Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Shooting Sports Trainings
September - November
Range Safety Officer Training: September 28
Want to learn how to run a safe shooting range? Interested in joining shooting sports staff at council events like Guns ‘n’ Grillin’? Want the ability to run your unit-level shooting sports event?
NRA Basic Range Safety Officer training develops NRA Certified Range Safety Officers with the knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to organizing, conducting, and supervising safe shooting activities and range operations.
This course will be conducted both in a classroom and at the range facility at Pipsico Scout Reservation. It is open to Scouters ages 21+.
Basic Rifle Course: October 5
In this course, students will learn NRA’s rules for safe gun handling, rifle parts and operation, ammunition components, ammunition malfunctions, shooting fundamentals, range rules, shooting at targets, cleaning, and continued opportunities for skill development.
The Basic Rifle Course is open to Scouters and to Scouts ages 14+ with Scoutmaster recommendation.
Rifle Instructor Course: November 16
The NRA Instructor Rifle Shooting course allows Instructor Candidates to demonstrate organizational and teaching skills via participation in practical exercises during the course, and to complete an instructor certification examination.
Hometown Heroes Breakfast
September 29
Every year the Neptune Festival is honored to recognize Hometown Heroes from across the community. They are law enforcement professionals, first responders, educators, and members of the armed forces whose performance on the job and dedication to the community demonstrate noteworthy servant leadership and accomplishment.
The Neptune Festival would like to offer Scouts and their families a special invitation to attend the Hometown Heroes Breakfast with a $5 discount on tickets by using the code “space.” Tickets can be purchased here. Each ticket includes a continental breakfast, Q&A session, and autograph opportunities.
This year’s keynote speaker will be NASA Astronaut Randy Bresnik, commander of the International Space Station for Expedition 53. He will speak about service and community, as well as his experiences in space both on the International Space Station and the Space Shuttle Atlantis.
Albemarle District Camporee
October 11-13
A camporee can be a perfect showplace for the Scouting program and, therefore, go far beyond just being a gathering of youth. A camporee starts with the recognition that a patrol is the basic camping unit. The patrol demonstrates its very best camping techniques and shares its experiences with other patrols. The camporee involves the type of equipment that can be carried in a pack by youth and can be set up entirely by them, allowing them to be completely self-sufficient for a self-reliant experience.
Save the date – Albemarle District will hold its Fall Camporee October 11-13, 2024 at Maple Commerce Park in Barco, NC.
Coin Collecting Merit Badge
Virginia Beach Coin Show
October 11-12
Join the Tidewater Coin Club for the Virginia Beach Coin Show at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
Friday, October 11: 10 AM – 6 PM
Saturday, October 12: 9 AM – 5 PM
There will be a Coin Collecting merit badge program from 10 AM – noon on Saturday. Advanced registration is required; please contact Fran Ryan at fryan88f250@gmail.com or Eddie DeVault at eddiedevault911@gmail.com to reserve a spot.
Albemarle District Cuboree
October 25-27
This year’s Albemarle District Cuboree theme is Rocket Into Scouting, and we will be building and launching model rockets! There will also be a variety of STEM activities to include things for nature enthusiasts, fishermen, and more.
We have added a campsite decorating contest in the theme for our campsite-or-treat event (trunk-or treat style, only at the campsites) on Saturday evening. Cub Scouts and families are encouraged to wear a Scout-friendly costume for the evening.
Join us at Currituck County Rural Center to Rocket into Scouting!
Three Rivers Spook-O-Ree
October 25-27
Are you prepared to have a spooktacular time? Then you have come to the right camporee!
This year, Three Rivers District of Tidewater Council promises to give you the fright of the season with the Spook-O-Ree Camporee. This camporee promises to be a great one. We ordered extra ghosts, and hunted down some zombies, all so that each Scout who attends can have a great time.
Three Rivers Cuboree
October 25-27
Spooky fun awaits Cub Scout families at the Three Rivers Cuboree at Izaak Walton League Park!
Join us for shooting sports, stomp rockets, pumpkin putting, a not-so-scary nature walk, trick-or-treating through Scout units, and more.
Bayside Rocket Launching Party
October 26
Cub Scouts and their families are invited to launch their rockets and participate in a variety of fall outdoor activities at Bayside District’s Rocket Launching Party at Aragona Pembroke Little League Park on Saturday, October 26. Registration is free! (Rockets will be available for purchase.)
