Magne G. Gundersen presenting Cash Dillon Colleton (Mercer Area District) with the National Medal for Outdoor Achievement at our March Executive Board Meeting.

STAY INFORMED

District Dinner Season

District Dinner season is just around the corner, giving us the chance to celebrate the past year and the people who made it possible. This is the time to recognize leaders who go above and beyond in your den, unit, and district. Thoughtful recognition matters—and it starts at the unit level. If you have questions about nominations or awards, be sure to connect with your Unit Leader or District Awards Chair.

Membership

New Member Coordinators: Set Your Unit Up for Success

Every unit should have a New Member Coordinator to welcome new families and keep them engaged from day one. Units that have one see stronger retention and better family involvement, and getting them trained makes the role easier from the start. If your unit doesn’t have one yet, now is the time to identify someone for the role.

Join us for our first in-person New Member Coordinator Training.

Date: April 11

Time:2pm

Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation

Advancement

Citizenship in Society Retirement Details



The details of the February 27 retirement of the Citizenship in Society merit badge are being worked out at National, but the basics are that Scouts may only earn this badge if 1) they completed at least one requirement before the retirement and 2) they complete the full badge by December 31. In addition, as it is no longer an Eagle-required badge, it may no longer be used in that category for advancement to Star or Life. (Since C.I.S. still counts as a non-Eagle badge, and the number of Eagle-required badges for Eagle is reduced from 14 to 13, the change from Eagle-required to non-Eagle required is moot for advancement to Eagle. This also means that Scouts who have begun using the Eagle Application prior to the most recent update may continue to use that version.) Finally, and most importantly, if this change significantly impairs any Scout’s schedule for advancement, please consult with your District Advancement Chair.

Merit Badge News

New Badges:

As advertised, the Military Service and Veterans activity has been added to the Scouts BSA Test Lab. Scouts who complete these draft requirements and provide feedback will earn a certificate…and in the much-anticipated case it becomes an official merit badge, they will be awarded that badge AND their feedback will be important in the final badge requirements and supporting content.

The Competitive Gaming activity has also entered the Test Lab, making a total of nine activities that may be promoted to full badges. GAME ON!

Pamphlet Updates:

The free pamphlet downloads…and as inventory is refreshed, printed Scout Shop pamphlets…are being updated with QR codes and URL’s so that these resources will ALWAYS point Scouts and counselors to the most recent requirements for that badge.

Scouting AdventureCon

Join leaders from across Washington Crossing Council at our 3rd Annual AdventureCon and discover where the adventure awaits your Scouts! From outdoor experiences to local programs and partners, you’ll see just how much fun—and opportunity—we have right in our own backyard. AdventureCon connects units with businesses and organizations ready to help you deliver unforgettable experiences all year long.

Mark your calendar and get inspired to make the most of the upcoming Scouting year!

Date: May 5

Time: 6 - 8:30pm

Location: Bucks County Community College, Newtown, PA

Interested in participating as a vendor?

Registration details, booth requirements, and setup information is live. Space is limited, and early interest is encouraged.

Gold Rush

Gold Rush is an outdoor themed event for teams of Cub Scouts. The theme for this event is based on the Great California Gold Rush. The Cub Scouts are encouraged to do their best in fun activities at a series of "towns" (stations), where they will be awarded a "claim" of "gold nuggets" based on their performance. The format is similar to the Scouts BSA Klondike Derby, but the Cub Scouts bring a Pack constructed “Conestoga Wagon” instead of a sled. Award will also be given to best Conestoga wagon.

Date: April 11

Start Time: 9am

Location: Moravian Tile Works

130 East Swamp Road

Doylestown, PA 18901

Range & Target Activities

Throughout the year, the Council 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. Fall registration opens September 1.

