Table of Contents
Friends of Scouting
Despite the challenges over the last few weeks, our Friends of Scouting efforts are continuing. Tidewater Council has a 2020 Friends of Scouting goal to raise $375,000 by June 4. Reaching this goal will enable us to reduce or eliminate the program fee, making Scouting more accessible for our families.
Our efforts have, of course, been hindered by cancellations of family presentations and the postponement of the Annual Leadership Breakfast. But it is now more important than ever that the families and businesses who have the means to support Scouting continue to give generously. Families who are economically-impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are depending on us to make Scouting more affordable for all.
The recently-passed CARES Act includes a provision for taxpayers who don’t itemize to take an “above the line” deduction for charitable gifts of up to $300 ($600 for a married couple). This means that gifts to Tidewater Council may be tax deductible, even if you take the standard deduction. This is not intended as legal advice; please consult with your tax adviser.
Progress as of April 14, 2020:
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal.
District progress as of April 14, 2020:
More Ways to Support
- If you shop on Amazon, use AmazonSmile and direct your support to Tidewater Council. There is no extra cost to you.
- Donate your birthday to Scouting with a Facebook fundraiser.
- Make a memorial or tribute gift in honor of a loved one.
- Report your service hours. Tidewater Council reports Scouts’ service hours to United Way and other charitable organizations, and this information impacts the amount of their financial gifts. Scouts are already doing a Good Turn daily – it just takes a few minutes more to record their community service.
Upcoming Events
Many events have been postponed due to COVID-19. Click here for a continuously updated list of event changes. Tidewater Council’s official updates and policies can be found here.
Virtual Campfires
Every Saturday
Connect with your fellow Scouts with a weekly Virtual Campfire. Hosted by Troop 5212 on Zoom, the Virtual Campfires will occur at 8:30 PM every Saturday night until the COVID-19 isolation is over.
Please invite your unit’s Scouts to join from their backyards, living rooms, or kitchen tables. We look forward to fun and fellowship around the campfire!
To ensure the safety of all youth participants, please contact Scoutmaster Shelley Drisko at scoutmastert5212@gmail.com for log-on information.
Wood Badge Association Virtual Kickoff
April 19
Wood Badge Alumni, please join us for the Wood Badge Association kickoff meeting on Sunday, April 19 at 2 PM. Due to COVID-19 policies, the kickoff meeting will be a virtual one. Register to attend on Black Pug. The Zoom meeting link will be provided once you register. You will be asked a few questions as part of the registration (course #, patrol, and if you are willing to be considered for one of the officer positions). The registration is limited to the first 100 participants.
We have an approved Association charter to guide us, but we need your help to get the ball rolling. We are excited and ready to have you join and help get the Association off to a great start. The Association will be an opportunity for all of us to reconnect – in fellowship, to renew our bonds with Gilwell Troop 1 to serve and support council Scouting programs. We will review the Association charter and elect the Association officers for the current year.
Hal Scott and Wayne Page will host the first meeting and conduct the election of officers.
Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides
June 12
Take me out to the ballgame! Join us at Harbor Park to cheer on the Norfolk Tides. Just prior to game time, the Scouts and adults in uniform will march around the field for the National Anthem and Scout Oath. Don’t miss the opportunity to camp out on the field after the game!
Tickets and camping vouchers are now available in the Scout Shop.
Annual Leadership Breakfast
June 23
The Annual Leadership Breakfast has been rescheduled for June 23, 2020. Join us to hear keynote speaker Kevin Greene, an Eagle Scout and NFL Hall of Famer, and to support local Scouting. RSVP to Shannon Foster.
Princess Anne District Pinewood Derby
June 27
Save the date for the Princess Anne District Pinewood Derby, June 27 at the Fleet Reserve Association. More information is coming soon.
Cub Scout Day Camps
June and July
Did you know that Scouting is a year-round program? There’s no better time than the summer to get outside and have some fun – that’s what makes Cub Scout Day Camp so great. Enjoy adventure, nature, STEM, and more. It’s fun – with a purpose!
