Scout Programs

A RICH HISTORY OF SCOUTING

For more than 45 years, Schiff served as the Boy Scouts of America's national Boy Scout Training Camp (1933 - 1979). Today, Schiff embraces its rich scouting history and works with all individual scouts and groups to fulfill badge requirements, Eagle Scout, Girl Scout Silver, and Gold Award projects.

Our preserves are ideal for exploring scouting concepts rooted in ecology, environmental science, and the natural world. All programs include hands-on activities, games, and trail hikes.

"I spent six weeks at the Schiff Scout Reservation back in 1984 attending the 260 District Scout Executive Training Program. It was a wonderful experience and I will never forget it!" - R. Long

Scout Badge Programs

Schiff is pleased to offer the Scout Badge Program to Cub and Girl Scouts in their pursuit of several of their nature related badges. The Schiff Scout Badge Program is offered for both cub scouts and girl scouts. Our experienced environmental educators are prepared to deliver the content and experiential requirements as listed below for each badge program offered.

Lesson plans have been tailored to take advantage of the biodiversity, wildlife, and terrain of the Schiff Nature Preserve. Interested Troop leaders are to contact Schiff with an inquiry as to date/time of a requested program. Once the date/time isselected, the Troop leader is to complete the Scout Badge Program form and submit payment to secure the program. Scout Badge Programs will occur outside except in dangerous conditions. In the event of extreme weather, a rain date will be used.

*If there are badges and/or specific individual requirements Troop leaders are looking to fulfill that are not listed here, please contact us for further assistance. We may be able to accommodate your request.

Rates: $80 covers a maximum of 15 scouts for 1 1/2 hours. Troop leaders and adult chaperones are free.

Dates/times: These programs are typically conducted during the afterschool and weekend hours. “Rain” dates are established when requesting dates/times.

Cancellations: Cancellations and rescheduling requests must be communicated in writing within 48 hours for partial refund (minus $20 administrative fee).

What to Bring: Scouts should come dressed appropriately for the weather of the season, prepared to enjoy the outdoors rain or shine. Scouts are to bring water and wear closed toe shoes.

For more information and to schedule a date call: 973-543-6004 or contact us at .

"We had two Brownie Badge program outings in June and our crew really enjoyed the day. The girls had fun and learned all about nature!" - Harding Troop #96779

"Thank you, thank you! The girls had a terrific time today! They learned so much (including me!). My daughter told my husband facts she learned all throughout the night. I really appreciate all the time and knowledge you shared with our troop." - D. Feldman, Scout parent

Cub Scout Badge Program List - read more

Cub Scout Programs

TIGER CUB

Backyard Jungle: Through exploration scouts will discover the diversity of living things all around them. On a hike, we will search for animal signs, identify birds, and listen for sounds of nature. Scouts will leave with an action plan on how to be helpful to the plants and animals in their habitats.
*Program does not include the building of  a birdhouse with scouts - we do provide "how to" plans.

Tigers in the Wild: Learn how to be a safe and respectful hiker through planning and preparation. Tiger scouts will learn to identify three plants, animals, and trees that call the Schiff Nature Preserve their home.
* Program does not include having a campfire or conducting skits/songs with scouts.

Wolf

Paws on the Path: Together we will discuss the essentials of a safely planned hike before hitting the trail for a 1-mile hike. Scouts will discover secrets of nature and learn to identify birds, insects, and animals.
* PROGRAM MEETS ALL BADGE REQUIREMENTS

Finding Your Way: Using a map and compass is a basic skill for all scouts. Through a variety of activities, Wolf scouts will practice their navigation skills.
* Program does not provide nutritious snack or help locate where the snack came from on a map with scouts.

Bear

Fur, Feathers, and Ferns: Through visiting the area in and around the Schiff Nature Preserve, scouts will learn about extinct and endangered species. Together, we will observe and identify plants and wildlife on a hike.
* Program does not include the planting of a vegetable/herb garden with scouts- we do visit a garden.

Webelos

Webelos Walkabout: Scouts will learn to be safe and respectful hikers through proper planning and preparation. On a hike we will identify poisonous plants and discover the animals who share our forest.
* PROGRAM MEETS ALL BADGE REQUIREMENTS

Into the Wild: Scouts will explore ecosystems by hiking through the various habitats of the Schiff Nature Preserve and observe its many inhabitants.
* Program does not collect and care for an animal with scouts.
* Program does not set up an aquarium/ terrarium with scouts.
* Program does not observe birds in our area for one week with scouts - we do look for birds on our hike.

Into the Woods: Trees are a necessity of life. On a hike, scouts will learn to identify trees and plants, explore their various uses for humans and the animals of the forest.
* Program does not plant a plant with scouts - we do discuss how to plant a plant and care for it.

Girl Scout Badge Program List - read more

Girl Scout Programs

Daisy

5 Flowers, 4 Stories, 3 Cheers for Animals: Birdbath Award: Daisy Scouts will work toward their Birdbath and Red Robin Award by learning to care for animals. Lesson will explore the basic needs of animals and how people can provide for them.
* PROGRAM MEETS ALL BADGE REQUIREMENTS

Brownies

Senses: Brownie Scouts will learn to explore the natural world using four of their five senses. A hike and activities will utilize our senses to experience nature at Schiff.
* Program does not include the taking of a taste test.

Bugs: Participants will understand the importance of insects to our world and all the functions they perform. On the bug hike, scouts will see these six legged critters in action, explore their homes, and learn the different jobs bugs perform.
* Program does not include the drawing of a bug poster.

Hiker: Through activities and a hike, scouts will learn how to be best prepared for a safe, responsible, and enjoyable experience on the trails.
* Program does not include the packing of a snack for energy.

Juniors

Animal Habitats: Scouts will explore the world of wild animals, their habitat needs, and how they can help protect the wildlife in their own world.
* Program does not include the creation of an animal house.

Cadettes

Trailblazing: Learn how to be a safe and respectful hiker through planning and preparation. Scouts will learn how to read trail blazes, how to read maps, know different ways of finding direction, and the basics of using a compass.
* PROGRAM MEETS ALL BADGE REQUIREMENTS

Night Owl: Scouts will explore the natural world after dark and expand their knowledge of the nocturnal animals at Schiff with a hike and activities.
* Program does not include the meeting of people who work night hours, nor hosting an Extreme Nighttime Party.

Trees: Get to know trees from the shade to the science, the fruit to the forest. Girls will understand the diversity of trees at Schiff and the wildlife that call this habitat home.
* Program does not include the making of a creative project starring trees.

Scout Programs at SchiffScout Service Projects

Schiff proudly works with numerous girl and boy Scouts annually in the pursuit of environmentally themed projects Gold Award and Eagle Award projects. The ideal candidates are not afraid of getting dirty, are committed to the environment, and seek to complete a project that will support our preserves and enhance our natural local habitats. For more information or to schedule a scout program or project, please call Schiff Nature Preserve at 973-543-6004 or email us at: .

"My son attended several of your summer programs a few years back when he was a Cub Scout. He is in Boy Scouts now and busy earning his Star Rank which requires community service hours. When I asked him where he wanted to volunteer, he said proudly Schiff Nature Preserve." - Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 109, Randolph

PAST PROJECTS- show all

Projects completed in 2016

  • Wildlife bird blind & preschool area trail installation - Thank you! Mendham Boy Scout Troop #1 member
  • Riverside bench project (bench, steps, and wood chip installation) along the Green Trail - Thank you! Bernardsville Boy Scout Troop #150 member

Projects completed in 2017Schiff Scout Service Projects

  • Woodland amphitheater; rebuild and general clean up - Thank you ! Chester Boy Scout Troop #139 member
  • Mt. Paul Preserve (Chester) kiosk (map/info display) installation and trail - Thank you! Basking Ridge Boy Scout Troop #155 member
  • Lean-to repair, area improvements to include benches & fire pit - Thank you! Bernardsville Boy Scout Troop #150 member
  • Build and install benches to 711 spot near the red trail - Thank you! Morristown Boy Scout Troop #287 member
  • Rebuilding of South Conservation Pond steps - Thank you! Parsippany Boy Scout Troop #173 member
  • Bluebird house refurbishment - Thank you ! Bernardsville Boy Scout Troop # 150 member
  • Creation of Google trail maps - Thank you! Bernardsville Boy Scout Troop #150 member
  • Creation and use of Schiff wooden displays to be used for parade, dog walk a thon, and other events - Thank you! Kinnelon Girl Scout Troop #951 member
  • Creation and installation of reclaimed wood balance beam & outdoor weaving loom to Critter Cove - Thank you! Mendham Girl Scout Troop #80994 member
  • Wood Duck houses at North Conservation Pond, Bernardsville Boy Scout Troop #150 member
  • Picnic table restoration and/or building new tables and general area cleanup, Morristown Boy Scout Troop #287 member

