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.
Be a Pathfinder for Friends of Scouting! Pathfinders are donors who blaze the trail for a successful Friends of Scouting campaign by making their gift or pledge by January 31. Pathfinder donors are recognized with a special lapel pin.
All Friends of Scouting donations stay local to support families in northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia.
Campaign Progress as of January 3, 2024
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal:
Upcoming Events
Council Key 3 Listening Tour
January
We want to hear from you! This month, the Council Key 3 (Council President John Scheib, Council Commissioner Tim Briggs, and Scout Executive James Parnell) will visit each district to meet and discuss opportunities and successes in Tidewater Council.
If you are unable to attend the meeting in your district, feel free to attend any of the Listening Tour dates.
Tuesday, January 16 at 7 PM
Princess Anne District
Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center
1032 Heatherwood Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Wednesday, January 17 at 7 PM
Albemarle District
Pasquotank Ruritan Club
2213 Main Street Ext.
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Wednesday, January 24 at 7 PM
Bayside District
Holy Family Catholic Church
Room 133
1279 N. Great Neck Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Thursday, January 25 at 7 PM
Three Rivers District
Great Bridge Baptist Church
640 S. Battlefield Blvd.
Chesapeake, VA 23322
Fundamentals of Training
January 20
Fundamentals of Training is the first part of the three-part train-the-trainer continuum (T3) in Scouting and is intended for both youth and adult trainers. This session is designed to introduce new Scouting trainers to teaching techniques and skills.
Upon completion of Fundamentals of Training, new trainers will be able to apply the techniques they have learned across the BSA’s leadership development programs, from unit-level youth leader training taught by youth for youth, to position-specific and supplemental training for adult leaders. Upon completion of this first part of T3, new trainers are coached and mentored by experienced trainers as they become comfortable with and confident in their training skills.
Who Should Attend?
- Adults who will be conducting a training session during a council or district training event.
- Youth who are responsible for training other youth, such as Instructors and Troop Guides.
The next Fundamentals of Training course will be held on Saturday, January 20 at Deep Creek United Methodist Church in Chesapeake.
Scout Day at Winterplace Ski Resort
January 28
Winterplace Ski Resort in Ghent, WV is offering a special ski program for Tidewater Council Scouts, leaders, family members, friends, and neighbors!
The package offers a special rate of up to 50% off, and includes a full-day lift ticket, ski equipment rental, helmet rental, and a customized 90-minute group lesson.
There are optional add-ons available for meal vouchers and snowtubing.
Lodging is not included in the package, but there are nearby facilities at Winterplace and the Summit Bechtel Reserve.
NEW FOR 2024: Snow Sports Merit Badge
The Snow Sports merit badge will be offered as a part of Scout Day at Winterplace. Mr. Mack Brunson, Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 6, is a Snow Sports merit badge counselor and will be at the 2024 event. For any Scouts who want to complete this merit badge, Mr. Brunson will be conducting some group discussion sessions ahead of the event, so Scouts who attend can demonstrate the skills required and complete the merit badge that day.
Please contact him directly at 619-972-3790 or mack_brunson@yahoo.com to be included in the merit badge sessions.
Camp Cards Kickoff and Training
January 30
Designed for Camp Card Coordinators, the Camp Cards Kickoff and Training lays the groundwork for a successful Camp Card sale.
- Gain fundamental knowledge BEFORE the Camp Cards arrive!
- Entry-level information to help form a successful Camp Card fundraiser, from start to finish!
- Networking opportunity that shouldn’t be missed!
Join us on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 7 PM, either virtually via Zoom or in-person at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. RSVP at 247scouting.com/forms/596-2024campcard.
For questions, contact Christy Cooper at christy.cooper@scouting.org.
National Eagle Scout Association Scholarship Deadline
January 31
Last year, 69 Eagle Scouts received a total of $524,000 in scholarships from the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) to aid in their educational endeavors. These scholarships are made possible by generous donors and NESA members who help the alumni organization.
Scholarships are awarded to Eagle Scouts who have shown active participation in school, Scouting activities, and community service, and who demonstrate they understand the fundamentals of service to community, service to Scouting, and their character. If the applicant has a financial need, they should demonstrate what distinguishes their financial need from others. Applicants must be members of NESA. Read this Scouting Magazine article for tips on writing a successful scholarship essay.
The application window is December 1, 2023 – January 31, 2024.
