“EK” Electronic Knapsack – May 3, 2024

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. Tidewater Council’s goal is to raise $500,000 through Friends of Scouting in 2024.

All Friends of Scouting donations stay local to support families in northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia.

Campaign Progress as of April 30, 2024
Council Goal: $500,000
84.2%

Each district shares a portion of the overall goal:

Albemarle District Goal: $48,000
85.8%
Bayside District Goal: $175,000
71.3%
Princess Anne District Goal: $159,000
103.0%
Three Rivers District Goal: $118,000
76.8%

Has your unit scheduled its 2024 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

Scouting for Blood Drive

May 15

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 15, 2024

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

Tidewater Council Recognition Banquet graphic with stars

Council Recognition Banquet

May 15

Register now for Tidewater Council’s Recognition Banquet: Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

Join us to recognize youth and adults, including 2023 Eagle Scouts, Silver Beaver Award recipients, National Outstanding Eagle Scouts, and many more!

Wood Badge Association Dinner

Join us at Gilwell!
May 19

Wood Badgers, friends, and families –

Enjoy food, fun, and fellowship with your fellow critters! Proceeds after costs go to scholarships for Wood Badge, National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), and National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE).

  • 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Family activities for all ages
    • Axe Throwing
    • Lawn Games
    • Fire Pits
    • And More!
  • 4:30 PM: Short Annual Business Meeting
  • 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Adult-only (non-uniform) reception and silent auction

Registration is open on Black Pug for $35 per adult and $20 per youth under 18. The cost includes food, one drink ticket (adult beverages only available after 5:00 PM), and activities.

Please bring chairs, government ID, and cash for additional drink tickets, silent auction items, and custom critter merchandise.

The full Event Guide will be added to Black Pug when details are finalized.

Any questions may be directed to Shelly Drisko at wba_SM@tidewaterbsa.com.

2024 Fall Recruitment Launch

May 23

Update 5/9/24: The location has been changed to the Tidewater Council Mary Jayne Breeden Service Center, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

Cub Scout leaders, join us for the 2024 Fall Recruitment Launch!

We will go to infinity and beyond to recruit new Scouts! Learn about the special fall incentive plan for each new Scout, marketing your pack, budgeting, planning your calendar, the benefits of New Member Coordinators, and how to harness the available technology.

We want every pack to be prepared to launch into action this fall, so please plan now for a unit representative to attend!

The 2024 Fall Recruitment Launch will be held on Thursday, May 23 at 6:30 PM at the Tidewater Council Mary Jayne Breeden Service Center, or virtually via Zoom teleconference.

For questions, please contact Bill Lawrence at 828-582-6955.

Sea Scout Academy

May 25-57

Sea Scout Academy is a Scouting event for Sea Scout Ships and Venturing Crews with an aquatic and boating emphasis.

At Fort Monroe on May 25-27, Scouts will enjoy hands-on instruction and activities. Hurry – registration closes May 11!

Logo for fourth annual popcorn 101 training - designed for new kernels

Popcorn 101 Training

May 29

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, Committee Chairs, and Treasurers!
  • 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.

Princess Anne Shooting Sports logo

Princess Anne Cub Scouts Shooting Sports Day

June 1

Princess Anne District will hold a Cub Scouts Shooting Sports Day on Saturday, June 1 at the Columbian Club, 1236 Prosperity Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. There will be two sessions: 9 AM-12 PM and 1 PM-4 PM.

During each session, Cub Scouts will have the opportunity to complete the requirements for the new Shooting Sports electives!

Registration is now open on Black Pug for Cub Scout packs from all districts.

Popcorn Training icon

Popcorn Training

June 11 and July 10

Join us to learn about the 2024 Tidewater Council Popcorn Sale!

There are two training dates available, and both trainings will be offered both in-person and virtually. The same information will be covered at each session, so pick the date and location that is best for you!

  • Tuesday, June 11 at 6:30 PM at Moyock United Methodist Church 
  • Wednesday, July 10 at 6:30 PM at the Tidewater Council Mary Jayne Breeden Service Center

This popcorn training is designed for both new and returning popcorn kernels. We will focus on what is new for this year’s sale, best practices, and opportunities that can benefit your unit.

