Dr. Philip Shilane Named National Eagle Scout Association Outstanding Eagle Scout

(Wrightstown, PA) — Philip Shilane, Ph.D., has received the National Eagle Scout Association Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA) following his nomination by Washington Crossing Council of Scouting America. The award recognizes Eagle Scouts who have distinguished themselves through their professional achievements and voluntary service to their communities.

Dr. Shilane has built a distinguished career in computer technology, scientific research, and community service. After earning his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Princeton University, he joined Dell Technologies, where he has spent more than 19 years driving innovation. He was named a Distinguished Engineer in recognition of his technical leadership and significant contributions to the company.

Throughout his career, Dr. Shilane has authored numerous papers and articles published through leading computer science conferences, journals, and magazines, and he holds 190 U.S. patents. His research publications and patents have received more than 10,500 citations. In 2023, he was named Engineer of the Year by the IEEE Philadelphia Section in recognition of his professional accomplishments. He was selected from among the organization’s 4,000 members across the Philadelphia region and surrounding counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Dr. Shilane is widely recognized as a leader in his field. He serves as an Associate Editor for the journal ACM Transactions on Storage, organizes international computer science conferences, and mentors graduate students. He also volunteers with local youth organizations.

Established in 2010, NOESA honors Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated distinguished service at the local, state, or regional level. Recipients are recognized for their achievements, leadership, and lifelong dedication to their professions, communities, and values. Past honorees have included senior military officers, scientists, government leaders, and influential business executives. Dr. Shilane is the sixth NOESA honoree from Washington Crossing Council. Congratulations, Dr. Shilane!

STAY INFORMED

For the volunteers who have completed the updated Safeguarding Youth Training Course- THANK YOU.  For those that have not, the May 31 deadline has expired and your membership has been suspended until it is completed.

We are aware of the challenges that this course presented to some. The National Office has advised that links have been corrected in the training platform.  Moving forward, the training requirements are correctly recognized as the following:

• Someone who took old YPT and never took the 90-minute course - They get the full 90-minute course.
• Someone who took the full 90-minute course who expired more than 6 days ago - They get the full course.
• Someone who took the full 90-minute course and expired 6 days or less (or are still active)- They get the refresher.

Renewal emails will be directing individuals to their “My Training” so they can use the “Take Course” or “Retake Course” buttons where the logic is stored. 

Anyone that has taken the Refresher without ever taking the full course will still need to take the full course. They will need to clear their cache and then the “Retake Course" button will direct them to the correct course.

New Military Family National Fee Waiver Available Through Scouting America online!

The next New Member Coordinator (NMC) Mixer is scheduled for June 30 at the Council Service Center board room, 1 Scout Way, Doylestown, PA. This is a casual, working session designed to bring together New Member Coordinators and membership volunteers from across the council to share ideas, solve challenges, and strengthen unit-level growth strategies. These gatherings focus on practical takeaways, peer-to-peer learning, and reinforcing the council’s retention-first approach, while building a stronger network of leaders who are driving membership success at the unit level.

This mixer is a great opportunity to immerse prospective coordinators. If you are searching for your unit's NMC reach out to your District Membership Chair for guidance.

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.

SILVER BEAVER AWARD

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 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.

Units can earn up to 40% commission, and the average participating unit generates $10,721 in sales. Even better, storefront locations are coordinated on your behalf. Once your unit commits to the sale and sets a goal, the Trail’s End team works to secure storefront opportunities in your area. All you need to do is claim your location and start selling.

With minimal upfront effort, the popcorn sale can help fund your entire Scouting year. Commit to the sale, enter your goal, and let the system start working for you.

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 3 - New Hope Solebury Upper Elementary cafeteria - 7PM

July 23 - Location TBD

Fish Camp 2026 was Off the Hook!

More than 250 Scouts, families and leaders gathered at Ockanickon Scout Reservation for a weekend full of fishing, fun, and fellowship. Participants from three different councils came together to enjoy Cub Scout family camping at its finest, with staff members coming from multiple councils, helping make the weekend a success.

The fishing derby kept Scouts hooked all weekend long, with the largest fish caught measuring an impressive 21 inches! Even heavy rain couldn't dampen the excitement. In fact, when the rain came down the hardest, more Scouts grabbed their poles and headed to Great Buck Lake to keep fishing.

Saturday night's epic campfire brought every Pack together, each adding their own brand of wacky fun through song, skits, and cheer. From start to finish, Fish Camp 2026 was truly a reel good time!

Be on the look out for Fish Camp 2027, happening May 14-17, 2027!

Day Camp

Adventure Camp

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.

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 Lake Director (minimum age 18) 
• Aquatics Pool Director (minimum age 18) 
• Aquatics Staff (minimum age 15)
• Office Manager (minimum age 18) 
• Dan Beard First-year Program (minimum age 18) 
• Maintenance & Trades Staff (minimum age 16) 
• Civics Asst. Director (minimum age 18)
• Dining Hall Steward (minimum age 16)

Summer Resident Camp

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

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."

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:

● Patriot Bash - Thursday, July 2

● Colonial America - Thursday, July 9

● Wild Wild West - Thursday, July 16

Location:

Ockanickon Scout Reservation

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Click links below to register for upcoming training courses.

• BALOO - October 10-11 - registration is now open!
• IOLS - October 10-11 - registration is now open!
• BB & Archery Rangemaster - June 13
• NYLT - November 6-8 & November 20-22 - registration is now open!

COUNCIL EVENTS

Newtown Breakfast - Last Call!

You don't want to miss your opportunity to meet Merrill Reese!

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Sporting Clays Classic

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Farm to Table

WWII Weekend - Unique Opportunity for Scout Troops!

The Mid Atlantic Air Museum in Reading, PA is offering our Troops an opportunity to attend this event for free including a free lunch in exchange for helping half a day at the event. What a great volunteer opportunity to fulfill service hours!

The event is being held June 5, 6, and 7. 

This is an amazing event our Scouts would really enjoy! The Sign-Up Genius has all the details (scan below). Please contact Heidi Messner @ 484-336-3168 if you have any questions.  

Trenton Thunder

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Design Like A Girl

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!

Summer Hours Memorial Day through Labor Day:

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



Upcoming Special Closures:

• Friday, July 3rd

*Select Saturdays: 10am to 1pm

• June 13
• July 11 & 25
• August 8 & 22

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

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.