Adams Award Nomination Deadline
January 31
The National Eagle Scout Association established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award (ESSPY) to recognize valuable service of an exceptional nature by an Eagle Scout candidate to a religious institution, school, community, or other entity through completion of an Eagle Scout project. Learn about Tidewater Council’s most recent Adams Award recipient, Simone N., here.
Nominations for the Adams Award are due to the council by January 31, 2024. An Eagle Scout, parents, or any registered BSA volunteer (with the Eagle Scout’s permission) may submit Eagle Scout service projects to the council for consideration. One council recipient is selected each year. Council recipients are considered for further recognition at the territory level.
The Adams Award nomination form has been updated. Please submit nominations using the updated 2024 nomination form.
Eagle Scouts are strongly encouraged to record a short video (3-5 minutes in length) as part of the nomination. The video should tell the story of their Eagle Scout Service Project and describe the impact on their community, as well as themselves.
Trainer's EDGE
February 3
Trainer’s EDGE is the Boy Scouts of America’s trainer development course designed to help Scouts and Scouters:
- Put into practice the EDGE training model
- Gain self-confidence through hands-on training experiences
- Develop the platform skills of a trainer
- Raise the level of skill a trainer brings to the learning experience
- “Train the trainer” on behaviors and resources while offering hands-on experience in methods and media
This course is part of a continuous process of updating trainers with the latest training methods, principles, and technologies.
Trainer’s EDGE is ideal for:
- District and council trainers
- Merit badge counselors
- Summer Camp staff, including both youth and adults
- Winter Camp staff, including both youth and adults
- Roundtable staff
- Pack trainers
- Commissioner trainers
- Youth troop guides and instructors
- Unit leaders
- Staff for Wood Badge and National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
This course will be offered on February 3 at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center in Virginia Beach.
Scouting for Blood Drive
February 7
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, February 7, 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
Silver Beaver Nomination Deadline
February 10
The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered Scouters who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given at the council-level.
To nominate a worthy Scouter, please submit the nomination form to Silver Beaver Committee Chair Byron McPherson at byronkmc@gmail.com and staff advisor Alison Harrison at alison.harrison@scouting.org.
Learn about Tidewater Council’s three most recent Silver Beaver recipients:
Scouts BSA Leader Training
February 10
At Scouts BSA Leader Training on Saturday, February 10 at Portsmouth Catholic Regional High School, leaders will have the opportunity to complete Scoutmaster-Specific Training, Troop Committee Challenge Training, and Merit Badge Counselor Orientation.
Scoutmaster-Specific Orientation
Scoutmaster-Specific Training introduces adult leaders to everything they need to know about running a Scouts BSA troop.
In Scouts BSA, adult leaders serve in more of a “mentor” position, where their job is to help youth members learn and practice leadership. While this training will not answer every single question about being a Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster, it is a great introduction.
Along with Youth Protection Training and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), this course is required for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters to be considered “position trained.”
Troop Committee Challenge
Running a Scouts BSA troop is a little like running a business: there’s a budget and a calendar, there’s money coming in (fundraising and dues), there’s money going out (activities, equipment purchases, registration fees), there’s a “workforce” (adult volunteers), and there are goals and evaluation of whether the troop reached its goals. And, of course, all this occurs within the unique context of Scouting with some special rules and requirements. This foundational training provides the tools and best practices to succeed.
Merit Badge Counselor Orientation
A merit badge counselor is a responsible adult with knowledge and enthusiasm about a career, hobby, or other subject who is willing to share that knowledge and enthusiasm with Scouts. This training provides merit badge counselors with understanding of the methods of counseling and their role in the advancement program of the Boy Scouts of America.
Coin Collecting Merit Badge
Virginia Beach Coin Show
February 17-18
Join the Tidewater Coin Club for the Virginia Beach Coin Show at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
Saturday, February 17: 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday, February 18: 9 AM – 4 PM
There will be a Coin Collecting merit badge program at 10 AM on Saturday. Advanced registration is required; please contact Eddie DeVault at eddiedevault911@gmail.com or Fran Ryan at fryan88f250@gmail.com to reserve a spot.
Klondike Derby
February 23-25
Klondike Derby registration is now open!
The 2024 Klondike Derby: Quest for the Gold will be held in beautiful Camp Lions, Pipsico Scout Reservation. Using your sled, compete in skills from first aid, wilderness survival, lumberjack skills, fire building, cooking, pioneering, and shooting.
