“EK” Electronic Knapsack – July 15

Table of Contents

Friends of Scouting

Tidewater Council is facing financial setbacks with the loss of camping and activity revenue, declines in Scout Shop sales, and postponed fundraising events and Friends of Scouting presentations. It is more important now 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. If you are able, please make a gift to help us continue the mission of Scouting.

We are all in this together. Tidewater Council’s staff and Executive Board donate to the 2020 Friends of Scouting campaign.

Staff Participation
100%
Executive Board Participation
99%

Progress as of July 14, 2020:

Council Goal: $375,000
94.7%

Each district shares a portion of the overall goal. 
District progress as of July 14, 2020:

Albemarle District Goal: $20,000
105.3%
Bayside District Goal: $125,000
127.4%
Princess Anne District Goal: $115,000
89.0%
Three Rivers District Goal: $115,000
57.9%

Upcoming Events

Many events have been postponed due to COVID-19. 

The committee organizing this year’s Neptune Festival Parade has made the difficult decision to cancel the event.

The 2021 National Scout Jamboree has been postponed.

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.

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.

Backpack to Retention

July 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 Moyock or virtually. Space may be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, so please register online.

Popcorn Order Deadline

July 19

Place your unit’s first popcorn order through Scout Boss by July 19. Units will be able to pick up their first popcorn order during the first week of August.

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

Registration has closed. Additional registrations must be approved by the camp director. Please contact Christy Cooper at 208-597-6044 for details.

Scouts BSA Day Programs

July 28, 29, 30, and 31

Scouts, are you ready to get outdoors and earn a merit badge? We are offering one-day merit badges at Pipsico on July 28, 29, 30, and 31. Registration is available on Black Pug. Bring a bag lunch. One day sessions are $30 each. We will be offering Canoeing, Kayaking, Archery, Rifle, Climbing, Salesmanship, and several others.

For those adults driving the Scouts to camp, we have something for you too. You can bring your hammock and favorite book, spend the day on the Red Trail, help the Camp Ranger with service projects (if you are so inclined), take a training course, or do some retail therapy in Williamsburg for the day.

Family Fun Fest

August 8

Join with families nationwide for a special online-only event. There will be cool hands-on activities, interviews with amazing people, and opportunities to make your community better with a service project. Sign up at www.scouting.org/familyfunfest to stay updated with the latest details.

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!

The Regatta

August 14-16

The Regatta is fun-filled weekend with water-related activities, as well some shooting sports, at Pipsico Scout Reservation.

Because the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Spring Family Camp, those who were registered for that event have priority registration for The Regatta. Check your email for details and contact Kirsten Misfeldt at kirsten.kopiczak@scouting.org by July 19 to reserve your spots.

On July 20, we will open registration at Scoutingevent.com/596 for others to register until the event sells out. Bring your swimsuit and rubber duck!

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 Gammon Road, Virginia Beach. Registration is coming soon on Black Pug. 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. The COVID-19 situation continues to impact us. To resolve facility-use issues, we will work with counselors to host merit badges throughout the district. Scouts will go to the Merit Badge Counselor. Bring a bag lunch. 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

Outdoor Adventure Weekend

AKA Fall Guns 'n' Grillin' Plus
September 25-27

Troops, crews, ships, and posts – mark your calendar for an awesome outdoor weekend. We will have shooting sports, climbing, Ax Yard, and other skill builders and challenges in Huskanaw. Saturday lunch is included. Contact Kirsten Misfeldt for more information.

Council Banquet 09.30.2020

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. 

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. Registration and the leader’s guide are available 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. Our packs will each host a game booth. See the flyer for more details. 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.

Scout Day at Nauticus

October 31

Come out and join us for our 11th Annual Scout STEM Day at Nauticus. The 2020 event occurs earlier in the year than previous years, so remember to mark your calendar.

Scout STEM Day at Nauticus includes opportunities to work on NOVA awards, many different Cub Scout electives, and some merit badge requirements.

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, 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!

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.

Accept Pending Online Registrations by July 31

Effective July 1, online registration no longer has the option to pay with cash. This change was implemented before the new registration fees go into effect to allow time to collect any outstanding cash payments for pending applications.

What action do units need to take? Process all pending applications and turn in cash payments no later than July 31. Any applications that are not accepted or processed prior to the fee increase will have to pay the new fees.

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.)

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.

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

The Congressional Award

The highest recognition Congress bestows on young people is the Congressional Award. To qualify, a young person must meet certain goals in four key areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration. Many of the activities youth enjoy in Scouting fit nicely into those four categories. Better yet, double-dipping is encouraged, meaning work on merit badges, rank requirements, and Eagle projects counts toward the award.

This is not an award for past accomplishments. Instead, youth are honored for achieving their own challenging goals after registering for the program. That means your Scouts should register for the award as soon as possible after turning 13.5 years old, giving them the maximum amount of time to count Scouting requirements toward their progress. But even if your Scout or Venturer is 16, 17, or older, they have until their 24th birthday to complete the requirements.

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 3 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.

Merit Badge Counselor Qualifications

Chapter 7.0.1.0 of the Guide to Advancement outlines the requirements to be a merit badge counselor. While the general requirement is to be knowledgeable about the subject matter, some merit badges have additional requirements. These additional counselor requirements are designed to help manage the risks of certain activities and to enhance the Scout’s experience.

