November 2025

Unit Renewal

Unit Renewal season is here, and now is the time for every Pack, Troop, Crew, and Ship to complete their annual charter renewal. Renewing your unit ensures continuous insurance coverage, active status in the council, and uninterrupted program delivery for your Scouts. The council’s renewal guide outlines the key steps, timelines, and requirements to help units complete the process smoothly. Let’s work together to keep every unit strong and fully renewed for the coming Scouting year.

Renewal Help

Advancement

Scouts BSA Test Lab Releases New Prospective Merit Badges.

The Scouts BSA Test Lab is an exciting way to help in the development of fun and interesting new topics unique to the Scouts BSA program. Recent additions include Physics, Sewing & Needlework, and Dance. The requirements for each badge have the look and feel of merit badges, but instead of a printed pamphlet, you will find links to digital resources to help you complete the requirements.

Scouts BSA Advancement Demystified: “The Power of the Panel: Elevating Your Boards of Review”

The next installment of Scouts BSA’s webinar focused on troop advancement is coming up at 8pm on December 3, and will include two of Mercer Area District’s own, Michael Merritt and Vince Lauricella. Learn best practices for conducting boards of review that benefit Scouts on their advancement journey. We’ll cover how to strengthen your understanding of this critical milestone and create positive experiences for Scouts at every rank level. The webinar is being recorded for later viewing. You can submit questions in advance to advancement.team@scouting.org.

Program Updates

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

Air Rifle Activities

Air Rifle Competition

Scouts BSA & Venturers

Walk-in registration, $5 paid at the door.

Date: December 7

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

Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation - Foster Hall

Range & Target Activities

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.

BB Gun Adventure: December 7

2026 Klondike Derby

The annual Klondike Derby will be hosted by the Mercer Area/Tamanend Districts. Join your fellow Scouts in this skills-based competition as your sled will race around Camp in challenging activities that could include Pioneering, Orienteering, Cooking, Emergency Preparedness, Fire Building and First Aid to name a few. Is your Unit ready to have fun and demonstrate that you are Prepared? Come and join the fun, can not wait to see you all there!

Date/Time: January 30 6pm to February 1 11am

Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation

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

Service Weekends at OSR

Chainsaw Work Day

December 13