Now is the time to get the word out to your Cub Scout Pack: Day Camp registration is OPEN and running a very special Early Bird rate, now through June 1, 2020. Cub Scouts is a family-focused program, and siblings in Scouting who also attend camp will get a $10 discount! We’d rather you Scout than not – and what better place than Cub Scout Day Camp?
Don't delay - register today!
“Early Bird” discount: Now through June 1
Registration ends: June 5
News
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. North Carolina families, please reach out to NCCARE360 to request assistance. Virginia families, please contact the United Way of South Hampton Roads Coronavirus Response team. For other coordinated care referrals unrelated to COVID-19, please contact us.
Masks
Our very own Shannon Foster has been making masks for health care professionals, and she’s on a roll! To keep our Scouting family safe, she is offering to sew masks for you and your family. The masks are washable and filter-compatible. There are three sizes available: child, standard (fits most adults and teenagers), or XL.
If interested, please bring your fabric and supplies to the Tidewater Council office. If you drop supplies off by noon, she will have the masks available for pick-up by the next day.
Supplies Needed:
- 1 yard of 100% cotton fabric (makes four masks)
- 2 hair ties for each mask
If you are interested but do not want to stop by a fabric store, Shannon has a limited number of pre-made masks available. Please consider a donation of $5 per mask (cash only) to cover the cost of materials.
Please contact Shannon at shannonfoster8939@gmail.com or shannon.foster@scouting.org for more information.
Scout Shop
Shop Local! The Tidewater Council Scout Shop is the only place where you can purchase official BSA merchandise and have the proceeds stay in our Scouting community.
With warmer weather and cabin fever increasing, enjoying time outdoors is appealing. Why not plan a backyard campout? Please be sure to follow all current safety guidelines.
Even with home just a few feet away, all-weather campers will find many items at the Scout Shop to brave the springtime rains.
Stay dry with 2-piece Frogg Togg rainsuits – lightweight, breathable, and waterproof. Wear them over your clothes to stay completely dry. These rainsuits, available in youth sizes S – L and adult sizes S – XL, are worth every penny ($19.99 for all sizes). We also have rain ponchos for youth and adults ($3.99) and compact emergency blankets – waterproof, windproof, and just $2.99.
Sleep dry with Weston tents ($89.99), which are made of coated polyester, have a rainfly, waterproof floors, and even sewn-in mud mats. These tents can sleep two adults or four smaller children.
Camp dry with many other waterproof items. We carry waterproof matches ($3.99/160 count), waterproof fanny packs ($9.99), waterproof phone pouches ($8.99), large waterproof pouches ($5.99), 6-litre dry sacks ($15.99), and large collapsible storage bins, 19” high by 14” with a water-resistant liner and Velcro closure lid ($14.99).
We have new patches to celebrate events, like visiting a police or fire station, camping, marching in a parade, hiking, Scouting for Food, flag ceremonies, service projects, learning new knots, and even cake decorating. These fun patches sell for just $1.79 each, and we can always order more.
New uniform pants in youth sizes are now available at the Scout Shop. This new style is made of stretch canvas with 66% cotton, 32% polyester, and 2% spandex. They zip off at the knee and youth sizes (8-20) are $44.99. We still have stock on the previous styles, and they are selling for $5 OFF the original price while they last.
While many people are staying in these days, the Scout Shop is open with modified hours. The new hours are:
Tuesday – Friday: 11 AM – 4 PM
Saturday: Noon – 3 PM
Sunday – Monday: Closed
As always, we accept orders by phone (757-497-2688) or email (polly.fugate@scouting.org) with USPS shipping.
Service Projects
Important Information About COVID-19 Related Service Projects
Thank you for your service and initiative in helping others and representing Scouting in these times. It is part of the Scouting tradition to “help other people” in times of national crisis. We look forward to hearing about the work you are doing out there. We do not want you to unintentionally put yourselves or others at risk when helping others.
In the process of planning and conducting your service project, make sure of the following:
- Contact the local health department and relevant agencies, along with those you are serving, during the planning of your project to ensure it meets their safety protocols and needs.
