September 2025

A Message from our District Chair

Dear Scouting Leaders & Friends of Scouting,

As autumn settles into Hunterdon County, we are reminded of the beauty of the season—a time of change, reflection, and preparation for the year ahead. Much like the turning leaves, Scouting continues to transform lives, shaping the character and values of the young people entrusted to our care.

I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you—our dedicated leaders at the unit level—for the countless hours you invest in guiding and inspiring our Scouts. Your commitment ensures that every troop, pack, and crew thrives. Whether teaching skills at a weekend campout, leading service projects, or offering quiet encouragement at a meeting, you embody the true spirit of Scouting leadership.

Most importantly, I want to recognize what I like to call the “Scouting Moment”—those instances when we see the impact of Scouting firsthand. It might be the smile of a Cub Scout earning their first badge, the determination of a Scout mastering a challenging skill, or the pride of an Eagle Scout leading a service project that strengthens our community. These moments are the heartbeat of Scouting, and they remind us why our movement matters.

Now, more than ever, we need to shine a spotlight on these Scouting Moments. Too often, the good work of our Scouts goes unnoticed. As Units, we must raise the visibility of Scouting in Hunterdon County and share the stories of service, leadership, and personal growth that happen every day. By doing so, we not only honor the achievements of our youth but also inspire others to see the difference Scouting makes.

In a world where young people face unprecedented challenges, the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law are needed more than ever. They provide a compass that guides youth to be trustworthy, helpful, kind, and brave. Together, we have the responsibility to ensure these values continue to be instilled in the next generation of leaders.

Thank you for your unwavering leadership and for keeping Scouting strong in our community. This fall, let us celebrate our Scouts, elevate their stories, and renew our commitment to living and sharing the timeless values of Scouting.

Yours in Scouting,

Christopher J. Phelan

Chair - District Committee

Hunterdon Arrowhead District

Scouting America, Washington Crossing Council

The Hunterdon Arrowhead District presented an award to Christian Lechner of Troop 186 for being an Ambassador for Scouting and promoting our program at the Hunterdon County 4H & Agricultural Fair for the past 2 Summers on behalf of Hunterdon Arrowhead District and Scouting America, Washington Crossing Council. 

Pictured from left to right: Luis Andres-HAD District Roundtable Commissioner, Al Kosiarski- HAD Unit Commissioner, Christian Lechner of Troop 186, Janell Bunger-Spiecha-HAD District Commissioner, Chris Phelan-HAD District Chair, Magne Gundersen-Scout Executive/CEO 

The Annual Diocese of Metuchen Scouting Mass celebrated the following Scouts who received their Ad Altare Dei Award; Charlie Boyce Troop 65, Oscar Colpas Troop 62, Alex Apgar Troop 288 and Anthony Ventura Troop 44. Also pictured, Father John Barbella, Chaplin to the Catholic Committee on Scouting for the Diocese of Metuchen, Nora Burke Klippstein, Chair of the Catholic Committee on Scouting for the Washington Crossing Council, Al Kosiarski, HAD Unit Commissioner, Chris Boyce, Scoutmaster Troop 65, and Chris Phelan, HAD District Chair.

Popcorn Update

New Facebook Group

We’ve launched a new Facebook Group for all things Popcorn in Washington Crossing Council: The Popcorn Kernel Crossing. This is where we’ll post weekly updates, incentive winners, and important popcorn news. Keep an eye on it—another special weekend sales prize will be announced there soon!

Sales Success So Far

Popcorn sales are popping!

• Total Sales: $92,888 – just shy of $100K!
• That’s a 26% increase over this time last year.
• 27 units are selling (5 more than last year).
• Heroes & Helpers: $9,149 vs $7,080 last year.
• Online Sales: $15,243, crushing last year’s $9,000.
• Average per Scout: $673, over $200 higher than last year.

