Table of Contents
Friends of Scouting
We are all in this together. Tidewater Council’s staff and Executive Board donate to the 2020 Friends of Scouting campaign.
Progress as of June 30, 2020:
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal.
District progress as of June 30, 2020:
Take Action: More Ways to Support Local Scouting
LEGO Drive
Have your kids outgrown their LEGOS? Donate your gently-used bricks to support LEGO Derbies and other Cub Scout programs.
Please bring donations to the Tidewater Council office between July 7 and 18 during regular Scout Shop hours.
AmazonSmile
If you shop on Amazon, use AmazonSmile and direct your support to Tidewater Council. There is no extra cost to you. AmazonSmile is also available through the Amazon Shopping app.
- Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device.
- Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into ‘Settings.’
- Tap ‘AmazonSmile’ and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
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. Report your service hours to help 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.
Connect on Social Media
Help us expand our reach on social media by liking and sharing.
Facebook: @tidewaterbsa
Instagram: @tidewatercouncilbsa
Annual Leadership Breakfast
Recruit local community businesses to host a table of ten to attend the 2020 Annual Leadership Breakfast featuring Kevin Greene on September 22, 2020. Contact your district executive or Susan Miley-Petrehn for more information.
Civic Organizations
Are you a member of a civic organization?
- Ask them to choose Tidewater Council as one of the recipients for funds raised at their next special event.
- Do they have guest speakers at their meetings? Contact us to request a presentation about the value of local Scouting.
Special Occasions
Is a loved one celebrating a graduation, birthday, or Scouting milestone? You can give a memorial or tribute gift in their honor.
Is your family or company hosting a party? You can ask for donations to support Scouting in lieu of gifts.
Volunteer
In addition to the many ways that you support program delivery, there are also opportunities available to volunteer with finance. Help plan the Darden Gala, volunteer at the Boy Scout Rick Anoia Golf Classic, do Friends of Scouting presentations, and more. There is an opportunity for everyone – contact Susan Miley-Petrehn for more information.
Upcoming Events
Many events have been postponed due to COVID-19.
The committee organizing this year’s Veterans Day Parade has made the difficult decision to cancel the event. As Tidewater Council supports this event annually, we hope that you will save the date for next year’s parade on November 11, 2021.
Due to Virginia restrictions on holding overnight summer camps, we have had to cancel summer resident camp programs. If you were signed up, please contact your unit leader for additional information. Our camping and program teams are working to develop alternate outdoor opportunities, and will share information as it is available. Pipsico is available for recreational and family camping.
Click here for a continuously updated list of event changes. Tidewater Council’s official updates and policies can be found here.
Service Opportunity
July 1 and 2
Stay Camp is coming up fast and we need help to pack the supply boxes for each family. Volunteers will be working at the council office today (July 1) and tomorrow (July 2). You are welcome to come for the whole day, or for just an hour or two. Please RSVP to James Carroll at staycamp@tidewaterbsa.com and wear a face covering so we can maintain safety precautions. Youth are welcome, and can count their assistance for service hours.
Thanks to a grant from United Way of South Hampton Roads, we are extending the virtual Stay Camp opportunity to vulnerable populations in southeastern Virginia impacted by COVID-19, including youth facing financial hardship, youth with underlying health conditions, and people with special needs. Contact Alison Harrison for more information about this grant.
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.
Popcorn Training
July 6, 7, and 9
Join us to learn what’s new in the 2020 Tidewater Council Popcorn Sale, from new distribution policies and prizes to websites and apps. You won’t want to miss out!
- Monday, July 6 at 6:30 PM at C&B Diner, 1102 George Washington Hwy N., Chesapeake, VA 23323
- Tuesday, July 7 at 6:30 PM at Tidewater Council Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455
- Thursday, July 9 at 6:30 PM at Tidewater Council Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Backpack to Retention
July 8 and 15
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!
You can attend in-person in Virginia Beach on July 8, in-person in Moyock on July 15, or virtually on either date. Space may be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, so please register online.