- Make sure your Scouts, leaders, and unit follow BSA and Tidewater Council COVID-19 Guidelines and the Guide to Safe Scouting when conducting a service project.
- We do not endorse any activity that violates Executive Orders 53 or 55. All Virginians are directed to stay at home, except for allowable travel including: 1) to seek medical attention, 2) work, 3) obtain basic goods, services and groceries as outlined in executive order 53. This is in effect until June 10, 2020.
The safety of our Scouts, Scout leaders, and those with whom we come in contact is paramount in this worldwide pandemic.
Please stay engaged with your Scouts and Scouting families, yet please follow all safety protocols of the of the BSA, local, state, and national government.
Service Project Ideas
Scouts need Scouting, and the community needs Scouts who are willing to help. Your unit can do many projects with minimal social interaction. When Scouts do a service project, don’t forget to log it for Journey to Excellence (JTE). Please talk to your Scoutmaster prior to beginning a service project for advancement. With parental permission, please share photos with your district executive for use in future newsletters and social media.
- Little Free Library – These free outdoor libraries can be found throughout Virginia and North Carolina. With public libraries closed, some of your neighbors are looking for new things to read. Scouts can get involved by donating books or taking on the task of building and stocking a Little Free Library.
- Senior yard care – Is there a senior citizen in the neighborhood who needs help maintaining their yard?
- Make masks – The CDC has published guidelines for making masks. Ask local outreach centers if they need masks to distribute to homeless community members. Offer masks to families in your Scout unit, neighbors, classmates, or church members. This project can be done by the whole family. Have an adult collect and distribute the masks, making sure to follow proper CDC guidelines.
- Collect medical gear – Have a single unit leader contact your local EMS to find out what items are needed. Many facilities are facing shortages of disposable masks, disposable gloves, antibacterial wipes, and hand sanitizer. Read this Bryan on Scouting article for more tips.
- “Visit” senior citizens – Use virtual methods to “visit” a senior center. A phone call, email, or video can go a long way.
Go for the Gold
Journey to Excellence is the BSA’s planning, performance, and recognition program designed to encourage and reward the success of our units, districts, and councils. It is meant to encourage excellence in providing a quality program at all levels of the BSA.
Guidebooks, tracking workbooks, and scorecards are available online. It is easier to track your unit’s progress and goals throughout the year, rather than trying to compile all the data in December.
For the first quarter of 2020, our council and districts’ ranks are:
Tidewater Council: Bronze
Albemarle District: Silver
Bayside District: Silver
Princess Anne District: Silver
Three Rivers District: Silver
In your next unit committee meeting, take a moment to review your progress to the goals you set earlier this year. With COVID-19 disruptions, how do you need to modify your plan to achieve JTE Gold status?
Your unit can make an impact:
- Record your service hours
- Make sure your advancement records are up-to-date.
- Encourage your Scouts to camp this summer.
- Keep recruiting! Ask the Scouts to invite their friends to a virtual meeting or to do a 30-Day Challenge with them. If they enjoy your fun activities, invite them to join!
- Improve retention by contacting youth who dropped from your recharter and invite them back. If they had a challenge with your unit, such as meeting dates or unit size, offer to help them find another unit that might better meet their needs. Your district executive is prepared to assist.
- Ensure all leaders and their assistants are trained. Online training is available for most positions, as well as Youth Protection Training and Hazardous Weather Training.
- Is your succession plan up-to-date? Identify who is moving, changing positions, or leaving the program so you know which leadership positions need to filled.
Scouting at Home
There are many resources to help you continue your youth’s Scouting program while at home. Some units are doing virtual campouts, meetings, and merit badge sessions. Packs are holding den meetings online.
Despite current challenges, it’s still a good time to invite friends to experience Scouting. Send a link to your virtual meeting or event to a family that is not involved in Scouting. Ask a friend to complete one of the Scouting 30-Day Challenges with you. Give them something new to read by ordering a handbook or merit badge pamphlet and having it shipped to them. Tell friends the innovative ways you’ve found to continue the fun of Scouting while practicing social distancing. You can use Scouting’s resources to connect with homebound friends.
