STAY INFORMED

PA CLEARANCES

As a reminder, all adult leaders in PA Units must have a current copy of their PA Clearances on file at the Council office.  Reports are valid for five years from the date on the report. WCC is required to “suspend” registrations for leaders with expired clearances until a current report is received in order to be in compliance with PA-15.  

If you know your clearances are about to expire, you can access the necessary links to renew them at https://www.wccscouting.org/pa-act-15. 

Unit Key 3 members should remind new Leaders who are registering through the online portal to submit their clearances prior to registering.  If clearances are not received, the new Leaders registration will be suspended until clearances are received.   

If you have questions regarding the status of your clearances please contact our Registrar, Anna Marie Pepper.

2025 GUIDE TO ADVANCEMENT

Below are documents which outline significant revisions for Cub Scout and Scouts BSA programs which can be found in its entirety at 2025 Guide to Advancement.

Other useful resources from our Council Advancement Committee are available at Advancement Resources

2025 SILVER BEAVER AWARD

The Silver Beaver is Scouting's award for distinguished service. Recipients of this award must be registered Scouters who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given at the council level. All Scouters are encouraged to think of someone deserving of this honor and nominate them.

Completed nominations are due to the council office by September 12. They may be submitted by email to Anna Marie Pepper or submitted to the Council Service Center, 1 Scout Way, Doylestown, PA 18901

ROSTER CHECK - Get Ahead on Fall Renewals

As we wrap up summer and head into the new school year, it’s the perfect time to review your unit roster. We’re now more than a year into the Individual Renewal system, but we still see many Scouts who should be active showing as not renewed.

Committee Chairs: Please work with your unit leaders—Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, Den Leaders, and ASMs—to check your roster. Some Scouts may have dropped off unintentionally, and now’s the time to get ahead.

This review is also your first step in managing fall renewals. Nearly 900 Scouts across our council will need to renew between August and December. Taking care of it early makes it easier to keep the adventure going strong.

UPDATE YOUR BeAScout PIN TODAY!

Your BeAScout.org pin is often the first impression a family has of your Pack, Troop, or Crew—make sure it’s accurate, inviting, and up to date!

Log in to my.scouting.org and check your unit's pin today. Confirm that your contact info, meeting location, and welcome message are current, and be sure your unit is set to “Active” so families can find you!

A few minutes now can make all the difference in helping new families connect with your program.

Need help? Hit the button below for a quick walkthrough or reach out to your District Executive for support.

SAFEGUARDING YOUTH

Safeguarding youth is our highest priority. As part of our continued commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for every young person in our programs, we are excited to announce the launch of the new Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT).

This training replaces the previous Youth Protection Training (YPT) and reflects a significant investment in updated content, delivery, and compliance standards. SYT is designed to be more engaging, accessible, and aligned with current best practices in youth protection.

TRIBUTE BRICKS

Here are two opportunities to immortalize your family, friends, business or to create a personal message. With the purchase of a $200 paver or a $500 granite block, you will be helping to support Scouting America, Washington Crossing Council for years to come.

Wilcox Brick Walkway is located at Ockanickon Scout Reservation in Pipersville, in front of Foster Hall. Donations to the Wilcox Brick Walkway support improvements at Ockanickon Scout Reservation.

Hager Memorial Flag Plaza is positioned in front of the Council Service Center in Doylestown. Donations to the Hager Memorial Flag Plaza support improvements to the Council Service Center.

DAY CAMP

This year's WCC Cub Scout Day Camp, themed "Passport to Adventure," was a thrilling journey around the world packed into a week of Cub Scout adventure. Scouts explored global cultures through hands-on activities like international crafts, themed games, and outdoor skills challenges. Each day brought a new “destination,” where campers earned stamps in their “passports” by completing exciting tasks such as archery, nature hikes, and delicious Cub Grub. The camp fostered friendship, curiosity, and a spirit of adventure, leaving Scouts with lasting memories, adventure achievements, and new skills from their global expedition.

ADVENTURE CAMP

What an unforgettable experience for all! A total of 104 Cub Scouts — from Tigers to Arrows of Light — came together, representing 15 Packs. The weekend was filled with laughter, learning, and lasting memories. Scouts gained valuable life skills, strengthened their teamwork, and formed new friendships that will last far beyond the campfire. A truly inspiring gathering of future leaders!

