Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Pow Wow
October 7
Run, don’t walk, to register for Pow Wow by October 3!
The deadline for Pow Wow registration is approaching quickly. Don’t miss your chance to join other Cub Scout leaders from Tidewater Council for a hands-on training experience.
Need First Aid/CPR training? Rangemaster certification? Your future Den Chief trained? Help understanding and using My.Scouting? Scoutbook? The new Messengers of Peace requirements? We’ve got it all for you, plus great door prizes, limited edition Pow Wow water bottles, a one-day day camp for Cub Scout-aged youth, and more!
Adventure is Out There for your Cub Scouts and we’ll help you find it!
Saturday, October 7, 2023
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Centura College Chesapeake Campus
932 Ventures Way
Chesapeake, VA 23320
Den Chief Training
October 7
Den Chief Training is for Scouts who wish to become den chiefs, current den chiefs, and for adult den leaders.
- Identify den chief responsibilities and tasks
- Learn about the den chief’s relationship to the adult den leaders
- Discover how roles and relationships relate to the den chief’s activities with the den
Den Chief Training will be offered at Pow Wow. Den Chiefs can complete the training and then volunteer at Akela’s Academy for practical experience.
Coin Collecting Merit Badge Session
October 7
The Tidewater Coin Club is holding the Virginia Beach Coin Show at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on October 7-8. As part of the show, the Tidewater Coin Club will hold a merit badge session on Saturday, October 7 at 10 AM for Scouts interested in the Coin Collecting merit badge. Space is limited to 12 Scouts. To sign up, please contact eddiedevault911@gmail.com or fryan88f250@gmail.com.
Albemarle District Fall Camporee
October 20-22
A camporee can be a perfect showplace for the Scouting program and, therefore, go far beyond just being a gathering of youth. A camporee starts with the recognition that a patrol is the basic camping unit. The patrol demonstrates its very best camping techniques and shares its experiences with other patrols. The camporee involves the type of equipment that can be carried in a pack by youth and can be set up entirely by them, allowing them to be completely self-sufficient for a self-reliant experience.
This year, Albemarle District will hold its Fall Camporee on October 20-22, 2023 at Maple Commerce Park in Barco, NC. This year’s theme is “Work Hard Play Hard.” We are working hard for the community through service projects in the morning and having fun and fellowship in the afternoon. The day will end with a campfire and cracker barrel.
All Tidewater Council Scouts BSA troops, Venturing crews, Exploring posts, and Sea Scout ships are welcome and encouraged to attend. We hope to see you there!
Princess Anne District Fall Camporee
October 20-22
The 2023 Princess Anne District Fall Camporee is coming to Camp Kiwanis at Pipsico Scout Reservation this fall!
Get ready for an adventure-filled weekend with:
- Scout skills and puzzles led by older Scouts
- Saturday night cookoff
- Potluck cracker barrel for youth and adults
- Saturday night campfire conducted by the Princess Anne chapter of the Blue Heron Lodge
For questions, please contact Sam Grinvalsky at sgrinvalsky@gmail.com or 757-639-7214.
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
October 21-22
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) is a one-and-a-half day course that introduces leaders to the Cub Scout outdoor program. BALOO is designed for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their pack activities.
BALOO consists of an online pre-requisite component and an overnight, hands-on practical. The course teaches BSA’s Cub Scout level camping policies and the necessary tools to help units carry out a successful camping experience. When a Cub Scout pack or Webelos den camps, a minimum of one adult who has completed this training must be present on the overnight experience.
Prerequisite
The online component, which contains introductory and basic information, must be completed prior to the practical component. The information learned in the online prerequisite training is the necessary foundation for the overnight, practical part of the course.
Online modules are available at My.Scouting.org in the BSA Learning Center – Expanded Learning – BALOO Prerequisite Training.
Albemarle District Fall Cuboree
October 27-29
This Cub Scout Family Camping Weekend is an opportunity to experience Scouting with others! There will be a variety of activities to include things for nature enthusiasts, fishermen, marksmen (aspiring marksmen), and more. The program schedule is jam packed with activities; however, if a Scout tires out or a program doesn’t interest you, feel free to do your own thing. Please try not to arrive late to sessions, as safety briefings must start on time.
