January 2026

A Message from our District Chair

Dear Scouters of the Hunterdon Arrowhead District,

As we begin a new year, I want to start by saying thank you. Thank you for the time you give, the patience you show, and the belief you hold that Scouting truly matters. Because of your leadership, young people across Hunterdon County are learning character, citizenship, leadership, and service — lessons that will stay with them for life.

As we look ahead to 2026, I believe this is a year of opportunity and aspiration for Scouting in our District.

Our aspiration is simple, yet powerful:

Every Scout in Hunterdon County should have access to a vibrant, welcoming, and high-quality Scouting experience.

In 2026, we will work together to:

- Strengthen our units by supporting and developing confident, well-trained adult leaders

- Grow our membership, ensuring Scouting remains visible, relevant, and accessible to families across our communities

- Deliver meaningful programs that inspire adventure, service, leadership, and fun

- Deepen our community impact, showing through action that Scouting America is a trusted partner in building strong communities

- Empower youth leadership because Scouts thrive when they are given responsibility, trust, and encouragement

Scouting in Hunterdon County has a proud tradition — but tradition alone is not enough. Our future depends on collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. The District Committee, Commissioners, and Council stand ready to support you, listen to you, and work alongside you to ensure your units succeed.

Most importantly, let us remember why we do this work. Every meeting you run, every campout you plan, every conversation you have with a Scout may be the moment that changes a young person’s life for the better.

I am excited for what we can accomplish together in 2026. Thank you for your leadership, your partnership, and your unwavering commitment to Scouting.

Yours in Scouting,

Christopher J. Phelan

District Chair

Hunterdon Arrowhead District

Washington Crossing Council

Scouting America

District Executive

Hunterdon Arrowhead District Scouters, Scouts, and Families,

Hello and Happy 2026! As we turn the page on 2025, I want to thank all of you. We achieved growth and strengthened our connections within the district and in our communities.

Last week I attended a training and planning conference with more than 200 scouters from throughout the region. Knowledge and experience were shared by other professional scouters. Our council team strategized using what we learned. I left with ideas and hope for the future of scouting.

Goals are being defined based on the needs of the program and our youth. Our work is going to be challenging to both grow and retain members. We will need to be innovative with how we reach out in our communities and welcome new scouts whilst minding those already in the program. Based on what I have seen in our district I feel we are ready to take on the challenges and show others what we can do when we work together.

The first half of the year is already off to a strong start with new prospects for our committee, planned district and council-wide activities, and membership on the rise. Collectively, we are a strong district with a deep bench. I am looking forward to seeing Hunterdon Arrowhead District bring scouting to a greater number of youth in more units and with lots of novel ideas for programming!

Alice Hillary

Hunterdon Arrowhead District Executive

O: (215) 348-7205 x314

M: (609) 206-1963

alice.hillary@scouting.org

Advancement

Updated Merit Badge Requirements

The Scouts BSA Merit Badge program is kept vibrant and current with updated requirements every January 1. This year, there are significant updates to 69 merit badges. Notably, significant updates to Personal Fitness permit adaptations for differently abled scouts so that virtually any Scout can challenge themselves and benefit from this important Eagle-required merit badge. Scouts and especially counselors are encouraged to review the new requirements (and free pamphlet downloads) at the Merit Badge hub, https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/all/.

Enriched Online Merit Badge Resources

More than 50 merit badges have been enriched with curated digital resources (videos, websites, documents) on scouting.org, and more are being rolled out every month. In addition, throughout 2026, many badges will be augmented with Digital Resource Guides, which are immersive interactive courses designed to enrich and guide Scouts and counselors as the badge is earned. Aviation was an initial prototype, and Family Life was released at the end of 2025. More to come! Finally additional activities have been added to the Merit Badge Test Lab. Scouts are invited to try out these activities and then complete a survey to suggest whether they should become official merit badges

Program Updates

Around the District

Ad Altare Dei - Religious Emblem

Hunterdon Arrowhead District Catholic scouts have the opportunity to earn this medal beginning Monday night January 19th at 6:15 at St Elizabeth Seton Church Three Bridges. Come in uniform and bring a workbook ($6) from Flemington Department Store or catholicscouting.com. Subsequent meetings will be Sunday nites at a mutually agreed upon time.

Pinewood Derby

Start Your Engines! Pinewood Derby Car Kits Are Here!

It’s that exciting time of year again—Pinewood Derby season! Packs can now pick up their official Pinewood Derby car kits at the Council Scout Shop so their Cub Scouts can start designing their winning creations.

Each kit includes everything you need to get started: a wooden block, wheels, and axles—ready for your Cub Scout’s creativity, craftsmanship, and competitive spirit. Whether you’re planning to build a sleek speedster or a wild themed racer, now’s the perfect time to grab your kit and start shaping your design.

Don’t wait until the last minute—supplies go fast! Stop by the Scout Shop today to get your Pinewood Derby car kit and join the fun of one of Scouting’s most beloved traditions.

Price: $6.99

Bulk purchase of 12 or more $5.99 each

Visit our Council website for Scout Shop hours.

Scout Shop Hours

Order of the Arrow

‘Tis the season for OA elections!

Youth leaders from the Order of the Arrow came out to this month's H.A.R.T. to promote OA election season. Troops should sign up for a date and time where our chapter youth can visit the unit and talk about Scouting's honor society, the Order of the Arrow. They can also run elections for units with eligible youth. Scouts must have earned First Class rank and have a total of 15 camping nights, including one long-term camp of 5 nights, across 2 years, to qualify.

Scan the QR code below to schedule your unit's election visit.

Air Rifle Activities

Air Rifle Competition

Scouts BSA & Venturers

Walk-in registration, $10 paid at the door.

Dates: February 1st, March 1st, & April 12th

Time: 12:30-4:30pm (arrive no later than 3pm)

Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation - Foster Hall

Family Troop Option

Beginning December 15, 2025, the Family Troop model becomes a permanent third option available to all chartered organizations in Scouting America. This gives charter partners the option to charter one troop that serves both boys and girls, instead of maintaining two separate units or a pilot “combined” model.

If you have questions about the model, decision guides, or processing, please reach out. We’re here to support you through each step. Please send all completed forms to alice.hillary@scouting.org

You can also visit us for more information on our council website: https://www.wccscouting.org/FamilyTroops

Rifle Merit Badge

Limited space available. Space is given on a first-paid, first-served basis.

Must attend all 4 sessions to complete the merit badge.

Price: $30

Dates: February 1st, March 1st, & April 12th

Time: 2:00-4:00pm - please arrive by 1:45

Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation

2026 Spring Camporee

Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary 24-25 April 2026

More Information Here

2026 Scouting for Food

Reserve a location!

Scouts will be collecting food for local organizations and food pantries supporting food insecurity in Hunterdon County on February 7, 2026.

Locations will be throughout the district and will continue to be updated as more stores commit.

2026 Yukon Trail

Registration now open!

2026 Fish Camp for Cubs

Fish Camp is a Cub Scout family camping adventure for all Cub Scouts at Ockanickon Scout Reservation, May 8–10. Cubs and parents will learn fishing knots, build their own rods, discover local fish species, and enjoy time on the shores of Great Buck Lake—with all meals included for a worry-free weekend of fun and learning.

SCOUTS BSA - If you are interested in staffing Fish Camp, follow the link below!

Drop a Hook, Catch a Line

2026 Cub Scout Day Camp

The 2026 Cub Scout Day Camp “Dinotopia” will be here before you know it! Cub Scout Day Camp is a fun-filled week of adventure for Cub Scouts. Make new friends while participating in archery, fishing, STEM, sports, Scout skills, crafts, nature, and more! Scouts are placed in dens by age and grade, and stay in those dens all week. Age appropriate activities are offered to challenge the campers and allow them to learn new skills or expand existing skills. Campers will rotate through a variety of stations each day. Our camps are assessed annually and are nationally accredited to ensure the highest quality and safety so your child will have a positive camp experience! There are 5 different weeks of day camp to choose from. Consider volunteering with your child to join in the fun. Camp is where memories are made to last a lifetime!

Registration opens February 1, 2026

For More Information

Summer Camp at OSR

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:

Week 1 June 21 - 27

Week 2 June 28 - July 4

Week 3 July 5 - July 11

Week 4 July 12 - 18

Week 5 July 19 - 25

Week 6 July 26 - August 1

Reserve Here