This Week
Announcements for December 15
Troop Holiday Party and Award Ceremony, Monday December 15, 7:30 PM – We will have our annual Troop holiday party and Award Ceremony on December 15 starting at 7:30 PM. We will be recognizing Scouts that earned merit badge(s) and rank advancement during the Fall quarter. We will celebrate the holidays with refreshments and cheer. Families should come and friends are welcome.
- All Scouts should wear their full Class A uniforms and merit badge sashes.
- The Eagle patrol should arrive at 6:45 PM to help with setup.
- $20 for the District Gold Rush is due. See below for details.
- $100 deposit for March bus trip to Washington, D.C. is due. See below for details.
Yearly Troop and National Scouting of America Dues – Past Due! – Troop 542 is using the “Unit Paid” option for annual dues. The combined national and troop fees for 2026 are $150 for Scouts and $80 for adults. If you joined in the fall, you’re already paid up. Everyone else, please pay it to us by November 24 either by Venmo or Check payable to “Troop 542”. If you get an e-mail from Scouting America asking you to pay online, please ignore it and pay it through us instead. Thank you for your membership in Troop 542! We look forward to many more great adventures in the next year!
District Gold Rush – Saturday, January 24, 2026 – Looking ahead to January, we are gearing up for the District Gold Rush event on Saturday, January 24th at Camp Hart. This one-day event promises to be a fantastic opportunity for our patrols to compete against other troops, showcasing their scout skills and vying for victory in various competitions. There is a $20 charge for this activity, and we kindly request that the payment be made by Monday, December 15.
March Bus Trip – Washington, D.C. – March 21-22, 2026 – Additionally, we are actively planning our March bus trip to Washington, D.C. This trip promises a perfect mix of history, fun and fellowship with your fellow Scouts. The cost of the trip is $250. A $100 non-refundable deposit is due by December 15 to secure your spot. Final payment is due March 9, 2026.
- On Saturday, Scouts will spend the day touring the city, taking in some of the most famous sights and landmarks in our nation’s capital followed by a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After a full day of exploring, we’ll check into a hotel where Scouts can enjoy a hearty dinner, relax and swim in the hotel pool.
- Sunday begins with breakfast and interfaith at the hotel and a visit to Mount Vernon to explore the historic home, plantation, and final resting
place of George Washington.
National Jamboree – July 22-31, 2026 – Council filled our allotted Jamboree troops and added additional troops from the waitlist. It is not too late to register since people drop out and their spots become available. (https://scoutingphilly.org/adventures/activities/jamboree)
Sea Base – Summer 2027 – It’s not too soon to be thinking about our high adventure trip for 2027. If you are interested, reserve your spot now with a $100 deposit. We need to reserve the Sea Base adventures in early January. We will decide between St. Thomas, the Bahamas, and the Florida Sea Base before January.
Reminders
Troop Newsletter – The Winter 2026 version of The Eagle has been sent out via email. Check your inbox! It’s also available here.
Merit Badge Office Hours – In an effort to help Scouts complete any unfinished merit badges, we offer “Office Hours” by appointment on Monday nights from 7:00-7:30. If you/your Scout has a questions about a merit badge or wants to have work evaluated, please fill out the form and we will schedule time with a counselor or instructor. Click here to signup.
Wawa Coupons – Troop 542 raises money for the troop by selling Wawa coupons redeemable for their 6″ Shorti Hoagie. The coupons are $5 which is less than the value of the hoagie and a portion of the $5 goes to the troop to support its activities. This is a great deal! If interested in purchasing, please see Stephanie Dobbins.