If your friends are having fun and want to join, you can invite them to your unit through Be-A-Scout. Parents can even fill out an application and pay fees online.
Advancement
Many questions regarding advancement have arisen as we deal with closures, cancellations, or other issues caused by the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Although there are difficulties and constraints, advancement can continue. Youth, parents, and leaders should work together to implement creative, common sense ways to facilitate advancement while adhering to the Guide to Safe Scouting and following the rules of Youth Protection training.
Digital Safety and Online Scouting Activities
As our community moves to more online interactions, remember to keep youth safety as the top priority.
A fitting BSA Safety Moment to share with families in your unit this month is Digital Safety and Online Scouting Activities.
Highlights include:
- Follow all youth protection policies
- Use business-oriented conference platforms instead of platforms with other primary purposes (such as gaming)
- Do not record online activities/meetings
- Safeguard personal information
- Collecting personal information from youth under 13 is not recommended
The FBI Boston Division has issued these recommendations for Zoom conferencing:
- Do not make meetings or classrooms public. In Zoom, there are two options to make a meeting private: require a meeting password or use the waiting room feature and control the admittance of guests.
- Do not share a link to a teleconference or classroom on an unrestricted publicly available social media post. Provide the link directly to specific people.
- Manage screensharing options. In Zoom, change screensharing to “Host Only.”
- Ensure users are using the updated version of remote access/meeting applications. In January 2020, Zoom updated their software. In their security update, the teleconference software provider added passwords by default for meetings and disabled the ability to randomly scan for meetings to join.
Zoom has provided additional guidance as well.
Camp Cards and Nuts
Camp Cards
The 2020 Camp Card Sale is continuing, with sales dates from April 6 – June 15. There are several local deals that can be used now, including Harris Teeter, Firehouse Subs, and Wendy’s. Many of the other deals that you’ll be able to enjoy after this time of social distancing do not expire until March 2021. Contact your district executive to see a sample card.
In addition, each card comes with a unique code to access special deals nationwide. This means that you can sell to family and friends across the country with a phone call or email.
The 2020 Camp Card Sale is a RISK-FREE fundraiser. Each cards costs $10, and the unit receives a 50% commission ($5 per card sold). Unsold cards will be accepted in their original condition if returned by June 15, 2020.
Since the Scouts can’t use traditional sales methods, like show and sells, it’s time to get creative!
- Call or email family and friends nationwide – sell them on the national electronically-accessible deals.
- Parents working remotely may be able to tell their coworkers about the sale on their next conference call or via email.
- Post on Nextdoor or other neighborhood social media.
- Ask your chartering organization, church, civic league, or homeowners’ association to publicize your sale in their next email.
- Deliver cards by mail or send the nationwide discount codes electronically.
- Share your creative ideas with Bill Lawrence to be included in our next newsletter!
When Scouts are able to gather in person once again, they will be eager to enjoy the great outdoors. This risk-free fundraiser is an opportunity for Scouts to earn their way to those adventures. Make sure to follow recommended COVID-19 policies and be mindful and considerate of families who are facing financial strain. Ensure card delivery is done in a safe manner, such as setting staggered times for card pick-up and delivery.
What’s next?
- Fill out a camp card contract and email it to Susan Miley-Petrehn.
- Contact your district executive to schedule a pick-up/drop-off time.
- Sell the cards and check out more cards.
- Submit payments and return unsold cards by June 15.
Nuts for Camping
Tidewater Council partnered with Whitley’s Peanut Factory to go “Nuts for Camping,” offering ten products for Scouting units.
- Sales brochures are available in the Scout Shop lobby.
- The deadline date for orders is Monday, April 20.
- All orders are prepaid. Units drop their orders off by/before the deadline dates with payment.
- Delivery will be approximately one week after the order deadline. We will call the unit contact on the order form when the order is available for pick up at the Scout Shop.
- We will not accept returns.
- Nuts for Camping offers units a flat 40% commission for all nut products sold.
- Units are responsible for their own incentive plans.
- Nuts for Camping, as any Boy Scouts of America unit earning opportunity, is a unit fundraiser. Families may not operate outside of their unit for fundraising.
