OUR COMMUNITY

From our Selection Committee Chairman

With mixed emotions, I am pleased to announce the Selection Committee has completed its authorized process to select a new Scout Executive/CEO to succeed our retiring Scout Executive/CEO, Magne Gundersen, who will retire on September 30, 2026.

Over the past two months, the committee conducted a comprehensive search process that culminated on July 29, 2026, with a full day of candidate interviews, deliberations, and the final selection. I am pleased to announce that Mr. John Gliot, currently serving as Scout Executive/CEO of the Anthony Wayne Area Council in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been selected as the next Scout Executive/CEO of Washington Crossing Council.

John will join Washington Crossing Council on September 1, 2026. Please join me in extending a warm welcome as he begins this exciting new chapter with our council.

John has dedicated more than 30 years to the Scouting movement. He began his professional Scouting career in 1995 as a District Executive and later Senior District Executive in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, where he served until 2001. He then joined the Central New Jersey Council as Program Director before being promoted to Chief Operating Officer/Assistant Scout Executive in 2006. In 2011, John became Scout Executive/CEO of the Anthony Wayne Area Council, where he has served with distinction ever since.

John graduated from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania with a degree in Secondary Education. He is a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, as well as a recipient of the Founder's Award. He is the proud father of three Eagle Scouts.

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the members of the Selection Committee. Their countless hours of meetings, preparation, research, discussion, reference checks, interviews, and thoughtful deliberation ensured a thorough and successful search process. Their dedication and commitment have positioned our council for a successful future, and I am deeply grateful for their outstanding service.

Selection Committee Members:

Chris Cattie

Kevin Cornwall

Ron Davis

Heath Dumack

Mary Hanson Fatzinger

Barry Frank

Marcia Karrow

Steve Kaufhold

Pete Liptrot

Bill Pfundt

Chris Phelan

Blair Rush

Mike Shavel

Mark Zaba

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Territory Director, Matt Adams, for his guidance and leadership throughout this process. His counsel, insight, and steady support were invaluable to both the committee and our council.

As we prepare to welcome John, we also remain deeply grateful to Magne Gundersen for his exceptional leadership and dedicated service to Washington Crossing Council. We look forward to celebrating his many contributions before his retirement at the end of September.

The future of Washington Crossing Council is bright, and I look forward to the next chapter in our council's history.

Yours in Scouting,

Terry McCarty

Chairman of the Selection Committee

We are proud to congratulate David Gingras on receiving the prestigious Silver Buffalo Award, Scouting America's highest national honor for service to youth.

Established in 1925, the Silver Buffalo Award is bestowed upon individuals who have provided truly noteworthy and extraordinary service to young people on a national or international level. It recognizes the invaluable contributions of outstanding American men and women whose dedication has made a lasting impact on the lives of youth, both within and beyond Scouting.

David's unwavering commitment to mentoring young people, strengthening Scouting programs, and serving his community exemplifies the values and ideals that the Silver Buffalo Award represents. Through years of selfless leadership, volunteerism, and encouragement, he has helped shape the character and future of countless youth.

Receiving the Silver Buffalo Award is a remarkable achievement and a testament to David's lifelong dedication to serving others. His leadership, generosity, and passion continue to inspire fellow volunteers and Scouts alike.

Please join us in congratulating David Gingras on this well-deserved honor and thanking him for his extraordinary service to youth. His legacy of leadership and commitment reflects the very best of Scouting and serves as an inspiration for generations to come.

A Summer to Remember: Reflections from the HAD District Chair

To the Families, Volunteers, Scouts, and Scouters of Washington Crossing Council,

As another incredible summer of Scouting is underway, I find myself reflecting on the countless adventures, achievements, and memories that have been made by our Scouts and their families over the past few months.

Summer has always held a special place in the Scouting program. It is a season where young people step away from the routines of everyday life and discover something extraordinary confidence they didn't know they had, friendships that will last a lifetime, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Across our Council, our Cub Scouts will experience the excitement and wonder of Cub Scout Camp and resident camping. For many, it was their first opportunity to paddle a canoe, shoot a BB gun or bow and arrow, explore nature, create crafts, sing songs around a campfire, and simply enjoy the outdoors. While these activities are certainly fun, they are also building blocks that teach independence, curiosity, teamwork, and confidence.

Our Scout Troops once again filled the campsites at Ockanickon Scout Reservation and other camps throughout the region. There, Scouts challenged themselves by earning merit badges, learning new outdoor skills, taking on leadership responsibilities, and strengthening the bonds within their patrols. Every campfire, every hike, every waterfront activity, and every service project became another opportunity to practice the values that Scouting instills every day.

