TRAIL GUIDE

June 2025

2025 SCOUTING ADVENTURE CON

2025 POPCORN KICKOFF

We’re gearing up for an exciting popcorn season — and now is the time to commit to this year’s sale through Trails End! There are lots of new updates coming your way, and the best way to stay in the loop is by logging into Trails End and officially committing your unit. Once you’re in, you’ll be added to the popcorn mailing list, so you will not miss a thing.


Let’s make 2025 our best sale yet! If you have any questions or need help getting set up, please contact Alex Fritz, Assistant Scout Executive and Popcorn Advisor

2025 GUIDE TO ADVANCEMENT

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 it's entirety at 2025 Guide to Advancement.

Other useful resources from our Council Advancement Committee are available at Advancement Resources

SCHOOL SURVEY

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 SCOUTS

CUB SCOUT DAY CAMP 2025


The days are getting longer and the sun is setting later! Spring has sprung at Washington Crossing Council and summer camp is right around the corner. It’s not too late to reserve a spot for your Cub Scout(s) at Day Camp!


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


Core Creek Park, Langhorne, PA

July 14-18


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.

SCOUTS BSA

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.

THANK A VOLUNTEER - SILVER BEAVER AWARD


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).

ORDER OF THE ARROW

"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

TRAINING NEWS

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's 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 you 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

2025 COUNCIL EVENTS

NEWTOWN SCOUTING BREAKFAST


Featuring "The voice of the Philadelphia Eagles, Merrill Reese!"


June 11

7:45am



The Green Parrot Restaurant & Pub

240 N. Sycamore Street

Newtown, PA 18940

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

SCOUTING BEYOND THE COUNCIL

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.

SCOUT SHOP HOURS

Scout Shop Summer Hours:

(Memorial day to Labor day)

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


*Select Scout Shop Saturdays: 10am to 1pm

  • June 21 & 28
  • July 12 & 26
  • August 2 & 23


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

MAY DISTRICT NEWSLETTERS

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.