Summer Camp Staff
Are you going stir crazy and dreaming of summer fun? We are hiring summer camp staff for Pipsico Scout Reservation. Make new friends, learn new skills, enjoy the great outdoors, eat really good food, earn a little money (or get service hours), develop your leadership skills, and be part of an awesome team. We are looking for self-motivated folks who can work independently and handle personal responsibility.
We are interviewing for many program areas, including Aquatics (Lifeguards), Archery, Cooks, Nature, and Scoutcraft.
Know someone who is looking for an internship for school or work? Encourage them to apply!
For more information, contact Kirsten Misfeldt.
Interviews
Interviews will be conducted by phone or teleconference. Please email Kirsten Misfeldt to set an appointment.
National Scout Jamboree
Character is created when you achieve more than you thought possible.
Tidewater Council is planning to send 70 youth and 14 adults to the 2021 National Jamboree. Do you want to be among the group that gets to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event? Now is the time to make your reservation. This unique event will be held July 21-30, 2021 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.
Scouting’s flagship event is a gathering of approximately 40,000 Scouts, leaders, and staff. Held every four years, the Jamboree is an amazing opportunity for participants, volunteers, and visitors to experience the best of Scouting, all in one place. Features include:
- One of the longest zip line courses in North America
- A world-class skate park
- ATV offerings
- Treetop canopy tours
- Rock climbing
- Patch trading
- Stadium shows
- And much more!
Register Now to be Eligible for Scholarships
Financial support is available for a portion of the Jamboree fee, but to be eligible, participants must be registered and approved before an application can be accepted. See the council 2021 NSJ webpage and look under the “SCHOLARSHIPS” section for more information. The scholarship application deadline is May 31, 2020.
Webelos to Scout Transition
Webelos to Scout transition is everyone’s responsibility – Webelos leaders, Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, parents, commissioners, and the district committee. All work together, ensuring that Webelos and their parents know about the great fun and adventure in store for them when they join Scouts BSA.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, current 5th graders can have an extension to complete Arrow of Light requirements until July 31, 2020.
Tips for Success for Packs
- Request a Den Chief for Webelos and Arrow of Light dens.
- Work with Scouts BSA troops and the Order of the Arrow chapter to have a meaningful crossover ceremony.
Tips for Success for Troops
- Assign an Assistant Scoutmaster to work with Webelos leaders.
- Meet with Bear dens and their parents in the spring to discuss how the program changes.
- Encourage new Scouts to attend summer resident camp. If a Scout cannot attend with your troop, discuss the options of attending Pipsico as a provisional camper or attending camp with another troop.
Adult Leader Training
Much of the BSA’s adult leader training can be completed online. We encourage you to take some time now to ensure that your training is up-to-date. This will make the next charter renewal cycle smoother. Adults who plan to recharter for 2021 will need to have Youth Protection Training that expires on or after December 31, 2021.
Tidewater Council has a 100% trained leader policy – all adults should be trained in their positions to best serve the youth. Position training is the BSA’s volunteer onboarding training, teaching you the responsibilities and techniques for the job. Youth with trained leaders advance faster and stay in Scouting longer.
You do not have to be registered in a position to take the associated position training. For example, a den leader could take committee member training to learn how the committee operates. A Webelos leader could take Scoutmaster Specific Training to learn what will be happening when the Arrow of Light Scouts graduate to a troop.
American Red Cross Certification Extensions
The American Red Cross is authorizing a 120-day extension of student certifications expiring between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020. This includes certifications for: First Aid/CPR/AED, Resuscitation Suite, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, Lifeguarding, Shallow Water Lifeguarding, and Aquatic Attraction Lifeguarding, among others. The extension does not apply to Instructor or Instructor Trainer certifications or any online only courses.
VA TV Classroom
Need some support for your kids’ at-home education? WHRO and other Virginia public media stations are broadcasting teacher-led classroom instruction each weekday for 10 weeks.
Tune in at 2:30 PM to learn about Earth Science with Mark Parsons, den leader for Pack 246.
Learn more and see the broadcast schedule here.
