Table of Contents
Friends of Scouting
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.
Progress as of February 15, 2020:
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal.
District progress as of February 15, 2020:
Upcoming Events
National Scout Jamboree Informational Meeting
February 20
Join us at Deep Creek United Methodist Church, 141 George Washington Highway North, Chesapeake, VA 23323 at 7 PM to learn about the National Scout Jamboree. RSVP to TWCNSJ2021@gmail.com.
Register now for the 2021 National Scout Jamboree to save your spot!
The 2021 National Scout Jamboree will be held July 21-30, 2021 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.
If you’d like a presentation to your unit about the National Jamboree, please send an email to TWCNSJ2021@gmail.com to request one. The Jamboree Committee will follow up to schedule a good time.
Can’t make it to the informational meeting on February 20? Click here to learn how to register to attend this once-in-a-lifetime Scouting event as a member of one of Tidewater Council’s Jamboree contingents (Scouts BSA Troop, Venturing Crew, or Sea Scout Ship).
We are also accepting applications for adult leaders and selections will be made soon. You can find information on how to become a NSJ contingent leader here or by attending the February 20 information meeting. If you have questions or need more information, please send a note to TWCNSJ2021@gmail.com.
Escape the Klondike Derby 2020
February 28 - March 1
Are you ready to work as a team, experience cold weather camping, hone your basic outdoor skills, and escape the Klondike? Find your teammates and fill your sled with gear so you can meet the four challenge areas throughout Camp Lions at Pipsico. Friday night, you will have your sled inspected for safety and being prepared. Saturday morning, your first challenge is to prepare breakfast for your team with the ingredients given you. Then, after heading out on the trail, you will be served lunch. The other meals are all for the teams to bring. You will continue on to finish the Klondike Trail and earn your points. On Sunday, we will recognize the team that earned the most points. Everyone receives a cool patch, just for giving the challenge a try.
Start building that sled – you can find some concepts and plans on the Pipsico Klondike Derby webpage.
The Procrastination Class
A new class has been added – no sled required!
Join the Klondike Derby with our newest class, The Procrastination Class! You want to attend, but don’t have time to build that sled? No problem! Now your team can backpack it. Divide up the gear list between your teammates and compete at the stations with all the others. This is awesome for new troops, last-minute signups, or troops hosting Webelos and Arrow of Light Patrols. (These young Scouts must be part of team with a troop, crew, or ship.)
Trade-O-Ree
February 28 -29
Buy, sell, and trade Scouting collectible memorabilia at the 2020 Norfolk/Virginia Beach Trade-O-Ree. Check out the event flyer for more information.
VFW Scout of the Year Deadline
March 1
Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) honors Scouts who have achieved the highest award in their Scouting program. (For Boy Scouts of America applicants, that is Eagle Scouts, Venture Summit Award recipients, and Sea Scout Quartermasters.) The top three VFW Scouts of the Year are awarded scholarships.
Virginia Beach Scouts should submit their applications to VFW Post 392, 2408 Bowland Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. Contact Sue C. Sowers, Scholarship Chairman of VFW Post 392 and Auxiliary 392, at 757-486-5875 with any questions.
Scouts from other cities and counties should contact their local post for submission information or visit vfw.org/FindaPost. The application deadline is March 1.
Pinewood Derby
Packs, districts, and the council each are planning their Pinewood Derbies. The 2020 rules are finalized and the Scout Shop is fully stocked with car kits. Are you ready for the races?
Albemarle District Pinewood Derby: March 7
All racers of each rank from every pack in Albemarle District are eligible to race. Arrow of Light (AOL) Scouts who have just bridged to a troop are still eligible. There will also be an open class of Family Fun Run races after the qualified racers. The leader’s guide is available online and registration is open on Tentaroo.
Three Rivers District Pinewood Derby: March 14
Three Rivers Cub Scout Packs, your top three racers at each rank level are welcomed and encouraged to show off their cars at Chesapeake Square Mall. Weigh-in starts at 8:30 AM for all racers. There will be a table for each rank to check-in their cars. The opening ceremony will be at 9:30 AM, and racing will begin immediately afterwards. Registration is in Black Pug. The cost is $8.50 per racer. Contact Paul Hunter for more information and to volunteer to help. The rules are available online and the Leader’s Guide is coming soon.
Bayside District Pinewood Derby: March 14
Bayside unit qualifying races are going on now. Cars are being tuned up for the big race at St. Pius X Catholic School. Unit leaders can register the top three youth per rank on Tentaroo. For check-in times, please download the Racer Guide.