Start the Scouting Year Off on the Right Foot

September is when Packs, Troops and Venturing Crews kick into high-gear and start planning activities and advancement. Cub Scouts begin working on their next rank regardless of where they left off at the end of the school year. So, it is important that all units report their advancements MONTHLY. For Packs that means Adventures and rank advancement completed.

All units are strongly encouraged to utilize Scoutbook Plus for this. If you do not, then submitting an Advancement Report to the Council Registrar is the next best thing.

We are sure there are new Cub leaders who do not know how to utilize Scoutbook Plus. The District Committee would like to hear from those who may need training or assistance in Scoutbook Plus, as well as any issues you may be experiencing. All inquiries can be reported to Art Dunn, District Advancement Chair and they will be shared with the overall District Committee for response.

Recruitment Season is Here!

September is the prime time to grow your pack—families are setting schedules, kids are looking for activities, and Open Houses are happening now. Don’t miss the chance to welcome new Scouts!

We’ve got you covered:

📄 Printed flyers

🏡 Yard signs for every family

🙌 Council support to help you succeed

Let’s make this fall our strongest yet!

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:

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!

Date/Time:September 27 9am to 3pm

Location: Kuser Park, 390 Newkirk Avenue,

Hamilton, NJ 08610

Registration fee: $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 Alex Fritz.

Pushcart Derby

New for this year

Event location, pushcarts can be filled with any rank Cubs, and the entire Pack can participate!

Date/Time:

October 4 8am - 12pm

Location:

Moravian Tile Works

130 E. Swamp Road, Doylestown, PA 18901

Registration fee:

$30 per team of 4 on or before 9/29

$35 per team of 4 after 9/29

Registration closes 10/2. Don't miss out!

Join us at "Camp Skippy" for an unforgettable camping experience! This event is tailor-made for all AOL/Webelos Scouts, offering a sneak peek into the exciting world of a Scouts BSA Camp. It's the perfect opportunity to delve into the Scouts BSA adventure featuring the patrol method while focusing on achieving AOL/Webelos requirements.

Stations include First Aid, BB Range, Sports, Fire Building, Knot Tying and Knife Safety and are taught by Scouts and Leaders featuring team building with a hands-on experience. 

We will take a ride to the Tylersport Haunted Hayride (optional) for an additional cost of $10. A Cookie Dough & Ice Cream Truck will also visit camp on Saturday evening after the hayride. Be sure to bring some extra money to enjoy a tasty treat!

Who is invited to attend? Both AOL/Webelos Scouts, their adult partner, and leaders are welcome to join in on the fun.

Date: October 18-19

Location: 312 Simons Road, Sellersville, PA 18960

Registration fee: $25

Includes: Saturday breakfast, lunch & dinner, Sunday breakfast, and event patch with a pocket dangle.

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

Do you have a Scout that has a partial Rifle or Shotgun Merit Badge from summer camp?

This event will feel like gathering at grandma’s house! Everyone brings their specialty dish to share at one big dinner table.

• A full day of cooking, fun, and spending time together.
• Picnic tables will be set up in the center of the field so we can all sit down for dinner at the same time (If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll move indoors to the Mini Mart).

Let's cook over wood fires raised off the ground—this way we protect the site, make cleanup simple, and leave no trace.

If there’s enough interest, we may even be able to put together a special event patch!

Dates: November 21 – 23

Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation

Registration fee: $20 per person (no late fee)

If interested, please reach out to DJ Lapczynski or Alex Fritz

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:

Lebanon Township Memorial Park

67 Bunnvale Road

Glen Gardner, NJ 07830

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:

Troops that sign-up with a $150 deposit by October 31 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.

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.  

Campbuilder Days

September 20 & October 18

Chainsaw Work Day

October 11

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 Jubilee Pilgrims of Hope
• 2026 National Jamboree - July 22-31

Get Caught Up

Looking for a previous newsletter? Archives are now included on our Council website under the ABOUT tab.

Annual Appeal

Upcoming Meetings

Commissioner Meeting

October 6

District Committee Meeting

October 1

Roundtable

October 8