Tamanend

District

November 2025

WASHINGTON CROSSING COUNCIL

Commissioner Corner

Camping and outdoor activities are such an important part of the Scouting program. It was the founder of the Scouting movement, Lord Robert Baden-Powell, who said that “A week of camp life is worth six months of theoretical teaching in the meeting room.” So many of Scouting’s advancements are contingent on the outdoors, and one of the methods of Scouting is Outdoor Programs. Scouts join to have those outdoor activities, whether they’re joining a pack, troop, or crew.

As you plan your outdoor activities for the year, here are a few things to remember:

Make sure outdoor activities are on your calendar and communicated early. Often times, these dates are determined at your unit’s annual planning meeting. Packs will usually have one or maybe two overnight camping opportunities in a year, but can have plenty of other outdoor activities going on. Troops typically go camping once a month.
Only Webelos and Arrow of Light dens (4th and 5th graders) are allowed to organize overnight camping at the den level. Lions, Tigers, Wolves, and Bears are allowed to participate in overnight camping, but this can only be organized at the pack level or at district or council events. Cub Scout packs and dens are only allowed to camp in specific, approved sites. Site approval can be sought through the Council Camping Committee.
Make sure that your adult leadership is properly trained! Cub Scout camping must have at least one BALOO-trained leader on the trip, though more are certainly beneficial. Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills training is position-specific training for Scoutmasters and assistants. Additionally, one leader must have taken Hazardous Weather training within the last two years. Every Scout deserves a trained leader!
A well-planned trip heightens the enjoyment. Make sure you know what you’re doing and how long you’re doing it. This is especially true of Cub Scouts where extended downtime may result in these Scouts having an energy surplus that may result in chaos.
Outdoor activities are great ways to get parents involved. Whether it’s bringing in snacks or food to the event, helping to cook or clean, or even helping to run an activity on the trip, this could be a great way for you to get new parents involved.
Parents volunteering at events that may be acting in loco parentis and have direct contact with youth will need to have their PA Act 15 clearances completed. More info is available here: https://www.wccscouting.org/pa-act-15
Make sure you’ve collected Annual Health and Medical Records for everyone participating.
Scouting is fun, but it does have its inherent risks. In the interest of helping us understand our risk exposure, it is critical to report any injury, illness, or incident that requires medical attention beyond Scout-rendered first aid (these would be basic medical interventions that scouts are trained to perform) within three days of the incident occurring. To make an incident report, contact Greg House, our District Executive.
Above all, make sure your trips are fun! Collect feedback from Scouts and parents after the trip. This will help you make your future outdoor activities awesome!

If you need help making sure outdoor activities are incorporated into your pack, troop, or crew’s program, please reach out to your unit commissioner or to myself, and we’d be happy to help!

Yours in Scouting,

Joe Donahue

District Commissioner

District Executive Minute

Do you remember the Miracle in the Meadowlands? No, not the 1978 original, but the Eagles' comeback from a 31-10 deficit to clinch a playoff spot in 2010. The score was tied with 14 seconds left when DeSean Jackson bobbled the line drive punt before returning it 65 yards for the game winning touchdown. Well, my oldest sons associate watching this play on TV with the fun day they had volunteering in Philadelphia. Every year in December, my family would go into the city to help wrap presents for Operation Santa Clause. On Christmas Eve, the assembled gifts were distributed by "elves" to local families.

Now that Trunk or Treat and Halloween is behind us, Thanksgiving and Christmas are rapidly approaching. Will your unit run a service project to benefit those needing a helping hand? My youngest son's troop volunteers at Fisherman's Mark (Lambertville, NJ) that addresses food insecurity in the surrounding communities. Pack 147 made care packages for cancer patients. Pack 95 assembled “Blessing Bags” to be distributed by their Charter Organization. Pack 19 has Wreaths Across America on their calendar. Share with us on the TAM Facebook page the memorable service activity you have in store for the upcoming season.

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Thanks,

Greg House | Tamanend District Executive

C: 267.393.4139

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.

Dates: 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, cannot 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