Tidewater Council is please to announce the selection of James “Jamie” Parnell as our new Scout Executive, effective October 1, 2019.
Jamie comes to Tidewater Council with 19 years of professional experience with the Boy Scouts of America. He is currently the Director of Support Services for the Circle Ten Council in Dallas. Jamie is an Eagle Scout and a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow.
Council President Sam Kroll said, “Jamie, among other things, is thoughtful, diligent, hardworking, inquisitive, energetic, and passionate about Scouting. He will bring with him a number of great ideas for the Tidewater Council.”
Scouts in Action
For his Eagle project, Tanner T. and fellow Scouts from Troop 362 built a prayer and meditation labyrinth at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Kempsville. There will be a formal blessing ceremony on Sunday, October 20 at the 10 AM worship service.
Your current Scouts are one of the best resources to get new youth into the program. Pack 125 held an awesome recruiting event with a Raingutter Regatta to get youth excited. Great job!
Scouts supported community engagement by participating in National Night Out events throughout the council.
The council board honored Kent Glover as Council Commodore Emeritus on August 22.
He is pictured here with Sea Scout Heather T., new Council Commodore Victoria Lavarias, and Council President Sam Kroll.
Thank you, Kent, for many years supporting the nautical programs of Tidewater Council.
Lowe’s Military Highway generously donated four huge boxes of herb, vegetable, and flower seeds. If your unit, school, or chartering organization could use some, ask us the next time you’re in the Scout Shop. Thank you to Lowe’s Military Highway for supporting Scouting and our community!
Payton, a member of Scouts BSA, and Al Opstal, Tidewater Council’s International Representative, exchanged patches with international Scouters from Cologne, Germany. Florian and Wolfgang spent two years planning their trip to the World Scout Jamboree, where they served up delicious German cuisine at the Food & Culture House.
Tidewater Council staff members Latoya, Christy, Geraldine, and Rich attended the Back to School Brigade at the Norfolk Outlet Mall on August 17. Numerous military families were in attendance, and they stopped by to learn about the BSA. As many families learned about Family Scouting programs for the first time, the youths’, as well as the parents’, faces lit up with excitement.
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
Calling All Eagle Scouts - September 5
The Tidewater Council National Eagle Scout Association is looking for volunteers on Thursday, September 5 at the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia from 5:30-7:30 PM. Volunteers will assist with qualify assurance. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
All volunteers must create a profile and sign up on the Foodbank’s website. Only 15 spots are available; sign up now!
Sporting Clays - September 7
Come to Shawboro, NC for our annual Sporting Clays Tournament. Teams of four compete, as each shooter takes 50 shots at varying levels of difficulty. Lunch is provided and sponsorships are available. RSVP by September 3.
Wood Badge Reunion Dinner - September 7
Join us at Gilwell to reunite with your patrol, enjoy the fellowship of other critters, and share stories with past participants and staff. Explore dozens of aircraft throughout the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach. Share the vision of advocating and facilitating volunteer leader training. Get the scoop on the new Wood Badge course and National Youth Leadership Training programs. Enjoy delicious food from Mission BBQ.
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
Register by September 5 to take advantage of the early bird rate.
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!
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 (contact information is on the form).
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!
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.
Tidewater’s NYLT courses usually fill up fast so register early! Register online.
NYLT is open to all youth (male and female) in Venturing crews, Sea Scout ships, and Scouts BSA troops. Youth leaders will become part of a Model Troop. Upon arrival, each Scout will be assigned to a patrol of 6-8 youth with diverse backgrounds, but similar in age. They will take part in many activities including an outpost hike and campout.
- Scouts BSA members must be at least 13 years old, achieved First Class rank,* and have completed Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST).
- Venturers and Sea Scouts must be at least 14, or 13 and have completed eighth grade, and fall within the maximum age allowance for their program. They must have completed Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews or Ships. It is recommended that they have had at least one year of camping experience.
- Unit leader recommendation.
*For 2019 only, an exception will be granted for girls registered in Scouts BSA to attend NYLT without first achieving the First Class rank. Boys registered in Scouts BSA will still be required to earn the First Class rank before attending NYLT.
