Scout Programs
“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
A Rich History in Scouting
For more than 45 years, Schiff served as the Boy Scouts of America’s national Boy Scout Training Camp (1933 – 1979). Today, Schiff Natural Lands Trust embraces its rich scouting history and works with individual scouts and groups to fulfill badge requirements and provide service and award opportunities to Scouts of all ages.
Schiff Nature Preserve is an ideal location for exploring scouting concepts rooted in ecology, environmental science, and the natural world. All programs include hands-on activities, games, and trail hikes.
Scout Badge Programs
In fulfillment of our commitment to our heritage and support of Scouts, Schiff Natural Lands Trust is pleased to offer the Scout Badge Program. Our environmental educators have developed a variety of nature related programs specifically designed to fulfill all or part of several Boy Scout and Girl Scout badge requirements.
Programmatic content has been tailored to take advantage of the biodiversity, wildlife, and terrain of the Schiff Nature Preserve.
Rates: $90 for Schiff members ($100 for non-members) for the first 8 scouts, $8 for Schiff members ($10 for non-members) per additional scout, with a limit of 15 scouts. Programs are 90 minutes long. Troop leaders and adult chaperones are free, siblings are welcome and must be supervised by adult chaperones, are not to participate in the program unless paid for and included in the program’s 15 person limit.
Dates/times: Our educators are typically available to schedule these programs on weekday afternoons and on weekends. “Rain dates” are established when requesting dates/times.
Cancellations: Cancellations and rescheduling requests must be communicated to programsandspecialevents@
*In the event of severe weather such as snow/ice storms, thunderstorms, and heavy winds, Schiff reserves the right to cancel your program and follow through with rescheduling if a rain date has not already been established.
What to Bring: Guests should come dressed appropriately for the weather of the season, wearing closed- toed shoes, and be prepared to enjoy the outdoors rain or shine. We advise each guest to bring their own water bottle.
Badges: Schiff Natural Lands Trust is not responsible for the purchase or delivery of accompanying badges to affix to Troop member attire. Scout Troop leaders are responsible to secure the Badges upon completion of the Badge requirements.
Interested Scout leaders are to contact our programs and special events coordinator at programsandspecialevents@
"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."
Service Award Projects
Schiff proudly works with numerous girl and boy Scouts annually in the pursuit of environmentally themed 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.
Interested applicants are to review the Available Projects below and then complete the application.
Should you have any questions or need additional information, please call Schiff Nature Preserve at 973-543-6004 or email us at: [email protected]. Please allow a few days for a reply. We are all working part time.
- Available Projects
- Past Projects
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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Survival Skills Presentation and Kits – Thank you! Mendham Girl Scout Troop #4061 member!
- Restoration and Improvements at Wood Badge Lodge Camping Area to include the creation & installation of fire wood rack, additional seating benches- Thank you! Mendham Troop 1- Life Scout Member
- Mt. Paul Observation Platform Project- Thank you! Pluckemin- Bridgewater Troop 154 member!
- Design, Research, and Construct 5 Rare Species of Schiff – Barred Owl, Wood Turtle, Eastern Box Turtle, Tiger Spiketail Dragonfly, and Narrow Leaved Vervain- Thank you! Mendham Troop 8685 member!
- Design, construct, and install a geological interest kiosk at Mt. Paul Preserve- Plukemin- Bridgewater Troop 154 member!
- Create signage and mechanism for visitors to reduce the spread of invasive seeds from hiker boots- Thank you! Troop 96159 members!
- Invasive Species Removal and Fence Restoration of McVickers Preserve- Thank you! Bernardsville Troop 150 member!
- Design, Build, and Install Bluebird Houses and Observation Bench- Thank you! Mendham Troop 1 member!
- Design, Build, and Install Additional Bat Houses within the preserve- Thank you! Mendham Troop 1 member!
- Construct and Install new kiosk to preserve near Amphitheatre and install dog compost bins throughout the preserve- Thank you! Mendham Troop 1 member!
"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 proudly said 'Schiff Nature Preserve'."
Overnight Camping
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
If you have any questions about overnight camping, please contact [email protected].
Can anyone camp at Schiff?
Overnight camping at Schiff is permitted for Scout member organizations only. The annual organization/scout membership fee is $50 and is valid for 12 months from membership date. Overnight camping fee is $50 per night.
Is there potable water available at the camp sites?
There is not. We do not provide water at the campsites. We do have water available at the Nature Center, your check-in location.
Where are the bathrooms?
There is a primitive latrine near Woodbadge Lodge. The Troop is responsible to bring toilet paper. We can also arrange to leave the Nature Center unlocked during your stay so that you can access the indoor bathrooms.
How far are the sites from the Nature Center parking lot?
The Lookout Point campsite is are approximately one half mile from the parking lot of our Nature Center. The Woodbadge Lodge campsite is approximately one mile from the Nature Center.
How do we get our car up to the camping location?
You may tow your scout trailer through the preserve to Woodbadge Lodge or Look Out Point. All other vehicles are to remain at the Nature Center. Please do not drive or park other vehicles on other routes or surrounding roads.
Are Scouts allowed to set up tents anywhere?
Tents are allowed only at the two designated campsites; Lookout Point and Woodbagde Lodge. Tents are to be set up away from nearby trails so as to not interfere with hikers and visitors.
Are there platforms to set the tents upon?
No, there are no platforms.
Are there picnic tables at the site?
Tents are allowed only at the two designated campsites; Lookout Point and Woodbagde Lodge. Tents are to be set up away from nearby trails so as to not interfere with hikers and visitors.
Do you have rules concerning building a fire? Can the Scouts scavenge for firewood in the nearby woods?
A permit to burn an open fire is required. Secure a fire permit from the New Jersey Forest Fire service or Mendham Township fire official and forward Schiff a copy prior to the date of the event. Troops may bring local, New Jersey firewood or use fallen trees in the immediate area. Please keep in mind that, to prevent the spread of invasive, damaging insects, NJ state law permits the moving of wood over state lines. Fires are to be set in fire pits provided at the campsite.
Are there a trash can / dumpster for trash? A recycling receptacle?
There is no trash or recycling containers at the sites. All trash and recycling is to be taken off the nature preserve with you. Please leave no trace.
In the event of severe weather, where should we go for cover?
In addition to the access to the Nature Center, you may request access codes to enter the Woodbadge Lodge for cover use in extreme weather only.
Do you have an electronic copy of your trail map?
You can click here for a PDF version of our trail map. Viewing the map on your smart phone could prove problematic as wifi is spotty.
When is the earliest time to arrive for camping?
The Preserve is open from dawn to dusk. Schiff requests that all groups provide Schiff with a 3-hour window for arrivals and departures in order to ensure that the Schiff greeter will be available to welcome you to the Preserve. The Schiff greeter will review the camping rules and direct your group to the campsites via the best route from the Nature Center.
When is the latest time the Scouts should depart by on Sunday?
Arrival and departure times are flexible and determined case by case.
Will the main entry and exit gates be open should a Scout need to arrive late on Sat night or leave early on Sun morning?
The gates will be open during the entire period of your stay.