For questions, contact Erin Alford at erin@realresultsva.com.

Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides Harbor Park in background with image of 2024 baseball bat patch

Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides

June 14

Join us for Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides: Friday, June 14, 2024. Cheer on the Tides as they take on the Memphis Redbirds at Harbor Park!

Ticket vouchers and camping vouchers are now available at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop!

After the game, Scouts and their families have the opportunity to sleep under the stars in the outfield and catch a movie on the big screen. Each youth and adult must have their own camping voucher. All Guide to Safe Scouting, Barriers to Abuse, and Youth Protection policies apply. For information on these policies, including adult supervision and registration requirements for adult participants, click here.

Ticket vouchers must be exchanged for seat tickets at the Harbor Park Ticket Office. Vouchers can be exchanged in advance or the night of the game. Groups are strongly encouraged to exchange vouchers in advance to ensure everyone sits together.

Beaver Day

June 15

OA Summer Camp Workday, also referred to as Beaver Day, is a chance for everyone (not just OA members) to help get Pipsico ready for summer camp. Help make camping areas and structures useful to everyone for years to come.

On Saturday, June 15, work will begin at 9 AM and end around 4 PM. There will be projects for everyone, skilled and unskilled alike. Whether you are a master carpenter, an amateur gardener, or a lawyer, everyone can be a “Busy Beaver” on a project of their choice. Some of the projects include:

  • Setting up tents and cots
  • Moving boats to waterfront and by the pool for cleaning
  • Moving canoes to the waterfront
  • Preparing staff cabins
  • A list of projects will be available for troops looking for service hours and/or conservation hours.
  • Volunteers with specialized skills not mentioned above, please contact Mike Maruska to coordinate a project.

As a thank you to volunteers, camping will be available at no cost on Friday and/or Saturday. Lunch will be provided for all who sign up.

To sign up for this AWESOME event and help kick off a great summer for the Scouts, please visit scoutingevent.com/596-BeaverDay24.

For questions, contact Council Maintenance Chairman Mike Maruska at 757-641-2373 or mikemaruska1179@gmail.com.

Cub Scout Day Camps

June

From the depths of the ocean to the wonders of the woods, Cub Scouts at Day Camp will become explorers, ready for adventure in the great outdoors!

There are a wide range of activities, varying between camps, but most camps will include most of the following:

  • Shooting Sports
  • Sports and Games
  • Academics
  • Science
  • Nature
  • Crafts
  • Skits and Songs
  • Mealtime Programs

Four camps are available!

Albemarle Day Camp graphic
Albemarle Day Camp: June 17-21

Registration is now open for Albemarle Day Camp at Holy Family Catholic Church in Elizabeth City. For questions, contact dcalbemarle@tidewaterbsa.com.

Bayside Day Camp Graphic
Bayside Day Camp: June 17-21

Registration is now open for Bayside Day Camp at Bayside Masonic Lodge #218 in Virginia Beach. For questions, contact baysidedaycamp.tidewaterbsa@gmail.com.

Three Rivers Day Camp Graphic
Three Rivers Twilight Camp: June 17-21

Registration is now open for Three Rivers Twilight Camp at Great Bridge Baptist Church in Chesapeake. For questions, contact Joel.Cesar@scouting.org or Christina.Raymer@scouting.org.

Princess Anne Day Camp Graphic
Princess Anne Day Camp: June 24-28

Registration is now open for Princess Anne Day Camp at Tabernacle Baptist Academy in Virginia Beach. For questions, contact twcpa.daycamp@gmail.com.

Rick Anoia Scouting Golf Classic Gather Your Team

Rick Anoia Scouting Golf Classic

June 20

Gather your team for the Rick Anoia Scouting Golf Classic on Thursday, June 20 at Virginia Beach National Golf Club!

Enjoy 18 holes of golf (Captain’s Choice), longest drive and closest to the pin awards, a hole-in-one challenge, lunch, door prizes, and awards banquet – all while supporting local Scouting! Sponsorships and team registration are available.