Princess Anne District Pinewood Derby: March 28
Princess Anne Cub Scout Packs will race to the finish at Renaissance Academy. Check-in, inspection, and impound will be on March 27 from 7-8:30 PM. Registration details are coming soon.
Tidewater Council Pinewood Derby: April 4
Save the date for the council race on April 4! More information is coming soon.
Adult Pintwood Derby: April 18
Join us for the second annual Adult Pintwood Derby at Big Ugly Brewing in Chesapeake, hosted by the Rovers. This year, we’ll be raising funds for local Scouting and offering teams!
(This is a 21+ event. No uniforms.)
Council Sports Breakfast
March 18
Join us for the annual Council Sports Breakfast. Keynote speaker Kevin Greene is an Eagle Scout, 5-time NFL Pro Bowler, a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990’s, and a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve.
Contact Shannon Foster to RSVP or learn how to be a table host.
Council Banquet and Legends Dinner
March 31
Celebrate outstanding Scout volunteers and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the OA Cook Crew! The annual Council Banquet and Legends Dinner will honor the 2020 Silver Beavers, 2020 Living Legends, Venturing Leadership Award recipients, Sea Scout Leadership Award recipients, Council Alumnus of the Year, and more. Join us at 6 PM on Tuesday, March 31 at the Norfolk Masonic Temple.
Three Rivers District Camporee
April 3 - 5
“Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow” at Pipsico Scout Reservation, Camp Lions. In the Scouting tradition of promoting camping and the Scout motto of “Be Prepared,” this camporee will focus on Scouting skills acquired in the journey to the rank of First Class Scout. The skills learned in this journey enable a Scout to be prepared to take on life’s challenges and make wise decisions. Skill stations are personal fitness, first aid, orienteering, pioneering, cooking, and flag ceremonies. Bring your troop and build your teams. Youth and adults are $17 each. Sign up in Black Pug today.
Backpack to Retention
April 18 and April 22
Calling all Cub Scout leaders! You are invited to attend a training session that will give you the tools to lead a high-performing, successful pack!
Learn about the NEW improved fall recruiting plan. We’ll show you how to recruit Cub Scouts in a more effective way and help you prepare for the membership growth. You’ll also get tips for calendar planning, budgeting, product sales, leader training, and more!
This training is absolutely FREE, but registration is requested. Register online.
BALOO
April 25 - 26
Spring Cub Scout Family camp is FULL. BALOO training will be offered that weekend. It is a separate registration for this training event, either by paper form or coming soon in Tentaroo. Cub Scout Packs need a BALOO-trained leader for pack family camping events. Packs can rent a site at Pipsico for a personal weekend campout. Camp reservations are currently available at https://pipsicobsa.com/contact/ and soon will be offered on Black Pug.
Wood Badge
May 1-3 and May 30-31
Are you ready to take the new revised Wood Badge course? Wood Badge is a national leadership and team development experience open to all Scout leaders. Simply stated, Wood Badge is “Leadership for Scouting, Leadership for America.” It is a 5-day, hands-on, intense learning experience. Wood Badge uses the same contemporary leadership concepts utilized in corporate America and leading government organizations, applied to Scouting’s values-based movement. Participants apply skills they learn through their shared participation as a member of a successful, working, high-performance team.
Tidewater Council’s 2020 Wood Badge course will be held at Pipsico Scout Reservation on May 1-3 (Friday-Sunday) and May 30-31 (Saturday-Sunday). The $245 course cost includes meals for the first weekend, closing luncheon, course materials, hat, and t-shirt. Space is limited to the first 48 individuals who reserve their spot with a $100 deposit. Late fees apply if the full balance is not paid by March 23.
Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner
May 14
Congratulations to the 150 youth who attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 2019. Tidewater Council will celebrate their achievements at the annual Eagle recognition event on May 14 at 7 PM at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Virginia Beach. Registration information is coming soon.
VenturingFest 2020
June 28 - July 3
Come to the The Summit in West Virginia this summer to join in an amazing opportunity to not only attend one of the BSA’s National High Adventure Camps, but also to meet crews from all over the United States. Currently registered Venturers, Sea Scouts, and Scouts BSA members ages 14 and up (or 13 and graduated the 8th grade) are eligible to attend.
This six-day high adventure festival invites participants to explore the best of what The Summit offers: rock climbing, skateboarding, BMX biking, water sports, shooting sports, zip lines, challenge courses, and so much more. You can even try your hand at patch trading!
