“EK” Electronic Knapsack – November 5, 2025

Table of Contents

Upcoming Events

Tidewater Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony

November 10 and 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 2025 Tidewater Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront!

This year will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, and The Moving Wall will be displayed inside the Virginia Beach Convention Center. This is a unique opportunity to view a half-size traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Wreath Laying Ceremony: November 10

Scouts, leaders, and families are invited to a wreath laying ceremony at 6 PM on Monday, November 10 at the Moving Wall in the Virginia Beach Convention Center. RSVP on Black Pug by November 9.

Parade: November 11

All units marching in the parade are requested to bring their American and unit flags. Scouts and leaders should be in uniform. Scouts are invited to remain for the Memorial Service.

Register your unit to march in the parade and pre-order your patches no later than November 10, 2025. Registration is required, and a patch is available by pre-order only. 

Princess Anne District Fall 2025 Cuboree Patch, Fall STEM Academy, The Curious Cauldron

The Curious Cauldron – A Cub Fall STEM Academy

November 22

The Curious Cauldron field day has been rescheduled after the October nor’easter. Sign up now for Cub Scout fun on Saturday, November 22!

Stir up a bubbling brew of STEM adventures, range and target activities, and fall thrills with Princess Anne and Bayside districts.

Location

Columbian Club
1236 Prosperity Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Event Schedule

Saturday, November 22:

  • 9:00 AM – 12:25 PM: Open Stations – Choose your own
  • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch
  • 1:35 PM – 5:00 PM: Open Stations – Choose your own
  • 5:00 PM: Clean up
Pricing
  • Day Pass (Cub Scouts, parents/guardians, siblings, adult leaders): $11 each
  • New Scout + One Parent/Guardian (see details below): FREE
  • Additional parent/guardian or sibling of a new Scout: $11 each
  • Youth siblings ages 4 and under: Free with the registration of a parent/guardian, as no program is provided for these attendees.
Special Offer for New Scouts

New Scouts who joined after August 1, 2025 are invited to attend Saturday’s day event for FREE (includes one Scout and one parent/guardian). They’ll also get a chance to launch their new airplanes Saturday after lunch!

Additional parents/guardians or siblings of new Scouts pay the Day Visit price of $11 each.

Event Patch

All registered Cub Scouts and staff receive a patch, while supplies last.

Meals

Units and attendees are responsible for providing their own meals. 

Giving Tuesday

December 2

Giving Tuesday, the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, is an annual global day of generosity.

On December 2, join a day of giving that directly impacts Scouts and families in Tidewater Council. When you give locally, you’re helping provide outdoor experiences, life-skills programming, and leadership training that make Scouting possible for every youth who wants to participate.

Your generosity, no matter the amount, helps a Scout discover their potential, build confidence, and grow into a leader.

Scout Night with the Norfolk Admirals. Saturday, December 6th.

Scout Night with the Norfolk Admirals

December 6

Join the Scouts to cheer on the Norfolk Admirals as they take on the Florida Everblades!

Tickets are now available for $18 each at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. A portion of ticket sales supports local Scouting. Units purchasing tickets will be recognized on the video board.

The tickets purchased in the Scout Shop are actual tickets with assigned seats. If you are attending Scout Night with the Norfolk Admirals as a unit or with a group, please purchase the tickets together to ensure you are seated together.

Patch design for Albemarle District 2026 Highland Games

Albemarle District Freezoree

January 23-25, 2026

It is hereby decreed that all the clans (troops, posts, crews, and ships) within the lands held by Lord Proprietor of the Carolinas and Commander and Chief of Scotland, George Monck, the 1st Duke of Albemarle (the area of Albemarle District) shall present all their able-bodied youth for testing of athletic prowess and skill at the Albemarle District Highland Games. Clans of the Tidewater region in the Colony of Virginia are duly invited. The games will be held at the Encampment of Dinkerderry in Tyner in the County of Chowan within the Province of Carolina. 

The events shall include the Haggis Hurl, Tug O’ War, Welly Tossing, Raiding Ladder Build, Sheaf Toss, and Maide-leisg. Clans are encouraged to adopt a tartan and wear it to all events. Tastefully worn kilts are highly encouraged.

Mark ye calendars!

Tidewater Council shipswheel logo

Council Camporall

April 17-19, 2026

Discover a Tidewater American Adventure at the 2026 Council Camporall at Pipsico Scout Reservation!

The Camporall invites Scouts ages 11+ to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with program areas centered around eras of America, such as the Old West and the Space Age. Be Prepared for Camporall-wide competitions, engaging activities, and lots of outdoor fun!

