Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Winter Camp
January 14-17
Merit Badge Counselors and staff are still needed! Winter Camp is held at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Great merit badge counselors are what make this event the best. Volunteer today and make a positive difference in the life of a Scout on their way to Eagle. Email both Wes Parker and Christy Cooper to volunteer. In your email, include:
- What merit badge you wish to counsel
- How many 3-hour sessions needed
- The number of Scouts per session
- Materials and costs
- Pre-requisites
- Any position you may be interested in assisting
Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Nominations Due
January 15
The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) 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.
How to apply
An Eagle Scout, their parents, or any registered BSA volunteer (with the Eagle Scout’s permission) may submit the Eagle Scout service project for consideration.
The nomination must be submitted to the council NESA committee of the council in which the service project was completed. Submissions must be received by January 15, 2022, either by hard copy submitted at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center, Attn: Christy Cooper, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 or via email to Christy.Cooper@scouting.org.
Tidewater Council will submit its winning Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook and Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Nomination Form – including attachments – to the National Eagle Scout Association for consideration on the territory and national levels.
Evaluation criteria
- Project planning
- Effort to develop the project
- Extent and character of leadership provided by the Scout
- Extent of achievement of the planned result
- Project’s impact on the beneficiary and/or on the community at large
- Originality of the project
- Time and materials contributed
- Level of skill employed to complete the project
- Whether the project will have long-lasting impact
Trainer's EDGE
January 22
Trainer’s EDGE is the BSA’s trainer development course. The course is designed to help Scouters put into practice the EDGE training model and gain self-confidence through hands-on training experiences. Trainer’s EDGE helps to develop the platform skills of a trainer.
This course is recommended for merit badge counselors, youth applying for summer camp staff, staff for National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) and Wood Badge, and unit leaders.
Albemarle District Freezoree
January 28-30
Winter Weekend is a chance to join in one of the oldest traditions in Boy Scouts of America – coming together as a district for Scouting. District gatherings provide an opportunity for fun, friendship, and fellowship. We would love for you to come join the fun and excitement of this year’s Winter Weekend.
Join us January 28-30, 2022 at Maple Commerce Park, Barco, NC. All Tidewater Council troops, crews, and ships are welcome to attend. Registration is open on Black Pug.
This weekend, the Scouts have the option to participate in a couple district-sponsored winter-themed activities. The majority of time, troops will focus on their needs and try to stay warm. Coffee and hot cocoa will be provided during the Saturday morning and afternoon activities to any Scout or Scouter who has their own mug (no cups will be provided).
The Scout Oath and Law will govern the behavior of all participants during this weekend. The principles of Leave No Trace should be always practiced.
NESA Scholarship Deadline
January 31
Earning the Eagle Scout rank is an impressive achievement that provides lasting impacts on one’s life. One of those impacts can be financial support for higher education.
The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) is currently accepting applications for 65 annual scholarships of varying amounts. Applicants must:
- Have completed an Eagle Scout board of review before January 24, 2022.
- Be a member of NESA. (Click here to join.)
- Submit the application through the NESA scholarship portal between December 1, 2021 and January 31, 2022.
- Visit nesa.org/for-eagle-scouts/scholarships to review full details and eligibility requirements.
To learn about scholarships offered to Scouts from other institutions, click here.
Silver Beaver Nomination Deadline
February 5
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 bobwhite433@cox.net and alison.harrison@scouting.org.
Scouting for Food 2022
February 5-13
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 the genesis of Scouting for Food, a food collection drive run by Tidewater Council BSA. 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 (February 5-6), Scouts distribute door hangers to let their neighbors know about the drive. On the second weekend (February 12-13), Scouts revisit those houses to pick up bags full of canned food, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, juice, and other nonperishable items.
The food is delivered to families in need through your chartered organization’s food pantry, through the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, or through the Food Bank of the Albemarle. This year, we will also have the Foodbank collection truck at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center on Sunday, February 13 from noon to 4 PM to accept dropped-off collections. Drop-off at the council will only be accepted at the designated time.
The first step in getting your unit involved in a food drive is to find a Scouting for Food Chair – someone who will organize and promote the project and be a liaison between your unit and district. Once that person is identified, it is easy to enlist your unit’s youth and adult leaders to participate. Please sign your unit up at 247scouting.com/forms/596-SFF2022. Units can print door hangers at their convenience to leave at locations where they would like to collect donations.
If you have any questions, contact Tracy McGlothian, Scouting for Food Chairperson, Tidewater Council BSA, at Tracy@mtolivetgroup.com.