The costs are $525 for youth and $425 for adults if your reservation is made before April 30, 2020. All fees paid are non-refundable. The price includes tents, cots, all program equipment needed, and dinner Sunday night through breakfast on Friday. There is an extra fee for those who want to participate in whitewater rafting and Kodiak training.
Tidewater Council’s very own Venture Crew 303 will be attending, and invites any other interested Venturers to participate with them. If you would like more information on Crew 303’s summer trip or would like to join them, please email venturecrew303vb@gmail.com.
News
New Field Director Thad Cloer
Please join us in welcoming our new Field Director, Thad Cloer!
Thad comes to Tidewater Council with over 20 years of professional Scouting experience in Blue Ridge Council and Piedmont Council. He was a youth Scout in Mecklenburg County Council. He is an Arrowman of over 40 years and a Wood Badger (Bobwhite).
Thad has been married for nearly 25 years and has two children, a 15-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son who is a Tenderfoot.
Thad will support Albemarle District, Three Rivers District, and camping operations. Welcome Thad!
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.
February is a time for CELEBRATION!
The Boy Socuts of America celebrated its 110th BIRTHDAY on February 8! We can help you celebrate with our Blue & Gold patches ($1.79 each) – this year with a blue and yellow balloon design. We also have party accessories in blue and gold to add excitement to any celebration: cups, tablecloths, napkins, cupcake baking cups, picks, and more!
Scout Sunday was officially February 2 this year, but many units will be celebrating at different Sundays of the month. To commemorate the occasion, we have the colorful 2020 Scout Sunday patch ($2.99). Don’t forget the program covers and inserts.
Webelos Transition
As Webelos begin their transition to Scouts BSA troops, please make sure the Scouts and parents have the information they need to shop. Besides the troop number, they need to know which color of neckerchief the troop is wearing, or if the troop is using bolo ties. If units are providing certain items to Webelos going to a troop (books, shoulder loops, neckerchiefs, slides), please let them know. Having all the correct information helps us help them!
Pinewood Derby
We now have all the latest and greatest derby car accessories. New this year are the light and sound add-ons weighing approximately .07 oz for police, fire truck, racecar, or ice cream truck. The sounds are truly authentic to the real thing! The price for these add-ons is $19.99 and the matching stickers ($4.99) may be purchased separately. Our front endcap is devoted to weights, tools, books, graphite, wheels, and any other accessory you can imagine. Come in and check it out!
Requirements Book
Look for the 2020 Scouts BSA Requirements book in our Scout Shop. This is a convenient way to have requirements for every rank, merit badge, Eagle palms, and more in one edition. They are now in stock.
Correction
The January EK stated the JTE patch price as $1.99 (last year’s price) but they are actually $2.19 this year. We are sorry for any inconvenience this error may have caused.
Orders and Holiday Hours
We are happy to mail your order by USPS, whether it’s personal items or unit awards. You can call us at 757-497-2688 to place an order or email polly.fugate@scouting.org.
Camp Cards, Popcorn, and Nuts
Camp Cards
We are pleased to announce a new unit fundraiser! The 2020 Camp Card Sale is an absolutely RISK-FREE fundraiser that helps Scouts earn their way to the adventures of Scouting.
Camp Cards are cards that offer valuable discounts to local retailers, including Ocean Breeze Waterpark, Tractor Supply, Cinema Cafe, and more. Scouts sell the cards to family, friends, neighbors, and community members. Units earn 50% commission ($5 per card sold).
There will be three orientation and kick-off opportunities during the last week of March. Sales dates will be April 1 – June 4.
Click on the link below to sign up to participate. Contact Susan Miley-Petrehn for more information.
Popcorn
Congratulations to the top-selling youth in the 2019 popcorn sale!
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 and at district Roundtables.
- There will be two take orders. The first order deadline date is Monday, March 23 and the second deadline date 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.
Black Pug
Registration for events may soon become a lot easier!
Soon you will be able to try out a new online event registration system! We are evaluating Black Pug for possible full implementation – including online reservations for council camp facilities. Black Pug offers a user-friendly web interface, an improved event calendar, better reports for event chairs and units, as well as full compatibility on smart phones and tablets.
Check out the system at https://scoutingevent.com/596. Click on the orange support bar on the lower right for a library of helpful tutorial videos.
Over the next few months, we will be testing selected events in this system and some will remain in Tentaroo until the evaluation is complete. Be sure to check the council calendar to find the right registration link. You can try out Black Pug today by registering now for the Council Banquet & Legends Dinner, Three Rivers Camporee, or Three Rivers Pinewood Derby. We’ll be adding more events to test the system soon and we’ll keep you informed in the EK and on social media.
