Friends of Scouting is Tidewater Council’s annual giving campaign. The Friends of Scouting campaign provides 21% of the council’s annual budget – that means more than a fifth of every dollar in the council budget comes from the generosity of Scouting families, alumni, and community supporters. Friends of Scouting keeps the overall cost of Scouting affordable so all families can participate. Tidewater Council’s goal is to raise $500,000 through Friends of Scouting in 2024.
All Friends of Scouting donations stay local to support families in northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia.
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal:
Has your unit scheduled its 2024 Friends of Scouting presentation? It is a great opportunity to hear about some of the council’s highlights and accomplishments over the past year, and to illustrate to families how the program is funded. All units that hold a Friends of Scouting presentation will receive a special ribbon for their unit flag. Contact your district executive to schedule your presentation.
Did you know that one donation of blood can save up to three lives? Or that every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood? Tidewater Council is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive through the Pint-Size Hero program. This program introduces youth to the components of blood and the importance of blood donation. Scouts have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership by recruiting blood donors, hosting drives, and engaging in the community.
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
WHERE:
Tidewater Council
Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center
1032 Heatherwood Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
TIME:
1-6 PM
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT:
There are two easy ways to schedule your appointment:
1. Visit redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code “TidewaterBSA” in the “Find a Blood Drive” field.
2. Make your appointment on the American Red Cross Blood Donor App.
CONTACT:
Nicole Moga
704-564-5565
Nmoga149@yahoo.com
Register now for Tidewater Council’s Recognition Banquet: Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
Join us to recognize youth and adults, including 2023 Eagle Scouts, Silver Beaver Award recipients, National Outstanding Eagle Scouts, and many more!
Wood Badgers, friends, and families –
Enjoy food, fun, and fellowship with your fellow critters! Proceeds after costs go to scholarships for Wood Badge, National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), and National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE).
Registration is open on Black Pug for $35 per adult and $20 per youth under 18. The cost includes food, one drink ticket (adult beverages only available after 5:00 PM), and activities.
Please bring chairs, government ID, and cash for additional drink tickets, silent auction items, and custom critter merchandise.
The full Event Guide will be added to Black Pug when details are finalized.
Any questions may be directed to Shelly Drisko at wba_SM@tidewaterbsa.com.
Update 5/9/24: The location has been changed to the Tidewater Council Mary Jayne Breeden Service Center, 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.
Cub Scout leaders, join us for the 2024 Fall Recruitment Launch!
We will go to infinity and beyond to recruit new Scouts! Learn about the special fall incentive plan for each new Scout, marketing your pack, budgeting, planning your calendar, the benefits of New Member Coordinators, and how to harness the available technology.
We want every pack to be prepared to launch into action this fall, so please plan now for a unit representative to attend!
The 2024 Fall Recruitment Launch will be held on Thursday, May 23 at 6:30 PM at the Tidewater Council Mary Jayne Breeden Service Center, or virtually via Zoom teleconference.
For questions, please contact Bill Lawrence at 828-582-6955.
Sea Scout Academy is a Scouting event for Sea Scout Ships and Venturing Crews with an aquatic and boating emphasis.
At Fort Monroe on May 25-27, Scouts will enjoy hands-on instruction and activities. Hurry – registration closes May 11!
Designed for new Unit Popcorn Kernels, Popcorn 101 training lays the groundwork for a successful popcorn sale.
This training will be offered both in-person at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center and virtually. For questions, contact Tony Montemurno at kerneltbaloney@gmail.com.
Princess Anne District will hold a Cub Scouts Shooting Sports Day on Saturday, June 1 at the Columbian Club, 1236 Prosperity Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. There will be two sessions: 9 AM-12 PM and 1 PM-4 PM.
During each session, Cub Scouts will have the opportunity to complete the requirements for the new Shooting Sports electives!
Registration is now open on Black Pug for Cub Scout packs from all districts.
Join us to learn about the 2024 Tidewater Council Popcorn Sale!
There are two training dates available, and both trainings will be offered both in-person and virtually. The same information will be covered at each session, so pick the date and location that is best for you!
This popcorn training is designed for both new and returning popcorn kernels. We will focus on what is new for this year’s sale, best practices, and opportunities that can benefit your unit.
For questions, contact Erin Alford at erin@realresultsva.com.
Join us for Scout Night with the Norfolk Tides: Friday, June 14, 2024. Cheer on the Tides as they take on the Memphis Redbirds at Harbor Park!
