Scouts in Action
Scouts and Scouters throughout the council showed their appreciation for our men and women of the United States Armed Forces on Veterans Day. Scouts participated in Veterans Day services and ceremonies, placed flags at cemeteries, and marched in the Tidewater Veterans Day Parade.
The cold weather did not deter the Scouting fun during Albemarle district’s Merit Badge Weekend, November 8-10. Over 160 Scouts attended, taking part in 56 different merit badge classes. Thank you to all the merit badge counselors who made the weekend a huge success and to US Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City for allowing us the opportunity to conduct the event on their facility. Scouts experienced not only a variety of merit badge classes, but also enjoyed cornhole, chess, and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
Scouts had a fun-filled weekend at Pipsico Scout Reservation for Fall Festival, November 1-3. Thank you to Cindy’s Produce for donating the pumpkins!
On November 2, Crew 303 packed 880 backpack meals (a total of 8,800 meals) at the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore for local school children.
New Pack 223 held their first popcorn sale at Norfolk County Feed & Seed. Seven Cub Scouts and nine parents attended. Everyone had a great time, especially the parents who watched their kids enjoy a new activity. Norfolk County Feed & Seed cleared space for the pack and allowed them to set up inside next to the checkout counter. The Cub Scouts asked each customer if they could do a Good Turn by helping carry their purchases out to their vehicles.
Over 60 youth gathered at Pipsico Scout Reservation for Weekend 1 of National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT).
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) was held at Community United Methodist Church (home of Pack and Troop 362).
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).
Upcoming Events
Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow – November 16
Calling all Cub Scout leaders to save the day! Join us for Superhero Training Academy at Renaissance Academy in Virginia Beach.
Pow Wow is the best training event for Cub Scouts leaders. This one-day supplemental training provides a variety of den, pack, and outdoor planning courses to help manage the fun and adventure of the Cub Scouting experience. All adults interested in the Cub Scout program – den leaders, committee members, Cubmasters, parents – are welcome!
Course offerings include:
- Cooking with Cub Scouts
- Scoutbook Basics
- Working with Scouts on the Autism Spectrum
- Fundraising!
- What’s Your Web Presence?
- You’ve Taken the Online Training, Now What?
- and many more!
Enjoy a Blue and Gold lunch with keynote speaker Kim Stumbo, author of The Adventures of the One Arm Wondermom. Registration includes lunch, a reference binder, and a patch.
Remember, every Scout deserves a trained Superhero…. that is, Leader!
Zomboree - December 6-8
A zombie outbreak will threaten civilization as we know it. The inhabitants of Pipsico City will hunker down to survive… You must band together with your closest friends to form a team of incredible skill and talent. Using your advanced Scout skills and teamwork, you must run through Pipsico avoiding the zombie hoard, eventually making your way to the sanctuary bunker that is fully stocked with supplies you’ll need to re-create human civilization.
There will be a cracker-barrel and competitions for all participants Friday evening beginning at 9:00 PM. Another cracker-barrel and an awards ceremony will take place on Saturday evening. No other food is provided, so participants should plan and bring their own meals. Event patches and recognitions will be distributed at the awards ceremony. The Zomboree is structured as a competition, “camporee” style event that will test your teamwork and Scouting skills in order to survive a zombie outbreak. Teams may compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, or simply participate for fun. This event is open to Scouts BSA, Venturers, Sea Scouts, and Explorers. Teams should have a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 youth. Teams may be composed of Scouts from the same or different units. For example, Scouts who wish to participate as an Order of the Arrow team or inter-unit team may do so. Participants may be considered youth through age 20; however, registrants aged 18-20 may register as adults if they are supporting youth in the capacity of a “BSA Adult Member.”
10th Annual BSA Day at Nauticus - December 7
Tickets are available at the Scout Shop for the 10th Annual Scout STEM Day at Nauticus.
Slimy sharks, roving robots, and a giant battleship are all part of the Nauticus experience. Scouts will participate in hands-on STEM activities while earning award requirements! Explore simple machines aboard the Battleship Wisconsin. Learn about ship communications. Touch a shark or horseshoe crab. Build an underwater robot. Meet local maritime career professionals. Honor the 75th anniversary of the USS Wisconsin (BB 64) and the 78th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day.
Limited-edition commemorative patches are now available in the Scout Shop for $5 each.
Wreaths Across America - December 14
Each December, Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 1,600 veteran cemeteries in all 50 states, at sea, and abroad. BSA units are invited to participate in this project. To register, contact:
Arlington National Cemetery: Bre Kingsbury, 619-887-9455, bkingsbury@wreathsacrossamerica.org
Suffolk Veterans Cemetery: Dean Gould, 757-869-8622, dean.gould@cawg.cap
Scout Night with the Admirals - December 14
Scouts of all ages and families are invited to come cheer the Norfolk Admirals to victory! Get your tickets in the Scout Shop.
