Scouts BSA & Cub Scout programs

SCHEDULE a camping trip, campfire,
hike, meeting or other Scout event

Scouts BSA Merit Badge Classes

Individual scouts from any troop may register for a public badge class (see below)

OR leaders may schedule a group class for their troop on a date of their choosing

Badges Offered and Pre-requisites*

Citizenship in the Community | 4 hrs | Pre-requisites #3a, #4 a,b, #5, #7 a,b,c, #8
Citizenship in the Nation | 4 hrs | Pre-requisites #5, #6, #7 (scouts choose two), #8
Citizenship in the World | 4 hrs | Pre-requisites #4c, #7a, #7b
Communication | 4 hrs | Pre-requisites #1a, #3 (write speech), #5, #6, #8, #9
Environmental Science | 3 1/2 hrs | Pre-requisites #3e1 or 3e2 (scout’s choice); #3f1 or 3f2 (scout’s choice); #6
Forestry | 4 hrs | Pre-requisites #5 a or b or c, #8
Geocaching | 3 hrs | Pre-requisites #3 (five additional terms), #8d, #9
Geology | 4 hrs | Pre-requisite #4b
Landscape Architecture | 4 hrs | Pre-requisites #1, #5
Nature | 5 hrs | Pre-requisites #4a-2
Plant Science | 4 1/2 hrs | Pre-requisites #7, #8 option 3d (bring photos or sample); #8 option 3e
Pulp and Paper | 4 hrs | Pre-requisites #6, #7e, #8
Soil and Water Conservation | 4 hrs | Pre-requisites #7d, AND scout's choice of #7e or 7f
Coming in 2025: Sustainability & Wood Carving - plus the Totin' Chip for Wood Carving badge

*Pre-requisites should be done in advance and will be reviewed and discussed during the in-person class.

Please bring any notes, reports, documents, photos or other materials as listed in the official badge handbook for each pre-requisite, to serve as proof of completion.

Fee

Badge classes are $35 per scout, as of 1/1/25

Important Information

ALL Scouts must bring a signed Blue Card to all classes for our Counselors to sign.
ALL Scouts must wear their uniform.
Cell phones will be collected at the beginning of each class, to ensure Scouts give their undivided attention to the badge Counselor.
Instructors: Badges are taught by our certified Counselors who have completed the Youth Protection Training. They are certified through the Northern NJ, BSA Council. Our current Counselors are: Lauren Lynch, Nicole Vaccaro, Peter Lundell, Laney Darmiento
Pre-requisites (if applicable) are listed above. If a Scout cannot complete all pre-requisites prior to class, they can provide proof of completion afterwards and we will sign off digitally (via email).

Public Merit Badge Classes

Open to individual scouts from any troop! A good option for smaller troops or when only a few scouts need a particular badge.
Visit our Events page on Eventbrite to register. Payment is due at the time of registration.
See above for pre-requisites which should be done prior to class.
Scheduled classes
- Sat, Dec 7, 1-5pm - Citizenship in the Community (Eagle required) - SOLD OUT
- Sun, Dec 8, 1-5pm - Soil and Water Conservation - REGISTER NOW!
- Sun, Dec 15, 9am-1pm: Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge (Eagle required) - REGISTER NOW!
- Sun, Jan 5, 1-5pm - Citizenship in the World (Eagle required) - REGISTER NOW!
- Sat, Jan 11, 1-5pm - Environmental Science(Eagle required) - REGISTER NOW!
- Sun, Jan 19, Communication (Eagle required) - REGISTER NOW!

Group registration

Ideal for troops with many scouts who need the same badge.
Leaders can choose a date and time that works best for your troop!
There is a minimum number of scouts required to schedule a class: 6 scouts for Eagle required badges; 8 scouts for non-Eagle badges.
Maximum class size: 18. We encourage smaller troops to partner with another troop to fill the class. We may also open registration to other individual scouts or small troops to fill the class.
Payment in full is due two weeks prior to class. To pay online, click the "Donate" button on the top of this page, or mail a check to:
- The New Weis Center, 150 Snake Den Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456.
Cancellations:
- There is a $35 processing fee to postpone your class with less than two week's notice.
- Cancellation requests received 2 or more weeks in advance will be refunded at the full price, less a $35 processing fee. Refunds are not available with less than 2 week's notice.
Complete this form to request a badge for your troop.

Cub Scouts Badge Classes

NOTE: Cub Scout Programs have been updated to reflect the 2024 changes

Length: Classes run approximately 2 hours (Webelos Walkabout is 2 1/2 - 3 hrs)
Price: $150 minimum fee (up to 10 scouts), additional $14/scout over 10, up to 25 scout maximum.
- We encourage smaller troops to partner with another troop to fill the class. We may schedule another small troop to fill the class.
Scheduling: Classes are scheduled upon request for a troop(s); please complete this form to request a badge for your troop.
Instructors: Badges are taught by our education team of trained adult staff.
Payment: Payment in full is due two weeks prior to the date of the class. You may pay online by clicking the "Donate" button on the top of this page, or by mailing a check to:
- The New Weis Center, 150 Snake Den Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456
Cancellation policy: Cancellations requested two or more weeks in advance will be refunded at the full price, minus a $35 processing fee. Refunds are not available with less than two week's notice.