The Blue Heron Lodge will conduct an Order of the Arrow call-out ceremony on Saturday night.
If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Mike Maruska at mikemaruska1179@gmail.com.
Virginia Beach Trade-O-Ree
February 23 and February 24
Buy, sell, and trade Scouting collectible memorabilia at the 2024 Virginia Beach Trade-O-Ree. Check out the event flyer for more information.
Scouting for Food
February 24-25 and March 2-3
As Scouts, we know how fortunate we are to have a warm meal every night — whether around the campfire or at the kitchen table. And we know that not everyone is so lucky.
That’s why we participate annually in Tidewater Council’s Scouting for Food drive. It’s another reminder to our local communities that Scouts are here, doing Good Turns.
Scouting for Food takes place on two consecutive weekends. On the first weekend, Scouts distribute bags to let their neighbors know about the drive. On the second, Scouts revisit those houses to pick up bags full of canned food, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, juice, and other nonperishable items. So, save the dates to distribute information on the weekend of February 24-25, 2024, and return to pick-up donations on March 2-3, 2024.
More information and resources for Scouting for Food 2024 are coming soon!
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
March 1-2
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) is a one-and-a-half day course that introduces leaders to the Cub Scout outdoor program. BALOO is designed for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their pack activities.
BALOO consists of an online pre-requisite component and an overnight, hands-on practical. The course teaches BSA’s Cub Scout level camping policies and the necessary tools to help units carry out a successful camping experience. When a Cub Scout pack or Webelos den camps, a minimum of one adult who has completed this training must be present on the overnight experience.
Tidewater Council’s next BALOO course will be offered in Shiloh, NC on March 1-2, 2024.
University of Scouting
March 9
Old Dominion University
Scouting is a Game with a Purpose
All Scouts, prospective Scouts, leaders, parents, and volunteers are invited to attend the Tidewater Council University of Scouting. This jamboree-style event offers interactive trainings and certifications, hands-on activities and adventures, merit badges and advancement opportunities, and personalized Scout quests to earn prizes and rewards.
Everyone Has Something to Offer
Many hands make light work, and we want your help teaching a class, counseling a merit badge, leading a program station, and organizing the event. All units are encouraged to run an interactive program station demonstrating a Scout skill or activity. Community partners are invited to promote their programs, teach skill sessions, and run interactive program stations.
- If interested in counseling a merit badge, please fill out this form.
- If interested in volunteering in another capacity, please fill out this form.
- For questions, please contact TidewaterUniversity@gmail.com.
Colleges
Earn your degree or your doctorate while studying Commissioner Science, Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Older Youth Programs.
Classes include:
- First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
- Cooking
- Scouting Heritage
- Event Planning
- Unit Management
- Scouting Tools & Technology
- Recruiting
- Fundraising
- And more!
Academies - Bring the Whole Family!
- Dragon Academy will entertain Lions, Tigers, and younger siblings for a fun-filled day of adventure.
- Akela’s Academy welcomes Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light Scouts for fun adventures while working on advancements.
- Brownsea Island is a chance for new Scouts BSA to master their Scoutcraft requirements.
- Merit Badge Academy offers a range of badges, including several required for Eagle Scout.
- VESSI Academy is an opportunity for older youth to prepare for high adventure and get involved with Venturers, Explorers, Sea Scouts, and International opportunities.
Programs
Visit activity stations, complete quests, and earn prizes and rewards!
Activity stations include:
- Scoutcraft
- Tidewater Adventures
- Scouting Adventures
- Duty to God
- STEM
- Pioneering
- International
- Outdoor Ethics
- Community Service
- Cooking
- Escape Rooms
- Simulations
- Disability Awareness
- And much more!
Annual Leadership Breakfast
March 21
We are pleased to announce the keynote speaker for Tidewater Council’s 2024 Annual Leadership Breakfast: Gary Clark!
As a wide receiver for James Madison University’s football team, Gary Clark earned the 1982 Virginia Offensive Play of the Year award and All-American honorable mentions in his junior and senior years. He was inducted into the JMU Hall of Fame in 1994 and is the first person at JMU to have his jersey retired.
Clark played for two years with the United States Football League’s Jacksonville Bulls before joining the NFL in 1985. Over eight seasons with Washington, Clark earned two Super Bowl rings and made four Pro Bowl appearances. He ranks third in the team’s history in receptions and receiving yardage. Clark is often regarded as the heart and soul of the Joe-Gibbs-era in Washington.
