Scouts in Action

Cub Scout Pack 996 hosted a Patriot Day, National Day of Remembrance, and Flag Retirement Ceremony on September 11, 2019 at Kempsville Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach. They were joined by Troop 996, Pack 158, Pack 405, and Frontier Girls Troop 313.

Photos by Eileen Pewterbaugh of Pack 405

Service is an integral part of Scouting. For many Scouts, the practice of Doing a Good Turn Daily leads to a lifetime of service to others. Two Scouts from Troop 182 in Currituck, NC, Donovan H. and Zander H., went above and beyond for their community during a popcorn site sale.

When a multi-vehicle accident occurred near their location, the two Scouts jumped into action. Using training they received in Scouting, they put their first aid skills to use and aided those involved until first responders arrived on the scene.

The Crawford Township Volunteer Fire Department recognized Zander and Donovan for their service and dedication to the community.

Congratulations on setting such a fine example of what Scouting is about.

Packs and troops in the area surrounding Green Run Homes Association pulled together to support Pack 496. This new pack brings Cub Scouting to Green Run, Holland, Parkway, and Rosemont Elementary Schools!

From community open houses to school open houses, and now New Member Night just around the corner, Pack 496 is on its way. Kudos to the leadership, families, and district- and council-level volunteers who have supported the launch of this Cub Scout pack!

Thank you to the volunteers from Vidant Chowan Hospital who volunteered at the Edenton Scout Hut for Albemarle Area United Way Day of Caring!

Recruiting is a year-round activity, but it begins with strategic planning. Princess Anne district kicked off the recruiting season strategizing and sharing ideas, pictured here at monthly Roundtable!

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

Albemarle Cub-O-Ree - September 20-22

This Cub Scout Family Camping Weekend is an opportunity to experience Scouting with others! There will be a variety of activities to include things for nature enthusiasts, fishermen, marksmen (aspiring marksmen), sports fans, and more.

Registration has been extended to September 16 with no late fee. So don’t miss out on the fun!

Connect with the Rovers - September 26

Rovers is a local pilot program to introduce programming for young adults, ages 21 through 34.

Come see what we’re all about at a gathering on Thursday, September 26 at 7 PM at Pleasure House Brewing, 3025 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.

Bayside Trek-O-Ree - September 27-29

Scout patrols will hike, complete challenging tasks, and test their cooking skills at Camp Kiwanis, Pipsico Scout Reservation. Patrols will be able to select one of five pre-planned routes:

Scout Route = 3 Miles
1st Class Route = 4 Miles
Star Route = 6.5 Miles
Life Route = 9 Miles
Eagle Route = 10 Miles
Palm Route = Patrol plans their own high adventure trek

Neptune Festival Grand Parade - September 28

Tidewater Council has been invited to march in the Neptune Festival Grand Parade at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. This is a free event, but registration is required. Patches are available for purchase.

We are limited to 200 marchers – sign up now!

NESA Urban Campfire - October

Eagle Scouts, the NESA organizing team would like your input to help plan our October Urban Campfire. Please take this quick 3-question survey on your preference of dates and locations.

Cub Scout Family Camp - October 4-6

Cub Scout Family Camping Weekends are an opportunity to get away from the busy buzz of the city for the weekend and enjoy some time in the great outdoors at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Packs register as a group, and they camp together and do all their own cooking. The event staff provides the program on Saturday. You will travel through activity stations including BBs and archery, outdoor games, a handicraft item, and exploring on a nature hike.

We are always looking for additional folks to assist at various stations and learn the ropes. To learn more about volunteering as event staff, contact Kirsten Misfeldt at 757-323-6172.

Webelosree - October 11-13

Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts will spend a fun-filled weekend learning and practicing basic Scout camping skills. The Scouts will learn from experienced Scouts, Venturers, and members of the Order of the Arrow. This is a great introduction into how Scouts BSA operates, with youth-led stations using the Patrol Method.