Cub Scout Day Camps
Tidewater Council is continuously evaluating the COVID-19 situation in our community. We are dedicated to developing a Day Camp Program that is SAFE AND FUN for all. We will follow guidelines from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Camp Association (ACA), and the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). A health screening form will need to be turned in on the first day of camp and can be obtained on our day camp webpage. Daily temperature checks will be performed and masks will be required at check in/out and when social distancing cannot occur. Thank you for your patience as we work with the evolving nature of the situation. Updates will be posted on our website as they are available.
We currently have three in-person day camps:
- Elizabeth City: July 20-24
- Chesapeake: July 27-30
- Virginia Beach: August 3-7
If you have any questions, please contact Thad Cloer at 704-472-6847 or Christy Cooper at 208-597-6044.
Albemarle Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
August 12
Please join us to recognize all the Albemarle district volunteers – those dedicated people who give selflessly of their time, talents, and treasures. Our annual appreciation dinner has been rescheduled for August 12 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1453 North Road Street, Elizabeth City, NC at 6 PM. We will start with dinner and fellowship, with recognitions and district updates immediately following. You can register online at https://scoutingevent.com/596-ALdinner. This event is for the entire family – Scouts, leaders, siblings, and guests. Please register now and we hope to see you there!
Princess Anne Shooting Sports Day
August 15
Princess Anne Cub Scouts, save the date for a district shooting sports day on Saturday, August 15 at Memorial United Methodist Church, 804 Gammond Road, Virginia Beach. Registration is coming soon. Contact James Carroll at tidewaterpass@gmail.com for more information.
OA Service & Ordeal Weekend
August 21-23
Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, the March and May OA Service & Ordeal Weekends were postponed. Those who registered in Tentaroo will be moved to the August 21-23 event. Additional information will be sent through the OA communication channels. If you are not receiving these communications, please contact your Chapter Chief.
Three Rivers District Camporee
August 28-30
“Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow” at Pipsico Scout Reservation, Camp Lions. The Three Rivers District Camporee will be an end-of-summer campout. Registration is now open on Black Pug.
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.
Powder Horn
September 11-13 and September 18-20
Powder Horn is a resource course designed to introduce Scouting’s adults and youth to the exciting outdoor and high-adventure program possibilities for their unit. The ultimate goal is for the participants to leave the Powder Horn course with a list of ideas to help their program, along with the contacts and resources needed to implement them.
Session options include:
- Expedition Planning
- Backpacking/LNT
- Shooting Sports
- Emergency Preparedness
- Geocaching
- Orienteering
- Sailing
- Watercraft
- SCUBA
- Wilderness First Aid & Survival
- And much more!
The course will be held at locations throughout Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake, and by teleconference. The fees are $150 for adults and $100 for youth.
Three Rivers Merit Badge University
September 12
Calling all Merit Badge Counselors! We are looking for Merit Badge Counselors for Three Rivers Merit Badge University on September 12. Our recommended class size is ten Scouts. Contact 3rdistrictmbu@gmail.com to volunteer or learn more.
We hope to offer a beneficial program for our Scouts, but we can only be successful with the generous help of our volunteers. Merit Badge Counselors who volunteer by July 26, 2020 will have the opportunity for their troop to register and select their merit badges first. Registration will open on August 9, 2020.
This will be a single-day event, with two 3-hour in-person sessions. Bring a bag lunch or buy our pizza lunch deal. We plan to finish the in-person requirements and check off the prerequisites accomplished. For merit badges that cannot be completed in one session, Scouts will follow up with the counselor to finish.
Annual Leadership Breakfast
September 22
Tidewater Council has made the difficult decision to postpone our Annual Leadership Breakfast until September, because the health and safety of the community is our top priority.
The extended shutdowns have put Tidewater Council in a difficult financial position. Please consider making your financial gift to Tidewater Council today. You can donate online or fill out a pledge card and submit it to shannon.foster@scouting.org.
