Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Award Deadlines
District Award of Merit - February 8
The District Award of Merit honors Scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the district level. Nomination forms are due to the council by February 8. (You cannot self-nominate.) The recipients will be honored at district volunteer recognition events in March.
Nominees must:
- be registered Scouters.
- have given “noteworthy service to youth,” either inside or outside of Scouting—or both.
- have gone beyond the duties of their volunteer position.
- maintain a positive attitude and work in cooperation with the district and council.
Silver Beaver - February 8
The Silver Beaver Award is a council‐level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council. Silver Beaver recipients implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service. It is given to those who do not seek it. (You cannot self-nominate.) Nomination forms are due to the council by February 8. Recipients will be honored at the council recognition event on March 31.
Nominees must:
- be registered Scouters.
- have given “noteworthy service to youth,” either inside or outside of Scouting—or both.
- have gone beyond the duties of their volunteer position.
- maintain a positive attitude and work in cooperation with the district and council.
Venturing Leadership Award - February 15
The Venturing Leadership Award recognizes Venturers and Venturing Advisors who have made exceptional contributions to Venturing and who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law. Nomination forms are due to the council by February 15.
Nominees must:
- be registered and involved as a Venturer or Venturing advisor for at least one year.
- hold a leadership position or an office within the council.
- show exceptional dedication and give outstanding leadership and service to Venturing and to Venturers.
Sea Scout Leadership Award - February 15
The Sea Scout Leadership Award recognizes Sea Scouts and Sea Scouters who have made exceptional contributions to Sea Scouting and who exemplify the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Nomination forms are due to the council by February 15.
Nominees must:
- be registered and involved as a Sea Scout or Sea Scouter for at least one year.
- hold a leadership position or an office at the unit, district, or council level
- show exceptional dedication and give outstanding leadership and service to Sea Scouting and to Sea Scouts.
VFW Scout of the Year - 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.
Waterway Cleanup
February 8
You are cordially invited to join the team from Waterfront Property Law at the February 8 Lynnhaven River Now waterway cleanup. From 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the team will participate in a land-based cleanup at the Francis Land House, 3131 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. Please dress for brushy, thorny, and muddy terrain – full body protection, closed-toed sturdy shoes, hats, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle are recommended. If interested, please RSVP by Thursday, February 6 to Abigail Wilcox.
NRA Shotgun Instructor Training
February 15-16 and 22-23
Join us for NRA Shotgun Instructor Training. The course will include two days of classroom instruction at the Tidewater Council Service Center (Saturday, February 15 and Saturday, February 22) and two days at the range at Pipsico Scout Reservation (Sunday, February 16 and Sunday, February 23). Attendance on all four days is required. This course is for proficient shooters and will not cover basic skills. If interested, please contact Kirsten Misfeldt at 757-323-6172.
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.
Klondike Derby
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.)
Council Sports Breakfast
March 18
Save the date 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 for more information.
Council Banquet and Legends Dinner
March 31
Save the date for the annual Council Banquet and Legends Dinner, honoring outstanding Scout volunteers. The 2020 event will take place on Tuesday, March 31 at the Norfolk Masonic Temple. Registration details are coming soon.
Adult Pintwood Derby
April 18
Save the date for the second annual Adult Pintwood Derby at Big Ugly Brewing in Chesapeake, hosted by the Rovers. Registration information is coming soon.
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
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!
HAPPY 110th BIRTHDAY to the Boy Scouts of America 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 is 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.
Our next holiday closing will be Monday, February 17 for Presidents Day.
Camp Cards and Popcorn
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 units in the 2019 popcorn sale!
Albemarle District
1. Troop 162
2. Troop 182
3. Pack 125
Bayside District
1. Pack 67
2. Pack 24
3. Pack 482
Princess Anne District
1. Pack 791
2. Pack 700
3. Pack 407
Three Rivers District
1. Pack 413
2. Pack 6
3. Pack 212
Council Overall
1. Pack 791
2. Pack 413
3. Pack 67
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 January 31, 2020:
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal.
