Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Range and Target Activity Trainings
September - November
Interested in become a certified firearms or archery instructor? Tidewater Council’s Shooting Sports Committee can help Scout leaders fulfill these ambitions and become qualified to lead range and target activity programs for their units.
In 2025, Tidewater Council is offering training for multiple types of firearms. Not only that, but the council also offered its first USA Archery Level 1 Instructor course. Tidewater Council’s Shooting Sports Committee offers leaders opportunities to obtain instructor credentials at a fraction of the cost available elsewhere.
Class sizes are limited – sign up today!
Course Schedule
- NRA Pistol Instructor Course: September 6 – WAITLIST ONLY
- NRA Range Safety Officer Course: September 27
- NRA Basic Rifle Course: October 4 – WAITLIST ONLY
- NRA Rifle Instructor Course: November 1
Visit the Black Pug registration page for course details, pricing, and more information. For questions, please contact the Shooting Sports Committtee at [email protected].
Three Rivers Webelosree
September 26-28
Webelosree is back! Three Rivers District is excited to welcome Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts to a weekend campout designed just for them!
The Three Rivers Webelosree will offer several Adventures and electives that Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts will be able to complete.
Join in the fun and fellowship to bring this event back stronger than ever!
Princess Anne Fall Cuboree
October 10-12
Stir up some spooky fun at the 2025 Princess Anne Cuboree!
A bubbling brew of STEM, range and target activities, and Halloween thrills awaits – costumes, cauldrons, and adventure all weekend long!
Coin Collecting Merit Badge Program
October 11
Join the Tidewater Coin Club for a Coin Collecting merit badge program! The merit badge session will be held at the Virginia Beach Coin Show at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on Saturday, October 11 from 10 AM – noon.
Advanced registration is required; please contact Fran Ryan at [email protected] or Eddie DeVault at [email protected] to reserve a spot.
Three Rivers District Scouts BSA Spook-O-Ree
October 24-26
Step right up—Carnival Madness is rolling into Izaak Walton!
This Scouts BSA weekend is packed with lots of spooky fun. Test your skills, enjoy the games, and soak up the eerie excitement of the season. Spots are limited, so register now for an unforgettable adventure!
Three Rivers District Cub Scout Spook-O-Ree
October 24-26
The Three Rivers District Cub-O-Ree will bring just the right amount of spookiness for a weekend of Cub Scout fun! Get ready for a spine-tingling time as the carnival comes to town, bringing fun and games for all.
Perfect for first-time campers and seasoned Scouts alike, this camp will celebrate the thrill of the season. Space is limited, so don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy a frightfully fun weekend!
Cub Scout Investigators Family Camp
November 7-9
Cub Scouts and their families are invited to participate in a variety of crime-solving and investigation activities at Pipsico Scout Reservation!
- Climbing and bouldering
- Range and target activities
- Games and crafts
- Scavenger hunt
- Campfire – bring a skit or a song to perform!
- Dessert bake-off competitions
- Door prize drawing
Princess Anne Fall Camporee
Fall STEM Academy
November 7-9
Get ready to explore, invent, and discover at the Princess Anne District Fall STEM Academy Merit Badge Weekend – where curiosity meets innovation!
This exciting event, held at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach, is designed to ignite Scouts’ passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on learning while earning merit badges. With guidance from expert mentors and merit badge counselors, Scouts will not only earn key STEM-related merit badges, but will also gain a deeper understanding of how STEM skills shape the world and the future.
Registration is now open for Princess Anne troops and crews. Registration for Scouts from other districts will open October 15. For questions, contact the Camp Chief, Sam Grinvalsky, at [email protected] or 757-639-4214.
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
November 7-9 and November 14-16
National Youth Leadership Training is an exciting, action-packed program designed to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use. Participants must attend both weekends:
- Weekend 1: November 7-9 at Izaak Walton League Park, Chesapeake
- Weekend 2: November 14-16 at Camp Kiwanis, Pipsico Scout Reservation
The NYLT course centers around the concepts of what a leader must BE, must KNOW, and must DO. The key elements are taught with a clear focus on HOW TO.
Content is delivered in a troop and patrol outdoor setting with an emphasis on the immediate application of learning in a fun environment. Interconnecting concepts and work processes are introduced early, built upon, and aided, which allows participants to understand and employ leadership skills much faster.
For more information, contact [email protected].
Council Camporall
April 17-19, 2026
Tidewater Council is proud of its tradition of hosting exceptional weekend programs at Pipsico Scout Reservation, and is thrilled to announce plans for another outstanding experience.