FALL RECRUITMENT STARTS NOW!

Fall Recruitment Starts Now – Don’t Miss Out!

We’re just days away from our first Membership Rally—now’s the time to lock in your spot! RSVP today to make sure you’re set up for success and not walking out empty-handed.

This fall, we’re expecting to welcome over 900 new families into Scouting across our council—and it’s going to take all of us to make that happen. Every Pack and Troop plays a key role in building the future of Scouting.

Upcoming Membership Rallies:

August 7 - St. Mark United Methodist Church, Hamilton Township, NJ

August 13 - New Hope Solebury Upper Elementary, New Hope, PA

Join us to get the latest tools, tips, and ideas to grow your unit. Let’s make this our biggest and best recruitment season yet!

FALL CUBARAMA



Cub Scouts throughout the council are invited to attend the fall Cubarama at Kuser Park in Hamilton, NJ on Saturday, September 27. The event will take place from 9am to 2:30pm, rain or shine.

The fall 2025 theme is “Invention Convention.” Cub Scouts and parents alike will get to play whacky made-up games, make invention-themed crafts, compete in contests, cook up some “Cub Grub” in the inventor’s test kitchen, and build robots out of recycled materials!

Registration is now open! The cost is $20/Scout, $10/adult. A leader’s guide and registration information can be found on link below.

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 5

Slingshot Adventure

November 2

BB Gun Adventure

December 7

PUSHCART DERBY

New for this year: Event location, pushcarts can be filled with any rank Cubs, and the entire Pack can participate!

SUMMER CAMP HIGHLIGHTS AT OSR!

The 2025 Ockanickon Summer Camp season concluded with 1,858 campers earning 6,849 total merit badges. The top three badges completed were fingerprinting, swimming, and Citizenship in the World. Adult leaders also worked on some adult awards including Napping, Coffee Drinking, Dutch Oven Cooking and AP Art Merit Badges. 

Patrols competed in the Tuesday night “Trials of Hercules” carnival with events such as capturing Cerberus, slaying the Nemean Lion, capturing the Ceryneian Hind. 

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:

June 21 – 27

June 28 – July 4

July 5 –11

July 12 – 18

July 19 – 25

July 26 – August 1

Troops that sign-up with a $150 deposit by September 30 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.

FALL RECRUITING

Scouts BSA Fall Recruitment – Let’s Grow Together!

Fall isn’t just for Cub Scout recruitment—Scouts BSA Troops have a big opportunity too! We know it takes planning and effort, but it pays off when new Scouts join the adventure.

As your troop’s PLC finalizes the fall calendar, make sure to include fun, social activities where Scouts can invite their friends. Also, keep an eye on local events and festivals—a simple display or booth can go a long way in boosting visibility and bringing in new members.

If it feels like too much to do alone, team up with another troop or pack in your area and work together.

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.

Upcoming dates:

September 13-14

October 4-5 & 18-19

November 8-9

CAMP BUILDER DAYS

Camp Builder days are the third Saturday of the month (unless a conflict arises then check the facebook group). We will be working on many camp improvement and maintenance projects. These projects include improving our camp roads, painting, siding, replacing doors, putting up flag poles, maintaining our camp woods and much more. This is a great opportunity for work hours and we can accommodate conservation hour requirements. Youth and Adults are both welcome, the days usually start at 9am and end around 4pm. If you can’t stay the whole time just come and go as you are able.

CHAINSAW WORKDAYS

Chainsaw work days are the second Saturday of the month. A chainsaw work day has bucking, felling, and splitting. You will need to be BSA chainsaw trained to run a saw but if you are not trained you can still help as a spotter, splitter, or puller. If you wish to take the training on one for the training days please email OSR Ranger Alec Oates. You must be 21+ to take the training and 18+ to help on chainsaw days. You do not need prior experience or gear to take the training. You just need a positive attitude and willingness to learn.

DATE: October 10

DATE: October 11-12

DATE: October 11-12

DATE: November 1



DATES: November 7-9

November 21-23

DATE: November 8



ORDER OF THE ARROW

FALL INDUCTON WEEKEND - Registration is open!

