|
The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA) is the highest honor given by the National Eagle Scout Association to adult Eagle Scouts for extraordinary national-level professional eminence and community service.
Congratulations to John Severino on this outstanding achievement! Your dedication, leadership, service, and commitment to Scouting and the community are truly inspiring. This well-deserved recognition reflects years of extraordinary service and positive impact.
| | |
The Silver Beaver Award is Scouting America’s highest council-level distinguished service award. It recognizes adult volunteers who have provided exceptional service to youth through Scouting and to their communities, demonstrating dedication, self-sacrifice, and sustained service over many years.
Congratulations to Sandy Johnson, John Ponzuric, Lou Schmid, and Jill Wahl on receiving the 2026 Silver Beaver Award! This prestigious honor recognizes their outstanding leadership, dedicated service, and lasting contributions to Scouting and our community. We are grateful for the time, talent, and commitment they have given to helping others and strengthening the Scouting program.
Please join us to celebrate our volunteers at the 2026 Council Recognition Diner being held on November 10 (details/registration link below under Council News). Hope to see you there!
| | |
Council Recognition Dinner
Join us for an evening of fellowship, great food, and celebration as we recognize outstanding service to Scouting. The evening will feature the presentation of the Distinguished Eagle Scout, Silver Buffalo, Silver Beaver, and Veteran Status awards, as well as recognition of James E. West Fellowships.
It will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the dedication and service of those who continue to make a difference in Scouting.
Date: November 11
Time: 6-9pm
Location:
Giuseppe's Pizza & Family Restaurant
990 2nd Street Pike, Richboro, PA 18954
| | | |
Fall recruitment is here, and BeAScout is often a family's first look at your unit! Take a few minutes to review your Unit Pin and make sure your meeting information, fees, contact information, and other details are accurate and up to date.
An updated BeAScout pin makes it easier for interested families to find your unit, know what to expect, and take the next step toward joining.
| | |
Don't Forget Your Fall Recruitment Materials!
As you finalize your fall school recruitment dates, don't forget to submit your Materials Request Form to the council office. This helps us ensure your unit has everything needed for a successful recruiting event.
A complete list of available recruitment materials will be included in the next Membership Blast, so keep an eye out!
| | |
Renew Early and Keep Your Scouting Adventure Going
Membership renewal opens 60 days before your expiration date. Scouts, families, and adult leaders are encouraged to complete renewal as soon as that window opens rather than waiting until the deadline.
Beginning with December 31 expirations, there will be no lapse period after your membership expires. If you have not renewed, your membership will immediately become inactive and you will lose access to Scoutbook and other Scouting software tools.
Renew early to keep your access uninterrupted and avoid fee increases coming in the new year. Check your expiration date, coordinate with your unit, and get your renewal completed before the holiday rush!
| | |
Mercer Area Popcorn Sales Top $22,000!
Mercer Area Scouts have recorded $22,092 in popcorn sales through October 18! Congratulations to our top four units:
1. Pack 206: $9,364
2. Pack 53: $6,334
3. Pack 996 F: $3,294
4. Pack 759 B: $3,000
Thank you to everyone supporting our Scouts! Every storefront shift and online order helps bring their next adventure closer.
| | |
Range & Target Activities
Throughout the year, Council Shooting 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.
| | |
Slingshot Adventure
November 1
| | |
BB Gun Adventure
December 20
| | |
2026 OSR "factoids"
- Approximately 1500 scouts from more than 122 units enjoyed camp
- More than 50,000 meals were served
- More than 5,000 merit badges were earned
- Adult training for IOLS, Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, Paddle Craft Safety, Swimming and Water Rescue and CPR/AED were offered and well attended
- 80+ Merit Badges offered
Making Memories at Camp Ockanickon 2026!
| | |
2027 Summer Camp Reservations
Plan Ahead for Summer Camp 2027 at Ockanickon
Planning for Summer Camp 2027 at Ockanickon Scout Reservation is now underway. Troops are encouraged to begin considering Ockanickon Summer Resident Camp (OSR) as their destination for an outstanding summer camp experience.
With approximately 80 merit badges available, Scouts will have a wide range of opportunities to pursue advancement, develop new skills, and participate in the many programs and activities offered at camp.
The 2027 Theme: Spy
The 2027 summer camp theme will be Spy. Scouts can look forward to a summer centered around adventure, teamwork, challenges, and a variety of spy-themed activities designed to make their camp experience both memorable and engaging.
Six Weeks Available
OSR will offer six different weeks of summer camp in 2027, providing troops with flexibility when planning their summer schedules.
Troop deposits are now being accepted. Troops are encouraged to select their preferred week and reserve their place as early as possible.
Make plans now to join us at Ockanickon for Summer Camp 2027 and give your Scouts an experience they will remember for a lifetime.
| | |
Air Rifle Competition
$10 Cash at the door!
2026 Sessions: November 1, and December 6
2027 Sessions: January 3, February 7, March 14, and April 4
Time: 12:30 - 4pm
Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation
| | SERVICE WEEKENDS with Ranger Jim | | |
Click links below for more details and to register:
| | |
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!
-
Snipes Farm - Check website for dates
-
Eastern State Penitentiary - Halloween Nights
- Crayola Experience - November 13
- Trenton IronHawks - December 11
- Sesame Place - through December 31
- One World Observatory, NYC - offered Saturdays & Sundays at 9am
- 2027 World Scout Jamboree
For more information regarding these events please refer to the Council newsletter.
| | 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. | | | | |
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.
November 11
| | | | | |