Keynote speaker Kevin Greene, an Eagle Scout and NFL Hall of Famer, will join us for the Annual Leadership Breakfast this fall. RSVP to Shannon Foster.
Council Banquet and Legends Dinner
September 30
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 Wednesday, September 30 at the Norfolk Masonic Temple.
Silver Beavers
Jon Cooper
B.G. Lee
Lisa Miller
John Scheib
Living Legends
Jeanne Blair
Anne Bussiere
Mike Coley
Clarence Harrison
Robert Johnson MD
John Klemenc
Dave Lannetti
Byron McPherson
Don Schultz
Dennis Stewart
Fall Family Camp
Back to the Campfire!
October 2-4
Let’s take a break and get back to the campfire for a fun-filled weekend at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Scouts and families are invited to camp from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning with activities planned for learning and lots of fun on Saturday. There will be a variety of activities including archery, BB’s, handicrafts, cooking, sports, and a campfire program. Save the date – registration and the leader’s guide are coming soon.
Albemarle District Gold Rush Cub-O-Ree
Yee-Haw! There’s GOLD in them there fields!
October 16-18
The Gold Rush is an Albemarle District Family Camping event held at Currituck County Rural Center for all Cub Scouts, their families, and/or leaders to experience together. Non-Scout siblings are invited to participate in all activities during Gold Rush. Activities include: BB guns, archery, field games, crafts, campfires, and much more. Mark your calendar now! Registration and the leader’s guide will be available soon on Black Pug. The cost will be $40 per family if paid by October 2, and $50 after that date. Packs will be given more details from our Sherriff, Tiffany Bounds, on what units are expected to contribute. Let’s get ready to camp!
District Gold Rush Cub Scout Field Days
October 17
Princess Anne
Princess Anne Cub Scout packs, save the date for the district Gold Rush field day! More information is coming soon. Contact event chair Nick Boyle for more information.
Three Rivers
Three Rivers Cub Scout Packs will host a carnival for our newest recruits at Izzak Walton League Park. Save the date – registration is coming soon!
Bayside
Bayside Cub Scout packs, save the date for the district Gold Rush field day! More information is coming soon. Contact event chairs Michelle Miranda and Brittany Szkaradnik for more information.
Albemarle
Albemarle’s Gold Rush field day will be incorporated in with the district Cub-O-Ree (see above).
Highlander Games at the Albemarle District Camporee
October 23-25
There are many legends about the origins of the Scottish Games. The oldest traces the Games tradition back to the period of Roman invasions in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, where Scottish warriors reputedly displayed their bravery and strength by performing feats of skill and power in front of the opposing army. The most widely accepted tale describes the Games as informal athletic tests by which Kings and Clan Chiefs examined the agility, cunning, and physical strength of their clansmen. The victors of these trials were then awarded positions of leadership both on the battlefield and within the clan. The Scottish Highland Games or “Heavy Events” are the modem continuation of this ancient Celtic tradition. Each event you watch today may look like a simple matter of brute strength, but each also requires excellent timing, balance, and technique. (They also require a kilt!) Join us in Maple, NC this fall for some Highlander games.
Princess Anne District Camporee
October 23-25
Princess Anne troops and crews, save the date for the district camporee!
Enter the patch design contest now by submitting an original
3” round patch using no more than four colors to PACamporee2020@gmail.com.
Pow-Wow
November 14
Get ready to gather with other Mad Scientists at the Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow for a day of wild and somewhat wacky hands on, interactive, and practical classes to help you be the best Scientist (Cub Scout Leader) you can be!
Pow-Wow is an action-packed supplemental training event for adult Cub Scout leaders, pack committee members, and parents of Cub Scouts. You’ll spend the day learning new ideas and enjoying hands-on experiences that will enhance your ability to deliver a fun-filled, exciting program to Cub Scouts. Lunch will be provided.
The Pow-Wow staff is using this time of social distancing to plan an event that will help current and future Cub Scout leaders become better leaders. Develop your skills this fall with your fellow Cub Scout Leader Mad Scientists. Every Scout deserves a Trained Leader!
If you have any questions, suggestions, or would like to serve on staff, please contact Anne Bussiere.
News
Recreational and Family Camping at Pipsico
Did COVID-19 ruin your family’s summer plans? We have just the answer for you! Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America would like to invite you to enjoy camping at Pipsico Scout Reservation.
From July 1 - September 7, you can enjoy the awesomeness that is Pipsico Scout Reservation!
Guests may enjoy kayaking, canoeing, swimming, hiking, climbing, shooting sports, campfires, and fishing along the beach or at our lake – just to name a few fun family outdoor activities. With camping options ranging from personal tent campsite camping to renting a cabin, we have the outdoor adventure option for you!
Popcorn Sales
The 2020 popcorn sale will run from August to November. Many of the aspects of the sale that you love will stay the same, like the Pecatonica River Popcorn line, free shipping for online sales, and some of the highest unit commissions in the country. And we’re adding new features to make the sale even better, including a user-friendly app and new prizes.
Unit Popcorn Kernels lead and manage each unit’s sale. Use the job description linked below to identify the best Unit Popcorn Kernel for your unit.
You can sign up your unit’s Popcorn Kernel electronically at pecatonicariverpopcorn.com. Even if you have used the online system in the past, you will need to sign up as a new user. Click on Create Unit Profile. The Council Key is 596TWC. While you can split the job responsibilities of the Unit Popcorn Kernel among multiple leaders, each unit may only have one unit login.
Be sure to attend Popcorn Training on July 6, 7, or 9 to learn what’s new for the 2020 sale.
Registration
2021 Council Fees
Good news! Tidewater Council is pleased to reduce the council fee required from youth and adults at annual charter renewal. We are able to reduce this fee due to generous support of the 2020 Friends of Scouting campaign by families like yours.
The 2021 council fee will be $24 per person, which includes both the insurance fee and the program fee. This is a reduction of 43%, or $18, per person. (2020 council fees included a $30 program fee and $12 insurance fee, for a total of $42 per person.) Despite the increase in the national registration fee, members of Tidewater Council will be paying less for 2021 than they did for 2020.
Families who are facing financial hardship will be able to request specific assistance. Request forms are coming soon, and will be turned in with the charter renewal. Financial hardship requests will be the only method of requesting assistance. In order to provide more equitable distribution of funding and to simplify the burden on charter renewal processors, there will not be additional incentives based upon product sales, Friends of Scouting presentations, and family size. Contact specificassistance@tidewaterbsa.com for more information.
National Registration Fees
The National Council announced registration fees that will go into effect on August 1, 2020. These fees go directly to the national organization and do not include local fees.
Save Money by Registering New Members Now
New youth, siblings, and friends – register now! The national new-member joining fee goes into effect on August 1, 2020. New members can save money by registering in July 2020.
The online registration process is a convenient way to register new members while maintaining social distancing.
BeAScout Updates
Today’s parents can do it all online. With a few taps on their tablet, they can buy school supplies, sign up for soccer, or hire a babysitter. And, more and more these days, they’re finding out about Scouting online too. Today’s parents want, and expect, to learn more about the BSA through a simple-to-use, nicely designed website.
Keeping your BeAScout pin updated is essential when a new family is searching for a unit. Share what you are doing so families know that your unit is active and continuing to meet virtually. You can update your pin in Unit Pin Manager, which is now part of Organization Manager in My.Scouting. If you have any questions, please contact your unit commissioner or district executive.
Online Registration Changes
Some changes are rolling out for online registration on August 1, including:
- A Chartered Organization Representative Delegate will be able to approve adult applications. Previously only the Chartered Organization Representative could approve.
- The payment option will be credit/debit card only – no more cash transactions. Leaders will know all online applications have been paid in full.