Troops are invited to attend to build relationships with local Cub Scout packs and to put their skills to use by leading an activity station. If interested, please email Wes Sherman at William.Sherman@scouting.org.
Fall Festival Family Camp
November 1-3
Come out, participate in, and witness the true spirit of Scouting: Scouts teaching Scouts and experiencing all that Pipsico has to offer in a fun-filled, outdoor, adventure-packed fall weekend at “Spooky-STEM-Camp”!
There will be numerous general camp events that guests will have the opportunity to participate in, such as range and target sports, pumpkin contests, games, nature events, and handicrafts – just to name a few.
Save the date – registration opens September 9!
Albemarle Merit Badge Weekend
November 8-10
Albemarle Merit Badge Weekend is an opportunity for all registered Scouts (ages 11+) and Scouters. Participants will be able to choose between one, two, or three merit badges to earn for the weekend. Some merit badges will be partials depending on time and requirements.
Keep an eye out for registration coming soon. This annual event is popular, and you won’t want to miss your chance to reserve your spot!
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
November 9-11 and November 15-17
National Youth Leadership Training is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. Participants must attend both weekends.
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 come alive during the week as the patrol goes on a Quest for the Meaning of Leadership. NYLT is a six-day course. 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.
Registration is now open!
Tidewater Veterans Day Parade
November 11
All Tidewater Council Cub Scout packs, Scouts BSA troops, Sea Scout ships, Exploring posts, and Venturing crews are invited to participate in the 2024 Tidewater Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront!
This year, the Veterans Day Parade will begin at 16th Street and Atlantic Avenue, and will proceed to the Tidewater Veterans Memorial on 19th Street across from the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Check-in and line-up begin at 8:00 AM with exact location to be determined. Scouts will get to see the entire parade and then step off as one of the last units in the lineup.
All units are requested to bring their American and unit flags. Scouts and leaders should be in uniform. Scouts are invited to remain for the 11:00 AM Memorial Service.
Register your unit to march in the parade and pre-order your patches no later than November 9, 2024. Registration is required, and a patch is available by pre-order only.
Cub Scout Day Camp
June 2025
Cub Scout day camp is a summer outdoor experience for Cub Scout youth. Staffed by a team of volunteers, day camp activities include sports and games, academics, STEM and science activities, nature exploration, crafts, marksmanship, and skits and songs. Each activity is challenging and age appropriate. Cub Scouts have the opportunity to try new things as they work on elective Cub Scouting Adventures.
Planning is already underway to provide your Cub Scouts with awesome experiences in 2025!
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.
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 Scouting 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 popcorn sale or contact the district executive.
Reserve your spot for the adventure of a lifetime now with a $100 deposit!
News
Bayside District Executive Wes Sherman
Tidewater Council is pleased to announce Bayside District’s new District Executive: Wes Sherman!
Wes is a familiar face in a new role, having served as a District Executive in Princess Anne District for the past two years. He is a true local, and has lived within the boundaries of Bayside District his entire life.
Prior to becoming a professional Scouter, Wes was a long-time youth Scout and Scout volunteer. As a youth, he was a member of Tidewater Council’s Pack 62 and Troop 62, chartered by Scott Memorial UMC in Virginia Beach. Wes earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2000 and was the Blue Heron Lodge Chief in 2003. He has also served on resident camp staff at Pipsico Scout Reservation for twelve seasons.
Wes looks forward to working with the volunteers of Bayside District and striving to strengthen the membership and overall performance of the district.
Membership Renewal
Unit and membership renewal processes are no longer one and the same. Each individual’s membership is now a set 12-month term from the time of registering, regardless of when the unit renews. Youth and adult membership fees are now separate from the unit renewal.
Parents and leaders can either renew and pay their registration online, or the unit can renew it for them. Units need to look at their membership on a monthly basis to approve renewals and make sure members renew on time.
Monthly Membership Renewal Checklist for Units
- Make sure registered leaders and parents/guardians have valid email addresses listed in the system.
- Communicate with registered leaders whose registration and Youth Protection Training (YPT) expire within the next 60-30 days.
- Notify families when the registration for their Scouts and/or adults are set to expire within 60-30 days.
- Approve registrations for leaders and Scouts who have renewed online.