Register through your Pack Tentaroo account. Your unit must have appropriate adult leadership according to the Guide to Safe Scouting. This is not family camp; activities are age appropriate for Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts. Please review the Guide Book for details.

Sporting Clay Tournament - October 12

Powell’s Sporting Clays, 136 Powell Road, Shawboro, NC

The Sporting Clay Tournament was postponed due to Hurricane Dorian. If you were interested but had a conflict with the September date, now’s your opportunity to enjoy this event!

The tournament will be held on October 12 at 8:30 AM. Contact Christy Cooper for more information at 208-597-6044.

Lion & Tiger Day - October 12

Lion & Tiger Day is an opportunity for the youngest Cub Scouts to enjoy one of their first outdoor Scouting experiences. This action-packed event includes archery, a nature hike, crafts, sports, and a midday cookout. This is a special, day-only event for Lion and Tiger Cub Scouts and their adult partners.

Coin Collecting Merit Badge - October 12

The Tidewater Coin Club is sponsoring the Coin Collecting merit badge at the Virginia Beach Coin Show. The program begins at 10 AM 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.

Powder Horn - October 26-28

Colonial Virginia Council is offering Powder Horn at Pipsico Scout Reservation in October. This course introduces youth and adult Scouting leaders to safely conducted challenging outdoor and high-adventure activities. To register, fill out this form and submit it to Colonial Virginia Council by September 23 (contact information is on the form).

Fall Festival - November 1-3

Experience the fall colors at Pipsico. All Scouting units are invited to attend. Packs have another chance to Family Camp. This event will harken back to a traditional Scout Show – units will be asked to host either a morning or afternoon station for participants to visit and do an activity or game (no prizes, just fun entertainment). If you need help thinking of an idea, just ask the event team. The guide book is coming soon.

Darden Gala - November 2

One of the most anticipated nights of the year!

Our annual Darden Gala is a fun-filled charity auction benefiting the Boy Scouts of America, Tidewater Council. Great food, games, music, and dancing!

ODU Football - November 9

Come out and cheer on the Monarchs! Tickets include postgame activities and entrance to the field following the game (weather permitting).

Tickets are available now through October 24 at the Scout Shop for $10 or $15 each.

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) - November 9-11 & 15-17

NYLT is an exciting, action-packed program designed to provide Scouts with leadership skills and experience they can use in all aspects of life. The terms “Servant Leadership” and “Be, Know, Do” will be reinforced throughout the course.

This course is almost full, so register now!

Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow – November 16

Calling all Cub Scout Leaders to “save the day” (and date)! Mark your calendar to join us at Pow Wow on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Renaissance Academy in Virginia Beach from 8 AM – 4 PM. You’ll become part of our Superhero Training Academy!

This training is for both new and experienced Superheroes (Cub Scout leaders), so bring your sidekick too! Not only will you be able to select five sessions to attend, but you’ll also get to participate in a Blue and Gold lunch and hear Kim Stumbo, the “One Arm Supermom,” our keynote speaker. You’ll also participate in a breakout session for other Superheroes who have the same Scouting job that you do!

Online registration will go live soon. For additional information and details, please email Anne Bussiere.

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.

As we begin the new school year, be assured the Scout Shop is fully stocked with all uniforms, accessories, literature, and much more! You need it….we got it!

SALE – The annual uniform sale is in full swing and this time it applies to ALL Scouting programs. Buy a pair of uniform pants, shorts, or skorts and get 25% off the uniform shirt. Please note: The pants and shirt must be from the same program (Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing). The sale runs through October 31 and is a great bargain for those needing a full uniform.

LEADERS – With many new customers this time of year, please help us help them by providing insignia information such as pack numbers, den numbers, troop numbers, patrol emblems, color of the troop neckerchief, and a list of anything provided to newcomers or specific to your unit.