Pipsico Scout Reservation
57 Pipsico Road
Spring Grove, VA
$230 if paid by September 14, 2019
$250 if paid between September 15 and October 15, 2019
$265 if paid after October 15, 2019
Veterans Day Parade - November 11
Registration is now available for the 2019 Veterans Day Parade at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Scouts will get to see the entire parade and then step off as one of the last units in the lineup.
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.
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 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.
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:
1st place: $115
2nd place: $75
3rd 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 14 from 9-11 AM at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 2901 E. Little Creek Road, Norfolk, VA
- 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.
Service Hours Reporting
Please remember to enter unit service hours as you complete the project. Tidewater Council reports service hours to community partners and potential funders throughout the year, so please don’t wait until the end of the year to enter projects. You can find worksheets and instructions on how to enter hours here. If you need your unit identification code, contact your district executive. Service project hours entered in Scoutbook for Scout advancements do not sync to Service Hours Reporting.
Journey to Excellence (JTE)
Unit JTE scorecards are due with the charter renewal package. The scorecard must be signed by the committee chair, unit leader, and a commissioner. There is an Excel workbook designed to help with the process. You fill out the first two tabs, then print out the finished scorecard, which is the third tab. If you need assistance, your unit commissioner or district executive can help. Now is a good time to see how the unit is doing and where there is room for improvement.
Updated Guide to Safe Scouting
The electronic Guide to Safe Scouting has been updated with a revised prohibited activity list. (The PDF version will be updated in October.)
Please do not put participants or yourself at risk by permitting any prohibited activities in the name of Scouting.
The changes take effect on October 1, 2019. Please review the FAQs or contact your district executive.
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
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.
New District Committee Training
Updated district committee training courses are now available online in the BSA Learn Center. These new courses replace the District Committee Workshop and provide learning plans aligned with the different district committee positions and functions. Since Chartered Organizations Representatives are automatically members of the district committee, it is recommended that they take a course as well. Training takes approximately four hours and is broken down into multiple modules.
Position training tracks include:
- District Committee Chair/Vice Chair
- Membership
- Fund Development
- Program
- Camping and Outdoors
- Advancement
- Activities and Civic Service
- Nominating
- Training
- Member at Large
Training in the Florida Keys
Scouting U is partnering with Sea Base to provide volunteers with an opportunity to spend a week in the Florida Keys in January. Two week-long conferences will offer courses with topics including advancement, special needs, applying technology, and growing Venturing. More information is available here.
2021 National Jamboree Planning
The council 2021 National Jamboree Committee is seeking volunteers to lead the council’s contingent of Scouts BSA Troops, Venturing Crews, and Sea Scout Ships.
Information about the Jamboree, leader and participant qualifications, and how to apply for a leader position can be found here. More information, including how Scouts may apply to attend, will be included on the site as it is received.
For more information, please contact Dale Ward at dale@daleward.com or 757-679-0123.
Eagles of Tidewater Council
Eagle Scouts who earned the rank in Tidewater Council are now listed on the council website. Check out the list here and please contact us if you find any missing or incorrect information.
Development Corner: Benefit your Family and Scouting with a Will
A will makes a statement about what matters most in your life. By making a will, you ensure that your intentions are clearly expressed, and that they will be followed by those administering your estate. You should decide who will get your estate — after all, you’re the one that worked so hard to get it. Unfortunately, about 70% of all Americans do not make a will, and let their state decide how to distribute their assets.
After providing for family, friends, and others, many supporters of Scouting also include a meaningful gift to their local council to continue their lifetime support. Gifts in a will can be a) specific bequests of property, b) a stated dollar amount, c) a percentage of the estate, d) a gift of the residual (what’s left after all other provisions of your will have been satisfied), or e) a contingent gift (taking effect only if other will provisions cannot be satisfied). Of course, most of the charitable trusts that can be created during your lifetime can also be created in your will for the benefit of family, friends, and charities.
Charitable bequests are a great way to provide for Scouting without giving up the assets during your lifetime. When the gift is distributed from your estate, your estate may receive an estate tax charitable deduction.
It is very important that your bequest be correctly stated in your will. Tidewater Council will be happy to provide you and your legal adviser with suggested terminology to ensure that your wishes are fulfilled.
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