Archery Adventure:

April 12

October 4

Slingshot Adventure:

November 1

BB Gun Adventure:

December 20

Fish Camp

Fish Camp is a Cub Scout family camping adventure for all Cub Scouts at Ockanickon Scout Reservation, May 8–10. Cubs and parents will learn fishing knots, build their own rods, discover local fish species, and enjoy time on the shores of Great Buck Lake—with all meals included for a worry-free weekend of fun and learning.

SCOUTS BSA - If you are interested in staffing Fish Camp, follow the link below.

Cub Fun Day - Save the Date!

Cub Scout Day Camp

Blue & Gold Placemats

Use the button below to order pre-printed placements for your unit's event. Link also has a PDF you can download to print your own.

Cub Scout Adventure Camp

Cope & Climbing Weekends

The weekend COPE 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.

Registration opens 6 months in advance. Click link below for dates and registration.

Air Rifle Competition

Scouts BSA & Venturers

Dates: April 12 - Walk-in registration, $10 paid at the door

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

Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation - Foster Hall

Looking for a unique summer opportunity?

Serving on the Ockanickon Scout Reservation staff is the opportunity of a lifetime. It offers an unprecedented chance to lead, teach and work with over 1,500 Scouts from the region. Staff members get to work as part of our family at camp. 

Every staff member gets an opportunity to: 

• Apply the leadership skills they have learned through Scouting.  
• Be part of a team that enjoys bringing Scouting to others.  
• Make connections and friends that will last a lifetime.  

Positions available: 

• Aquatics Staff (minimum age 15) 
• Aquatics Lake Director (minimum age 18) 
• Aquatics Pool Director (minimum age 18) 
• Office Manager (minimum age 18) 
• Dan Beard First-year program (minimum age 15) 
• Maintenance & Trades Staff (minimum age 16) 
• Ecology Staff (minimum age 15)
• Scoutcraft Staff (minimum age 15)
• Civics Staff (minimum age 15)
• Dining Hall Steward (minimum age 16)

Summer Resident Camp

OSR Individual Summer Camper Program

The individual camper program allows Scouts to participate in Ockanickon’s program when their troop is not at camp. This program is perfect for Scouts who cannot attend with their unit or for Scouts that wish to come to camp again to earn additional badges or complete partially completed merit badges. Individual campers are hosted by another unit in camp; the camper becomes part of the host troop for that week – a great opportunity to meet Scouts from around the region. Over 80 different merit badges will be offered at OSR this summer!

Trek Camp

Adventure Among the Pines

A Scouts BSA Pine Barren Adventure Camp

Kuweike means “among the pines” in the Lenne Lenape language. Kuweike Trek Camp is a specialty program that opens up the unique Pine Barrens habitat in South Jersey to Scouting!

The Pine Barrens is a special ecosystem in our back yard. There are things that grow and live only here. Explore New Jersey’s Pine Barrens while on a high adventure trek.

Test your Scout skills while Hiking, Cycling, and Canoeing through one of the country’s most unique habitats — and earn your 50 Miler Program Award!

Attend provisionally or with your Troop.

Dates: August 16 – 21

Location: Pine Tree Education and Environmental Center

Hello Spring from Ajapeu 2! 

March was an incredible month for service. Ajapeu Lodge 2 made an incredible impact in our community by collecting over 500 pounds of food to support the following community food pantries local to each chapter: F.E.A.S.T. Pantry, Living Hope Pantry, Flemington Food Pantry, and Homefront NJ. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and donations! These efforts truly make a difference for those in need and reflect the spirit of cheerful service.

In addition, Brothers stepped up in a big way to serve our camp by helping get it ready for the summer season. During our March service day, Brothers helped clear brush, clean up campsites, and engaged in other camp projects; working hard to ensure the camp will be welcoming and prepared for all who attend this summer. These efforts not only improve the camp experience but also show our continued commitment to supporting Scouting at every level.

As we look ahead, don’t forget to sign up for the upcoming April induction. The Lodge will be working on helping set up tents and preparing for the upcoming summer camp season. It’s a great opportunity to welcome new members into the Brotherhood and continue strengthening our lodge’s commitment to service, leadership, and community.

