Scout Kayaking Badge Days 2026

Book here for your scout troop's date for kayaking merit badges.

BSA Scouts ages 12 and up, and GSUSA Senior Scouts grades 9-10 can take this workshop to achieve their kayaking badges. Our staff merit badge counselor (ACA L1 Kayak Instructor) will work with your scouts to achieve the requirements based on the badge guidelines.

The workshop will take place at Van Buskirk Island Park. All scouts will be using sea kayaks. Price includes kayak rental, PFD, and paddle.

Morning Shedule: 9:30-12:30 – GSUSA scouts
Afternoon Schedule: 1:30 - 5:30 – BSA scouts

• Scouts should be prepared to get wet, and bring dry clothes to change into.
• Shoes should be well fitting and not fall off in the water (no flip flops or crocs).
• If the weather is chilly, a waterproof windbreaker is advised.
• Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray and a hat.
• BSA Scouts should bring their Blue Cards and completed workbooks.
• Class is limited to 4 participants.
  

Class covers all the criteria as required for kayaking within the BSA Merit Badge series and GSUSA Senior Paddling Badge guidelines. For more info click here.

Prerequisites:

• All scouts must have studied their badge criteria
• Passed any required swim tests
• BSA scouts must have already completed their workbooks, and bring their blue cards pre-signed by their scout master.

Leaders must provide proof of their scouts' Swimmer's Tests.

Leaders are responsible for their scouts during lessons and all merit badge activities both on- and in-water. An approved adult leader must be in attendance and on the water with us.

**AGE REQUIREMENTS: Kayaking badge workshop is for BSA scouts ages 12 and up and GSUSA scouts grades 9-10. An approved adult leader must kayak with scouts during all in-water activities. Our ACA instructor is certified in CPR and first aid.

Note: for GSUSA scouts, Step 5 (Take your paddling skills to the next level) can be arranged separately, depending on what challenge your scouts want to take on.

Tuition:

BSA Badge: $75 per scout, for 4 hour class
GSA Badge: $60 per scout, 3 hours
Scoutmaster or Leader boat rental $20

Workshops are limited to 4 students per date

*Enrollment must be purchased up front. If your troop's requirement is to be invoiced, email paddling@hackensackriverkeeper.org and we'll arrange an invoice for you.

*For canoeing or SUP specific badges, we'll be happy to provide our facilities, but we do not have counselors accredited. Please secure the assistance of a canoe or SUP badge counselor and then contact paddling@hackensackriverkeeper.org to reserve a date.

Refund policy: We do not honor refunds for No-Shows. If you cannot make your date/time we can transfer your ticket to another available date with enough advance notice. If you wish to get a refund for a date you cannot attend, we require you contact us at least 24 hours beforehand. If weather is predicted to be inclement (thundertorms, high winds, too cold) we will refund you the night before or within 2 hours of your timeslot.