Robotics Workshop for Adults - January 11
Nauticus is hosting a workshop to familiarize Scout leaders, teachers, and team mentors with Remotely Operated Vehicles. The workshop will teach the skills needed to help youth earn the Robotics Merit Badge.
The workshop runs from 9 AM – 3 PM and costs $25 per person plus tax. The cost includes breakfast, lunch, and lots of hands-on activities. Registration is open now.
Winter Camp - January 17-20
The Winter Camp Merit Badge Guidebook, listing class selections, is available online. Registration for Merit Badge sessions will open on November 23 at noon. Winter Camp is full, but we are in need of Merit Badge Counselors. Contact Kirsten Misfeldt at 757-323-6172 for more information.
Coin Collecting Merit Badge - February 8
The Tidewater Coin Club will sponsor the Coin Collecting merit badge at the February Virginia Beach Coin Show. The program takes place at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Please contact Brian Wierzbicki at 904-607-6973 for registration or additional information.
Seabadge - April 3-5
Are you prepared to support Sea Scouting? Join us in Carthage, NC for Seabadge!
Seabadge is advanced leadership and management training conducted primarily in a classroom setting. The course is interactive with opportunities for networking and discovering new resources. The focus is on how adult leaders can work with older youth to enable them to successfully run their own program. Along the way, you will also learn about Sea Scout traditions, practical ship management, and function as a member of a crew to complete a project.
All Scouters are welcome, including those with no boating or previous Sea Scout experience. Participants must complete Sea Scout Adult Leader Basic Training (SSALBT) and Youth Protection Training (YPT) prior to attending Seabadge.
The course fee of $150 includes all course materials, meals, berthing in cabins with AC/heat, and a chance to enjoy a beautiful spring in North Carolina. Register through Occoneechee Council.
Robotics Competition - April 25
Are any of your Scouts interested in the Robotics Merit Badge? One of the requirements is to attend or participate in a robotics competition. A popular option among Tidewater Council patrols is the MATE Mid-Atlantic ROV Competition. The 2020 competition will take place at Old Dominion University.
Scout Shop News
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 fall weather has finally arrived, with cooler temperatures just right for our jackets and hoodies. We still have some of the BSA hooded jackets in stock ($17.99 for youth sizes, $19.99 adult sizes), but the supply is limited. The Cub Scout zippered hooded jackets and pullover hoodies (both $24.99) are perfect for this weather, available in youth sizes small – XL. Come in and shop!
NEW SALE – Thorlo socks will be on sale beginning November 17 through January 4. Buy two or more pairs of Thorlo Socks and get 25% off all of them. Stock up and your feet will love you!
Need something for the budding scientist in the family? Check out our large variety of science kits, covering topics including weather, chemistry, radio, geology, robotics, eco science, and more. Prices vary from $5.49 to $19.99 per kit.
PINEWOOD DERBY gift edition cars are once again available. The boxes appear to be gift wrapped, convenient for holiday stocking stuffers. Buy 10 or more cars and get 25 cents off the regular price ($4.49) of each car. The savings add up the more you buy!
The GOOD TURN TREE located in our lobby is a wonderful gift idea for a Scout in need. Simply take an ornament from the tree, purchase the item in the Scout Shop, then place the gift under the tree with the ornament. Each item has been specifically requested by a local Scout who needs your help.
With the gift giving season quickly approaching, now is a good time to browse the Scout Shop for ideas. If you have something in mind that isn’t in stock, we can get it from National Supply within the week. We also have gift certificates for any amount, and several items that can ONLY be purchased at our Scout Shop. Contact us for any questions regarding our inventory.
Don’t forget that we ship orders by USPS. You may call the Scout shop (757-497-2688) or email polly.fugate@scouting.org to place an order. We accept VISA and Mastercard and will ship for the minimal amount possible.
We will be CLOSED on Thursday, November 21 from 2-4 PM. For Thanksgiving, we will be closed November 28-30.
Free Advancements
Thanks to the generosity of Virginia Outdoor Adventure, Tidewater Council Scouts will receive their rank patches and Eagle kits for free!
*Units must submit advancements electronically through Scoutbook or Internet Advancement and bring a printed report to qualify for free advancements. Replacements and duplicates are not included. Must be redeemed at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. Free advancement program is valid now through December 31, 2020.
Internet Advancement 2.0
Who can access Internet Advancement?
- Unit Key 3:
- Committee chair
- Chartered organization representative
- Unit leader (Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Crew Advisor, Skipper)
- OR a designated unit advancement chair (The unit advancement chair must be designated by a member of the Unit Key 3 via Security Manager.)
Steps to enter advancement
- Go to My.Scouting.org.
- Enter your existing username and password.
- Click on the drop-down menu on the left side.
- Select “Legacy Web Tools.”
- Select “Internet Advancement 2.0.”
- Sign in again using the same My.Scouting.org credentials.
- You will see a roster of the Scouts. Select the Scout for whom you want to enter an advancement by checking the box next to their name.
- Select “Record advancement” on the gray bar on the right side.
- Select the type of advancement under the drop-down menu. For example, a Cub Scout belt loop or adventure pin will be found under “Adventures.”