Photo credits: Tesher A. and Mrs. Wuffleluff

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Click links below to register for upcoming training courses.

Wilderness First Aid

Dates: April 18-19

Location: Quail Hill Scout Reservation

Wood Badge

Dates: May 29-31 & June 13-14

Location: Musser Scout Reservation

BB & Archery Rangemaster

Date: June 13 9am-5pm

Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation

COUNCIL EVENTS

TOH Leadership

Reception

Click images to enlarge

HAD Leadership

Award

Spring Mill Golf Classic

Click images to enlarge

Sporting Clays Classic

Rep. Brennan’s Fishing and Aquatic Day is a family-friendly educational event designed to introduce participants to basic fishing skills while highlighting the importance of Pennsylvania’s waterways.

Presenters from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, DCNR, and DEP will lead engaging instruction and activities, including casting practice, knot tying, an overview of the park’s history, and exploration of the aquatic life found in our local waterways.

This event would be a great volunteer opportunity for older Scouts and leaders as assistance is especially needed with parking direction, staffing the registration table, event cleanup, help with signage removal and other closing tasks at the end of the program. Please use the volunteer link button to sign up!

Scouting America Invites Youth Nationwide to Participate in “Scouts Read Sacred Texts” Event

Scouting America announced its continued support of Scouts Read Sacred Texts, a nationwide and worldwide event encouraging Scouts and their families to set aside time for reflective reading in conjunction with the 2026 National Day of Prayer, observed on May 7.

Developed by Scouting America’s National Religious Relationships Committee, Scouts Read Sacred Texts Invites Scouts to read a sacred or foundational text from their own faith tradition anytime between now and May 7. The initiative supports Scouting’s long standing emphasis on character development, literacy, and the Scout Oath’s commitment to “duty to God,” while fully respecting the personal beliefs and traditions of each Scout and family.

“The Scouts Read Sacred Texts event offers Scouts a meaningful opportunity to live out their duty to God,” explained Roger Krone, president & CEO of Scouting America. “By reading the sacred texts of their own faith traditions, Scouts join a shared experience with peers across communities and around the world – deepening their understanding while reflecting on enduring values. At its heart, the event encourages lifelong habits of reflection, respect, and growth.”

Scout Days at the Philadelphia Zoo

Join us on Sunday, April 27 or Saturday, May 24! These spring Scout Days are open to all scouting organizations and not only includes access to our amazing animals, but you will also be able to hand-feed a variety of birds at Wings of the World, ride the SEPTA PZ Express Kiddie Train, and listen to our Keeper Chats. Scouts and their chaperones are encouraged to wear their uniforms to celebrate our Scouting Community. Reserve your spot through the Philadelphia Zoo.

One World Observatory, the observation deck atop One World Trade Center in New York City.

As we step into the new year, One World Trade Center is excited to announce booking is now open for the Architecture Merit Badge program—a unique opportunity for Scouts to explore architecture from one of the most iconic buildings in the world.

Led by certified NYC historian tour ambassadors, the experience blends breathtaking views with engaging, educational content tailored to meet merit badge requirements.

Program Details:

• Offered Saturdays & Sundays at 9am
• Maximum class sizes of 25–30 Scouts (larger groups can be accommodated with advance notice)
• Complimentary adult ticket for every 10 Scout tickets purchased

If interested in booking a trip for your troop, Contact Sean Villapol or call 212-602-4057 to reserve your spot!

Final Call - National Jamboree

Scout Shop Hours:

• Monday -Thursday 10am to 6pm
• Friday - 10am to 3pm

*Select Saturdays: 10am to 1pm

• April 18
• April 25

*Select Saturdays subject to change; please call before making the trip!

Upcoming Special Closures:

• Tuesday, May 5 closing at 3:00 due to Scouting Adventure Con

Supporting Washington Crossing Council 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.