- A processing fee of 3% will added to all online registration transactions and will be charged to the individual. (Previously, the national council covered processing fees.)
- If a unit’s BeAScout pin is active, online payment will be activated. (The cash/check option will not be available.)
Order of the Arrow
Across the nation, the Order of the Arrow has elected 65% fewer candidates from this time last year, and has inducted 80% fewer than this time last year.
The national committee and Tidewater Council’s own Blue Heron Lodge are striving to keep membership strong. The national organization has made temporary modifications to camping requirements and is allowing additional candidate elections.
In addition to national modifications, Blue Heron Lodge is taking action to provide induction opportunities. The August Service and Ordeal Weekend is still on for August 21-23. In September, Blue Heron Lodge will join forces with Wahunsenakah Lodge to conduct a joint Service and Ordeal Weekend. The dates for this event are September 11-13.
Learn more by reading this letter from Blue Heron Lodge Advisor Jeff Bobrow.
These are tough times for our lodge, the OA, and Scouting, but together we can overcome adversity and remain a strong lodge into the future.
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 local Scouting community.
Summer is rolling in quickly and so are the fun activities of Scouting! The Scout Shop can help any Scout prepare for the summer months ahead.
The Scout Shop is currently closed for the 4th of July week. We will reopen on Tuesday, July 7.
Scout Pants & Shorts Sale
Get $5 off the previous style of pants/shorts, which includes the MICROFIBER quick-dry shorts. These microfiber shorts are being phased out, but we still have some in stock. On sale, the youth sizes are just $14.99 and the adult sizes are $16.99. The canvas shorts are on sale too, as well as the canvas and microfiber zip-off pants. Come and get ‘em or call to have an order shipped. Remember the old-style pants/shorts will always be considered official.
Camping Gear
CAMPING is still a great adventure, whether it’s with a unit or in your own backyard, so every Scout needs to be ready. Check out our supply of camping gear with tents, mosquito netting, mess kits, water bottles, hiking socks, waterproof items, and much more!
Class-B T-Shirts
Sport-Tek microfiber t-shirts are still the coolest thing around during the heat! Youth sizes are $14.99 and adult sizes are $17.99. Colors in most sizes include tan, olive green, navy, red, and gray. We still have a good stock of the 100% COTTON t-shirts on our back wall. Youth sizes are $9.99 and adult sizes are $10.99. These Scout-themed t-shirts are perfect for summer activities.
Council Shoulder Patches
We have a new Tidewater Council shoulder patch, still only $5. If you would like to place an order, just call the Scout Shop and we can send as many as you like.
Crossover Items
Do you need books, neckerchiefs, or slides? Please contact polly.fugate@scouting.org with the quantities you need so we can ensure we have enough in stock to fulfill your order. We are experiencing longer turnaround times from the BSA supply chain, and we want to Be Prepared to serve you!
The Scout Shop will continue to provide service in the best possible way we can for all customers. To ensure customers feel safe, we encourage social distancing, and we can ship orders at the minimal cost.
To place an order, call the Scout Shop at 757-497-2688 or email polly.fugate@scouting.org.
Please note our current hours:
Tuesday – Friday: 11 AM – 4 PM
Saturday: Noon – 3 PM
Sunday – Monday: Closed
New Scouts BSA Training
A new online and facilitated version of Scouts BSA training will be available on August 3. If you are currently working on this training online, please complete it prior to August 3 to avoid losing your progress. If you do not complete the training by August 3, you will have to restart using the new Learning Plan and modules.
The Learning Plans for all Scouts BSA positions are changing – Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster, Committee Chair, Committee Member, and Merit Badge Counselor.
The new online learning will combine and streamline content, resulting in fewer modules and a reduced total course time. The new facilitated course uses offline versions of the learning modules to facilitate maintenance for any future changes. The online and facilitated content are simultaneously updated to ensure consistency in the training.
