“Pop on over and support your local Scouts!” | | |
The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA) is the highest honor given by the National Eagle Scout Association to adult Eagle Scouts for extraordinary national-level professional eminence and community service.
Congratulations to John Severino on this outstanding achievement! Your dedication, leadership, service, and commitment to Scouting and the community are truly inspiring. This well-deserved recognition reflects years of extraordinary service and positive impact.
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The Silver Beaver Award is Scouting America’s highest council-level distinguished service award. It recognizes adult volunteers who have provided exceptional service to youth through Scouting and to their communities, demonstrating dedication, self-sacrifice, and sustained service over many years.
Congratulations to Sandy Johnson, John Ponzuric, Lou Schmid, and Jill Wahl on receiving the 2026 Silver Beaver Award! This prestigious honor recognizes their outstanding leadership, dedicated service, and lasting contributions to Scouting and our community. We are grateful for the time, talent, and commitment they have given to helping others and strengthening the Scouting program.
Please join us to celebrate our volunteers at the 2026 Council Recognition Diner being held on November 10 (details/registration link below under Council News). Hope to see you there!
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VETERAN SCOUTER RECOGNITION
After five years of registered service in Scouting America, an adult Scouter may apply to receive the designation of being a “veteran” Scouter.
| | | ON THE TRAIL WITH RANGER JIM | | |
Bringing More Families into Scouting
September brought 219 new Scouts into Washington Crossing Council, and by month’s end, 20 units had earned a place in the 5+ Club by welcoming at least five new Scouts since August 1.
Our outreach has included 48 community booths this year, generating 283 family leads through community days, National Night Out, and local festivals. Thank you to the volunteers making these connections and helping new families find their place in Scouting!
There is still time to join Scouting! Invite a friend and earn your Recruiter patch.
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Don't Forget Your Fall Recruitment Materials!
As you finalize your fall school recruitment dates, don't forget to submit your Materials Request Form to the council office. This helps us ensure your unit has everything needed for a successful recruiting event.
A complete list of available recruitment materials will be included in the next Membership Blast, so keep an eye out!
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October Membership Mixer
Join us October 27 at 7:30pm for a Membership Mixer focused on community engagement.
We’ll explore ways your unit can build relationships with local organizations, get involved in fairs and festivals, and help more families discover Scouting. Bring your ideas and learn from what’s working for other units!
Location: TBD
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Renew Early and Keep Your Scouting Adventure Going
Membership renewal opens 90 days before your expiration date. Scouts, families, and adult leaders are encouraged to complete renewal as soon as that window opens rather than waiting until the deadline.
Beginning with December 31 expirations, there will be no lapse period after your membership expires. If you have not renewed, your membership will immediately become inactive and you will lose access to Scoutbook and other Scouting software tools.
Renew early to keep your access uninterrupted and avoid fee increases coming in the new year. Check your expiration date, coordinate with your unit, and get your renewal completed before the holiday rush!
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The Adventure So Far
Scouts across 25 Washington Crossing Council units recorded more than $255,000 in popcorn sales during August and September, nearly 29% ahead of the same period last year!
Our 257 selling accounts averaged $996 in sales. Through September 30, sellers have qualified for 232 patches, 69 backpacks, 29 pairs of Six Flags tickets, and 7 free camp experiences!
Thank you to our Scouts, families, popcorn kernels, and storefront partners for a strong first half of the sale. Every sale helps Scouts build confidence and fund their next adventure. Let’s keep that momentum going through October!
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Frontier Fall Family Camp Returns!
More than 400 Cub Scouts and family members gathered October 2–4 at Lebanon Baptist Camp for Frontier Fall Family Camp! Packs from across Washington Crossing Council enjoyed outdoor adventures, frontier-themed activities, and time together around camp.
Thank you to our event committee, volunteers, Scouts BSA helpers, commissioners, and pack leaders for making the weekend possible. We’re grateful to every family who joined us for the return of this council tradition!
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Range & Target Activities
Throughout the year, Council Shooting 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.
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Slingshot Adventure
November 1
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BB Gun Adventure
December 20
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2026 OSR "factoids"
- Approximately 1500 scouts from more than 122 units enjoyed camp
- More than 50,000 meals were served
- More than 5,000 merit badges were earned
- Adult training for IOLS, Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, Paddle Craft Safety, Swimming and Water Rescue and CPR/AED were offered and well attended
- 80+ Merit Badges offered
| | Making Memories at Camp Ockanickon 2026! | | |
2027 Summer Camp Reservations
Plan Ahead for Summer Camp 2027 at Ockanickon
Planning for Summer Camp 2027 at Ockanickon Scout Reservation is now underway. Troops are encouraged to begin considering Ockanickon Summer Resident Camp (OSR) as their destination for an outstanding summer camp experience.
With approximately 80 merit badges available, Scouts will have a wide range of opportunities to pursue advancement, develop new skills, and participate in the many programs and activities offered at camp.
