Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award Nomination Deadline
December 1
The National Eagle Scout Association established the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award during the Boy Scouts of America’s 100th Anniversary celebration in 2010. Popularly known by its acronym, “NOESA,” this award recognizes Eagle Scouts notable for their local, state, regional, or national distinguished service.
NOESA recipients have inspired others through their positive actions reflected by recognized accomplishments and devotion to their community, profession, avocation, and beliefs. Previous recipients include authors, explorers, scientists, physicians, military officers, judges, attorneys, government officials, community leaders, media personalities, entrepreneurs, and prominent businesspeople. Each recipient’s record of service and accomplishments elevates the public stature and reputation of Eagle Scouts. Learn more about Tidewater Council’s three most recent NOESA recipients: Cutch Armstrong, Bill Campbell, and John Scheib.
Nominations are due to the council service center by December 1, 2023. Please be sure to use the 2023 revision of the nomination form.
Scout Night with the Norfolk Admirals
December 9
Join the Scouts to cheer on the Norfolk Admirals as they take on the Jacksonville Icemen!
Tickets are available for $18 each at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 until December 2, or sold out. A portion of ticket sales supports local Scouting. Units purchasing tickets will be recognized on the video board.
The tickets purchased in the Scout Shop are actual tickets with assigned seats. If you are attending Scout Night with the Norfolk Admirals as a unit or with a group, please purchase the tickets together to ensure you are seated together.
Stay after the game for FREE public ice skating!
Council Key 3 Listening Tour
January 2024
We want to hear from you! This January, the Council Key 3 (Council President, Council Commissioner, and Scout Executive) will visit each district to meet and discuss opportunities and successes in Tidewater Council.
Tuesday, January 16 at 7 PM
Princess Anne District
Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center
1032 Heatherwood Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Wednesday, January 17 at 7 PM
Albemarle District
Pasquotank Ruritan Club
2213 Main Street Ext.
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Wednesday, January 24 at 7 PM
Bayside District
Holy Family Catholic Church
Room 133
1279 N. Great Neck Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Thursday, January 25 at 7 PM
Three Rivers District
Great Bridge Baptist Church
640 S. Battlefield Blvd.
Chesapeake, VA 23322
Fundamentals of Training
January 20, 2024
Fundamentals of Training is the first part of the three-part train-the-trainer continuum (T3) in Scouting and is intended for both youth and adult trainers. This session is designed to introduce new Scouting trainers to teaching techniques and skills.
Upon completion of Fundamentals of Training, new trainers will be able to apply the techniques they have learned across the BSA’s leadership development programs, from unit-level youth leader training taught by youth for youth, to position-specific and supplemental training for adult leaders. Upon completion of this first part of T3, new trainers are coached and mentored by experienced trainers as they become comfortable with and confident in their training skills.
Who Should Attend?
- Adults who will be conducting a training session during a council or district training event.
- Youth who are responsible for training other youth, such as Instructors and Troop Guides.
The next Fundamentals of Training course will be held on Saturday, January 20 at Deep Creek United Methodist Church in Chesapeake.
Scout Day at Winterplace Ski Resort
January 28, 2024
Winterplace Ski Resort in Ghent, WV is offering a special ski program for Tidewater Council Scouts, leaders, family members, friends, and neighbors!
The package offers a special rate of up to 50% off, and includes a full-day lift ticket, ski equipment rental, helmet rental, and a customized 90-minute group lesson.
There are optional add-ons available for meal vouchers and snowtubing.
Lodging is not included in the package, but there are nearby facilities at Winterplace and the Summit Bechtel Reserve.
NEW FOR 2024: Snow Sports Merit Badge
The Snow Sports merit badge will be offered as a part of Scout Day at Winterplace. Mr. Mack Brunson, Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 6, is a Snow Sports merit badge counselor and will be at the 2024 event. For any Scouts who want to complete this merit badge, Mr. Brunson will be conducting some group discussion sessions ahead of the event, so Scouts who attend can demonstrate the skills required and complete the merit badge that day.
Please contact him directly at 619-972-3790 or mack_brunson@yahoo.com to be included in the merit badge sessions.
National Eagle Scout Association Scholarship Deadline
January 31, 2024
Last year, 69 Eagle Scouts received a total of $524,000 in scholarships from the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) to aid in their educational endeavors. These scholarships are made possible by generous donors and NESA members who help the alumni organization.
Scholarships are awarded to Eagle Scouts who have shown active participation in school, Scouting activities, and community service, and who demonstrate they understand the fundamentals of service to community, service to Scouting, and their character. If the applicant has a financial need, they should demonstrate what distinguishes their financial need from others. Applicants must be members of NESA. Read this Scouting Magazine article for tips on writing a successful scholarship essay.
The application window is December 1, 2023 – January 31, 2024.
Adams Award Nomination Deadline
January 31, 2024
The National Eagle Scout Association established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award (ESSPY) to recognize valuable service of an exceptional nature by an Eagle Scout candidate to a religious institution, school, community, or other entity through completion of an Eagle Scout project. Learn about Tidewater Council’s most recent Adams Award recipient, Simone N., here.
Nominations for the Adams Award are due to the council by January 31, 2024. An Eagle Scout, parents, or any registered BSA volunteer (with the Eagle Scout’s permission) may submit Eagle Scout service projects to the council for consideration. One council recipient is selected each year. Council recipients are considered for further recognition at the territory level.
The Adams Award nomination form has been updated. Please submit nominations using the updated 2024 nomination form.
Eagle Scouts are strongly encouraged to record a short video (3-5 minutes in length) as part of the nomination. The video should tell the story of their Eagle Scout Service Project and describe the impact on their community, as well as themselves.
Trainer's EDGE
February 3, 2024
Trainer’s EDGE is the Boy Scouts of America’s trainer development course designed to help Scouts and Scouters:
- Put into practice the EDGE training model
- Gain self-confidence through hands-on training experiences
- Develop the platform skills of a trainer
- Raise the level of skill a trainer brings to the learning experience
- “Train the trainer” on behaviors and resources while offering hands-on experience in methods and media
This course is part of a continuous process of updating trainers with the latest training methods, principles, and technologies.
Trainer’s EDGE is ideal for:
- District and council trainers
- Merit badge counselors
- Summer Camp staff, including both youth and adults
- Winter Camp staff, including both youth and adults
- Roundtable staff
- Pack trainers
- Commissioner trainers
- Youth troop guides and instructors
- Unit leaders
- Staff for Wood Badge and National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
This course will be offered on February 3 at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center in Virginia Beach.
Scouts BSA Leader Training
February 10, 2024
At Scouts BSA Leader Training on Saturday, February 10 at Portsmouth Catholic Regional High School, leaders will have the opportunity to complete Scoutmaster-Specific Training, Troop Committee Challenge Training, and Merit Badge Counselor Orientation.
Scoutmaster-Specific Orientation
Scoutmaster-Specific Training introduces adult leaders to everything they need to know about running a Scouts BSA troop.
In Scouts BSA, adult leaders serve in more of a “mentor” position, where their job is to help youth members learn and practice leadership. While this training will not answer every single question about being a Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster, it is a great introduction.
Along with Youth Protection Training and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), this course is required for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters to be considered “position trained.”
Troop Committee Challenge
Running a Scouts BSA troop is a little like running a business: there’s a budget and a calendar, there’s money coming in (fundraising and dues), there’s money going out (activities, equipment purchases, registration fees), there’s a “workforce” (adult volunteers), and there are goals and evaluation of whether the troop reached its goals. And, of course, all this occurs within the unique context of Scouting with some special rules and requirements. This foundational training provides the tools and best practices to succeed.
Merit Badge Counselor Orientation
A merit badge counselor is a responsible adult with knowledge and enthusiasm about a career, hobby, or other subject who is willing to share that knowledge and enthusiasm with Scouts. This training provides merit badge counselors with understanding of the methods of counseling and their role in the advancement program of the Boy Scouts of America.
Klondike Derby
February 23-25, 2024
Klondike Derby registration is now open!
The 2024 Klondike Derby: Quest for the Gold will be held in beautiful Camp Lions, Pipsico Scout Reservation. Using your sled, compete in skills from first aid, wilderness survival, lumberjack skills, fire building, cooking, pioneering, and shooting.
The Blue Heron Lodge will conduct an Order of the Arrow call-out ceremony on Saturday night.
If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Mike Maruska at mikemaruska1179@gmail.com.
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
March 1-2, 2024
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) is a one-and-a-half day course that introduces leaders to the Cub Scout outdoor program. BALOO is designed for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their pack activities.
