Virginia Beach, Va. – Virginia Beach Scout leader Gene Hoffman has been recognized as a “Living Legend of Tidewater Council.” He was honored by Scouting America Tidewater Council at its Recognition Banquet on April 30, 2025, at the Khedive Shrine Center in Chesapeake.

The Living Legends of Tidewater Council award recognizes well-known living volunteers who have generously given untold amounts of their time, resources, and talents to the Scouting program. Tidewater Council’s service area encompasses the Virginia cities of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Portsmouth, as well as seven northeastern North Carolina counties.

Gene Hoffman embodies the spirit of Scouting, dedicating more than 20 years to shaping the lives of young Scouts and advancing the mission of Tidewater Council and Scouting America.

From his earliest days with St. Matthew’s Catholic School’s Cub Scout Pack 303 to his current role as advancement chair in Princess Anne District, his sustained efforts have left an indelible mark on the Scouting community.

His Scouting journey began when his youngest son joined Pack 303 in Virginia Beach, where the need arose for a den leader. Stepping up without hesitation, he embraced the foundational years of Scouting with enthusiasm and care. Under his guidance, his den thrived, producing young Scouts who achieved milestones like the Arrow of Light and embarked on greater adventures in Scouting. This early impact set the tone for the influence he would continue to have on youth.

Gene transitioned to St. Matthew’s Scouts BSA Troop 303, where he served as an assistant Scoutmaster for three years. When the troop faced a leadership transition, he again answered the call, becoming Scoutmaster in 2012.

Over the next decade, his leadership transformed Troop 303 into a beacon of excellence. Mentoring more than 100 youth and adults, he nurtured a thriving troop where 33 Scouts earned their Eagle rank, and all eligible Scouts were elected to the Order of the Arrow (OA).

Under his guidance, Troop 303 consistently excelled, with more Scouts attending OA events than any other unit in the council. His troop mentorship cultivated a legacy of leadership, with his Scouts serving in key roles from Chapter Chief and Section Chief to three Scouts serving as National Chief of the Order of the Arrow.

Gene’s influence extends beyond his units. His efforts as Princess Anne District advancement chair over the past seven years have been extraordinary. Monitoring advancements across the district, he has personally approved over 270 Eagle Scout projects and served as the district board member for more than 230 Eagle Scout Boards of Review.

His dedication has ensured the success and growth of hundreds of local Scouts, solidifying his impact on the district and beyond.

A Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, Gene’s tireless work has strengthened the Blue Heron Lodge and inspired many youth to take on leadership roles at every level of Scouting.

Few Scouters have achieved such a far-reaching influence on Scouting as Gene Hoffman, making him worthy of recognition as a Tidewater Council Living Legend. Hoffman received the Living Legend honor alongside fellow Scout leaders Marc Craig and Jon McGlothian.