Three Rivers Merit Badge University
February 12
Three Rivers District invites you to Merit Badge University at Deep Creek Baptist. This is a great opportunity for Scouts to gain new skills and earn merit badges (some of which are not typically offered at summer camps).
This event is open to all registered Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Sea Scouts. Units with volunteering merit badge counselors will receive an access code to register through January 15. After January 15, registration access will open to all.
Scouts BSA Adult Leader Training
February 12
Adult leaders have the opportunity to participate in training as part of the Three Rivers Merit Badge University at Deep Creek Baptist Church. The training team will offer:
American Red Cross Pint-Size Hero Blood Drive
February 16
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. Each Scout who recruits a donor will receive an American Red Cross braided bracelet.
WHEN:
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
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
Virginia Beach Trade-O-Ree
February 25-26
Buy, sell, and trade Scouting collectible memorabilia at the 2022 Virginia Beach Trade-O-Ree. Check out the event flyer for more information.
Tidewater Council Annual Recognition Banquet
March 24
The Annual Recognition Banquet is held each year to recognize Eagle Scouts and the volunteers of Tidewater Council. Some of the highlights of the evening will be the presentation of the 2021 Class of Eagle Scouts, Silver Beaver Awards, and NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Awards. The evening will start with dinner served by our own Blue Heron Lodge cook crew. This will be a night of food and fellowship you will not want to miss. Join us on March 24, 2022 at 6 PM at the Khedive Shrine Center, 645 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, VA. Registration is open on Black Pug.
Wood Badge
April 8-10 and April 30-May 1
21st Century Wood Badge is the advanced training program for all BSA adult leaders, designed using the latest leadership skills. Techniques and skills learned help participants to become better leaders. Since 1919, Wood Badge has been – and continues to be – the preeminent leadership training offered by the Boy Scouts of America.
Wood Badge Course NST15-596-22 will be held at Pipsico Scout Reservation on Friday, April 8 – Sunday, April 10 and Saturday, April 30 – Sunday, May 1, 2022. Participants must attend both weekends of the course activities to complete the practical phase of the training.
For more information, contact NST15-596-22 Course Director Jon McGlothian at 2022WoodBadge@gmail.com or your District Training Chairperson.
Cub Scout Family Camp
April 22-24
Cub Scouts and their families are invited to escape the indoors and experience a variety of activities during a fun-filled weekend at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Cub Scout Family Camping Weekends are an opportunity to get away from the busy buzz of the city for the weekend and enjoy some time in the great outdoors. Explore with nature walks, shooting sports, crafts, and fishing. To assist with campsite assignments, it is recommended that you register your entire pack at one time. Registration opens on February 14.
Wilderness/Remote First Aid
May 14-15
Wilderness first aid (WFA) refers to any training course that focuses on prevention, assessment, and treatment for an ill or injured person in a remote environment where definitive care by a physician and/or rapid transport is not readily available. WFA courses are intended for anyone planning a remote high adventure, from lay responders to medical professionals.
All four of the BSA high-adventure bases require at least one person per trek (two per trek at Philmont Scout Ranch) to be current in WFA through one of the BSA’s approved providers. Of course, having more participants trained in WFA skills is highly recommended for any high adventure or backcountry experience.
Tidewater Council’s next WFA course is scheduled for May 14-15. Current CPR/AED certification is required to attend this course.
Powder Horn
September 9-11 and September 16-18
Powder Horn is a resource course designed to introduce Scouting’s adults and youth to the exciting outdoor and high-adventure program possibilities for their unit. The ultimate goal is for the participants to leave the course with a list of ideas to help their program, along with the contacts and resources needed to implement them.
Participant Requirements
- Must be either:
- An adult registered in BSA, fully trained for their position
- A youth 14 years old (or 13 years old and have completed 8th grade) by the start of the course, AND have unit leader approval, AND have taken ILS for their unit type
- Must have completed and submitted training certificates for:
- Youth Protection Training
- Hazardous Weather
- Safety Afloat
- Safe Swim Defense
- Climb On Safely
- Must submit current, completed Annual Health and Medical Record (AHMR) Parts A, B, and C
- Must submit proof of swim classification (any level is accepted)
2023 National Scout Jamboree
July 19-28, 2023
The National Scout Jamboree is a gathering of thousands of members of the Boy Scouts of America, usually held every four years and organized by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Since 1937, the Jamboree has been held at various locations around the country.