Let us know what you think by sending us an email.
Order of the Arrow
Annual Dues
Do you wear an OA pocket flap on your uniform? It is time to pay your OA Dues for 2020. It is easy to do on Tentaroo! Log into Tentaroo, select Order of the Arrow 2020, and select OA Dues. As of February 1, the annual dues are $17.
Service and Ordeal Weekends
While you are in Tentaroo, you can also register for the March, May, and August Service and Ordeal weekends. The Ordeal and Brotherhood fees are listed as classes that you can select and pay for within the event. Don’t delay, register today. We want to know who is planning to attend so we can be prepared.
Unit OA Elections
Give every Scout who has reached the rank of First Class and above the opportunity to serve. Talk to your unit’s OA Representative about scheduling a visit and election. Encourage members to attend their monthly Chapter meetings.
Eagle Scout Application
The revised Eagle Scout Rank application (2020 version) is available here. If you have already submitted your application, you do not have to resubmit on the new application. New candidates should use the new form.
Campmaster Core
We are looking for folks who wish to join the Pipsico Campmaster Core. These are individuals or couples who wish to be weekend hosts to units visiting Pipsico. There is an application and interview process, followed by a weekend training course later this spring. Campmasters work in conjunction with the Camp Ranger on the Reservation. They arrive prior to our guests so that they can welcome them, get them checked into the correct sites, be available throughout the weekend, and do a check-out upon departure. The Campmaster quarters is the Bill Hill house, just inside Camp Kiwanis. If you are interested and wish to find out more, please contact Kathy Lull at rogue.123@cox.net.
Scout Days at Ocean Breeze Waterpark
Ocean Breeze Waterpark has announced new flexible Boy Scout Days! Discounted tickets now can be used during a choice of Scout Days, selected dates from May 16 – June 14. Unit leaders register their pack or troop online. Once registered, Ocean Breeze will send the unit leader a troop-exclusive access code to share with the Scout families. This access code can be used on the Ocean Breeze website to purchase discounted admission, meal vouchers, and patches.
Reserve your unit’s date by April 30 to lock in admission for 50% off.
Help Needed
Service Projects at Pipsico
Is your unit looking for a great service project? Pipsico Scout Reservation has some projects that would be best accomplished during the winter months, while the vegetation and wildlife are dormant.
Jim Grey Campfire Area
Help refurbish the Jim Grey Campfire Area. Install new benches, landscape walkways, and terrace aisles. More information is available online or by contacting Ron Misfeldt at 757-646-1384.
Additional Opportunities
We are looking for adults who are willing to take the lead and coordinate the work parties to accomplish a number of service projects. Large-scale projects will be posted on PipsicoBSA.com under the Ranger’s Corner tab. Larger projects will require coordinated work groups. Contact Ron Misfeldt at 757-646-1384 for more information. We look forward to seeing you at Pipsico!
Summer Camp Staff
What will you be doing this summer? Make new friends, learn new skills, enjoy the great outdoors, eat really good food, earn a little money (or get service hours), and develop your leadership skills. Join the staff at Pipsico 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 all program areas, including Administration, Scoutcraft, Handicraft, Climbing, Aquatics (Lifeguards), Shooting Sports, Huskanaw, and Kitchen Crew.
Know someone who is looking for an internship for school or work? Encourage them to apply!
For more information, contact Kirsten Misfeldt.
Interviews
Interviews and information will be conducted at the Crew 596 meeting on February 27 (6:30 PM – 8:30 PM) at Zino’s Cafe, 850 Old George Washington Highway, Chesapeake.
Please email Kirsten Misfeldt to set an appointment.
Training
Trained leaders:
- Are more knowledgeable
- Are more confident in their role
- Improve the quality of programs
- Lengthen leader tenure – for themselves and their peers
- Improve youth tenure and retention
- Know how to keep kids safe
- Are better prepared to make the Scouting program all it can be
Don’t your Scouts deserve the best?
Check out the council calendar for more information on upcoming training courses, including:
- Scoutmaster Specific – February 22 at Bayside Presbyterian Church
- Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation – March 28 at Camp Moonyah
- Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills – April 4 at Camp Lions, Pipsico Scout Reservation
- Wood Badge – May 1-3 and May 30-31 at Camp Lions, Pipsico Scout Reservation. The class size is limited to 48 and over 20 are already registered.
- Wilderness/Remote First Aid – May 16-17 at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center. The class size is limited to 24 and there are already 7 registered.
