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Magne began his career with the Boy Scouts of America on November 16, 1986. On April 16, 2011, he became the Scout Executive of the Washington Crossing Council, where he provided dedicated leadership and service to the Scouting movement. Throughout four decades of service, Magne earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, volunteers, and Scouts through his steadfast leadership, commitment, and unwavering dedication to the mission of Scouting.
Effective September 30, 2026, Magne will retire, bringing an extraordinary 40-year Scouting career to a close. Our mighty "Viking" will be deeply missed, and his legacy of leadership, friendship, and service will continue to inspire all who have had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. Please join us in wishing Magne and his family all the best as he begins this exciting new chapter and in extending our heartfelt thanks and best wishes for a happy, healthy, and well-deserved retirement.
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WCC Thanks Plumstead Township's Firefighters and Police Officers
Washington Crossing Council extends its heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated firefighters and police officers of Plumstead Township for your unwavering service, courage, and commitment to keeping our communities safe.
Whether responding to emergencies, protecting our neighborhoods, or serving with professionalism and compassion every day, your dedication does not go unnoticed. We are deeply grateful for the sacrifices you and your families make on behalf of all of us.
Thank you for your bravery, your integrity, and your steadfast commitment to public safety. Your service makes a lasting difference, and we are proud to recognize and honor everything you do.
Thank you, Plumstead Township's finest. Stay safe, and know that your community stands behind you.
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Report to the Commonwealth
Liam M. Represents Our Council at the Pennsylvania State Capitol.
Troop 48's Liam M. proudly represented our Council during the annual Scouting America Report to the Commonwealth, held on June 8 in the Main Rotunda of the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Liam had the honor of leading Scouts from across Pennsylvania as they gathered to celebrate the values of Scouting and its positive impact throughout the Commonwealth.
The Report to the Commonwealth is an important annual event that recognizes the contributions Scouts make through service, leadership, and community involvement. It also provides Scouts with a unique opportunity to engage with state leaders, strengthen their leadership and citizenship skills, and gain a firsthand understanding of how state government serves the people of Pennsylvania.
We are proud of Liam for representing Troop 48 and our Council with distinction. His participation reflects the dedication, leadership, and character that Scouting strives to instill in every Scout.
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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 Pepper.
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Membership Rally
Join fellow Scouting volunteers for an evening focused on building successful recruitment campaigns for Cub Scout programs. This rally will cover community marketing strategies, school and event recruitment, presentation techniques, joining night structure, and methods to improve family engagement and retention.
Date: August 20
Time: 7:00 - 8:30
Location: TBD
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Membership Mixer Recap
Tech Talk
From Post to Parent: Building a Simple Recruiting System
Our recent Membership Mixer looked at how units can turn recruiting ideas into a simple, repeatable system. Rather than relying on a single flyer, Facebook post, or word-of-mouth invitation, the session walked through how to connect each step of the process: helping families find the unit, giving them one clear action to take, collecting contact information, following up, and tracking what actually leads to new members. The focus was on practical, free tools that any unit can use to make recruiting more organized and consistent.
At the September Membership Mixer, we will continue this conversation by focusing on the role of the Patrol Leaders’ Council in recruiting. Recruitment is not just an adult responsibility. When youth leaders are involved in planning activities, welcoming visitors, sharing what makes Scouting fun, and helping new families feel connected, recruiting becomes more authentic and more effective. Join us as we discuss how to connect the PLC, youth leadership, and unit recruiting efforts into one stronger membership plan.
This mixer is for Scouts BSA and Cub Scout leadership as well as youth leaders.
Date: September 29
Time: 7:30
Location: TBD
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A New, Simpler Renewal Cycle for All Members
Scouting America announced an important change at the National Annual Meeting that will simplify the membership and unit renewal process nationwide.
By February 2028, all members and all units will have a single, common renewal month of February.
This change is in response to feedback from unit leaders and other Scouters who asked for a simpler, more consistent renewal experience. We appreciate and value their input.
