TRAIL GUIDE

January 2026

STAY INFORMED

Advancement


Updated Life to Eagle Process!


The Life to Eagle Process has been revised to coincide with recent Guide to Advancement changes and Council specific instructions. This information is important for the Scouts, their parents, unit leaders and committee to familiarize themselves to better understand the Eagle Scout Service Project and the Eagle application process. Encourage Scouts to review. This will help them navigate a daunting process. Knowledgeable unit leadership will be better equipped in supporting the efforts of Scouts on their trail to Eagle. For more information use links below.

Pinewood Derby


For event information within your district and to register, click below:


TAMANEND DISTRICT - March 7


MERCER AREA DISTRICT - March 14


TOHICKON DISTRICT - March 14

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

CUB SCOUTS

YUKON TRAIL - Please join us! All Districts are welcome to attend.

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.

BB Gun Adventure:

February 1

Slingshot Adventure:

March 1

Archery Adventure:

April 12

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 Scout Day Camp - Registration opens February 1

Cub Scout Adventure Camp

SCOUTS BSA

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.


2026 dates now published. Registration opens 6 months in advance. Click link below for dates and registration.

Air Rifle Competition


Scouts BSA & Venturers


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

Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation - Foster Hall


Dates: February 1, March 1, and April 12

Walk-in registration, $10 paid at the door

Klondike Derby



For event information and to register, click below:


HUNTERDON ARROWHEAD DISTRICT - January 23 - 25


TOHICKON DISTRICT - January 24


MERCER AREA/TAMANEND DISTRICTS - January 30 - February 1



Klondike Derby's are not district specific. All troops and crews are welcome to attend any of the 3 events.

Summer Resident Camp

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

Family Troop Program


Scouting America has opened up a new way to deliver the Scouts BSA program by offering family troops as a 3rd offer for chartered organizations to choose. If you are interested check out the link below.

ORDER OF THE ARROW

Happy New Year from Ajapeu Lodge! We are excited to welcome our newly elected leadership team. These Arrowmen have stepped forward to serve with dedication and cheerfulness. We look forward to an impactful year filled with growth in the lodge!!

OA elections have started to take place, if you have not scheduled an election reach out to your chapter and get it on the calendar! If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact membership@ajapeu2.org!

Ajapeu Lodge is kicking off the New Year with a wonderful OA Lodge Banquet honoring our fellow brothers for their dedication and commitment to the lodge. The banquet will be February 7, filled with fun and fellowship. 

Now is the time to re-new your membership for the 2026 year. We can’t wait to see you at events! Follow us @ajapeu2 on Facebook and Instagram!

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

SPRING NYLT

WOOD BADGE

Dates: May 29-31 & June 13-14

Location: Musser Scout Reservation


WILDERNESS FIRST AID & CPR/AED

Date: March 27

Location:Ockanickon Scout Reservation

BALOO & IOLS

Save the date: April 11-12

Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation

DEN LEADER & SCOUTMASTER SPECIFIC

Save the date: April 10

Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation

SERVICE WEEKENDS AT OSR

Campbuilder Days:

January 17

February 21

March 21

April 18

Chainsaw Work Day:

January 10

February 14

March 14

April 11

SCOUTING BEYOND THE COUNCIL

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks LIVE

February 13, 14 or 15

Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour

February 18

Please reach out to Amanda Welsh with any questions at amanda.welsh@oakviewgroup.com

76ers Scout Night


Date: Wednesday, March 4

Time: 7:30pm


• Access to pre-game warmups for all attendees

• Complimentary rally towel for all attendees

• Group shoutout on jumbotron for council and each unit

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 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!

National Scout Jamboree


REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! The National Scout Jamboree is returning to the Summit in the summer of 2026.

2027 World Scout Jamboree

SCOUT SHOP

Scout Shop Hours:

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


*Select Saturdays: 10am to 1pm

  • January 10
  • January 24
  • January 31


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


Upcoming Special Closures:

  • January 19
  • February 16

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