Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Veterans Day Parade
November 11
Sign up now for the Hampton Roads Council of Veterans Organizations (HRCVO) Veterans Day Parade, celebrating America’s 250th!
The HRCVO Veterans Day Parade will be held on November 11, 2026 at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. A group picture of parade participants will take place before the parade starts.
The HRCVO Veterans Day Parade is one of 48 Regional Sites selected by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Veterans Day National Committee (VDNC) as official partners to hold VA-approved Veterans Day observances in 2026. The Mayors of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach signed a proclamation resolving that “citizens, businesses and organizations demonstrate due appreciation and respect for all veterans who have served our great nation.”
HRCVO Veterans Day Parade Patch
The 2026 Veterans Day Parade patch pays homage to the six branches of the US military and America’s 250th Anniversary. Behind the bald eagle’s head are blue waves representing the Atlantic Ocean. The gold star represents the American Gold Star Mothers, who are this year’s parade co-sponsor. Preorder patches now to be available for pick-up on the morning of the parade, starting at 7:30 AM.
Darden Gala
November 14 at 6 PM
The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center
Pull on your boots and dust off your best hat! Scouting America Tidewater Council invites you to an unforgettable evening of western fun at the 2026 Darden Gala, a fundraising event that helps local youth grow through Scouting.
Saluting Hon. George Allen and Mrs. Susan Allen
This year’s gala salutes Hon. George Allen and Mrs. Susan Allen as the 2026 Colgate W. Darden, Jr. Citizen Scouters of the Year, in recognition of their support of Scouting and the community. Join us as we celebrate them in true western style.
An Evening of Western Fun
Guests can look forward to:
- Saloon games
- Live and silent auctions
- Boot-stompin’ music by Chase Payne
- Good eats and great company
The dress code is Dressy Country Western. Not sure what that means? Visit TidewaterBSA.com/darden26 for tips.
Join Us
Individual tickets are just $100 per person. Reserve your tickets for the 2026 Darden Gala today using registration type “Adult Guest.”
Become a Sponsor
Sponsors make the evening possible and put their support for local youth on display. Sponsorships ranging from $2,000 – $10,000 come with tables, program ads, and recognition.
Game table and entertainment sponsorships are also available, ranging from $300 – $1,000, and each includes company name and logo recognition at the sponsored station.
See the 2026 Darden Gala Sponsorship flyer for more details.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Life Sponsors
The Anoia Family
The Garcia Companies
Star Sponsor
Atlantic Union Bank
First Class Sponsors
George & Susan Allen
The Barry Robinson Center
Blue Ridge Bank
Tom & Kathryn Callahan
Crenshaw, Ware & Martin, PLC
Gentry Locke Attorneys
J.M. Sykes, Inc. Construction
The Kilmer Family
Kubic Engineer Group
Theresa Sawyer
Southern Bank
Bruce & Christy Thompson
TowneBank
Get Involved
Whether you join the fun as a sponsor or a guest, you’ll be helping young people in our community build character, confidence, and leadership through Scouting.
To learn more, contact Bill Lawrence at 828-582-6955 or Bill.Lawrence2@scouting.org, or visit TidewaterBSA.com/darden26.
The Darden Gala is a fundraising event for Scouting America Tidewater Council, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.
Three Rivers Merit Badge University
November 21
Registration is now open for Three Rivers Merit Badge University! Get ready to roll up your sleeves and put your skills to work!
Eligible members of Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouting are invited to join us at Tidewater Community College (TCC) for a day of hands-on learning, real-world experiences, and opportunities to explore skilled trades and exciting career fields!
From welding and automotive maintenance to engineering, electronics,
and healthcare, this isn’t just another day in the classroom. It’s an
opportunity to learn by doing!