Summer Camp at Pipsico

June and 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 23 to June 29, 2024 – FULL
Week #2 – June 30 to July 6, 2024
Week #3 – July 7 to July 13, 2024 – FULL
Week #4 – July 14 to July 20, 2024

Webelos logo over background of Gene Warber fishing pier

Arrow of Light / Webelos Summer Camp

July 25-28

New for 2024 and featuring the updated Cub Scout Adventures, Pipsico Scout Reservation invites rising 4th and 5th graders, den leaders, and you to an all-new Arrow of Light/Webelos Summer Camp experience!

Per the Guide to Safe Scouting, these age groups are allowed to camp as dens with leaders.

This 4-day, 3-night program is packed full of activities exclusively for older Cub Scouts, including rappelling, air rifles, fire building, and more! All meals will be provided in our Dining Hall, and campers can sleep on the provided cots in platform tents, just like the older Scouts do at Summer Camp.

Don’t miss the kickoff to Tidewater Council’s Cub Scout theme for 2024-2025, Bug Hunters!

Patch with Pipsico logo, caterpillar, and butterfly. Bug Hunter Summer Camp 2024 Tidewater Council

Cub Scout Summer Family Camp

Bug Hunters!
July 26-28

Calling all Bug Hunters!

Cub Scout Summer Family Camp is an opportunity for all Cub Scouts and siblings to participate in some of the new Adventures with the Summer Camp Staff at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Fish with your Scout, climb our rock wall, work on a conservation project, and enjoy our top-notch aquatics program. Enjoy a camp-wide campfire program on Saturday night and all the amenities available at Pipsico Scout Reservation, including our newly renovated Nature Center.

All meals will be provided in our Dining Hall. Families can choose to camp using our platform tents and cots or pitch their own tents.

2025 Philmont Trek

June 19 - July 3, 2025

Save the date for Tidewater Council’s next Philmont trek in summer 2025! If interested in joining the council contingent or getting more information, contact Bill Lawrence at Bill.Lawrence2@scouting.org. Registration is coming soon.

National Scout Jamboree

July 22-31, 2026

The next National Scout Jamboree will be held on July 22-31, 2026 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia! The National Scout Jamboree is a gathering of thousands of members of the Boy Scouts of America from across the nation.

Start early in gauging interest in attending and planning fundraising so Scouts can take advantage of this unique opportunity. For assistance in planning unit fundraising, check out the Camp Card sale and popcorn sale, or contact the district executive.

Reserve your spot for the adventure of a lifetime now with a $100 deposit!

News

Popcorn tins with slogan "We're Butter Together!"

Popcorn

Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!

Seven Reasons to Sell Popcorn
  1. Fund your unit’s program year and defray costs for Scouting families.
  2. Tidewater Council offers some of the highest commissions in the BSA.
  3. Tidewater Council provides great prizes to reward Scouts.
  4. Teach Scouts salesmanship and the value of earning their own way.
  5. Scouts build camaraderie and learn communication skills.
  6. Participation in the Popcorn Sale may help Scouts meet certain advancement requirements.
  7. It is easy to get started, with no upfront costs and no vendor contracts to negotiate.
Seven Things to Do Now to Get Started
  1. Identify the Unit Popcorn Kernel.
  2. If the Unit Popcorn Kernel or any members of the unit committee are new or would like a refresher of the basics of the sale, sign up for Popcorn 101 on May 29.
  3. Sign up for the sale at pecatonicariverpopcorn.com using Council Key 596TWC. Even returning Unit Popcorn Kernels will need to “Create Unit Profile” the first time they access this site for the fall 2024 sale.
  4. Sign up for Popcorn Training. There are two training opportunities available: Tuesday, June 11 and Wednesday, July 10.
  5. Develop the unit budget and fundraising goals at the unit’s annual program planning meeting.
  6. Set up Show & Sells.
  7. Plan and promote the unit kick-off.

Scout Shop

MAY is always a busy month as packs wrap up the school year and Scouts get ready to march off to Summer Camp. The Scout Shop is well stocked with all uniform items, books, camping gear, and everything in between. We also have Cubmaster and Den Leader plaques for end of year celebrations. Give us a call or come in and shop.

