The Official Newsletter of Scouting America Hawk Mountain Council | | | | |
New Scouting Families
Recruiting season is here, and we’re excited to welcome new families to our Scouting program! To help your Scout get started, all new Scouting families will receive 10% off Scout uniforms and accessories. There’s never been a better time to join the adventure, make new friends, learn valuable skills, and create lasting memories. We look forward to welcoming you to our Scouting family!
Download the Uniform Check List
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November 2026 Friends of Scouting Auction
Our November Friends of Scouting Auction will begin on Friday, November 6th at 12:30 pm through Bidding Owl. Bidding will end at 7:30 pm on November 15th. We have an exciting collection of memorabilia, Scouting gear, books, and vintage OA flaps. Please check it out here:
https://new.biddingowl.com/Nov26FOSAuction
And check back throughout the auction as items are added. Your purchase of any of these items will help us to continue to deliver the best Scouting program possible to the 2,500 Scouts and families who experience new adventures through Scouting in the Hawk Mountain Council.
There is no cost to set up an account with Bidding Owl. If you win an item or items, payment can be made on the auction site via PayPal. Bidders with total bids of more than $50 will receive a bonus of a prior year Bronze FOS CSP. Items will be available for pick up at the Council Office after the auction ends. Contact Ann Brugger at ann.brugger@scouting.org with questions.
Thank you for your support of Scouting!
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Local Eagle Scout Feature
For anyone who didn't see the October 08, front page of the Reading Eagle, our own Alex Eadline of Troop 183 in Blandon was featured. For his Eagle Scout project he turned the neglected backyard of Hope Rescue Mission home in Reading into a welcoming outdoor space for the 13 formerly homeless men who live there. Alex chose the mission after serving meals there with his troop, saying its focus on second chances is a message he gets behind.
Read the full article here.
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Exciting New Partnership with CommunityAid!
Hawk Mountain Council is excited to announce a new partnership with CommunityAid!
Through this partnership, our Scouting community can help support local Scouting programs simply by donating gently used clothing, shoes, and other accepted items at CommunityAid locations.
When dropping off your donations, be sure to provide Hawk Mountain Council's Partner Number: 50413 so your donation can be credited toward supporting Scouting in our community.
It's an easy way to give your gently used items a second life while helping us continue to provide meaningful experiences for local youth.
Donate. Give Back. Support Scouting!
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Spirit of Scouting Breakfast
Please join us on November 18, 2026 at the Redner’s Event Center for the Spirit of Scouting Breakfast. This year we are celebrating Scouting and the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. The morning begins with breakfast at 7:30 am and the program will end by 9:00 am. Event proceeds support Scouting in Berks and Schuylkill counties. Registration details and more information can be found here:
https://bit.ly/4hFGvLN
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2026 Christmas Ornaments
Celebrate Scouting this holiday season with our 2026 Scouting America Christmas Ornaments, available now! Choose from commemorative Scout, Eagle Scout, and Cub Scout designs to make a perfect keepsake or gift for the Scouting family in your life.
Ornaments are just $16.99 plus tax, but quantities are limited, so don't wait. Stop by the Scout Shop today and pick up yours while supplies last! 🎄✨
See the styles and download the flyer
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Cub Scout Parents & Guardians
We Need Your Feedback!
Hawk Mountain Council is asking parents and guardians of Cub Scouts to take a brief survey about the impact Scouting is having on their child. Your feedback will help us measure growth in important areas such as leadership, healthy relationships, self-confidence, and teamwork.
The survey takes less than five minutes, and no personal information is collected. Your responses will help us strengthen our programs and demonstrate the positive difference Scouting is making for young people throughout our community.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey today!
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Performance Shirts Still Available Locally!
Scouting America Performance Shirts continue to be one of the most popular uniform choices thanks to their quick-drying fabric and ventilated back that helps keep Scouts cool and comfortable in any weather.
While National Supply is sold out of men's sizes except 3XL and 4XL, our Scout Shop currently has men's performance shirts in stock from Large through 4XL. Inventory is limited, however, with only 1 Large, and 1 XL remaining for Men. Plenty of 2XL-4XL available.
National Supply also has limited ladies' sizes available (1XL-4XL only), but we are well stocked in ladies' performance shirts, with the exception of only 1 Large remaining.
When they're gone, they're gone til next year!