Participants are invited to camp from Friday evening through Sunday, or any portion in between. Families are welcome to arrive on Friday to set up camp and relax (this makes Saturday easier). Likewise, after a day of activity on Saturday, you are welcome to take it easy Saturday night and make your way home on Sunday morning.
The Albemarle District Family Camping event will be held at Currituck County Rural Center for all Cub Scouts and their families and/or leaders to experience together. Non-Scout siblings are invited to participate in activities (some age restrictions may apply).
Bayside District Fall Camporee
October 27-29
The 2023 Bayside District Fall Camporee is coming to Camp Kiwanis at Pipsico Scout Reservation this fall!
There is a mystery to be solved, and we need your Scouts and their skills to find out Who Dunnit. Get ready for a mystery-packed weekend including:
- Patrol-based Scout skills stations led by older Scouts to earn mystery clues
- Scoutmaster cook-off
- Friday mystery show
- Saturday night campfire
For questions, please contact Matt Little at matthewjlittle@gmail.com or 757-695-8048.
Three Rivers District Fall Camporee
October 27-29
Members of Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouting are invited to the Three Rivers District Troop O’Treat Fall Camporee at Izaak Walton League Park in Chesapeake.
- Practice and demonstrate Scout skills
- Show off cooking skills in patrol and unit cooking challenges
- Decorate campsites for Halloween (Decorations are to be fun and spooky, but may not be graphic, violent, or have a horror theme.)
- Enjoy a Saturday campfire and Scouts’ Own Service
- Compete for the Traveling District Trophy
For questions, contact Mike Zemienieuski at mzemienieuski@gmail.com or 757-617-7440.
Three Rivers District Cub-O-Ree
October 27-29
Cub Scouts, Webelos, and their families will have the ultimate Halloween Weekend at the Three Rivers District Cub-O-Ree at Izaak Walton League Park!
- Fun games and activities
- Shooting sports
- Trick-or-treating at the Scouts BSA Camporee
Bayside District Cuboree
October 28-29
Race into Scouting at the Bayside Cuboree! Join us at Camp Kiwanis at Pipsico Scout Reservation for either a day visit or an overnight campout!
- Archery
- Relay races
- Games
- Scavenger hunts
- Build your own soapbox car
Princess Anne District Field Day
October 28
Cub Scouts and their families are invited to participate in a variety of fall outdoor activities!
- Race matchbox cars
- Run relays
- Learn Scout skills
- Kick off the program year
Troops are encouraged to staff stations and develop relationships with packs in their area. To volunteer, please contact Andrew Huddle at startscouting@gmail.com.
Darden Gala
November 4
Join us for the 2023 Darden Gala on November 4, 2023 at the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center!
The Darden Gala is an annual fundraising event for Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America. Each year, Tidewater Council bestows the “Scouter Citizen of the Year Award” to deserving individuals who exemplify public service in the community.
In 2023, we are pleased to honor Barbara Lewis as our Scouter Citizen of the Year. Barbara is the founder and president of Town Center City Club. She established the Outstanding Professional Women’s Awards to create role models and motivation for women, and hosted the Inaugural Examples of Success Dinner to honor our region’s first female Eagle Scouts. In 2022, the Virginia Beach Jaycees recognized Barbara as the First Citizen of Virginia Beach.
The Darden Gala will feature Monte Carlo games, live and silent auctions, live music, and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Join us for a night of elegance under the City Lights!
Albemarle Merit Badge Weekend
November 10-12
Share your expertise! Albemarle Merit Badge Weekend is seeking merit badge counselors. The sessions will be offered in the morning and afternoon on Saturday, November 11 and in a morning session on Sunday, November 12. Merit badge counselors who can assist for any or all of the sessions are needed. This annual event offers an exciting and valuable program for Scouts, and it is only successful with the assistance of volunteers wanting to share their knowledge. If interested, please complete this interest form.