Save the date for April 17-19, 2026!

Design the 2026 Camporall Patch!

Here’s your chance to make history! Tidewater Council is hosting a Patch Design Contest for the 2026 Camporall: Tidewater American Adventure. The Camporall Committee is looking for a bold, creative design that captures the spirit of Scouting and celebrates the adventure, diversity, and unity of Scouts across our great nation. Your artwork could become the official patch worn by every participant at the 2026 Camporall!

Who Can Enter: Scouts BSA members from Tidewater Council
Deadline: Submissions must be received by Saturday, November 15, 2025.
How to Submit: Email the design to [email protected] or drop it off at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center.

Show off your artistic skills, earn bragging rights, win a prize, and help represent our council’s pride at this milestone event. Start sketching and submit your design today. Your patch could be the one everyone wears!

Wood Badge

May 1-3, 2026 and May 30-31, 2026

Wood Badge is the premier, global training for Scout leaders. It’s a course for enhancing leadership skills, for learning about team development, for networking, for personal growth and development, all rolled into two fun-filled weekends of camping and Scouting.

Whether you’re completely new to Scouting or you’ve been a member for decades, Wood Badge is for you. “The Expert in Anything was Once a Beginner.”

Join us at awesome Pipsico Scout Reservation, where we will walk through the journey of a Scout, from Cub Scouting to Scouts BSA to Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring. Explore ways you can enhance the Scouting program for today’s youth and beyond.

Learn More
Registration
  • Register online through Black Pug.
  • Payment is self-paced, and a $50.00 deposit will hold your place.
  • Full payment must be submitted by March 31, 2026.
  • Scholarships are available. Scholarship applications must be submitted by February 27, 2026. Scholarship forms and instructions are available on the Black Pug registration page.
Contact

For questions, reach out to 2026 Wood Badge Course Director Tom Conter at [email protected].

Pipsico Scout Reservation Summer Camp

June-July 2026

Pipsico Scout Reservation offers a wide variety of activities and programs that enable Scouts to earn awards while having fun!

Facilities include a 40-foot climbing and rappelling tower, air conditioned dining hall, swimming pool with ramp access for those with mobility needs, recently-renovated aquatics center, fully equipped health lodge, trading post, ranges for range and target activities, and more.

All Pipsico programs and facilities are Nationally Accredited.

What are you waiting for? Sign up for Summer Camp 2026 today and get ready for an awesome camping experience, at a beautiful property, with a friendly camp staff!

Week 1: June 21 – June 27
Week 2: June 28 – July 4
Week 3:
July 5 – July 11
Week 4: July 12 – July 18

2026 National Jamboree logo. Scouting America Elevate 2026 National Jamboree

National Scout Jamboree

July 22-31, 2026

Get ready for the ultimate Scouting experience! The 2026 National Scout Jamboree, being held from July 22-31, 2026 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia, is more than just an event—it is a high-adventure, memory-making, confidence-building journey that your Scout will never forget.

Picture thousands of Scouts from across the country coming together for ten action-packed days of ziplining, mountain biking, rock climbing, water sports, skateboarding, fishing, patch trading, leadership development, and lifelong friendships.

The National Scout Jamboree is a chance for Scouts to grow, explore, and connect in a way that only Scouting can offer. Whether they are looking for adrenaline-pumping adventure or a deeper connection to the Scouting movement, the Jamboree delivers.

Do not miss this incredible opportunity to be part of something big. Spots are filling quickly—learn how your Scout can be part of the excitement by visiting TidewaterBSA.com/jamboree. Sign up today!

National Scholarship Program

Dreaming of the 2026 National Jamboree but concerned about the cost? The National Scholarship Program is here to help!

The National Scholarship Program for the 2026 National Jamboree is designed specifically for Scouts who are excited to join this life-changing experience but may need financial support to make it happen.

Details
  • Scholarships cover a portion of the national registration fee.
  • Additional council fees (travel, gear, etc.) are not included.
  • Full scholarships are rare; most awards cover less than half the national fee.
  • Staff members are not eligible, but those aged 16–29 receive a reduced staff fee.
Deadlines
  • Round 2: Apply by November 30, 2025 (notifications by mid-winter)
How to Apply
  1. Visit the official Jamboree site at Jamboree.Scouting.org/participants.
  2. Complete the online scholarship application.
  3. Submit by the deadline.

Don’t let finances hold you back. Apply today and take the first step toward an unforgettable adventure!

National Scout Jamboree Staff Band drummers
2026 National Jamboree Staff Band

The 2026 National Jamboree Band is actively seeking talented musicians to join its full-time staff ensemble. Composed entirely of registered Scouts and Scouters, the band provides musical support for ceremonies, special events, concerts, and entertainment throughout the National Jamboree for thousands of attendees.

