Book here for your scout troop's date for kayaking merit badges. Our staff BSA merit badge counselor (ACA L1 Kayak Instructor) will work with your scouts to achieve the requirements for the kayaking merit badge.
The workshop will take place at Van Buskirk Island Park. All scouts will be using sea kayaks. Price includes kayak rental, PFD, and paddle.
- 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 and a hat.
- Scouts should bring their worksheets and Blue Cards.
Class covers all the criteria as noted for Kayaking in the BSA Merit Badge series. For more info click here. Prerequisites: All scouts must have studied the Kayaking badge criteria, begun completing their workbooks, and have completed their Swimmer's test. 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. A YPT adult leader must be in attendance and on the water with us.
**AGE REQUIREMENTS: Kayaking badge workshop is for ages 12 and up. A YPT adult leader must kayak with scouts during all in-water activities. Our staff YPT with CPR and first aid will be present.
Cost $90 per scout, for 4 hour class
Class is limited to 5 students per date
YPT leader boat rental $30
*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.
Badge dates are for kayaking. For canoeing, please secure the assistance of a canoe 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.