The 2027 Theme: Spy
The 2027 summer camp theme will be Spy. Scouts can look forward to a summer centered around adventure, teamwork, challenges, and a variety of spy-themed activities designed to make their camp experience both memorable and engaging.
Six Weeks Available
OSR will offer six different weeks of summer camp in 2027, providing troops with flexibility when planning their summer schedules.
Troop deposits are now being accepted. Troops are encouraged to select their preferred week and reserve their place as early as possible.
Make plans now to join us at Ockanickon for Summer Camp 2027 and give your Scouts an experience they will remember for a lifetime.
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2027 Summer Camp Staff
Ockanickon Scout Reservation will be hosting an interview weekend for counselors in training (CITs) and paid staff on November 14-15. Candidates (and their parents) can learn about life as a camp staff member and interact with staff alumni. Paid staff members must be 15 years old by the start of camp season. CITs must be at least 14 years old.
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Air Rifle Competition
$10 cash at the door
2026 Sessions: November 1 and December 6
2027 sessions: January 3, February 7, March 14, and April 14
Time: 12:30 - 4pm
Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation "Foster Hall"
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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.
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Fall Fellowship - Registration closes October 11
Fall Fellowship is back, and we’re excited to welcome Ajapeu 2 Brothers for another great weekend!
This year’s theme is “Back to Ajapeu 2,” taking us on a journey from the 1960s to present day. Participants are encouraged to dress in Scout-appropriate clothing inspired by their favorite decade.
Fall Fellowship offers a weekend of training, Brotherhood opportunities, fellowship, activities, great food, and fun with friends. We hope you’ll join us for another memorable weekend!
Date: October 16-18
Location: Ockanickon Scout Reservation
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Upcoming training courses
Click links to register:
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NRA Range Safety Officer Training (RSO) November 21 8am-6pm:
This one-day workshop is intended to develop NRA Certified RSOs. An NRA certified range safety officer (RSO) is required to provide live firing range supervision for all shooting activities involving Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Sea Scouts. All live fire activities require one or more range safety officers to be present on the range, in addition to NRA Certified Instructors. Must be at least 21 years old to register. Please bring your own lunch & water. Registration Fee $125 Class capacity: 14
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Chain Saw Safety Training Course November 14 9am-3pm:
Come join the Sawyer Team at Ockanickon! Must be 21 years old to register, lunch will be provided. Registration Fee $20 Class capacity: 15
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Council Recognition Dinner
Join us for an evening of fellowship, great food, and celebration as we recognize outstanding service to Scouting. The evening will feature the presentation of the Distinguished Eagle Scout, Silver Buffalo, Silver Beaver, and Veteran Status awards, as well as recognition of James E. West Fellowships.
It will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the dedication and service of those who continue to make a difference in Scouting.
Date: November 11
Time: 6-9pm
Location:
Giuseppe's Pizza & Family Restaurant
990 2nd Street Pike, Richboro, PA 18954.
| | | SCOUTING BEYOND THE COUNCIL | | |
Crayola Experience is proud to offer a Scout Night Out - An exclusive Scout event filled with creativity, hands-on fun, and badge-earning opportunities!
For groups of 10+ the price is $19.99 + 5% local admission tax per person - adults and children ages 3+ need a ticket to enter. Any children ages 2 and younger are free.
The Night Out Includes:
- Unlimited access to 20+ hands-on attractions
- 2 tokens per person (personal a crayon and choose a Model Magic color)
- 1 Scribble Scrubbie Pet
- 1 FREE Scout Leader Ticket per group
- 2 Exclusive Workshops
- Earn badges with Edwin's Garden and Color Lab Challenge
Slime Class Add-On
- Additional $10 per Scout
- Chemistry or Science Badge Eligible
All bookings must take place in advance.
| | If you have any questions or would like to book, Contact Stephen Wolf 610-559-6636 or email at SWolf@carolya.com | | The BCATO Service Award & Internship Application | | |
Snipes Farm & Education Center
Are you ready for an unforgettable outdoor experience? Snipes Farm invites your troop to step away from the screens and jump into a day packed with hands-on adventure, skill-building, and outdoor fun!
Whether you’re looking to fulfill badge requirements or simply bond as a troop, Snipes Farm is the ultimate backdrop for your next outing. Space fills up quickly, so reach out today to reserve your spot!
We are located at 890 W. Bridge Street in Morrisville, PA, just across the Delaware River from Trenton, NJ.
| | PSATS Youth Awards - click images to enlarge | | |
Regular Hours:
- Monday - Thursday 10am to 6pm
- Friday 10am to 3pm
Upcoming Special Closures:
- Wednesday, October 28 - Closing at 3pm due to Council Staff assisting at the Sporting Clays event.
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Tuesday, November 3 - Closed due to Election Day polls being held here at the Council building.
- Tuesday, November 10 - Closing at 4pm due to council Staff attending the Council Recognition Dinner.
*Select Scout Shop Saturday: 10am to 1pm
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October 10, October 24, and October 31
*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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