District Awards Celebration | | |
Scouters from across Mercer Area District gathered at Villa Mannino on April 30th to celebrate some of the dedicated volunteers who go above and beyond for our Scouts!
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District Pinewood Derby Recognition - Mike Golisano, Michael Merritt, Mike Ciancanelli, Rich Lambert
William D. Boyce New Unit Organizer Award - Tom Szold, Kevin Bullard, Aaron Arnold, and Kristi Reading (accepted by Kaylee Reading)
Silver Squirrel Award - Brian Epstein
District Award of Merit - Michael Ciancanelli
District Award of Merit - Jon Frush
District Award of Merit - Alice Hillary (not pictured)
| | Bring Your Unit to the Trenton Thunder This Summer! | | |
2025 Trenton Thunder Scout Nights - June 27th & August 8th

Are you looking for a unique and affordable way for Scouts and their families to meet up this summer? Do you need a change of venue for your Troop or Pack meeting? Are you on the hunt for a local place to camp out with entertainment and concessions covered by someone else? The Trenton Thunder is hosting TWO Scout Nights during the 2025 baseball season: Friday June 27th & Friday August 8th. Tickets are only $8 and patches can be purchased for $2 extra. Each Scout Night also includes a pre-game parade, a movie on the big screen after the game, the opportunity for tent camping in the outfield, and concession stands open late for all of your dining needs! Click the button below to get tickets for your unit and enjoy a Scout Night at the Trenton Thunder!
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New for 2025 - The Trenton Thunder Green Scout Initiative
Washington Crossing Council and Garden State Council have partnered with the Trenton Thunder to launch something new for 2025. The Green Scout Initiative will feature 2-6 Scout participants each game. Scouts will help the thunder community collect recyclable containers from fans during the game in an effort to reduce the amount of waste produced during the baseball game.
Here's what you need to know to participate:
- Units can sign up to participate using the Signup Genius link below
- A unit should bring 2-6 Scouts to the game they've signed up for. Each Scout will get 2 free tickets. Additional tickets can be purchased for $8 each.
- Scouts and registered leaders should wear their uniform to the game.
- Scouts, with the assistance of Trenton Thunder Staff, will collect recyclables from patrons during the 2nd, 4th, and 6th innings. Scouts will not pick up trash or perform any other tasks.
- This opportunity is available to Scouts, Explorers, Sea Scouts, and Venturers ages 14 & up
| | Swim Tests for Summer Camp at the Hamilton YMCA | | |
The YMCA in Hamilton is taking inquiries from units looking to complete their swim testing prior to summer camp. The Hamilton Y has a great working relationship with Mercer Area District, and they generously provide swim tests for only $5/Scout!
Save time on your camp check-in day by completing your swim tests prior to camp!
Use the inquiry form linked below to get in touch with the Hamilton YMCA's Aquatics Department
| | One Minute. Big Access. Fill Out The School Survey. | | |
Help us grow Scouting across the Washington Crossing Council! We’re asking every leader to fill out the School Access Survey using the button below. This quick survey will help us understand where we have access and where we need support. Our goal is for every pack and troop to grow this year — and that starts with solid information. By sharing your school access details, you’re helping us target resources effectively, build a winning recruitment strategy, and ensure Scouting thrives in your community. Please take a moment to complete the survey today — your input is essential to our success!
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Cub Scout Adventure camp is the perfect opportunity to experience camping with your Cub Scout. The three-day, two-night camp provides an opportunity for Cub Scouts to participate in ten different program areas including: swimming, fishing, boating, archery, sling shots, BB guns, gaga ball, climbing tower, nature hike and more. The program is delivered by the Ockanickon camp staff.
Food in the air-conditioned dining hall, tents and cots are included. All you need to bring is your personal gear and Cub Scout!
SOME CAMPERSHIP FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE FOR QUALIFYING FAMILIES
For information contact, Michelle Cathers
| | | Popcorn Kickoff July 29th! | |
Earn an Extra 4% Commission Just by Attending the Rally!
Whether your unit has sold popcorn in the past, trying for the first time, or returning after a hiatus from popcorn sales, the selling season starts at the popcorn kickoff. All units who send a representative to the rally will earn an additional 4% commission on all sales!
What: Popcorn Kickoff
When: July 29, 2025, 7PM-8PM
Where: The Mercer County Library, Ewing Branch
61 Scoth Rd. Ewing, NJ 08628
We will meet in the conference room.
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Join us at Kuser Park in Hamilton, NJ on September 27th
STEM and Scouting collide at the Fall 2025 Cubarama! "Invention Convention" invites Cub Scouts and their families to spend the day at Kuser Park playing the part of a mad scientist. Cub Scouts will design and build their own inventions, make crafts, play games, and participate in range & target activities!
When: Saturday, September 27th from 9am to 3pm
Where: Kuser Park, 390 Newkirk Ave., Hamilton, NJ 08610
Cost: $20/Cub Scout, $10/Adult
Registration Opens June 1st!
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Merit badge downloads are now FREE!
After years of discussion, as of early May, ALL merit badge pamphlets can be downloaded for FREE from scouting.org. This is part of a broad effort to enhance the merit badge program with online resources. See e.g. the Digital Resource Guide (link below) to see some amazing Aviation Merit Badge content, with more to come. Indeed, two new merit badges are due to be announced soon, with ONLY online resources. This builds on the exciting Scouts BSA Test Lab (link below) where three prototype activities can be performed, and depending on popularity and feedback, may become official merit badges.
One caution…the pamphlet pdf’s were populated as-is from the current Scout Shop print files, and not all have been updated with the latest requirements. “Always check Scouting.org for the latest requirements.” (link below)
| | Upcoming Events! Mark Your Calendar | | |
Plan Ahead:
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June Roundtable: June 11th @ 7:30PM; Our Lady of Sorrows, Hamilton
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District Committee: June 18th @ 7PM: St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Hamilton
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Popcorn Kickoff: July 29th @ 7PM: Mercer County Library, Ewing Branch
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Fall Cubarama: September 27th @ 9AM: Kuser Park, Hamilton
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