Monthly Archives: April 2026
Exploration Merit Badge at the Explorers Club
On Saturday March 28 approximately 140 Scouts and Scouters assembled at the Explorers Club in New York City for the first steps in earning the Exploration Merit Badge. The Scouts got to hear from multiple world class explorers and learn about their exciting adventures. This program was initiated by Ron Scorese from Troop 80 in Cranford. As a member of the Explorers Club, he made the arrangements for the explorers contributing to the program and the use of the facility.
Presentations included:
- Steven Schwankert – Using AI to research and plan Explorations.
- Benjamin Ring – 600-mile sailboat race from Greenland to Bermuda with youth crew.
- Greg Morrissey – Mapped waterway from Canada to NYC by canoe with Scout participants.
- Roberta Kravette – Wolf Reintroduction / Management program at Yellowstone National Park.
- Jeff Bozanic – Multiple Antarctic Expeditions with Scout participants.
18 More Days Until Operation WRIP! 10 More Days to Register!
18 more days until OPERATION WRIP! 10 more days to register!
Camping and participation is FREE!
The goal of the event will be to remove as many invasive plants from the Watchung Reservation forest ecosystem as possible in one morning. On that date, it is expected that Japanese barberry and multiflora rosa bushes will be the only plants in the forest with green leaves, making it easy to identify them. The plants will be removed by pulling, digging up the root balls, or cutting.
Service hours can be credited toward rank advancements or as conservation hours for Camping Merit Badge or the 50-Miler Award (a good opportunity for Philmont crews).
All participants are asked to register by Wednesday, April 10, 2026. Complete details will be emailed to participants after they register.
Registration is required here – https://scoutingevent.com/358-wrip
Summer Camp Leaders Meeting
Leaders’ Meetings are a great opportunity to meet camp and program directors ahead of summer camp and get all your questions answered. Each troop will receive a Leaders’ Guide to help prepare for the season.
Please see below for important details on dates, times, and locations. It is strongly recommended that at least one leader from each troop attends.
Camp Winnebago
April 11, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Winnebago Dining Hall
102 Timberbrook Road, Rockaway, NJ
Camp Somers
April 12, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Camp Somers Dining Hall
750 Waterloo Road, Stanhope, NJ
Camp Somers – Trailblazer Day Camp Meeting
April 12, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Parents are welcome to join us at Camp Somers to ask questions and take a tour of camp.
If you are unable to attend in person, additional meetings will be offered via Zoom shortly after the in-person sessions. Please keep an eye on your email for more information.
Summer Camp Early Bird Extended to April 15th at Midnight
We’ve extended our Early Bird Pricing deadline —giving you a little extra time to lock in the best rate for summer camp!
Don’t miss out on an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, new friendships, and lifelong memories. From day camp to overnight and specialty programs, there’s something for everyone.
Secure your spot today and save! https://ppcscouting.org/camping/
PPC 5K Is Coming Up on April 11!
This is a friendly reminder that the PPC 5K is coming up soon on April 11, and we’re excited for a great event filled with energy, teamwork, and community spirit!
The event will take place at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, NJ. Check?in will begin at 9:00 AM, and the race will start promptly at 10:00 AM, so please plan accordingly.
Registration is still open, and there’s great news, the early bird registration offer has been extended through April 7. Please follow the registration link to secure your spot and take advantage of the discounted rate. https://my.raceresult.com/382062/
Not planning to run or walk the 5K but still want to be involved? We’d love your help! Anyone interested in volunteering their time to support the event should reach out to Brian Day ([email protected]) and Shawn Trimmer ([email protected]) for more details.
Thank you all for your enthusiasm and support. We look forward to seeing you there, whether you’re running, cheering, or volunteering!
Registration Now Open For The 2026 Patriots’ Path Council Awards Celebration
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, we will be presenting the 2026 SILVER BEAVER AWARDS! We will also be presenting the TRAILBLAZER AWARDS, YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS, VENTURING LEADERSHIP AWARDS, DUTY TO GOD AWARD, ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR AWARD, INTERNATIONAL SCOUTER’S AWARD, and TORCH OF GOLD AWARD. Please plan to come out and honor these dedicated volunteers and youth leaders.
This year we will be at a new venue – The Hanover Manor in East Hanover. The celebration will begin with a gathering at 11:30 a.m. The luncheon starts at 12:00 p.m. and the awards ceremony at 12:30 p.m. Seating is limited and registration is required. You can register on-line HERE. RSVP deadline is April 20, 2026.
For more information or questions, please contact Vicki Kallok at 973-765-9322 x246 or [email protected]
The 2026 Award Recipients:
SILVER BEAVER AWARD: Michelle Blanchfield, James M. Cutler, Donald Fowler, Don Smith, Chandrashekhar Vyas, and Hattie Warren
TRAILBLAZER AWARD: Keith J. Hawkins, Sr., Kathleen Perna, Gary F. Porter, Ph.D., Roger Ruggieri, and Eric J. Shick
YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD: Madeline Browne, Sammy Landis, Christian Raiman, Abigail Sheridan, Krishan Trikha, and Anika Zoeller
VENTURING LEADERSHIP AWARD: Natalia M. Arpino and Les Wu
COUNCIL DUTY TO GOD AWARD: Jim Agar
ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR: Jay DeBoey
INTERNATIONAL SCOUTER’S AWARD: Wayne Davis
TORCH OF GOLD AWARD: Lisamarie Virola-Banko
