September 2026

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.

Submit your request here: https://bit.ly/2026RecruitmentMaterials

A complete list of available recruitment materials will be included in the next Membership Blast, so keep an eye out!

Membership Mixer

Join us Tuesday, September 29, for the WCC Membership Mixer! New Member Coordinators and other unit membership leaders are invited to connect, share successful ideas, and discuss ways to strengthen recruitment and retention. Come ready to learn from fellow volunteers and leave with practical ideas you can use in your unit.

This mixer is for Scouts BSA and Cub Scout leadership as well as youth leaders.

Date: September 29

Time: 7:30pm

Location: Mercer Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550

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.

Archery Adventure

October 4

Slingshot Adventure

November 1

BB Gun Adventure

December 20

Reserve your 2027 spot at Ockanickon now and save! Offer ends September 30!

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."

Air Rifle Competition

$10 Cash at the door!

2026 Sessions: October 4, 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:

• BALOO - October 10-11
• IOLS - October 10-11
• NRA - October 16
• NYLT - November 6-8 & November 20-22
• University of Scouting - February 27

Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) on Saturday, October 24

Scouts - are you ready to become a stronger leader? The Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) course provides Scouts with the tools and confidence to lead themselves and others toward achieving common goals.

Participants will learn essential leadership concepts including:

• Creating a vision and setting goals
• Effective communication skills
• Planning and organization
• Delegation and teamwork
• Anti-bullying strategies
• Developing realistic and achievable plans

Why Attend? ILST is the foundation of youth leadership development in Scouting and is required for Scouts who plan to attend National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). Note: ILST may also be completed within your troop.

Adult leaders are also welcome to register and audit the course. If your troop does not currently offer ILST but is considering it, this is an excellent opportunity to observe the program in action. While adults will not participate in the activities, they will have the opportunity to observe older Scouts as they teach younger Scouts the principles and values that form the foundation of leadership development through ILST. Adults will have an opportunity to speak with those running the course and go over where to find the syllabus/program in the scout handbook. Adults will be charged the same price as the youth and will be supplied lunch.

Click links below for more details and to register:



• Swing for Scouting - September 29
• Sporting Clays Classic - October 28

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



• Peace Fair - September 26
• Snipes Farm - Check website for dates
• Eastern State Penitentiary - Halloween Nights
• Sesame Place - through December 31
• Trenton IronHawks - December 11
• 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.

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 12

Roundtable

TBD