Table of Contents
Friends of Scouting
Friends of Scouting is Tidewater Council’s annual giving campaign. The Friends of Scouting campaign provides 21% of the council’s annual budget – that means more than a fifth of every dollar in the council budget comes from the generosity of Scouting families, alumni, and community supporters. Friends of Scouting keeps the overall cost of Scouting affordable so all families can participate.
Campaign Progress as of March 31, 2023
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal:
Congratulations to Three Rivers for achieving its district goal!
Has your unit scheduled its 2023 Friends of Scouting presentation? It is a great opportunity to hear about some of the council’s highlights and accomplishments over the past year, and to illustrate to families how the program is funded. All units that hold a Friends of Scouting presentation will receive a special ribbon for their unit flag. Contact your district executive to schedule your presentation.
Upcoming Events
Back to Brownsea
Bayside District Spring Camporee
April 14-16
It was late in Lord Baden-Powell’s life that he stepped away from military duties and took up the new Scouting movement. On his last tour of duty, Lord Baden-Powell was Inspector-General of Cavalry. In 1904, he went to a demonstration of the Boys’ Brigade, an interdenominational youth organization. At the end of Baden-Powell’s inspection, he told the Boys’ Brigade founder, Sir William Alexander Smith, that he had a fine program, but that the organization would have wider appeal with more varied training. Smith challenged Baden-Powell to come up with such a program.
Inspired by Smith and the Boys’ Brigade, Baden-Powell set to work. He studied youth groups, the YMCA, the Montessori school system, and more, and considered the earlier training he devised for his army scouts. To test his plan, in 1907, he took a group of young men from all walks of life to an island called Brownsea, a place he had visited many times with his brothers during his youth. The youth took to Baden-Powell’s ideas right away.
In those days, military men did not earn a high salary. To supplement his income, Baden-Powell started writing books. He split his plan into six installments and had it published in a periodical magazine. Today, this work is known collectively as Scouting for Boys, the first book about Scouting.
- What was one of Baden-Powell’s most lofty goals for his plan?
- Baden-Powell said the Boy Scouts is not a military organization. Why do we wear uniforms?
Are you ready for some great fellowship? After “Bayside’s Got Talent,” camporee participants will have a big cracker barrel, with snacks and opportunities to meet Scouts in other units. After a long, hard day of challenges, Scouts can sleep peacefully. In the morning, there will be one more big gathering: a camp-wide pancake breakfast. After the cooking challenges are over, troops and patrols can pack all their gear away, except for sleeping quarters, as they will not need to cook on Sunday morning. After the breakfast, there will be a Scouts Own service followed by an awards ceremony and closing ceremony.
American Red Cross (ARC) Instructor Training
April 15
Tidewater Council will host a course on April 15 at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center to train registered adult leaders to be ARC Instructors. Course participants must be currently certified in First Aid/CPR/AED.
This training is offered at a substantial discount for Scout leaders, and participants must commit to teaching/co-teaching a course for the Council Training Committee at least once per year after completing the course. This does not include any instructing done at the unit-level.
Wood Badge Association (WBA) Critter Meet-Up
April 15
Please join the Tidewater Wood Badge Association for a Critter Meet-Up, open to all Wood Badgers, anyone interested in Wood Badge, and their families.
April 15, 2023
7-9 PM
Q-Master Billiards (Pool Hall)
5612 Princess Anne Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
This is a non-uniform event – everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite Wood Badge shirt or Scout shirt! The cost to play pool is $10, or $5 for ladies on Saturday. If you walk up to the pool tables, you will need to pay to play. If you are only stopping by for food or drink, the only cost is the food or drink.
If you plan to attend and plan to play pool, RSVP with how many, so the WBA can notify Q-Master how many tables are needed. Please email RSVPs to the Wood Badge Association Scoutmaster at wba_SM@tidewaterbsa.com.
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
April 15-16
This one-and-a-half-day course introduces the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders interested in including a camping component in their pack activities. BALOO training consists of an online pre-requisite component and an overnight, hands-on practical. BALOO teaches BSA’s Cub Scout camping policies and equips leaders to carry out a successful camping experience. Completion of this course is mandatory for at least one adult on every pack overnighter.