15 Merit Badge Opportunities
- Architecture
- Automotive Maintenance
- Composite Materials
- Electricity
- Electronics
- Engineering
- Entrepreneurship
- Farm Mechanics
- Health Care Professions
- Metalwork
- Painting
- Plumbing
- Veterinary Medicine
- Welding
- Woodwork
Also offered:
- Eagle Project Workshop
- Life to Eagle Class
Event Details
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Locations: The primary event facility will be Tidewater Community College Skilled Trades Academy, 3303 Airline Blvd., Portsmouth, VA 23701.
Automotive Maintenance and Farm Mechanics will be held at Tidewater Community College Regional Automotive Center, 600 Innovation Dr., Chesapeake, VA 23320.
Cost:
$20 per Scout, lunch included
$5 per adult leader, lunch included
Space is limited! Registration closes November 7 or when
classes fill. No walk-ins will be accepted.
Whether you’re exploring a future career, discovering a new talent, or
working toward your next advancement, Three Rivers Merit Badge
University is where skills come to life!
Scout Night with the Norfolk Admirals
December 12
Calling all members of Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, Exploring, and their families! Scout Night is coming back to Norfolk Scope Arena on Saturday, December 12, 2026, when the Norfolk Admirals take the ice and Scouting takes the stands.
Doors open at 6:05 PM, giving units time to find their seats, soak in the arena atmosphere, and enjoy the pregame buzz. The puck drops at 7:05 PM. Expect plenty of energy, and possibly a visit or two from Salty, the Admirals’ golden retriever mascot, who is always a hit with younger fans.
Units are encouraged to sit together, wear their uniforms or unit shirts with pride, and cheer on the home team as a group. Buy tickets as a group and get the unit number displayed on the scoreboard!
Event at a Glance
- Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Doors Open: 6:05 PM
- Puck Drop: 7:05 PM
- Location: Norfolk Scope Arena
- Tickets: $18 each, available at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop
How to Get Tickets
Tickets are $18 and can be purchased at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop. When ordering, be sure to include the unit number. Leaders may wish to collect orders from families ahead of time and make a single group purchase to ensure the whole unit is seated together. Tuesday, December 8 is the last day to get your tickets at the Scout Shop!
Plan to arrive early, bring your Scout spirit, and get ready to make some noise. We look forward to seeing Tidewater Council Scouts fill the arena!
Scouts on Skis at Winterplace
January 23-24, 2027 and January 30-31, 2027
Winterplace Ski Resort in Ghent, WV is offering a special winter sports program for Tidewater Council Scouts, leaders, family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors!
The package includes:
- A full day (open to close) Lift Ticket
- Ski or Snowboard Rental Equipment (boots, poles, skis)
- Helmet rental
- 90-minute Beginner Group Lesson (minimum age for a group lesson is 8)
There are optional add-ons available for meal vouchers and snowtubing (additional cost).
Book your experience at shop.winterplace.com/groups with the promo code for your preferred date:
- January 23: TIDEJAN2327
- January 24: TIDEJAN2427
- January 30: TIDEJAN3027
- January 31: TIDEJAN3127
University of Scouting
March 5-6, 2027
All Scouts, prospective Scouts, leaders, parents, and volunteers are invited to attend the Tidewater 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.
There is something for everyone, including adult classes, youth classes, merit badges, new Scout classes, and Cub Scout Adventures.
Wood Badge
April 30 – May 2 and May 21-23, 2027
Wood Badge is an advanced, national leadership course for Scouting leaders. Scouters from Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring, and district and council Scouters all are welcome.
What do we learn?
- Listening
- Managing conflict
- Leading change
- Stages of team development
- Coaching and mentoring
- Leadership for different stages
- Servant leadership
- Project planning
- And more!
Why?
- Stronger units. Make your Scouting unit — and your sons’ and daughters’ units — stronger.
- What and why of Scouting. Develop a deeper understanding of what Scouting is and why we do it.
- Experience. Learn skills and useful leadership tools that will make a difference both inside and outside Scouting.
- Fun. Have fun and meet interesting people.
Pipsico Scout Reservation Scouts BSA Summer Camp
June - July 2027
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.