New Cub Scout Program

We still have stock for the present Cub Scout program, but, as our supply dwindles, we will require prepayment for items not included in next year’s program. Our new stock of awards will be in the store by June 1 for those earning new Adventures this summer.

New Cub Scout books are now available for NEXT year’s program. The price remains at $23.99. We still have books left for this year’s Cub Scout program with a $10 discount.

Red v-neck ladies' shirt with BSA Prepared for Life design
New Ladies' Shirts

NEW items now include ladies’ V-necked T-shirts. Available in ladies’ sizes small – 2XL, these lightweight Tees are a cotton/polyester blend and sell for $18.99.

Eagle Scout Gift Bags

Eagle gift bags are a great new addition for our Eagle section. The small bag is $3.99, and the larger bag is $4.99. These gift bags come with tissue paper, which makes the price even more worth it. Now you can make shopping for Eagle gifts a one-stop shop!

Eagle Scout gift bags with tissue paper
Shipping

We ship orders by USPS if you call (757-497-2688) or email an order to polly.fugate@scouting.org or Staci.vankirk@scouting.org. We will calculate shipping and call you back for a total.

Scout Shop Hours

Our next holiday closings will be May 25-27 for Memorial Day weekend.

Registrar's Corner

Council Program Fees

Effective April 9, 2024, the council program fee is now charged at the time of registration/re-registration. For those completing online registration, the council program fee will be automatically added to the registration cost.

Despite the challenges of increasing costs, Tidewater Council’s annual program fee for 2024 will remain at $24 per member. Thank you to Friends of Scouting donors and product sales-participating Scouts and units, who enable Tidewater Council to keep the costs for Scouting families as low as possible!

Members of Exploring or ScoutReach programs and merit badge counselors who are not registered in another leadership role do not pay the council program fee.

2024 BSA National Registration Fees

Effective May 1, 2024, the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America has implemented the following annual national membership fees:

  • $85 per year for youth participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouting (Increase of $5)
  • $65 per year for adult volunteers (Increase of $5)
  • $50 per year for Exploring participants and leaders (No change)
  • $25 per year for Merit Badge Counselors (No change) – This fee applies only for Merit Badge Counselors who do not hold another paid registration.
  • $100 per year for the unit charter fee (No change)
  • $15 per year for optional Scout Life magazine subscription (No change)
For Assistance

For information about need-based financial assistance or unit fundraising opportunities, please contact the district executive.

Webelos Crossover: How to Properly Transfer Scouts
  1. Before you transfer a Scout into a troop, make sure the pack has recorded/awarded their Arrow of Light (AOL) rank. (You won’t be able to enter it once they have transferred.)
  2. Do NOT transfer Scouts from one unit to another in ScoutBook. ScoutBook is a tool to track advancement, not a tool to update membership. ScoutBook will initially allow you to add Scouts into your unit, but the official registration system will override your roster, and your changes will be lost.
  3. Transfers should be done online at my.scouting.org. This is the easiest option and can be done one of two ways:
    1. Parent initiates the transfer for their Scout, then the receiving unit accepts in Application Manager.
    2. Pack initiates the transfer, then the receiving unit accepts in Application Manager.
      Note: This process is the same any time Scouts are switching units, whether from pack to troop, pack to pack, or troop to troop. The previous unit or parent initiates, and the receiving unit accepts.
  4. If you cannot do an online transfer, the parent can fill out the youth application (paper or fillable PDF) and submit it to the new unit.
Missing Merit Badge Counselors

If your unit has noticed a “dropped” or “missing” merit badge counselor, please email their name (as listed in My.Scouting) to Jennifer.Mapstone@scouting.org. Please include the leader’s member ID, if known.

If the merit badge counselor does not already hold another paid position, they will need to pay a $25 registration fee.

Merit badge counselors are not registered in a unit position and therefore are not allowed to attend overnight Scouting activities/events.

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.

Two Scouts setting up a campout
Campout Safety Checklist

Camping is a long-honored tradition for many families, including the BSA family. Timing, supplies, and location should be determined ahead of time so you can make the most of your camping experience. There might be some instances where you overthink or underestimate a camping trip, but there are also many ways to enjoy the adventure, fun, discovery, and teamwork involved. A campout safety checklist will help to ensure these aspects of camping are accomplished while keeping you safe.