District progress as of January 31, 2020:
2021 National Scout Jamboree
A celebration that happens just once every four years. World-class venues packed with incredible moments. A spirit of unity, patriotism, and courage. Turns out the National Scout Jamboree and the Summer Olympics share a lot of similarities, with one exception – at the National Scout Jamboree, everyone leaves a winner.
The 2021 National Scout Jamboree will be held July 21-30, 2021 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, the BSA’s gold-medal-caliber high-adventure base in West Virginia. Registration is now open for both youth participants and adult contingent leaders.
A National Scout Jamboree will happen only once or twice during a young person’s time in Scouts BSA, Venturing, or Sea Scouting. Over the course of 10 days, Jamboree participants experience unforgettable adventures they’ll remember all their lives. Experience the Summit’s legendary adventure sports programs. Earn merit badges. Enjoy stadium shows. Trade patches with Scouts from all 50 states and many foreign countries. Face the challenge.
Order of the Arrow
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. While you are there, 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.
It is time to schedule your 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.
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.
Norfolk Admirals Special Rate
As a thank you to Scout families who supported Scout Night with the Norfolk Admirals, our hometown hockey team is offering a $12 center-ice ticket special (50% off).
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.
Lost and Found
Come by the Council Service Center by February 24 to retrieve any items you lost at 2019 Summer Camp. Contact Kirsten Misfeldt if you have any questions.
BSA Podcasts
Want to keep up on the latest national changes? There are monthly podcasts which cover a wide variety of topics.
February CubCast: Why You Should be Using Scoutbook
February ScoutCast: Cultivating New Leaders
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.
Recognition and Awards
Adult Awards and Recognition
Recognition in the Boy Scouts of America isn’t just for youth. There are may adult awards and recognitions to thank adult volunteers for their service to youth. Most adult awards have certificates, pins or medals, and a patch, usually with an embroidered square knot. Adult leaders wear these square knot patches on their uniform over the left pocket. Click here to learn about the many BSA awards available or contact Rich Becker for more information.
Lifesaving and Meritorious Action Awards
While youth Scouts and adult Scouters do Good Turns without thought of recognition, they deserve it. The Boy Scouts of America’s Lifesaving and Meritorious Action Awards recognize registered youth and adults who have performed an attempt to save a life or who have performed notable acts of service.
If you know a Scout or Scouter who has done something outstanding, please submit the nomination form to the council advancement committee via your district advancement chair.
Succession Planning
Succession planning is the process of identifying and recruiting adult leaders and parents who are ready to step-in or step-up to fill unit leadership openings. Every unit should be conducting leadership inventories to identify those leaders who may be leaving and to identify and train replacements in plenty of time.
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?
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.
Dam Spillway Cleanup
Help clean the dam spillway on Camp Lions Road at Lake Beasley. The spillway rocks have been moved by heavy rains, and need to be put back in place. Unwanted trees and bushes have grown over the years, and need to be cleared out. 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 will be conducted on February 1 (9 AM – noon) at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.
Please email Kirsten Misfeldt to schedule your interview.
Scouts in Action
Sea Scout Ship 42 learned about fire safety. What do you do if your vessel has a fire onboard and the nearest help is 30 miles away?
The Sea Scouts practiced using flares and fire extinguishers. Flares are often included in the safety equipment on a ship but are rarely used. It is important to know how to use them if the time arrives.
The Sea Scouts also learned about different types of fire extinguishers, which type to use for different kinds of fires, and how to use them. Thank you to iFly Virginia Beach for providing the fire extinguishers.
To learn more, go sailing, or join Sea Scouts, please contact Kelly Thorp.
Scouts from the Albemarle district have been out and about and enjoying the wintery weather!
Thank you to all the volunteers who made Winter Camp an awesome success. Over 30 troops attended, bringing 325 Scouts and 120 adult leaders. More than 50 people served as Commissioners, Merit Badge Counselors, and worked in the kitchen and dining hall. While that was happening, volunteers put in new front doors to the dining hall, and took down a very large tree in the maintenance area. The Camp Medic got to try out the new washer and dryer in the Health Lodge. If you visited the Trading Post, you might have seen the newest Pipsico blue-ghost patch that is only available in the refillable alligator-ice mugs. See you next time at Pipsico!
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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