A Message from our District Chair | | |
Dear Scouting Leaders, Volunteers, and Families of the Hunterdon Arrowhead District,
As we move through the month of March, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for the time, energy, and dedication you give to Scouting across our district. The strength of Scouting in our communities comes from the commitment of volunteers, leaders, and families who believe in the mission of helping young people grow into capable, ethical, and service-minded leaders.
First, I would like to extend a very special thank you to Cindy Barcholtz and Bill Wallace for their tremendous leadership and hard work in organizing this year’s Yukon. Events like the Yukon require countless hours of planning, preparation, and coordination, and their efforts made this experience possible for so many of our Scouts.
In addition, I thank all the Units, Scouts, Leaders, and the Pahaquarra Chapter of the Order of the Arrow, for running our stations for our Cub Scouts. Most importantly, to the units that participated. Your enthusiasm and spirit of adventure are what bring these programs to life and create memories and lessons that last a lifetime. If you were at the event, you saw it on the faces of so Many Cub Scouts who were learning and had an incredible experience with Scouting!
The Yukon is a wonderful example of what Scouting does best. It challenges young people to work together, solve problems, and persevere through obstacles. In those moments, navigating the course, or helping a fellow Scout, we see the Scout Oath and Law in action. These experiences build character and confidence in ways that cannot be replicated anywhere else.
As we look ahead, it is important that we continue to focus on the core mission of Scouting in our local communities. Each meeting, outing, and service project provides an opportunity to reinforce the principles that define our movement: leadership, service to others, personal responsibility, and respect for the values outlined in the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
There are many ways we can strengthen Scouting here in the Hunterdon Arrowhead District:
- Encourage youth leadership by giving Scouts real opportunities to lead and make decisions within their units.
- Expand community service, reminding our Scouts that their actions can make a meaningful difference in the towns where they live.
- Invite new families into Scouting, sharing the value of the program and the positive impact it has on young people.
- Support one another as leaders, recognizing that collaboration and mentorship help all of our units succeed.
Scouting continues to matter because the values it teaches are timeless. In a world that often moves very quickly, Scouting provides young people with a compass—guiding them to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, kind, and brave. Our responsibility as leaders is to ensure that these lessons remain strong and visible in everything we do.
Thank you for all that you do for the Scouts of the Hunterdon Arrowhead District. Your leadership, dedication, and belief in the program make a lasting impact on the lives of the young people we serve.
Yours in Scouting,
Christopher J. Phelan
District Chair Hunterdon Arrowhead District
Washington Crossing Council – Scouting America
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UNIT ROSTER CHECKS
Units should regularly compare their my.scouting.org roster with the youth and adults attending meetings and events. Be sure to also review Youth Protection Training status for all adults.
A youth is considered registered when their membership is current. An adult is considered registered only when both their membership and Youth Protection Training are current.
Allowing unregistered individuals to participate creates liability for the individual, the unit leadership, and the charter organization. This risk is entirely avoidable with routine roster checks and a willingness to say “no” when registration is not current.
If you need help generating a usable roster from my.scouting.org, or if someone is missing from your roster, please contact District Executive Alice Hillary, your Unit Commissioner, or District Commissioner Janell Bunger-Spiecha for assistance.
Yours in Scouting,
Janell Bunger-Spiecha
District Commissioner
Hunterdon Arrowhead District
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Hunterdon Arrowhead District Scouters, Scouts, and Families,
Every young person who steps into Scouting begins a journey filled with adventure, challenge, and growth. From discovering new skills to exploring the outdoors and working together as a team, these experiences help Scouts build confidence, character, and a sense of purpose that carries forward into adulthood.
The lessons they learn—resilience, leadership, responsibility, and service—stay with them for life. Many adults can trace their strongest values and achievements back to moments they first experienced in Scouting.