NEW ITEMS – We have several new items in the mix this year to add to the excitement of joining Scouts and going back to school. There are new Cub Scout accessories, including necklaces, head wraps, keychains, and hairbows. We have new t-shirts for everyone too! Come in and check them out so you won’t miss anything!

SKORTS – We now have the Scout BSA olive green skorts in stock for girls and ladies. Girls’ sizes (6-14) sell for $24.99 and ladies’ sizes (2–18) sell for $29.99. The fabric is similar to the new girls’ rollup pants and shorts with a cotton/nylon blend and just enough spandex for easy movement. With the breathable moisture-wicking shorts liner, they make a comfortable and attractive addition to the uniform.

PREVIEW ADVENTURES – We have the new Cub Scout belt loops and pins in stock for the Yo-Yo and Protect Yourself preview adventures. Click here for information and requirements.

Got a busy schedule? We are happy to ship your order by USPS. Simply call or email with your order and a VISA or Mastercard number, and your order can be sitting at your door within the week. Just give us a call (757-497-2688) or email polly.fugate@scouting.org and we will do the rest!

Our next holiday closing will be November 28-30 for Thanksgiving.

September Popcorn Incentives

It pays to pay on time!

Timely popcorn payments ensure that Tidewater Council is able to restock products throughout the season. And now your unit has the chance to win prizes when you make payments and turn in your military donations! (See the flyer for more details.)

Remember that all popcorn payments are due within 30 days of the product being checked out.

Please be considerate of other Scouts and check out only the items needed. If you have extra of any returnable products, please make a return so other units can fill their orders.

2019 Fall Unit Recruitment Incentive

Now’s the time to recruit new Scouts! Not only is September the best time to recruit new families into your unit, but it also pays to recruit early and collect registrations immediately. Tidewater Council has partnered with the Scout Shop to launch the Fall Unit Recruitment Incentive for 2019.

Any unit that turns in at least one youth application and fees between September 1, 2019 and September 30, 2019 will receive one sports memorabilia item of their choice on a first-come, first-served basis.

The top three units in each district that turn in the most youth applications and fees between September 1, 2019 and September 30, 2019 will win a Scout Shop credit as follows:
1^st place: $115
2^nd place: $75
3^rd place: $50

Winners will be announced the first week of October. The credit will be applied to the unit’s store account. If the unit does not have a store account, a certificate will be issued. Lost certificates will not be replaced.

All applications and required fees must be received no later than 5:30 PM on Monday, September 30 to be counted toward the incentive. This incentive is for youth Scouts who are new to Tidewater Council. Applications for youth transferring between local units or programs (e.g. from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA) will not be included in the total.

Opportunities for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Families

Beginning on January 1, 2020, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will no longer be a chartered partner with the Boy Scouts of America. We invite families to join Scouting units in their community. To help, the council has set up informational briefings:

September 21 from 1:30-3:00 PM at Chesapeake Central Library, 1st floor conference room, 298 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA
September 25 from 4-6 PM at Joint Use Library, Public Meeting Room, 1700 College Crescent, Virginia Beach, VA
October 12 from 3:30-4:30 PM at Joint Use Library, Public Meeting Room, 1700 College Crescent, Virginia Beach, VA

Program Fee Incentive

Units can reduce their annual program fee from $30/person to $20/person if the unit had a Friends of Scouting presentation and hits its product sales goal (including popcorn and nuts). It is not too late to have the FOS presentation – contact your district executive for assistance.

Training for Charter Renewal

Youth Protection Training

Tidewater Council requires every leader to have Youth Protection Training (YPT) that is valid for the entire registration period. For charter renewal, every adult must have YPT that expires on or after December 31, 2020. Update your training now to avoid the system slowness and outages that accompany high usage at the end of the year.

100% Position Trained

Tidewater Council has a 100% trained leader policy. Every adult is to be trained for their position. If you have not completed your position training or if you plan to change positions, please complete the applicable training courses. Most training is available online.