For many of our older Scouts and Venturers, this summer brought the adventure of a lifetime through High Adventure experiences. Whether backpacking rugged trails, paddling remote waterways, sailing the open sea, or tackling demanding outdoor challenges, these young leaders discovered that true adventure is not measured by miles traveled, but by the confidence gained, the obstacles overcome, and the teamwork required to succeed.

This summer also will mark another unforgettable chapter with the National Scout Jamboree, where Scouts from across America come together to celebrate everything that makes Scouting so special. They will return home inspired by new friendships, fresh ideas, and the realization that they are part of something far larger than themselves—a movement dedicated to preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices throughout their lives.

One of my own highlights this summer was spending several days at Ockanickon Scout Reservation with my troop. Walking through camp, visiting program areas, and simply observing the daily rhythm of camp reminded me why Scouting continues to be one of the greatest youth development programs in our nation.

Seeing hundreds of smiling faces learning new skills, encouraging one another, solving problems together, and building camaraderie was truly inspiring. There is something magical about camp. Whether gathered around a campfire, sharing stories in a campsite, or celebrating a hard-earned achievement, those moments become memories that remain with our Scouts for the rest of their lives.

What strikes me most was not just the activities themselves, but the transformation taking place. A Scout who arrives uncertain leaves more confident. A new Cub Scout who may have been nervous on the first day leaves eager for the next adventure. Youth leaders discover that leadership is not about giving orders, it is about serving others, setting the example, and helping every member of the team succeed.

These experiences remind us that Scouting is about so much more than camping, hiking, merit badges, or outdoor adventure. Scouting teaches character, it teaches citizenship, it teaches leadership, it teaches resilience, and it teaches service. Most importantly, it teaches young people to live by the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law—not only while wearing the uniform, but throughout every stage of their lives.

As parents, you have made an investment that extends far beyond a single summer. The memories your children made this year will be treasured for decades, but even more importantly, the lessons they learned will continue to shape the adults they become. Every challenge overcome, every new friend made, every act of kindness shown, and every leadership opportunity accepted helps prepare them to become the leaders our communities will need tomorrow.

None of this would be possible without the incredible dedication of our volunteers. To every Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Den Leader, Committee Member, camp staff member, commissioner, merit badge counselor, and parent who is giving their time this summer—thank you. Your commitment creates opportunities that change lives.

As we look towards the rest of the year, I encourage every family to carry the spirit of summer with them. Continue seeking adventure. Continue serving others. Continue leading with integrity. Continue living the ideals of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

The campfires may eventually burn down, the tents may be packed away, and the uniforms may need another wash after a busy summer, but the friendships, confidence, leadership, and memories will remain forever.

Thank you for allowing Scouting to be part of your family's journey. It is truly an honor to serve alongside all of you as we continue preparing the next generation of leaders.

Yours in Scouting,

Christopher J. Phelan

HAD District Chair

New volunteer opportunities at OSR. Reach out to Ranger Jim Donelson for more information.

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 or your Unit Leadership.

Membership Rally

Join fellow Scouting volunteers for an evening focused on building successful recruitment campaigns for Cub Scout programs. This rally will cover community marketing strategies, school and event recruitment, presentation techniques, joining night structure, and methods to improve family engagement and retention.

Date: August 20

Time: 7:00 - 8:30

Location: Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville

Membership Mixer

At the September Membership Mixer, we will continue this conversation by focusing on the role of the Patrol Leaders’ Council in recruiting. Recruitment is not just an adult responsibility. When youth leaders are involved in planning activities, welcoming visitors, sharing what makes Scouting fun, and helping new families feel connected, recruiting becomes more authentic and more effective. Join us as we discuss how to connect the PLC, youth leadership, and unit recruiting efforts into one stronger membership plan.

This mixer is for Scouts BSA and Cub Scout leadership as well as youth leaders.

Date: September 29

Time: 7:30

Location: Mercer Community College, West Windsor, NJ

Technology Update: What's Changing This Fall?

Big technology updates are coming to Scouting America this fall, including changes to BeAScout, Online Registration, ScoutConnect, My.Scouting, and Scoutbook+. Join this volunteer webinar to get a first look at what's changing, what it means for your unit, and how these updates will impact recruitment and membership management.

Date: Thursday, August 13

Time: 8:00 PM Eastern

Who Should Attend: All unit and district volunteers

Get ahead of the changes before the fall recruiting season begins and ensure your unit is ready for the upcoming membership season.

Register here: Technology Update Webinar Registration

Don't Forget Your Fall Recruitment Materials!

As you finalize your fall school recruitment dates, don't forget to submit your Materials Request Form to the council office. This helps us ensure your unit has everything needed for a successful recruiting event.

Submit your request here: https://bit.ly/2026RecruitmentMaterials

A complete list of available recruitment materials will be included in the next Membership Blast, so keep an eye out!