BALOO consists of an online pre-requisite component and an overnight, hands-on practical. The course teaches BSA’s Cub Scout level camping policies and the necessary tools to help units carry out a successful camping experience. When a Cub Scout pack or Webelos den camps, a minimum of one adult who has completed this training must be present on the overnight experience.
Tidewater Council’s next BALOO course will be offered in Shiloh, NC on March 1-2, 2024.
University of Scouting
March 9, 2024
Old Dominion University
Scouting is a Game with a Purpose
All Scouts, prospective Scouts, leaders, parents, and volunteers are invited to attend the Tidewater Council University of Scouting. This jamboree-style event offers interactive trainings and certifications, hands-on activities and adventures, merit badges and advancement opportunities, and personalized Scout quests to earn prizes and rewards.
Everyone Has Something to Offer
Many hands make light work, and we want your help teaching a class, counseling a merit badge, leading a program station, and organizing the event. All units are encouraged to run an interactive program station demonstrating a Scout skill or activity. Community partners are invited to promote their programs, teach skill sessions, and run interactive program stations.
- If interested in counseling a merit badge, please fill out this form.
- If interested in volunteering in another capacity, please fill out this form.
- For questions, please contact TidewaterUniversity@gmail.com.
Colleges
Earn your degree or your doctorate while studying Commissioner Science, Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Older Youth Programs.
Classes include:
- First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
- Cooking
- Scouting Heritage
- Event Planning
- Unit Management
- Scouting Tools & Technology
- Recruiting
- Fundraising
- And more!
Academies - Bring the Whole Family!
- Dragon Academy will entertain Lions, Tigers, and younger siblings for a fun-filled day of adventure.
- Akela’s Academy welcomes Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light Scouts for fun adventures while working on advancements.
- Brownsea Island is a chance for new Scouts BSA to master their Scoutcraft requirements.
- Merit Badge Academy offers a range of badges, including several required for Eagle Scout.
- VESSI Academy is an opportunity for older youth to prepare for high adventure and get involved with Venturers, Explorers, Sea Scouts, and International opportunities.
Programs
Visit activity stations, complete quests, and earn prizes and rewards!
Activity stations include:
- Scoutcraft
- Tidewater Adventures
- Scouting Adventures
- Duty to God
- STEM
- Pioneering
- International
- Outdoor Ethics
- Community Service
- Cooking
- Escape Rooms
- Simulations
- Disability Awareness
- And much more!
Wood Badge
April 12-14 and May 4-5, 2024
Wood Badge is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide adult members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their Scouting positions and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. Lord Baden-Powell originally designed it so that Scouters could learn, in as practical a way as possible, the skills and methods of Scouting. It is, first and foremost, learning by doing.
Wood Badge has evolved over the years into the core leadership skills training course for the BSA. The Wood Badge course focuses on strengthening every volunteer’s ability to work with and lead groups of youth and adults and is less focused on outdoor skills, which are more effectively addressed in other courses.
National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC)
July 29 - August 3, 2024
From July 29 through August 3, 2024, Arrowmen from around the country will have the opportunity to gather at the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO to attend the 2024 National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC). Attendance is expected to exceed several thousand, as Arrowmen from around the USA come together to share ideas, learn from one another, and, most importantly, experience an outstanding event unlike any other in Scouting. NOAC is open to all active members of the OA.
The estimated fee to attend is $1,450 and can be paid in six installments until May 15, 2024 at scoutingevent.com/596-noac2024. Attendees who have paid $625 of their total fee by January 31, 2024 will be able to save $50 by being eligible for the discounted programming rate (so the total fee will be only $1,400). The final fee will be adjusted when transportation costs are finalized.
For More Information or Questions
- Contact Philip Durant, NOAC 2024 Chair, at 757-505-6355 or philipscouting@gmail.com
- Contact Mack Brunson, NOAC Adviser, at 619-972-3790 or mack_brunson@yahoo.com
- Visit oa-bsa.org/program/events/noac
News
Special Commemorative Item Sale
Patch Set Honoring Order of the Arrow National Chief Zach Grinvalsky
Tidewater Council’s Blue Heron Lodge is the home of the National Order of the Arrow Chief, Zach Grinvalsky.
Limited edition six-patch sets featuring Zach’s signature are available for purchase now. Supporting Zach’s desire to give back to his council and Blue Heron Lodge, all proceeds from the sale of these patches will be applied to purchasing new tents for Pipsico Scout Reservation.
Purchase of the six-patch set is now open to all. Only 50 patch sets will be available, and purchases are limited to one set per person.