Seeking
  • Registered Scouts and Scouters with musical experience
  • All instrument positions available, including drumline
  • Repertoire includes popular music, patriotic selections, marches, and pep band favorites
Eligibility
  • Young adult staff: Ages 16-29
  • Adult staff: Ages 30+ (Applications welcome, though initial preference given to youth staff)
How to Apply

Join an unforgettable experience combining a love of music with the adventure of the National Jamboree!

MOHAB logo. Honor. Courage. Service. Leadership.

MOHAB Trek

June 26 - July 5, 2027

Join the Tidewater Council High Adventure Committee for an unforgettable trek and pack rafting trip to the Montana Outdoor High Adventure Base (MOHAB) in summer 2027!

MOHAB is unlike any other base. Its remote location and treks going into the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex offer many possibilities. With the rugged wilderness and the multi-sport expedition format, each trek becomes a truly unique experience. Participants will explore pristine landscapes, take on challenging physical and team-building experiences, while growing in independence and leadership throughout the adventure.

Registration

Ready to sign up? Submit the participant application here. No payment is due until the crew is filled and application is approved.

Logo for Poland 2027 World Scout 26th Jamboree Scout Mondial

World Scout Jamboree

July 30 - August 8, 2027

The World Scout Jamboree is held every four years around the world. The next Jamboree will be held in Gdansk, Poland in the summer of 2027 and will have approximately 45,000 Scouts and leaders from over 140 countries in attendance.

Age Requirements
  • Participants must be between the ages of 14-17 at the start of the Jamboree on July 30, 2027.
  • Those over 17 at the start of the Jamboree can apply to be a unit leader or on staff.
  • Those under age 14 are not eligible to attend the 2027 World Scout Jamboree. Save the date for the 2031 World Scout Jamboree in Denmark!
For More Information

News

Scouting Safety Moment

It is recommended to include a Scouting Safety Moment during meetings to inform Scouts and parents and keep everyone safe. Numerous Scouting Safety Moments are available here.

BSA SAFE Logo
Energy Drinks

The consumption of energy drinks by children may lead to serious medical consequences. The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that, “stimulant-containing energy drinks have no place in the diet of children and adolescents.”

Energy drinks contain stimulants such as caffeine and unregulated additives that may increase caffeine’s potency. Their use is discouraged by Scouting America.

Street sign reading "Registrar's Corner"

Registrar's Corner

Membership Renewal for Leaders

Tidewater Council’s Scouting Registration Renewal Form is used only to renew CURRENT registered paid positions that are held within the council, district, and/or unit.

When a leader takes on a new position or there has been a change of position, an application needs to be submitted.

Adult registrations are not accepted until Safeguarding Youth Training is completed/current and their background check is cleared.

Safeguarding Youth Parents' Guide Video

As Scouting America continues to invest in youth safety, a Safeguarding Youth Parents’ Guide video has been released, which will also be sent directly to the parents/guardians of new members.

This new asset aims to share key aspects of Scouting America’s Safeguarding approach with new parents while encouraging them to take the full Safeguarding Youth Training and join the journey with their child.

The video does not replace the written Parent Guides, but instead acknowledges that people absorb information in different formats. Please watch the video, share it with parents and volunteers, and encourage others to share it as well.

Support A Scout - Snack Like A Hero

Popcorn

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

Online Sales

It is not too late for your unit to participate in the 2025 Popcorn Sale! Online sales continue until November 23. 

Online popcorn sales are an easy way to earn money for your unit, with no product handling or money handling required! The customer orders and pays online, with free shipping straight to the customer. Units earn 30% commission on online sales, and each Scout receives a unique Seller ID to ensure credit goes to the right unit. Sell online at prpopcornstore.com. If you do not know your Scout’s Seller ID, please contact the Unit Popcorn Kernel.

Now Hiring

Join Our Team graphic with Pipsico Scout Reservation logo
Summer Camp Staff Opportunities

Join the team at Pipsico Scout Reservation!

Are you ready to make a difference next summer and create unforgettable experiences for Scouts and fellow staff members? Pipsico Scout Reservation is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our team! Whether you’re passionate about outdoor education, adventure programming, or supporting behind the scenes, we have a role for you.

Positions Available

  • Camp Director
  • Program Director
  • Camp Commissioners
  • Area Directors: Huskanaw, Aquatics, Waterfront, Pool, Nature, Scout Craft, Heritage, Handicraft, Shooting Sports, Climbing, Trading Post, PEX High Adventure Program
  • Dining Hall Manager
  • Medic/Health and Safety Officer
  • Program Staff
  • Kitchen Crew
  • Camp Counselors
  • Administrative Support

Why Work at Pipsico?

