June 2026

Summer 2026: Adventure Awaits!

As summer begins, we look forward to one of the most exciting times of the Scouting year. School may be out, but Scouting never takes a vacation. Summer is the perfect season to get outdoors, try new things, make new friends, and continue growing as Scouts and leaders.

For our Cub Scouts, summer is a time for family adventures. Visit a local park, go on a hike, spend a night camping, ride your bike, fish, explore nature, or simply enjoy time outside. Every outdoor experience is a chance to learn something new and have fun. Keep working on your adventures, attend pack activities, and stay connected with your Scouting friends throughout the summer.

For our Scouts in Troops, Venturing, and Exploring, summer offers opportunities to take leadership to the next level. Whether you're attending summer camp, helping lead troop activities, working on advancement, completing service projects, or mentoring younger Scouts, leadership is built through action. The skills you practice today will help you throughout your life.

One challenge every Scouting unit faces is the summer slowdown. Vacations and busy schedules can make it tempting to disconnect until fall. Instead, we encourage every Scout and family to stay engaged. Attend events when you can, participate in outdoor activities, and continue your Scouting journey. The strongest units are built by Scouts and families who remain active throughout the year.

This summer, challenge yourself to do something memorable. Learn a new skill. Earn an advancement or merit badge. Take a hike you've never taken before. Help someone in your community. Invite a friend to join an activity. Most importantly, spend time outdoors and appreciate the world around you.

Scouting is at its best when we are exploring, learning, serving, and having fun together. Whether you're a Lion just beginning your journey or an experienced Scout preparing for your next adventure, there is something exciting waiting for you this summer.

Let's make Summer 2026 a season of adventure, leadership, friendship, and fun. Stay active, stay engaged, and we'll see you around the campfire!

Yours in Scouting,

Victor Vergara

Mercer Area District Chair

Eagle Project Work Sessions are Troop Activities!

Summer is a popular time to schedule Eagle Scout service projects. It is always encouraging to see young people contribute to their communities by leading and participating in these Scout-led activities.

While the project itself must be planned and led by the Eagle Scout candidate, all project work sessions are considered unit activities. As such, the standard rules for safe troop activities must be followed.

This includes the Safeguarding Youth Two-Deep Leadership requirement: for each work session, there must be at least two registered adult leaders who are 21 years of age or older.

To emphasize this requirement, each Eagle Scout candidate in the Mercer Area District is asked to include the statement above in the Safety Issues section of the project proposal. Troop leaders should understand that approving an Eagle Scout project proposal signifies the unit leadership's commitment to providing this level of adult support for the anticipated work sessions and scheduled dates.

Membership Rally

Join fellow Scouting volunteers for an evening focused on building successful recruitment campaigns for Cub Scout programs. This rally will cover community marketing strategies, school and event recruitment, presentation techniques, Joining Night structure, and methods to improve family engagement and retention.

Date: June 18

Time: 7:00 - 8:30

Location: New Hope Lower Elementary Cafeteria, 186 West Bridge St, New Hope, PA

Membership Mixer

Technology Beyond Social Media

Technology can be a powerful tool for growing Scouting, but recruitment is about more than paid ads and social media posts. Join us as our keynote speaker shares practical ways to use technology to reach new families, strengthen outreach efforts, and support unit growth. You'll leave with simple ideas and tools that can be put into action right away.

Date: June 30

Time: 7:30 - 9:00

Location: WCC Service Center - Board Room, 1 Scout Way, Doylestown, PA

A New, Simpler Renewal Cycle for All Members

Scouting America announced an important change at the National Annual Meeting that will simplify the membership and unit renewal process nationwide.

By February 2028, all members and all units will have a single, common renewal month of February.

This change is in response to feedback from unit leaders and other Scouters who asked for a simpler, more consistent renewal experience. We appreciate and value their input.