18-20 Adult Leader/Program Participant Policy

17-year-old* youth members transitioning to an adult leader (Scouts BSA), camp staff, or adult program participant (Order of the Arrow, Venturing, and Sea Scouting) upon their 18th birthday may continue to participate while their adult application and criminal background check (CBC) are processed, but this period shall not exceed 30 days. These individuals are subject to the same youth protection policies and guidelines as all adult Scouters even during this registration transition period.   

This includes: 

  • Adhere to the Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse polices of the BSA.  
  • Follow housing and tenting policies that apply to adult membership. 
  • Utilize restroom and shower facilities for adults. 
  • Buddy system is not required but is recommended for all participants. 
  • While adult program participants do not require two deep leadership, they are subject to the same youth protection policies and guidelines as all adult Scouters. All Scouting activities are still required to meet Barriers to Abuse and must have two leaders over 21. 

Adult Program Participants and adult leaders aged 18-20 are an important part of the Order of the Arrow, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring programs. These young adults continue to participate in the program, have leadership and advancement opportunities, and can participate in activities along with youth members under 18.  

However, like all adult participants, they must register as an adult in the BSA registration system. They take Youth Protection Training and must complete a criminal background check just like all other registered adults. In addition, they must adhere to the same Youth Protection policies applicable to all adults in the program. Since they are participating in the program as adults, they must be treated the same as any other adult members of the BSA and Exploring programs. 

*Exception 
17-year-old youth members whose 18th birthday occurs during active participation at Summer Camp, a High Adventure Base, or any BSA National Events may complete the activity they started as a youth participant without interruption; however, at its conclusion, they must immediately register as an adult. This exception is intended for limited use in scenarios such as completing a trek while staying in the same tent or accommodation in the last few days of an event. It does not change or extend Eagle Scout or other advancement required to be completed by a Scout’s 18th birthday; they will need to follow all applicable advancement policies. 

How Can I See My Awards?

To view your own awards:

  • Log in to My.Scouting.
  • Select “My Profile.”
  • Select “Print” in the upper right hand corner. A new tab will open with your personal profile, including your awards and training.
Camp Cards header with camping gear, flashlight, boot, lantern, backpack, campfire, Dutch oven, fishing pole, kayak, tent

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!

How to Participate

Contact the district executive to register and pick-up cards.

Training and resources are available online at TidewaterBSA.com/2024campcardsale. 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.

2024 Camp Card Vendors

Camp Cards include valuable discounts to local retailers and Bonus Savings that are available for your choice of retailers nationwide.

2024 Vendors - North Carolina Camp Card
  • 3 Amigos
  • Abbey’s Waggin’ Tails
  • The Adventure Park
  • Apex Entertainment
  • The Barrel Room
  • Brew 2 Rescue
  • Currituck Feed & Seed
  • Harris Teeter
  • Hungry Panda
  • Jade Whale Co.
  • The Kraken Coffeehouse
  • Moyock Farm Market
  • Nothing Bundt Cakes
  • Pass the Salt Café
  • RCE Theaters
  • Waterfall Blossom Cafe
  • Wendy’s
  • PLUS Bonus Savings!
Photo of 2024 Camp Card with North Carolina vendors
2024 Vendors - Virginia Camp Card
  • The Adventure Park
  • Apex Entertainment
  • The Barrel Room
  • Big Apple Pizza
  • Breakout Games
  • Burrito Perdido
  • Harris Teeter
  • iFly Virginia Beach
  • Latitude
  • Liberty Transmission
  • Nothing Bundt Cakes
  • Wendy’s
  • PLUS Bonus Savings!
Photo of 2024 Camp Card with Virginia vendors

Camp Baker Closure Update

Scheduling changes from Dominion Virginia Power have impacted the Camp Baker closure dates.

Camp Baker will now be closed from June 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience. Any questions regarding Camp Baker or Camp Moonyah use can be directed to Ron Misfeldt, City Camps Ranger, at 757-646-1384 or mustangron@aol.com.

