Table of Contents
Official Tidewater Council COVID-19 Update
Updated March 16, 2020
The health and safety of all Scouting participants is always a top priority in our council. With the evolving nature of COVID-19, Tidewater Council will send out regular official updates on the impact to local Scouting activities. The Official Tidewater Council COVID-19 Update and the council website are the official source for the message and procedure policy of Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America.
Our instructions and procedures will follow national, state, and local laws and the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).
Unless the situation escalates to the point where policies and recommendations dictate, we will send our next update on March 26, 2020.
Camp and Camp Usage
All council camping activity will be canceled or postponed from March 16, 2020 through noon on April 3, 2020. These cancellations and postponements apply to all council camps, including:
- All camp reservations between March 16 and noon on April 3
- All district and council activities between March 16 and noon on April 3
- All outside group activities between March 16 and noon on April 3
- All Busy Beavers and other volunteer camp service between March 16 and noon on April 3
Non-Camp Council and District Events
- All council and district events between March 16 and noon on April 3 will be canceled or postponed.
- Postponement dates will be posted on future Tidewater Council COVID-19 Updates.
Council and District Meetings
- In-person council and district meetings between March 16 and noon on April 3 will be canceled or postponed.
- Please continue to plan and hold meetings online or via conference call. Google Hangouts, Zoom, and other online teleconference platforms offer their services at a free or low cost.
- Each council and district committee, commissioner, and group will be announcing their postponement dates.
Mary Jayne Breeden Scout Service Center and Scout Shop
- The Scout Shop and Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center will continue normal operations until further notice. As always, the Scout Shop offers shipping by USPS upon request. Simply call (757-497-2688) or email polly.fugate@scouting.org. We accept VISA and Mastercard and will ship your order with only the cost of merchandise and shipping (no handling fees charged).
- While visitors are welcome, it is preferred that telephone, email, and other electronic means are the primary line of communications at this time. Some staff may be encouraged to work remotely due to health or childcare concerns. Staff contact information is available in the online staff directory.
- All in-person meetings scheduled at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center between March 16 and noon on April 3 will be suspended.
Regular Unit Events and Meetings
- Tidewater Council, BSA recommends that weekly unit meetings and activities be suspended and postponed until at least noon on April 3, 2020.
- The final decision to suspend or relocate weekly unit meetings is the responsibility of the unit’s chartering organization.
Future Service Opportunities
Throughout our history, “to help other people at all times” has been a central tenet of the Boy Scouts of America. From World War I to the most recent hurricanes, Scouts have been there to help during difficult times. We look forward to participating in the mobilization that will take place to bring back normalcy in our communities. We are utilizing our connections to community leaders to see the needs. If you have any ideas on how we can safely serve, please email Assistant Scout Executive Bill Lawrence at Bill.Lawrence2@scouting.org. Obviously, the safety of our youth and leaders are paramount in our future efforts.
BSA Pre-Event Medical Screening Checklist
Tidewater Council highly recommends units use the below BSA Pre-Event Medical Screening Checklist for unit youth-parent activities and prior to departing for unit overnight campouts.
BSA Pre-Event Medical Screening Checklist
Has the participant had any of the following symptoms in the last 24 hours?
❑ Fever (100.4 F or greater)
❑ Vomiting
❑ Diarrhea
If the participant has fever, vomiting, OR diarrhea—he or she should stay home.
Has the participant had any of the following symptoms in the last 24 hours?
❑ Unexplained extreme fatigue or muscle aches
❑ Rash
❑ Cough
❑ Sore throat
❑ Open sore
If the participant has any two (or more) of these symptoms—he or she should stay home. If the participant has one of these symptoms, discuss any limitations and restrictions and consider having him or her stay home. Participants who become ill should not return to the activity until they are cleared by a health-care provider.
Friends of Scouting
Tidewater Council has a 2020 Friends of Scouting goal to raise $375,000 by June 4. Reaching this goal will enable us to reduce or eliminate the program fee, making Scouting more accessible for our families.
Progress as of March 15, 2020:
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal.
District progress as of March 15, 2020:
Matching Gifts
Does your company have a matching gift program?
A matching gift is a donation from a business to match an employee’s donation to the same nonprofit organization. Tidewater Council is a 501(c)(3) organization and eligible to accept matching gifts from most companies that provide them.
Check with your company’s Human Resources department to find out if they have a matching gift program, if they have minimum or maximum match amounts, and what their match ratio is. (For example, if your company’s match ratio is one-to-one and you donate $500 to Tidewater Council, your company would donate an additional $500 to Tidewater Council, essentially doubling the value of your contribution to $1,000.)