Some examples of the additional requirements are included below. Be sure to review the Guide to Advancement Chapter 7.0.1.0 for the full requirements.

  • All swimming and watercraft activities must be conducted in accordance with Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat.
  • All CPR instruction must be delivered by a currently trained CPR instructor.
  • All climbing activities must be supervised by a rock-climbing instructor over the age of 21 and in accordance with Climb On Safely.
  • For shooting sports, see the BSA National Shooting Sports Manual in addition to the Guide to Advancement.

These merit badges have additional requirements:

  • Climbing
  • Snow Sports
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Lifesaving
  • Motor Boating
  • Rowing
  • Scuba Diving
  • Small Boat Sailing
  • Swimming
  • Water Sports
  • Whitewater
  • Archery
  • Rifle Shooting
  • Shotgun Shooting

Virtual Dropouts

Some studies have shown that 20% of youth from economically disadvantaged families are not attending online school and are in danger of dropping out of school. Many of these youth have little or no access to working computers. Their families may be facing challenges navigating through the bureaucracy to obtain resources that could help them. These youth may not be back when schools reopen.

These are the same youth who are not attending your unit’s virtual meetings. It is more important than ever for youth to know that someone cares for them and will support them. Instead of emails, Slack, or Facebook messages, call the families that have not been attending your virtual gatherings. Ask about more than Scouting – take a moment to ask how they have been coping during the pandemic. What help does the family need? If you find a family that needs help, contact your district executive. Tidewater Council is a partner agency with NCCARE360 and the Unite Us Hampton Roads United Coordinated Network, and can refer families to appropriate resources for assistance.

Continuing Education and BSA Training

Many professions require continuing education units (CEU) to keep certifications current. While Scouting does not require its leaders to take CEUs, we do offer them. The first method of continuing education for Scouters are the monthly roundtable sessions. Volunteer leaders exchange ideas and get the latest updates. Talk to your district commissioner to find out when your district’s roundtable will be held. If another district’s roundtable is more convenient for you, you can attend it instead.

More opportunities for continuing education include Pow-Wow and University of Scouting. These are one-day supplemental trainings that offer different courses to help improve a variety of skills. Pow-Wow is an annual fall event for Cub Scout leaders. University of Scouting is held in late winter or early spring and is for leaders in all programs.

The National Council offers monthly podcasts on various topics. CubCast covers topics relevant for Cub Scouting, ScoutCast is for Scouts BSA, and SeaCast is for Sea Scouting. You can check them out online or even subscribe.

Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award

The Adams Award recognizes the valuable service of an exceptional nature by a Scout to a religious institution, school, community, or another entity while doing his or her Eagle Scout service project.

The selection of recipients begins at the local level and is conducted through the council’s National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) committee. The council NESA committee selects a council recipient from among the submitted nominations and then forwards the worthy candidate for regional consideration.

Nominations are due to the council office no later than January 21, 2021. If you have any questions, contact your district advancement chair. Details and nominations forms can be found at www.nesa.org.

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 Scout Evan J. of Princess Anne Troop 504! Evan did an outstanding job at his virtual Eagle Board of Review.

Participants had a lot of fun exploring the water in the first Stay Camp session on July 11.

It is not too late to join in! Contact staycamp@tidewaterbsa.com to find out how you can view recordings from Week 1 and get in on the action for the next four weeks. And, 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 free of charge, including youth facing financial hardship, youth with underlying health conditions, and people with special needs. 

We would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Lowe’s of Elizabeth City for donating 300 face masks. Despite how difficult this pandemic has been on everyone, the generosity from our communities has never wavered. These masks will help greatly with keeping our youth and volunteers safer while they are enjoying Cub Scout Day Camp this year.

At his Eagle Scout Court of Honor, Kahle J. of Albemarle Troop 162 received a special gift. Senator Bob Steinburg attended the Court of Honor and presented Kahle with a flag that flew over the North Carolina State Capitol Building.

Albemarle Pack 164 met to play bingo and participate in some fun activities. A big thank you to American Legion Post 40 for allowing the Scouts to meet and utilize their building.

Thirteen Scouts and seven Scouters from Princess Anne Troop 471 completed the Scout Strong Challenge between March 23 and June 30. During the most critical phase of the pandemic isolation, the troop stayed in touch through social media and shared experiences. Completing Scout Strong together was one way to maintain Scout Spirit and keep active. The troop plans to do another challenge soon.

Albemarle Troop 5505 is continuing to meet and work on merit badges. They are currently striving to earn the geocaching merit badge. The Scouts look forward to using the skills they are learning.

Princess Anne Troop 303 leaders Gene Hoffman and Sam Grinvalsky held a virtual presentation about the path from Life Scout to Eagle Scout. Tyler G., who earned the rank of Eagle Scout last fall, provided some words of wisdom for his peers as well. Great job coaching the Scouts to continue advancing and achieving!

Cub Scout leaders came together – both in-person and virtually – for Backpack to Retention on July 8. They learned tips for recruiting, retention, and putting on a great Cub Scout program. 

If you missed the first Backpack to Retention session, join us tonight, July 15!

Scouts from Princess Anne Troop 303 met to work on the journalism merit badge together.

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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