  • Gain valuable leadership and teamwork skills.
  • Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while making lasting memories.
  • Be part of a vibrant and supportive Scouting community.

Don’t wait—applications are open and positions are filling fast!

Camp staff interviews will be conducted in-person during Zomboree on December 6, 2025 and again at Winter Camp on January 17, 2026. This is your chance to meet the team, ask questions, and secure your spot for an incredible summer experience.

logo for ScoutReach, Scouting America
ScoutReach Program Aide

Tidewater Council is seeking an enthusiastic, dependable, part-time ScoutReach Program Aide to help deliver engaging afterschool Scouting programs to youth in Portsmouth and Norfolk public schools. This role plays a vital part in ensuring that children in underserved communities experience the fun, leadership development, and values that Scouting offers.

Programs are held Monday through Wednesday from 3-6 PM, with occasional weekend outings. Flexible scheduling may be available. Applicants must be over 18, and a Scouting background is preferred.

Scout Shop

Eagle Scout Gifts

The Tidewater Council Scout Shop has several new Eagle Scout gift options!

The “Ascending Eagle” statue is a scale replica of the Ascending Eagle Statue at Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia, a tribute to females in Scouting.

The “Scout with Eagle” statue features a male Scout, and makes an excellent gift for Eagle Scouts and their mentors.

The Eagle Scout Memory Box is a great option to store all the gifts, cards, and mementos an Eagle Scout receives at their Eagle Court of Honor.

Swag Bags Are In!

Come check out the new Cub Scout swag bag! Each bag features a fun blue tie-dye pattern and comes with a frisbee, journal, and cool Cub Scout stickers. They make great bags to carry the Six Essentials during hikes and camping trips.

Scout Shop Hours

The Scout Shop’s next holiday closing is November 11 for Veterans Day.

Development Corner

Volunteers needed. Scouting America Tidewater Council.
Join the Finance Committee - Help Make a Difference with Scouting America Tidewater Council!

Do you have a few hours to share your time and talents in support of local Scouting? The Tidewater Council Finance Committee is seeking dedicated volunteers who are ready to make an impact behind the scenes and help grow and sustain the Scouting movement in our community.

We are seeking individuals with skills and interests in areas such as:

  • Good handwriting – to help craft meaningful, handwritten thank-you notes to our donors.
  • Microsoft proficiency – to assist with tracking, organizing, and preparing financial-related documents.
  • Creative writing – to write engaging thank-you letters, donor communications, and newsletters that highlight the great work happening in Scouting.
  • Registered Scouter status – or willingness to become registered, to fulfill Scouting America requirements while supporting the committee’s mission.

This is a wonderful opportunity for volunteers who enjoy thoughtful, detail-oriented work and who believe in the power of Scouting to shape future leaders. Your contributions will help us thank supporters, keep donors engaged, and ensure the financial health of Tidewater Council.

Whether you’re a longtime Scouter or someone looking for a meaningful way to get involved, we would love to have you join us!

If interested, please contact Christy Cooper at 208-597-6044 or [email protected] to learn more about joining the Finance Committee.

Together, we can make a difference for the Scouts of Tidewater Council!

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 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, or any outstanding Scout or Scouter.

Program Ideas

November
December
  • Learn a Foreign Language Month
  • National Slime Day: December 7
    • Make slime!
  • Wreaths Across America: December 13
    • Remember, honor, and teach about our servicemen and women by participating in this national event. Visit wreathsacrossamerica.org to find local opportunities to participate.
  • Bill of Rights Day: December 15
  • Wright Brothers Day: December 17
    • Work on the Aviation merit badge.
    • Learn about the history of flight right here in Tidewater! (Note: Before planning a visit to the the Wright Brothers National Memorial, visit the National Park Service website for information about the impact of the federal government funding lapse.)

Community Engagement

2025 Tidewater Veterans Day Parade: Honoring Vietnam Veterans

The 2025 Tidewater Veterans Day Parade will be a special opportunity to honor Vietnam War veterans, with the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. This year’s event will include The Moving Wall that honors those who passed in the war.

Any Vietnam War veterans who are interested in being a key component of the Scouting America Tidewater Council parade contingent should contact [email protected] to learn more.

