Conservation Weekend

Join us for a weekend event dedicated to conservation and learning. The 2026 Conservation Weekend will be held from November 13 - 15 at Camp Woodruff.

This weekend offers something for every scout. There are 3 sessions available to fill with your choice of 19 Merit Badges, conservation projects and other trainings. All sessions will be staffed by dynamic instructors that are experts in their field. Some sessions will fill up faster than others, so register today!  This event also includes a conservation themed workshop Saturday evening with games and information that will end in a fun cracker barrel for everyone.

Registration Opens May 2026!  

Need help with registration?

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New! Angling Educator

Angling Educator is a national course taught by a BSA Certified Angling Instructor. Angling Educators learn age-based and skills-appropriate fishing tools and techniques for simple cane pole and spin cast fishing. It prepares leaders to teach fishing skills, and plan and run fishing events for their troop, district, or council.

New! Earth Tribe Challenge

The Earth Tribe is a global community of young people who are passionate about the environment and actively engaged as a global citizens to preserve and protect our planet.  The Earth Tribe guides young people on an educational journey to develop the awareness, competencies and leadership skills necessary to create environmental change in their communities.  Through a series of exciting Earth Tribe Challenges, young people learn how to connect with nature, become champions for sustainability, and engage in taking action for the environment.  To be a member of the Earth Tribe is a personal commitment to improve the health of the planet and make the world a better place

Conservation Service Project – Tools & Trails

The Conservation Service Tools & Trails program builds on the Conservation Service Project with a focus specifically on the tools used for trial maintenance and upkeep. Scouts and Adults will be instructed on ethical use of conservation tools like the pickax; spade; bow saw; cross-cut saw; loppers; McLeod, and Pulaski. Then, participants will put their new skills to work on Woodruff’s trails. Scouts fully participating in this 3-hour session may complete the National Outdoor Award Conservation Segment Requirement #2.

Conservation Service Project 

The Conservation Service Project is a 3-hour project slot for completing conservation-related service projects at Woodruff. Scouts and Adults will have the opportunity to participate in projects like clearing invasive species; treating hemlocks for disease; updating the forestry trail installed in 2022; planting new trees, and other opportunities. Scouts and Adults are welcome to sign up for more than one project time slot.

Conservation Scout Skills

The Conservation Scout Skills program is specifically for those Scouts who are new to Scouts BSA, or who have limited experience with conservation skills. Basic Scout Skills related to conservation form the basis of the program. Scouts will be instructed and have hands-on opportunities related to the Scout – First Class rank requirements in Outdoor Code, Leave No Trace principals, low-impact camping, environmental issues, identification of poisonous or hazardous plants, signs of wildlife, and more.

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Instructions to Get Merit Badge Reports

Conservation and Scouting America have been partners for a long time. Camping, hiking, and respect for the outdoors are a part of the Scouting heritage. Many of the requirements for advancement from Tenderfoot through Eagle Scout rank call for an increasing awareness and understanding of the natural sciences. Many former Scouts have become leaders in conserving our environment and protecting it from abuse. Right now Scouts are involved in learning about environmental problems and actively working to make a difference.

Age Restrictions

All Scouts BSA registered Scouts are eligible to attend Conservation Weekend. We recommend that Scouts not attending with their troop be at least 13 years of age. Some merit badges offered have age restrictions. Any Scouts under 13 must bring an adult (either an adult leader or parent) with them to Conservation Weekend. All adults must register as either an adult participant or as staff. All adults must be currently registered members of the BSA with Youth Protection training and show current certification upon request during the weekend. 

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancellations must be in writing. Cancellation requested before October 10, 2025 will receive a 100% refund of the registration fee.  No refunds are given if a cancellation is requested after October 10, 2025.

No-shows, or registrants who do not submit a written explanation for cancellations, will not be eligible for a refund. Refunds cannot be deferred or transferred to other programs.

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Fun with Outdoor Ethics

This year at the Conservation Weekend, please join us to learn about the scouting impact on the lands and everyday scouting.  Treading lightly on the land is a key principle of the outdoor ethics.  Each of us can learn the principals of Leave No Trace and implementing it in our units.  We will be reviewing how to use modern technology such as the Drones in the outdoors using the principals of Leave No Trace.  There will be fun group and individual activities to learn, practice, and teach the skills to others.  A Scout is ethically bound to protect the environments we use extensively and you can do your part!  Become an Ethics Advocate and connect the dots!

See attachment for more information!

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Certified Angler Instructor Training

The Certified Angler Instructor (CAI) Training equips leaders to provide quality fishing programs and activities, teach Scouts how to enjoy fishing and fly fishing, and helps them to be confident in their skills as anglers and instructors. Participants will learn age-appropriate skills and techniques for Scouts and Venturers as well as gaining an understanding of best practices for sharing their wealth of knowledge. Leaders who take this course qualify as fishing and fly fishing merit badge counselors.