Tamanend

District

October 2025

WASHINGTON CROSSING COUNCIL

It’s hard to believe that December is just 2 months away! As we get close to the end of the year, it’s time to start thinking about unit renewals. Our goal is to have every pack, troop, crew, and ship renew on time so that each Scout can benefit from the full Scouting program without interruption. To help make sure that happens, here are some tips to help ease the process:

• Have a plan: Make sure that your adult leaders know who is completing the unit renewal process. If that person is not already a member of the Key 3, make sure you assign them the Key 3 Delegate role in my.Scouting. If you need help with this, your unit commissioner or any member of Tamanend’s team can help make sure the right person is assigned to this role.
• Units should make sure that all adult leaders are current on Safeguarding Youth training. This training is mandatory for all registered adult leaders. Additionally, please remember the requirements for PA Act 15 clearances that must be completed by anyone who has direct contact with youth. More info on these requirements can be found here: https://www.wccscouting.org/pa-act-15
• Membership renewals are separate from unit renewals. Membership renewals should be completed by the individual or their parent or guardian (for youth).
• Make sure the email addresses and phone numbers in my.Scouting are current. If not, you’ll want to make sure they get updated. National sends renewal reminders to the email addresses in my.Scouting, and your commissioner team and the council service center also use these email addresses and phone numbers to try to get in touch with any questions or concerns.
• Aged-out youth will need to complete adult applications to stay registered in Scouting. If an aged-out youth is staying on as a Scouting volunteer, or if they’re registering as an adult participant, make sure they complete this process.

Please know that the whole commissioner team is ready to help as we approach unit renewal season. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me or to your unit commissioner (if you have one).

Yours in Scouting,

Joe Donahue

District Commissioner

My first weekend event as a unit reserve was held at Washington Crossing Historic Park. We camped at the group facility near Bowman's Tower and hiked 10 miles roundtrip along the canal path to the visitor center. Key highlights for me were seeing replicas of boats used to cross the Delaware river and our solemn visit to the graves of the soldiers. I was fascinated by the way the Scouts used the police line to leave no trace.

The short pants weather was absolutely outstanding for October – clear skies with warm afternoon sunshine. Of course, the temperature dropped rapidly after dark when a cool breeze came off the Delaware river. I doubled up with layers of gloves, hats, sweatshirt, coat, sweatpants, pants, socks, sleeping bag and blankets … but it was a certainly a struggle to stay warm with the 29-degree low temperature.  

Something I’ve always told to my family during our cross-country camping adventures: “Either you have a good time or come back with a good story . . . and sometimes you find both.” Well, this Scouting adventure certainly fell into the category of BOTH! Tamanend unit leaders and parents, I would love to hear your Scouting stories where you were able to find both. 

Yours in Scouting,

Greg House | Tamanend District Executive

greg.house@scouting.org

Tom DeShields has asked Ken Greenberg to temporarily take over his Eagle Scout responsibilities for Tamanend District. Moving forward, please send all Eagle Project Proposals that need review and certified Eagle Scout Applications that need a Board of Review to be scheduled to EagleScouter30@gmail.com.

Fall Recruitment

Membership Matters – Let’s Keep Growing!

We are nearing the end of October and making great progress—756 new Scouts have joined this year! For comparison, we welcomed 977 new Scouts total last year, and we’re on track to surpass that milestone.

If every Pack, Troop, Crew, and Ship brought in just five new members, we could secure the long-term strength and vitality of every unit in our district.

Haven’t hosted a recruitment event yet? It’s not too late! Reach out to your District Executive for help planning or promoting your next opportunity to grow your unit.

Time to Renew for the Next Scouting Year!

It’s renewal season! Make sure your families log in and get their Scouts—and themselves—renewed for another great year of adventure.

Renewing on time ensures every Scout stays covered by Scouting insurance and is eligible for advancement and upcoming activities. Don’t wait—take a few minutes today to make sure your unit is ready to go strong into the new year!

Scouts BSA Webinar Series

The BSA currently has two additional monthly webinars coming up:

• November 5 - Click, Learn, Earn: Digital Tools for Merit Badge Counselors
• December 3 - The Power of the Panel: Elevating You Boards of Review

You can submit questions in advance to advancement.team@scouting.org.

New Merit Badges Introduced!

Scouting America has introduced two new merit badges: Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence. The Digital Resource Guide is already up on the merit badge hub (use link below).

Interested in becoming a merit badge counselor for the new badges or know someone who is? Merit Badge Counselor Information can be found on link below.

Time is Running Out!

Registration closes Sunday, October 26 at 11:59pm

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.

Popcorn Season – Let’s Finish Strong!

Popcorn season is almost over, but it’s not done yet! Many units are wrapping up their sales, and this is the perfect time to move those last few cases instead of sending them back. Every sale counts—and every bag gets us closer to supporting more great Scouting adventures.

Set up a quick booth at a new location or jump into a local fall festival to reach new supporters. A little extra effort now can make a big difference for your unit’s success!

Remember, the Take Order deadline is October 29—let’s make the most of these final days and finish the season on a high note!

Reminder: The Newest Tool to Help Den Leaders is Now Here! 

The Den Meeting Deck makes planning a den meeting fun, simple, and easy. There is a deck for each badge of rank and contains all the activities needed to earn all six required Adventures and four or five elective Adventures. 

Be sure to stop by the WCC Scout Shop to purchase your Den Meeting Deck!

Air Rifle Competition

Air Rifle Competition: walk-in registration, $5 paid at the door.

Dates: November 2 and December 7

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

Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation - Foster Hall

The weekend COPE & Climbing program offers the opportunity for your Troop, Crew, Ship or Post to experience a team building program like no other. Low COPE consists of warm-up activities and initiative games in the field before moving on to the Low COPE course. This course includes 12 elements low to the ground, ranging from the Archimedes Bridge to the 12-foot Wall. Adults are invited to participate.

Upcoming dates: November 8-9

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.

Slingshot Adventure

November 2

BB Gun Adventure

December 7

Do you have a Scout that has a partial Rifle or Shotgun Merit Badge from summer camp?

The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of Scouting America.

The award is given to those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service.

Washington Crossing Council Recognition Dinner will be held on November 11 from 6-9pm at Villa Mannino, 73 Route 130, Bordentown, NJ 08620. Event information and registration is available at the button below.

The evening includes fellowship, great food, and the presentation of the Silver Beaver awards, Veteran Status awards, and James E. West fellowships.

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

Registration opens November 1

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.

Troops that sign-up with a $150 deposit by October 31 will lock-in a special discounted rate guarantee allowing Scouts & families to have until April 30 (two extra months) to qualify for the deepest discounts in camp pricing.

Campbuilder Days

November 15

Chainsaw Work Day

November 8

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

• One World Observatory, NYC - offered Saturdays & Sundays at 9am
• Eastern State Penitentiary - Saturday, November 15 (in-person) & Sunday, December 7 (virtual)
• 2025 Jubilee Pilgrims of Hope
• PSATS Youth Awards - deadline for entries: December 31
• 2026 National Jamboree - July 22-31
• 2027 World Scout Jamboree

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

Looking for a previous newsletter? Archives are now included on our Council website under the ABOUT tab.

Commissioner Meeting

October 23

November 18

District Committee Meeting

October 23

November 18

Roundtable

November 12