- Select the advancement item you want to enter. If you have multiple awards to enter for the same Scout, click “Save and approve another.”
- After you are done with a youth’s advancement, click “Approve and finish.”
- Once you have finished entering all Scouts’ advancements, click on “Run report” located on the gray bar.
- Select “Advancement report.”
- Click on “Generate report.”
- Print and bring the report to the Scout Shop.
Additional features
- View a Scout’s advancement records. Click on their name and look under the “Approved” tab. This will show everything that has been entered into the system.
- Generate an advancement record report for multiple youth. Select the name of each Scout you want to include in the report. Under the “Run reports” tab, select “Advancement history.” A new window will open. Click the “X” to remove the date. Click “Run report.”
- View a unit roster. Under the “Run reports” tab, click on “Unit roster.”
- Access previous advancement reports. Click on “Reports” on the gray column on the left side of the screen.
For assistance, contact the National Help Desk at 972-580-2489.
Charter Renewal
Youth Protection Training and Charter Renewal
It is Tidewater Council’s policy that Youth Protection Training (YPT) must be valid throughout the charter year. That means that your YPT must expire on or after December 31, 2020. We recommend completing this training as soon as you are able to avoid any delays with your charter renewal package. If you have any problems or would like to request a group session, contact your district training chair.
Connect with the Rovers
Rovers is a local pilot program for young adults, ages 21 through 34.
Upcoming Gatherings
November 21 at 6:30 PM at Young Veterans, 2505 Horse Pasture Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23453
December 11 at noon at Yard House, 4549 Commerce St., Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Popcorn
November Incentives
It pays to pay on time! Your unit has the chance to win prizes for paying your popcorn balance and turning in your military donations! (See the flyer for more details.)
Key Dates
November 25:
- Final order date. Payment for the last taker order is due with the order.
- Submit final paperwork for prizes.
- Final returns are due.
December 9: Deadline for popcorn payments. All outstanding balances must be paid by this date.
December 16: Approximate arrival date for the final order. Units with pre-orders will be notified when the product is received.
December 20-26: The Scout Shop is closed.
Journey to Excellence
Journey to Excellence (JTE) scorecards are due with your charter renewal package. You can pre-order patches for your unit with this form.
Important Dates
December 31
- All 2019 advancements must be submitted.
- All 2019 service hours must be entered.
January 3
- 2019 commissioner visits must be entered.
January 15
- All JTE scorecards are due.
Failure to meet deadlines will reduce your unit’s JTE score.
Fire Safety
Who doesn’t love a glowing camp fire at the end of the day? However, to make sure it won’t be your tent that burns, remember to follow good fire safety practices.
- No flames in tents.
- No infrared heaters in tents.
- Store fire starters outside of tents.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions for camp stoves.
- Test for gas leakage at all camp stove threaded connections.
Revised Annual Health and Medical Record
The new Annual Health and Medical Record (AHMR) form will be released in early December. The changes will be minor, incorporating lessons learned from high adventure bases and jamborees. Policies on the use of the AHMR have not changed. Completed Parts A and B are required for any and all Scouting activities. Part C is required only for participation in events lasting more than 72 hours.
8 Ways to Support Scouting
- Check out our AmazonSmile Charity List and share it with your friends. It’s a convenient way to donate needed ideas to Tidewater Council.
- If you shop on Amazon, choose Tidewater Council to receive an AmazonSmile donation. There is no extra cost to you.
- If you participate in the Combined Federal Campaign, designate your gift to local Scouting with campaign identification number 94511.
- Designate your United Way of South Hampton Roads gifts to “Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America.”
- Designate your Albemarle Area United Way gifts to “Boy Scouts of America – Tidewater Council (4004).”
- Donate your birthday to Scouting with a Facebook fundraiser.
- Make a memorial or tribute gift in honor of a loved one.
- Report your 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. Scouts are already doing a Good Turn daily – it just takes a few minutes more to record their community service.
Development Corner: Endow Now
A substantial gift for a modest investment
Would you like to create an endowment fund to support a council position, camp property, campership, youth scholarship program, or other project for Tidewater Council? Perhaps you want to see this endowment at work during your lifetime but, for various reasons, are not able to fund an endowment all at once.
Scouting’s Endow Now program gives you a way to invest a larger endowment than you might have thought possible, at a much lower cost. Your gifts to this program are invested until your fund reaches the endowment dollar goal you request.
At that time, your endowment will begin to generate income for the council or programs you select. The endowment you create may even start to benefit Scouting during your lifetime.
For example, you create a lifetime endowment with a five-year pledge of $2,400 per year. The gift is invested until it grows into a $50,000 principal (an amount you selected). Based on past investment performance and actuarial tables, the endowment likely reaches your goal during your lifetime. Either the income or principal is then distributed to the council and you see the endowment that bears your name go to work for Scouting. Please contact Susan Miley-Petrehn at 757-284-0796 or susan.miley-petrehn@scouting.org for additional information.
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