Scouting’s next big adventure is on the way July 19-28, 2023! Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Sea Scouts attending the Jamboree will enjoy more than five miles of zip line and challenge courses, 36 miles of mountain bike trails, and 13 acres of shooting sports ranges on a sprawling 10,600-acre site in West Virginia! There are also world class venues for white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, bouldering, skateboarding, and BMX, as well as arena shows, exhibit areas, and more.
Youth members sign up to attend the Jamboree through their council. Tidewater Council plans to send a troop of male youth, a half troop of female youth, and a partial crew of Venturing/Sea Scouting youth. There are 61 places for youth participants.
The youth fee to attend the National Jamboree as part of the Tidewater Council contingent is approximately $1,950.00. The exact fee will be announced after the National Council releases the National Scout Jamboree fee.
Adult participants are limited to seven spaces. Adults wanting to attend with the council contingent must express interest in being a contingent leader and can click here to submit an interest form. Interest forms must be received by the council office by January 15.
Contingent adult leaders are selected by a council Jamboree committee. Interested adults will receive information concerning the selection process after submitting an interest form. The qualifications for an adult leader to attend Jamboree are on the interest form.
Adults also can attend the Jamboree as staff members. The National Council has not yet released the information on staff positions for the 2023 National Scout Jamboree.
News
Pinewood Derby
Get your engines ready – we are almost to Pinewood Derby season!
What is a Pinewood Derby? The Pinewood Derby is one of the most popular and successful family activities in Cub Scouting. Cub Scouts design and build their own small wooden cars, with some help from their families. Then they race their cars in competition, down a gravity-powered track.
Win or lose, Cub Scouts will take pride in having done their best. Cub Scouts learn craft skills, STEM principles, the rules of fair play, and good sportsmanship—things they will remember for life.
You can view the 2022 Pinewood Derby Rules & Procedures for Tidewater Council here. Scouts must make a new car each year. Be on the lookout for district derby information coming soon. Scouts who qualify in the top three of their class at the district level will qualify for the council derby. We hope to see you there!
Blue Heron Lodge
Arrowmen, the time has come for us to renew our dues for the 2022 Service Year. You can pay your dues online here or at the Scout Shop using this form. It is incredibly important that you pay your dues, as it helps us support our program for Scouts throughout Hampton Roads and Northeastern North Carolina, as well as aiding our Lodge Performance. Pay your dues before January 31 and qualify for the early bird fee. Thank you all for your dedication and support to Blue Heron Lodge.
Scout Shop
A new year is beginning with lots of fun events ahead! Pinewood Derby races, Scout Sunday, Blue and Gold celebrations, and Arrow of Light crossovers are all events supported by the Scout Shop. From Pinewood Derby accessories to new uniforms and books, the Scout Shop can supply the need.
Pinewood Derby
Pinewood Derby car kits and accessories are hot sellers in January, and we have a good supply in stock. Come in and shop for weights, decals, display cases, and more!
Journey to Excellence Patches
We will be taking orders for the 2021 Journey to Excellence (JTE) patches as long as they are available. The order form is available online or in the Scout Shop. The patches are $2.25 each and orders must be prepaid.
Winter Camping
We have gear you might need for winter camping, including sleeping bags, emergency blankets, extra warm socks, and many other items to help keep you warm and dry. Give us a call or come in and shop!
Thank You!
Our year-end store inventory went great thanks to some wonderful volunteers! A big THANK YOU to Mike & Sharon Scott, Brandy Schlossberg, Bridget S., Brian & Elena Kaneta, Georg Dahl, Mary Jo Robins, Erica Ward, Scott & Kathy Lull, Joann West, Ethan Rinehart, and RJ S. This huge and tedious year-end job can only be accomplished with help, and we are extremely grateful!
Shipping
We continue to ship orders by USPS. With the holidays behind us, orders should be delivered faster. Give us a call at 757-497-2688 or email polly.fugate@scouting.org.
Scout Shop Hours
Camp Staff for Summer Camp 2022
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, Commissioners, and administration. Program areas include aquatics, shooting sports, Scout skills for new Scouts and for seasoned Scouts, handicraft, cook-crew, and more.
You must be at least 14 years of age by June 20, 2022 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.
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.
You Have Submitted Your Charter – Now What?
You have submitted your unit’s annual charter renewal package to the council for review and approval. The council’s registrar will review the package for any problems, and then post it to National. You will receive an email from the council once the charter is posted or if there are any questions or problems that need to be fixed.