Key updates include:

• Beginning September 2026, all units due for renewal will renew to February 2028All memberships and unit charters will have a common renewal month of February by February 2028

o To simplify the process and in response to unit leaders' requests, Scouting America is returning to unit control of member renewals. If the unit does not renew a member, that member may renew themselves after the unit-only period closes

• The current 60-day grace period will end December 31, 2026

o Members renewing in November 2026 will still receive a 30-day grace period through December

o Members renewing in December 2026 must renew by December 31 to avoid being dropped

To support the transition during 2026:

• Beginning in September 2026, new and renewing units will use the standard charter fee plus a monthly pro-rata fee through February 2028
• No changes for new and renewing members through 2026

Additional information will be coming soon from Scouting America. This is a significant operational change designed to reduce complexity and create a more streamlined experience for volunteers, families, and councils alike.

Thank a Volunteer!

The Silver Beaver is Scouting's award for distinguished service. Recipients of this award must be registered Scouters who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given at the council level. All Scouters are encouraged to think of someone deserving of this honor.

Completed nominations are due to the council office by September 11. They may be submitted by email to Anna Marie Pepper or submitted to Washington Crossing Council, 1 Scout Way, Doylestown, PA 18901, Attention: Silver Beaver.

Popcorn 2026: Simple to Start, Strong Results

The popcorn sale is built to be simple, effective, and rewarding for your unit.

Why Participate?

• Earn up to 40% commission
• Average unit sales of $10,721
• Storefront locations coordinated for you
• Minimal setup and administrative work
• A proven way to fund your annual Scouting program

Commit. Set Your Goal. Start Selling. The 2026 Popcorn Sale makes fundraising easier so your unit can focus on delivering great Scouting experiences.

Popcorn kick off dates:

July 23 - New Hope Solebury Upper Elementary cafeteria - 7pm

July 30 - Mercer County Community College - 7pm

Cub Nights at camp celebrating America 250. These events are always a highlight of the season, providing fun, energy, and opportunities for our Brothers to engage with younger Scouts and share the spirit of the Order of the Arrow. 

Cub Night Dates:

● Patriot Bash - Thursday, July 2

● Colonial America - Thursday, July 9

● Wild Wild West - Thursday, July 16

Location:

Ockanickon Scout Reservation

Venturing Camporee

"Shoots, Ladders and Paddles (SLP) III, is an event for Venturing Crews, Ships and Explorer Posts. Range and target activities, the climbing tower and the lake will be available. Participants can bring their own tents or use the adirondacks in a campsite. You will be sharing a campsite with other units. A communal Saturday dinner will be provided and we ask each unit to bring a dessert to share. Bring a game to play after dinner. This a great opportunity for recruitment."

Tulpehaking Nature Center

Scouts will complete most merit badge requirements during the workshop. Any pre-requirements may be completed in advance or submitted afterward. Workshops are available upon request.

Click images to enlarge

The link below includes the program catalog where you will find a list of Merit Badge Workshops offered (scouts can request and set up a class or join a scheduled class), as well as other free public programs and registration.

SERVICE WEEKENDS AT OSR

Chainsaw Work Days:

August 8

Campbuilder Days:

June 20

Click links below for more details and to register:

• BALOO - October 10-11 - registration is now open!
• IOLS - October 10-11 - registration is now open!
• NYLT - November 6-8 & November 20-22 - registration is now open!

Click links below for more details and to register:

• Farm to Table - September 19
• Swing for Scouting - September 29
• Sporting Clays Classic - October 28

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

• One World Observatory, NYC - offered Saturdays & Sundays at 9am
• National Scout Jamboree - July 22-31
• Design Like A Girl - July 22 & August 17
• Trek Camp - August 16-21
• 2027 World Scout Jamboree

For more information regarding these events please refer to the Council newsletter.

Supporting Mercer Area District helps our Scouts thrive!

Your support strengthens the programs, camps, training, and resources that give our Scouts the best possible experience—building confidence, leadership, and lifelong skills. When families support the Council, we ensure every Scout has the opportunity to grow, explore, and succeed.

District Committee Mtg.

September 9

Roundtable

September 9