Join us on April 15-16 at Camp Baker in Chesapeake. Registration is open on Black Pug.
Princess Anne District Spring Camporee
April 21-23
The Princess Anne District Spring Camporee is coming up soon – sign up now!
- Scout Skills, including camping and cooking, for younger Scouts led by older Scouts
- Trailer Rodeo on Saturday – check out other troops’ designs!
- Youth cookoff on Saturday night with a potluck and judging
- Cookoff for adults
- OA Call Out Ceremony on Saturday night conducted by the Princess Anne Chapter of the Blue Heron Lodge
The Camporee will be held at the Columbian Club of Virginia Beach. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Mike Maruska at mikemaruska1179@gmail.com or 757-641-2373.
NATO Festival Parade of Nations
April 22
The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) is a worldwide youth organization that promotes the development of young people through outdoor activities and other educational programs. Scouting encourages young people to learn new skills, build friendships, and develop leadership abilities.
The International Scouting movement is closely linked to NATO, as both organizations share a common goal of promoting peace, security, and international cooperation. The NATO Festival celebrates the alliance between NATO and its member countries. Volunteering for events like the NATO Festival is an excellent way to get involved in the community and meet new people.
Tidewater Council Scouting units are invited to volunteer for the NATO Festival Parade of Nations through Downtown Norfolk on Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 10:00-11:30 AM. Scouts are asked to wear their field uniforms. Bring your flags, Scouts, and families. Please contact Nikki Nieves at nnieves@vafest.org to volunteer.
Immediately following the parade, visit the International Village at Town Point Park from 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM. Explore international heritage with cultural performances, art, cuisine, and more. If you would like to help staff the International Scouting table at the International Village, please submit this interest form.
The event also has community service opportunities. If your unit is interested in assisting with building and repair of parade floats, carrying banners for different nations’ floats, helping with customer relations, or other volunteer opportunities, please contact Nikki Nieves at nnieves@vafest.org.
Participation in this event could help complete requirements for Citizenship in the World, International Spirit Award, and the Arrow of Light Building a Better World Adventure.
Apex Family Fun Day
April 23
Apex Entertainment invites Tidewater Council for a Family Fun Day on Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 2 PM – 5 PM. Play games, drive cars, and putt around for a good cause. Proceeds support Scouting in our community.
Purchase a $20 ticket in advance at https://scoutingevent.com/596-apex23.
The $20 ticket includes:
- One (1) round of Mini-Golf
- One (1) round of Bumper Cars
- Two (2) 30-Minute Non-Redemption Arcade Cards
- Free bowling shoe rentals with the purchase of a bowling lane
$5 of each ticket purchased will be donated back to Scouting!
Capture the Flag!
Albemarle District Spring Camporee
April 28-30
A camporee is many things—camping fun for youth, the thumping of hundreds of feet on the way to an evening campfire, and the blue smoke from fires cooking stew or ham and eggs. It’s the ripple of wind-blown flags in the morning sun. It’s catching the idea of teamwork in a patrol.
This year, Albemarle District will hold its Spring Camporee April 28-30, 2023 at Maple Commerce Park in Maple, NC. The theme is Capture the Flag. Scouts will be challenged while having fun in competitions based upon skills in the Scouts BSA handbook. Come ready for an active and exciting day. Teamwork, physical fitness, sportsmanship, and other skills will be tested by the day’s events.
Don’t forget to bring ingredients to compete in the patrol cook-off. Whip up your tastiest vittles and win the coveted Golden Spatula.
Scout Day at The Adventure Park
May 7
The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium presents Boy Scouts Tidewater Council Day on May 7, 2023!
Members of Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring, and their guests, are invited to enjoy an “adventure in the trees,” with aerial trails, challenge bridges, and zip lines. Scouts and their guests can register at the discounted rate of $45, and Scouts who bring a uniform item will receive a special patch. Per the Guide to Safe Scouting and the the BSA’s Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities, this event is not for Cub Scout packs.