Units, save the date for the weekend. Albemarle District Merit Badge Weekend is an annual educational and advancement opportunity open to registered Scouts. All meals on Saturday and lunch on Sunday are included in the fee, so no cooking is required. Online registration and a leader guide are coming soon.
Veterans Day Parade
November 11
All packs, troops, crews, ships, and posts are invited to participate in the annual Tidewater Veterans Day Parade and ceremony at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
Event Details
- This year, the parade will begin at 16th Street and Atlantic Avenue, and proceed to the Tidewater Veterans Memorial on 19th Street, across from the Virginia Beach Convention Center. This is a different route from previous years.
- Check-in and line-up begin at 8:00 AM, with exact location to be determined.
- Scouts will get to see the entire parade and then step off as one of the last units in the parade.
- All units are requested to bring their American and unit flags.
- Scouts and leaders should be in uniform.
- Scouts are invited to remain for the 11:00 AM Memorial Service.
Registration
- Registration is required. Please register by unit.
- Registration closes on November 9, 2023.
- Patches are available by pre-order only. The deadline to pre-order patches is November 9, 2023.
- Patches will be available after the event for pick-up at Roundtables or in the Scout Shop. Units that order patches will be notified when they arrive, so pick-up can be coordinated.
Trainer's EDGE
November 18
Trainer’s EDGE is the Boy Scouts of America’s trainer development course designed to help Scouts and Scouters:
- Put into practice the EDGE training model
- Gain self-confidence through hands-on training experiences
- Develop the platform skills of a trainer
- Raise the level of skill a trainer brings to the learning experience
- “Train the trainer” on behaviors and resources while offering hands-on experience in methods and media
This course is part of a continuous process of updating trainers with the latest training methods, principles, and technologies.
Trainer’s EDGE is ideal for:
- District and council trainers
- Merit badge counselors
- Summer camp staff, including both youth and adults
- Winter Camp staff, including both youth and adults
- Roundtable staff
- Pack trainers
- Commissioner trainers
- Youth troop guides and instructors
- Unit leaders
- Staff for Wood Badge and National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
The course will be offered on November 18 at United Way of South Hampton Roads in Norfolk.
Scoutmaster Specific Training
December 2
Scoutmaster-Specific Training introduces adult leaders to everything they need to know about running a Scouts BSA troop.
In Scouts BSA, adult leaders serve in more of a “mentor” position, where their job is to help youth members learn and practice leadership. While this training will not answer every single question about being a Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster, it is a great introduction.
Along with Youth Protection Training and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), this course is required for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters to be considered “position trained.”
Troop Committee Challenge
December 2
Running a Scouts BSA troop is a little like running a business: there’s a budget and a calendar, there’s money coming in (fundraising and dues), there’s money going out (activities, equipment purchases, registration fees), there’s a “workforce” (adult volunteers), and there are goals and evaluation of whether the troop reached its goals. And, of course, all this occurs within the unique context of Scouting with some special rules and requirements.
At Troop Committee Challenge training on December 2, get the foundational training with the tools and best practices to succeed.
Klondike Derby
February 23-25, 2024
Klondike Derby registration is opening soon!
The 2024 Klondike Derby: Quest for the Gold will be held in beautiful Camp Lions, Pipsico Scout Reservation. Using your sled, compete in skills from first aid, wilderness survival, lumberjack skills, fire building, cooking, pioneering, and shooting.
The Blue Heron Lodge will conduct an Order of the Arrow call-out ceremony on Saturday night.
If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Mike Maruska at mikemaruska1179@gmail.com.
Wood Badge
April 12-14 and May 4-5, 2024
Wood Badge is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide adult members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their Scouting positions and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. Lord Baden-Powell originally designed it so that Scouters could learn, in as practical a way as possible, the skills and methods of Scouting. It is, first and foremost, learning by doing.
Wood Badge has evolved over the years into the core leadership skills training course for the BSA. The Wood Badge course focuses on strengthening every volunteer’s ability to work with and lead groups of youth and adults and is less focused on outdoor skills, which are more effectively addressed in other courses.
News
New Albemarle District Executive Christina Raymer
Please join us in welcoming our new Albemarle District Executive, Christina Raymer!
Christina is from the Albemarle District and has been involved in Scouting since 2016. She first was introduced to the Boy Scouts of America’s programs when her son participated in the pilot program for Lions. In 2017, Christina became the Tiger leader for Pack 158, and she continued leading the den all the way through their Arrow of Light rank in 2022. Christina continues to help Pack 158 by providing guidance to the other leaders in the pack.
Christina has supported Scouting beyond the unit level as well, serving as the Albemarle District Day Camp Director from 2019-2022, the Albemarle District Activity Chair, and participating in the Rovers program. She currently serves as the Albemarle District Training Chair.
Helping out at different events has always been enjoyable and rewarding for Christina. She attended Wood Badge Course S7-596-19 as a participant and course S7-596-23 as Troop Guide. Ask her about it, because she loves to share the excitement!
When Christina isn’t Scouting, she enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, and spending time with her son and animals.
Welcome aboard!
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 in October
- Sign up to assist with delivery on Thursday, October 5.
- If your unit placed a “Re-Order” and cannot assist with delivery, sign up for a pickup time on Friday, October 6 or Saturday, October 7.
- Pay for the unit’s September order at order pickup or by Saturday, October 7 at 2 PM, whichever comes first.
- Submit the unit’s military donations using this form. Remember, all donations are military donations.
- Sell, sell, sell!
Getting Started
It is not too late for your unit to participate in the 2023 Popcorn Sale!
- Conduct “take order” sales. Scouts can make personal sales to family, friends, and neighbors. Units have until November 1 to order the product needed to fill take orders, with delivery in mid-November. The sales flyer is available here, or contact the district executive for a sales kit.
- Participate in online sales. The online sale is slated to continue until November 20. Product purchased online is shipped directly to the purchaser with free shipping. Units earn 30% commission on online sales, and do not have to handle product or logistics. Each Scout receives a unique Seller ID to ensure credit goes to the right unit.
Contact your District Popcorn Kernel for help getting started.
Resources
Did your unit miss Popcorn Training? You can view the recording on the Popcorn Sale webpage. Make sure to review the 2023 Popcorn Guide while you’re there too!
Do you need help with any aspect of the sale? We have a great team of District Popcorn Kernels who are here to help you! You can find their contact information here.
Scout Shop
Hoodies
Fall weather brings cool, brisk days, and what better way to stay warm than a Scout hoodie? These jackets are a great advertisement for Scouting, and this year we have a new assortment.
The Cub Scout hoodies come in light gray with a large Cub Scout symbol on the front and sell for $29.99. The Scout hoodies have two styles, both selling at $44.99, a great price for the value. The dark gray zippered hoodie has a fleur-de-lis symbol on the left shoulder. The light gray pullover hoodie has a large fleur-de-lis symbol on the front. We still have a few hoodies from last year’s season, so come in and check out our stock for yourself. Looking ahead, hoodies make wonderful holiday gifts.
Fall Uniform Sale
The Fall Uniform Sale will continue through October. Buy the shirt and bottoms (for the same program) together and get 10% off the bottoms. Bottoms include zip-off pants, rollup pants (capris), shorts, and skorts.
New Recruits Need Your Help!
New families need information about what they need to purchase. Most new Cub Scout customers do not know if their pack is using den numbers, and, if so, which number they need. Scout customers often are unsure of what color neckerchief the troop is using. These are questions the Scout Shop cannot answer, so please help the new families in your unit Be Prepared when they come to shop. If your unit provides certain things (custom numbers, neckerchiefs, books, etc.), please make sure families know.
Scouting Accessories
Besides uniforms, there are many accessories that relate to the Scouting program. Draw-string bags for Cub Scouts are handy for carrying things to and from den meetings, are available for each rank, and sell for only $5.99. We also have the larger backpack-style bags for Cubs and Scouts for $19.99. These larger bags measure 14” x 18” and have a side pocket.
Eagle Sling Bag
New to our Scout-themed bags is the Eagle Sling bag. The design reduces strain on the shoulders, measures 17” X 13” X 6”, has front zippered pockets, and has approximately 1326 cubic inches of storage capacity. Made of polyester material, these bags have the Eagle rank logo on the front.
Shipping
We continue to ship orders by USPS. Just call or email polly.fugate@scouting.org or staci.vankirk@scouting.org. We will get your order together, calculate shipping, and call you back for a VISA or Mastercard number. We ship orders on Wednesdays and Fridays, so try to place orders on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the fastest turnaround time.
Scout Shop Hours
Our next holiday closing is November 10-13 for Veterans Day weekend.
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.
Poisonous Plants
It’s a far-too-typical scene. You return from a weekend camping trip or outing, and late in the evening Saturday or Sunday—under that layer of dirt—you find a rash. Chances are, you’re one of the millions of Americans—many of them Scouts and Scouters—who are affected by poisonous plants each year. Almost all of us have heard “leaflets three, let it be.” Despite training to identify them on sight and efforts to avoid them, we all have stumbled through a patch of poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, or one of several other plants that can cause an uncomfortable itch, a rash, and perhaps blisters.
Few escape the effects of urushiol, an oil in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac that is the principal cause of the rash. Up to 85 percent of us are considered “allergic,” and a few are seriously allergic. And if that’s not bad enough, the plants grow in all 48 of the continental U.S. states.
BSA Youth Safety Site
The BSA Youth Safety site has a variety of information and resources, including an infographic and video, to help answer questions and share details about the BSA’s ongoing commitment to keeping kids safe. The site contains key facts about the parts of the BSA’s multilayered approach and also shares common misconceptions some people may have about youth safety in the BSA.
Use these resources to help educate others on this important topic.
Awards Spotlight
Training Recognition Awards (Knots)
Training awards and keys recognize Scouters for tenure, training, and performance in their leadership roles. Leaders can self-submit for the appropriate award. Submit the nomination form to the District Training Chair for approval before submitting it to the council for processing. Progress record forms with updated requirements can be found at the bottom of this page.
Guide to Awards and Insignia
Scouting recognizes youth and adults with many awards, advancements, recognitions, emblems, and honors. The Boy Scouts of America has produced a reference guide, the Guide to Awards and Insignia, to give instructions on how to properly wear recognition items and BSA uniforms.
Training
Introduction to Leadership Skills (ILS)
Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST), Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews (ILSC), and Introduction to Leadership Skills for Ships (ILSS) are youth training courses. These courses teach youth with leadership positions about their new roles and how to reach success most effectively in those roles. This training helps youth leaders understand their responsibilities and equips them with organizational and leadership skills to fulfill those responsibilities.
ILS courses are the first in the series of leadership training offered to Scouts. Completion of ILS is a prerequisite for youth to participate in the more advanced leadership courses of National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) and the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE). ILS is also required to participate in a Kodiak Challenge Trek.
Kodiak Challenge
The Kodiak Challenge is an adventure that pushes the boundaries of every participant – one that will encourage Scouts to try new things that may be out of their comfort zone. It is an experience—but one that is rooted in the application of the leadership skills learned in the Introduction to Leadership Skills (ILS), National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), and/or National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE).
Units interested in holding this course must request approval from the Council Training Committee. Please contact Rich Becker at richard.becker@scouting.org to learn more.
Hazardous Weather Training
Hazardous Weather Training prepares leaders to protect Scouts, and themselves, in the outdoors. This training is required for direct contact leaders to be considered position-trained, and must be renewed every two years. Leaders must have current Hazardous Weather Training at charter renewal.
This course presents safety precautions for eight different types of weather, as well as planning, preparation, and traditional weather signs. The training includes questions about the topics after each section. The estimated time to complete the course is 40 minutes, and completion is noted automatically in the BSA training records database. BSA Hazardous Weather Training is only available online at My.Scouting.org.
Arrow of Light Den Camping Reminders
The Arrow of Light Scouting Adventure is an important step to preparing Arrow of Light Scouts to transition into a Scouts BSA troop. Part of this adventure provides them the opportunity to “participate in a troop’s campout or other outdoor activity. Use the patrol method while on the outing.”
As with all Scouting activities, this participation must follow the policies of the Boy Scouts of America as outlined in the Guide to Safe Scouting.
Helpful Tips
- It is not required for the Scouts to camp overnight. The troop event could be a campout or other outdoor activity, such as an age-appropriate hike or other outdoor event. The Arrow of Light den, the den leadership, and the Scouts BSA troop they are working with should make that decision in collaboration. If the troop and pack do not share the same chartered partner, the troop and pack/Arrow of Light den must receive permission from the council to hold the joint activity.
- If the outdoor event is an overnight campout and the Arrow of Light Scouts are staying overnight, the Arrow of Light den must camp according to the specific camping guidance for Cub Scouts found in the Guide to Safe Scouting. This includes:
- The den must have a BALOO-trained adult leader in attendance.
- Each Scout should attend with their parent(s) or guardian(s). A Webelos or Arrow of Light Scout whose parent or legal guardian cannot attend a den overnight camping trip may participate under the supervision of at least two registered leaders. The leaders and a parent or legal guardian must agree to the arrangement, and all Youth Protection policies apply. A Scout cannot share a tent with any adult other than their parent or guardian.
- Cub Scout youth may tent with a parent or guardian as outlined in Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse.
- Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse outline registration requirements for adults. Arrow of Light dens must have registered two deep leadership in attendance at the overnight event. Review Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse for information on the “Cub Scout Programs – Overnight Exception” for parents or legal guardians taking part in an overnight Cub Scout program with their own child or legal ward.
- What does it mean to “use the patrol method while on the outing”? First, engage the youth leadership of the collaborating troop to find ways they can help the Arrow of Light Scouts in attendance see and experience the patrol method. There are many wonderful ways to use and see the patrol method during the event! Examples could include:
- Assign a member of the Arrow of Light den to serve as the “patrol leader” of their “Arrow of Light” patrol during the event.
- Provide the Arrow of Light den the opportunity to divide up chores or other necessary tasks to enable them to work together as a group to meet their group’s goals.
- Showcase the patrol method through the Scouts BSA patrols in attendance at the activity so the Arrow of Light Scouts can see the value and fun that comes from participating in a patrol.
- Regardless of the activity, verify that the planned Arrow of Light “Scouting Adventure” aligns with the policies in the Guide to Safe Scouting, including whether the planned activities are approved for an Arrow of Light Scout to participate. Review the Age Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities.
- Use the SAFE Checklist, a helpful tool for Arrow of Light den leaders, Scouts BSA troop youth leaders, and adults to review and use to plan a successful event.
Resources
Inclusion Toolbox
The Inclusion Toolbox provides information and resources to support Scouts with special needs and disabilities. This website keeps information accessible 24/7/365 to the BSA community.
The Inclusion Toolbox does not read like a novel or textbook. It allows users to jump to the topics of greatest interest and then read other sections later. Use the Table of Contents and search feature to jump to the section needed.
During the recruiting season, the Inclusion Toolbox is an important resource so leaders can best assist new recruits of all abilities.
Policy on Unauthorized Changes to the Advancement Program
No council, committee, district, unit, or individual has the authority to add to, or subtract from, advancement requirements. There are limited exceptions relating only to members with special needs. Chapter 10 of the Guide to Advancement outlines the process for advancement requirement modifications youth with special needs.
There are mandated procedures with words such as “must” and “shall.” Where such language is used, no council, committee, district, unit, or individual has the authority to deviate from the procedures covered without the written permission of the National Advancement Program Team.
Recommended best practices are offered using words like “should,” while other options and guidelines are indicated with terms such as “may” or “can.”
For questions, please contact the district or council advancement chairs.
Camp Baker Temporary Closure in 2024
In an effort to bring additional electric power to the region, Dominion Power will engage in a 12-month project at Camp Baker, erecting 50-60 new power line towers in the area east of the camping areas. Project construction plans involve camp road impacts, which include the widening and reinforcement of the ground to accommodate large semi-trucks bringing in construction materials and equipment. The work will be continual (seven days a week).
As a result, from February 15, 2024 through December 2024 (and possibly into spring 2025), Camp Baker will be closed to camping to allow for construction activities. Although unfortunate, this action is necessary to avoid putting campers in an unsafe environment. As soon as the project in Camp Baker concludes, even if earlier than planned, the reopening will be announced.
Short-term camping will still be available at Camp Moonyah, located in the Deep Creek area of Chesapeake, or at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Make camp reservations early, as the fall through spring/early summer months are peak camping times in these camps.
Any questions regarding Camp Baker or Camp Moonyah can be directed to Ron Misfeldt, Camps Baker and Moonyah Ranger, at 757-646-1384 or mustangron@aol.com.
Thank you for your cooperation and patience.
High Adventure Treks in 2024 and 2025
Many units regularly pack yearly schedules with outings and activities that keep youth coming back and wanting more. Units provide many different activities which appeal to a variety of age groups. Youth ages 11-13 crave and need activities that deliver basic skills, such as camping. Youth ages 14-17 are looking for more robust adventures that challenge their physical abilities, as well as their minds. Additionally, older Scouts are looking for activities which become available as they mature.
To help older youth keep their interest in Scouting, the Council High Adventure Committee has produced a long-range calendar outlining longer (5+ days) high adventure activities. To assist units, the council offers these longer treks on a council contingent basis. The High Adventure Committee is soliciting youth and units’ interest in these treks for 2024 and 2025. Units and individuals with an interest in these activities should contact Jeffreyirving@cox.net or bill.lawrence2@scouting.org for more information. The first two treks are:
Okpik Winter Program at Northern Tier: December 2024
Okpik is the premier winter camping program in the Boy Scouts of America. The Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base in Minnesota is the site of the Boy Scouts of America’s National Cold Weather Camping Development Center. All trips are fully outfitted and provisioned, including almost all the personal gear necessary to stay warm in the winter. A highly trained staff member, called an Interpreter, accompanies all crews on their trek.
This activity is scheduled around winter break (December 2024). Northern Tier has a wide range of winter treks. Crews can choose cabin stay programs, cross country skiing (which could include sleeping one night on a frozen lake), or dog sledding (which includes living with and caring for the sled dogs).
Learn to never fear the cold again while experiencing all the Great North Woods have to offer. The cost varies with the activity the crew chooses, but is estimated around $2,000 per person.
Backpacking at Philmont Scout Ranch: Summer 2025
Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America’s largest National High Adventure Base, challenges Scouts and Venturers with more than 214 square miles of rugged northern New Mexico wilderness. Backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades, and training and service programs offer young people many ways to experience this legendary country.
Tidewater Council is planning a trek to Philmont during summer 2025. Costs for 2025 are not yet available, but, for reference, the fee for the 2022 council contingent trek to Philmont was around $2,300 per person.
Participants who sign up for either trek must make a $250 deposit.
In succeeding years, Tidewater Council-offered contingents will include Sea Base in Florida and The Summit in West Virginia.
Members of the High Adventure Committee are available to assist individuals and units in developing and conducting long (5+ days) high adventure treks. Contact Jeffreyirving@cox.net or bill.lawrence2@scouting.org.
Program Ideas
October
- Jamboree-on-the-Air/Jamboree-on-the-Internet is October 20-22, 2023.
- Jamboree-on-the-Internet, or JOTI, is an annual international Scouting event sponsored by the World Organization of the Scout Movement. Each year, during the third weekend in October, Scouts from around the world gather online to learn about other cultures and the activities in which other Scouts participate. They communicate with each other using Internet-enabled devices such as computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. Each year, nearly 16,000 Scouts and leaders from more than 145 countries participate!
- Jamboree-on-the-Air, or JOTA, is one of the largest Scouting events in the world. It is held annually during the third full weekend in October. JOTA uses amateur radio to link Scouts and radio operators around the world, around the nation, and in Scouts’ own communities. It’s a great way to get more youth interested in amateur radio. Scouts can experience the fun of amateur radio, as well as the service aspects of emergency communication. The scope of JOTA activities is only limited by your imagination.
- National Book Month:
- Schedule a library tour
- Invite a local author to a unit meeting
- Work on the Reading Merit Badge
- National Bullying Prevention Month: The idea that a Scout should treat others as they want 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.
- For youth in grades 6-12, the Cyber Chip helps keep youth safe while online. Topics include cyberbullying, cell phone use, texting, blogging, gaming, and identity theft.
- Review and share the BSA’s Bullying Awareness resources with Scouts and families.
- For adults, take Youth Protection Training.
- Review the BSA’s Social Media Guidelines for valuable information on internet safety and youth protection when using social media.
- National Fire Prevention Month:
- Visit a fire station
- Present the Campfire Safety Safety Moment at a unit meeting
- Present the Behavior Around Campfires Safety Moment at a unit meeting
- Work on the Fire Safety Merit Badge
- Earn the Firem’n Chit
November
- Native American Heritage Month:
- Invite a Native American guest speaker to a unit meeting
- Work on the Indian Lore Merit Badge
- Veterans Day:
- Participate in the Tidewater Veterans Day Parade
- Invite a veteran to be a guest speaker at a unit meeting
- Make thank you cards for veterans
- National Hiking Day (November 17):
- Take a hike!
- Work on the Hiking Merit Badge
- Learn about the Six Essentials for Cub Scouts and the Ten Essentials for older Scouts
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.
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.
American Red Cross Instructors
Tidewater Council is seeking current American Red Cross Instructors to become part of the council’s Authorized Provider agreement. Instructors who are part of the Authorized Provider agreement can host courses for Scouts and Scout leaders.
The council is also seeking an American Red Cross Instructor Trainer to help qualify new instructors.
Contact Richard Becker for more information.
Bats, Bats, and More Bats
With Halloween approaching, bats are a common feature in movies, costumes, and decorations.
The Army Corps of Engineers lease Camps Baker and Moonyah to Tidewater Council. They have reached out to the Scouts of Tidewater Council to help them with a… well, a bat problem.
A property they possess recently has been overrun with bats, and they would like help from Scouts in providing a more suitable home for bats. They are seeking 9-15 bat houses to be constructed and placed in the area. To ensure uniformity, a simple set of plans will be provided to construct a suitable bat house.
If your unit has Scouts needing service hours, this is a great opportunity to earn service time, as well as help out the community. For further information, contact Ron Misfeldt at 757-646-1384 or mustangron@aol.com.
Camp Service Weekends
Attention all Scouting units!
If you have Scouts who need service time, your unit is needed at Camp Moonyah or Camp Baker. The ongoing need for grounds maintenance, mowing, trimming, site-clearing, clean-up, and more is never-ending. We are seeking units that can dedicate a full day or a weekend of service time to these two camps in Chesapeake.
As an added incentive, Scouts and Scouters can work towards earning the highly sought-after and much-desired camp service patch. Contact Ron Misfeldt at 757-646-1384 or mustangron@aol.com for additional details.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Each year, the Coastal Virginia Chamber of Commerce recognizes both individuals and organizations who make a difference in the community with the Community Heroes Awards.
Scouts from Pack 16 and Troop 16 were honored as Community Heroes by the Coastal Virginia Chamber of Commerce at a ceremony on September 26. The Scouts were recognized for exemplary service to the community through several service projects. In addition, the Scouts conducted an opening flag ceremony. Congratulations!
Scouts from Troop 179 enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a full day on a US Navy warship, literally a working city at sea! Captain Will Mathis, an Eagle Scout, Executive Officer of the USS George Washington (a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier), and father of Liam, a Scout in Troop 179, welcomed the troop to experience life aboard an aircraft carrier.
Thank you to Captain Mathis for hosting the Scouts on the USS George Washington’s Friends and Family Day cruise!
Crew 179 and Troop 996 from Princess Anne District were out recruiting at the Kempsville High School Block Party on September 20. The Venturers and Scouts handed out information and talked up Scouting to prospective Scouts.
Great job to Crew 179 and Troop 996!
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).