Programs for Every Scout
Pipsico’s unique Huskanaw program encompasses over an acre of property, filled with amenities specifically designed to focus on requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. New and younger Scouts learn about troop structure, the value of the patrol method, the importance of the buddy system, and the benefits of learning and applying new skills using the E.D.G.E. Method (Explain Demonstrate Guide Enable).
More than 60 merit badge programs are available to capture the interests of all Scouts.
For those seeking more thrill and less advancement, choose from a collection of specialty programs. The diverse offering of programs includes a week-long sailing program, SCUBA camp, and the Pipsico Experience (PEX). PEX is a varied experience that includes range and target activities, fishing, climbing, aquatics activities, and a trip to a water park at the end of the week.
What are you waiting for? Sign up for Summer Camp 2027 today and get ready for an awesome camping experience, at a beautiful property, with a friendly camp staff!
2027 Summer Camp Schedule
Week 1: June 20 – June 26
Week 2: June 27 – July 3
Week 3: July 4 – July 10
Week 4: July 11 – July 17
News
Member and Unit Charter Fees Effective January 1, 2027
The National Council of Scouting America has announced an adjustment to national membership and unit charter fees, effective January 1, 2027. The changes affect all programs and reflect the rising costs of delivering safe, high-quality Scouting programs.
New National Fee Structure
Beginning January 1, 2027, the National fees will be:
| Registration Type | Annualized Fee | Monthly Equivalent |
| Youth (Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing) | $96 | $8 |
| Exploring Youth | $60 | $5 |
| ScoutReach Youth | $36 | $3 |
| Adults (all programs) | $72 | $6 |
| Unit Charter Fee (all programs) | $120 | $10 |
An Opportunity to Renew Before the Increase
Members whose registrations expire on or before December 31, 2026 can renew before year-end to lock in current rates. Because the historical lapse period also ends on December 31, 2026, renewing by December 31 also ensures that members’ registrations do not lapse.
For registrations beginning in 2027, national membership fees will be prorated according to the registration month.
Council Program Fee Structure
All fees listed above are paid to the National Council of Scouting America.
Despite the challenges of increasing costs, Tidewater Council’s annual program fee for 2027 will remain at $24 per member (monthly equivalent of $2 per member).
Thank you to Friends of Scouting donors and product sales-participating Scouts and units, who enable Tidewater Council to keep the costs for Scouting families as low as possible!
For Assistance
Tidewater Council recognizes that increased fees can create additional challenges for families. Cost should never be a barrier to a young person’s participation in Scouting. For information about need-based financial assistance or unit fundraising opportunities, please contact the district executive.
Registrar's Corner
Renewal Summit Recording
Thank you to everyone who participated in the recent 2027 Unit Renewal Summit! We appreciate the time volunteers and unit leaders took to learn about the renewal process, ask questions, and prepare for the upcoming renewal season.
If you were unable to attend or would like to review the information, the meeting was recorded and additional resources are available:
All members of each unit’s Key 3 (Chartered Organization Representative, Committee Chair, and Unit Leader) are encouraged to review these materials and become familiar with the process.
Important Changes to the Renewal Timeline Effective January 1, 2027
There are two important things every unit needs to understand as the 2027 renewal cycle begins:
1. The renewal window opens one month before the unit's expiration date.
Units can begin processing their annual renewal during the month immediately preceding their expiration date.
For example:
- If the unit expires November 30, the renewal window opens October 1.
- If the unit expires December 31, the renewal window opens November 1.
This gives the unit time to review its roster, verify leadership positions, address any outstanding requirements, and complete the renewal process before the expiration date.
2. The grace period is going away!
Effective January 1, 2027, there will be no grace period for unit renewals.
This is a significant change that requires advance planning. If the unit expires December 31 and has not completed all required renewal steps by that date, the unit will become inactive and will no longer be accessible through My.Scouting.
In other words, units must have their renewals fully completed by their expiration date. Simply starting the process or having paperwork in progress is not enough. Please do not wait until the last few days to begin!
Be Prepared: What Should Units Do Now?
Every unit is encouraged to take the following steps:
- Review the roster. Make sure the unit’s youth and adult membership information is accurate and up to date.
- Check leadership positions. Verify that the unit has the required leadership positions filled.
- Verify Safeguarding Youth Training. Ensure all adult leaders have current training.
- Complete the Annual Charter Agreement. This is a required document outside the online renewal process and must be submitted to the council.
- Plan ahead. Identify who will be responsible for completing the renewal and allow sufficient time to address any issues.
Additional Renewal Resources
Scouting America provides additional guidance and resources to help units successfully navigate the renewal process:
For Questions or Assistance
District Commissioners, District Executives, and Tidewater Council’s support team are available to help leaders navigate the renewal process. Please reach out early if you have questions or encounter difficulties.
Our goal is to make sure every unit is ready to renew on time and can continue providing outstanding Scouting experiences to the youth and families we serve.
Don’t wait until your expiration date. Start preparing today!
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.
Laser Tag SAFE Checklist
Scouts and their parents expect all Scouting America activities to be conducted safely. To ensure the safety of participants, Scouting America expects leaders to use the four points of SAFE when delivering the Scouting program.
Schedule a Santa Visit
Make your pack’s holiday celebration extra magical this year with a special visit from Santa Claus! Santa is available to visit Cub Scout packs, bringing holiday cheer, photo opportunities, and a little extra excitement for the Scouts.
Ready to book Santa? He is filling his 2026 holiday schedule now, so book early! Santa is Safeguarding Youth (SYT) trained. Santa visits may include Scout Elves, Reindeer, and The Grinch. Packs may email kweasell@aol.com to request a reservation.
Popcorn
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
Online Sales
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. The online sale is slated to continue until November 20. 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.
Contact your District Popcorn Kernel for help getting started.
Scout Shop
Pinewood Derby® Kit Pre-Orders
Start your engines! Pinewood Derby kit pre-orders are now open!
Get ready to build, race, and have some fun! Make sure your pack is ready for Pinewood Derby season by pre-ordering your official Pinewood Derby Kits for just $7.99 each!
Special Pack Discount!
Order 20 or more kits and save 20%!
That’s just $6.39 per kit when you purchase 20 or more!
Discount applies to Pinewood Derby Kits only.
Pre-Order and Payment Deadline: Saturday, November 21, 2026
All pre-orders must be submitted and paid in full by November 21 to be included in the bulk order. Unpaid orders will not be processed.
Ordering and Pickup Information
All prepaid orders will be combined into one bulk order placed during the first week of December 2026.
Once the kits arrive at the Scout Shop, you will be notified that your order is ready for pickup.
Please note: Kits will not be available for immediate pickup when pre-ordered. Arrival dates are dependent on shipping and availability. If your pack needs kits for an early December event, please plan accordingly.
How to Order
Email the order form to Sam Jennings at sam.jennings@scouting.org or stop by the Scout Shop to place your order.
Payment Options
Payment can be made using the Unit Account or by credit card over the phone. Credit card details will be collected securely during the call.
Don't Get Left at the Starting Line!
Order by November 21, save on your kits, and get ready for another exciting Pinewood Derby season!
Fall Uniform Sale
Save with the Scout Shop’s annual uniform sale!
Save 10% on Uniform Bottoms with Tops
From July 27 through December 31, 2026, customers can receive 10% off uniform bottoms with the purchase of the matching uniform top.
- Tops include Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing uniform shirts, including Lion T-Shirts. Clearance uniforms are also INCLUDED in this promotion.
- Bottoms include switchbacks, shorts, skorts, and roll-up pants.
- Please note this offer cannot be combined with any other discount.
Fall Recruitment
Please help new families by providing them a list of uniform items needed. This uniform checklist is a great way to send new families to the Scout Shop prepared to start their Scouting journey. We look forward to seeing you in the store!
Scout Shop Hours
The Scout Shop shifted to fall and winter hours beginning November 1, 2026:
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
November holiday closings include:
- Closed on Wednesday, November 11 for Veterans Day
- Adjusted hours on Thursday, November 19: The Scout Shop will open late at 1 PM
- Closed on Thursday, November 26 through Monday, November 30 for Thanksgiving
Now Hiring
Part-Time Scout Shop Associate
Do you enjoy helping others, providing great customer service, and supporting the mission of Scouting? We’re looking for a friendly, dependable, and organized individual to join our team as a Part-Time Scout Shop Associate!
Position Details:
- 20 hours per week
- Availability: Tuesday through Saturday
- $12.77- $16.00 per hour, commensurate with experience
Performance Expectations:
- Provide friendly and knowledgeable customer service
- Assist customers with uniforms, advancement items, camping gear, and other Scouting merchandise
- Operate the point-of-sale system and handle cash/credit card transactions
- Stock, organize, and maintain merchandise displays
- Receive and process inventory
- Answer phone calls and assist with customer questions
- Keep the Scout Shop clean, organized, and welcoming
- Assist with other Scout Shop and office duties as needed
Qualifications:
- Excellent customer service and communication skills
- Dependable, professional, and organized
- Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
- Basic computer and point-of-sale skills
- Can learn Scouting merchandise, uniforms, and advancement procedures
- Previous retail or customer service experience is preferred
- Knowledge of Scouting is helpful, but not required
This is a great opportunity for someone looking for a flexible part-time position while supporting Scouting and the families we serve.
Interested in joining our team? Email your resume and contact information to Sam Jennings at Sam.Jennings@scouting.org.
Come help provide an outstanding Scout Shop experience for our Scouts, families, and volunteers!
Sons of the American Revolution Arthur M. & Berdena King High School Eagle Scout Contest
The National Eagle Scout Commitee of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all Eagle Scouts to apply for its annual Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Contest. The contest is open to all active Eagle Scouts who will not reach their 19th birthday this year.
There is a monetary prize at each of three judging levels (local chapter, state, and national). Application requirements include a 500-word patriotic-themed essay, a four-generation ancestor chart, and an application form that focuses on the Eagle Scout’s Scouting activities and awards.
For more information:
- See the Sons of the American Revolution Arthur M. & Berdena King High School Eagle Scout Contest flyer.
- Visit the SAR High School Eagle Scout Contest webpage.
- Contact your local SAR Chapter Scouting Chairman:
- For Bayside and Princess Anne units, contact Michael Miller at michael.miller8@att.net.
- For Three Rivers and Albemarle units, contact Kimball Thompson at thompson15@cox.net.
The local submission deadline is November 22, 2026.
Earn a FREE Recruiter Patch
Scouting is better with friends!
Now through December 31, 2026, Scouts can earn a FREE Recruiter Strip patch when they recruit a friend who joins Scouting!
For more details and the claim form, visit Scouting.org/welcome.
Subscribe to Scout Life
Why subscribe to Scout Life?
- Supports Scouting year-round
- Reinforces adventures and merit badges
- Encourages screen-free reading
- Inspires outdoor exploration
- Builds leadership and character
- Safe, age-appropriate content
- 80% of parents say Scout Life helps kids understand the Scout Oath and Law
- 73% of parents say Scout Life gives kids the tools to succeed in Scouting
- Nearly 100% of parents call Scout Life informative and fun
Pipsico Tree Photos
A favorite stop on a Pipsico Scout Reservation hike is the Pipsico Tree, a tulip poplar nearly 20 feet in circumference that predates the arrival of the first English colonists.
Pipsico’s Heritage Area team and volunteer camp maintenance team, the Busy Beavers, are seeking your photos with the Pipsico Tree for a collage and slideshow. Please send any photos to klull179@gmail.com to be included in the display.
Development Corner
Friends of Scouting
Friends of Scouting is Tidewater Council’s annual giving campaign. The generosity of Scouting families, alumni, and community supporters keeps the overall cost of Scouting affordable so all families can participate. Tidewater Council’s goal is to raise $550,000 through Friends of Scouting in 2026.
