Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Order of the Arrow Holiday Banquet
December 10
Arrowmen of the Blue Heron Lodge, the end of our 75th Anniversary year is quickly approaching, and we have a wonderful event planned: our 2022 Holiday Banquet!
- Mouth-watering menu
- Wonderful entertainment
- Door prizes
- Installation of newly elected Lodge Officers
- Presentation of awards
- Golden Arrow
- The Spirit Award
- The Honor Arrowmen
- New Ordeal members
- Those who completed their Brotherhood walks
- The Vigil Class of 2022
- The Silver Heron (James E. West) Award
- The Founders Award
Registration is on Black Pug and the cost is $20.00 per person. Registration is open to all Arrowmen, their families, and friends. Don’t wait too long, as tickets are limited.
If you have any questions, please contact Event Advisor Marie Kane at Pa2va96@cox.net.
NOESA Nomination Deadline
December 16
Applications are now being accepted for the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Outstanding Eagle Scout Award. More information and the nomination form can be found on nesa.org. Completed applications are due by 4 PM on Thursday, December 16, 2022, electronically to Rich Becker at richard.becker@scouting.org and Justin Kilmer at jkilmer@boatguys.org.
Learn about Tidewater Council’s two 2021 NOESA recipients:
Wreaths Across America
December 17
Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 1,600 locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad. Find your local cemetery by visiting wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Winter Camp
January 13-16, 2023
Registration for Winter Camp participants is waitlist-only, but Merit Badge Counselors and staff are 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
Albemarle District Freezoree
January 27-29, 2023
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 the 2023 Winter Weekend.
Join us January 27-29, 2023 at Maple Commerce Park, Barco, NC. All Tidewater Council troops, crews, and ships are welcome to attend.
Scout Day at Winterplace Ski Resort
January 29, 2023
Ski at Winterplace Ski Resort in West Virginia!
Scouts and their guests are invited to spend the day on the slopes at Winterplace Ski Resort at a special discounted rate – up to 50% off!
The $80 Ski Package includes:
- A full day (open to close) lift ticket
- Ski rental equipment (boots, poles, skis)
- Helmet
- Customized 90-minute group lesson (based on availability; must be minimum age 8 for group lesson)
- Meal voucher ($10.00 value)
Add-ons are available for snowboard rental, extra meal vouchers, and snowtubing.
Students in Dare County, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach do not have school on Monday, January 30, which allows those Scouts an extra travel day after an exciting Sunday on the slopes. Scout units and families are responsible for their own lodging and transportation.
Adams Award Deadline
January 31, 2023
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.
Nominations are due to the council by January 31, 2023. The youth must have passed their Eagle Board of Review between January 1 – December 31, 2022.
Read about Tidewater Council’s 2021 Adams Award recipient here.
Camp Cards Kickoff and Training
January 31, 2023
Save the date for January 31 to kickoff the 2023 Camp Cards sale. More information is coming soon.
Scouting for Food
February 4-12, 2023
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 and/or door hangers 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 4-5, 2023, and return to pick-up donations on February 11-12, 2023.
Units should select a Scouting for Food Coordinator. More information is coming soon.
Silver Beaver Nomination Deadline
February 4, 2023
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 cutcharmstrong@live.com and alison.harrison@scouting.org.
Learn about Tidewater Council’s three most recent Silver Beaver recipients:
Klondike Derby
Quest for Gold
February 24-26, 2023
Are you ready to go on a hunt for gold? Are you ready for some competition? If you answered yes, then it’s time to sign up for the 2023 Klondike Derby: Quest for the Gold!
Join us in beautiful Camp Lions, Pipsico Scout Reservation with your sled to compete in skills from first aid, wilderness survival, fire-building, cooking, pioneering, and rifle shooting. The Blue Heron Lodge will conduct an OA Call-Out Ceremony on Saturday night.
Station Coordinators Needed
The Klondike Derby Committee is looking for one adult and one youth to run a station during the derby. There is a special patch for those who run a station. If you are interested, please contact Mike Maruska at mikemaruska1179@gmail.com.
VFW Scout of the Year Nomination Deadline
March 1, 2023
Annually, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) awards three individuals who have risen above their peers in exemplifying the qualities of the highest youth Scouting ranks. Recipients can be awarded scholarships at both the local and national levels.
The deadline to apply is March 1, 2023 at 11 PM. Please review the local handout from VFW Post 392 for more information, as well as the brochure and entry form.