Key updates include:
- Beginning September 2026, all units due for renewal will renew to February 2028
- All memberships and unit charters will have a common renewal month of February by February 2028
o To simplify the process and in response to unit leaders' requests, Scouting America is returning to unit control of member renewals. If the unit does not renew a member, that member may renew themselves after the unit-only period closes
- The current 60-day grace period will end December 31, 2026
o Members renewing in November 2026 will still receive a 30-day grace period through December
o Members renewing in December 2026 must renew by December 31 to avoid being dropped
To support the transition during 2026:
- Beginning in September 2026, new and renewing units will use the standard charter fee plus a monthly pro-rata fee through February 2028
- No changes for new and renewing members through 2026
Additional information will be coming soon from Scouting America. This is a significant operational change designed to reduce complexity and create a more streamlined experience for volunteers, families, and councils alike.
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Thank a Volunteer
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.
Completed nominations are due to the council office by September 11. They may be submitted by email to Anna Marie Pepper or submitted to Washington Crossing Council, 1 Scout Way, Doylestown, PA 18901, Attention: Silver Beaver.
| | Popcorn 2026: Easy to Launch. Powerful Results. | | |
The popcorn sale is built to be simple, effective, and rewarding for your unit.
Why Participate?
- Earn up to 40% commission
- Average unit sales of $10,721
- Storefront locations coordinated for you
- Minimal setup and administrative work
- A proven way to fund your annual Scouting program
Commit. Set Your Goal. Start Selling. The 2026 Popcorn Sale makes fundraising easier so your unit can focus on delivering great Scouting experiences.
Popcorn kick off dates:
July 23 - TBD - 7pm
July 30 - Mercer County Community College - 7pm
| | Last Chance to attend Dinotopia! | | |
From exciting dinosaur-themed activities and creative crafts to outdoor adventures, games, and unforgettable memories, campers at Core Creek and Mercer County Parks have been having a dino-mite time!
Check out some of the highlights from camp and see what everyone's been roaring about. Don't miss your chance to be part of the adventure before the summer disappears!
| | Registration opening soon! | | |
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.
High COPE returns to OSR Fall 2026!!
Registration opens 6 months in advance. Click link below for dates and registration.
| | Summer Resident Camp at OSR | | Ockanickon Scout Reservation is excited to announce that we are once again a Nationally Accredited Summer Camp! Thank you to all the volunteers and staff that made this possible. | | |
There's Still Time for Summer Camp at Ockanickon!
Summer camp is in full swing at Ockanickon, and the adventure isn't over yet! With three weeks of camp still remaining, there's still time for Scouts to experience everything camp has to offer.
Scouts from across the council are enjoying exciting outdoor adventures, earning merit badges, building friendships, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it's a Scout's first summer camp or a returning favorite, every week brings new opportunities for fun, growth, and adventure.
If your unit hasn't attended camp yet—or if you know a Scout who doesn't want to miss out—there's still time to join us.
Register today and be part of an unforgettable summer at Ockanickon!
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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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Venturing Camporee
"Shoots, Ladders and Paddles (SLP) III, is an event for Venturing Crews, Ships and Explorer Posts. Range and target activities, the climbing tower and the lake will be available. Participants can bring their own tents or use the adirondacks in a campsite. You will be sharing a campsite with other units. A communal Saturday dinner will be provided and we ask each unit to bring a dessert to share. Bring a game to play after dinner. This a great opportunity for recruitment."
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2026 Ockanickon Cub Nights
Cub Nights at camp celebrating America 250. These events are always a highlight of the season, providing fun, energy, and opportunities for our Brothers to engage with younger Scouts and share the spirit of the Order of the Arrow.
Cub Night Dates:
● Colonial America - Thursday, July 9
● Wild Wild West - Thursday, July 16
Location:
Ockanickon Scout Reservation
| | | Click links below to register for upcoming training courses. | |
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BALOO - October 10-11
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IOLS - October 10-11
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NYLT - November 6-8 & November 20-22
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Chainsaw Work Days:
August 8
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Campbuilder Days:
September 19
| | SCOUTING BEYOND THE COUNCIL | | |
Summer Hours Memorial Day through Labor Day:
- Monday - Closed
- Tuesday - Thursday 10am to 4pm
- Friday - 10am to 3pm
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Upcoming Special Closures:
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September 7 in observance of Labor Day
*Select Saturdays: 10am to 1pm
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July 11 & 25
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August 8 & 22
*Select Saturdays subject to change; please call before making the trip!
| | 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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