Each timed ticket will include a 30-minute safety briefing and harnessing session and a three-hour climbing session. Register for your climbing adventure here.
Council Recognition Banquet
May 11
The Annual Recognition Banquet is held each year to recognize Eagle Scouts and the volunteers of Tidewater Council. Some of the highlights of the evening will be the presentation of the George Coker 2022 Class of Eagle Scouts, Silver Beaver Awards, and NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Awards. The evening will start with dinner served by our own Blue Heron Lodge cook crew. This will be a night of food and fellowship you will not want to miss. Join us on May 11, 2023 at 6 PM at the Khedive Shrine Center, 645 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, VA. Registration is open on Black Pug.
Wilderness First Aid
May 13-14
Wilderness first aid, or “WFA”, commonly refers to any training course that focuses on prevention, assessment, and treatment for an ill or injured person in a remote environment where definitive care by a physician and/or rapid transport is not readily available. It is essential to have some basic principles of wilderness first aid and know how to apply them, even under stress. Knowing how to treat minor injuries and keep serious casualties stable until further help is available can make a difference in an emergency situation. Although there are innumerable injuries and ailments, the basic principles of first aid can be applied to almost any situation.
All High Adventure Bases require that at least one person in each crew (Philmont requires two) be currently certified in Wilderness First Aid or the equivalent, and CPR from the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or equivalent. Wilderness First Aid is recommended for any unit that is conducting backcountry hiking or camping trips. Attending this training also meets one of the requirements for the Venturing Ranger Award.
Tidewater Council will be offering a Wilderness First Aid course on May 13-14. Registration is now open.
Scouting for Blood Drive
May 17
Did you know that one donation of blood can save up to three lives? Or that every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood? Tidewater Council is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive through the Pint-Size Hero program. This program introduces youth to the components of blood and the importance of blood donation. Scouts have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership by recruiting blood donors, hosting drives, and engaging in the community.
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
WHERE:
Tidewater Council
Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center
1032 Heatherwood Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
TIME:
1-6 PM
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT:
There are two easy ways to schedule your appointment:
1. Visit redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code “TidewaterBSA” in the “Find a Blood Drive” field.
2. Make your appointment on the American Red Cross Blood Donor App.
CONTACT:
Nicole Moga
704-564-5565
Nmoga149@yahoo.com
CPR for Professional Rescuers
May 18
CPR for Professional Rescuers is for people who will be serving on Aquatics Staff at summer camp or are registered to take BSA Lifeguard training. You must complete the online session prior to attending the in-person skills demonstration.
As part of our commitment to support safer communities, and support you in all that you do, we are proud to partner with the American Red Cross to offer this course.
The in-person portion of the course will be held at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center on Thursday, May 18.
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Training
May 20
The Adult First Aid/CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies, such as burns, cuts, scrapes, sudden illnesses, and how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies for victims about 12 years and older. Successful students will receive a certificate for Adult First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years. This is a blended learning course; you must complete the online portion before taking one of the skills demonstration sessions.
Registration is now open. There will be three sessions on May 20, limited to 12 students per session.
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
May 26-29 and June 2-4
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an exciting, action-packed program designed to provide youth Scouts with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others.
The NYLT course centers around the concepts of what a leader must BE, what they must KNOW, and what they must DO. The key elements are then taught with a clear focus on HOW TO.
The skills comes alive during the week as the patrol goes on a Quest for the Meaning of Leadership. Content is delivered in a troop and patrol outdoor setting with an emphasis on immediate application of learning in a fun environment. Interconnecting concepts and work processes are introduced early, built upon, and aided by the use of memory aids, which allows participants to understand and employ the leadership skills much faster.
The 2023 course will be held over two weekends: May 26-29 and June 2-4. Scouts must attend both weekends to complete the course.
Portsmouth Memorial Day Parade
May 29
Scout groups are invited to participate in the historic 139th Anniversary of Portsmouth’s Memorial Day Parade. Thousands of spectators, dignitaries, and elected officials are expected to watch from the viewing stand and along the parade route.
Decoration Day began in the 1860s. It was an opportunity to honor fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers. Most celebrations occurred around May 30, as it is the date plants are flowering in every part of the country. Decoration Day gradually came to be known as Memorial Day and, in 1971, the United States Congress recognized the day as a National Holiday honoring all fallen soldiers.
Parade units should remember the reason behind Memorial Day and incorporate something patriotic into their display, such as carrying United States flags, carrying a banner honoring fallen soldiers, or playing patriotic music.
The parade is a rain or shine event. It departs from I.C. Norcom High School (High Street side) at 10 AM and travels down High Street to Water Street, disbanding at the Water Street lot.
To participate, please return the entry form to Renee’ Spratley by May 1, 2023.
Popcorn 101 Training
May 30
Designed for new Unit Popcorn Kernels, Popcorn 101 training lays the groundwork for a successful popcorn sale.
- Great resource course for new Unit Popcorn Kernels!
- Gain fundamental knowledge BEFORE the popcorn arrives!
- Chock-full of helpful tips!
- Entry-level information to help form a successful popcorn fundraiser, from start to finish!
- Networking opportunity that shouldn’t be missed!
- Come join us for a popping-good time!
This training will be offered both in-person at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center and virtually. For questions, contact Tony Montemurno at kerneltbaloney@gmail.com.
Three Rivers District Recognition Banquet
May 31
Scouters and their families are invited to attend a special evening of recognition for Three Rivers district adult leadership. The event will take place at New Creation United Methodist Church in Chesapeake.
To nominate worthy Scouters for district awards, please download the awards packet and submit nominations by April 26, 2023.
Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides
June 16
Join us for Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides: Friday, June 16, 2023 at Harbor Park!
Back for 2023: Uniformed Scouts and leaders will have the opportunity to participate in a pre-game opening ceremony.
Ticket vouchers and camping vouchers are now available at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop!
Off to the Races
Day Camp 2023
June & July
What is Off to the Races? It is the theme for this summer’s day camps!
At 2023 Cub Scout Day Camp, Scouts will enjoy:
- Great Crafts
- Amazing Science
- Scout Skills
- The Great Range
- The Great Nature
- Sports
- And Much, Much More!
Discover the excitement and adventure for yourself by attending 2023 Cub Scout Day Camp!
Princess Anne Day Camp: June 19-23
Registration is now open for Princess Anne Day Camp at Tabernacle Baptist Academy in Virginia Beach. Work with the unit day camp coordinator to sign up now.
For questions, contact:
- David Montoto (Camp Director) at totodope@yahoo.com or 757-575-8880
- Ted Green (Program Director) at greentn83@gmail.com or 724-931-0224
Albemarle Day Camp: June 19-23
Registration is now open for Albemarle Day Camp at Forest Park Church in Elizabeth City. For questions, contact Tiffany Bounds at tnt8953@yahoo.com.
Bayside Day Camp: June 19-23
Registration is now open for Bayside Day Camp at Bayside Masonic Lodge #218 in Virginia Beach. For questions, contact Amy DeVault at konshak@yahooo.com.
Great Bridge Twilight Camp: June 26-30
Registration is now open for Twilight Camp at Great Bridge Baptist Church in Chesapeake. For questions, contact Kirsten Misfeldt at kmisfeldt62@gmail.com.
Covenant Twilight Camp: July 10-14
Registration is now open for Twilight Camp at Covenant UMC in Chesapeake. For questions, contact Kirsten Misfeldt at kmisfeldt62@gmail.com.
Summer Camp 2023
June & July
Pipsico Scout Reservation offers Scouts and Scouters the opportunity to immerse themselves in a positive camping environment, at a beautiful property, with a friendly camp staff. Tidewater Council is proud to offer quality programs for everyone.
Week #1 – June 25 to July 1 – FULL
Week #2 – July 2 to July 8
Week #3 – July 9 to July 15 – FULL
Week #4 – July 16 to July 22
2023 National Scout Jamboree
July 19-28
Contingent registration for the National Scout Jamboree has ended, but visitor passes are still available!