Development Corner

Photo of two tents at Pipsico Scout Reservation in front of the barn
Sponsor a Tent at Pipsico Scout Reservation

Many of Pipsico Scout Reservation’s tents have been in service for 30 years. In order to continue to provide a high-quality camping experience for our Scouts, Tidewater Council is replacing 200 tents between 2023-2027. 

Based on the recommendation of our Camping Committee, we are replacing the current wooden platforms and ridge pole system tents with new platforms and Diamond Brand tents with aluminum-mounted frames. In addition to housing Scouts and keeping them dry, the new tents will exponentially decrease the time needed for tent setup and takedown. The cost of a new tent, platform, and frame is approximately $1,640 each. A contribution in any amount is appreciated, and will be designated to provide new tents at Pipsico.

Thank you for ensuring that our Scouts enjoy their camping adventures at Pipsico!

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 BSA 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, any outstanding Scout or Scouter.

Program Ideas

Pack Meeting Plans

With twelve months in the year and twelve points of the Scout Law, why not choose one value to focus on each month? Scout Law-focused Pack Meeting Plans can be found here.

Meeting plans may be used in any order and can be adjusted to fit the needs of the families in the pack.

May
June

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.

Help Wanted

district executive patch

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.

Camp Staff for Summer Camp 2024

What are your plans for this summer? Are you looking for an awesome opportunity to learn new things, develop new skills, share what you know, meet new people, work an internship, and enjoy Pipsico Scout Reservation?

We are accepting applications for Counselors in Training, Junior Staff, Area Directors, and Commissioners. Program areas include aquatics, shooting sports, Scout skills for new Scouts and for seasoned Scouts, handicraft, nature, cook crew, and more.

You must be at least 14 years of age by June 16, 2024 to be considered. Camp staff is composed of youth, young adults, college students, school teachers, bus drivers, professionals who want to get away from the office, and folks who have an open schedule. Fill out the online application at pipsicobsa.com/summer-camp-programs/staffapplication and we will contact you for an interview.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.

Scouts in Action

Living shoreline Eagle Scout Project - Ben P. of Troop 63

 Ben P. of Troop 63 will be awarded the 2023 Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year at the Council Banquet on May 15. For his service project, Ben planned, organized, led, and managed construction of a living shoreline along the Lynnhaven River.

Princess Anne Camporee April 2024

On April 19-21, Princess Anne District held their Spring Camporee at Izaak Walton Park.

Ten troops were represented, with more than 95 Scouts participating.

More than 500 rank requirements were completed. Six merit badges were offered, and a total of 144 merit badges were earned.

A great time was had by all!

Knot tying at the Princess Anne District Spring Camporee 2024
Princess Anne District Spring Camporee 2024
Princess Anne District Spring Camporee 2024
Archery at Family Camp 2024 at Pipsico Scout Reservation

More than 400 Scouts, Scouters, and family members gathered at Pipsico Scout Reservation on April 19-21 for Cub Scout Family Camp. Participants enjoyed adventures with archery, rockets, and more!

Scouts building rockets at Family Camp 2024 at Pipsico Scout Reservation
Rockets at Family Camp 2024 at Pipsico Scout Reservation
Scouts in Cub Scout Pack 991 doing a beach cleanup at First Landing State Park

Cub Scout Pack 991 conducted a beach cleanup at First Landing State Park. Great job!

Thank you to the young Scouts, parents, and helpers of the Webelos of Pack 207, with the guidance of Mr. Stephen Lee, who recently completed ten bat houses. This project was initiated more than a year ago at the request of the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) to assist them in relocating a bat colony that had taken over a recently acquired property in the Dismal Swamp area. The property, known as the “Superintendent’s House,” holds significant historical value to the area.

The bat residences, which are now completed and ready for occupancy, will be turned over to the ACE within the next few weeks for placement in the area. Again, thank you to Pack 207 for your efforts, hard work, and determination to see this project come to a successful conclusion.

We want to hear from you! Send stories, photos, and videos of your Scouts in action to alison.harrison@scouting.org (with parental permission, of course). 

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