Tamanend

District

January 2026

WASHINGTON CROSSING COUNCIL

Happy New Year!

As things kick off for 2026, a big thank you to our units who renewed on time! If that’s not you, please get your unit’s renewal processed ASAP through My.Scouting.org. If you’re encountering any hurdles, please reach out to your unit commissioner, Greg, or myself and we will try to resolve the issue. Units who have not renewed their charter are not able to put on the Scouting program, which has serious implications for Scout advancement and liability insurance!

Speaking of advancement, recognition is an important part of this process. Many packs do their recognition at Blue & Gold Banquets, while troops often have an annual family banquet with a Court of Honor. These public recognitions of Scout accomplishments helps edify the Scout and inspire other Scouts to accomplish their own goals. Scout recognition should be done as soon as possible after the achievement; you don’t have to wait until the Blue & Gold to do so, and you can recognize them again at the Blue & Gold as well. The same is true at the troop level; Courts of Honor should be conducted regularly, but you don’t have to wait for a Court of Honor to recognize a Scout achievement. It can be done informally at the next troop meeting!

Recognition of adult volunteers is also important. If a Scouter in your unit has gone above and beyond, these annual banquets are great places to thank them for their efforts. This helps remind parents that Scouting is a volunteer-driven movement; we as volunteers are the ones that make Scouting what it is. At the district level, we recognize unit and district Scouters for their efforts annually at the District Dinner, which is on May 1 this year, and units have the opportunity to submit Scouters for recognition there too.

If you need help with these or any other topics, reach out to your commissioner team, or attend Roundtable on the 2nd Wednesday of the month! It is held at St. John Lutheran Church,1203 Pine Grove Road, Yardley PA 19067. Your commissioner team puts a lot of effort into Roundtable, and we’d love to see as many Scouters there as possible. All unit leaders that attend are guaranteed to learn from fellow Scouters, so make sure that at least one person from your unit attends! Next Roundtable is February 11.

As always, thank you for all you do for Scouting!

Yours in Scouting,

Joe Donahue

Tamanend District Commissioner

A Road Less Traveled

My adult son has been on an international travel kick over the last year.  The first destination was Australia for a month, then there was Guatemala for a week, and now El Salvador for 10 days.  He found a greater cultural difference in Central America, and a greater challenge due to the language barrier.  Even though he planned to hike an active volcano this time around, my wife was more relaxed because he was accompanied by his good friend from high school.  What does any of this have to do with scouting will become clear in a moment.

As their unpaid Uber driver, I witnessed the friend's last-minute packing. It was a methodical arrangement of long and short sleeve shirts and pants mixed with essential items.  Everything was compartmentalized, neatly fitting into a day pack. An argument arose with his older sister about whether he had sufficient underwear and socks. The friend's response was exasperated: "I know how to do this! I've been camping before!"  In that moment, it dawned on me that my son really did pick a dependable travel companion.  You see, his friend is an Eagle Scout.

Thanks,

Greg House | Tamanend District Executive

greg.house@scouting.org

C: 267.393.4139

2026 Klondike Derby

Last chance to register!

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, cannot wait to see you all there!

Tamanend Pinewood Derby

2026 Spring Camporee

2026 Fish Camp for Cubs

Updated Life to Eagle Process



The Life to Eagle Process has been revised to coincide with recent Guide to Advancement changes and Council specific instructions. This information is important for the Scouts, their parents, unit leaders and committee to familiarize themselves to better understand the Eagle Scout Service Project and the Eagle application processes. Encourage Scouts to review. This will help them navigate a daunting process. Knowledgeable unit leadership will be better equipped in supporting the efforts of Scouts on their trail to Eagle. The information is under the Advancement section of the website. Navigate to wccscouting.org, then to the Advancement section and to the Life to Eagle Process.

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.

Explorer Post 98

The Morrisville Fire Company has an Explorer Post. It is open to girls and boys ages 14 to 16. You do not have to live in Morrisville Borough. You can live anywhere!

Post 98 has two drills (we call them drills instead of meetings) twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday. Starting time is 7 pm until approximately 8:30 pm.

The Explorers learn firefighting equipment and their use. They can operate hose lines up to 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Other subjects are first aid, CPR, knot tying, ropes and riggings, and much more. Members are supplied with safety gear.

For more information, email tom.deshields@aol.com by clicking below.

Start Your Engines! Get Your Car Kits 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.

Scouts BSA & Venturers

Walk-in registration, $10 paid at the door.

Dates: February 1, March 1, and April 12

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

Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation - Foster Hall

Range & Target Activities

Cub Scouts

Throughout the year, the Council's Range & Target Committee offers several different activities. For all activities, an adult is required to be present to satisfy the 1-to-1 adult participant ratio.

BB Gun Adventure:

February 1

Slingshot Adventure:

March 1

Archery Adventure

April 12

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

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.

Chainsaw Work Day

February 14

Campbuilder Day

February 21

Family Troop Program

Scouts BSA

Our National Council has announced the new Family Troop Program, offering units an option to welcome more families into Scouting together. If your Troop wants to consider making the move to this new model, please reach out to your District Executive to start the conversation (greg.house@scouting.org).

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

• 2026 National Jamboree - July 22-31
• 2027 World Scout Jamboree

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

Commissioner Meeting

February 5

District Committee Meeting

February 5

Roundtable

February 14