Save the date for April 17–19, 2026, when Scouts from across the council will gather for the 2026 Council Camporall!
The dedicated planning committee is developing a fun and engaging theme, exciting activities, and memorable experiences for every Scouts BSA member—including current Arrow of Light Scouts who are preparing to cross over in early 2026.
Please save the date for this special event. More details are coming soon!
Pipsico Scout Reservation Summer Camp
June-July 2026
Pipsico Scout Reservation offers a wide variety of activities and programs that enable Scouts to earn awards while having fun!
Facilities include a 40-foot climbing and rappelling tower, air conditioned dining hall, swimming pool with ramp access for those with mobility needs, recently-renovated aquatics center, fully equipped health lodge, trading post, ranges for range and target activities, and more.
All Pipsico programs and facilities are Nationally Accredited.
What are you waiting for? Sign up for Summer Camp 2026 today and get ready for an awesome camping experience, at a beautiful property, with a friendly camp staff!
Week 1: June 21 – June 27
Week 2: June 28 – July 4
Week 3: July 5 – July 11
Week 4: July 12 – July 18
National Scout Jamboree
July 22-31, 2026
Get ready for the ultimate Scouting experience! The 2026 National Scout Jamboree, being held from July 22-31, 2026 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia, is more than just an event—it is a high-adventure, memory-making, confidence-building journey that your Scout will never forget.
Picture thousands of Scouts from across the country coming together for ten action-packed days of ziplining, mountain biking, rock climbing, water sports, skateboarding, fishing, patch trading, leadership development, and lifelong friendships.
The National Scout Jamboree is a chance for Scouts to grow, explore, and connect in a way that only Scouting can offer. Whether they are looking for adrenaline-pumping adventure or a deeper connection to the Scouting movement, the Jamboree delivers.
Do not miss this incredible opportunity to be part of something big. Spots are filling quickly—learn how your Scout can be part of the excitement by visiting TidewaterBSA.com/jamboree.
National Scholarship Program
Dreaming of the 2026 National Jamboree but concerned about the cost? The National Scholarship Program is here to help!
The National Scholarship Program for the 2026 National Jamboree is designed specifically for Scouts who are excited to join this life-changing experience but may need financial support to make it happen.
Details
- Scholarships cover a portion of the national registration fee.
- Additional council fees (travel, gear, etc.) are not included.
- Full scholarships are rare; most awards cover less than half the national fee.
- Staff members are not eligible, but those aged 16–29 receive a reduced staff fee.
Deadlines
- Round 2: Apply by November 30, 2025 (notifications by mid-winter)
How to Apply
- Visit the official Jamboree site at Jamboree.Scouting.org/participants.
- Complete the online scholarship application.
- Submit by the deadline.
Don’t let finances hold you back. Apply today and take the first step toward an unforgettable adventure!
World Scout Jamboree
July 30 - August 8, 2027
The World Scout Jamboree is held every four years around the world. The next Jamboree will be held in Gdansk, Poland in the summer of 2027 and will have approximately 45,000 Scouts and leaders from over 140 countries in attendance.
Age Requirements
- Participants must be between the ages of 14-17 at the start of the Jamboree on July 30, 2027.
- Those over 17 at the start of the Jamboree can apply to be a unit leader or on staff.
- Those under age 14 are not eligible to attend the 2027 World Scout Jamboree. Save the date for the 2031 World Scout Jamboree in Denmark!
For More Information
- World Scout Jamboree website: jamboree2027.org
- US Contingent website: wsj2027.us
News
Now Hiring
ScoutReach Program Aide
Tidewater Council is seeking an enthusiastic, dependable, part-time ScoutReach Program Aide to help deliver engaging afterschool Scouting programs to youth in Portsmouth and Norfolk public schools. This role plays a vital part in ensuring that children in underserved communities experience the fun, leadership development, and values that Scouting offers.
Programs are held Monday through Wednesday from 3-6 PM, with occasional weekend outings. Flexible scheduling may be available. Applicants must be over 18, and a Scouting background is preferred.
Albemarle District Executive
Since 1910, Scouting has helped shape the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. Scouting 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 [email protected].
Summer Camp Staff Opportunities
Join the team at Pipsico Scout Reservation!
Are you ready to make a difference next summer and create unforgettable experiences for Scouts and fellow staff members? Pipsico Scout Reservation is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our team! Whether you’re passionate about outdoor education, adventure programming, or supporting behind the scenes, we have a role for you.
Positions Available
- Camp Director
- Program Director
- Camp Commissioners
- Area Directors: Huskanaw, Aquatics, Waterfront, Pool, Nature, Scout Craft, Heritage, Handicraft, Shooting Sports, Climbing, Trading Post, PEX High Adventure Program
- Dining Hall Manager
- Medic/Health and Safety Officer
- Program Staff
- Kitchen Crew
- Camp Counselors
- Administrative Support
Why Work at Pipsico?
- Gain valuable leadership and teamwork skills.
- Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while making lasting memories.
- Be part of a vibrant and supportive Scouting community.
Popcorn
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Eight Things To Do in September
- Help with the popcorn delivery on Thursday, September 4. Sign up here.
- If your unit placed a “Show & Sell 2” order and cannot help with delivery, sign up for a pickup time on Friday, September 5 or Saturday, September 6.
Sign up for Friday, September 5.
Sign up for Saturday, September 6. - Pay for the unit’s first order by the “Show & Sell 2” order pickup or by Saturday, September 6 at 2 PM, whichever comes first.
- Place the unit’s next popcorn order by Wednesday, September 17.
- Submit the 2025 Popcorn Prizes & Military Donations form by September 17 for the second round of recognition.
- If planning to return any Cheese Lovers or Classic Trios, make the return no later than Wednesday, September 17.
- If your unit plans to sell at Food Lion, sign up by Wednesday, September 24.
- Sell popcorn!
Getting Started
- Read the Popcorn Guide.
- Sign up for the sale at pecatonicariverpopcorn.com using Council Key 596TWC.
- Set sales goals.
- Hold a unit kick-off. Contact your district executive to get sales materials and a tasting kit.
- If you didn’t attend Popcorn 101 or Popcorn Training, view the recordings here.
- Contact your District Popcorn Kernel for help getting started.
Online Sales
Online popcorn sales are an easy way to earn money for your unit, with no product handling or money handling required! The customer orders and pays online, with free shipping straight to the customer.
Units earn 30% commission on online sales, and each Scout receives a unique Seller ID to ensure credit goes to the right unit.
Sell online at prpopcornstore.com. If you do not know your Scout’s Seller ID, please contact the Unit Popcorn Kernel.
Scouting Safety Moment
It is recommended to include a Scouting Safety Moment during meetings to inform Scouts and parents and keep everyone safe. Numerous Scouting Safety Moments are available here.
Anaphylaxis
Registrar's Corner
Membership Transactions
For any membership transactions processed by the council, including transfers, an official Scouting America membership application must be submitted.
Scoutbook Plus
Scoutbook Plus will begin alerting parents and guardians who are not linked to their children in Akela, the membership database, that they need to verify their connections by December 31, 2025, or their access will be restricted. These connections are crucial for managing membership renewals and registrations. Stay up-to-date with changes to Scoutbook and ask questions by visiting discussions.scouting.org.
Monitor Unit Rosters
Unit leaders, please monitor the unit roster regularly to ensure that all Scouts are currently registered. Due to the year-round individual renewal, families that joined the unit last fall will need to renew their memberships at the same time this year.
Update on Eagle Certificates from Scouting Outfitters
The National Council of Scouting America is working to catch up on Eagle certificates for Scouts who earned the rank from May through August. Due to the delay in receiving the president’s signature for Eagle certificates and a supply-chain delay in receiving shipping materials, the Scouting Outfitters team is currently processing 5,736 certified Eagle Scout recipient records, and working to return to a regular weekly shipping schedule. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Religious Emblems
Virtual Religious Emblem Opportunity
Register by September 30!
P.R.A.Y. (Programs of Religious Activities with Youth) has an opportunity for Protestant Scouts to earn their religious medal virtually.
Salem in Ballwin United Methodist Church, P.R.A.Y., and the national committees and associations of Protestant faiths announced that national virtual programs are returning for 2025. While not intended to replace in-person religious emblems or awards participation, this program makes the religious emblems available to all youth, especially those who are having difficulty finding an in-person class or congregational support near them.
These classes are open to any Protestant, Non-Denominational, or Independent Christian youth in any organization, grades K-12, who is interested in fortifying their experience through their faith.
Classes will be offered in each of the five program levels and will be presented over Zoom. There is room for 2,000 total students (400 per program offered). Registration is free and open until September 30.
Detailed information for each program and registration can be found by visiting the P.R.A.Y. Virtual Programs page at praypub.org/virtual-programs.
Counselors Needed
There is a special need for counselors to review and support the upcoming P.R.A.Y. virtual sessions. This is especially important for those students who do not have a home church or whose church is unable to support their participation. Each program is being broken down into groups of 8-10 students.
Teaching materials (PowerPoint presentations, lesson outlines, and Counselor Manuals) will be provided in advance. Those who already have the Counselor Manual should make sure they have the most current version for the program level.
Your expertise and experience is welcomed and appreciated. To serve as a counselor for a breakout group of 8-10 students, visit the P.R.A.Y. Virtual Classes link. Click on the orange “Reserve a spot” button and select one of the “Counselor ‘Teacher’ Tickets.”
Contact
For questions on Religious Emblems programs, contact Marianne Tate at [email protected].
Development Corner
Join the Finance Committee - Help Make a Difference with Scouting America Tidewater Council!
Do you have a few hours to share your time and talents in support of local Scouting? The Tidewater Council Finance Committee is seeking dedicated volunteers who are ready to make an impact behind the scenes and help grow and sustain the Scouting movement in our community.
We are seeking individuals with skills and interests in areas such as:
- Good handwriting – to help craft meaningful, handwritten thank-you notes to our donors.
- Microsoft proficiency – to assist with tracking, organizing, and preparing financial-related documents.
- Creative writing – to write engaging thank-you letters, donor communications, and newsletters that highlight the great work happening in Scouting.
- Registered Scouter status – or willingness to become registered, to fulfill Scouting America requirements while supporting the committee’s mission.
This is a wonderful opportunity for volunteers who enjoy thoughtful, detail-oriented work and who believe in the power of Scouting to shape future leaders. Your contributions will help us thank supporters, keep donors engaged, and ensure the financial health of Tidewater Council.
Whether you’re a longtime Scouter or someone looking for a meaningful way to get involved, we would love to have you join us!
If interested, please contact Christy Cooper at 208-597-6044 or [email protected] to learn more about joining the Finance Committee.
Together, we can make a difference for the Scouts of Tidewater Council!
Leave a Legacy: James E. West Fellowship Award
The James E. West Fellowship Award is a national recognition for individuals who contribute $1,000 or more in cash or securities to the Tidewater Council endowment fund. This contribution is in addition to, and does not diminish or replace, the donor’s annual gift to the council’s Friends of Scouting campaign.
Organizations or individuals may contribute an award in honor of someone — an Eagle Scout, a Silver Beaver recipient, Living Legend, or any outstanding Scout or Scouter.
Scout Shop
An Item for Patch Lovers
Have you ever wondered what to do with all the patches your Scout brings home? The Scout Shop has a solution for you!
In stock now, Tidewater Council’s Scout Shop has a Scouting green backpack, made of felt, that uses Velcro to attach patches to the bag. It’s a great way to display your Scout pride and show off all of your special event or Cub Scout fun patches.
Come on in to the Scout Shop and check them out!
Scouting America Adventure T-Shirt
New in stock this summer, the Scout Shop has a Scouting America Prepared for Life t-shirt!
This 100% cotton shirt serves as a great activity uniform option when camping or hiking – or just wearing to show your support of awesome Scouting programs.
Check them out before they disappear from the shelves!
Cub Scout T-Shirts
New Cub Scout T-shirts have arrived at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop!
Awesome for an activity uniform or everyday wear, these shirts come in six styles. Choose from rank options for Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, or Arrow of Light, or the “Follow the Pack” Cub Scout version.
Shop Local
Shop local at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop!
Did you know that all proceeds from the local Scout Shop directly benefit Scouting America Tidewater Council? When you shop local, your dollars make a difference for youth right here in Virginia and North Carolina.
Every dollar you spend in the Tidewater Council Scout Shop goes back into the programs that your Scouts are learning in, growing in, and becoming incredible human beings. When you welcome new families to your unit, please ask them to shop locally. Our staff are always available to help anyone new to the program, and we make finding everything you need easy.
Remember: Shop Local!
Scout Shop Hours
The Scout Shop’s next holiday closing is November 11 for Veterans Day.
Program Ideas
September
- Self Improvement Month
- Encourage Scouts to set personal goals for the coming school/program year.
- Once Scouts set personal goals, guide them to develop plans for attaining their goals.
- Work on a merit badge with a built-in action plan, such as Personal Management or Personal Fitness.
- Encourage Scouts to try out a new activity or hobby. From fishing to cycling to woodworking, there’s likely Scouting America curriculum to help them get started!
- World Suicide Prevention Day: September 10
- Share the Youth Suicide Prevention Safety Moment.
- Share resources, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255).
- Patriot Day: September 11
- Share the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s tips for Talking to Children about Terrorism with parents in your unit.
- Make cards to thank first responders.
- Invite a firefighter or police officer to be a special visitor at a unit meeting.