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| What areas of the ScoutWire interest you the most? | | | | | | |
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
Dates: Friday October 23 at 6:30 pm -
Saturday October 24 at 2:00 pm
Place: Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation
Cost: $10.00
BALOO is the required outdoor training for Cub Scout packs that want to conduct overnight camping activities. This hands-on course gives adult leaders the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to plan and lead safe, fun, and successful Cub Scout outdoor experiences.
Read More and Register
Registration Closes: Fri 10-16-2026 11:59 PM
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Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS)
Dates: Saturday October 24 at 8:30 am -
Sunday October 25 at 1100 am
Place: Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation
Cost: $10.00
IOLS is required training for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters and is highly recommended for any adult leader who wants to strengthen their outdoor knowledge and better support a troop's outdoor program.
Participants should be prepared to camp overnight and actively participate in all outdoor activities.
Read More and Register
Registration Closes: Fri 10-16-2026 11:59 PM
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NRA Rifle Instructor Course
Date: Saturday October 24
Time: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Place: Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation
Cost: $110.00
This 16-hour course teaches the knowledge, skills and attitude essential to organizing, promoting and teaching NRA’s Basic Rifle Shooting course.
Prerequisite Training: Basic Instructor Training (BIT) and Range Safety Officer (RSO): You must complete these 6-hour classroom courses. You may not attend this course without those trainings.
This course is intentionally offered under market rate with the understanding that attendees will sign an agreement to assist with a set number of Hawk Mountain Council Range & Target Activities during the certification period.
This a full, action-packed day - course will start promptly at 8:00 AM. Lunch is provided.
Register
Registration Closes: Fri 10-16-2026 11:59 PM
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NRA Range Safety Officer Course (RSO)
Dates: Saturday November 07
Time: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Place: Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation
Cost: $75.00
The NRA Range Safety Officer program provides nationally recognized certification for individuals responsible for supervising safe shooting activities and range operations.
You must complete this 6-hour classroom course, which covers the fundamentals of teaching, within the two years prior to an NRA discipline instructor training.
Read More & Register
Registration Closes Saturday 10-31-2026 11:59 PM
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Scouting for Food - Save the Date
Dates: Saturday, November 14
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Scouting for Food is one of the largest community service efforts supported by Hawk Mountain Council. Each year, Scouts distribute door hangers throughout neighborhoods, then return the following week to collect non-perishable food donations. These contributions go directly to local food banks and pantries, helping families in need across our communities.
We encourage all units to participate and make a meaningful impact. Your efforts not only support those facing food insecurity but also demonstrate the values of Scouting in action. Thank you for helping us make a difference!
Door Hangers are now available for pick up at the Council Office
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2027 Scouts BSA Summer Camp
5 Sessions:
Session 1: Sunday, June 20-June 26, 2027
Session 2: Sunday, June 27-July 3, 2027
Session 3: Sunday, July 4-July 10, 2027
Session 4: Sunday, July 11-July 17, 2027
Session 5: Sunday, July 18-July 24, 2027
Place: Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation
Cost: $575 per youth before 4/30/2027 (+$50 after)
$200 per adult before 4/30/2027
Our Scouts BSA camp offers a variety of programs, including classes geared toward first-year campers, Aquatics at both our pool and lakefront, Range and Target Activities, Outdoor Skills, Conservation, Handicraft, Climbing, Zip-lining, and much more.
To secure your spot, please complete the registration form and pay a non-refundable $200 unit deposit - there are no per participant deposit this year.
Learn More and Register
Registration end dates vary
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2027 Cub Scout Day Camp at HMSR
5 Sessions:
Session 1: Monday, June 21-June 25, 2027
Session 2: Monday, June 28-July 2, 2027
Session 3: Monday, July 5-July 9, 2027
Session 4: Monday, July 12-July 16, 2027
Session 5: Monday, July 19-July 23, 2027
Place: Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation
Cost: Youth - $300.00
Adult - $50.00
Dive Into the Adventure!
Get ready to make a splash this summer at Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation!
With five weeks of Cub Scout Day Camp to choose from, Scouts can spend their days exploring, creating, climbing, splashing, and discovering something new around every corner. From range and target sports, trolley rides, and the bouldering wall to field games, nature conservation, pool time, crafts, STEM adventures, and so much more, there’s an adventure waiting for everyone!
Read More and Register
Registration end dates vary
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2027 National Youth Leadership Training
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Date: Sunday, August 08, 2027 at 10:00 am -
Friday August 13, 2027 at 5:00 pm
Place: Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation
Costs: VARY - 04/15/2027 EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT!
NYLT is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others.
Read More and Register
Registration Closes Saturday July 24, 2027 11:59 PM
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