REVISIONS FOR CUB & SCOUTS BSA PROGRAMS



Below are documents which outline significant revisions for Cub Scout and Scouts BSA programs and 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

STEM NOVA AND SUPER NOVA PROGRAMS

Scouting America is phasing out the STEM NOVA and Super NOVA programs effective June 1. The Scout Shop has a limited inventory of Cub Scout Nova patches. Cub Scouts can continue to earn a NOVA award while supplies last.

Check with Michelle Cathers before working on this award. 

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 (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

INDIVIDUAL CAMPER PROGRAM



Have a Scout who can’t 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.

2025 VIGIL HONOR RECIPIENTS

The Vigil Honor is a high mark of distinction and recognition reserved for those Arrowmen who, by reason of exceptional service, personal effort, and unselfish interest, have made distinguished contributions beyond the immediate responsibilities of their position or office to one or more of the following: their lodge, the Order of the Arrow, Scouting, or their Scout camp.

Congratulations to our 2025 Vigil Honor recipients!

SHOTGUN PARTIAL MERIT BADGE COMPLETION

May 31

9am to 12pm

Ockanickon Scout Reservation

5787 State Park Road

Pipersville, PA 18947

The Shooting Sports Committee is offering to help Scouts complete Requirement 2 Option A: Shotgun Shooting (Modern Shotshell Type) - k.

$35/Scout - Fee covers cost of ammunition & clays.

Limited to 10 participants

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

SCOUTING ADVENTURE CON

Register Today!

Participants are free to come any time during the event.

May 13

6-8:30pm

Bucks County Community College

275 Swamp Road

Newtown, PA 18940

Don't forget to complete your Adventure Con passport while at the show to be entered into our raffle for a chance to win gift cards!

51st ANNUAL

SCOUTING GOLF CLASSIC

Foursomes and individual golfers

 sold out!

Don't miss out on a Sponsorship opportunity and/or program ad.

Deadline: Monday, May 19

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

BUILDERS OF SCOUTING, COMMUNITY RECEPTION

Honors Charles "Skip" Davenport!

May 20

6-9pm

Bishop Estate Vineyard & Winery

2730 Hilltown Pike

Perkasie, PA 18944

SCOUT DAY AT THE ZOO

Bring your Scouts to the Zoo on May 24 for a day of animal adventures! Each ticket includes General Admission, alongside access to the Amazon Rainforest Carousel, SEPTA PZ Express Kiddie Train, Wings of Asia, and our onsite Keeper Chats. Attraction availability may be subject to weather, capacity, mechanical, and/or animal-related issues. Attraction passes will be available for pick-up after check-in at North Gate (Main Entrance).

If you have any questions, please contact Group Sales Department

EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY

Explore the 142-year history of the world’s first penitentiary. Consider what life was like for the 85,000 people who lived and worked inside its walls. Discover the influence of Eastern State's unique architecture, copied by 300+ prisons worldwide. 

Reflect on the ethics of prison architecture. Discuss the challenges & rewards of preserving a National Historic Landmark. Learn about careers in architecture & historic preservation. Members of Scouting America will also satisfy badge requirements. Get your tickets for Scout Day today! And don't wait... we expect them to sell fast.

Upcoming Scout Days:

Sunday, June 1 (In-Person)

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, 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.