University of Scouting
March 11, 2023
University of Scouting is a fun-filled, hands-on opportunity for leaders to network and gain skills. University of Scouting offers courses for leaders in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Sea Scouts, Venturing, as well as programs for Commissioners, Doctoral Students, and youth leaders. Courses include STEM, songs and skits, knots, event planning, high adventure, recruiting, fundraising, and more. New ideas are always welcome.
Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader
To help as a staff member, instructor, or dean, please contact Keegan Daley at TidewaterUniversityOfScouting@gmail.com.
2023 Annual Leadership Breakfast
March 15, 2023
We are pleased to announce the keynote speaker for Tidewater Council’s 2023 Annual Leadership Breakfast: Mark Moseley!
With an impressive NFL career spanning 1970-1987, Mark Moseley is the all-time scoring leader for Washington’s NFL team.
To learn more about how you, your company, or your community group can host a table, please contact Linda Boyce at linda.boyce@scouting.org.
Wood Badge
March 24-26, 2023 and April 22-23, 2023
Wood Badge is the preeminent Scouting leadership program for adult leaders. Wood Badge courses make Scouters better leaders by teaching advanced leadership skills, and by creating a bond amongst leaders working toward improving Scouting for all.
Attending Wood Badge is an amazing personal experience. Participants develop lasting friendships. The personal and professional skills learned at Wood Badge help Scouts, Scouting units, and even benefit participants in their careers.
Wood Badge Course NST15-596-23 will be held at Pipsico Scout Reservation on Friday, March 24 – Sunday, March 26 and Saturday, April 22 – Sunday, April 23, 2023. Participants must attend both weekends of the course activities to complete the practical phase of the training.
For more information, contact NST15-596-23 Course Director Matthew Hipsher at dubroq@gmail.com or your district training chair.
Scout Day at The Adventure Park
May 7, 2023
The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium presents Boy Scouts Tidewater Council Day on May 7, 2023!
Members of Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring, and their guests, are invited to enjoy an “adventure in the trees,” with aerial trails, challenge bridges, and zip lines. Scouts and their guests can register at the discounted rate of $45, and Scouts who bring a uniform item will receive a special patch. Per the Guide to Safe Scouting and the the BSA’s Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities, this event is not for Cub Scout packs.
Each timed ticket will include a 30-minute safety briefing and harnessing session and a three-hour climbing session. Register for your climbing adventure here.
Day Camp 2023 - Off to the Races
June & July 2023
Join us for a weeklong adventure with racing-themed games, activities, and fun. Your district day camp pit crew wants you to join them in planning the 2023 racing season. Do you want to see car racing or foot racing? How about drag racing?
The day camp planning committee meets the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM at Great Bridge Baptist Church. Unit representatives are welcome to attend.
The tentative dates for 2023 day camps are:
- June 12-16 in Albemarle; contact Tiffany Bounds at tnt8596@yahoo.com
- June 19-23 in Princess Anne; contact Dave Montoto at totdope@yahoo.com
- June 19-23 in Bayside; contact Amy DeVault at konshak@yahooo.com
- June 26-30 (twilight camp) in Three Rivers; contact Kirsten Misfeldt at kmisfeldt62@gmail.com
Summer Camp 2023
June & July 2023
Pipsico Scout Reservation offers Scouts and Scouters the opportunity to immerse themselves in a positive camping environment, at a beautiful property, with a friendly camp staff. Tidewater Council is proud to offer quality programs for everyone.
Week #1 – June 25 to July 1
Week #2 – July 2 to July 8
Week #3 – July 9 to July 15
Week #4 – July 16 to July 22
2023 National Scout Jamboree
July 19-28, 2023
The National Scout Jamboree, Scouting’s flagship event, is one-of-a-kind. Over the course of ten summer days, tens of thousands of members of the Boy Scouts of America from across the country gather together to explore all kinds of adventures—stadium shows, pioneer village, Mount Jack hikes, adventure sports, and more—in the heart of one of nature’s greatest playgrounds. With 10,000 acres to explore at the Summit, there is no shortage of opportunities to build Scouting memories.
Tidewater Council is organizing a contingent to attend this awesome event in West Virginia. The contingent will consist of:
- Two male Scouts BSA troops (72 youth and eight adults)
- One female Scouts BSA troop (36 youth and four adults)
- One Venturing crew (36 youth and four adults)
If your unit would like a presentation about the National Scout Jamboree and the adventure and activities available, contact Erich Röetz.