SILVER BEAVER AWARD

Thank a Volunteer

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.

Completed nominations are due to the council office by September 11. They may be submitted by email to Anna Marie Pepper or submitted to Washington Crossing Council, 1 Scout Way, Doylestown, PA 18901, Attention: Silver Beaver.

Pop into the Adventure: Join This Year's Popcorn Quest

Every great expedition starts with a first step—and the easiest path to a successful popcorn sale is online. Scouts can begin raising funds by sharing their online storefront with family and friends through email, text, and social media. No inventory, no storefronts—just a simple way to support your Scouting adventures.

Ready to take the adventure further? If your unit plans to sell popcorn in person through storefronts, wagon sales, or take orders, your initial product order must be submitted by August 7. Don't miss your chance to participate in the biggest and most profitable part of the sale!

Last Chance to attend Dinotopia! Walk-ins welcome!!

Registration opening soon!

Camp Skippy

Bee-A-Scout Cub Fun Day

Buzz into adventure at Bee-A-Scout Cub Fun Day on November 1 at Ockanickon Scout Reservation! Current Cub Scouts and boys and girls ages 5–10 are invited for a day of fishing, climbing, hiking, conservation, bee education, slingshots, and more.

Cub Scouts, bring a non-Scout friend and they attend FREE!

Reserve your 2027 spot at Ockanickon now and save!

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.

High COPE returns to OSR September 2026!!

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

Venturing Camporee

"Shoots, Ladders and Paddles (SLP) III, is an event for Venturing Crews, Ships and Explorer Posts. Range and target activities, the climbing tower and the lake will be available. Participants can bring their own tents or use the adirondacks in a campsite. You will be sharing a campsite with other units. A communal Saturday dinner will be provided and we ask each unit to bring a dessert to share. Bring a game to play after dinner. This a great opportunity for recruitment."

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Washington Crossing Council is conducting an Emergency Preparedness Needs Assessment to better understand the current level of emergency preparedness across our units and to evaluate interest in future council-sponsored training opportunities.

This assessment is being conducted as part of a Wood Badge ticket project and will help establish a baseline for the Council as we explore future offerings such as CPR/AED, Stop the Bleed, and other emergency preparedness programs.

The survey asks about topics including:

• Current CPR/AED certification within your unit
• Interest in CPR/AED and Stop the Bleed training
• Preferred training locations and schedules
• Barriers to participation
• Additional emergency preparedness training that would benefit your unit

Please submit one response per unit.

The survey should be completed by the Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Committee Chair, Crew Advisor, Skipper, Chartered Organization Representative, or another designated leader representing your unit.

The survey takes approximately 5–7 minutes to complete.

Whether or not your unit is interested in additional training, we encourage every unit to respond. Understanding where training is and is not needed is equally important and will help the Council make informed decisions.

Survey Link:

https://forms.gle/vtNQsMDMGkZdTYza9

Please complete the survey by August 15

Your participation will help the Council better understand the needs of our volunteers and evaluate future emergency preparedness training opportunities.

Thank you for taking the time to support this effort.

Yours in Scouting,

David Fox

Assistant Cubmaster, Pack 61

Upcoming training courses

Click links to register:

• BALOO - October 10-11
• IOLS - October 10-11
• NYLT - November 6-8 & November 20-22

COUNCIL EVENTS

Dine to Donate for Scouting!

Click image to enlarge

Take the night off of cooking and support Scouting in the process!

Visit Bacco Centro from 4-8 pm on September 15 and present the attached flyer or mention that you're there to support Scouting, and a portion of your check will be donated to Washington Crossing Council.

Whether you're grabbing a quick bite for yourself before a Scout meeting or bringing the whole family, this is a great way to support Scouting and grab some delicious food!

Valid for dine in or takeout orders placed directly with the restaurant.

Orders placed through third party platforms like GrubHub, DoorDash, or Uber Eats do not qualify.

Come out and visit our booth at the Peace Fair!

Snipes Farm

Are you ready for an unforgettable outdoor experience? Snipes Farm invites your troop to step away from the screens and jump into a day packed with hands-on adventure, skill-building, and outdoor fun!

Whether you’re looking to fulfill badge requirements or simply bond as a troop, Snipes Farm is the ultimate backdrop for your next outing. Space fills up quickly, so reach out today to reserve your spot!

We are located at 890 W. Bridge Street in Morrisville, PA, just across the Delaware River from Trenton, NJ.

PSATS Youth Awards - click images to enlarge

Summer Hours Memorial Day through Labor Day:

• Monday - Closed
• Tuesday - Thursday 10am to 4pm
• Friday - 10am to 3pm



Upcoming Special Closures:

• September 7 in observance of Labor Day

*Select Saturdays: 10am to 1pm

• August 8
• August 22

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

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.