Ticket vouchers and camping vouchers are now available at the Tidewater Council Scout Shop!
After the game, Scouts and their families have the opportunity to sleep under the stars in the outfield and catch a movie on the big screen. Each youth and adult must have their own camping voucher. All Guide to Safe Scouting, Barriers to Abuse, and Youth Protection policies apply. For information on these policies, including adult supervision and registration requirements for adult participants, click here.
Ticket vouchers must be exchanged for seat tickets at the Harbor Park Ticket Office. Vouchers can be exchanged in advance or the night of the game. Groups are strongly encouraged to exchange vouchers in advance to ensure everyone sits together.
OA Summer Camp Workday, also referred to as Beaver Day, is a chance for everyone (not just OA members) to help get Pipsico ready for summer camp. Help make camping areas and structures useful to everyone for years to come.
On Saturday, June 15, work will begin at 9 AM and end around 4 PM. There will be projects for everyone, skilled and unskilled alike. Whether you are a master carpenter, an amateur gardener, or a lawyer, everyone can be a “Busy Beaver” on a project of their choice. Some of the projects include:
As a thank you to volunteers, camping will be available at no cost on Friday and/or Saturday. Lunch will be provided for all who sign up.
To sign up for this AWESOME event and help kick off a great summer for the Scouts, please visit scoutingevent.com/596-BeaverDay24.
For questions, contact Council Maintenance Chairman Mike Maruska at 757-641-2373 or mikemaruska1179@gmail.com.
From the depths of the ocean to the wonders of the woods, Cub Scouts at Day Camp will become explorers, ready for adventure in the great outdoors!
There are a wide range of activities, varying between camps, but most camps will include most of the following:
Four camps are available!
Registration is now open for Albemarle Day Camp at Holy Family Catholic Church in Elizabeth City. For questions, contact dcalbemarle@tidewaterbsa.com.
Registration is now open for Bayside Day Camp at Bayside Masonic Lodge #218 in Virginia Beach. For questions, contact baysidedaycamp.tidewaterbsa@gmail.com.
Registration is now open for Three Rivers Twilight Camp at Great Bridge Baptist Church in Chesapeake. For questions, contact Joel.Cesar@scouting.org or Christina.Raymer@scouting.org.
Registration is now open for Princess Anne Day Camp at Tabernacle Baptist Academy in Virginia Beach. For questions, contact twcpa.daycamp@gmail.com.
Gather your team for the Rick Anoia Scouting Golf Classic on Thursday, June 20 at Virginia Beach National Golf Club!
Enjoy 18 holes of golf (Captain’s Choice), longest drive and closest to the pin awards, a hole-in-one challenge, lunch, door prizes, and awards banquet – all while supporting local Scouting! Sponsorships and team registration are available.
Pipsico Scout Reservation offers Scouts and Scouters the opportunity to immerse themselves in a positive camping environment, at a beautiful property, with a friendly camp staff. Tidewater Council is proud to offer quality programs for everyone.
Week #1 – June 23 to June 29, 2024 – FULL
Week #2 – June 30 to July 6, 2024
Week #3 – July 7 to July 13, 2024 – FULL
Week #4 – July 14 to July 20, 2024
New for 2024 and featuring the updated Cub Scout Adventures, Pipsico Scout Reservation invites rising 4th and 5th graders, den leaders, and you to an all-new Arrow of Light/Webelos Summer Camp experience!
Per the Guide to Safe Scouting, these age groups are allowed to camp as dens with leaders.
This 4-day, 3-night program is packed full of activities exclusively for older Cub Scouts, including rappelling, air rifles, fire building, and more! All meals will be provided in our Dining Hall, and campers can sleep on the provided cots in platform tents, just like the older Scouts do at Summer Camp.
Don’t miss the kickoff to Tidewater Council’s Cub Scout theme for 2024-2025, Bug Hunters!
Calling all Bug Hunters!
Cub Scout Summer Family Camp is an opportunity for all Cub Scouts and siblings to participate in some of the new Adventures with the Summer Camp Staff at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Fish with your Scout, climb our rock wall, work on a conservation project, and enjoy our top-notch aquatics program. Enjoy a camp-wide campfire program on Saturday night and all the amenities available at Pipsico Scout Reservation, including our newly renovated Nature Center.
All meals will be provided in our Dining Hall. Families can choose to camp using our platform tents and cots or pitch their own tents.
Save the date for Tidewater Council’s next Philmont trek in summer 2025! If interested in joining the council contingent or getting more information, contact Bill Lawrence at Bill.Lawrence2@scouting.org. Registration is coming soon.
The next National Scout Jamboree will be held on July 22-31, 2026 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia! The National Scout Jamboree is a gathering of thousands of members of the Boy Scouts of America from across the nation.
Start early in gauging interest in attending and planning fundraising so Scouts can take advantage of this unique opportunity. For assistance in planning unit fundraising, check out the Camp Card sale and popcorn sale, or contact the district executive.
Reserve your spot for the adventure of a lifetime now with a $100 deposit!
Looking for a way to fund an awesome program for your Scouts? The annual Popcorn Sale is here to help!
MAY is always a busy month as packs wrap up the school year and Scouts get ready to march off to Summer Camp. The Scout Shop is well stocked with all uniform items, books, camping gear, and everything in between. We also have Cubmaster and Den Leader plaques for end of year celebrations. Give us a call or come in and shop.
We still have stock for the present Cub Scout program, but, as our supply dwindles, we will require prepayment for items not included in next year’s program. Our new stock of awards will be in the store by June 1 for those earning new Adventures this summer.
New Cub Scout books are now available for NEXT year’s program. The price remains at $23.99. We still have books left for this year’s Cub Scout program with a $10 discount.
NEW items now include ladies’ V-necked T-shirts. Available in ladies’ sizes small – 2XL, these lightweight Tees are a cotton/polyester blend and sell for $18.99.
Eagle gift bags are a great new addition for our Eagle section. The small bag is $3.99, and the larger bag is $4.99. These gift bags come with tissue paper, which makes the price even more worth it. Now you can make shopping for Eagle gifts a one-stop shop!
We ship orders by USPS if you call (757-497-2688) or email an order to polly.fugate@scouting.org or Staci.vankirk@scouting.org. We will calculate shipping and call you back for a total.
Effective April 9, 2024, the council program fee is now charged at the time of registration/re-registration. For those completing online registration, the council program fee will be automatically added to the registration cost.
Despite the challenges of increasing costs, Tidewater Council’s annual program fee for 2024 will remain at $24 per member. Thank you to Friends of Scouting donors and product sales-participating Scouts and units, who enable Tidewater Council to keep the costs for Scouting families as low as possible!
Members of Exploring or ScoutReach programs and merit badge counselors who are not registered in another leadership role do not pay the council program fee.
Effective May 1, 2024, the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America has implemented the following annual national membership fees:
For information about need-based financial assistance or unit fundraising opportunities, please contact the district executive.
If your unit has noticed a “dropped” or “missing” merit badge counselor, please email their name (as listed in My.Scouting) to Jennifer.Mapstone@scouting.org. Please include the leader’s member ID, if known.
If the merit badge counselor does not already hold another paid position, they will need to pay a $25 registration fee.
Merit badge counselors are not registered in a unit position and therefore are not allowed to attend overnight Scouting activities/events.
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.
Camping is a long-honored tradition for many families, including the BSA family. Timing, supplies, and location should be determined ahead of time so you can make the most of your camping experience. There might be some instances where you overthink or underestimate a camping trip, but there are also many ways to enjoy the adventure, fun, discovery, and teamwork involved. A campout safety checklist will help to ensure these aspects of camping are accomplished while keeping you safe.
17-year-old* youth members transitioning to an adult leader (Scouts BSA), camp staff, or adult program participant (Order of the Arrow, Venturing, and Sea Scouting) upon their 18th birthday may continue to participate while their adult application and criminal background check (CBC) are processed, but this period shall not exceed 30 days. These individuals are subject to the same youth protection policies and guidelines as all adult Scouters even during this registration transition period.
This includes:
Adult Program Participants and adult leaders aged 18-20 are an important part of the Order of the Arrow, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring programs. These young adults continue to participate in the program, have leadership and advancement opportunities, and can participate in activities along with youth members under 18.
However, like all adult participants, they must register as an adult in the BSA registration system. They take Youth Protection Training and must complete a criminal background check just like all other registered adults. In addition, they must adhere to the same Youth Protection policies applicable to all adults in the program. Since they are participating in the program as adults, they must be treated the same as any other adult members of the BSA and Exploring programs.