Lynnhaven River Now Benefit Concert

The Virginia Arts Festival and Lynnhaven River Now (LRNow) are hosting a concert to uplift spirits with music that reflects the flow, life, and vitality of rivers and water. This special performance by musicians of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra celebrates LRNow, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring and protecting Virginia Beach waters and natural areas, ensuring clean and healthy waterways for wildlife and the community.

The family-friendly concert will last about an hour. Immediately following the performance, children and teens can enjoy a musician meet & greet, ask questions, and even try out a bass!

When: Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 4 PM

Location: Harrison Opera House in Norfolk

Tickets: All proceeds benefit LRNow. Click here for ticket information.

Musician Meet & Greet for Children/Teens: Free! Immediately following the performance, some of the musicians will be available for an informal question/answer session and instrument demo. Approximately 5:15-5:30 PM. RSVP is encouraged but not required.

This unique event is a chance to connect music, nature, and community while supporting clean and healthy Virginia Beach waters.

2026 Virginia DWR Archery Open

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) invites the archery and conservation community to participate in the 2026 DWR Archery Open. The second annual competition will take place Saturday, January 10, 2026 in Richmond, Virginia.

Registration is now open at dwr.virginia.gov/archery-open.

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.

Scouts in Action

Cub Scout Pack 408 with Mission: POW-MIA

Cub Scout Pack 408 met with Dave and Jeanie Huffman from Mission: POW-MIA, this year’s co-sponsor of the 2025 Veterans Day Parade. Dave Huffman is the former Scoutmaster of Troop 413 from the Three Rivers District, Jeanie Huffman is the daughter of CDR Edward J. Jacobs, JR (USN) MIA 25 Aug 1967, and they are both proud parents of two Tidewater Eagle Scouts. 

Mission: POW-MIA is an inclusive organization recognized for its transparency, determination, and dedication to end the uncertainty faced by generations of America’s POW-MIA Families. Its objective is to:

  1. Seek the fullest possible accounting of missing Americans from all past conflicts
  2. Engage with like-minded partner organizations
  3. Advocate for the missing and their families
  4. Research and investigate for case resolution
  5. Conduct outreach and education to current and future generations
  6. Honor the service and sacrifice of our MIAs and their families.

The Scouts learned about some of the successful repatriations of artifacts from the Vietnam War and some of the current and ongoing investigations, which includes Jeanie Huffman’s father, CDR Jacobs (USN), who was lost along with his plane and its crew off the island of Hon Me in Vietnam. The Scouts also learned of Captain Humberto “Rocky” Versace, who won the Medal of Honor for actions performed while a POW in Vietnam.  Dave and Jeanie Huffman presented the Scouts with Mission: POW-MIA bands, and Pack 408 presented the Huffmans with the 2025 Veterans Day Parade Patch at the conclusion of the presentation.

Dave Huffman, Executive Director of Mission: POW-MIA, giving a presentation to Cub Scout Pack 408, Virginia Beach
Cub Scout Pack 408 with Mission: POW-MIA
Blue Heron Lodge 2025 Vigil Class

Congratulations to Order of the Arrow, Blue Heron Lodge’s 2025 Vigil Class!

The Vigil Honor is the highest honor that the Order of the Arrow can bestow upon its members for service to lodge, council, and Scouting. These outstanding Scouts and Scouters completed their Vigil during Fall Fellowship at Pipsico Scout Reservation in October.

Scouting runs in the family! Tidewater Council Eagle Scouts Evan and Simone N. returned from college to help their younger brother, Randall, celebrate his Eagle Scout Court of Honor in October.

Pictured, from left: Randall, 2025 Eagle Scout; Evan, 2022 Eagle Scout; Simone, 2022 Eagle Scout; and Joel, 1986 Eagle Scout and father of three Tidewater Council Eagle Scouts

Eagle Court of Honor Family Photo: Randall, Evan, Simone, and Joel
Scouts at Holly Days in Camden, NC

Local Scouts supported the Camden Woman’s Club Holly Days: Festival of Gifts market on November 1-2 in Camden, NC. For more than 100 years, Camden Woman’s Club has worked to improve the community and enhance the lives of others.

At Holly Days, David S., Blue Heron Lodge Albemarle Chapter Chief and Troop 116 Scout, and Logan S., Albemarle Chapter Vice Chief and Troop 127 Scout, cheerfully served the busy market vendors their prepared meals at the Scout food court. Great job!

Scouting in the News

Scouting continues makes a positive impact in the community, and some recent news coverage has highlighted local Scouting’s programs and achievements:

We want to hear from you! Send stories, photos, and videos of your Scouts in action to [email protected] (with parental permission, of course). 

Subscribe

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of the “EK” Electronic Knapsack. Sign up to receive the latest Tidewater Council news.