for many law enforcement agencies.
Lessons about online safety can be incorporated into regular Scout meetings. Why not play a quiz game to make it fun?
Boys' Life Submissions
Does your unit have a great fishing trip, an awesome trek in the mountains, or a cool dive under sea? Boys’ Life wants to know about it – your trip could be featured in the next issue!
High Adventure Awaits
Starting in 2020, the National High Adventure Bases are making it easier for you to find, chose, and book your adventure all in one place. Registering for a life-changing High Adventure Base expedition is an exciting and sometimes competitive experience. To ensure the best possible experience on registration day, the person who will place the reservation should review these instructions in advance. The new registration system will require users to login using their My.Scouting credentials to access the registration portal.
Summit Bechtel Reserve
Summit Bechtel Reserve (SBR) programs are all about challenging Scouts and Venturers. Whether earning merit badges, problem-solving on the challenge course, or working toward an American Mountain Guide Association instructor certification, those willing to test their mettle at The Summit will come away changed for the better. Registration for 2022 starts on October 5.
Philmont Scout Ranch
Tidewater Council is planning to send a contingent to Philmont in 2022. Contact Bill Lawrence for more information.
Philmont Scout Ranch is the Boy Scouts of America’s largest National High Adventure Base. Born in 1938 as Philturn Rocky Mountain Scout Camp, Philmont has become a bustling center for high adventure and training. It covers 140,177 acres of rugged mountain wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo range of the Rocky Mountains in northeastern New Mexico. Registration for 2022 starts on October 5.
Sea Base High Adventure
Sail, fish, kayak, snorkel, SCUBA dive, and explore islands in the Florida Straits, Atlantic Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea. Sea Base’s 20 programs each specialize in a particular area of interest, whether your unit is experiencing these tropical environments or skills for the first time or are experienced seafarers. Find an adventure that fits your unit’s interests: camping trips, marine science, sailing, SCUBA diving, or saltwater fishing. Registration for 2022 starts on October 6.
Northern Tier
Northern Tier crews paddle in almost 6 million acres of exclusively canoe-access wilderness from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of Minnesota to the Atikaki Provincial Park of Manitoba. Trips range in length from 6-14 days and usually include between 50-150 miles of wilderness travel. Registration for 2022 starts on October 7.
Training at Florida Sea Base
During the week of January 10-16, 2021, you can attend The Nuts and Bolts of Training course at Florida Sea Base. The conference will cover the mechanics of training including the latest tools, techniques, and best practices. Participants will be instructed in how to use My.Scouting tools and the BSA Learn Center. They will discuss basic training requirements for leaders, as well as how to run training reports. The primary audience for this conference is district training chairs and members of the district training committee. Others who will benefit from this interactive conference include anyone interested in serving on a training team. Contact Scouting U Vice-Chair Joel Eacker if you are interested.
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. North Carolina families, please reach out to NCCARE360 to request assistance. Virginia families, please contact the United Way of South Hampton Roads Coronavirus Response team. For other coordinated care referrals unrelated to COVID-19, please contact us.
The BSA has released tips and videos for Coping with COVID-19.
Scouts in Action
Congratulations to some of our newest Eagle Scouts!
Congratulations to Ryan H. (left) and Vance N. (right) of Princess Anne Troop 378 on earning the rank of Eagle Scout this August!
Thank you to Troop 378’s chartered organization representative, Mr. Brown, and his wife for allowing the Scouts to socially distance in their backyard.
Congratulations to Carson G. (left) and Josh B. (right) of Princess Anne Troop 378 on earning the rank of Eagle Scout this September!
Thank you to Troop 378’s chartered organization representative, Mr. Brown, for allowing the Scouts to socially distance in the conference room at his office.
Congratulations to Carlos R. of Princess Anne Troop 471 on earning the rank of Eagle Scout on September 16!
Congratulations to Payton S. of Princess Anne Troop 471 on earning the rank of Eagle Scout on September 20!
Congratulations to Zachary for being elected as Order of the Arrow Section SR-7A Chief and Kaitlyn as Section Vice Chief!
As a result of Zach’s new position, Tim Z. was sworn in as the new Blue Heron Lodge Chief for the balance of 2020.
Lodge Elections will be conducted at OA Fall Fellowship on October 18. Arrowmen interested in serving, please contact your Chapter Chief for the required paperwork.
Congratulations to Austin of Bayside Troop 1, the first place winner of the Eagle Scout Scholarship from The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Norfolk Chapter and the State of Virginia!
Pictured from left to right: Gary P. Pridgen, Norfolk Chapter President; Austin D., Kenneth L. Hawkins, Ed.D., Eagle Scout Committee Chairman
Russ has been a great Scoutmaster, mentor, and cheerleader for many Scouts in Albemarle Troop 182. He is now leaving the troop to spend more time with his daughter’s troop. He will be missed at Troop 182 more than he will ever know. Thanks for the memories, Russ.
Troop 182 would also like to welcome their new Scoutmaster, Albert Mercado, to the unit and to Albemarle District.
Three Rivers Pack 246 had fun at their September recruiting event at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Portsmouth.
Bayside Pack 493 had a successful kick-off open house LEGO Derby event on September 13. Along with great racing fun, Scouts and potential recruits completed a time capsule activity and learned about what’s in store in the upcoming Cub Scout year.
Albemarle Pack 117 enjoyed the evening on Avalon Pier with a pack outing and recruiting event. The first catch of the event was a stingray, but all had a great evening with their glow stick fishing.
Princess Anne Troop 902 went to summer camp at the Summit in June. They wore masks and socially distanced, but had fun fishing, shooting, earning merit badges, and ziplining.
Princess Anne Troop 362 for boys and Troop 5374 for girls teamed up to clean up trash at Mt. Trashmore.
Albemarle Troop 164 enjoyed some time in the outdoors once again with a campout. Fun and fellowship were had by all.
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).
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