After the charter is posted, you can print your charter certificate, membership cards, and unit rosters.
Why Take Training?
Thank you for volunteering to be a Scout leader. As with any new job, there are onboarding courses you need to take to fully understand your responsibilities and be able to deliver the best possible program to the youth. The various online modules can be completed at your leisure or you can take one of the council’s facilitated courses. The online courses can be found in your my.scouting.org account. Once you have completed the onboarding courses for your position, you can wear the Trained patch.
Once you have earned the Trained patch, there are other training opportunities to help you improve the program at your unit.
Annually, Tidewater Council offers large-scale training opportunities at Pow-Wow and University of Scouting. University of Scouting will be offered in March, with many courses covering everything from unit administration to developing your program skills. Pow-Wow focuses primarily on training for Cub Scout leaders and is planned for the fall.
If you have questions about training, contact your district training chair.
Scouts BSA How-To Videos
Videos are available on a wide range of topics to help Scouts BSA leaders and Senior Patrol Leaders. Visit scouting.org/training/adult/learning-library/scouts-bsa-how-to-videos/ for videos about:
- Campcraft Skills
- Troop Meetings
- Program Features
- Activities
Leader Recognition
While April is volunteer recognition month, the unit’s February Scouting anniversary event, such as a Blue and Gold banquet, is a good time to recognize volunteers who give so much to make the Scouts successful. There various training awards to recognize unit Scouters for tenure, training, and performance in their leadership roles. Information about the various training awards can be found at the bottom of this page.
BSA Interpreter Strip
Youth and adults qualify to wear the BSA Interpreter Strip if they show knowledge of a foreign language or sign language. To assist with qualifying for the strip, National has developed this form for unit use. The form does NOT need to be turned in to purchase the strip. Foreign language instructors are excellent resources for qualifying youth.
Development Corner
Support Scouting
There are many ways to support local Scouting and build our community’s next generation of leaders:
- Federal employees, you can designate your Combined Federal Campaign contribution to local Scouting with CFC Code: 94511.
- If you give to United Way, you can designate your gift to Tidewater Council. Tidewater Council is a partner agency with United Way of South Hampton Roads and Albemarle Area United Way.
- If you shop on Amazon, use AmazonSmile and designate Tidewater Council as your charity. Amazon will donate to Tidewater Council at no cost to you.
- Donate online or learn more about James E. West Fellowships and tribute gifts at tidewaterbsa.com/support.
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.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is considered “any activity that diverts the driver’s attention away from driving,” according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The distractions can include a wide range of a driver’s or passenger’s personal actions or activities while in a vehicle. Even if a driver is only trying to keep Scouts in their seats while the vehicle is in motion, that is a distraction.
Unit Commissioners
Unit commissioners provide service to Scouting units. They are mentors, coaches, and helpers to unit leadership. The support unit growth, help with program development, and charter renewal. If you feel you have the qualities to be such a person, talk to your district commissioner.
Northern Tier Adventure
Celebrate 100 years of wilderness adventure through a 2023 Northern Tier trek. Registration opens January 12, 2022. Canoe camping treks are a Northern Tier specialty. With the thick Boreal Forest making trails difficult to navigate and maintain, canoes are the preferred mode of transportation in the Northern Forest. Northern Tier equips each crew with the necessary outfitting needed and a private interpreter to ensure their trip is a success. The interpreter works alongside the crew and its youth leadership to make it a youth-led experience and teaches them the skills they need to succeed in the wilderness.
COVID-19 Assistance
Does your family need assistance due to COVID-19? 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.
Scouts in Action
Congratulations to some of Tidewater Council’s newest Eagle Scouts!
Congratulations to the top-selling Scouts in the 2021 Popcorn Sale!
A huge thank you to the amazing volunteer popcorn team who made our 2021 sale a success!
Albemarle District Popcorn Kernel: Brenda Johnson
Bayside District Popcorn Kernel: Erin Alford
Bayside District Popcorn Kernel: Liz Conner
Princess Anne District Popcorn Kernel: Tony Montemurno
Three Rivers District Popcorn Kernel: Beth Albertson
Three Rivers District Popcorn Kernel: Rudy Nimmo
Council Popcorn Kernel: Pam Samples
We could not have done it without you!
Pack 158 gave back to the community through caroling at the nearby assisted living center. Great job Scouts! The residents enjoy your annual visit.
Scouts and volunteers throughout Tidewater Council honored our heroes on December 18 with Wreaths Across America.
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