Complete this form to request a badge for your troop.

Badges Offered

Lions (K)

Mountain Lion - Become a hiking expert as we learn preparedness and safety for a hike on the trails. Then we will set off to explore what lives in the forest, and how we can respect them and their habitats.

Tigers (1st)

Tigers in the Wild

Wolves (2nd)

Paws on the Path

Bears (3rd)

Coming soon...

Webelos (4th)

Walkabout (2 1/2 - 3 hrs) - Grab your hiking gear to embark on a three mile trail adventure. We will make a healthy trail snack to bring with us, as we reach scenic overlooks and mountain peaks along our journey.
Earth Rocks! - New Jersey is an awesome place to learn about geology, so join us as we take a closer look at the rocks that make up our mountains, and the minerals within! We will find some huge boulders and discuss how they got here, and use magnifiers to take a closer look at the minerals that compose them.

Arrow of Light (5th)

Coming soon...

Interested in programs for Girl Scouts?Click here

We also welcome and provide programs for Homeschool Scouting groups!

Contact us to schedule a private class for your troop. $150 minimum fee (up to 10 scouts), additional $14/scout over 10, up to 25 scout maximum.

Camping, Facility Rentals, Badges, Service Hours & Projects

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 bring your own firestarter.
Please review our Camping & Campfire Policies and Ground Rules before reserving, and be sure to follow them once onsite.

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 $14/person over 10, up to 25 person maximum

Facility Rentals

Our outdoor facilities are the perfect spot to hold your troop meetings and other events, including a covered pavilion with picnic tables, tent and cabin camping, campfire circle with rustic seating, main activity room, and recreation field. We also offer a discount off the standard, single day rental fee for troops wishing to reserve multiple dates. Learn more about our facilities and see pricing.

SERVICE PROJECTS

Scouts have completed many service hours working on much needed garden and grounds work at The New Weis Center, including parking lot and seasonal cleanups, and clean-out of outbuildings. We are grateful to have been chosen as the site for many larger rank projects as well, including Life and Eagle Scout. There is still much work to be done, and plenty of projects - large and small - just waiting for the right Scouts! Contact us to schedule service hours or an individual or troop project.

Future Eagle projects - just waiting for the right Scout!

Renovate 1-room cabins; may include minor repairs (windows/doors/screens), refinishing floors, cleaning, landscaping. painting (interior/exterior)
Build and install front door overhangs for 2 of our 1-room cabins
Build wood bunk beds for our 1-room cabins; may include landscaping around the cabin as needed and/or invasive species removal
Build and install 6 rustic wood benches; includes site preparation (rake, weed, woodchip) and invasive species removal
Build and install up to 6 rustic wood picnic tables; includes site preparation (rake, weed, woodchip) and invasive species removal
Build and install a rustic covered gazebo for near our 1-room cabins
Design and build a wooden footbridge to replace an existing one
Design (in collaboration with the Director), build and install rustic, nature or historical signage to educate visitors and program participants
Create a winding pathway and post & rope railing, leading from the group campsite to latrines, and spruce up existing latrines

In-process Eagle projects:

2024: Sam Earle - Troop 86, Bloomingdale, NJ: Cabin #168 rehab and repair.

Completed Eagle projects:

2024: Matthew Friscia - Troop 34, Franklin Lakes, NJ: Build and install 6 rustic wood benches at our Cherry group campsite; remove invasive plant species from the sensory garden area.
2024: Matthew Bogush - Troop 388, Pompton Lakes, NJ: Create a new gravel picnic area; build and install 3 picnic tables; includes debris removal and site preparation.
2024: Ben Gray - Troop 114, West Milford, NJ: Build and install front door overhangs for 2 of our 1-room cabins.
2023: Julia Schnibbe - Troop 44G, West Milford, NJ: Create a pollinator habitat entrance garden, including plantings and solitary bee house.
2023: Alexander Silva - Troop 73, Haworth, NJ: Rehab exterior of cabins #1 & #2, including scraping, repairs, landscaping and painting.
2023: Joe Mirabella - Troop 86, Bloomingdale, NJ: Rehab cabin.
2023: Ethan Tornow - Troop 159, Hewitt, NJ: Build and install 3 modular tent camping platforms in Maple group campsite.
2022: Joey Carbon - Troop 104, Wayne, NJ: Rehab cabin #170, including repairs to screens, windows, doors, overhang; painting; landscaping.
2022: Sophia Perri - Troop 71G, Leonia, NJ: Exterior rehab of 4 small cabins. Includes: removing mold, scraping, sanding and painting.
2022: Declan Sturm - Troop 159, Venture Crew 289, Wayne, NJ: Rehab cabin #172, including floors, screens, painting.
2022: Will Young - Troop 142, Oradell, NJ: Clear and woodchip a new outdoor classroom space; build and install 6 rustic wood benches.
2022: Sam Seminara: Troop 76, Ringwood, NJ: Build and install 6 rustic wood benches.
2021: Ryan Slamiak: Troop 114, West Milford, NJ: Site prep, invasive species removal, build and install 6 picnic tables.
2021: Gavin Fondaco - Hewitt, NJ: Design and install informational signage around the property.
2021: Antonio Berardi - Ringwood, NJ: Rehab cabin #169, including floors, door, screens, painting.
2021: Brett Huber - West Milford, NJ: Rehab cabin #166, including doors, shelves, desk, screens.
2021: Maximilian Phalon - Troop 76, Ringwood, NJ: Repairs to cabins #162 and #163, including sanding, staining and installing new screen doors. Also landscaping around cabins.
2021: Ankit Vershese - Troop 49, Oakland, NJ: Build and install roof drainage system under the back deck.
2021: Nick Calabrese - Troop 76, Ringwood, NJ: Build and install 6 rustic wood benches for back deck.
2021: Dylan Solis - Troop 76, Ringwood, NJ: Rehab cabin #175, including floor, windows, doors.
2021: Jack Bricca-Hall - Troop 157, Midland Park, NJ: Create a new firecircle & camping area, including a woodshed with rainbarrel, rustic log seating and invasive plant removal.
2020: Andrew Stasion - Troop 132, Wanaque, NJ: Rehab under-deck space; clean, create footpath, install sink.
2020: Thomas Bloodgood - Troop 388, Pompton Lakes, NJ: Rehab cabin #164, including cleaning, repairing window screens, painting, installing new screen door.
2020: Jonathan Kravits - Troop 213, Saddle Brook, NJ: Build and install 6 wood picnic tables (completed); Rehab cabin #171, including floor, windows, door.
2020: Michael Martucci - Troop 133, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Build and install a wood tool shed near the camping and firecircle area.
2020: James Vidal - Troop 132, Wanaque, NJ: Create a new circular seating area on a path near the main building; build and install 6 rustic wood benches.
2018-2019: Matthew Cahill - Troop 388, Pompton Lakes, NJ: Built Clivus Multrum composting toilet from a kit.
2019: Charles Asteris - Troop 133, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Built a covered woodshed for firewood for the fire circle; relocated and rebuilt the fire ring; install signage.
2018-2019: Nick Wheeler - Troop 388, Pompton Lakes, NJ: Designed, built and installed a rustic fence for the pollinator butterfly garden.
2019: Chris DeMaio - Troop 132, Wanaque, NJ: Rehab cabin #165, including cleaning; repairing window screens; painting; installing new screen door; landscaping.
2018-2019: Chris Ahearn - Troop 49, Oakland, NJ: Rehab cabin #162, including cleaning; repairing window screens; painting; installing new screen door.
2018: Matt Scherreik - Troop 388, Pompton Lakes, NJ: Rehab the latrine, including repairs and painting.
2018: Ethan Dispoto - Troop 76, Ringwood, NJ: Rehab cabin #163, including cleaning and re-staining floors; painting walls, trim and door; landscaping.
2018: Jeremy Strube - Troop 132, Wanaque, NJ: Built and installed a gaga ball pit.
2017: Gryffin Leeds - Troop 76, Ringwood, NJ: Rehab cabin #167, including cleaning & staining floor; painting interior walls & exterior trim and door.
2017: Peter Pascarella - Troop 213, Saddle Brook, NJ: Built and installed 10 bat houses.
2016: Joseph Scherreik - Troop 388, Pompton Lakes, NJ: Built and installed an information and welcome kiosk.

Completed Life projects:

2020 - Matt Williams - Troop 132, Wanaque, NJ: Install 2 dog waste stations
2020 - Seamus Burke - clean trash and debris from vernal pool
2020 - Bobby - Troop 132, Wanaque, NJ: remove gravel from gaga pit

SCOUTS BSA & CUB SCOUTS

Here are some of the programs and activity options we offer for the Scouting America community:

Camping: two separate group tent camping areas (Cherry and Maple), each with a firecircle, stocked and covered woodshed, picnic tables, rustic benches and log seating, and access to indoor restrooms. We also have 14 one room cabins (each sleeps 2-4) for year-round overnight options.
Facility rentals: covered pavilion, picnic grove, recreation field, indoor classrooms, and large multi-purpose room for troop meetings and events.
Year-round programs, including badge classes and seasonal programs (pumpkin chunkin' and maple sugaring) and guided hikes (day or night)
Service hours and projects: we have a range of options for conservation and community service hour requirements (including Eagle and Life).

SCHEDULE a Badge Program
for your troop/pack!

Payments and Donations

The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation | 150 Snake Den Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456 | 973-835-2160

Owned and operated by the Highlands Nature Friends, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization