Table of Contents
New Council Officers
On March 28, Tidewater Council’s Executive Board elected our 2020-2021 council officers.
Council Key 3
We are pleased to announce our new Council President, Chuck Kubic, and our new Council Commissioner, Erich Röetz. These two volunteers, along with Scout Executive James Parnell, represent the top leadership of our council.
Many thanks to Sam Kroll, who served as Council President from 2017-2020, and to Ken Hawkins, who served as Council Commissioner from 2015-2020.
Introduction from Council President Chuck Kubic
Tidewater Scouts and Scouters,
I am honored, humbled, and inspired to have been elected to serve all of you as President of our historic Tidewater Council of the Boy Scouts of America. While on the Trail to Eagle as a Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Explorer and while serving as Cubmaster, Scout Master, OA Advisor and, most recently, Bayside District Chair, I learned always to BE PREPARED for the next SCOUT ADVENTURE. I also learned to seek counsel from others who share the same SCOUT SPIRIT when faced with challenging SCOUT LEADERSHIP opportunities.
In recent years, the BSA has navigated its way through a series of difficult national challenges while local Councils, like ours, have worked diligently to sustain Scouting opportunity for the youth of our community. Despite these setbacks, I still firmly believe Scouting is our Nation’s premier Value-Based, Leadership-Focused, Adventure-Driven, and Achievement-Recognized Family Youth Program. Our collective job is to sustain and grow the Tidewater BSA program in the face of today’s difficult environment while working to BE PREPARED for whatever challenges and opportunities will come our way in the months and years ahead.
Over the past six years I have worked with a lot of you and met many more of you at Scout events, and I have been greatly inspired by your spirit and commitment to our SCOUT OATH and SCOUT LAW. And since a Scout is Friendly, I will endeavor to meet many more of you in the weeks ahead. I look forward to sharing ideas on how we can ensure all of our Scouts continue to learn, develop and advance while expanding the Scouting experience to many more youth in our Community. And despite all the hard work that lies ahead, I look forward to having some SCOUT FUN with all of you.
Thanks for all that you do for Tidewater Scouting.
As Always – BE PREPARED. Chuck Kubic.
Introduction from Council Commissioner Erich Röetz
2020-2021 Council Officers and Vice Presidents
President: Chuck Kubic
Commissioner: Erich Röetz
Past President- Leadership & Governance Chair: Sam Kroll
Treasurer: Ted Lieland
Assistant Treasurer: Kathy Forsten
Council Attorney: Sam Kroll
Vice President of Administration and Planning (Strategic Initiatives & JTE Champion): Dale Ward
Vice President of Camping: Wes Parker
Vice President of Finance: George Ball
Vice President of Marketing: Cutch Armstrong
Vice President of Membership: Dave Bussiere
Vice President of Operations: Kelly Thorp
Vice President of Program: John Donat
Vice President of Special Events: Don Schultz
Friends of Scouting
The recently-passed CARES Act includes a provision for taxpayers who don’t itemize to take an “above the line” deduction for charitable gifts of up to $300 ($600 for a married couple). This means that gifts to Tidewater Council may be tax deductible, even if you take the standard deduction. This is not intended as legal advice; please consult with your tax adviser.
We are all in this together. Tidewater Council’s staff and Executive Board donate to the 2020 Friends of Scouting campaign.
Progress as of May 31, 2020:
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal.
District progress as of May 31, 2020:
More Ways to Support
Combined Federal Campaign
Federal employees, the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) has opened a Special Solicitation period, now through June 30. Make your pledge to support local Scouting online with CFC Code 94511.
The CFC Special Solicitation allows federal employees and retirees to make supplemental one-time or recurring donations to eligible charities via credit/debit card or bank draft. Anyone who did not pledge during the 2019 CFC will also be eligible to start a payroll deduction pledge. No distribution fees will be withheld from donations made during the CFC Special Solicitation.
AmazonSmile
If you shop on Amazon, use AmazonSmile and direct your support to Tidewater Council. There is no extra cost to you.
Tribute Gifts
Is a loved one celebrating a graduation, birthday, or Scouting milestone? You can give a memorial or tribute gift in their honor.
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.
Upcoming Events
Many events have been postponed due to COVID-19. Recent updates include:
- Wood Badge – After much consideration and deliberation, the Wood Badge course has been rescheduled to the spring of 2021. The dates will be April 30 – May 2 and May 22–23.
- Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides has been canceled.
- National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) will be rescheduled in 2021.
Click here for a continuously updated list of event changes. Tidewater Council’s official updates and policies can be found here.
Camp Cooped Up
May 11 - June 10
Join in the fun for a month-long, council-wide, at-home Scout Camporee. Scouts and Scouters will have a variety of fun activities to complete over the course of a month, including stargazing, making s’mores, and camping in your own backyard. Participants will be able to purchase a special camporee patch.
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.
Princess Anne District Pinewood Derby
June 27
Save the date for the Princess Anne District Pinewood Derby, June 27 at the Fleet Reserve Association. More information is coming soon.
Summer Camps
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). 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 two in-person day camps:
- Elizabeth City: July 20-24
- 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.
Stay Camp
Stay Camp is a new program that will enable Cub Scouts to explore from home. Our Cub Scout Day Camp webpage will be updated with more details and registration information soon.
Scouts BSA Resident Camp
Pipsico Scout Reservation is still planning to open on-time for summer camp, per final approval by the Governor of Virginia. Our staff is excited to offer a great program, with your safety foremost in our minds. Camp may look a little different this year to comply with COVID-19 safety precautions, but it will still be Pipsico-Awesome! If your troop has not signed up for camp yet, we still have space in Weeks 2 and 3. Register online on Tentaroo.
Awesome Adventure Week at Pipsico: July 19-25
After Week 4 of summer camp, we are offering two awesome programs. The first half of the week will be for Scouts BSA youth to earn merit badges and have fun. This Scouts BSA Mini Camp will only be open to Tidewater Council Scouts. During the second half of the week, we’ll hold a resident camp experience for Cub Scouts and Webelos. More details are coming soon.
Help Wanted
Are you looking for something fun to do this summer? Are you a nature lover who enjoys teaching young people? Pipsico Scout Reservation is seeking a Nature Director for five weeks of fun at camp. If interested, please apply online or contact Thad Cloer at 704-472-6847.
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 fee schedule will be announced on June 15.
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.
Highlander Games at the Albemarle District Camporee
October 23-25
Can you be the Scout champion of Maide Leisg? Maide Leisg (Scots Gaelic meaning “Lazy Stick”) is a trial of strength performed by two participants sitting on the ground with the soles of their feet pressing against each other. Seated, they hold a stick between their hands and pull against each other until one of them is raised from the ground.
Sign up for Maide Leisg and all the Highlander Games on Tentaroo today!
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
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.
Food Assistance
The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore is holding drive-through food pantries. Learn more about the Food Bank of the Albemarle’s programs here.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Scouts can help others at all times and continue a legacy of community service by contributing to a virtual food drive. No donation is too small! The combined efforts of many Scouts make a big difference – the National Camp-In on May 2 raised $102,636 for Feeding America.
Additional Resources
- The Salvation Army
- Drive-Through Food Pantry: 757-965-9012, Option 2
- Dominion Energy Share and Virginia Natural Gas: 757-965-9012, Option 1
- H2O Water Utility: 757-965-9012, Option 3
- Rent Assistance: 757-965-9012, Option 4
- North Carolina Division of Social Services: 919-527-6335
- Virginia CommonHelp: 855-635-4370
- Virginia Department of Social Services: 804-726-7000
#ScoutingAtHome
Journey to Excellence
Journey to Excellence (JTE) is built upon a grassroots effort by Scouters to recognize units that are delivering the promise of Scouting, as well as provide a framework for continuous improvement. The National Council is working with a team of volunteers to evaluate and edit the JTE scorecards for 2020 in light of COVID-19-related restrictions.
While JTE will change for 2020, it’s worth noting that Scouting itself has continued. It’s been truly inspiring to see Scouts continue meeting, serving others, and having fun from home.
Resources for #ScoutingAtHome
- National Scouting at Home webpage
- Tidewater Council Scouting at Home Resources webpage
- Camp Cooped-Up: May 11 – June 10
- Scouts BSA 31-Day Challenge: A month’s worth of activities, each focused on a different merit badge topic
- 30 Day Challenge K-2nd Grade: Videos for the youngest Cub Scouts and their not-yet-Scout friends
- 30 Day Challenge 3rd-4th Grade: Videos for older Cub Scouts and their non-yet-Scout friends
- 30 Day Challenge Venturing: Videos for Venturers
- The Lookout: Podcasts for Sea Scouts
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.
