TRAIL GUIDE

March 2026

GOOD CITIZENSHIP AWARD

STAY INFORMED

Tohickon District Executive


We are pleased to announce that Vincent Fusciardi has joined Washington Crossing Council as the District Executive for our Tohickon District.


Vincent earned his B.S. in Business Administration (Marketing) from Kutztown University and brings experience in operations coordination, customer engagement, and marketing support. During his internship with JoDiMor Inc., he managed scheduling, project coordination and utilized HubSpot CRM to support relationship management and communication.


Vincent is also an Eagle Scout, bringing a personal connection to the Scouting program and a strong commitment to our mission.


In his role, Vincent will partner with district volunteers to support unit service, membership growth, and Friends of Scouting, while strengthening relationships across the communities we serve.


Please join me in welcoming Vincent to our Washington Crossing Council team.

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 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.

Membership


Retention First: Our March Priority


March is a critical membership month. Individual renewals continue throughout the year, and it is essential that units stay on top of families whose registrations may lapse. Retention is our number one goal. Every Scout we keep engaged strengthens our units and our council.


Now is also the time to conduct thorough roster checks. Confirm that every active youth and adult is properly registered and address any gaps immediately. If you need assistance with renewals or roster corrections, connect with your District Executive so we can keep every Scout on the path forward.

Advancement


National Advancement News Hiking Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide


Scouts working on the Hiking Merit Badge now have access to a brand-new digital resource guide designed to enhance their learning experience! This companion resource provides additional support materials that work alongside the merit badge pamphlet, offering Scouts helpful tools and information to make their hiking journey even more rewarding. Access this valuable resource today and elevate your outdoor adventure skills! Hiking joins Aviation, Communication, and Family Life. Environmental Science and Citizenship in the Community/Nation/World are all coming soon! Find them all at this link:

Exciting News: Competitive Gaming Badge Enters Test Lab in March 2026!


Get ready for something new! The Competitive Gaming badge will enter the Scouts BSA Test Lab in March 2026, giving Scouts an incredible opportunity to explore esports, game strategy, teamwork, and competitive team dynamics in ways never before available in Scouting.

Scouting AdventureCon


Join leaders from across 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

Interested in participating as a vendor?


Registration details, booth requirements, and setup information is live. Space is limited, and early interest is encouraged.

CUB SCOUTS



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

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

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.

Archery Adventure:

April 12

Spring Camporee "Forge of Freedom" - Save the Date!

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

Gold & Blue Placemats


Use the button below to order pre-printed placements for your unit's event. Link also has a PDF you can download to print your own.

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.


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

Air Rifle Competition


Scouts BSA & Venturers


Dates: April 12 - Walk-in registration, $10 paid at the door

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

Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation - Foster Hall

Camp Staff

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 1,500 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: 

• Aquatics Staff (Minimum age 15) 

• Aquatics Lake Director (Minimum age 18) 

• Aquatics Pool Director (Minimum age 18) 

• Health Lodge Staff (Minimum age 18) 

• 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)

Summer Resident Camp

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!

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

ORDER OF THE ARROW

Greetings from Ajapeu 2! 


Here are some updates from the Lodge!


Election season is coming to an end, and we are excited to welcome our newest Brothers into the Order of the Arrow at our upcoming inductions. 


We have two inductions coming up:

April 17-19

May 29-31


We look forward to a meaningful weekend of service, fellowship, and welcoming new members!

All Brothers are welcome to attend our upcoming Lodge Service Day which will be held at camp on March 14. Be sure to check The Point, our newsletter, for full details - the more help the better! 

In other service efforts, our Chapters will be holding food drives - be on the lookout in Chapter communications on how you can help serve our community. 

On February 7, Brothers attended the wonderful Winter Banquet where we gathered in fellowship and recognized the outstanding service of our amazing brothers. Thank you to everyone who serves our lodge with amazing dedication and cheerfulness!

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Click links below to register for upcoming training courses.

Wilderness First Aid & CPR/AED

Date: March 27

Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation

BB & Archery Rangemaster

Date: March 28

Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation

Scoutmaster Specific

Save the date: April 10

Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation

IOLS

Date: April 11-12

Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation

BALOO

Save the date: April 11-12

Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation

Wood Badge

Dates: May 29-31 & June 13-14

Location: Musser Scout Reservation

SERVICE WEEKENDS AT OSR

Campbuilder Days:

March 21

April 18

Chainsaw Work Day:

March 14

April 11

COUNCIL EVENTS

Spring Mill Golf Classic

SCOUTING BEYOND THE COUNCIL

Catholic Scout Retreat

76ers Scout Night


Come join 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: Jeffrey Manto

Virtual Scout Day: Architecture


Date: Sunday, March 15

Time: 11:00 am — 2:15 pm

Online: via Zoom

Join from anywhere in the world!


Cost: $17 per person. 

Advance registration required. 

In-Person Scout Day: Architecture


Date: Sunday, April 19

Time:10:00 am — 4:30 pm

Location: Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia


Cost: $21 per person

Advance registration required.

Scout Days at the Philadelphia Zoo


Join us on Sunday, April 27 or Saturday, May 24! These spring Scout Days are open to all scouting organizations and not only includes access to our amazing animals, but you will also be able to hand-feed a variety of birds at Wings of the World, ride the SEPTA PZ Express Kiddie Train, and listen to our Keeper Chats. Scouts and their chaperones are encouraged to wear their uniforms to celebrate our Scouting Community. Reserve your spot through the Philadelphia Zoo.

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!

National Scout Jamboree


REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! The National Scout Jamboree is returning to the Summit July 22-31

2027 World Scout Jamboree


The 26th World Scout Jamboree will be held from July 30 to August 8, 2027

SCOUT SHOP

Scout Shop Hours:

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


*Select Saturdays: 10am to 1pm

  • March 7, 21, & 28


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


Upcoming Special Closures:

  • Friday, April 3 in observance of Good Friday

DON'T MISS OUT!

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

2025 COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT

Click image to enlarge

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT

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.