Please note: completion of the appropriate portion of the Scouts BSA facilitated session will meet the requirements for:
- Scoutmaster & Assistant Scoutmaster: S-24 Scoutmaster Specific Training
- Merit Badge Counselor: D-76 Merit Badge Counselor Orientation Training
- Troop Committee Chair & Committee: WS-10 Troop Committee Challenge
Resources in My.Scouting to Know
The My.Scouting website is a portal for online training and unit management.
Some of the many applications include:
- Organization Security Manager: Allows the unit Key-3 to assign other volunteer leaders roles, such as Registration Inquiry, Advancement Chair, Training Chair, and Youth Protection Champion.
- Organization Manager: Allows the unit to update the Be-A-Scout information and create subgroups, such as dens or patrols. The Chartered Organization Representative can choose to accept online applications (or not) and to list the unit as a family pack, all-boy pack, or all-girl pack.
- Training Manager: Allows the unit to track which volunteers have completed position specific training, when Youth Protection Training expires, and allows authorized volunteers to add training taken.
- Application/Invitation Manager: Allows the unit to respond to inquiries about joining the unit and to accept online applications.
- Member Manager: Allows the unit to print rosters, either for the entire unit or by subgroups including youth-only or adult-only.
Revised "God and Me" Curriculum
Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.) provides the religious emblems program for Protestant and Independent Christian churches. There are some exciting changes for P.R.A.Y.’s new God and Me booklets coming out this fall.
- All lessons were fine-tuned with new artwork to give the Student Workbook the feel of an activity book, rather than homework.
- New eligibility guidelines will restrict “God and Me” to grades 2-3, while 1st graders will shift to the “Jesus and Me” program for K-1. This has been a long-anticipated change.
- New Counselor Manuals will make it easier for adults to deliver the program, reduce preparation time, and get learners out of their chairs and engaged in fun activities. The new Counselor Manual will include full-size pages of the Student Workbook, matched to corresponding instruction pages in a side-by-side format.
- The new Mentor Workbook will integrate the student curriculum by including quarter-size student pages, making an important visual connection.
Training Awards
You probably have heard that “All Scouts deserve a trained leader.” Well, “All trained leaders deserve to be recognized.” The Volunteer Development Team at Scouting U has created a new look and more streamlined version of all the Volunteer Training Awards.
Scouting asks a lot of you – the volunteer – and we want to recognize your time and talents with proper recognition. Scouting U worked to deliver a more user-friendly application while keeping the requirements consistent and meaningful.
Thank you for your commitment to training and delivering the best possible Scouting experience to the youth. You can access Training Award Progress Records and Applications at scouting.org/training/adult.
Unit Leader Training
Tidewater Council has a 100% trained leader policy, where all unit leaders should be trained in their leadership position. Completing the training helps adult volunteers better understand their responsibilities and better serve the youth. Unit leaders should work with the volunteers in their unit to ensure that every leader completes their position-specific training by charter renewal time. You can take most position-specific training online at My.Scouting.org. If you need help accessing online training, click here. For a listing of position-specific training modules, click here.
Tidewater Council also has the policy that every registered adult’s Youth Protection Training (YPT) must expire on or after the date their registration expires. This means that adults renewing their membership for 2021 must have YPT that expires on or after December 31, 2021. Please take the time to update your YPT this summer.
Camping This Summer
Summer camp is a highlight for Scouts of all ages each year. Boys and girls yearn for outdoor programs that stir their imagination and interest. Tidewater Council is hosting both in-person and virtual day camps and is adapting plans for Scouts BSA camps.
With shelter-in-place, stay-at-home, safer-at-home, and various “Opening America” phases affecting Scout camps nationwide, many council camps have turned to virtual gatherings to keep Scouts engaged and encouraged.
While camp will look different this year, virtual camps offered by BSA councils across the country will continue to challenge and excite Scouts. They will be able to interact with Scouts from across the country while learning new Scouting skills.