- If the unit will pay for its members’ registration fees, submit payment and roster to the council.
- If families would like to pay for their registration in the Scout Shop (by check or cash, for example), provide them with the 2024 Scouting Registration Renewal Form to submit with their payment.
- If a member’s registration has expired, inform them that:
- Unregistered adults cannot serve as leaders.
- Unregistered youth cannot participate or work on advancement.
- Both unregistered leaders and unregistered youth will lose use of online Scouting tools.
Resources
- National Unit and Membership Renewal webpage: Find a unit renewal infographic, answers to frequently asked questions, and more information from the National Council of Scouting America.
- Individual Membership Renewal Guide: Membership renewal timeline and step-by-step instructions with screenshots.
- 2024 Scouting Registration Renewal Form: To be submitted with payment for individual registrations.
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
- Plan to help with the popcorn delivery on Thursday, September 5. Sign up here.
- If your unit placed an order and cannot help with delivery, sign up for a pickup time on Friday, September 6 or Saturday, September 7.
Sign up for Friday, September 6.
Sign up for Saturday, September 7. - Pay for the unit’s first order by the second order pickup or by Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 2 PM, whichever comes first.
- If your unit needs additional product, schedule an interim appointment on Wednesday, September 11.
- Place the unit’s next popcorn order by Wednesday, September 18.
- Submit the second military donation recognition by Wednesday, September 18.
- If planning to return any Cheese Lover’s, Classic Trios, or Maple Pecan, make the return no later than Wednesday, September 18.
- Sell, sell, sell!
Getting Started
It is not too late for your unit to participate in the 2024 Popcorn Sale! To get 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.
- Watch the recorded Popcorn Training at TidewaterBSA.com/2024popcornsale.
- Contact your District Popcorn Kernel for help getting started.
Scout Shop
September means back to Scouting for units that took off for the summer. It’s an exciting time to look ahead, plan events, and know that the Scout Shop can help fill your needs.
Fall Uniform Sale
The fall uniform sale is in full swing and will continue through November 2. Purchase a uniform shirt and bottoms (same program) and get 20% off the bottoms, which include zip-off pants, roll-up pants, shorts, or skorts. Customers can save anywhere from $5.59 (Cub Scout shorts/skorts) to $11.99 (men’s zip-off pants). If you are buying more than one pair of bottoms, the savings add up!
New Cub Scout T-Shirts
We have NEW Cub Scout T-shirts in the Scout Shop!
A universal Cub Scout blue polyester moisture-wicking T-shirt with the Cub Scout symbol on the front in bright yellow sells for $12.49. Sizes run from youth small to youth XL. This T-shirt may be worn by any Cub Scout rank.
The other new T-shirt this year is one specifically for the Arrow of Light rank. It’s light gray with the Arrow of Light symbol on the front, 90% cotton/10% polyester, and sells for $12.49. These inexpensive Tee’s are a great way to advertise Scouting, especially when worn to school.
Back to School Gear
Back to school time is always the best time to recruit new youth. Besides wearing Scouting T-shirts, how does your Scout spread the word about Scouting? We have backpacks and drinking bottles, which most schools require. If you need one, why not get a Scouting themed one? Both the Cub Scout and Scout backpacks are 14”x18”, made with sturdy polyester oxford fabric, have side zippered storage pockets, and sell for $19.99.
Cub Scout lunch boxes are available for $9.99. This triangle-shaped lunch container can be used as the plate or bowl, comes with a snap-on lid, a blue spork, and is BPA free.
Water Bottles
The Scout Shop is stocked with three choices of Scouting water bottles, all of which are BPA/BPS free:
- Cub Scout blue 14oz. Camelbak: With the Cub Scout symbol in yellow on the front, these leak-proof, dishwasher safe bottles are $15.99.
- Scouting dark green 25 oz. Camelbak: This water bottle has the fleur-de-lis symbol on the front in white, is leak-proof, and sells for $16.99.
- BSA blue 32 oz. Nalgene bottle: The Nalgene bottle has a screw-top lid and sells for $16.99.
Help New Families Be Prepared
Leaders, please prepare new families with the information they need for a successful shopping trip. Frequently asked questions that the Scout Shop staff cannot answer on behalf of the unit include:
- What pack/troop number do I get?
- What is my den number?
- Which patrol patch should I buy?