The patch sets may be purchased through Blue Heron Lodge’s online trading post at councilstuff.com/596-OA under “Special Commemorative Items.”
Scout Shop
December is the most exciting month of the year for many people, and it’s the shortest month of the year for the Scout Shop. With that in mind, we have a few suggestions.
Shop Early
Shop early in the month since the last few weeks have holiday closings. We have a good stock of fun and useful gift ideas in all price ranges.
The UNO Wilderness card game ($10.99) and the Hiking Card game ($13.99) are just two of the fun stocking stuffers we have. The Ten Essentials game ($14.99) is a fun, fast-paced game to prepare for the wild! Plus, we have Chess, Science Lab, Smithsonian telescopes, Scout-themed caps, hoodies and jackets, T-shirts, and much more!
Order Now
Order now if you want to get any item before our holiday closing schedule. We can’t guarantee any special orders will arrive in time for the holidays after the middle of December.
Thorlo Socks
Thorlo Socks are still on sale through December, which, for us, will be December 22. Get two pairs and get 25% off each pair. These socks are wonderful gifts for anyone doing outdoor sports or who just love warm feet.
Hint: Grandparents love them too!
Pinewood Derby
Pinewood Derby kits are well stocked.
Many packs purchase them to give to the Cub Scouts for the holidays. BSA no longer carries the kits in the gift-wrapped boxes, so allow time for wrapping them if your pack wants that seasonal look.
The kits are $6.99 each with $0.25 off per kit when 10 or more are purchased. With the discount, a case of 48 is $323.52.
Gift Certificates
Gift certificates make great gifts for anyone in the program and may be used for uniforms, games, camping equipment, and everything in between. They may be purchased for any amount for the person who likes to shop for their own wants and needs.
Shipping
We WILL be shipping orders in December on Wednesdays and Fridays through December 22. Call (757-497-2688) or email (polly.fugate@scouting.org) your order, and we will calculate shipping and call you back for a VISA or Mastercard number.
Scout Shop Hours and Holidays
- Closed on Friday, December 15 for a staff gathering
- Closed Friday, December 23 through Monday, January 1 for Christmas, inventory, and New Year’s.
Happy holidays from the Scout Shop!
BSA Safety Moment
It is recommended to include a BSA Safety Moment during meetings to inform Scouts and parents and keep everyone safe. Numerous downloadable BSA Safety Moments are available here.
First Aid Kits
All Scouts and Scout leaders—as representatives of an organization whose motto is “Be Prepared”—should be sure they are always ready with an appropriate first aid kit when it’s needed. Your kit may be simple, or more complex if you are trained to use it properly. But the kit must always be on hand and stocked with every essential item.
First aid kits should be present wherever you might need them. That likely includes having a kit in your car, your home, your meeting location, and with your outdoor equipment for the next hike or camping trip. Since a first aid kit is one of the essential items for Scout hiking, keeping one with your daypack is an easy way to ensure you are prepared on the trail.
Scouts BSA Advancement Updates
The following changes to Scouts BSA advancement requirements will be effective January 1, 2024.
Rank Requirements
The Personal Safety Awareness Series will replace the Cyber Chip requirement for Scout rank (requirement 6) and Star rank (requirement 6).
Eagle Palms
Scouts will no longer have to wait three months between Eagle Palms. They will have to earn five additional merit badges, and live by the Scout Oath and Law.
Merit Badges: Significant Changes
- Automotive Maintenance will be updated to include electric/hybrid vehicles.
- Canoeing will have a major reorganization.
- Coin Collecting will be reorganized and updated for new/retired coinages.
- Fire Safety will include safety updates.
- First Aid will become more hands-on.
- Golf will be reorganized and will add a disc golf option.
- Insect Study will include expanded requirements.
- Journalism will include social media.
- Nuclear Science will be updated to add more active options.
- Safety will be updated to include natural disasters.
- Skating will add a skateboarding option.
- Surveying will add use of drones.
- Sustainability is undergoing a major reorganization.
- Swimming will add correct demonstration of strokes.