Our Fall Induction Weekend is just around the corner, taking place September 12-14! This is a fantastic opportunity for Candidates elected within the last 18 months to take the next step and become Brothers of Ajapeu Lodge 2. For our Ordeal Brothers who were inducted last year or earlier, this weekend also offers the chance to seal the bond of Brotherhood. We'll be working together on multiple camp improvement projects, while embodying the spirit of cheerful service. Don't miss out on this chance to work hard, have fun, and enjoy great food with your fellow Arrowmen! 

FALL FELLOWSHIP

The Order of the Arrow (OA) Fall Fellowship is open to all members of the OA, as well as those prospective members that have been elected by their troop or crew as Ordeal Candidates.

Date: October 24-26

Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation, 5787 State Park Road, Pipersville, PA 18947

FARM TO TABLE

DINNER

Please consider sponsoring our event or join us for music, drinks and dinner on Saturday, September 6!

SWING FOR

SCOUTING

There is a limited number of foursomes available. Don't miss out! Join us Tuesday,

September 30! 

SPORTING CLAYS

CLASSIC

Reserve a spot for your team now! Sponsorships still available. Join us on Wednesday, October 15!

EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY

Eastern State is thrilled to invite members of Scouting America to participate in specially-curated — virtual and in-person — learning experiences. Led by our engaging staff, all participants will enjoy interactive discussions and activities. Members of Scouting America will also satisfy badge requirements.

Upcoming Scout Days:

Saturday, November 15 (In-Person)

Sunday, December 7 (Virtual)

Tickets / online passes typically go on sale approximately 2 months prior to each event. Email us at scouts@easternstate.org if you'd like to receive updates by email.

TRENTON THUNDER

Washington Crossing Council and Garden State Council have partnered with Trenton Thunder to launch something new for 2025. The "Green Scout Initiative" will feature 2-6 Scout participants each game. Scouts will help the thunder community collect recyclable containers from fans during the game in an effort to reduce the amount of waste produced during the baseball game.

Here's what you need to know to participate:



• Units can sign up to participate using the Signup Genius below.
• A unit should bring 2-6 Scouts to the game they've signed up for. Each Scout will get 2 free tickets. Additional tickets can be purchased for $8 each.
• Scouts and registered leaders should wear their uniform to the game.
• Scouts, with the assistance of Trenton Thunder Staff, will collect recyclables from patrons during the 2nd, 4th, and 6th innings. Scouts will not pick up trash or perform any other tasks.
• This opportunity is available to Scouts, Explorers, Sea Scouts, and Venturers ages 14 & up.

JAMBOREE - ON - THE - AIR

"SAVE THE DATE"

Jamboree-on-the-Air, or JOTA, is the largest Scouting event in the world. JOTA uses amateur radio to link Scouts and hams around the world, around the nation, and in your own community. Jamboree-on-the-Air is held the third weekend in October. Our Council will have opportunities for Scouts to participate in JOTA at Ockanickon Scout Reservation and Mercer County Airport on Saturday, October 18. Be sure to join us and earn your Radio Merit Badge for 2025 (2024 pictured here).

FAITH SERIES JUBILEE 2025



In conjunction with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the National Catholic Committee on Scouting offers the Jubilee 2025 activity. By offering this program the NCCS is lending support to the Jubilee Year.

From the USCCB: “Pope Francis stated in his February 2022 letter announcing the Jubilee 2025: "We must fan the flame of hope that has been given to us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision. The forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire."

To earn this Activity Patch:

• 1st thru 5th Grade - Complete 4 requirements.
• 6th thru 12th Grade - Complete 5 requirements.

Note: This Activity Patch is only available until December 24, 2025.

2026 NATIONAL JAMBOREE

Washington Crossing Council has partnered with Cradle of Liberty Council to send several Council contingents of Scouts and Scouters to the Jamboree. If you are interested in being a part of the contingent, registration is open. The 2026 National Scout Jamboree which takes place at the Summit Bechtel Reservation July 22-31, 2026.

About the Offer: From July 28 through December 31, customers can receive 10% off Uniform Bottoms with the purchase of the matching Uniform Top.

• Tops include Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Lion T-Shirts. 
• Bottoms include Switchbacks, Shorts, Skorts, and Roll-Up Pants.
• Please note this offer cannot be combined with any other discount (including clearance items and employee discounts).
• Not valid on previous purchases

Find copies of the most recent District newsletters by clicking below:

Washington Crossing Council has a number of special newsletters. Scouters may self subscribe to any of them by using this subscription link.