To learn more about how you, your company, or your community group can host a table at the Annual Leadership Breakfast, please contact Christy Cooper at christy.cooper@scouting.org.
Wood Badge
April 12-14 and May 4-5
Wood Badge is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide adult members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their Scouting positions and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. Lord Baden-Powell originally designed it so that Scouters could learn, in as practical a way as possible, the skills and methods of Scouting. It is, first and foremost, learning by doing.
Wood Badge has evolved over the years into the core leadership skills training course for the BSA. The Wood Badge course focuses on strengthening every volunteer’s ability to work with and lead groups of youth and adults and is less focused on outdoor skills, which are more effectively addressed in other courses.
National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC)
July 29 - August 3
From July 29 through August 3, 2024, Arrowmen from around the country will have the opportunity to gather at the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO to attend the 2024 National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC). Attendance is expected to exceed several thousand, as Arrowmen from around the USA come together to share ideas, learn from one another, and, most importantly, experience an outstanding event unlike any other in Scouting. NOAC is open to all active members of the OA.
The estimated fee to attend is $1,450 and can be paid in six installments until May 15, 2024 at scoutingevent.com/596-noac2024. Attendees who have paid $625 of their total fee by January 31, 2024 will be able to save $50 by being eligible for the discounted programming rate (so the total fee will be only $1,400). The final fee will be adjusted when transportation costs are finalized.
For More Information or Questions
- Contact Philip Durant, NOAC 2024 Chair, at 757-505-6355 or philipscouting@gmail.com
- Contact Mack Brunson, NOAC Adviser, at 619-972-3790 or mack_brunson@yahoo.com
- Visit oa-bsa.org/program/events/noac
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.
In Fond Remembrance
Marie Kane
Our Tidewater Scouting Community recently said goodbye to one of our most beloved and dedicated Scouters. “Mama Kane” has been a driving force in our local program for many years. Scouts and Scouters alike knew Marie through her work with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing, and Scouts BSA.
Marie’s journey in Scouting began here in Tidewater in 1996 when her second grade son, Jerry, brought home information on joining Pack 179 in Virginia Beach. Having recently relocated from Philadelphia, Marie was a bit reluctant to repeat a somewhat challenging experience with Cub Scouting. Still, she could not say “no” to young Jerry and came to an organizational meeting to find out what all the fuss might be about. Soon after signing her son into Cubbies, Marie agreed to become the Committee Secretary for the Pack. From there, the transition to Den Leader (two times), Roundtable Staff, and District Committee Member enriched our Cub Scout program in southern Virginia Beach.
As each of her three boys progressed in Scouting, Marie was with them every step of the way from Cub Scouting through achieving Eagle Scout. She served as a Troop Committee Member, Merit Badge Counselor, Camp Staff, Wood Badge Staff, and Event Staff/advisor and continued to promote and support the program by helping to establish and nurture young people over all facets of Scouting. Marie could be found facilitating merit badges, coaching new Scouts and parents, and mentoring Eagle candidates. Marie felt it was her honor to help guide youth and was recognized with 26 Eagle Mentor pins for helping youth achieve the rank of Eagle. She was also recognized by her fellow leaders with the District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver Award, and Living Legend of Tidewater Council.
Marie was a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, giving selfless service at Ordeals, Conclaves, and various functions. She served as the Health and Safety Advisor to the Lodge and guided the youth who chaired the Holiday Banquet for many years. Our “Seasoned Medicine Woman” could be found soothing bumps and bruises of both the physical and emotional type. Scouts (and their parents) knew that “Mama Kane” would take good care of them. Her legacy lives on in all the Scouts and Scouters who had the opportunity to be part of her Scouting life.
News
New Three Rivers District Executive Joel Cesar
Please join us in welcoming our new Three Rivers District Executive, Joel Cesar!
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Joel retired from the U.S. Navy in August 2022 after serving 26 years. He has served in various sea duty assignments, including Pre-Commissioning Unit Harry S. Truman and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Expeditionary Combat Camera in Norfolk, and most recently onboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower during their record breaking 216-day deployment without ports and follow-on post COVID deployment.