Merit Badges: Minor Changes
- Backpacking (requirement 11b)
- Bird Study (requirements 2, 4, 7, 8c, 9d, 11, and 12)
- Camping (requirement 9c)
- Chemistry (requirements 2c and 5)
- Cooking (requirements 5 a,b,c,d,e)
- Digital Technology (requirement 1)
- Engineering (requirements 5 and 6c)
- Fly-Fishing (requirements 3b, 3c, and 10)
- Indian Lore (requirements 2, 3, 4, and 5)
- Law (requirements 1, 5, and 11)
- Mining in Society (requirement 8c)
- Photography (requirement 1b)
- Plant Science (requirement 8 Option 1: Agronomy E5c)
- Programming (requirement 1a)
- Radio (requirement 9a5)
- Scouting Heritage (requirements 2b3, 2b4, 3, and 4c)
For More Information
Current merit badge requirements are always available at scouting.org/skills/merit-badges. The requirements will be updated there when they become effective in January 2024.
#CubChatLive!
Watch #CubChatLive every Friday at 3 PM on Facebook Live or YouTube for useful tips, tricks, and ideas to help packs and dens.
Upcoming Episodes
- December 1: The Cub Scout Bobcat requirement is changing, and #CubChatLive has the details.
- December 8: It’s Pinewood Derby season! #CubChatLive will talk about what works, and what doesn’t work, when conducting one of the most popular events of the Cub Scout year.
#CubChatLive Podcast
On the go? Listen to an audio-only version of #CubChatLive. This podcast is available by searching for “CubChatLive” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.
Awards Spotlight
50-Miler Award
The 50-Miler Award recognizes members who cover the trail or canoe or boat route of not less than 50 consecutive miles. They must take a minimum of five consecutive days to complete the trip without the aid of motors. During the trip, the participants must also complete trail work, such as clearing the trail, cleaning up shorelines, or improving waterways.
This award can be earned by youth or adults in Scouts BSA, Sea Scouting, or Venturing.
Aquatic Awards
There are several awards that recognize Scouts for participating and developing proficiency in aquatics activities. Some of these include:
NYLT Leadership Academy
About NYLT Leadership Academy
NYLT Leadership Academy inspires and enables participants to deliver effective, world class National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) courses with special emphasis on improving presentation and evaluation skills and learning NYLT leadership skills in more depth.
While attending NYLT Leadership Academy, participants will be engaged in a full program with a wide variety of activities, including:
- Understanding, using, and evaluating use of the NYLT Leadership Tools
- Making presentations on leadership topics
- Living and learning about the concepts of Leading Yourself and Servant Leadership
- Learning how to prepare for and effectively evaluate a presentation
- Remarkable evening guest speakers
- Quest for the meaning of Teaching Leadership
- Participating in effective model NYLT activities, such as realistic first aid, geocaching, instructional campfires, and instructional interfaith worship services
- Exceptional hike experience
Participant Qualifications
This course is for Scouts BSA members, Sea Scouts, and Venturers who meet the following qualifications:
- Have completed National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
- First Class rank or above; or a Venturer
- All participants must be 13 years old and have completed 8th grade by the opening day of course, but not yet 18; or, if a Venturer, not yet 21
- Willingness to take newly acquired knowledge and skills back to the council, troop, and community
Upcoming Courses
- Sacramento, CA: June 23-29, 2024 at NorCal Adventure Area
- West Virginia: June 30 – July 6, 2024 at Summit Bechtel Reserve
- Washington, DC: July 7-13, 2024 in Washington, DC
- New Mexico: July 21-27, 2024 at Philmont Scout Ranch
National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience
About National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE)
National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) is an exciting program where young men and women enhance their leadership skills through team building, ethical decision-making, problem solving, and service to others. Participants camp in a team setting that enables them to use their leadership skills to resolve challenging situations. The week concludes with a closing challenge for each Scout to use what they’ve learned in service to others.
Participant Qualifications
- Successful completion of Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops or Crews (ILST or ILSC)
- Successful completion of National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
- Be in top physical condition; a BSA Annual Health and Medical Record Parts A-B-C is required. Participants must meet BMI requirements as listed on Part C and be able to hike three miles with a 35 pound pack.
- Be 14 years of age (or 13 years of age and completed the 8th grade) and not yet 18 (for Scouts BSA) or 21 (for Venturers)
- Hold a unit leadership position
Upcoming Courses
- Philmont Scout Ranch
- Session 1: June 16-22, 2024
- Session 2: June 23-29, 2024
- Session 3: June 30-July 6, 2024
- Session 4: July 7-13, 2024
- Session 5: July 14-20, 2024
- Session 6: July 21-27, 2024
- Summit Bechtel Reserve
- Session 1: June 23-29, 2024
- Session 2: July 7-13, 2024
Certified Angling Instructor Program
The BSA’s Certified Angling Instructor (CAI) program trains leaders to execute fishing programs at the council or district level. CAI Training courses are facilitated by a team of CAI Course Directors and their staff of Certified Angling Instructors. All instructors maintain a focus on providing enhancements to fishing programs and serving Scouts.