- Which color of neckerchief does my troop wear?
- Are there any items my unit buys for me?
Shipping
We continue to provide shipping services by USPS. Customers may call (757-497-2688) or email an order to polly.fugate@scouting.org or staci.vankirk@scouting.org. We calculate the cost and call back for a Mastercard or VISA number. For Scout Shop merchandise, there is NO fee for credit card usage.
Scout Shop Hours
Our next special hours will be:
On Thursday, November 21, the Scout Shop will open late at 1 PM.
The Scout Shop will be closed on November 28-30 for Thanksgiving 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.
Food Allergies
According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), one in every 13 children has a food allergy. Every 3 minutes, a food-allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency room. While the responsibility for management of a food allergy lies with the individual or the individual’s parent or guardian, all of us need to be ready to assist in preventing—or helping in response to—a reaction.
VFW Scholarship Opportunities
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Posts have scholarship opportunities for middle school and high school students. Visit vfw.org/community/youth-and-education for more details and entry forms.
For High School Students
High school students can enter the Voice of Democracy Essay Contest. The 2024-25 theme is: “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?”
The deadline to submit entries to a local VFW Post is October 31, 2024. The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship.
For Middle School Students
Middle school students can enter the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest. The 2024-25 theme is: “My Voice in America’s Democracy?”
The deadline to submit entries to a local VFW Post is October 31, 2024. The national first place winner can win $5,000.
Submission
Students may submit their entries to a local VFW Post. For more information, please call your local VFW Post.
Posts in the Tidewater Council area include:
- Post 10950 Outer Banks Post in Nags Head, NC
- Post 7312 Gates County Memorial Post in Gatesville, NC
- Post 6060 William Clarence Jackson Post in Elizabeth City, NC
- Post 4809 Tidewater Post in Norfolk, VA
- Post 3160 Ocean View Post in Norfolk, VA
- Post 2894 SSG Jonathan K. Dozier Memorial Post in Chesapeake, VA
- Post 1211 Back Bay Post in Virginia Beach, VA
- Post 392 General MacArthur Memorial Post in Virginia Beach, VA
Help Needed: Camp Moonyah Improvement Projects
Camp Moonyah has been an integral part of Tidewater Council’s camps for more than 85 years. As such, it has a rich history hosting functions, events, celebrations, and ceremonies encompassing all arenas of the Scouting program. Over the past many, many decades, dedicated volunteers have continually strived to improve the camp to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for all. Even with past improvements, it is time to bring this facility into the 21st century. To that end, there are two proposals before the council:
Introduction of Electrical Power
Working with Dominion Power, bringing power into Camp Moonyah will require several measured electrical wire runs of 250’+ from a transformer located off property to the maintenance shed where the meter base would be located. Because of the distance, a 25kw transformer will be required to maintain a continual, safe load of power. The cost of connection to a power source, running a total of 500’+ of underground cable, the transformer, and other fees associated with this project will run from $10,000 – $12,000.
Potable Water
Working with the City of Chesapeake water department, tapping into an existing water line conveniently located just outside the camp entrance will bring viable potable water into the camp. City connection fees, trenching a water line to a meter and further on to end at a frost-free water spigot similar to those in use at Pipsico will run from $3,400 – $5,000.
What's Next?
To achieve the success of these projects, we are reaching out to you in Tidewater Council to either help fund in full or in part one or both of these projects. By doing so, you will ensure the continued success and growth of Camp Moonyah for decades to come.
For questions or to find out more about how you can support Camp Moonyah improvements, please contact Ron Misfeldt at mustangron@aol.com and Wes Parker at wparker@pipsicobsa.com.
Development Corner
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
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 BSA 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 4
- 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 astronauts who were youth Scouts.
- Learn about the newest Eagle Scout astronauts.
- Frugal Fun Day: October 5
- 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 9
- The idea that a Scout should treat others as they want to be treated—a Scout is kind—is woven throughout the programs and literature of the Boy Scouts of America. When a Scout follows the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, bullying and hazing situations should never occur.
- Have youth watch the age and rank-appropriate Personal Safety Awareness videos.
- Review and share the BSA’s Bullying Awareness resources with Scouts and families.
- For adults, take Youth Protection Training.
- Review the BSA’s Social Media Guidelines for valuable information on internet safety and youth protection when using social media.
- National 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 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.
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).
