WEEKEND

Backwoods Engineering

WEEKEND Backwoods Engineering

By Appointment, September through December & March through June.

Does your Troop love to lash?
Do you want to build cool projects like bridges, towers, catapults, rafts, and more, but lack the materials or experience?
Do your Scouts want to learn about engineering principles like tension, compression, shear, trusses, and the six simple machines?

Weekend Backwoods Engineering is an opportunity for entire units to build large pioneering projects that they may not have the materials or comfort level to tackle on their own. We provide all of the materials that you will need and experienced staff members to guide the troop as it builds the project.

Projects Your Troop Can Build

We can help you build most any project that your troop can conceive, provided that you have enough manpower to do the necessary work. Some projects that other troops have chosen to build are shown below. Other projects are shown and linked to on our Resources page. If you want to build a project that isn’t shown here or in one of the plans on the resources page, we will need two weeks lead time to work out the design.

WEEKEND Backwoods Engineering FAQs

Q: How do I sign my troop up for Weekend Backwoods Engineering?

A: Please contact Mike Loughman at Michael.Loughman@scouting.org or 973-765-9322 x 226.

Q: What is the cost?

A: Weekend Backwoods Engineering programs cost $35 per Scout for a full day program. There is no charge for adults. There are no age or rank restrictions. There is no minimum group size, but there is a minimum charge of $250 for groups smaller than seven Scouts.

Q: What can our troop build?

A: Anything your Scouts want, so long as the group is an appropriate size to do the necessary work. Look at the photos on this page and the links on the Resources page for inspiration. If you want to build something not shown in a photograph or plan on our website please give us at least two weeks lead time to work out the design.

Q: Do we need to bring anything with us?

A: In addition to what you would normally bring to an outdoor activity, each Scout should bring work gloves and wear sturdy footwear. We will break for about 1 hour for lunch, so you may want to plan a trail lunch.

Q: Is there an age or rank requirement to participate in Weekend Backwoods Engineering?

A: No.

Q: Does the program fee include overnight camping?

A: No. If you also want to camp overnight, you will need to reserve a campsite or cabin.

Sign Up Today!

Weekend Backwoods Engineering programs cost $35 per youth for a full day program. There is no charge for adults. There are no age or rank restrictions. There is no minimum group size, but there is a minimum charge of $250 for groups smaller than seven youth. The program cost does not include overnight camping. If you're interested in overnight camping, click here to make a reservation. Every participant should bring work gloves and wear sturdy footwear. We will break for one hour for lunch, so you may want to plan a trail lunch. Questions? Take a look at the FAQs tab. To sign up or ask questions contact Carl Zipper: Carl.Zipper@gmail.com or 973-309-3350