August 2025

A Message from our District Chair

Dear Scouting Leaders, Families, and Friends,

Fall is coming quickly—and with it comes one of the most exciting times of the year for Scouting! New adventures, new Scouts joining our ranks, and fresh opportunities to live out the values of the Scout Oath and Law in our communities.

This season also marks an important milestone: we are now proudly known as Scouting America. Our new name reflects who we are today—strong, inclusive, and ready to inspire the next generation of leaders. It is a reminder that Scouting is not just a tradition, it is a movement that continues to shape lives and communities across the country—and right here in Hunterdon County.

And make no mistake: Scouting is alive and well! Our Packs, Troops, and Exploring Units are doing incredible work—camping under the stars, serving our neighbors, building skills, and shaping character. But here is the challenge before us: the world needs to see it! We must get visible. Continue to share the stories of your unit’s adventures. Post pictures, invite families, wear your uniforms proudly, and let Hunterdon County know that Scouting America is making a difference every single day.

When people see Scouts in action, they see the future of leadership, service, and community. That is a powerful message—and one that only we can deliver.

So, let us make this fall a season of pride, energy, and momentum. Let us inspire new families to join us, celebrate the great work happening in every unit, and show everyone that Scouting is thriving in Hunterdon County.

Thank you for all that you do to keep the spirit of Scouting strong. Together, we will make this year one to remember.

Yours in Scouting,

Christopher J. Phelan

Chair, Hunterdon Arrowhead District

Scouting America, Washington Crossing Council

Popcorn Update

Pick-Up & Online Sales

Popcorn order pick-up is happening Friday, August 22—mark your calendars!

Not participating in the popcorn sale this year but still want to raise funds for your unit? Contact Alex Fritz to learn how Online-Only Sales can help your Scouts earn money with no inventory to manage.

Merit Badge Pamphlets Can Now be Downloaded for FREE!

All merit badge pamphlets can now be downloaded for free. Click on the Merit Badge information button below for direct access. Always check for the most recent revision.

The Merit Badge program is covered in detail in the 2025 Guide to Advancement, Section 7, click button below. Leaders and merit badge counselors need to be knowledgeable of how the program works to fully support Scouts.

If you want to learn more about being a merit badge counselor, check out the Counselor Information section through the Merit Badge Information button below.

Any questions, contact District Advancement Chair, Art Dunn

The Newest Tool to Help Den Leaders is Now Here! 

The Den Meeting Deck makes planning a den meeting fun, simple, and easy. There is a deck for each badge of rank and contains all the activities needed to earn all six required Adventures and four or five elective Adventures.

Be sure to stop by the WCC Scout Shop to purchase your Den Meeting Deck!

The weekend COPE & Climbing program offers the opportunity for your Troop, Crew, Ship or Post to experience a team building program like no other. Low COPE consists of warm-up activities and initiative games in the field before moving on to the Low COPE course. This course includes 12 elements low to the ground, ranging from the Archimedes Bridge to the 12-foot Wall. Adults are invited to participate.

Upcoming dates:

September 13-14

October 4-5 & 18-19

November 8-9

Fall Cub-a-rama

Join us for "Invention Convention"

STEM and Scouting collide at the Fall 2025 Cub-a-rama! "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 27

9am to 3pm

Where: Kuser Park, 390 Newkirk Ave,

Hamilton, NJ 08610

Cost: $20/Cub Scout, $10/Adult

Can We Count on You to Lend a Hand?

We are in need of Scouts BSA, Venturers, Sea Scouts, and Scouters alike to help run stations, staffing the medical tent, checking Packs in, and helping Cub Scouts and their families throughout the event. If you and/or your unit can pitch in, please reach out to Mercer Area District Executive Kevin Ott

Pushcart Derby

New for this year: Event location, pushcarts can be filled with any rank Cubs, and the entire Pack can participate!

Throughout the year, The Council's Range & Target Committee offers several different activities for Cub Scouts. For all activities, an adult is required to be present to satisfy the 1-to-1 adult participant ratio.

Archery Adventure

October 5

Slingshot Adventure

November 2

BB Gun Adventure

December 7

Summer Camp Highlights At OSR!

The 2025 Ockanickon Summer Camp season concluded with 1,858 campers earning 6,849 total merit badges. The top three badges completed were fingerprinting, swimming, and Citizenship in the World. Adult leaders also worked on some adult awards including Napping, Coffee Drinking, Dutch Oven Cooking and AP Art Merit Badges. 

Patrols competed in the Tuesday night “Trials of Hercules” carnival with events such as capturing Cerberus, slaying the Nemean Lion, and capturing the Ceryneian Hind. 

2026 Reservations

Troops can start planning now for Summer Camp 2026 at Ockanickon! With over 80 merit badges to choose from, every troop should consider OSR as a summer camp option. Troop deposits are now being accepted!

The theme for 2026 will be based on America’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. 

Troops can choose from six different sessions:

June 21 – 27

June 28 – July 4

July 5 –11

July 12 – 18

July 19 – 25

July 26 – August 1

Troops that sign-up with a $150 deposit by September 30 will lock-in a special discounted rate guarantee allowing Scouts & families to have until April 30 (two extra months) to qualify for the deepest discounts in camp pricing.

2026 Klondike Derby - Save the Date!

Hello Hunterdon Arrowhead District!  As you head into your annual planning for the coming year, please be sure to SAVE THE DATE for the 2026 Klondike Derby this winter!

More details including registration will be coming soon. We look forward to seeing you all there!  

Date:

January 23-25

Location:

Memorial Park in Lebanon

67 Bunnvale Road

Glen Gardner, NJ 07830

HAD Information

HAD has several Google Group communities used for communicating information to HAD Scouters. 

If you want to be part of our google group communities use these links to sign up and be sure to answer the questions.  

Program Opportunities Beyond the District

Don't miss out on some great Scouting events beyond your District!

• Eastern State Penitentiary - Saturday, November 15 (in-person) & Sunday, December 7 (virtual)
• 2025 Trenton Thunder Green Scout Initiative
• 2025 Jubilee Pilgrims of Hope
• 2026 National Jamboree - July 22-31

Our Council newsletter is full of information. From training courses, volunteer opportunities, membership, popcorn updates, special events and so much more! Stay informed, click link below to access the Council newsletter.

Annual Appeal

Upcoming Meetings / Scout Shop

Commissioner Meeting: September 8

District Committee Meeting: September 3

Next Roundtable: September 10

Scout Shop will be closed Monday, September 1 in observance of Labor Day and all Mondays through Labor Day!