PA REPORT TO THE STATE

Scouting America in Pennsylvania holds an annual "Report to the Commonwealth" event in Harrisburg, where they present their annual report to state leaders. This year, the event occurred on June 9, at the PA State Capitol. Scouts, Venturers, Sea Scouts, and Cub Scouts were invited to participate and represent Scouting America at the state level. 

The 2025 Commissioners Conference was held on June 19 at the Council office. Despite the storms that rolled through our area that evening, several of our Commissioners ventured out!

This event is a council-wide meeting of all Commissioners from our Council where they will hear news about 2025 planning, share inspiration, recognize some team members, learn about commissioner tools, and enjoy some fellowship.

Our guest speaker was Tamie Swain, the incoming Territory Commissioner, who spoke about the new commissioner tools. Thank you Tamie for joining us!

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.

2025 POPCORN KICKOFF

Popcorn Season is Popping!



Units—don’t forget to submit your popcorn commitment to reserve your spot at the Popcorn Kick-Off happening at the end of July! With a brand-new app and updated product lineup, this year's sale brings exciting changes you won’t want to miss. Packs and Troops that commit will get all the details and tools to boost their fundraising success.

REVISIONS FOR CUB & SCOUTS BSA PROGRAMS



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

One Minute. Big Impact. Fill Out the School Survey

Help us grow Scouting across Washington Crossing Council! We’re asking every leader to fill out the School Access Survey using the button below. This quick survey will help us understand where we have access and where we need support. Our goal is for every pack and troop to grow this year — and that starts with solid information. By sharing your school access details, you’re helping us target resources effectively, build a winning recruitment strategy, and ensure Scouting thrives in your community. Please take a moment to complete the survey today — your input is essential to our success!

CUB SCOUT DAY CAMP 2025

Scouts who attend Cub Scout Day Camp can expect to take part in:

• Scout Skills 
• Nature Education
• Arts & Crafts
• Sports & Games
• STEM
• & More!

A successful Day Camp is the result of many hands! We are on the lookout for adult volunteers and Den Chiefs.

Please contact Kevin Ott with any questions.

Day camps are held in 4 locations throughout the council:

Rosedale Park, Pennington, NJ

July 7-11 - Registration closed

Core Creek Park, Langhorne, PA

July 14-18 - Registration closed

Mercer County Park, West Windsor, NJ July 21-25

Ockanickon Scout Reservation, Pipersville, PA Aug 4-8

CUB SCOUT ADVENTURE CAMP

Cub Scout Adventure camp is the perfect opportunity to experience camping with your Cub Scout. The three-day, two-night camp provides an opportunity for Cub Scouts to participate in ten different program areas including: swimming, fishing, boating, archery, sling shots, BB guns, gaga ball, climbing tower, nature hike and more. The program is delivered by the Ockanickon camp staff. 

Food in the air-conditioned dining hall, tents and cots are included. All you need to bring is your personal gear and Cub Scout! 

Cub Scout Adventure Camp fee is $300. Parent/adult fee is $90.

For information contact, Michelle Cathers

FALL CUBARAMA



Cub Scouts throughout the council are invited to attend the fall Cubarama at Kuser Park in Hamilton, NJ on Saturday, September 27, 2025. 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.

FALL RECRUITMENT STARTS NOW!

Get ready for a strong start—Fall Recruitment Season is here! Every Pack and Troop plays a vital role in welcoming new families to 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 this fall. Let’s make this our biggest and best recruitment season yet!

INDIVIDUAL CAMPER PROGRAM

There is still time to register!

Have a Scout who can not attend summer camp with his or her troop? How about a Scout that has a few partially completed Merit Badges they would like to finish? 

Coming to Ockanickon as an Individual camper is a great opportunity to earn additional badges or complete any partials. Individual campers are hosted by another unit in camp; the camper becomes part of host troop for the week – a great opportunity to meet Scouts from around the region.

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

Time to Double-Check Your Rosters

We're now over a year into the Individual Renewal system, but many Scouts who should be active are still showing as not renewed. Committee Chairs, please review your roster with your unit leaders—Scoutmasters, Cubmasters, Den Leaders, and ASMs. Some Scouts may have dropped off by mistake. Let’s make sure everyone is covered for summer adventures and get credit for all their achievements through the start of the new school year.

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.

Click button below for additional information.

Come and enjoy an evening of fun-filled activities and ice cream at Ockanickon Scout Reservation hosted by Ajapeu Lodge 2. Our theme this year is Greek Mythology. There will be 3 separate nights and each will have different games, crafts and activities (and did we already mention Ice Cream!). Our Cub Nights are open to all Cub Scouts, siblings and guests ages 5-11 (all youth must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). There is no fee for the event but you must bring smiles, enthusiasm and be ready to have fun.

Pre-registration is required.

Join us for a full day of enriching program ideas and invaluable insights at the largest single training event for adult and select youth leaders in the Washington Crossing Council. This event promises to inspire and equip participants with a year worth of actionable resources. The training will be held on Saturday, November 1 at Fisher Middle School, 1325 Lower Ferry Road, Ewing, NJ 08618.

You'll also have the chance to connect and collaborate with fellow scouting enthusiasts from across the region. This year, we’re offering classes tailored for Scouters working with Cubs, Scouts, and topics applicable to both levels. Youth participants can look forward to ILST (Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops) and Den Chief training sessions.

Additionally, for Scouts aged 13 and older, we’re introducing new sessions on topics such as “Life After Earning Your Eagle” and “Showcasing Your Eagle Award in Applications.”

Make sure to bring your Troop's trailer for the Trailer Round-Up! Exchange tips to enhance your Troop’s trailer organization and accessibility.

We are currently finalizing the course topics, so if you have suggestions for a class or are interested in becoming a presenter, please reach out to Marilyn Yasko.

Are you interested in becoming a more effective youth leader and learning about servant leadership? If so, National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is the perfect opportunity for you!

Registration is now open for the Fall NYLT course being held on November 7-9 and November 21-23. To participate, youth must be First Class and 13 years old before the course begins. Participants must attend BOTH weekends in their entirety.

5th ANNUAL

FARM TO TABLE DINNER

Registration is now open!

Looking to support our Council...

Please consider sponsoring our event or join us for music, drinks and dinner!

September 6

4pm - Camp Tours & Drinks

5pm - Appetizers

6pm - Dinner

Ockanickon Scout Reservation

5787 State Park Road

Pipersville, PA 18947

3rd ANNUAL

SWING FOR SCOUTING

Registration is open!



There is a limited number of foursomes available. Don't miss out!

September 30

Check in at 8am

TPC Jasna Polana

4519 Province Line Road

Princeton, NJ 08540

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.

2025 HERSHEY PARK SCOUT PICNIC

Hershey Park admission and catering are valid July 18 only.

The catered event is available 3-4pm and includes an all you care to eat menu of: Hamburgers (w/toppings), Chicken Bites, Macaroni & Cheese, Watermelon, Lay's Potato Chips, Ice Cream Novelties, and Pepsi Fountain Soda.

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 is preparing to send a Council contingent 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.

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.