Scouting is a game with a purpose

All Scouts, prospective Scouts, leaders, parents, and volunteers are invited to attend the Tidewater University of Scouting. This jamboree style event offers interactive trainings & certifications, hands-on activities & adventures, merit badges & advancement opportunities, and personalized Scout quests to earn prizes & rewards.

New This Year
1) Youth Degree Program - Scouting beyond merit badges, Youth can take leadership-focused classes to earn their Associate, Bachelor, Masters, Certificate of Advanced Studies, and Doctorate degrees.

2) Akela's Adventures - A hands-on program for Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Cub Scouts to complete requirements for earn up to 3 elective adventures.

• WOLF: 1) Champions for Nature, 2) Cubs Who Care, and 3) Digging in the Past
• BEAR:  1) Champions for Nature, 2) Critter Care, and 3) Roaring Laughter
• WEBELOS: 1) Aware & Care, 2) Champions for Nature, and 3) Modular Design (with Legos)

3) Calling all Scout Leaders of Older Youth (14–20) - Ready to supercharge your program with bigger adventures, stronger leadership, and unforgettable experiences? The Older Youth Program Training Series is designed specifically for leaders of Troops, Crews, Ships, and Posts who want to deliver next-level opportunities that keep teens engaged, challenged, and thriving. These sessions go beyond basic training—they’re packed with practical strategies, hands-on experiences, and fresh ideas you can bring straight back to your unit. Whether you want to expand adventure options, strengthen youth leadership, or help your Scouts prepare for life beyond Scouting, there’s a class built for you.

Adventure & Exploration

• OYP 100 – National High Adventure Bases: Learn how to plan unforgettable expeditions to Philmont Scout Ranch, Northern Tier, Florida Sea Base, and Summit Bechtel Reserve—and guide youth toward the Triple Crown or Grand Slam.
• OYP 101 – High Adventure Beyond the National Bases: Discover council-level adventures that push limits and build confidence.
• OYP 106 – High Adventure on a Budget: Deliver epic experiences without draining your unit’s funds.
• OYP 107 – The Appalachian Trail: Plan a safe, fun trek on the legendary Appalachian Trail.

Innovation, Skills & Gear

• OYP 102 – Hands-On Gear Testing Lab: Try out real equipment and learn how to evaluate what actually works.
• OYP 103 – Flying Garbage Cans: Use STEM to spark creative program ideas while staying within safety guidelines.

Bigger Horizons for Youth

• OYP 108 – Opportunities Beyond the National Scout Jamboree: Introduce Scouts to global experiences like the World Scout Jamboree and adventures at Kandersteg.
• OYP 104 – Using Scouting to Build Resume: Help youth translate Scouting into real-world success.
• OYP 105 – Posts, Crews, and Ships – Oh My!: Understand program options and how to guide youth to the best fit.
• OYP 109 – Leading the Way: Youth-Led Scouting: Strengthen your ability to mentor—not manage—youth leaders.

Event Schedule
Friday, March 6, 2026
5:30 PM. Check-in opens (CONST Lobby)
6:00 PM. Friday evening classes.
10:00 PM. Cleanup & Depart.
 

Saturday, March 7, 2026
7:00 AM. Check-in opens. Breakfast. (CONST Lobby)
7:30 AM. Opening Ceremony (CONST 1002)
8:00 AM. Morning classes.
11:00 AM. Midway opens (CONST Lobby)
12:00 PM. Lunch (BDC)
1:15 PM. Roundtables.
2:00 PM. Afternoon classes.
4:00 PM. Wood Badge Beading Ceremony (CONST 1002)
4:15 PM. Closing Campfire (CONST 1002)
5:30 PM. Cleanup & Depart

Trading Post - NOW OPEN

To purchase Swag open your registration like you are updating the emergency contact and scroll to the bottom. It will be just before the "Done" button. 

Limited Edition Merchandise 

Pre-order items to guarantee you can pick them up at the onsite Trading Post. Orders can submitted during registration at the bottom of the page for each participant.

Patch = $6 T-shirt = $13 youth / $16 adult Neckerchief = $20 Sweatshirt = $35

Midway Booths
The Midway is open to the general public and all registrants will have dedicated time to attend. All booths receive 1 free table and can reserve additional tables for $10 each. Lunch can be pre-purchased for $15 per person. We reserve the right to deny access to organizations which are not Scouting appropriate. All items must comply with ODU rules and policies.

• Scouting Groups:  Promote council & district camporees, day camps, service projects, or other events.
• Organizations:  Teach our Scouts about your group and its mission.
• Vendors:  Sell Scouting appropriate equipment and merchandise.
• District Roundtables:  meet the volunteers who make local program work.

Adult Colleges
Earn your Associate, Bachelor, Master, Continuing Education, or Doctorate Degree.

College of Cub Scouts College of Scouts BSA College of Older Youth Programs College of Continuing Education:  Outdoor Ethics Orientation, Leave No Trace, Day Camp Volunteer 101, Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED, Event Planning, Special Needs Scouting, Cooking, Scouting Technology, Outdoor Ethics, Recruiting, Fundraising, or High Adventure Programs. College of Doctoral Programs Breakouts:  Den Leader & Assistant Den Leader, Cubmaster & Assistant Cubmaster, Committee Member & Chair, Scoutmaster & Assistant Scoutmaster.

