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TRAIL GUIDE
December 2025
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COUNCIL RECOGNITION DINNER
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2025 Veteran Award Recipients:
Karen Cameron - 10 years
Kristina Trommer-Fisher - 20 years
Robert Fisher - 20 years
Steven Guggenheim - 45 years
Charles ‘Skip’ Davenport - 60 years
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2025 Silver Beaver Recipients:
Robert Boquist
Joe Evanko
DJ Lapczynsi
Steve Guggenheim
Robert Trommer
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Support Scouting’s Future!
This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join a global day of generosity by supporting the programs that shape our Scouts into leaders. Every dollar invested in Scouting helps provide life-changing experiences—campouts, service projects, leadership development, and opportunities that strengthen character and community. Your support ensures that every youth, regardless of circumstance, can participate in the adventure of Scouting. Click the button below to make your Giving Tuesday contribution and help us continue delivering incredible opportunities for every Scout. Together, let’s empower the next generation!
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UNIT RENEWAL DEADLINE - DECEMBER 15TH
Unit Renewal is now underway, and all units must complete the process by December 15th. Be sure to include your Annual Unit Charter Agreement signed by your Executive Officer and Charter Organization Representative. Please review your adult roster to ensure you meet the minimum required leadership for your unit to renew. All registered adults must have current Safeguarding Youth Training and Hazardous Weather Training, so take a moment to confirm everyone is up to date. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to your Unit Commissioner or District Executive—we’re here to help you finish strong.
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ADVANCEMENT
Scouts BSA Test Lab Releases New Prospective Merit Badges
The Scouts BSA Test Lab is an exciting way to help in the development of fun and interesting new topics unique to the Scouts BSA program. Recent additions include Physics, Sewing & Needlework, and Dance. The requirements for each badge have the look and feel of merit badges, but instead of a printed pamphlet, you will find links to digital resources to help you complete the requirements.
Scouts BSA Advancement Demystified: “The Power of the Panel: Elevating Your Boards of Review”
The next installment of Scouts BSA’s webinar focused on troop advancement is coming up at 8pm on December 3, and will include two of Mercer Area District’s own, Michael Merritt and Vince Lauricella. Learn best practices for conducting boards of review that benefit Scouts on their advancement journey. We’ll cover how to strengthen your understanding of this critical milestone and create positive experiences for Scouts at every rank level. The webinar is being recorded for later viewing. You can submit questions in advance to advancement.team@scouting.org.
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POPCORN SEASON WRAP - UP
A RECORD YEAR!
Most of our popcorn sale has officially wrapped up, and the results are incredible — $353,333 in sales so far, marking a 15.6% increase over last year! This is a tremendous accomplishment and a direct reflection of the hard work, enthusiasm, and determination shown by our Scouts and leaders. We still have three units actively selling, continuing to raise funds and build on this momentum. As a reminder, unit popcorn invoices are due by December 5th, so please make sure everything is squared away on time.
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PINEWOOD DERBY
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.
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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.
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BB Gun Adventure: December 7
February 1, 2026
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Slingshot Adventure:
March 1, 2026
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Archery Adventure:
April 12, 2026
| | The 2026 Cub Scout Day Camp “Dinotopia” will be here before you know it! Cub Scout Day Camp is a fun-filled week of adventure for Cub Scouts. Make new friends while participating in archery, fishing, STEM, sports, Scout skills, crafts, nature, and more! Scouts are placed in dens by age and grade, and stay in those dens all week. Age appropriate activities are offered to challenge the campers and allow them to learn new skills or expand existing skills. Campers will rotate through a variety of stations each day. Our camps are assessed annually and are nationally accredited to ensure the highest quality and safety so your child will have a positive camp experience! There are 5 different weeks of day camp to choose from. Consider volunteering with your child to join in the fun. Camp is where memories are made to last a lifetime! | | Registration opens February 1, 2026 | | |
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.
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AIR RIFLE COMPETITION
Scouts BSA & Venturers
Time: 12:30-4:30pm (arrive no later than 3pm)
Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation - Foster Hall
Date: December 7
Walk-in registration, $5 paid at the door.
2026 Dates: January 4, February 1, March 1, and April 12
Walk-in registration, $10 paid at the door or pre-register for all four dates and save $10.
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Rifle Shooting Merit Badge
Limited space available. Space is given on a first-paid, first-served basis.
Must attend all 4 sessions to complete the merit badge.
Dates: January 4, February 1, March 1, and April 12
Time: 2:00-4:00pm - please arrive by 1:45
Registration fee: $30
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2026 KLONDIKE DERBY
For event information within your district and to register, click below:
HUNTERDON ARROWHEAD DISTRICT - January 23 - 25
TOHICKON DISTRICT - January 24
MERCER AREA/TAMANEND DISTRICTS - January 30 - February 1
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2026 SUMMER CAMP 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:
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Week 1 June 21 - 27
Week 2 June 28 - July 4
Week 3 July 5 - July 11
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Week 4 July 12 - 18
Week 5 July 19 - 25
Week 6 July 26 - August 1
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TREK CAMP
Adventure Among the Pines
A Scouts BSA Pine Barrens 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
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FAMILY TROOP PROGRAM
Considering the New Family Troop Program?
Our National Council has announced the new Family Troop Program, offering units an option to welcome more families into Scouting together. If your Troop wants to consider making the move to this new model, please reach out to your District Executive to start the conversation. Additional guidance, instructions, and next steps will be shared with interested units as we approach December 15th.
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SPRING NYLT
Dates: March 13-15 & March 27-29
Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation
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WILDERNESS FIRST AID & CPR/AED
Date: March 27
Location:Ockanickon Scout Reservation
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BALOO & IOLS
Save the date: April 11-12
Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation
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WOOD BADGE
Dates: May 29-31 & June 13-14
Location: Musser Scout Reservation
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Campbuilder Days:
December 20
January 17, 2026
February 21
March 21
April 18
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Chainsaw Work Day:
December 13
January 10, 2026
February 14
March 14
April 11
| | SCOUTING BEYOND THE COUNCIL | | PSATS Youth Award or Scholarship | | Hot Wheels Monster Trucks LIVE | | Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour | | |
ONE WORLD OBSERVATORY, the observation deck atop One World Trade Center in New York City.
As we step into the fall season, One World Trade Center excited to announce fall 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 fall trip for your troop, Contact Sean Villapol or call 212-602-4057 to reserve your spot!
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2026 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 Hours:
- Monday -Thursday 10am to 6pm
- Friday - 10am to 3pm
*Select Saturdays: 10am to 1pm
*Select Saturdays subject to change; please call before making the trip!
Upcoming Special Closures:
- Wednesday, December 10th - Council Office & Scout Shop closing at 12:00pm for Holiday luncheon.
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December 23-26 - Council Office & Scout Shop closed for Holiday break.
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December 26-28 OSR Closed
- Monday, December 29 - Scout Shop Closed for Inventory (Transactions for membership & charter fees will be accepted).
- Wednesday, December 31 - Scout Shop closing at 3:00pm for New Year's Eve.
- Thursday, January 1 - Council Office & Scout Shop closed in observance of New Year's Day.
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About the Offer: Now through December 31, customers receive 10% off Uniform Bottoms with the purchase of the matching Uniform Top.
- Tops include Cub Scout, 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.
| | Stay Connected with the latest updates, events, and Scouting news - join us on Facebook! | | | Looking for a previous newsletter? Archives are now included on our Council website under the blue Newsletter tab. | | | | |
