Camp No Be Bo Sco

Submitted by Roland Roberts on Thu, 10/08/2015 - 18:00
  • Web Site: https://www.nobebosco.org/
  • Council: Northern New Jersey
  • Booking: 201-677-1000
  • Address: 11 Sand Pond Rd, Hardwick, NJ 07825
  • Location: 41.0607578, -74.946007
  • Cost: See council web site. Depending on the season, a deposit on cabins for propane heating costs may be required ($50 in Oct 2015). If you don't use the propane, the deposit will be returned.

In Camp Activities

Archery and Rifle

These require 3-week advance notification even if you are bringing your own RSO. RSO credentials have to be sent in advance and verified by camp staff.

Athletics

There are at least two fields suitable for team sports, the actual athletics field and the flag/assembly field. Bring your own equipment.

Fishing

Sand Pond is on (private) camp property so no fishing license is required. 

Hiking

There are several smaller 1-2 mile in-camp trails as well as pamphlets for a nature hike or historical hike.

Orienteering

Like most camps, they claim to have an orienteering course. Like most camps, what they have is a box of materials you can use to set up a course. If you want to do an orienteering course, you will need to arrive early and set it up yourself. They do not have any large open fields where one can do a 1-mile course. You will need to scout out a loop through the woods. Note that area around Jacksonburg Creek on the northeast section of the property has been extremely swampy in the past making this a difficult area for the course (at least without getting your feet wet). Any caches/markers you place for the course should clearly be marked as such; we've had problems with other campers picking up "trash" and removing the markers.

Nearby Activities

Astronomy

Jenny Jump State Forest is home to one of the United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey's observatory and club office. There are weekly meetings with guest speakers on Saturday nigh April-October. Cost is $50 for 25 people. With advance notice, they can arrange a special observing program for you. The parking lot at No Be Bo Sco is very dark and well suited to astronomy as well.

Hiking

  • 5-mile loop to Catfish Fire Tower on Appalachian Trail. This is a difficult hike for younger scouts. Plan on spending 30 minutes at the fire tower. Older scouts will be able to complete the hike in about 3 yours, younger scouts may take up to 5 (times include the stop at the tower).
  • 13-mile loop to Coppermine Trail Head and abandoned mine. This is an all day hike and should only be done by older scouts due to both the difficulty and length.