Tidewater Council Boy Scouts of America

What Tidewater Council Boy Scouts of America does

Tidewater Council Boy Scouts of America (operating as Scouting America Tidewater Council) is a 501(c)-style nonprofit local council of the Boy Scouts of America that delivers youth development programming across southern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Founded in 1911 as the Norfolk Council and renamed in 1935, the council today serves more than 4,100 young people in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and seven northeastern North Carolina counties through four operating districts (Albemarle, Bayside, Princess Anne, Three Rivers). Its core product is structured character and leadership development delivered via five program tracks: Cub Scouting (K-5), Scouts BSA (11-17, co-ed since 2019), Venturing (14-20), Sea Scouting (14-21), and Exploring (14-20), supplemented by Pinewood Derby, Cub Scout Day Camp, Scouting for Food, and High Adventure programs including Pipsico Scout Reservation. The council is supported by roughly 1,900 adult volunteers and a small professional staff of 11-50, governed by a volunteer executive board with John Scheib as Council President and James Parnell as Scout Executive (chief professional executive).

The council's technology stack is comprised almost entirely of national BSA-provided platforms rather than proprietary systems: Scoutbook for advancement tracking, my.scouting.org for registration and account management, beascout.scouting.org for unit finder/lead capture, scoutingevent.com for event registration, and Scout Boss for popcorn sales. No internal AI/ML capabilities, mobile applications, or proprietary software products are disclosed. Physical infrastructure is anchored by the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center headquarters at 1032 Heatherwood Drive in Virginia Beach and the Pipsico Scout Reservation at 57 Pipsico Road in Spring Grove, VA, which is undergoing a multi-year tent replacement program (2022-2027) and is available year-round for rental by both Scouting and non-Scouting groups.

The revenue model combines nonprofit revenue mechanics: recurring youth and adult membership dues, community-led distribution through chartered organizations (churches, schools, civic groups), Scout Shop retail sales, annual Popcorn Sale fundraising (transaction-fee structure for units), the Friends of Scouting annual giving campaign (providing roughly 20% of the budget), usage-based fees from Pipsico camp reservations, and one-time Jamboree participation fees ($2,100-$2,350 per participant for the 2026 National Jamboree). Certified partnerships with United Way of South Hampton Roads and Albemarle Area United Way supplement donor revenue. Pricing is publicly opaque beyond Jamboree fees; no comprehensive financial disclosures are available.

Name

Tidewater Council Boy Scouts of America

Legal name

Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America

Website

https://tidewaterbsa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1911

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Tidewater Council Boy Scouts of America is a nonprofit local council of Scouting America that delivers character and leadership development programs to 4,100+ youth across southern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina through Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Development Services

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAMALAA

Multi-Activity Enrichment Camps (Academic + Arts + Sports)

Education/Supplemental & Enrichment Programs (Arts, STEM, Language)/Summer & Holiday Enrichment Camps (Multi-Activity, Academic)

SECONDARYTHAGAOAI

Group Camping & Scout Camps

Travel & Hospitality/Lodging & Accommodation/Camping & Glamping Facilities

Keywords

• Youth development programs
• Scouting programs
• Character education
• Outdoor adventure camps
• Volunteer-led leadership training

Headquarters

HQ city

Virginia Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual registration fees paid by youth members and adult volunteers to participate in Scouting programs
2. Scout Shop Sales: Retail sales of official BSA merchandise, uniforms, camping equipment, and supplies at the council service center. Proceeds directly benefit youth of Tidewater Council.
3. Popcorn Sale Fundraising: Annual popcorn sale program where units sell popcorn products, with a portion supporting council operations and unit funding
4. Friends of Scouting Campaign: Annual giving campaign that provides 20% of the council's annual budget from Scouting families, alumni, and community supporters
5. Camp Reservations: Rental of Pipsico Scout Reservation and other camping facilities to Scouting and non-Scouting groups for recreational camping and events
6. Jamboree Registration Fees: Fees for participation in National Scout Jamboree events, including transportation, program materials, food, and contingent activities

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Tidewater Council delivers age-tiered Scouting programs (Cub Scouting K-5, Scouts BSA 11-17, Venturing 14-20, Sea Scouting 14-21, Exploring 14-20) that build character, leadership, citizenship, and outdoor skills. Core offerings are delivered through chartered community organizations and supplemented by year-round Pipsico Scout Reservation camping, day camps, Pinewood Derby, Scouting for Food service drives, High Adventure trips, leadership training (Wood Badge), and a Scout Shop retail operation. Revenue is generated through membership dues, program fees, retail sales, popcorn fundraising, Friends of Scouting donations, and facility rentals.

