Monthly Archives: December 2025

Alpha Merit Badge Academy: Registration Open

Come join us for Patriots’ Path Council and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternities First Alpha Merit Badge Academy. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is a partner with Scouting America to promote Scouting. As part of this come join us for the wonderful opportunity for Scouts to work on merit badges and advance their Scouting Journey. This event takes place on January 10, 2026. https://scoutingevent.com/358-AMBU

Klondike Derby Season

It’s Klondike Season and you are welcome to come and participate in any Klondike that works for you!

  • Skylands Klondike is scheduled for January 23 – 25 at WSR
  • Raritan Valley Klondike is scheduled for January 30 – February 2 at WSR
  • Fishawack Klondike is scheduled for February 7 at MASR
  • Pioneer Klondike is scheduled for February 7 at Watchung Reservation.

Check out our calendar to register today!  https://ppcscouting.org/calendar/

Membership/Unit Renewal

Don’t forget to renew your Unit TODAY!

As a reminder, unit renewals are open for all units that expire on December 31st, 2025 so it is important that your Unit Key 3 logs into my.scouting.org to renew their unit.  Don’t forget to renew your Executive Officer before the end of the year to avoid any potential glitches in 2026.  The Executive Officer does not require payment so get that done now!  For more information on recruiting or to reach your District Membership Chair, check out our site at: https://ppcscouting.org/membership/recruiting-membership/

Eagle Scout Scholarship Applications Due December 31

The Patriots’ Path Council Eagle Scout Merit Scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior or an undergraduate college student not beyond their junior year.

All applicants must be an Eagle Scout registered with the Patriots’ Path Council and have demonstrated strong leadership and a spirit of service to others in or outside of Scouting.

The application form is available on our website.  All applications must be received by December 31, 2025.

Award Nominations – Deadline December 31, 2025

Time is running out to nominate outstanding Scouts and Scouters for Patriots’ Path Council awards. Nominations can be submitted for the Silver Beaver Award, Trailblazer Award, Youth Leadership Award, Alumnus of the Year Award, Eagle Scout Hall of Fame, and more.

These awards recognize individuals who go above and beyond in their service, leadership, and dedication to Scouting. Help ensure their efforts are celebrated by submitting a nomination before the December 31, 2025, deadline. Applications and lists of past recipients are available on the Awards Page of the PPC website.

Award recipients will be announced at the Council Annual Meeting on February 23, 2026, with most awards presented at the 2026 PPC Awards Celebration on April 25, 2026, at Winnebago Scout Reservation.

Questions? Contact Vicki Kallok at [email protected].

Order of the Arrow 25th Annual Banquet & Dues

The 25th Annual Lodge Banquet is quickly approaching—mark your calendar for an evening of celebration, fellowship, and great food.

This milestone event will include recognition of fellow Arrowmen, the 2026 Vigil Tap-Out, and a special keynote address by Ben Jones, National Vice Chief of the Order of the Arrow.

Event Details

  • Date: January 4, 2026
  • Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Location: Hanover Manor
  • Cost: $55 per person

25th Anniversary Lodge Patches may be available for purchase at the banquet.

Register here:
https://scoutingevent.com/358-108057

 

Reminder: Renew 2026 Lodge Membership at:
https://scoutingevent.com/358-OADues

National Jamboree 2026 – Contingent Staff

Calling all Patriots’ Path Scouters (21+) interested in attending the 2026 National Jamboree.

Scouting America is offering a “Council Contingent Staff” option for the 2026 Jamboree that allows Contingent Staff to travel, eat and camp with the participant Council contingent. New for 2026!

To be eligible registered leaders need to be 21+ years in age and agreeable to play a dual role – support Jamboree operations during the day – remain embedded with their contingent in the evenings.

The cost is $2,790 and includes the same benefits PPC Scouts receive (travel, food, swag). And, upon successful completion of service, staff members receive a $400 refund from National.  Spots are very limited as Patriots’ Path looks to fill up the bus!

Key Details:

  • Role & Responsibilities: Assist with Jamboree operations for at least 6 of the 7 program days. They’ll work with a team lead to determine their schedule and may be required to complete training prior to the event.
  • Travel & Lodging: These staff members will travel, eat, and camp with their council contingent.
  • Registration: Register as part of the council contingent under the designation “Council Contingent Staff Member.”

Signup Now for the Council Contingent Staff Waitlist!
https://ppcscouting.org/2026jambo/

National Jamboree 2026 – Additional Troop Forming

Patriots’ Path Council is accepting interest through a waitlist as we prepare to open an additional Troop for the 2026 National Jamboree, taking place July 20–31, 2026. Once enough Scouts have signed up, the Troop can be officially launched and placements confirmed.

This may be the final opportunity for Scouts to participate while there are still a few remaining vacancies to form a potential Troop.

Learn more and add your Scout to the waitlist here:
https://ppcscouting.org/2026jambo/

All 2025 Eagle Scouts the Adams Service Project of the Year Award Deadline Approaching

Attention all 2025 Eagle Scouts, the deadline is fast approaching for the Adams Service Project of the Year Award.

The Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award (ESSPY) recognizes valuable service of an exceptional nature by an Eagle Scout candidate to a religious institution, school, community or other entity through completion of an Eagle Scout project.

The Deadline for 2025 Eagle Scouts is 1/31/2026. You can find the application here: https://nesa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Adams-NESA-Project-Nomination-Form-2026-Fillable-2025-09-04.pdf

Registration for the 2026 Summer Camp Season is Now Open!

We are excited to announce that registration for the 2026 Summer Camp season is now open! You can register by visiting the following link: https://ppcscouting.org/camping/

Camp Somers

Shane Jones will serve as this year’s Camp Director, with Ryan Borinski as Program Director. Both Shane and Ryan bring multiple years of leadership experience at Camp Somers. Two all new specialty camps will be offered at Camp Somers. Range & Target – Week 3 (July 19-July 25) and Adventure Camp – Week 4 ( July 26-Aug 1) . More information on this and merit badge offerings will be posted on our website early January.

Camp Winnebago

Curt Haak will be returning as Camp Director for his 16th year, and Carly Necklen will once again serve as Program Director for her 3rd year. This dynamic duo has delivered outstanding leadership at Camp Winnebago for the past four years! This summer, Skills & Trades camp will be offered for two weeks!  Choose from one of the two – Week 3 (July 19-July 25) or Week 4 (July 26-Aug 1).  More information on merit badge offerings will be posted on our website early January.

Camp Wheeler 

Your favorite staff will be back and ready for action, as the superhero theme returns! Check out the updated bus schedule and more information at our website. Mini Weeks will continue to be available at Camp Wheeler every week, at a discounted price.

Watchung Day Camp

Introducing Mini Week Options at Watchung Day Camp!
Not sure if camp is the right fit for your child? Planning a weekend getaway?
Choose a Mini Week!  Mini Weeks are available every week, Monday through Wednesday, and are offered at a discounted price—the perfect flexible option for busy families.

Camp Staff

We are always looking for dedicated individuals to help make camp a great experience for all. If you or someone you know would like to be apart of summer camp, please fill out an application at https://ppcbsa.workbrightats.com/jobs/

Be sure to check out the 2026 discounts available this year.

Below are some important dates to remember:

Thank you, and we look forward to another fantastic summer at PPC CAMPS!