Philmont Training Center
Philmont Training Center offers courses for leaders in the Sangre de Cristos mountains surrounding Cimmaron, NM. This is an adventure for the entire family. While participants attend training sessions, there are opportunities for their children to attend a day camp experience and spouses to enjoy their own program trek. Some of the courses offered include:
- Certified Angling Instructor
- International Adventures in Scouting
- Scout Pioneering: Including Scout Skills in Your Camporee
- Scouting in the Baptist Church
- Scouting in the Catholic Church
- Energize Your Cub Scout Pack with an Awesome Outdoor Program
- BSA Family Adventure Camps
Program Ideas
December
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities: December 3
- Work on the Disabilities Awareness merit badge.
- Work on the Cubs Who Care adventure.
- National Sock Day: December 4
- Invite Scouts to wear crazy socks to a unit meeting.
- Make sock puppets.
- Work on the Textile merit badge.
- Slime Day: December 7
- Make slime!
- Bill of Rights Day: December 15
- Work on the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge (requirement 4b).
- Wreaths Across America: December 16
- Remember, honor, and teach about our servicemen and women by participating in this national event. Visit wreathsacrossamerica.org to find local opportunities to participate.
- Wright Brothers Day: December 17
- Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
- Learn a Foreign Language Month
- Recognize members who speak a foreign language with the Interpreter Strip.
Community Care Assistance
Does your family need assistance accessing community resources? 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. For coordinated care referrals, please contact us.
Help Wanted
Camp Staff for Summer Camp 2024
What are your plans for next summer? Are you looking for an awesome opportunity to learn new things, develop new skills, share what you know, meet new people, work an internship, and enjoy Pipsico Scout Reservation?
We are accepting applications for Counselors in Training, Junior Staff, Area Directors, and Commissioners. Program areas include aquatics, shooting sports, Scout skills for new Scouts and for seasoned Scouts, handicraft, nature, cook crew, and more.
You must be at least 14 years of age by June 16, 2024 to be considered. Camp staff is composed of youth, young adults, college students, school teachers, bus drivers, professionals who want to get away from the office, and folks who have an open schedule. Fill out the online application at pipsicobsa.com/summer-camp-programs/staffapplication and we will contact you for an interview.
District Executive Job Opening
Since 1910, Scouting has helped mold the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes and understands that helping youth puts us on a path towards a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.
Today’s professional Scouters are a diverse group of men and women sharing a dynamic career offering independence, achievement, and stability. This is work that makes a difference, work that calls one to continual learning and challenge, work that offers solid compensation, benefits, and advancement.
If you or someone you know is interested in making a difference through a career in Scouting, please contact Bill Lawrence at bill.lawrence2@scouting.org.
American Red Cross Instructors
Tidewater Council is seeking current American Red Cross Instructors to become part of the council’s Authorized Provider agreement. Instructors who are part of the Authorized Provider agreement can host courses for Scouts and Scout leaders.
The council is also seeking an American Red Cross Instructor Trainer to help qualify new instructors.
Contact Richard Becker for more information.
Camp Service Weekends
Attention all Scouting units!
If you have Scouts who need service time, your unit is needed at Camp Moonyah or Camp Baker. The ongoing need for grounds maintenance, mowing, trimming, site-clearing, clean-up, and more is never-ending. We are seeking units that can dedicate a full day or a weekend of service time to these two camps in Chesapeake.
As an added incentive, Scouts and Scouters can work towards earning the highly sought-after and much-desired camp service patch. Contact Ron Misfeldt at 757-646-1384 or mustangron@aol.com for additional details.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Scouts in Action
Tidewater Council Eagle Scout Evan Nied received the Virginia Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service 2023 Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award. Evan was named the Commonwealth’s youth volunteer of the year for his work in climate activism and promoting equality and inclusion. He was recognized in a special ceremony on November 13 by Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Congratulations Evan!
Logan S. of Troop 127 did a Good Turn for his alma mater. He planned, facilitated, and led a team to install a concrete walkway for handicapped visitors at Moyock Middle School. Great job, Logan!
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).