News
Hooked on Scouting Competition
Fish and win!
The Competition
Post a photo of your Scout and their catch on Facebook and/or Instagram with hashtag #HookedOnScoutingTWC to enter. Entries will be judged based on fish size, Scouting spirit, and Scouting attire.
The Prize
Two winners per month will receive a fishing tackle set with a telescopic fiberglass fishing rod!
The Winners
This contest is open to currently registered youth members of Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America.
Monthly from September 2022 to December 2022, two winners will be selected. One winner will be a Cub Scout and the second winner will be a member of Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, or Exploring.
Each Scout may enter as many times as they’d like, but may only win once.
Scout Shop
Since December is the shortest month of the year for the Scout Shop, there’s no time to waste for Scout-related gift shopping. We have some good ideas for cool gifts and fun stocking stuffers for the Season of Giving.
Stocking Stuffers and Gifts $10 and Under
Stocking stuffers and gifts $10 and under include:
- Tiger and Cub Scout wallets
- Coghlan’s four-function whistles
- Sharpening stones
- 37-piece First Aid kits
- Live & Learn cards
- Drawstring bags for Cub Scout ranks
- Various flashlights
- Knot pamphlets
- Emergency sleeping bags
Gifts $20 and Under
Gifts $20 and under include select:
- Mess kits
- Knives
- Lanterns
- Bottles
- Compasses
- Book covers
- The Smithsonian Telescope
- A wide selection of games
Fall Outerwear
We still have the BSA and Eagle Hoodies ($54.99), Cub Scout Hoodies ($24.99), and the traditional red wool shirt-jackets ($84.99), all warm gifts for the winter.
NEW Polo Shirts
New this fall are the Tidewater Council polo shirts available in black, white, maroon, navy, and dark forest green. These polyester moisture-wicking polos come in adult sizes medium – XL ($26) and 2XL ($28). At these prices, you can get one in each color! These polo shirts are not only comfortable, but also a convenient way to advertise Scouting and our council.
Gift Certificates
Gift certificates are available in any amount, may be used for anything in our Scout Shop, and are often the best solution when you aren’t sure what your Scout may want or need. They don’t have to be redeemed all at once and can be used over multiple visits.
Shipping
Any special orders need to be placed early in December to allow time for shipping if needed by the holidays. Our last day of shipping anything from the Scout Shop will be Wednesday, December 21.
Scout Shop Hours
Our holiday closings are:
- Closed on Friday, December 16 for a staff meeting
- Closed on December 23-26 for Christmas
- Open on December 27 and 28
- Closed on December 29 – January 4 for inventory, New Year’s, and software transitioning
- Open on Thursday, January 5 for the New Year!
Happy Holidays from the Scout Shop!
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.
Bunk Beds
On average, 36,000 injuries related to bunk beds occur in the United States each year, according to Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The head and neck are most prone to injuries due to falls from bunk beds. Our Scouting family is not immune to this risk. Bunk beds and bunk-bed cots are especially useful in sleeping quarters where the amount of space is limited. However, make sure to follow the necessary safety practices to help prevent injuries.
Arrow of Light Den Camping Reminders
The Arrow of Light Scouting Adventure is an important step in preparing Arrow of Light Scouts to transition into Scouts BSA troops. Part of this adventure provides Arrow of Light Scouts with the opportunity to “participate in a troop’s campout or other outdoor activity.”
As with all Scouting activities, this participation must follow the policies of the Boy Scouts of America as outlined in the Guide to Safe Scouting.
Helpful Tips
- It is not required for the Scouts to camp overnight. The troop event could be a campout or other outdoor activity, such as an age-appropriate hike. The Arrow of Light den, the den leadership, and the hosting Scouts BSA troop should collaborate to decide on the activity.
- If the troop and pack do not share the same charter partner, the troop and pack/den must receive permission from the council to hold the joining activity. Contact the district executive for assistance.
- Arrow of Light Scouts cannot participate in a Scouts BSA camporee as overnight guests. They may participate during the day in age-appropriate activities.
- Regardless of the activity, verify that the planned Arrow of Light “Scouting Adventure” aligns with the policies in the Guide to Safe Scouting, including whether the planned activities are approved for Arrow of Light Scout participation. Review the Age Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities.
- Arrow of Light dens cannot be family dens. Each Arrow of Light den must participate with a Scouts BSA troop of the corresponding gender.
