MESSAGE FROM YOUR DISTRICT CHAIR | | |
I’m sitting here, a few weeks after the Year of the Fire Horse thinking about what to write for the district newsletter. Sometime last year, Scouting lost someone that did a lot for the Scouting program and his name is Douglas Fullman. He was 80 when he passed from this realm to another. Writing about Doug is not an easy thing to do as how do you put down in words all that he has done as a person, a parent, a spouse, a scouter, a friend….
Thinking about Doug who passed away in April 2025, and why am I writing about him now? A number of reasons, but mainly because on the the Washington Crossing Council created a memorial fund in Doug's honor. The goal is raise $1,000 to place a bench and a plaque at Ockanickon Scout Reservation. Click here Doug Fullman Memorial Gift to make a contribution.
Doug was truly a person who was fair and sided with the scout if the situation warranted it despite any objections from the troop or its leadership while following the BSA guidelines and rules.
Knowing this, it’s poetic to have a bench dedicated to Doug with a plaque and placed at the Scout camp where “he could watch over the scouts” at camp.
If Scouting is one of those things that truly takes a village to implement, then Doug would fit this category whether from behind the scenes or in front.
If you want to learn more about Scouter Doug, here you go:
- Retired in 2009 after more than 40 years of dedicated Commissioned Professional service with Scouting America as a commissioner professional.
- Served in several leadership roles, including Regional Program Director for the Northeast Region, Finance and Public Relations Director for Robert E. Lee Council, and District Executive for National Capital Area Council.
- Recognized for his outstanding contributions to Scouting with the Silver Beaver and Silver Antelope awards.
- Received the Distinguished Eagle Award, honoring Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated 25 years of service in their communities.
- A faithful member of Princeton United Methodist Church who remained actively involved in community life.
- Served as President of the Plainsboro Senior Club and as a Director and Trustee of United Methodist Communities.
On another note, I would like to recognize Eagle Scout Cash Colleton, who has earned all the merit badges Scouting America has offered, including some retired merit badges, and has recently earned the Scouting America National Medal for Outdoor Achievement. This award is rarely awarded and Scouting America has decided to discontinue it as well. Congrats Cash!
Yours in Scouting,
Victor Vergara
District Chair, Mercer Area District
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Retention First: Our March Priority
March is a critical membership month. Individual renewals continue throughout the year, and it is essential that units stay on top of families whose registrations may lapse. Retention is our number one goal. Every Scout we keep engaged strengthens our units and our council.
Now is also the time to conduct thorough roster checks. Confirm that every active youth and adult is properly registered and address any gaps immediately. If you need assistance with renewals or roster corrections, connect with Alex Fritz so we can keep every Scout on the path forward.
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Spring Recruitment, Den Gap Fill
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 Alex Fritz.
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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 Alex Fritz for guidance on getting started.
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Looking for a unique summer opportunity?
Serving on the Ockanickon Scout Reservation staff is the opportunity of a lifetime. It offers an unprecedented chance to lead, teach and work with over 1,500 Scouts from the region. Staff members get to work as part of our family at camp.
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Every staff member gets an opportunity to:
• Apply the leadership skills they have learned through Scouting.
• Be part of a team that enjoys bringing Scouting to others.
• Make connections and friends that will last a lifetime.
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Positions available:
• Aquatics Staff (Minimum age 15)
• Aquatics Lake Director (Minimum age 18)
• Aquatics Pool Director (Minimum age 18)
• Health Lodge Staff (Minimum age 18)
• Dan Beard First-year program (Minimum age 15)
• Maintenance & Trades Staff (Minimum age 16)
• Ecology Staff (Minimum age 15)
• Scoutcraft Staff (Minimum age 15)
• Civics Staff (Minimum age 15)
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Citizenship in Society Retirement Details
The details of the February 27 retirement of the Citizenship in Society merit badge are being worked out at National, but the basics are that Scouts may only earn this badge if 1) they completed at least one requirement before the retirement and 2) they complete the full badge by December 31. In addition, as it is no longer an Eagle-required badge, it may no longer be used in that category for advancement to Star or Life. (Since C.I.S. still counts as a non-Eagle badge, and the number of Eagle-required badges for Eagle is reduced from 14 to 13, the change from Eagle-required to non-Eagle required is moot for advancement to Eagle. This also means that Scouts who have begun using the Eagle Application prior to the most recent update may continue to use that version.) Finally, and most importantly, if this change significantly impairs any Scout’s schedule for advancement, please consult with District Advancement Chair Michael Merritt.