Congressional Art Competition
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Click on your district below for details and submission information.
Scouts in Action
Star Scout Nathan is doing a Good Turn for front line healthcare workers. Nathan is a 15-year-old sophomore at Hickory High School and the Senior Patrol Leader of Troop 828 in Three Rivers district. Inspired by a Canadian Scout, Nathan is 3D printing mask tension relievers for medical professionals. He delivered 50 ear guards to Chesapeake General Hospital on April 8, and the hospital distributed them to ICU nurses. The feedback from the nurses was very positive, but the hospital did not have enough for everyone and asked for hundreds more. Nathan has been printing 24/7 and is hoping to borrow another 3D printer to ramp up production. Once he fills the need at Chesapeake General Hospital, he plans to make more mask tension relievers for other local medical facilities.
If you have access to a 3D printer and want to help out, you can download the design here. WAVY News shared Nathan’s story on April 8; view the story here. Great job, Nathan!
Congratulations to Kyran M. of Troop 417 on earning the rank of Eagle Scout on April 3!
Kyran’s Board of Review was the first virtual Eagle Board of Review in Princess Anne district. The electronic format worked smoothly and Kyran did great!
If any other Princess Anne troops would like to schedule a virtual Eagle Board of Review, please contact Mr. Gene Hoffman at gchoffman@aol.com.
Mike Maruska, an Assistant Scoutmaster with Princess Anne Troop 660, and Moose Home Repair are volunteering their expertise to install a new door in the Burton Program Center at Camp Lions, Pipsico Scout Reservation. The door was donated by Lowes. The new windowed door makes the entrance more prominent and enables staff to see activity in the parking lot as guests arrive.
The contract team is also working on new bathrooms in the K Building. Many thanks to Mike and the team – Dave, Pat, and Jennifer. Awesome job!
Pack 374 Webelos Scout Gidget made a video about helping her friend Ethan through the challenges of COVID-19. Creating the video helps her earn the Webelos Movie Maker Elective and the TalkTech NOVA Award, and taught Gidget (and her mom!) a set of new technology skills. Gidget’s video makes an impactful statement on what it means for a Scout to be helpful, friendly, and kind.
Princess Anne district honored outstanding volunteer leaders on March 14 at the District Awards Dinner. This was the last time that district leaders were able to physically gather together, but we continue connecting virtually.
For the many opportunities we have in this country to serve, a remarkable group of leaders in Three Rivers district came together on April 9 for a virtual Roundtable. Among the items that the 33 participants brought up for discussion were events that are taking place now and some that are in the future including: weekly Virtual Campfires, two Three Rivers Day/Twilight Camps (Great Bridge Baptist Church in Chesapeake from June 22-25 and Coast Guard Base Portsmouth from July 6-10), and the rescheduling of the Spring Camporee until the fall. Additionally, the following topics were enthusiastically discussed: incoming Council Commissioner Erich Röetz, Camp Cards, alternative ways of completing Boards of Review, Eagle package submission, National Jamboree sign-up, Explorer Scouts requirements during events, and completing required training (NOTE: Complete your YPT and Hazardous Weather now while you have the time).
The Roundtable meeting was highly successful, and a vast amount of information was shared that will benefit everyone both now and in the future. Three Rivers district highly encourages Scouting units to look into virtual meetings during this time. This virtual meeting resource embodies the “thrifty” within our Scout Law; however, Roundtable Commissioner Shawn Burns suggested that the BSA may have to consider adding “persevere,” after struggling and coming out better than we started as a Scouting community and nation.
Princess Anne district was happy to host its first virtual Roundtable on April 14, with 50 Scouters in attendance. Scouters from various units shared what their units have been doing to keep Scouting alive by adjusting to the limitations of social distancing.
The Pack 405 Bear den (Princess Anne district) held a virtual den meeting. Great job Benji, Keith, Kaiden, Blake, Maxim, and Anthony!
The NYLT staff gathered in early March for staff development at Camp Maple. Although COVID-19 has caused the 2020 course to be postponed, they look forward to gathering again and fostering leadership development when it is safe to do so.
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).
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