To our leaders: you play an essential role in shaping these journeys. Your commitment to training, preparation, and safety ensures that every Scout can explore, learn, and thrive in an environment built on trust. When leaders are trained and engaged, Scouts stay safe, families feel confident, and the program comes alive in ways that truly prepare youth for life. When leaders are equipped and trained, the entire program runs better for everyone.
Thank you for giving your time, your heart, and your guidance. The impact you make doesn’t end at a meeting or a weekend campout—your influence helps build the next generation of capable, caring, and confident adults. The adventure begins with our Scouts, but it grows because of you.
Yours in Scouting,
Alice Hillary
Hunterdon Arrowhead District Executive
O: (215) 348-7205 x314
M: (609) 206-1963
alice.hillary@scouting.org
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A “Life to Eagle” presentation will be held virtually on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
This informative session will be presented by Michael Merritt, Advancement Chair for the Mercer Area District and a member of the Council Advancement Committee.
This presentation is designed to help Life Scouts, parents, and unit leaders better understand the process of completing the journey to Eagle Scout. Topics will include the Eagle Scout service project, application process, timelines, and helpful guidance to ensure Scouts successfully navigate the final steps toward the rank of Eagle.
We strongly encourage units to invite their Unit Leadership, Life Scouts and families, as well as any leaders involved in advancement, to attend this valuable session.
Registration is required and you will be sent the zoom details prior to the presentation.
Merit Badge Test Lab Opportunities
Two new merit badges are in the test lab, Competitive Gaming and Military Service & Veterans. These merit badges are designed for scouts to learn about career options in the job market. Scouts who fully participate in the testing can earn the merit badge when it goes live.
https://www.scouting.org/.../military-service-veterans/
https://www.scouting.org/.../test-lab/competitive-gaming/
| | Annual Awards Nominations | |
Scouters –
It is that time of year again when we take the time to recognize the Scouters who help make Scouting a successful program for our youth in your unit or the Hunterdon Arrowhead District or Washington Crossing Council.
The district has several awards for scouting adults, at least one for venturing youth and at least two that can be awarded to non-scouting members of our community or businesses that have made an impact in the last 12 months.
Attached is a list and the descriptions of each award.
HAD Award Descriptions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iKyE1cjJkq1mt0MAaGi64k_9-lcMam-R/view?usp=drive_link
The Fleur Di Lis awards are one of personal favorites because EVERY UNIT gets to award one to an adult in their unit. It is a way to brag to the entire district about an adult who has gone above and beyond for you this year. So committee chairs – get to thinking about someone that you want to recognize.
The District Award of Merit is a council award presented by districts in the same manner that the Silver Beaver is a national award presented by councils.
The award is available to Scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the district level. An individual can only earn it once in each district that they serve and is one of only a few awards that is presented with a knot that can be worn on the uniform. The full requirements can be found on the application form. The application is an official BSA form and will take some work to fill out so if you are considering nominating someone for this award, please leave yourself some time. Any Key 3 can create a report from my.scouting for filling in some of the history that is requested. This one is ABSOLUTELY required by May 1st.
I would ask that each unit review the list of awards and if you have someone you wish to nominate for any of the awards, please submit the nomination by MAY 1, 2026.
Nomination forms will be forthcoming, but if you want to get a head start on nominating a deserving leader/volunteer, please email Janell Bunger-Spiecha.
The awards dinner is being planned for June 10, 2026. More details will be shared in our next newsletter.
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Pinewood Derby season is upon us! WCC had three District Derbies in the past week.
Here in Hunterdon Arrowhead District many scouts have built and raced cars with their units. Troops, local fire companies, and local police departments have supported and participated in Pack Derbies.
If you would like to be a part of the committee that brings the District Derby back to HAD, please reach out to your District Executive.
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Order Your Place mats for Blue & Gold!
It's time to order Blue and Gold place mats for your upcoming cub events!
Use the form linked below to order by district with the option to pick up at WCC Scout Shop, delivered at the next District Committee or RoundTable, or to arrange a delivery from your District Executive.
