Boy Scouts of America Tidewater Council

The Boy Scouts of America Tidewater Council is a nonprofit organization serving southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. It was founded in 1911 as the Norfolk Council and was renamed in 1935 to its current form. The council operates under the national Boy Scouts of America (BSA), providing youth development programs aimed at character, citizenship, personal fitness, and leadership skills.

History

The Tidewater Council traces its origin to September 21, 1911, when 28 prominent businessmen from Norfolk formed the Norfolk Council. Initially, it functioned without a professional Scout executive until Thomas Sparrow was appointed on October 1, 1919. The council adopted the Cub Scout program in 1934, expanding its reach to younger boys. By 1935, it had officially become the Tidewater Council, incorporating North Carolina counties into its service area[1][2].

Over time, the council has undergone realignments but currently serves seven counties in northeastern North Carolina and the Virginia cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. Today, it supports over 4,000 boys and girls through hundreds of units across the region[1][3].

Organization

Programs and Facilities

The council offers a wide array of Scouting programs, including Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA, which are now coeducational. These programs focus on outdoor activities, leadership development, and community service. The Pipsico Scout Reservation, located in Surry County, Virginia, serves as a key venue for camping and outdoor activities. Pipsico offers year-round Scouting opportunities, including a summer camp and high adventure experiences[2][3].

The Tidewater Council also has an Order of the Arrow (OA) chapter known as Blue Heron Lodge, which was founded in 1946 with assistance from Octoraro Lodge in Pennsylvania. The lodge emphasizes cheerful service and is based on Native American traditions[2][3].

Impact and Activities

Tidewater Council emphasizes its mission to provide a safe environment for youth development, with a strong focus on Scouting values and leadership. Activities include summer camps, community events, and volunteer opportunities. The council has successfully expanded its reach by integrating girls into Scouts BSA, aligning with the BSA's broader inclusion strategy[3][4].

Through its numerous programs and districts, the Tidewater Council has influenced the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people, fostering leadership and community involvement across the Tidewater region.