Thorlos Sock Sale
May 21 through June 13. Buy 2 or more pairs of any Thorlos socks and get 25% off each pair! The special blend of performance fabric keeps feet drier by providing more air flow, which protects the skin. The extra padding provides more comfort than regular socks, and the socks with copper provide odor reduction and have anti-fungal properties. If you like Thorlos socks, this is the time to get them – your feet will thank you after a long day of hiking.
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
Our next holiday closing will be June 29 through July 4. We will reopen on Monday, July 6.
Product Sales
Camp Cards
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 June! Packs, Troops, Crews, Ships, and Posts now have until July 3rd to return their cards and not be charged.
Let’s spend the next month getting the funds needed to go camping again!
Popcorn
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.
The full Tidewater Council Popcorn Sale Guide is coming soon. Instructions for using the electronic popcorn software are available here.
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
American Red Cross Certification Extension
The American Red Cross is closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and focusing on the best ways to carry out their lifesaving mission. Because of this, they recently enacted a free, online-only 120 Day Certification Extension course. This enables a certificate holder to extend base level certifications that were acquired through instructor-led or blended learning classes and were set to expire between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020. The extension certificate must be presented along with the certificate that has expired.
Water Safety
As the weather warms up, please ensure that Scouts and leaders are equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to participate in aquatics activities safely. There are many resources available.
BSA Safety Moments
Leader Training and Resources
- Safe Swim Defense – Training available online at my.scouting.org for all swimming activities. Adult leaders supervising a swimming activity must have completed Safe Swim Defense training within the previous two years.
- Safety Afloat – Training available online at my.scouting.org for all boating activities. Adult leaders supervising activities afloat must have completed Safety Afloat training within the previous two years.
- BSA Aquatics Safety Resource Page
Outdoor Activity Award and Summertime Pack Award COVID-19 Guidance
For the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award and National Summertime Pack Award, packs and dens should “Do Your Best” to meet the intent of the awards. If a required activity is not possible due to the pandemic, packs can utilize an alternative option of their choosing. Be sure to follow the health and safety guidelines and restrictions in your state and locality.
University of Scouting 2021
University of Scouting offers a great deal of opportunities for all ages of the family. It is designed to develop leadership and personal skills for a more successful tomorrow. This program is open to anyone interested in learning more about Scouting, whether you are a first-year Scout or a seasoned adult Scouter.
Over 100 years ago, Lord Baden Powell had a vision of developing a Scouting program for youth. He soon learned that if the program was to ever succeed, he would need dedicated adult leaders trained in the “arts and sciences” of Scouting. It’s from that idea that we offer you the “University of Scouting,” covering the following areas of study:
- Cub Scout Studies
- Scout BSA Studies
- Venture Scout Studies
- General Studies
- Youth Activities and Studies
If you have any questions about this event planned for spring 2021, contact Wayne Page.
Out-of-Council Camps
If you choose to participate in an out-of-council camp this summer, please inform your unit leader and district executive. Whether the camp is in-person or virtual, resident camp or day camp, your participation can boost the Journey to Excellence score for your unit, district, and council.
Scouting Connections
Many parents remember the Challenger disaster or September 11th as a defining moment for their generation. The COVID-19 pandemic is a defining event for the current generation. Today’s youth not only need the support of their families, but also each other.
Scouting is more than a program that instills morals, ethical decision-making, and leadership skills. It is also a major peer social outlet. Scouting enables youth to make life-long friends, helps them to develop socially and emotionally, and enhances their ability to navigate society as they interact with others from all walks of life. During these times, youth need the interaction and social support system more than ever.
Please continue to hold your virtual meetings. If a Scout is not participating, please reach out to them via phone or email.
Scouters Helping Scouters
If you need assistance navigating Scoutbook, why not try the Scouting Forums? Ask fellow Scouters your Scoutbook questions, or browse through an archive of common problems and possible solutions.
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Which outstanding volunteers in your Scouting unit are also members of the United States Armed Forces? The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM) recognizes members of the military (active duty, reserve, and national guard) who perform substantial volunteer service to the local community above and beyond the duties required as a member of the United States Armed Forces.