His previous shore tours include as an ‘A’ school instructor at the Defense Information School in Fort Meade, Maryland, as Officer in Charge of Naval Media Center, Fleet Support Detachment in Yokosuka, Japan, and as the Fleet Mass Communication Specialist at U.S. Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
He completed multiple ground and shipboard deployments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, Inherent Resolve, Freedom Sentinel and as part of U.S. Support group in Port Au Prince, Haiti.
Joel is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication from Excelsior College, and earned a Master’s degree in Human Relations and Human Resource and Diversity from the University of Oklahoma.
He has earned the Surface Warfare, Aviation Warfare, Expeditionary Warfare, Information Dominance Warfare, and Master Training Specialist designations. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), Army Commendation medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal (two awards), and various other personal, campaign, and unit awards.
Joel and his wife, Katrele, currently reside in Chesapeake, VA with their sons Nehemiah “Neo” and Kenyon.
New Princess Anne District Executive Pam Samples
Tidewater Council is pleased to introduce our new Princess Anne District Executive, Pam Samples!
Many know “Popcorn Pam” from her work as a volunteer District and Council Popcorn Kernel, but her Scouting journey began ten years ago when her son slammed a Cub Scout recruitment flier on her desk. He declared, “I want to do this.”
Soon thereafter, Pam took over as the Tiger Den Leader. Under the tutelage of Joann “Westy” West, she became the Pack Secretary, Treasurer, Fundraising Chair, Events Chair, and Unit Popcorn Kernel. When Pam’s son crossed over into a troop, she served as Committee Secretary, Assistant Scoutmaster, Merit Badge Counselor, District Popcorn Kernel, and District Member-at-Large for Membership. She then became the Council Popcorn Kernel, District Membership Chair, and then Council Product Sales Chair. Pam was also a key founder in Cub Scout Pack 585 and Venturing Crew 520. Pam is an Order of the Arrow Brotherhood member and has received the Cub Scout Pack Committee Member of the Year and the District Award of Merit awards.
A native of Wauconda, Illinois, Pam received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Calvin College. She moved to Virginia Beach and earned a Master’s degree from Regent University in Broadcast Journalism. She worked for WVEC-TV 13 as an Assignment Editor and then moved over to the Christian Broadcasting Network where she worked for “The 700 Club” for the past 28 years. Pam has produced national commercials, as well as formatted the daily show. Most recently, she worked on legal aspects of TV production, copyright, and music royalties.
In addition to her professional and Scouting accomplishments, Pam has volunteered for more than a decade with JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), and has recently become a Committee Member for their Richmond Gala event. She also has volunteered for eight years with the PTA/PTSA as Secretary, Membership, Fundraising, and President. She has been awarded PTA Volunteer of the Year awards from both College Park and Providence Elementary Schools in Virginia Beach.
However, Pam will tell you that her biggest achievement is being a mom and raising three incredible boys – four, if you count her husband. The Samples family has strong ties to Scouting, and Pam’s oldest son achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 2021. Pam is proud to be serving the BSA as Princess Anne District’s newest District Executive.
2024 Pinewood Derby Rules
The rules and inspection sheet for 2024 Pinewood Derbies are now available.
All Tidewater Council district races and the council derby will use the official Tidewater Council Pinewood Derby Rules & Procedures and the TWC Pinewood Derby Car Inspection Form.
Pinewood Derby Track Available
Three Rivers Pack 901 would like to gift a Pinewood Derby track to another pack. The track is aluminum and is pictured here. If interested, please contact Josh Merdes at jwm6385@gmail.com or Andrew Sinclair at andrew.m.sinclair@verizon.net.
Scout Shop
HAPPY 2024 from the Scout Shop! With many fun events in the future, the Scout Shop can supply all the needs for Pinewood Derby, Scout Sunday, Blue & Gold, and everything in between.
Pinewood Derby
We are well stocked with Pinewood Derby kits and accessories. Don’t forget that there is a $0.25 per car discount when you purchase ten or more cars. We have 2024 Pinewood Derby patches in already at $2.49 per patch. This year’s colorful patch is bound to be a big hit with the participants. Last year, National Supply ran out quickly, so don’t wait too long to purchase them.
Journey to Excellence
The 2023 Journey to Excellence (JTE) patches are now available. Orders are pre-paid, and we have already been stocking and selling them. The most popular JTE patch is the gold one ($2.79 each). This is another patch that was discontinued by March last year, so we advise units to purchase them as soon as possible.
Camping Gear
For anyone doing winter camping, we have a selection of sleeping bags, pillows, hand warmers, and all camping gear.