If your company does not have a formal matching gift policy, you can still approach your boss about the value of supporting Scouting. Many companies will voluntary match to maximize your gift to a worthy cause.
Another unique form of matching gifts is called a “challenge gift.” This is where one person, company, or entity offers to provide a large contribution if enough donors can be found to match the amount within a specified time range. For example, a donor who wishes to replace the roof on the camp maintenance building may offer to contribute $5,000 for that purpose if any number of additional donors can raise $5,000 for the same project. Together, they will raise the full $10,000 needed for the project.
When you contribute to Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America, your gift helps the youth of our community. There is always a demand for funds to provide tools for youth success and improved camp facilities. A matching gift contribution helps each dollar go a little further so that the biggest impact can be made for all youth.
For assistance in setting up a matching gift or challenge gift, please contact Dr. Susan Miley-Petrehn at 757-284-0796.
Upcoming Events
2021 National Scout Jamboree Information Webinar
March 23 at 7 PM
The Jamboree is closer than you think - just over a year away and filling up fast!
Please join us for a webinar to learn all about the 2021 National Scout Jamboree being held July 21-30, 2021 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. This is a once-in-a-lifetime Scouting event where over 24,000 Scouts will gather and “Face the Challenge!”
Sign in to the webinar on March 23 at 7 PM at: https://zoom.us/j/862477111 (Meeting ID: 862 477 111).
Additional registration information and details can be found on the Tidewater Council National Jamboree webpage or by emailing the council National Jamboree Committee at TWCNSJ2021@gmail.com.
Albemarle District Camporee
April 3 - 5
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. Come and join us in our version of Highland Games at the Spring Camporee.
Three Rivers District Camporee
April 3 - 5
“Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow” at Pipsico Scout Reservation, Camp Lions. In the Scouting tradition of promoting camping and the Scout motto of “Be Prepared,” this camporee will focus on Scouting skills acquired in the journey to the rank of First Class Scout. The skills learned in this journey enable a Scout to be prepared to take on life’s challenges and make wise decisions. Skill stations are personal fitness, first aid, orienteering, pioneering, cooking, and flag ceremonies. Bring your troop and build your teams. Youth and adults are $17 each. Sign up in Black Pug today.
Backpack to Retention
April 18 and April 22
Calling all Cub Scout leaders! You are invited to attend a training session that will give you the tools to lead a high-performing, successful pack!
Learn about the NEW improved fall recruiting plan. We’ll show you how to recruit Cub Scouts in a more effective way and help you prepare for the membership growth. You’ll also get tips for calendar planning, budgeting, product sales, leader training, and more!
This training is absolutely FREE, but registration is requested. Register online.
Virginia International Tattoo
April 30 - May 3
The Virginia Arts Festival is seeking volunteers for the Virginia International Tattoo. There are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities available. Most positions are for ages 18+, but there are positions for ages 13+. Groups and families can volunteer together. Contact Tracy Uriegas at turiegas@vafest.org or call 757-605-3066 for more information.
Wood Badge
May 1-3 and May 30-31
Are you ready to take the new revised Wood Badge course? Wood Badge is a national leadership and team development experience open to all Scout leaders. Simply stated, Wood Badge is “Leadership for Scouting, Leadership for America.” It is a 5-day, hands-on, intense learning experience. Wood Badge uses the same contemporary leadership concepts utilized in corporate America and leading government organizations, applied to Scouting’s values-based movement. Participants apply skills they learn through their shared participation as a member of a successful, working, high-performance team.
Tidewater Council’s 2020 Wood Badge course will be held at Pipsico Scout Reservation on May 1-3 (Friday-Sunday) and May 30-31 (Saturday-Sunday). The $245 course cost includes meals for the first weekend, closing luncheon, course materials, hat, and t-shirt. Space is limited to the first 48 individuals who reserve their spot with a $100 deposit. Late fees apply if the full balance is not paid by March 23.
Annual Leadership Breakfast
May 13
The Annual Leadership Breakfast has been rescheduled for May 13. Eagle Scout and NFL Hall of Famer Kevin Greene will be the keynote speaker.
Contact Shannon Foster to RSVP or learn how to be a table host.
Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner
May 14
Congratulations to the 150 youth who attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 2019. Tidewater Council will celebrate their achievements at the annual Eagle recognition event on May 14 at 7 PM at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Virginia Beach. Registration information is coming soon.
Day Camps
June and July
All Cub Scouts are invited to attend day camp this summer! There will be six camps throughout the council area.