There will also be a Wilderness First Aid course April 18-19 at Camp Brady Saunders (Richmond, VA). This class includes patient assessment, musculoskeletal and soft tissue injury, splinting, and a variety of other topics. No prior training required. The cost is $240 per person. For more information on this course, visit wfa.net/scouts or contact Chris 703-836-8905.
NAYLE Prepares Youth Leaders for Success
Youth leaders are invited to attend National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) at The Summit or at Philmont in summer 2020. NAYLE builds upon skills learned during National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). Engaging activities equip young women and men to navigate team dynamics and plan for success using tenets of servant leadership. Outstanding Scouts have participated in NAYLE for more than a decade, and these young leaders are now shaping the future of the Boy Scouts of America.
Serving Scouts with Special Needs
All youth want to belong. Scouts with special needs can participate fully in Scouting, and typically are mainstreamed into traditional units. There are many resources available to train leaders how to best serve Scouts with special needs.
Cyber Chip
Today’s youth are spending more time than ever using digital media for education, research, socializing, and fun. To help families and volunteers keep youth safe while online, the Boy Scouts of America introduced the Cyber Chip. In developing this exciting tool, the BSA teamed up with content expert NetSmartz®, part of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children® and training expert for many law enforcement agencies.
All Cyber Chips expire annually. To “recharge” their Cyber Chip, the Scout goes to Netsmartz and completes two new resources to recommit to net safety and netiquette. Then, with the unit leader, the Scout can add the new date to the Cyber Chip card or certificate.
Safety Moment: Trampoline Parks
Trampoline parks can be a great way to get some fun exercise, but all units should remember to check out the safety records for the park they’re attending and verify if consent forms are needed. For more information, review the full safety moment.
PhilBreak 2020
PhilBreak is an opportunity to spend spring break at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico working on conservation projects. Volunteers will spend most of the week helping Philmont’s conservation staff work on timber-thinning projects in strategic areas of the ranch. These projects will help make Philmont even safer for the tens of thousands of participants who visit each summer. PhilBreak has broadened its eligibility requirements, making this alternative spring break experience open to any registered BSA member age 16 or older.
Through it all, you’ll meet incredible Scouts and Scouters from across the country who share your passion for service and stewardship. As a reward for your selflessness, you’ll get to spend Friday hiking at Philmont — a truly magical experience that will make your hard work well worth it.
You can choose from four weeks:
- February 29–March 7 (Session 1)
- March 7–14 (Session 2)
- March 14–21 (Session 3)
- March 21–28 (Session 4)
Scouting is a Special Place
Life can be cruel and growing up in the real world isn’t easy. In Scouting, kids learn to treat others fairly, honestly, and respectfully. Everyone lives by the same rules: the Scout Oath and Scout Law. We learn from mistakes, instead of being ridiculed for them. We demonstrate acceptance and caring through expressions of concern and appreciation for our peers. We seek the best from ourselves and each other, and we do our best to achieve it. We set the example for ourselves and others. We are Scouts.
Scouts in Action
Cub Scout Pack 496 held their first Blue & Gold!
Pack 158’s Scouting for Food project was a success. The Cub Scouts collected from rural Camden County and gave back to their local food bank. Great job!
Pack 600 held a creative Pinewood Derby racecar design, fabrication, and testing session. The Cub Scouts loved it and learned a lot about the design process.
Albemarle district’s newest Eagle Scout, John L. of Troop 116, had his court of honor on February 10. His amazing speech left most in tears. On February 12, Kill Devil Hills Mayor Ben Sproul, a third generation Eagle Scout himself, presented John with a Mayor’s Achievement Award.
Troop 362 visited a Virginia Beach City Council meeting to learn more about Citizenship in the Community. The Scouts were able to address the City Council and meet Mayor Bobby Dyer. They enjoyed learning how their community and local government address issues and how city laws are born.
The Albemarle Freezoree was just that, with temperatures in the low 30s. It was a great weekend after the rain cleared out. The Albemarle OA chapter conducted the first call out of the year, followed by the retiring of approximately 88 flags.
During the month of February, many units throughout the council have been participating in Scout Sunday and assisting their chartered organizations with church services.
Thanks to the awesome Scouts and volunteers from Pack 374, Troop 374, and Troop 1791 who spread the word about Scouting at Beach Girls Rock!
Congratulations to all districts on their Journey to Excellence achievements!
Albemarle: 2019 Gold District
Bayside: 2019 Silver District
Princess Anne: 2019 Gold District
Three Rivers: 2019 Silver District
Tidewater Council Overall: 2019 Silver Council
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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