Product overview

Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America (now operating as Scouting America) is a youth development organization providing character-building programs through multiple Scouting tracks. The core offerings include Cub Scouting (grades K-5), Scouts BSA (ages 11-17, co-ed since 2019), Venturing (ages 14-20), Sea Scouting (ages 14-21), and Exploring (ages 14-20). Supporting programs include summer Cub Scout Day Camps, Pinewood Derby racing events, High Adventure activities including Pipsico Scout Reservation, annual Popcorn Sale fundraising, and volunteer training via Wood Badge. The council operates a Scout Shop and provides recognition programs including Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, and Distinguished Eagle Scout awards. The Electronic Knapsack newsletter keeps families informed. Fundraising includes Friends of Scouting annual giving and Tribute Fund memorial donations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cub Scouting Program Year-round family-oriented youth development program for boys and girls in kindergarten through 5th grade offering fun activities, camping, hiking, community service, and STEM projects with hands-on character and leadership engagement and rank advancement from Lion through Arrow of Light.
• Scouts BSA Program Youth development program for youth in 5th grade through high school (ages 11-17), co-ed since February 2019, focusing on service, community engagement, and leadership development, with over 150 merit badges and advancement to Eagle Scout rank.
• Venturing Program Inclusive youth-led, youth-inspired program for males and females ages 14-21 (or 13 and completed 8th grade) operated through Crews focusing on Adventure, Leadership, Personal Growth, and Service with various awards and advanced leadership training.
• Sea Scouting Program Maritime-focused program for young men and women ages 14 to 21 promoting citizenship and boating skills through water safety, sailing, seamanship, and maritime heritage; units called ships operate on coastal waters with advancement to Eagle and Quartermaster ranks.
• Exploring Program Career-focused youth development program for ages 14-20 providing opportunities to explore potential careers and professional fields through partnerships with businesses and organizations in the community.
• 2026 Cub Scout Day Camp Summer outdoor experience for Cub Scout youth featuring sports, games, STEM and science activities, nature exploration, crafts, range and target activities, and skits and songs, staffed by volunteers and offered across multiple districts.
• Pinewood Derby Annual racing event where Cub Scouts build wooden cars with families and race them down gravity-driven tracks, promoting character development, sportsmanship, creativity, and STEM principles, with unit-level, district derbies, and Council championship races.
• Scouting for Food Annual food drive where Scouts distribute bags and door hangers to neighborhoods and collect canned food, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, juice, and other nonperishables to support local food banks; in 2024 generated 23,510 pounds of donations and 19,592 meals across 37 units.
• High Adventure Programs Summer camp opportunities at Pipsico Scout Reservation including the Pipsico Experience (PEX), Sail Hampton Roads, and SCUBA Camp for Open Water Diver certification, plus access to national high adventure bases: Northern Tier, Philmont Scout Ranch, SeaBase, and Summit Bechtel Reserve.
• Pipsico Scout Reservation Premier Scout camp in Eastern Virginia at 57 Pipsico Road, Spring Grove, VA offering year-round programming including Camp Lions, Camp Kiwanis, and Camp Rotary, available for rental by Scouting and non-Scouting entities, with a 2022-2027 capital program replacing 250 tents with new platforms and aluminum-mounted frame tents.
• Scout Shop Retail store at the council service center offering official BSA merchandise, camping and outdoor items; proceeds directly benefit youth of Tidewater Council; operates Tuesday-Friday 11 AM-6 PM, Saturday 10 AM-2 PM (from March 2026) under manager Staci Van Kirk.
• Wood Badge Leadership Training Leadership skills training course for adult members of Scouting America strengthening units through practical leadership skills applicable to Scouting and other leadership situations, delivered at Pipsico Scout Reservation.
• Popcorn Sale Fundraising Annual council-wide popcorn fundraising program where units sell popcorn products with proceeds supporting pack/troop activities, including training sessions, sales resources, prizes, and military donation programs, managed via the Scout Boss system at pecatonicariverpopcorn.com.
• Friends of Scouting Campaign Annual giving campaign providing approximately 20% of the council's annual budget from Scouting families, alumni, and community supporters, including the James E. West Fellowship for contributions of $1,000+ to the council endowment fund.
• Tribute Fund Memorial and tribute gift program allowing contributions to honor birthdays, special occasions, anniversaries, recognitions, or in memory of deceased individuals, with online donation option and recognition on the council website for one year minimum.
• 2026 National Scout Jamboree Participation Council-organized contingent participation in the 2026 National Scout Jamboree featuring zip line courses, skate park, ATV offerings, treetop canopy tours, rock climbing, patch trading, and stadium shows; participant fee is $2,100 (or $2,350 after November 3, 2025) including National Jamboree Fee, transportation, council patch, shakedown weekend food and activities, and Jamboree-themed day pack.
• Volunteer Recognition Awards Awards program recognizing Scouters including Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA), NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA), Silver Antelope Award, Silver Beaver Award, Living Legends of Tidewater Council, and Eagle Honoree recognition for distinguished community leaders.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 4,100 young people served annually across Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Northeastern North Carolina
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• United Way of South Hampton RoadscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTidewater Council is a certified United Way agency, partnering with United Way of South Hampton Roads for community support and funding.
• Albemarle Area United WaycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTidewater Council is a certified United Way agency, partnering with Albemarle Area United Way to support Scouting programs in northeastern North Carolina.
• World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerBSA is represented in WOSM, which has 171 member organizations with over 50 million participants globally. WOSM organizes World Scout Jamborees, Moots, and Indabas.
• National High Adventure Bases (Northern Tier, Philmont, SeaBase, Summit Bechtel)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerTidewater Council offers access to BSA national high adventure bases including Northern Tier, Philmont Scout Ranch, Florida Sea Base, and Summit Bechtel Reserve for advanced outdoor experiences.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCuQgC05kLJQ8p2_wK2mfjYQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/tidewaterbsa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tidewaterbsa
• Instagraminstagram.com/tidewatercouncilbsa
• Xx.com/tidewaterbsa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles24 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tidewater Council Boy Scouts of America