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TRAIL GUIDE
February 2026
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Scout Shop News – Price Increase
I’m writing with an important notice for our Council Units & families. You may have heard that due to supply chain cost increases, National Scout Shops, including scoutshop.org, have implemented a price increase beginning February 2. The price increase impacts over 1100 items including advancements and uniforms, excluding the blue Cub Scout uniforms.
The Washington Crossing Council Scout Shop is delaying the implementation of this price increase on in-stock items until March 2 to allow our units & families a chance to purchase their advancements and/or uniforms at the current prices.
Unit Advancement Chairs: Please send your advancement order to scoutshop@wccscouting.org by February 25 so we have time to pull the order and call you for payment before the price increase takes effect. If you don’t make the deadline for us to pull the order, you are welcome to come in person by the end of the month for a self-service purchase. We will be happy to assist if time allows.
Parents & Leaders: If you or your Scout need a new AOL, Scouts BSA or Venturing uniform, please be sure to visit the Washington Crossing Council Scout Shop in Doylestown in February.
Michelle Cathers
Scout Shop Manager
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2025 Popcorn: It Really Popped
The 2025 popcorn sale was a huge success, with $353,884 in total sales—a nearly 16% increase over last year. Scouts sold smarter and more efficiently, driving strong gains across storefront, online, and Heroes & Helpers sales, and bringing more funds back to units and families.
| Congratulations to Pack 61 (Hunterdon District), our top-selling unit and this year’s Popcorn Trophy recipient, with an incredible $60,321 in total sales! | | The 2025 Popcorn sale more than a great sale—it was a stronger, smarter popcorn season across the council. | | |
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 the 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.
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Roster Checks - Protect Your Scouts
All units should regularly review their rosters in my.scouting.org to ensure that every youth and adult is properly registered. This isn’t just paperwork—registration directly impacts insurance coverage if an accident or incident were to occur. Don’t risk leaving a Scout or leader uncovered due to an oversight. Take a few minutes to review your roster and make sure everyone is registered and protected.
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Advancement
Updated Merit Badge Requirements
The Scouts BSA Merit Badge program is kept vibrant and current with updated requirements every January 1. This year, there are significant updates to 69 merit badges. Notably, significant updates to Personal Fitness permit adaptations for differently-abled scouts so that virtually any Scout can challenge themselves and benefit from this important Eagle-required merit badge. Scouts and especially counselors are encouraged to review the new requirements. Access link below.
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Enriched Online Merit Badge Resources
More than 50 merit badges have been enriched with curated digital resources (videos, websites, documents) on scouting.org, and more are being rolled out every month. In addition, throughout 2026, many badges will be augmented with Digital Resource Guides, which are immersive interactive courses designed to enrich and guide Scouts and counselors as the badge is earned. Aviation was an initial prototype, and Family Life was released at the end of 2025. More to come! Finally, additional activities have been added to the Merit Badge Test Lab. Scouts can challenge themselves with these activities, and fill out a survey recommending them to become official merit badges…or not!
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Scouting AdventureCon
Join leaders from across the 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
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Interested in participating as a vendor?
Registration details, booth requirements, and setup information is live. Space is limited, and early interest is encouraged.
| | Yukon Trail - Please join us! All Districts are welcome to attend. | | |
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
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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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Slingshot Adventure:
March 1
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Archery Adventure:
April 12
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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. | | |
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.
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TOH Chess Tournament
Date: February 21
Time: 8:30am to 12:00pm
Location: Family of God Lutheran Church, 4770 US-202, Buckingham, PA 18912
Fees: $10 on or before February 19
$15 February 20-21
All districts are welcome!
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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
Dates: March 1, and April 12
Walk-in registration, $10 paid at the door
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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 2,000 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:
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• Aquatics Staff (Minimum age 15)
• Aquatics Lake Director (Minimum age 18)
• Aquatics Pool Director (Minimum age 18)
• Health Lodge Staff (Minimum age 18)
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• 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)
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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!
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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
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February is off to a great start in Ajapeu 2 Lodge!
OA unit elections are currently underway. Elections are a vital part of strengthening our Lodge and ensuring continued leadership within the Order. If your unit has not yet scheduled an election or needs any assistance, click link below to schedule your election.
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Ajapeu 2 Lodge is also excited to host our annual Lodge Banquet for its Brothers on February 7. This day will be filled with fun, friendship, celebration and GREAT food! We will also be honoring some of our Brothers for their dedication and commitment to the Lodge and the ideals of the Order of the Arrow.
If you are a Brother, don’t forget to renew your membership for the 2026 year so you don’t miss out on upcoming events and opportunities. Any questions regarding elections or dues, please contact membership@ajapeu2.org. We can’t wait to see you at Lodge activities this year! Be sure to follow us @ajapeu2 on Facebook and Instagram for updates and reminders.
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Spring NYLT
Dates: March 5-7 & March 27-29
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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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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Scoutmaster Specific
Save the date: April 10
Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation
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Campbuilder Days:
February 21
March 21
April 18
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Chainsaw Work Day:
February 14
March 14
April 11
| | SCOUTING BEYOND THE COUNCIL | | |
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks LIVE
February 13, 14 or 15
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Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour
February 28
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76ers Scout Night
Come join the Washington Crossing Council as they cheer on the 76ers on Scout Night!
Date: Wednesday, March 4
Time: 7:30pm
The first 100 scouts to purchase will receive a 25th Anniversary Scout Patch!
For any questions or comments, please contact:jeffreymanto@76ers.com
(267) 440-6609
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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!
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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
- February 7, February 21, February 28
*Select Saturdays subject to change; please call before making the trip!
Upcoming Special Closures:
| | 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. | | |
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.
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