More Ways to Support
Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign
Since 1997, the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC) has been the officially sanctioned, non-profit fundraising program for over 120,000 Commonwealth employees to safely and easily donate to their favorite causes throughout the year. To designate a CVC gift to Scouting America Tidewater Council, use CVC Code 200883.
United Way Donor Designations
Tidewater Council is a partner agency with Albemarle Area United Way and United Way of South Hampton Roads.
- To designate an Albemarle Area United Way gift to support local Scouting, indicate Scouting America Tidewater Council (4004) on the pledge card.
- To designate a United Way of South Hampton Roads contribution, indicate Scouting America Tidewater Council on the pledge card.
Tribute Gifts
Is a loved one celebrating a graduation, birthday, or Scouting milestone? Many who seek a way to remember or recognize others, choose to express their thoughtfulness with a tribute gift.
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.
Service Hours
Tidewater Council reports Scouts’ service hours to United Way and other funders, and this information impacts the amount of their financial gifts. Reporting service hours helps show the community impact of local Scouting programs. Scouts are already doing a Good Turn daily – it just takes a few minutes more to record their community service.
Program Ideas
November
- Family Stories Month
- Invite Scouts to come up with questions or prompts to ask their family members at holiday gatherings.
- Work on the Genealogy or Family Life merit badges.
- Encourage Cub Scouts to discuss their families’ faith traditions as they work on the rank-specific Family & Reverence Adventure:
- Lion: Lion’s Pride
- Tiger: Tiger Circles
- Wolf: Footsteps
- Bear: Fellowship
- Webelos: My Family
- Arrow of Light: Duty to God
- Native American Heritage Month
- Work on the American Indian Culture merit badge.
- Veterans Day: November 11
- March in the HRCVO Tidewater Veterans Day Parade.
- Attend a Veterans Day ceremony.
- Place American flags on veterans’ graves.
- Invite a veteran to be a special guest speaker at a unit meeting.
- Make thank you cards for veterans.
- World Kindness Day: November 13
- A Scout is Kind. Discuss the sixth point of the Scout Law.
- As a den or patrol, plan ways to show kindness.
- America Recycles Day: November 15
- Work on the Environmental Science or Sustainability merit badges.
- Work on the rank-specific Cub Scout Champions for Nature Adventure:
- Participate in a conservation service project.
- National Hiking Day: November 17
- Work on the Hiking merit badge.
- Work the rank-specific Cub Scout Adventure for outdoor exploration:
- Lion: Mountain Lion
- Tiger: Tigers in the Wild
- Wolf: Paws on the Path
- Bear: Bear Habitat
- Webelos: Webelos Walkabout
- Arrow of Light: Outdoor Adventurer
- Go on a hike!
December
- Learn a Foreign Language Month
- Recognize members who speak a foreign language with the Interpreter Strip.
- National Slime Day: December 7
- Make slime!
- Bill of Rights Day: December 15
- Work on the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge (requirement 4b).
- Wright Brothers Day: December 17
- Learn about the history of flight right here in Tidewater!
- Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
- Work on the Aviation merit badge.
- Wreaths Across America: December 19
- Remember, honor, and teach about our servicemen and women by participating in this national event. Visit wreathsacrossamerica.org to find local opportunities to participate.
Community Engagement
CBN & Regent University Christmas Village - Scout Special Pricing!
December 3-5 and December 10-12
Regent University, 977 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, VA 23463
Ring in the holiday season at the annual CBN & Regent University Christmas Village! For two magical weekends, the Regent University campus transforms into an enchanting place where the wonders of Christmas are on full display. Families can stroll through stunning light displays, enjoy exciting rides and attractions, take photos with Santa, and soak in the sights and sounds of the season together. This year’s event is bigger than ever, with extended hours, a larger space, more rides, and convenient parking. Admission includes all rides and activities, and parking is free!