Shipping
We continue to ship by USPS. Just call or email Polly.Fugate@scouting.org or Staci.VanKirk@scouting.org. We can calculate shipping and call you back for a VISA or Mastercard number.
Scout Shop Hours
There are no holidays closing for January. Regular store hours are:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
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.
Frostbite
Serious injuries can occur when it’s cold and you spend time working, playing, or sleeping outside, particularly if you are wet or your clothes are wet or too tight. Scouts should be instructed to inform an adult as soon as possible if they are at an event, winter camp, or troop campout and start experiencing any of the symptoms in this Safety Moment.
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.
Scouts BSA Advancement Updates
The following changes to Scouts BSA advancement requirements are now in effect.
Rank Requirements
The Personal Safety Awareness Series replaced the Cyber Chip requirement for Scout rank (requirement 6) and Star rank (requirement 6).
Eagle Palms
Scouts no longer have to wait three months between Eagle Palms. They will have to earn five additional merit badges, and live by the Scout Oath and Law.
Merit Badges: Significant Changes
- Automotive Maintenance has been updated to include electric/hybrid vehicles.
- Canoeing had a major reorganization.
- Coin Collecting has been reorganized and updated for new/retired coinages.
- Fire Safety includes safety updates.
- First Aid became more hands-on.
- Golf was reorganized and added a disc golf option.
- Insect Study includes expanded requirements.
- Journalism includes social media.
- Nuclear Science was updated to add more active options.
- Safety was updated to include natural disasters.
- Skating added a skateboarding option.
- Surveying added use of drones.
- Sustainability underwent a major reorganization.
- Swimming added correct demonstration of strokes.
Merit Badges: Minor Changes
- Backpacking (requirement 11b)
- Bird Study (requirements 2, 4, 7, 8c, 9d, 11, and 12)
- Camping (requirement 9c)
- Chemistry (requirements 2c and 5)
- Cooking (requirements 5 a,b,c,d,e)
- Digital Technology (requirement 1)
- Engineering (requirements 5 and 6c)
- Fly-Fishing (requirements 3b, 3c, and 10)
- Indian Lore (requirements 2, 3, 4, and 5)
- Law (requirements 1, 5, and 11)
- Mining in Society (requirement 8c)
- Photography (requirement 1b)
- Plant Science (requirement 8 Option 1: Agronomy E5c)
- Programming (requirement 1a)
- Radio (requirement 9a5)
- Scouting Heritage (requirements 2b3, 2b4, 3, and 4c)
For More Information
Current merit badge requirements are always available at scouting.org/skills/merit-badges.
Program Ideas
January
- National Hobby Month
- Merit badges can introduce youth to a variety of hobbies. Art, Chess, Geocaching, Wood Carving… the list goes on!
- Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month
- Attend Scout Day at Winterplace Ski Resort. Make sure to contact Mr. Mack Brunson in advance if Scouts would like to work on the Snow Sports merit badge.
- Family Fit Lifestyle Month
- For Cub Scouts, work on a personal fitness-focused Cub Scout Adventure, such as Fun on the Run (Lion), Tiger Bites (Tiger), Running with the Pack (Wolf), Bear Picnic Basket (Bear), or Stronger, Faster, Higher (Webelos).
- For Scouts BSA, work on a healthy lifestyle-related merit badge, such as Personal Fitness.
- Bring the whole family on a unit hike or bike ride.
- Financial Wellness Month
- Help youth understand finances at an early age by working on the Personal Management merit badge.
- Teen Driving Awareness Month
- Teens and adults can both take Drive Safely training.
- Review the Transportation Safety Moment (especially #5).
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
Camp Staff for Summer Camp 2024
What are your plans for next 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
On December 27, David Gosik, a Tidewater Council Eagle Scout and previous Blue Heron Lodge Chief, was elected to serve as the 2024 National Chief of the Order of the Arrow.
David’s election makes him the third National Chief from Virginia in the past six years, the third Scout from Troop 303 to be elected as a National Chief, Blue Heron Lodge’s sixth National Officer in the past 12 years, and Blue Heron Lodge’s seventh National Officer in lodge history.
David and his leadership team will represent the youth voice on the national Order of the Arrow committee and help direct national OA programming.
Congratulations David!
Congratulations to some of the newest Eagle Scouts!
Congratulations to the Top Ten Popcorn Sellers in 2023!
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).