Youth Academies
Open to all Scouts BSA, Sea Scouts, Venturers, Explorers, and Arrow of Lights, plus grades 5 and older.
NEW:  Earn your Youth Associates, Bachelor, Master, Continuing Education, or Doctorate Degree.

Huskanaw Academy (HUSK):  is an opportunity for younger youth to master rank requirements for Scout, Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, and 1st Class. Youth Leadership Academy (YTH):  50+ youth leadership courses, including Den Chief Training, Inter-unit Introduction for Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST), Venturing Project Management, Goal Setting & Time Management for Venturing Crews, Mentoring for Venturing Crew, and resume writing. Merit Badge Academy (MB):  25+ merit badges, including several required for Eagle Scout.

Junior Youth Academy
Our youngest members will enjoy a full day of camp and complete elective adventures.

• Dragon Academy:  mini Day Camp for Lions, Tigers, and younger siblings (grades Pre-K to 1). Must be toilet trained.
• Akela’s Academy:  mini Day Camp for Wolf, Bear, and Webelos (grades 2 to 4).
• Akela's Adventure:  complete Cub Adventures for Wolf, Bear, and Webelos (grades 2 to 4)

Staff Wanted:  Together We Can
We are always looking for more event staff in the following areas.

Volunteer with Akela's & Dragon Academy (click here)
Spend a couple hours playing in the mini day camps for Akela’s (grades 2 to 4) or Dragons (grades pre-K to 1)

Lead a 2-hour Cub Scout Adventure (click here)
Lead a Cub Scout adventure.

Volunteer with the Health Officer (click here)
Help us make this a fun and safe event.

Volunteer as Event Staff (click here)
Help us make this a fun and successful event.

If you want to help in another area, please email: TidewaterUniversity@gmail.com

Merit Badge List - as of 15 Feb 2026
Artificial Intelligence - Sat 3/7 @ 9:00 AM {5 seats available}
*NEW Automotive Maintenance - Sat 3/7 @ 2:00 PM {11 seats available}
Aviation - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {8 seats available}
Citizenship in Society - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {FULL}
Citizenship in the Community - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {FULL}
Citizenship in the Nation - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {2 seats available}
Citizenship in the World - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {FULL}
Citizenship in the World - Sat 3/7 @ 2:00 PM {FULL}
*NEW Collections - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {11 seats available}
Communication - Fri 3/6 @ 6:00 PM {FULL}
*NEW Communication - Sat 3/7 @ 10:00 AM {1 seats available}
Crime Prevention - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {6 seats available}
Cybersecurity - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {4 seats available}
Dentistry - Sat 3/7 @ 10:00 AM {7 seats available}
Dentistry - Sat 3/7 @ 2:00 PM  {6 seats available}
Disability Awareness - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {8 seats available}
Disability Awareness - Sat 3/7 @ 2:00 PM {8 seats available}
Electricity - Fri 3/6 @ 6:00 PM {FULL}
Electricity - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {4 seats available}
Emergency Preparedness - Sat 3/7 @ 2:00 PM {FULL}
Energy - Fri 3/6 @ 6:00 PM {1 seats available}
Energy - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {10 seats available}
Engineering - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {4 seats available}
Entrepreneurship - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {9 seats available}
Environmental Science - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {FULL}
Family Life - Fri 3/6 @ 6:00 PM {FULL}
Family Life - Sat 3/7 @ 2:00 PM {FULL}
Fingerprinting - Sat 3/7 @ 2:00 PM {3 seats available}
*NEW Game Design - Fri 3/6 @ 6:00 PM  {6 seats available}
*NEW Game Design - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {12 seats available}
Geneaology - Fri 3/6 @ 6:00 PM {3 seats available}
Geocaching - Sat 3/7 @ 2:00 PM {FULL}
Health Care Professions - Fri 3/6 @ 7:00 PM {9 seats available}
Journalism - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {10 seats available}
Nuclear Science - Sat 3/7 @ 2:00 PM {FULL}
Oceanography - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {10 seats available}
Public Health - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {17 seats available}
*NEW Public Speaking - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM  {8 seats available}
Public Speaking - Sat 3/7 @ 2:00 PM  {4 seats available}
*NEW Radio - Sat 3/7 @ 2:00 PM {9 seats available}
Reading - Sat 3/7 @ 2:00 PM {8 seats available}
*NEW Scouting Heritage - Fri 3/6 @ 6:00 PM {6 seats available}
*NEW Scouting Heritage - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {11 seats available}
Signs, Signals, & Codes - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {6 seats available}
Soil & Water Conservation - Sat 3/7 @ 2:00 PM {1 seats available}
Sustainability - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {1 seats available}
Textile - Sat 3/7 @ 2:00 PM {8 seats available}
Traffic Safety - Sat 3/7 @ 2:00 PM {FULL}
*NEW Weather - Sat 3/7 @ 8:00 AM {10 seats available}
*NEW Weather - Sat 3/7 @ 1:15 PM (10 seats available}