Each day camp is a full week of adventure. Staffed by a team of volunteers, day camp activities include sports and games, academics, STEM and science activities, nature exploration, crafts, marksmanship, and skits and songs. Registration is coming soon on Black Pug.
News
Scout Shop
Shop Local! The Tidewater Council Scout Shop is the only place where you can purchase official BSA merchandise and have the proceeds stay in our Scouting community.
The Scout Shop remains OPEN at this time.
The most “constant” thing about the month of March is CHANGE, and it’s not just the weather. Arrow of Light Scouts begin a new journey of many changes as they move to troops. Some of those changes involve uniforms, which are undergoing a change of their own.
NEW PANTS/SHORTS – BSA made the decision this past year to phase out both the canvas pants/shorts and the microfiber pant/shorts. This doesn’t mean everyone must purchase new ones. The motto: “Once a uniform, always a uniform” continues to be true. However, as we sell out of the canvas pants/short and microfiber pants/shorts, they will not be replaced, and BSA has already sold out of several sizes in both.
WHAT’S NEW? The new fabric is a cotton/polyester blend with 2% spandex and will replace the canvas and microfiber. It is the same fabric as the girls’ and women’s roll-up pants, lightweight and cool with some ability to stretch. The boys’ and men’s sizes will offer long pants that zip off at the knee and shorts. The girls’ and women’s uniforms will remain the same. We hope to have pants and shorts with the new fabric in stock by mid-March, but this is only an estimate. In the meantime, we may be out of stock in some sizes, so we appreciate patience during this transition and apologize for any inconvenience.
With Pinewood Derbies winding down, the cars can easily be misplaced and forgotten. Our best solution is the Pinewood Derby display case. The hard plastic (polystyrene) cover makes it a safe way to protect the car, and the low price of $9.99 makes it an inexpensive way to preserve fun memories whether it’s the first car raced, the last one, or somewhere in between. The rectangular design provides an easy way to stack several cars for display. Come in and get a few!
2020 Scout Requirements books are in stock and well worth the price ($5.99), with requirements for all ranks, merit badges, Eagle palms, and other advancements under one cover. We have a handy display at the front counter.
Did your unit participate in Scouting for Food? We have a few different patches available in the Scout Shop and can easily order more. Just put your order in and we can have it the following week. Prices are $1.49 and $1.79, depending on the patch. These patches are located at the front display case.
FLAGS for flag retirement ceremonies are in good supply here, so don’t hesitate to pick some up.
As always, we offer shipping by USPS upon request. Simply call (757-497-2688) or email polly.fugate@scouting.org. We accept VISA and Mastercard and will ship your order with only the cost of merchandise and shipping (no handling fees charged).
Our next holiday closing will be for Easter weekend, when we will close Friday, April 10 and Saturday, April 11. We will reopen for regular hours on Monday April 13.
Webelos to Scout Transition
The transition from Webelos to Scouts BSA is an important stage in a Scout’s journey. When Scout leaders make the process smooth and inviting for Webelos and their parents, the Webelos are more likely to join a troop and continue Scouting. These eight tips support a successful transition:
- Select Scouts who represent your troop well to serve as den chiefs for Webelos Scout dens.
- Serve as a resource for overnight activities. The troop can provide equipment, leadership, and logistics for Webelos family campouts to show how troops operate in the outdoors.
- Invite dens and parents to a troop meeting. Explain the differences between Cub Scouting and Scouts BSA and the aims and methods of Scouting. Provide each Webelos Scout a copy of the troop’s calendar for the upcoming year.
- Conduct an orientation for parents and Webelos, led by youth leaders. The new Scout parent orientation resource provides a helpful outline.
- Work with Webelos den leaders and encourage them to transition to the troop with the Webelos.
- Conduct a Scoutmaster conference covering the meaning of the Scout Oath and Law, the advancement program, troop camping, the patrol method, summer camp, and personal equipment.
- Work with the Cubmaster to implement a meaningful Webelos to Scouts crossover ceremony at the pack’s Blue and Gold Banquet. Arrange for each Webelos Scout to receive a unique form of recognition, such as a troop t-shirt or neckerchief and Scouts BSA Handbook.
- Highlight the benefits of the Scouts BSA program and emphasize why it is important for Webelos to join a troop.
Camp Cards and Nuts
Camp Cards
We are pleased to announce a new unit fundraiser! The 2020 Camp Card Sale is an absolutely RISK-FREE fundraiser that helps Scouts earn their way to the adventures of Scouting.
Camp Cards are cards that offer valuable discounts to local retailers, including H2OBX Waterpark, Children’s Museum of Virginia, Cinema Cafe, and more. Scouts sell the cards to family, friends, neighbors, and community members. Units earn 50% commission ($5 per card sold).