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Merit Badge News
New Badges:
As advertised, the Military Service and Veterans activity has been added to the Scouts BSA Test Lab. Scouts who complete these draft requirements and provide feedback will earn a certificate…and in the much-anticipated case it becomes an official merit badge, they will be awarded that badge AND their feedback will be important in the final badge requirements and supporting content.
The Competitive Gaming activity has also entered the Test Lab, making a total of nine activities that may be promoted to full badges. GAME ON!
Pamphlet Updates:
The free pamphlet downloads…and as inventory is refreshed, printed Scout Shop pamphlets…are being updated with QR codes and URL’s so that these resources will ALWAYS point Scouts and counselors to the most recent requirements for that badge.
| | RANGE & TARGET ACTIVITIES | | Throughout the year, the Council 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. Fall registration opens September 1. | | |
Archery Adventure:
October 4
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Slingshot Adventure:
November 1
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BB Gun Adventure:
December 20
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Gold Rush is an outdoor themed event for teams of Cub Scouts. The theme for this event is based on the Great California Gold Rush. The Cub Scouts are encouraged to do their best in fun activities at a series of "towns" (stations), where they will be awarded a "claim" of "gold nuggets" based on their performance. The format is similar to the Scouts BSA Klondike Derby, but the Cub Scouts bring a Pack constructed “Conestoga Wagon” instead of a sled. Award will also be given to best Conestoga wagon.
Date: April 11
Time: 8am to 12:30pm
Location: Moravian Tile Works
130 East Swamp Road
Doylestown, PA 18901
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In honor of our Country’s 250th year anniversary, we are hosting a council wide Revolutionary War Themed Camporee.
Location to be announced soon!
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Join leaders from across Washington Crossing Council at our 3rd Annual AdventureCon and discover where the adventure awaits your Scouts! From outdoor experiences to local programs and partners, you’ll see just how much fun—and opportunity—we have right in our own backyard. AdventureCon connects units with businesses and organizations ready to help you deliver unforgettable experiences all year long.
Mark your calendar and get inspired to make the most of the upcoming Scouting year!
Date: May 5
Time: 6 - 8:30pm
Location: Bucks County Community College, Newtown, PA
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Interested in participating as a vendor?
Registration details, booth requirements, and setup information is live. Space is limited, and early interest is encouraged.
| | 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! | | |
District Dinner season is just around the corner, giving us the chance to celebrate the past year and the people who made it possible. This is the time to recognize the leaders who go above and beyond in your den, unit, and district. Thoughtful recognition matters—and it starts at the unit level. If you have questions about nominations or awards, please reach out to Alex Fritz.
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OSR Individual Summer Camper Program
The individual camper program allows Scouts to participate in Ockanickon’s program when their troop is not at camp. This program is perfect for Scouts who cannot attend with their unit or for Scouts that wish to come to camp again to earn additional badges or complete partially completed merit badges. Individual campers are hosted by another unit in camp; the camper becomes part of the host troop for that week – a great opportunity to meet Scouts from around the region. Over 80 different merit badges will be offered at OSR this summer!
| | Use the button below to order pre-printed placements for your unit's event. Link also has a PDF you can download to print your own. | | |
Chainsaw Work Days:
April 11
May 9
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Campbuilder Days:
March 21
April 18
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Click links below for more details and to register:
| | PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND THE DISTRICT | | |
Don't miss out on some great Scouting events beyond your District!
- One World Observatory, NYC - offered Saturdays & Sundays at 9am
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Eastern State Penitentiary - April 19
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Philadelphia Zoo - April 27 & May 24
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National Scout Jamboree - July 22-31
- Trek Camp - August 16-21
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2027 World Scout Jamboree
For more information regarding these Events please refer to the Council newsletter.
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Stay connected with the latest updates, events, and Scouting news — join us on Facebook!
| |  | Looking for a previous newsletter? Archives are now included on our Council website top right hand side, blue newsletter tab. | | 2025 COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT | | | | |
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.
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District Committee Mtgs:
May 13
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