The MOVSM is designed to honor a wide variety of volunteer activities. There is no specific time requirement, but the intent is to recognize exceptional community support over time rather than a single act or achievement.
If you would like to nominate someone for the MOVSM, please work with their chain of command as to what documentation is needed. Contact your district executive if you need a letter of support from the council.
Digital Safety and Online Scouting Activities
As our community moves to more online interactions, remember to keep youth safety as the top priority.
A fitting BSA Safety Moment to share with families in your unit is Digital Safety and Online Scouting Activities.
Highlights include:
- Follow all youth protection policies.
- Use business-oriented conference platforms instead of platforms with other primary purposes (such as gaming).
- Regularly review and implement the latest security features of your chosen platform to avoid unauthorized visitors or other security issues in your meetings.
- Do not record online activities/meetings that include youth participants.
- Safeguard personal information.
- Collecting personal information from youth under 13 is not recommended.
The FBI Boston Division has issued these recommendations for Zoom conferencing:
- Do not make meetings or classrooms public. In Zoom, there are two options to make a meeting private: require a meeting password or use the waiting room feature and control the admittance of guests.
- Do not share a link to a teleconference or classroom on an unrestricted publicly available social media post. Provide the link directly to specific people.
- Manage screensharing options. In Zoom, change screensharing to “Host Only.”
- Ensure users are using the updated version of remote access/meeting applications. In January 2020, Zoom updated their software. In their security update, the teleconference software provider added passwords by default for meetings and disabled the ability to randomly scan for meetings to join.
Zoom has provided additional guidance as well.
New Point for the Scout Law?
A Scout is Resilient. Scouting is still alive and vibrant. Many people have found the importance of having Scouting in their life during these times. We have adapted to the limitations and met the challenges. Youth are advancing, earning merit badges, and performing community service. While Scouts are not camping with their troops in the woods, they are camping outside with their families. District committee meetings, Order of the Arrow Chapter meetings, Roundtables, and unit meetings are still being conducted via innovative formats. Who would have thought, even three months ago, that we would be doing half of these activities virtually?
Just as Scouting adapted to challenges during two World Wars, the 1918 influenza pandemic, and many natural disasters, we are showing our resilience now and continuing to deliver character-building programs to youth of all ages.
Scouts in Action
Memorial Day took on a much different form and tone this year with restrictions and concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic changing the way the holiday was observed. Still, many Scouts, Scouters, and families found ways to honor deceased veterans of the nation’s wars.
Congratulations to Diego R. of Princess Anne Troop 499 on earning the rank of Eagle Scout! Diego did a great job at his virtual Eagle Board of Review on May 28.
Princess Anne Pack 405’s Bear den set a goal to pick up 100 pieces of trash each during the month of May. Working with their families and the proper safety gear, each Cub Scout exceeded their goal and made a difference in their neighborhood.
Schools are closed and many Scouting events are paused, but acts of Scouting service continue. Albemarle Troop 182 did just that by assisting their chartering organization in the replacement of a roof on an out-building. Pastor Jerry and church member Russ taught a couple Scouts how to re-shingle a roof. They learned a great deal and were happy to do something outside of their homes.
Kaiden, a Bear Cub Scout in Princess Anne Pack 405, thought of a clever way to do a Good Turn for his neighbors. Since the Class of 2020 could not celebrate graduation as they’d like, Kaiden decided to honor them. He and his family biked their neighborhood and tied a celebratory balloon to each graduate yard sign they saw. They also noticed a birthday banner, and added a birthday balloon for them.
Award ceremonies are a big part of recognizing Scouts and their families for their hard work. This has never been truer than during these current difficult times. Albemarle Pack 117 conducted a den drive-in award ceremony for their youth. Congratulations to all the Scouts and families who were able to maintain social distancing and have an awards ceremony.
Scouts and Scouters are continuing to demonstrate resilience by adapting to virtual meetings and activities.
Congratulations to Anthony Peluso on the significant honor of receiving the 2020 OA Distinguished Service Award!
Congratulations to newly commissioned Ensign Ryan Schleicher! Ryan is pictured with his parents, Dean and Christine. He is an Eagle Scout from Bayside Troop 62, a member of the Order of the Arrow, and a recent graduate of Notre Dame. Ryan will be stationed here in Norfolk on the USS Bainbridge (DDG-96) after completing training in San Diego.
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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