- If the outdoor event is an overnight campout and the Arrow of Light Scouts are staying overnight, the Arrow of Light den must camp according to the specific camping guidance for Cub Scouts found in the Guide to Safe Scouting. This includes:
- The den must have a BALOO-trained adult leader in attendance.
- Each Scout should attend with their parent(s) or guardian(s).
- A Webelos or Arrow of Light Scout whose parent or legal guardian cannot attend a den overnight camping trip may participate under the supervision of at least two registered leaders. The leaders and a parent or legal guardian must agree to the arrangement, and all Youth Protection policies apply. Reminder, a Scout cannot share a tent with any adult other than their parent or guardian.
- Cub Scout youth may tent with a parent or guardian as outlined in Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse.
- Arrow of Light den leaders and Scouts BSA troop youth leaders and adults should use the SAFE Checklist to plan a successful event.
"Use the patrol method while on the outing."
Engage the youth leadership of the collaborating troop to find ways they can help the Arrow of Light Scouts in attendance see and experience the patrol method. There are many wonderful ways to use the patrol method during the event, such as:
- Assign a member of the Arrow of Light den to serve as the “patrol leader” of their “Arrow of Light patrol” during the event.
- Provide the Arrow of Light den the opportunity to divide up chores or other necessary tasks to enable them to work together to meet their group’s goals.
- Showcase the patrol method through the Scouts BSA patrols in attendance at the activity so the Arrow of Light Scouts can see the value and fun that comes from participating in a patrol.
Serving Scouts with Disabilities
The basic premise of Scouting for youth with disabilities is that all youth want to participate fully and be respected like every other member of the unit. While there are units exclusively composed of Scouts with disabilities, experience has shown that Scouting usually succeeds best when every Scout is part of an inclusive unit. Unit commissioners are the first point of contact for assistance. There also are several resources available online here.
Enhancing Disability Awareness
The Inclusion Toolbox is adding new modules.
The primary purpose of Module J (Understanding Anxiety, Depression and Other Mental Health Concerns) is to help leaders recognize when a Scout may be struggling, how they can support the Scout, and when these struggles are a cause for concern.
Module BB-5 helps Handicraft and STEM instructors at Scout camps adapt their activities to support Scouts with limited physical dexterity.
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
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.
2023 Jamboree Service Team
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Support
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Support Staff is a new service team that will be responsible for helping to ensure that the Jamboree is an inclusive and accessible event. The team will host community spaces for various identity groups (e.g., women, Scouts of color, LGBTQ+ Scouts and allies, etc.) and provide ad hoc consultation and support to contingents and staff to meet inclusion and accessibility needs. The DEI support staff will be expected to participate in pre-Jamboree trainings.
To apply, use one of the following position numbers:
- #9505 – Diversity Equity and Inclusion Support Staff
- #9506 – Diversity Equity and Inclusion Young Adult Ambassadors
- #6138 – Disabilities Activity Center
Register now at jamboree.scouting.org/jamboree-service-team/.
Base Camp Mental Health Officers
Mental health professionals, be a part of cutting-edge mental health care at National Scout Jamboree 2023. Since 2010, mental health support for participants and staff has been embedded in Jamboree medical clinics. Learn more here.
Volunteer with the Membership Team
The Tidewater Council Membership Team is looking for volunteer assistance from Spanish-speaking Scouters, to speak to potential chartered partners and help form units to serve our Hispanic community.
If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact Dave Bussiere at dave.bussiere@gmail.com or 757-575-4117.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Pack 350, Pack 791, Troop 791, and Troop 1791 supported their chartering organization, Nimmo United Methodist Church. Together, they conducted the Nimmo UMC Scout Food Drive and collected 825 pounds of food for the church’s food pantry. The Scouts helped with an important mission of their chartered organization, and their gracious donations will feed local families in their own neighborhood in southeastern Virginia Beach. Great work!
James Bennett of Pack 67 and Anne and Dave Bussiere of Pack 374 staffed a BSA outreach event at the Autism Summit held at the YMCA Camp Grom on November 12. James, Anne, and Dave interacted with numerous families and autism specialist organizations. Several families expressed an interest in joining BSA. Thank you for your outreach and inclusion efforts!
Cub Scout leaders had a lot of fun – and learned a lot – at Pow Wow on December 3.
If you missed Pow Wow, or if you enjoyed it and cannot wait for another hands-on training event, save the date for University of Scouting on March 11, 2023!
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