Visit our Council website to place your order.
*Place mats not picked up by the event date will be charged a printing fee.
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Air Rifle Competition
Scouts BSA & Venturers
Walk-in registration, $10 paid at the door.
Dates: March 1st, & April 12th
Time: 12:30-4:30pm (arrive no later than 3pm)
Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation - Foster Hall
| | Membership Spring Recruitment | |
Spring is prime time to strengthen your unit. Identify missing den levels and plan targeted Den Gap Fill efforts now so you head into summer strong. A simple spring join night, bring-a-friend activity, or focused outreach can close gaps quickly. Growth now sets you up for success at the June 30 benchmark and into fall. For support or planning help, reach out to your Membership Chair or District Executive.
New Member Coordinators: The Role That Changes Everything
Every unit should have a New Member Coordinator, and right now, many still don’t. This role is the key to turning interested families into engaged, long-term Scouts by making sure new parents are welcomed, informed, and connected from day one. Units with a strong New Member Coordinator see better retention, smoother onboarding, and stronger family involvement. If your unit doesn’t have one yet, now is the time to identify someone who can own that experience and help your program grow. Reach out to your District Executive for guidance on getting started.
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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: March 1st, & April 12th
Time: 2:00-4:00pm - please arrive by 1:45
Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation
| | Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary 24-25 April 2026 | | Catholic Religious Medal Announcement | |
Ad Altare Dei starts 22 March 2026
A new class for the Roman Catholic Scouting America Religious Emblem “Ad Altare Dei” has an introductory session Sunday March 22 for scouts in grades seven (7) thru twelve (12). Over the course of 2026, Scouts will encounter the seven sacraments thru a series of gatherings, field trips, service projects and personal activities. Join us at 4pm at the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce on Flemington’s Main Street with the workbook from Flemington Department Store. Contact Nora Burke Klippstein at klipclan@att.net for further details.
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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!
| | | Registration opens February 1, 2026 | | Celebrate America's 250th with a Flag Day Parade | |
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the Hunterdon County community is coming together for a spectacular Sestercentennial Parade on Sunday, June 14, 2026. This historic event marks a once-in-a-generation celebration of our nation’s heritage, and all residents are invited to join in the festivities.
As part of this joyous occasion, the County of Hunterdon and the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce is extending a special invitation to every scout unit in Hunterdon County — including Cub Scouts, Scouts, and Explorers — to participate in the parade. Whether your unit would like to march together or showcase a creative float, we want to see our local Scouts front and center as we commemorate this milestone in American history.
“Scouting plays such an important role in building civic pride, leadership, and community spirit,” said Chris Phelan, Hunterdon Arrowhead District Chair. “We would be thrilled to have every Scout unit join us in this parade — walking together, sharing your traditions, and celebrating the values that make our country strong.”
How Scouts Can Participate
Scout units interested in joining the parade are encouraged to:
· March together as a group
· Build and enter a themed float
· Show your flags, banners, and colors
· Represent your Pack, Troop, Crew, or Troop family with pride
Registration information and event details are available through the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce calendar:
This community celebration promises fun for all ages! We look forward to seeing Hunterdon County’s Scouts take a leading role in honoring America’s 250th!
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Chainsaw Work Day
April 11
| | | Program Opportunities Beyond the District | | |
Don't miss out on some great Scouting events beyond your District!
- Spruce Run Recreation Area - service hour opportunities (ongoing)
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One World Observatory, NYC - offered Saturdays & Sundays at 9am
- SeaBadge at Summit - 24-25 January & 31 Jan - 1 February
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2026 National Jamboree - July 22-31
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2027 World Scout Jamboree July 30 - August 8 2027
For more information regarding these Events please refer to the Council newsletter.
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| |  | Looking for a previous newsletter? Archives are now included on our Council website under the ABOUT tab. | | |
Commissioner Meeting
April 6
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District Committee Meeting
April 1
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