Introducing a New Service Initiative, Impact365!
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OPERATION WRIP
The third annual Operation WRIP event, held in partnership with Patriots’ Path Council, Scouting America, took place on Saturday, April 18, at the Watchung Reservation. This impactful day of service brought together Scouts, volunteers, and community partners with a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation.
The event focused on several important goals, including removing invasive shrubs throughout the 2,143-acre Watchung Reservation to improve biodiversity and create space for native plant species to thrive. Volunteers also worked to clear thorny multiflora rose bushes encroaching on hiking and bridle trails, while eliminating Japanese barberry shrubs known to harbor black-legged ticks that spread Lyme disease. In addition, the event provided Scouts with valuable opportunities to fulfill community service requirements while learning the importance of protecting natural habitats.
Participation in this year’s event totaled 218 individuals, including 187 Scouts, leaders, and family members; 18 Trail Stewards and Saturday Trail Workers; members of the WRIP Team; volunteers from the Joshua Men’s Group; Union County staff; and Patriots’ Path Council staff members.
Representatives from 18 different Scout Troops and Cub Scout Packs participated, traveling from communities across Union, Somerset, Middlesex, and Morris Counties, including Elizabeth, Union, Kenilworth, Berkeley Heights, Roselle Park, Mountainside, Hillsborough, Pluckemin, South Plainfield, Edison, Dunellen, Chatham, Butler, and Schooley’s Mountain.
The day began with volunteer check-in at 8:00 a.m., followed by a safety and project briefing before teams were deployed to 10 work sites across four areas of the reservation. Volunteers worked through the morning until noon, successfully eliminating an estimated 2,000 invasive shrubs. The event concluded safely with no reported injuries, and four Scout troops camped in the reservation for the weekend, further enhancing the outdoor experience.
The success of Operation WRIP continues to demonstrate the power of collaboration, volunteerism, and Scouting’s commitment to conservation and service. A staff photographer from Patriots’ Path Council captured 236 images throughout the event, documenting the tremendous impact made by all who participated.
2026
SCOUTING FOR
FOOD DRIVE
Some units may have already completed a Food Drive in the fall. This is the council campaign for units who would like to do another collection and for those units who have not had the opportunity to participate yet.
Download the informational flyer that includes tips and a list of food pantries if your unit does not have a designated food pantry in your area.
CLICK HERE for helpful photos and material to promote Scouting Food from the Scouting America Brand Center.
Download and use this fillable door hanger for your food drive.
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Community Service Committee
The Legend of the “Unknown Scout,” whose good turn on a foggy London street in 1909 inspired
William D. Boyce to establish the Boy Scouts of America.
Scouting was founded on the principal of service to others, and the organization remains dedicated to that purpose. The goal of the Community Service Committee is to foster that ideal, to assist Scouting units in achievement of their community service objectives, and to recognize units and Scouts who perform service to others.
Why Perform Community Service?
- The core values of Scouting are “to help other people at all times,” and to “do a good turn daily.”
- It’s a win – win for Scouting and the community, benefiting the organizations and people where we live.
- It teaches youth life-long lessons about the importance of community involvement and volunteerism.
- It gives your unit’s program calendar, greater structure, variety and worthwhile activity.
- It enables your unit to achieve its “Journey to Excellence” service project goals.
What types of activities are considered Community Service?
According the BSA Handbook, “A service project is a special Good Turn that puts Scout Spirit into action.” Some Good Turns are big—saving a life, helping out after disasters. But most Good Turns small, thoughtful acts—helping a child cross a busy street, or going to the store for an elderly neighbor. Scout Leaders are always the best source to ask regarding this question, as each Unit may have different ideas regarding the nature of community service the Unit wants to record.
Should a Unit record community service hours that are not counted towards advancement?
Absolutely. Scouting Principles embody a commitment to service. One of the purposes of community service is to show leadership in service work. Many Good Turns are done that are not advancement related and all should be encouraged to be recorded. (For advancement, Scoutmasters must approve the service).
Contact Us
Committee Chair: Dan Bernier
District Chairs:
Skylands: Katie Reidmiller
Fishawack:
Raritan Valley: Nancy Korsun
Pioneer: Martha Kamichoff
Project Champions:
Month of Service: Mitch Erickson
Toys for Tots: Michael Hart
Conservation Project: Dan Bernier
Scouting for Food: