Boy Scout Merit Badge Day: Forestry
November 14, 2026 · 9:00 AM · Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, 1700 Hawk Mountain Rd, Kempton · For scouts; limited to 60 participants
About the event
Scouts spend a full day in the woods at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary working toward the Forestry merit badge, guided by Hawk Mountain educators and certified merit badge counselors. The group works through the badge requirements together, with the goal of finishing by the end of the day.
The setting does a lot of the teaching. The sanctuary spans roughly 2,615 acres along the Kittatinny Ridge on Blue Mountain, and its eight-mile trail system, scenic overlooks and native plant garden give scouts plenty of forest to study firsthand. Forestry badge work centers on hands-on field observation, including identifying tree, shrub and vine species, examining signs of insect or disease damage, and learning what forest management and conservation involve. Scouts also explore forest ecosystems and careers in forestry.
Mid-November on the ridge brings fall color and crisp air, and the day doubles as a chance for scouts from different troops to meet and work alongside one another. Families should plan for time outdoors on uneven terrain and dress for the weather.