Hazardous Weather Training

Hazardous Weather Training is a part of position training for direct contact leaders. This course must be updated every two years. Review the FAQs for a listing of direct contact positions and more information.

5 Reasons to Use Internet Advancement 2.0

Internet Advancement 2.0 replaced Internet Advancement and is designed to be used by those units who are not using Scoutbook. Why use Internet Advancement 2.0 instead of paper advancement forms?

The right Scouts receive credit for the right awards. No more confusion with difficult-to-read handwriting or Scouts who go by nicknames!
The awards, advancements, or badges are recorded immediately.
You can submit advancements right away, but wait until your next pack meeting or Court of Honor to purchase them.
With a single unit account, you eliminate duplication and save money by recording and purchasing each item once.
You can track awards that the council does not record, including Cub Scout Adventure Loops.

CubCast and ScoutCast

Scouting Magazine’s monthly podcasts have something for everyone, whether you’re a parent or leader, new or seasoned. Current and archived podcasts, along with transcripts, are available online. You can subscribe to each podcast on iTunes or your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss a single episode.

Coming up on CubCast

September: New Preview Adventures Begin!
October: Den Organization
November: Pack Communication
December: Religious Emblems

Coming up on ScoutCast

September: Parent Orientation
October: How to Have a Meaningful Court of Honor
November: Why You Should Be Winter Camping
December: The Merit Badge Process… Don’t Cut Corners

Each podcast also features a timely Safety Moment to keep everyone Scout-safe.

A Scout is Reverent

Did you know that more youth earn the rank of Eagle than the religious award for their faith? On average, 64 Tidewater Council youth earn a religious emblem annually, compared to 180 Eagles.

Religious emblems programs are developed by religious groups to encourage members to grow stronger in their faith. The Boy Scouts of America approved these programs and allows the emblems to be worn on the official uniform. Each religious group administers their own programs. Check with the Scout Shop or contact the religious organization directly to obtain the curriculum booklets.

Scouting Alumni Awards

Scouting Alumni & Friends (SAF) is a great way to stay connected and help more youth experience the excitement, challenges, and adventure that Scouting has to offer.

Tidewater Council’s SAF Committee is currently accepting nominations for the Council Alumnus of the Year. Please fill out the nomination form and submit it to the Scout Shop or by email no later than Friday, December 13, 2019. Questions concerning the award or eligibility should be directed to Stan Bialas.

Any Scouter or alumnus can also work toward the Alumni Award. Similar to other adult recognition knots, award applications are accepted year-round with no associated deadline. Applications may be submitted to the Scout Shop or by email. Once received, a member of the SAF committee will contact the applicant to verify and validate all requirements have been met.

Silver Beaver Nominations

Introduced in 1931, the Silver Beaver Award is a council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered Scouters who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service. Nominations are due to the council office by February 8, 2020.

Eagles of Tidewater Council

Eagle Scouts who earned the rank in Tidewater Council are listed on the council website. Check out the list here and please contact us if you find any missing or incorrect information.

Development Corner: Pledges

Guarantee your pledge through your estate

Some people want to commit to a major gift, but cannot complete the gift all at once. A multi-year pledge for Scouting is an effective way to do this. In fact, many donors also include language in their will that would fulfill any pledge amounts unpaid during the donor’s life.

The pledge is a simple, written agreement between you and Tidewater Council committing you to an amount to be paid by a date that you choose and may even specify how your gift is to be used. It is not a substitute for a will.

Pledges are commonly used to make a multi-year gift commitment for council endowment, a new service center or camp building, or in support of a specific Scouting program. It is best to record your estate note gift in your will or estate plan, and to alert your executor or personal representative. We encourage you to keep your pledge with your other estate plan documents and to attach a copy to your will.

Subscribe to the EK

We hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of the “EK” Electronic Knapsack. Sign up below to receive the latest Tidewater Council news.

“EK” Electronic Knapsack – September 16