Highlights include:
- Live Nativity
- Santa’s Cottage
- Carnival Rides
- Christmas Marketplace
- Spectacular Christmas Tree
- Live entertainment
Hours
- Thursdays (Dec. 3 and 10): 5-9 PM
- Fridays (Dec. 4 and 11): 3-9 PM
- Saturdays (Dec. 5 and 12): 2-9 PM
Scout Special Pricing
Tidewater Council families save $5 on adult single-day tickets with promo code CV2026SCOUT.
The discount is available for the first 500 adult tickets and expires December 12, 2026.
- Adult tickets (ages 13 and up): $19.99 with the Scout Special (regularly $24.99)
- Kids ages 12 and under: free with the purchase of an adult ticket
- Food and craft vendors are not included in the ticket price
- All minors must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older
For questions, please contact tickets@virginiachristmasvillage.com or visit virginiachristmasvillage.com for more details.
Community Care Assistance
Does your family need assistance accessing community resources? Tidewater Council is a partner agency with Albemarle Area United Way and United Way of South Hampton Roads, 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
Samuel G. of Troop 259 recently completed an Eagle Scout service project that makes a big difference.
Samuel’s project included the restoration of Navy artifacts permanently installed at Gosport Park, a public park in the City of Portsmouth at the southern end of the Path of History. Samuel’s project would not have been possible without the direct support of Councilman Mark Hugel (Portsmouth City Council), Mr. Steven Carter (Portsmouth City Manager), Mr. Frank Williams (Program Manager, IMIA), Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and the Scouts and adults of Troop 259.
Prominently featured in the park is the submarine sail from the USS THOMAS JEFFERSON (SSBN 618), which was a commissioned vessel of the US Navy from 1963 to 1986. The submarine, with the thousands of men who served onboard, was on the front lines of the Cold War during the duration of her service.
Unbeknownst to Samuel, former “TJ” sailors who became aware of his project were motivated to schedule a reunion of the former “TJ” sailors. Held on October 14, the reunion included a sail rededication ceremony, an opportunity to honor the men who served on SSBN 618 (23 of whom were present), and a solemn memorial service for those dearly departed.
The ceremony was documented by the City of Portsmouth marketing department, and they recently produced and posted this moving video on YouTube:
More than 210 Cub Scouts and family members escaped the indoors at the Albemarle Cuboree on October 23-25. Participants enjoyed Dino and Highland games with archery, a wellie toss, fishing for Nessie, a fossil dig, dinosaur crafts, and more. The families ended the day with campsite treat-or-trick, followed by songs and skits at the camp-wide campfire program.
Scouts from Troop 12 assisted the Adam Thoroughgood Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) with a joint conservation and veterans service project at the Virginia Beach Vets House, a transitional housing facility for veterans.
On October 11, the Scouts assisted in building raised flower beds, benches, and mulching a Never Forget Garden. This garden will serve as a foundation for a tranquil relaxation area to decompress and reflect.
Troop 362 celebrated Canyon Jones’ achievement of the Eagle Scout rank on Saturday, October 10. At Canyon’s Eagle Court of Honor, Troop 362 was joined by special guest speakers Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer and Admiral Matthew Zirkle, USN (Ret), a Troop 800 Committee Member.
When Canyon was 15, he joined Scouting America after playing kickball with the Scouts of Troop 362. He quickly became an active member, attending almost every meeting and campout since joining. Canyon was inducted into the Order of the Arrow and completed his Ordeal in March 2025. He strengthened his leadership skills at National Youth Leadership Training in November 2025.
For Canyon’s Eagle Scout service project, he built picnic tables for Community United Methodist Church. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in February 2026.
Canyon’s dedication to Scouting didn’t end after he turned 18. He completed all of Scouting America’s Scoutmaster Specific online training courses and submitted his application to be a registered leader with Troop 362. During 2026 summer camp at Cherokee Scout Reservation, Canyon became a fully trained leader by completing Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills training.
Canyon is active in Troop 362 as an Assistant Scoutmaster and plans to continue to be while he attends college. He attends Old Dominion University, working on a major in Modeling and Simulation, which is a branch of Computer Engineering. Canyon aspires to become a U.S. Navy Nuclear Engineering Officer.
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).