*Exception
17-year-old youth members whose 18th birthday occurs during active participation at Summer Camp, a High Adventure Base, or any BSA National Events may complete the activity they started as a youth participant without interruption; however, at its conclusion, they must immediately register as an adult. This exception is intended for limited use in scenarios such as completing a trek while staying in the same tent or accommodation in the last few days of an event. It does not change or extend Eagle Scout or other advancement required to be completed by a Scout’s 18th birthday; they will need to follow all applicable advancement policies.
To view your own awards:
Want an easy NO-RISK fundraiser that offers 50% profit? Do you have Scouts who haven’t raised enough to attend day camp or summer camp? Does your unit have new members? Then the Camp Card fundraiser is for your unit!
Contact the district executive to register and pick-up cards.
Training and resources are available online at TidewaterBSA.com/2024campcardsale. Review these resources for deadlines and important information.
And then – simply sell. This is a super easy fundraiser that scores Scouts some serious bucks toward camp.
Camp Cards include valuable discounts to local retailers and Bonus Savings that are available for your choice of retailers nationwide.
Scheduling changes from Dominion Virginia Power have impacted the Camp Baker closure dates.
Camp Baker will now be closed from June 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025.
Thank you for your cooperation and patience. Any questions regarding Camp Baker or Camp Moonyah use can be directed to Ron Misfeldt, City Camps Ranger, at 757-646-1384 or mustangron@aol.com.
Many of Pipsico Scout Reservation’s tents have been in service for 30 years. In order to continue to provide a high-quality camping experience for our Scouts, Tidewater Council is replacing 200 tents between 2023-2027.
Based on the recommendation of our Camping Committee, we are replacing the current wooden platforms and ridge pole system tents with new platforms and Diamond Brand tents with aluminum-mounted frames. In addition to housing Scouts and keeping them dry, the new tents will exponentially decrease the time needed for tent setup and takedown. The cost of a new tent, platform, and frame is approximately $1,640 each. A contribution in any amount is appreciated, and will be designated to provide new tents at Pipsico.
Thank you for ensuring that our Scouts enjoy their camping adventures at Pipsico!
The James E. West Fellowship Award is a national recognition for individuals who contribute $1,000 or more in cash or securities to the Tidewater Council BSA endowment fund. This contribution is in addition to, and does not diminish or replace, the donor’s annual gift to the council’s Friends of Scouting campaign.
Organizations or individuals may contribute an award in honor of someone — an Eagle Scout, a Silver Beaver recipient, Living Legend, any outstanding Scout or Scouter.
With twelve months in the year and twelve points of the Scout Law, why not choose one value to focus on each month? Scout Law-focused Pack Meeting Plans can be found here.
Meeting plans may be used in any order and can be adjusted to fit the needs of the families in the pack.
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. You may also visit NC 211 or 2-1-1 Virginia for assistance finding resources.
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.
What are your plans for this 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.
Visit our Volunteer with Local Scouting webpage for information on additional volunteer opportunities.
Ben P. of Troop 63 will be awarded the 2023 Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year at the Council Banquet on May 15. For his service project, Ben planned, organized, led, and managed construction of a living shoreline along the Lynnhaven River.
On April 19-21, Princess Anne District held their Spring Camporee at Izaak Walton Park.
Ten troops were represented, with more than 95 Scouts participating.
More than 500 rank requirements were completed. Six merit badges were offered, and a total of 144 merit badges were earned.
A great time was had by all!
More than 400 Scouts, Scouters, and family members gathered at Pipsico Scout Reservation on April 19-21 for Cub Scout Family Camp. Participants enjoyed adventures with archery, rockets, and more!
Cub Scout Pack 991 conducted a beach cleanup at First Landing State Park. Great job!
Thank you to the young Scouts, parents, and helpers of the Webelos of Pack 207, with the guidance of Mr. Stephen Lee, who recently completed ten bat houses. This project was initiated more than a year ago at the request of the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) to assist them in relocating a bat colony that had taken over a recently acquired property in the Dismal Swamp area. The property, known as the “Superintendent’s House,” holds significant historical value to the area.
The bat residences, which are now completed and ready for occupancy, will be turned over to the ACE within the next few weeks for placement in the area. Again, thank you to Pack 207 for your efforts, hard work, and determination to see this project come to a successful conclusion.
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).
Tidewater Council, BSA provides programs for young people in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Northeastern North Carolina.
Tidewater Council, BSA is a certified United Way agency, partnering with United Way of South Hampton Roads and Albemarle Area United Way.