If you and your child decide to enroll in one of these virtual camps, please let your district camping chair or district executive know. Camp attendance – both in-council and out-of-council – is reported annually and affects your unit’s Journey to Excellence score.
Camp Cards
Sales Dates Extended
Even though many Camp Cards are being sold, there are still some available! With the complications and restrictions caused by the pandemic, we are extending the Camp Card sale.
We will now be selling Camp Cards through July! Packs, Troops, Crews, Ships, and Posts now have until August 3rd to return their cards and not be charged.
Online Sales Available
Sell Camp Cards from the safety of home! Direct your customers to https://tidewaterforms.tentaroo.com/OrderCampCards. Your unit will still receive $5 per card (deposited into your store account) if the customer specifies your unit. If the customer doesn’t specify a unit, $5 per card will go to camperships for low-income Scouts.
Cards purchased online can be picked up at the Scout Shop, or shipped for a nominal fee.
Donate Camp Cards to Frontline Heroes
Purchase cards for nurses, first responders, and hospital staff members who are on the front lines of combating COVID-19. Cards may be purchased online, and Tidewater Council will cover distribution.
National Scout Jamboree
Over 20,000 Scouts will enjoy 10 days of fun and excitement at the National Jamboree. You won’t want to miss out! Get ready to Face the Challenge by signing up to attend the Jamboree. Contact us for a presentation about why youth should attend this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Visit Tidewater Council’s Jamboree webpage for registration information. The cost to attend the Jamboree is $1,700, and there is a payment plan available. The payments can be made electronically here.
Congratulations to leaders selected for the Tidewater Council’s 2021 National Jamboree contingent! We still have limited openings for troop and crew leaders.
- Male Troop
- Scoutmaster – Karen Allgaier
- 1st Assistant Scoutmaster – Steven Bowser
- 2nd Assistant Scoutmaster – Larry Brittain
- 3rd Assistant Scoutmaster – VACANT
- ½ Female Troop
- 1st Assistant Scoutmaster – Skip Brady
- 3rd Assistant Scoutmaster – Kaitlyn Roetz
- ¼ Venture Crew
- Associate Advisor – VACANT
- Associate Advisor – VACANT
- ¼ Sea Scout Ship
- Skipper – Rodger Brown
- Mate – VACANT
Congressional App Challenge
The Congressional App Challenge is an annual nonpartisan competition for middle and high school students to develop original apps and submit them to congressional offices. The Challenge encourages students to explore STEM courses and industries. You can compete individually or as a team.
Each congressional office will choose a winner for their district and the winners will be invited to Washington DC for the #HouseOfCode 2021 reception. More information is available online.
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 and NCCARE360. 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.
Scouts in Action
Congratulations to new Eagle Scouts, Brennan S. and Kyle J., both of Princess Anne Troop 791. Both Scouts did outstanding jobs at their virtual Eagle Boards of Review.
Summer camps have been cancelled in many locations, but Albemarle Troop 158 did their best to keep the outing in Scouting during their scheduled summer camp week. Throughout the week, the youth conducted service projects in their community, worked on merit badges and Scout skills, and took the trees at the Adventure Park. The unit leaders did a fantastic job developing a local summer camp experience for the youth, and the youth had a great time.
Lone Scouts Evan, Simone, and Randall have continued Scouting during the pandemic with activities including assembling first aid kits, visiting historic landmarks, and cooking eggs in orange peels over a campfire.
Albemarle Pack 771 was flying high recently. The unit met outdoors to keep the youth and families safe and active. The Cub Scouts tried their engineering skills, making paper airplanes and trying to make it in the target. Fun was had by all!
Princess Anne held its District Pinewood Derby on Saturday, June 27. Congratulations to all the Cub Scouts who advanced to the district level and to Saturday’s winners. Thank you to Tom Byrd and the volunteers of Pack 407 for leading the committee and coordinating such an amazing derby. It was the first district gathering since March, and those in attendance enjoyed seeing each other in person. Even the sun was smiling!
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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