2026 Summer Camp - March Newsletter

Message from the Camp Director

Virtual Leaders' Meeting Invitation

Dear Summer Camp Unit Leaders,

Although we have been “teased” every now and then with sunny days and warmer temperatures only to be met with the cold, wind and rain which followed, I have it on good authority that the Spring Season has finally arrived. And what season follows Spring? SUMMER CAMP SEASON!

With that in mind, I would like to invite you all to the annual pre-camp leaders meeting via Zoom on Saturday, May 2^ndat 9:00 a.m. Advanced registration is required to attend this webinar; please use the button below to access the registration page.

Please feel free to share the link with your unit leaders who will be involved with your summer camp planning.

Until then, I strongly encourage everyone to continue viewing our video tutorial series to help guide you through our administrative procedures and to answer many of the questions that you, our unit leaders, have asked.

I look forward to our meeting on May 2^nd.

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

Announcing the 2026 Custom T-shirt Design!

Good morning summer camp leaders,

I'm excited to announce we have lots of new merchandise coming to the Trading Post this summer! One of the most anticipated items each year is the summer camp t-shirt! This year's design includes a small left chest Troop customizable OSR logo* and a full back theme related design. New for 2026, Troops will also be able to select shirt color and material options for their order. Colors offered will be specific shades of red, white, & blue that best show the shades of the design. Material options will be a soft ringspun cotton t-shirt or a wicking shirt. Please select one color and material option for your Troop's customized order. Complete details coming soon on the t-shirt order page on our website.

*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.

More new items & care package options will be announced in coming newsletters and at the leaders meeting! Stay tuned!

Deadline Reminders

Campership applications are due by April 1^st: Leaders and families will be notified by email by April 15^th**. Click for Application

**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.

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

Enjoy the warm sunny days ahead!

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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