2026 Summer Camp - March Newsletter

Message from the Camp Director

Virtual Leaders' Meeting Reminder

Dear Summer Camp Unit Leaders,

Is anyone else getting excited that the summer camp season is rapidly approaching? I know that I am! I recently met with my Program Team and they are busy working with the area directors to finalize the program offerings in preparation for Merit Badge sign-ups. Soon, live staff training begins and before you know it, you will be checking in for your week of summer camp.

If you have been following these monthly newsletters you are aware that our 2026 Leaders’ Meeting will take place on Saturday, May 2^nd at 9:00 a.m.. If you haven’t registered for this event yet, it is not too late; but pre-registration is required. Click the registration button below. Feel free to share this link with any leader from your unit involved with summer camp planning.

Our hope is the length of the meeting will be shortened due to the pre-recorded video series on the summer camp Forms & Resources page in the Monthly Newsletters and Video Tutorial Archive section.

As has been said in each of our monthly newsletters, the information contained in the video series is invaluable to ensure a smooth registration and check-in experience. In addition, “Pro Tips” have been included to provide specific information on FAQs.

As always, should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at robert.michell@scouting.org or at (215) 297-5290.

Sincerely,

Rob Michell

OSR Summer Camp Director

Message from the Business Manager

Merit Badge Registration Opens May 2^nd!

Good morning summer camp leaders,

Now that the program team has put the finishing touches on the schedule, merit badge scheduling will be ready to open after the leaders' meeting on May 2^nd. Don't worry though, there is no rush to log in and get classes added as soon as it opens. Our classes are NOT first come-first served. Most classes have no capacity cut-off so you just add the class to the schedule by clicking the "Add Class" button. The classes that do have a capacity work on a lottery system. The lottery is drawn on Friday at noon, 4 weeks prior to your check-in. Enter the lottery for a class by clicking the "Join Waitlist" button.

For complete instructions on merit badge registration, please watch the tutorial I recorded last year. Video: Merit Badge Scheduling Tutorial

Reminders

Payments: April 30^th is the last day to pay at a discounted rate. The $605 regular rate takes effect on May 1^st. AOL Discount deadline is May 31^st.

Custom t-shirt orders*: due by May 19th: T-shirt order page

*Pro tip: Custom & bulk T-shirt orders are by unit and not individuals. Please collect fees from your Scouts and leaders who are purchasing a t-shirt and then place ONE order for your Troop before the deadline. Don't place your order too soon and risk having latecomers changing their mind.

Payments for Campership Awardees

Please contact me when you are ready to pay the balance due for a Scout who was awarded a campership. Do not pre-pay for a Campership Applicant.

Take care,

Michelle Cathers

OSR Business Manager
michelle.cathers@scouting.org

Refund Policy

2026 Camp Fees

Message from the Program Director

Pre-requisites & Themed Days Announced

Our camp program team has updated a 2026 Merit Badge list to now include our Pre-Reqs! You can access this at https://www.ockanickon.org/scoutsbsa-summercamp under the title "2026 Merit Badge Listing."

We are also excited to announce our THEMED DAYS! While our overall theme still remains with a celebration of the Semiquincentennial of U.S. Independence, some days have specific themes where staff and campers are encouraged to dress up!!

Red, White, and Bluesday (Tuesday)

Rock your most patriotic outfit to help get in the mood for our large camp-wide Carnival on Tuesday night!

Western Wednesday

Get ready and dress for the Old American Frontier!

Tropical Shirt Thursday

Bring your brightest and best tropical gear.

Program questions can be directed to our program team at program@ockanickon.org.

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2026 Summer Camp - March Newsletter

Message from the Camp Director﻿﻿