- Constitution Day: September 17
- Work on the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge.
- Read the U.S. Constitution.
- Take a virtual tour of the National Constitution Center’s Signers’ Hall exhibit.
- National Cooking Day: September 25
- Share cooking and food-related Safety Moments:
- Work on the Cooking merit badge.
- Work on the rank-specific Cub Scout personal fitness Adventure:
- Fun on the Run (Lion): Identify the five different food groups.
- Tiger Bites (Tiger): Identify the five different food groups.
- Running with the Pack (Wolf): Sample three different foods that are naturally three different colors. The food must be a protein, vegetable, fruit, dairy, or a grain.
- Bear Strong (Bear): Sample food from three of the following food groups: protein, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and grains.
- Stronger, Faster, Higher (Webelos): With your den or family, plan, cook, and eat a balanced meal.
- Personal Fitness (Arrow of Light): Plan a balanced meal that you would eat when camping. Prepare that meal using the gear you would use on a campout.
October
- Kids Music Day: October 3
- World Space Week: October 4-10
- Work on the Space Exploration or Astronomy merit badges.
- Work on the Sky is the Limit Adventure for Tigers.
- Learn about Eagle Scout Neil Armstrong.
- Frugal Fun Day: October 4
- A Scout is thrifty. Discuss what it means to be thrifty.
- Have Scouts brainstorm activities that are both frugal and fun – and then choose one for a unit, den, or patrol outing.
- National Stop Bullying Day: October 8
- 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 Scouting America. When a Scout follows the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, bullying and hazing situations should never occur.
- Have youth watch the age and rank-appropriate Personal Safety Awareness videos.
- Review and share Scouting America’s Bullying Awareness resources with Scouts and families.
- For adults, take Safeguarding Youth Training.
- Review Scouting America’s Social Media Guidelines for valuable information on internet safety and youth protection when using social media.
- National New Friends Day: October 19
- Invite a friend to visit a Scout meeting or event.
- Make a card or another gesture of friendship to new members in your Scout unit.
- International Artist Day: October 25
- Visit a local art museum or gallery.
- Work on an art-related merit badge, such as Animation, Art, Graphic Arts, Photography, Pottery, or Sculpture.
- Encourage Scouts to use their creativity in an art project.
Community Engagement
Albemarle Area United Way Day of Caring: September 26
Do you enjoy painting? Working with tools or doing construction? Doing yard work? Helping out in the office? Spiffing things up or organizing?
Albemarle Area United Way is seeking volunteers who want to make a community impact in northeastern North Carolina with Day of Caring on Friday, September 26. Sign up at aaunitedway.org/events.
2025 Tidewater Veterans Day Parade: Honoring Vietnam Veterans
The 2025 Tidewater Veterans Day Parade will be a special opportunity to honor Vietnam War veterans, with the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. This year’s event will include The Moving Wall that honors those who passed in the war.
Any Vietnam War veterans who are interested in being a key component of the Scouting America Tidewater Council parade contingent should contact [email protected] to learn more.
2026 Virginia DWR Archery Open
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) invites the archery and conservation community to participate in the 2026 DWR Archery Open. The second annual competition will take place Saturday, January 10, 2026 in Richmond, Virginia.
Complete the interest form at dwr.virginia.gov/archery-open to subscribe to event updates.
Community Care Assistance
Does your family need assistance accessing community resources? Tidewater Council is a partner agency with United Way of South Hampton Roads and Albemarle Area United Way, as well as a member of the Unite Us Hampton Roads United Coordinated Network and NCCARE360. For coordinated care referrals, please contact us. You may also visit NC 211 or 2-1-1 Virginia for assistance finding resources.
Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
On August 23-24, several Scouts and adult leaders from Troop 934 assisted the Lumberjacks, a group of Scouters supporting Pipsico Scout Reservation, in constructing a Human Foosball Area at Camp Lions, Pipsico Scout Reservation.
Troop 934’s Committee Chair assisted the Lumberjacks in planning this outdoor recreation playground. Then, the Committee Chair and other troop participants spent more than 100 hours working from early Saturday morning until dark that evening, and again early Sunday morning until the Human Foosball Area was completed later that day.
In addition to heavy equipment provided by the camp and Lumberjacks, this effort also included one of Troop 934’s adult leaders providing personal equipment from the company he owns to help accomplish this challenging task – especially with lifting telephone poles and lowering them into the ground.
As a result, Scouts now have another play area that will help them stay motivated and physically fit while camping at Camp Lions.
We want to hear from you! Send stories, photos, and videos of your Scouts in action to [email protected] (with parental permission, of course).