Orientation and kick-off will be during April Roundtables. The sale will wrap up on June 4.
Click on the link below to sign up to participate. Contact Susan Miley-Petrehn for more information.
Nuts for Camping
Tidewater Council partnered with Whitley’s Peanut Factory to go “Nuts for Camping,” offering ten products for Scouting units.
- Sales brochures are available in the Scout Shop lobby and at district Roundtables.
- There will be two take orders. The first order deadline date is Monday, March 23 and the second deadline date is Monday, April 20.
- All orders are prepaid. Units drop their orders off by/before the deadline dates with payment.
- Delivery will be approximately one week after the order deadline. We will call the unit contact on the order form when the order is available for pick up at the Scout Shop.
- We will not accept returns.
- Nuts for Camping offers units a flat 40% commission for all nut products sold.
- Units are responsible for their own incentive plans.
- Nuts for Camping, as any Boy Scouts of America unit earning opportunity, is a unit fundraiser. Families may not operate outside of their unit for fundraising.
National Scout Jamboree
Character is created when you achieve more than you thought possible.
Young people can achieve more than they believe possible. Scouting uniquely prepares its members to redefine their boundaries, push past them, and emerge from the experience with the confidence that, no matter the challenge, they can meet it.
Participants in the 2021 National Jamboree will learn that perceived limits are self-imposed, and no future is out of reach for a group of committed people who are prepared to face the challenge.
The 2021 National Scout Jamboree will be held July 21-30, 2021 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. Registration is now live at jamboree.scouting.org and payments are made to the council office. Information on the council contingent can be found online. Contact TWCNSJ2021@gmail.com for a presentation at your unit.
BSA Family Adventure Camps
Introducing BSA Family Adventure Camps, now at Philmont and coming soon to the Summit Bechtel Reserve and Florida Sea Base!
BSA Family Adventure Camps are outdoor adventures designed for your entire family. Open to all registered members of the BSA and their families, BSA Family Adventure Camps offer the chance to participate in incredible activities and make memories with your family that will last a lifetime. With several housing choices and a multitude of activities to choose from, your family can customize an experience. For more information, contact FamilyAdventureCamp@scouting.org.
Scout Days at Ocean Breeze Waterpark
Ocean Breeze Waterpark has announced new flexible Boy Scout Days! Discounted tickets now can be used during a choice of Scout Days, selected dates from May 16 – June 14. Unit leaders register their pack or troop online. Once registered, Ocean Breeze will send the unit leader a troop-exclusive access code to share with the Scout families. This access code can be used on the Ocean Breeze website to purchase discounted admission, meal vouchers, and patches.
Reserve your unit’s date by April 30 to lock in admission for 50% off.
Summer Camp Staff
What will you be doing this summer? Make new friends, learn new skills, enjoy the great outdoors, eat really good food, earn a little money (or get service hours), and develop your leadership skills. Join the staff at Pipsico and be part of an awesome team. We are looking for self-motivated folks who can work independently and handle personal responsibility.
We are interviewing for all program areas, including Administration, Scoutcraft, Handicraft, Climbing, Aquatics (Lifeguards), Shooting Sports, Huskanaw, and Kitchen Crew.
Know someone who is looking for an internship for school or work? Encourage them to apply!
For more information, contact Kirsten Misfeldt.
Interviews
Please email Kirsten Misfeldt to set an appointment.
Scouts in Action
For his Eagle project, Lane T. of Troop 259 created a walkway at the Portsmouth Humane Society, stretching from the front to the walking trail in the back behind the pond. Lane and his team moved 22 tons of animal-friendly gravel. Great job!
Heather T., a Venturer in Crew 824, is working on her Summit Award. She planned and managed the construction of five wheelchair-accessible picnic tables for the Izaak Walton League in Chesapeake, VA. Heather is also a Sea Scout with Ship 42 and a Scout with Scouts BSA Troop 67. She aspires to earn all three of the highest ranks in Scouting: Summit, Quartermaster and Eagle. Well done!
It’s one of our favorite times of year, when our Cub Scout packs hold their Blue and Gold Banquets. The themes are an enjoyable part of making it a fun and exciting evening.
The Albemarle District Pinewood Derby’s racing was fast and furious. The families present enjoyed the racing and LEGO Derby car building. Congratulations to the derby winners!
Congratulations to the 2019 Venturing Leadership Award Recipients!
Katie L.
Meghan S.
Heather T.
Steve La Londe
Wayne Page
Dave Van Wart
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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