Projects Completed in 2018

  • Creation of a self-guided "Tykes' Trail" tour, with hard copies to distribute with information about trail highlights - Thank you! Chester Girl Scout Troop #81307 member
  • Creation and installation of lending library kiosk, collect environmentally friendly books and organize kick off event - Thank you! Bernardsville Boy Scout Troop # 150 member
  • Design, build, and install bear proof compost bin at Schiff Nature Center - Thank you! Bernardsville Boy Scout Troop # 150 member
  • Design and install Nature Mural informational guide naming and describing the many NJ native plants and animals featured on the mural on the Nature Center - Thank you! Mount Olive Girl Scout Troop # 4221 member
  • Creating and installing the animal track stepping stones to our children's area; Critter Cove - Thank you! Mount Olive Girl Scout Troop #4221 member
  • Wood Duck houses at North Conservation Pond, Bernardsville Boy Scout Troop #150 member
  • Picnic table restoration and/or building new tables and general area cleanup, Morristown Boy Scout Troop#287 member
  • Trail Establishment and Honoring our Donors: The Farrelly Trail Extension and Rest Stop - Basking Ridge Boy Scout Troop #555 member

Projects Completed in 2021

  • Education: Survival Skills Presentation and Kits - Thank you! Mendham Girl Scout Troop #4061 member!

Projects Completed in 2022

  • Visitor Amenities: Restoration and Improvements at Wood Badge Lodge Camping Area to include the creation & installation of fire wood rack, additional seating benches
  • Visitor Amenities: Mt. Paul Observation Platform Project

Currently Underway

  • Education: Design, Research, and Construct 5 Rare Species of Schiff - Barred Owl, Wood Turtle, Eastern Box Turtle, Tiger Spiketail Dragonfly, and Narrow Leaved Vervain
  • Visitor Amenity/Education: Geological Interest Kiosk at Mt. Paul Preserve
  • Education/Wildlife Conservation: 5 Rare Species of Schiff Signage
  • Refurbish & Improvements of Lean to at Lookout Point
  • Invasive species Removal and Fence Restoration of McVickers Preserve

CURRENT AVAILABLE PROJECTS - show all


Visitor Experience and Preserve Cleanliness: Dog Waste Compost System

Project Overview: The addition of a pet waste composting system would offer our visitors a disposal option for their pet waste thus reducing the frequency of visitors throwing plastic bags of pet waste on the trails or parking lot. Bags of pet waste left in the preserve are both unsightly and unsanitary. The pet waste compost system allows for the waste to be disposed of and for it to compost into dirt.

Working with Schiff personnel, select the proper pet waste composting system, identify the perfect location, design and purchases the signage and installation system to include starter supplies. Project parameters need to be discussed with and approved by Schiff. Cost and time commitment is low to moderate, including the purchase of weather proof signage materials consistent with other Schiff signs. Additionally, a video may be developed to share the use of the new addition for use in social media or our website.

Project details: The initial project work can be completed at home; compiling research, purchasing, and having the wording for the signs approved. Once the wording and sign design is approved, the volunteer leader would purchase the system, outsource the development of the sign, and plan for installation. Fundraising might be needed to complete this project. The volunteer leader would work with Schiff's Land Steward and Volunteer Project Coordinator on this project.

Dog Waste Composter Scout Project


Education: Design and Construct a set of Educational Deer Exclosure Signs

Project Overview: Working with Schiff personnel, compile the correct wording for four (4) weather proof signs to educate the public on the purpose/use of a deer exclosure (and install to all 4 walls of deer exclosure fence) at Schiff Nature Preserve, outsource the creation of the signs, and plan for installation to the fence. Project parameters need to be discussed with and approved by Schiff. Cost and time commitment is low to moderate, including the purchase of weather proof signage materials consistent with other Schiff signs.

Project Details: The initial project work can be completed at home; compiling research and wording for the signs. Once the wording and sign design is approved, the volunteer leader would outsource the development of the sign. Fundraising might be needed to complete this project. The volunteer leader would work with the Schiff Land Steward and Volunteer Coordinator on this project.

"Thank you for so warmly welcoming our Scouts and their families to Schiff Nature Preserve on April 11th. Schiff was the perfect setting to celebrate our 'Connecting with Nature' Blue and Gold event. Your efforts to make this possible were so appreciated! The day was super memorable. The rain made it even more special! Looking forward to visiting Schiff again soon." - Bernardsville Cub Scout Pack 150

Overnight Camping at Schiff Nature Preserve

Camping at Schiff

Overnight camping at Schiff is permitted for Boy and Girl Scout organizations who are current members of Schiff Nature Preserve only. Please note:

  • The annual Boy/Girl Scout membership (Trail Blazer) fee is $50 and is valid for 12 months from membership date
  • Overnight camping fee is $50 per night
  • Building/celebratory space usage fee varies depending on length of use and location requested
  • The use of the Request and Planning Form is required
  • Certificate of Insurance and other (fire) permits are required
  • Please visit the Frequently Asked Questions document to answer your questions

"Thank you so much for having programs like this for children and adults to learn about the wonders of nature." - T. Ives, Girl Scout Troop 671, Mendham, NJ

If you are interested in overnight camping, please contact .