Conservation Weekend
Join us for a weekend event dedicated to conservation and learning. The 2023 Conservation Weekend will be held from November 10 - 12 at Camp Woodruff. 19 Merit Badges will be offered, Scouts will have the opportunity to enroll in up to three (3) merit badges from our dynamic instructors!
This event includes a conservation-themed workshop with games and information on how to create, execute and document a conservation project.
New! 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.
New! Outdoor Ethics Awareness
The Outdoor Ethics Awareness program is for Scouts and adults hoping to learn more about Outdoor Ethics and Leave No Trace. Scouts and Adults completing this class and the related online training courses from Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly may fulfill the requirements of the Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award.
New! 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.
Instructions to Get Merit Badge Reports
Conservation and the Boy Scouts of 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, 2023 will receive a 100% refund of the registration fee. No refunds are given if a cancellation is requested after October 10, 2023.
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.
If you would to volunteer for General Staff, Merit Badge Counselor, or Camp Commissioner, please use the staff registration below.
Staff Registration
Leave No Trace Trainer
The Leave No Trace Trainer helps minimize the impact on the land by teaching members the principles of Leave No Trace and improving Scouts’ outdoor ethics decision-making skills. The senior patrol leader may appoint a Scout, 14 years or older who has successfully completed the official 16-hour Leave No Trace Trainer training course, to serve as the troop Leave No Trace Trainer. A Scout under the age of 14, or who has not completed Leave No Trace Trainer training, may serve as an instructor teaching Leave No Trace skills until they obtain the necessary training.
A Scouts BSA or Venturer may take any 16-hour Leave No Trace Trainer course from a Leave No Trace Master Educator to qualify for the Troop or Crew position of responsibility. The BSA is seeking to have one or more BSA-affiliated Master Educators in each council to provide this training. Information on courses available in the local area should be available from the local council’s Outdoor Ethics Advocate.
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.