Spend the day with your Scout or come see what the Jamboree is all about! Visitors will have the chance to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience, explore the Summit Bechtel Reserve, and have access to a variety of exciting high-adventure activities!
Things to know before purchasing a visitor ticket:
- The National Scout Jamboree will be held at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, located in the mountains of West Virginia. The topography is challenging, with many hills and valleys. Some of the activities may require a 20-minute walk up and down hills. Visitors need to be physically prepared for walking.
- Safety is a top priority, so there may be activities that visitors will be prohibited from experiencing due to safety or other concerns. Screening is needed for some of the more physical activities.
- Take lots of photos! Tag social media posts with #NatJamboree23.
Visitors can purchase day pass visitor tickets to visit the National Jamboree on the following days:
- Friday, July 21: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday, July 22: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Monday, July 24: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday, July 25: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday, July 26: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
NOTE: Due to location and transportation concerns, visitors cannot attend the National Jamboree on days with large extravaganzas (shows).
News
Two Virginia Beach Scouts will each receive the Medal of Merit from the Boy Scouts of America at the Council Banquet on May 11.
Brighton D. of Troop 791 will be recognized for meritorious service provided on February 6, 2023. After witnessing a car accident, Brighton provided first aid and assistance for an unconscious driver.
Christopher B. of Troop 364 will be recognized for meritorious service provided on February 19, 2023. Christopher provided first aid and treatment for shock for the victim of a skiing accident.
Spring Popcorn Sale
The Pecatonica River Popcorn online store is open for a special spring sale from April 1 – May 31, 2023. Scouts who are interested in selling can use their existing Seller IDs from the Fall 2022 Popcorn Sale. Just like with the fall online sales, units earn 30% commission, and there is no money or product handling required!
Scout Shop
April Showers
While April showers bring May flowers, all they bring to camping are wet socks, wet gear, and a complete “washout” if not prepared. To help Scouts Be Prepared, check out the “Scouting Essentials” display on the end cap in the Scout Shop! You will find the main camping essentials plus additional items especially for wet weather camping. Waterproof matches ($9.99) and waterproof fire sticks ($4.99) can be a handy solution for getting a campfire started. Frogg Toggs and rainsuits sell for $19.99 (youth and adult sizes). You can get a simple poncho for $3.99 (all sizes).
Our camping section on the back wall has a few other waterproof items. The waterproof smartphone pouches are $11.99, the waterproof strap pouches are $9.99, and waterproof dive flashlights sell for $19.99. Stay dry and enjoy your camp-out!
Journey to Excellence (JTE)
Need JTE patches? Supply still has several hundred in stock but once they sell out, they will not reorder until next year. The orders are prepaid and may be placed over the phone by credit card or store account.
Tidewater Council Polo Shirts
The Tidewater Council polo shirts have been restocked in all the main colors: black, white, maroon, navy, and dark green. The sizes now go up to 3XL. Prices are $26 for sizes adult medium – XL, $28 for 2XL, and $29 for size 3XL. They sell out quickly, so pick one up the next time you are in!
Store Accounts
As a reminder, please make sure your unit store account is updated with appropriate authorizations and emails. Our new Black Pug POS system is now married to the online system for signing up for camp and other events. This means you may use your store account remotely to pay for any event on the Black Pug site, but to do this you must have an email address attached to the store account. If you need a new form, just email Polly Fugate at polly.fugate@scouting.org or ask for a form when you come in.
Shipping
We continue to ship orders by USPS if you call (757-497-2688) or email (polly.fugate@scouting.org).
Scout Shop Hours
Our next holiday closing will be April 7-10 for Easter 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.
Gaga Ball
Gaga Ball is a fast-paced sport that has become extremely popular in the US. The game is played in an octagonal pit and is considered by many to be a gentler version of dodgeball. Review the rules with youth to help prevent injuries.
Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award
The Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award encourages Cub Scouts to be active in the outdoors.
Cub Scouts may earn the award multiple times, once in each program year, as long as the requirements are completed each year. The first time the award is earned, the Cub Scout receives the pocket flap patch. Each successive time the award is earned, a wolf track pin may be added to the flap. Leaders should encourage Cub Scouts to build on skills and experiences from previous years when working on the award for a successive year.
The Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award starts every June, with requirements to attend Day Camp or resident camp and to earn the Summertime Pack Award.
Introduction to Leadership Skills for Youth
Leadership is one of the four aims of Scouting. When Scouts serve in a leadership role in their unit, it helps prepare them to be leaders throughout their lives.
Introduction to Leadership Skills courses for Troops (ILST), Crews (ILSC), or Ships (ILSS) teach youth with leadership positions about their new roles. The Scouts learn how to reach success most effectively in that role. ILST, ILSC, or ILSS should be held at the start of each term of office, even if the Scouts have participated before and/or are filling the same leadership role. It is beneficial for Scouts to complete the training in a group setting. Once the unit has completed the course, please submit the roster to the council office for recording.
Introduction to Leadership Skills courses are required prerequisites for advanced leadership courses including National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE), and to participate in a Kodiak Challenge Trek.
Scoutbook Tip
Newly registered Scouts should show up in unit Scoutbook rosters within 48 hours of registering and showing up in the My.Scouting Member Manager tool. Wait for new Scouts to show up on the roster instead of adding them. Adding Scouts directly in Scoutbook can cause duplicate records.
If a Scout shows up in Member Manager but not in Scoutbook, please see this article in the Scoutbook Knowledge Base.
If a Scout does not show up in Member Manager, please submit a help desk ticket.
Inclusion Toolbox
The Inclusion Toolbox is full of information and tips to help families and Scouters understand disabilities and how to work through challenges more effectively.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and there are several things Scout units can do to participate:
- The “Protect Yourself Rules” Adventures for Cub Scouts help children recognize, respond to, and report abuse.
- 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.
- For families, review “How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide.”
- Review the BSA’s Social Media Guidelines for valuable information on internet safety and youth protection when using social media.
Camp Cards
Want an easy NO-RISK fundraiser that offers 50% profit? Do you have Scouts who haven’t raised enough to attend day camp or summer camp? Does your unit have new members? Then the Camp Card fundraiser is for your unit!
New for 2023: Prizes
A new tiered prize incentive program features:
- An exclusive Camp Card patch
- Cinema Café movie ticket
- $25 Amazon gift card
- Entries for a drawing to win an Oculus
The number of cards a Scout sells determines what prize they earn. It’s a great way to invigorate Scouts to sell while earning money for camp.
How to Participate
Contact the district executive to register and pick-up cards. Cards are usually delivered at district Roundtables, but district executives will make arrangements for units that cannot attend Roundtable.
Training and resources are available online at TidewaterBSA.com/2023campcardsale. Review these resources for deadlines and important information.
And then – simply sell. This is a super easy fundraiser that scores Scouts some serious bucks toward camp.
Special National Scout Jamboree Offer
Tidewater Council is offering a special incentive for Scouts who are attending the 2023 National Scout Jamboree. If any Scouts in your unit are headed to that great adventure, contact Rich Becker at richard.becker@scouting.org or 757-575-6609 for more details.
Camp Card Vendors
Camp Cards include valuable discounts to local retailers and 25 Bonus Savings per card that are available for your choice of retailers nationwide.
- 3 Amigos
- The Adventure Park
- Edenton Coffee House
- H2OBX
- Harris Teeter
- Hungry Panda
- iFly Virginia Beach
- Itza Boutza Pizza
- Latitude Climbing + Fitness
- LJ Beaners
- Pass the Salt Café
- Philly Pretzel Factory
- Tractor Supply Co.
- Wendy’s
- PLUS Bonus Savings!
- The Adventure Park
- Big Apple Pizza
- Harris Teeter
- iFly Virginia Beach
- Latitude Climbing + Fitness
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Philly Pretzel Factory
- Tractor Supply Co.
- Wendy’s
- PLUS Bonus Savings!
Contact
For questions, please contact the district’s Camp Cards Chair:
Albemarle: Julie Roasa at rjnkroasa@centurylink.net
Bayside: Cory Van Kirk at eelyroc@yahoo.com
Princess Anne: Jen Conway at jflores87@gmail.com
Three Rivers: Liz Schwegel at lizschwegel@icloud.com
Camp cards are in limited supply, so don’t miss out!
Tents for Pipsico Scout Reservation
To continue to provide a quality camping experience for our Scouts, Tidewater Council plans to replace tents at Pipsico Scout Reservation. The cost to replace one tent and its platform is $1,250. You can make a difference for local Scouts by sponsoring a tent at Pipsico!
Community Engagement
YMCA at JT's Camp Grom
The YMCA at JT’s Camp Grom in Virginia Beach is a unique location designed to serve people with varying physical abilities, Wounded Warriors, and Gold Star families.
JT’s Camp Grom is currently hiring summer camp counselors and lifeguards. Training and certification is available.
National Park Week
National Park Week is April 22-30, 2023. Enjoy the great outdoors at any of the more than 400 national parks around the country, including several in North Carolina and Virginia.
ParkRx Day: April 22
ParkRx Day is a fee-free day in US National Parks so everyone can get out and enjoy the health benefits of the outdoors. Get a dose of nature!
National Junior Ranger Day: April 29
On National Junior Ranger Day, participants of all ages are invited to a one-day celebration of the year-round Junior Ranger program.
Service Opportunity with Feed My Starving Children
Feed My Starving Children is a worldwide hunger relief organization. This non-profit partners with community organizations nationwide to fund and host Mobile Pack events.
Scouts BSA Troop 824 will participate in a Mobile Pack event at Hope Lutheran Church in Virginia Beach, and invites other local Scouts to join them.
Scouts are not asked to fundraise nor to collect food, but instead to volunteer two hours of their time to package food for shipment worldwide. The goal is to pack 100,000 meals. Over the two-day event, a total of 500 volunteers are needed. Families are more than welcome, but children must be at least five years old to participate.
Please register online to participate.
Event Details
Location:
Hope Lutheran Church Virginia Beach
5350 Providence Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Available Shift Times:
- Friday, May 5 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, May 6 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Saturday, May 6 from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
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.
Special Needs and Disabilities Committee
Tidewater Council has formed a Council Special Needs and Disabilities Committee. This committee will focus on:
- Membership and Unit Growth: Supporting units to serve Scouts with special needs and membership growth through recruitment
- Program Support: Finding and supplying training and resources for units and districts
- Advancement Support: Helping navigate the advancement adaptations and modifications available to Scouts with special needs
If interested in assisting the Special Needs and Disabilities Committee, or for questions, please contact:
James Bennett
571-331-6435
knightspast@gmail.com
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Princess Anne district Cub Scouts had a great time racing at the District Pinewood Derby on March 25. Find the race results at TidewaterBSA.com/derby.
Scouts from Troop 824 attended the Okpik program at Northern Tier in Minnesota.
Northern Tier’s Okpik Cold Weather Camping Program is a unique Scouting program teaching the basics of winter camping. Crews pack their gear onto sleds and head out into the wilderness, spending their nights camping on the snow and ice. Scouts learn how to set up a winter campsite, how to build snow shelters, and how to cook meals at low temperatures. In addition, they get to try out a full array of winter activities.
The Popcorn Committee met to plan an awesome 2023 sale!
Krista Dunn, Bayside District Popcorn Kernel
Matt Conway, Princess Anne District Popcorn Kernel
Pam Samples, Council Popcorn Kernel
Brenda Johnson, Albemarle District Popcorn Kernel
Erin Alford, Bayside District Popcorn Kernel
Beth Albertson, Three Rivers District Popcorn Kernel
Alison Harrison, Staff Advisor
Rudy Nimmo, Three Rivers District Popcorn Kernel
Tony Montemurno, Princess Anne District Popcorn Kernel
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).
Subscribe
We hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of the “EK” Electronic Knapsack. Sign up below to receive the latest Tidewater Council news.
