SCOUTING
Girl Scouts
Badge Classes
We offer multiple badge classes for Daisies, Brownies, Juniors and Cadettes, which may be scheduled for your troop upon request.
Service Hours and Projects
Whether your troop wants to complete meaningful service hours or has a scout looking to complete a service project, including Silver, we have plenty of options just waiting for Girl Scouts to lend a hand!
Tent Camping & Campfires
- DO NOT bring any outside firewood, as this may contribute to the spread of destructive invasive insects. Several recently introduced insects - including the Spotted Lanternfly, Emerald ash borer, Asian long-horned beetle, and Sirex woodwasp – can be transported long distances in/on firewood. Once transported into new areas they can become established and kill local trees.
- There will be an ample supply of firewood and kindling onsite in our covered woodshed.
- Please review our Camping & Campfire Policies and Ground Rules before reserving, and be sure to follow them once onsite.
Facility Rentals
Our outdoor facilities are the perfect spot to hold your troop meetings and other events. We also offer a discount off the regular, single day rental fee for troops wishing to reserve multiple dates for their ongoing activities. Learn more about our facilities and see pricing.
Guided Hike
Our staff is first aid/CPR certified and ready to lead your group on a forest exploration. Our 152-acre property in the Highlands Region of northern NJ features a mountain stream, rugged terrain, diverse forest, ruins, and some nice viewpoints.
- Up to 3 hours
- $150 minimum fee for up to 10 people (scouts and/or adults); additional $12/person over 10, up to 20 person maximum
- To schedule, contact us at: staff@highlandsnaturefriends.org, or call 973-835-2160
Maple Sugaring!
Schedule a 90 minute private maple sugaring program for your troop! Learn about the process, history, and ecology of maple sap & syrup. We'll take a short hike to learn about winter tree ID, sap ecology, and tree biology, and discuss the history of tree tapping and some of the many things sap is used for. We'll visit our tapped trees where we'll learn how to tap, collect and taste the sap, then see how the evaporator works. Finally, we'll finish with a syrup taste test, of course!
- Available on weekdays or weekends, mid February through mid-March.
- Non-refundable. In case of inclement weather, program will be rescheduled.
- $150 minimum fee for up to 10 people (includes scouts and leaders/parents); additional $14/person over 10, up to 20 person maximum.
- To schedule, contact us at: staff@highlandsnaturefriends.org, or call 973-835-2160
We LOVE welcoming ALL types and levels of Scouts to The New Weis Center!
Here are some of the program and activity options we offer for the Scouting community:
- Overnight tent camping, with outdoor privy and access to indoor restrooms. Includes firecircle; wood supplied onsite.
- Firecircle with rustic seating for campfire ceremonies and special occasions.
- Facility rentals: covered pavilion, picnic grove, recreation field, indoor classrooms, and large multi-purpose room for troop meetings and events.*
- Additional recreation options include gaga ball, volleyball and ping pong.*
- Year-round scout programs and badge classes (virtual and in-person).
- Guided nature observation hikes - daytime and night hikes are available!
- We also have projects - large and small - perfect for your troop's service projects (including Eagle).
We also welcome and provide programs for Homeschool and BPSA scouting groups!
Contact us to schedule a private badge class for your troop.
You are welcome to partner with another troop(s) or let us know and we'll open registration to fill the program.
Boy Scouts of America
Badge Classes - Scouts BSA
Scouts BSA can sign-up for our scheduled badge classes individually or with other troop members. We also encourage Scoutmasters to schedule a private class for your troop.
Badge Classes - Cub Scouts
Badges for all levels may be scheduled for your troop upon request.
Service Hours and Projects
We have a range of projects that are ideal for community and conservation service hours, and larger projects for Life & Eagle Scouts.