Scouting America Garden State Council

What Scouting America Garden State Council does

Scouting America Garden State Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit local council of Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) headquartered at 693 Rancocas Rd., Westampton, New Jersey. The council serves approximately 5,000-5,700 youth annually across six South Jersey counties — Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem — through five core programs: Cub Scouts (grades K-5), Scouts BSA (ages 11-17), Venturing (ages 14-20), Sea Scouting (ages 14-20), and Exploring (ages 14-20). It employs 13 staff members and operates through a network of chartered community organizations (churches, schools, civic groups) that host local Packs, Troops, Crews, and Ships. Program technology relies on the national Scouting America stack — My.Scouting.org for training and registration and Scoutbook for merit badge counselor lists and advancement tracking.

The council monetizes through five revenue streams: recurring annual membership fees (national registration plus Council Program Fee), donations and fundraising (Friends of Scouting annual giving, James E. West Fellowship, Distinguished Citizens Awards, Women of Achievement Awards), product sales (Trails End popcorn, Camp Card coupon program), camp fees (Cub Scout day camps, Kuweike Trek Camp, summer camp at preferred partner Ockanickon Scout Reservation), and event fundraising (Golf Classic, Sporting Clays Classic, Vacation Raffle, Legacy Bricks). Two physical Scout Shops in Millville and Westampton plus an exclusive 2025-launched online store handle merchandise sales. Pricing examples include a $2,250 National Jamboree 2026 fee and a $350 Kuweike Trek Camp fee.

Garden State Council owns and operates three physical camp properties: Pine Hill Scout Reservation (Pine Hill, NJ), Roosevelt Scout Reservation, and Pine Tree Education & Environmental Center (Wharton State Forest). Notable partnerships include a presenting sponsorship with Associated Builders and Contractors of New Jersey for the Scouting for Food drive (115,000+ pounds collected in 2025), food bank partnerships, the Hovnanian Scholarship Fund (over $112,000 awarded since 1998), and the Eagle Scout Alumni Association. The council maintains affiliated sub-brands including Lenape Lodge 8 (Order of the Arrow honor society) and offers financial assistance covering $63,267 in registration aid, $28,350 in camperships, and $77,627 in ScoutReach investments over five years.

Name

Scouting America Garden State Council

Legal name

Garden State Council, Boy Scouts of America

Website

https://gardenstatescouting.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1910

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Scouting America Garden State Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit local council serving approximately 5,000-5,700 youth annually across six South Jersey counties through Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring programs, operating three camp properties and a network of chartered community organization units.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Development Programs

NAICS

RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps (7212), RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps (72121)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Academic Enrichment Camps (General Studies) (EDAMALAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Group Camping & Scout Camps (THAGAOAI), Youth Multi-Sport Camps (General Athletics, Summer Camps) (MPAKAJAA)

Keywords

• Youth development programs
• Scouting programs
• Outdoor education
• Camp programs
• Youth leadership training

Headquarters

HQ city

Westampton, New Jersey

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Annual Membership Fees: Annual registration fees for youth and adult members that include national BSA registration and Council Program Fee. Provides access to tent camping at Council properties, Scout Shop discounts, and University of Scouting.
2. Donations and Fundraising: Friends of Scouting annual giving, Distinguished Citizens Award events, Women of Achievement Awards, James E. West Fellowship endowment donations, ScoutReach financial assistance, and general appeals/donations.
3. Product Sales: Trails End Popcorn sales (year-round online sales), Camp Card sales ($5 discount coupons sold March-May with 50% credit to Scouts), and merchandise through Scout Shops and online store.
4. Camp Fees: Day camp registration, Trek Camp (Kuweike), summer camp at partner Ockanickon Scout Reservation, and Jamboree participation fees including travel and uniform components.
5. Event Fundraising: Golf Classic, Sporting Clays Classic, ShopRite LPGA Classic, Vacation Raffle, Legacy Bricks program, and Planned Giving opportunities generate revenue through sponsorship, ticket sales, and donations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Garden State Council delivers year-round youth development Scouting programs (Cub Scouts K-5, Scouts BSA 11-17, Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring) across six South Jersey counties through chartered community units. The council operates three camp properties (Pine Hill Scout Reservation, Roosevelt Scout Reservation, Pine Tree Education & Environmental Center) supporting summer day camps, resident camps, and Pine Barrens treks, with a merit badge program covering 137 topics and rank progression from Scout to Eagle.

Product overview

Scouting America Garden State Council is a nonprofit youth organization serving six New Jersey counties with a comprehensive portfolio of Scouting programs including Cub Scouts (grades K-5), Scouts BSA (ages 11-17), Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring. The organization operates three camp properties: Pine Hill Scout Reservation, Roosevelt Scout Reservation, and Pine Tree Education & Environmental Center. Additional offerings include merit badge counseling, advancement tracking from Scout to Eagle Scout, financial assistance through Camperships, annual fundraising programs (Camp Cards, Trails End Popcorn), training programs (University of Scouting, Wood Badge, NYLT), scholarship opportunities, and recognition awards. The council also runs specialty programs including the Kuweike Trek Camp Pine Barrens adventure, Philmont Treks, National Jamboree participation, Scouting for Food service project, and Camp Builders volunteer initiative. Fundraising events include Distinguished Citizens Awards and Women of Achievement Awards across six counties. Retail operations include physical Scout Shops and an online store. The organization recently expanded its online presence with a new e-commerce store launched in 2025.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Pine Hill Scout Reservation: Council camp property featuring shooting sports, canoeing, fishing, and outdoor event space with tent sites, lean-tos, and cabins.
• Roosevelt Scout Reservation
• Pine Tree Education & Environmental Center
• Eagle Scout Alumni Association
• Lenape Lodge 8

Products and services

• Cub Scouts Year-round program for boys and girls in grades K-5 (ages 5-10) focused on fun, hands-on learning, character development, and family involvement through den and pack activities.
• Scouts BSA Year-round co-ed program for youth ages 11-17 offering 137 merit badges and diverse indoor/outdoor activities, with the goal of achieving Eagle Scout rank.
• Venturing Youth-led, co-ed adventure program for ages 14-20 focusing on leadership development, outdoor activities, and personal growth through programs like rappelling, shooting sports, robotics, and community service.
• Sea Scouting Co-ed program for ages 14-20 focused on maritime heritage, boating skills, water safety, and outdoor experiences. Units called 'ships' operate on bodies of water across the country.
• Exploring Career-focused mentorship program for co-ed youth ages 14-20 providing opportunities to discover future careers through partnerships with local organizations.
• Cub Scout Day Camp (Camp Roar-A-Saurus) Summer day camp program for Cub Scouts entering 1st-5th grade featuring archery, BB shooting, sports, games, crafts, scout skills, and rank advancements at multiple South Jersey locations.
• Scouts BSA Summer Camp Programs Resident summer camp experiences including collaboration with Ockanickon Scout Reservation (preferred partner) and Joseph A. Citta Scout Reservation, offering 70+ merit badges and traditional camp activities.
• Kuweike Trek Camp Specialty Pine Barrens adventure camp offering hike-bike-canoe treks through Wharton State Forest, including overnight camping, 50+ miles of distance, and the 50 Miler Program Award.
• National Jamboree National Scouting event at Summit Bechtel Reserve featuring 10 days of adventure activities including ziplines, mountain biking, climbing, kayaking, and merit badge opportunities for 15,000+ participants.
• Philmont Trek Program High-adventure backpacking expedition to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico featuring horseback riding, rock climbing, gold panning, and other western-style activities, with council handling travel logistics.
• Campership Program Need-based financial assistance program helping Scouts attend summer camp experiences, covering up to 50% of fees for GSC programs and 25% for out-of-council camps.
• Eagle Scout Alumni Association Scholarship Annual $1,000 scholarship awarded to Eagle Scouts heading to college or technical school, requiring a 1,000-word essay on the meaning of Eagle Scout rank.
• Hovnanian Scholarship Scholarship fund created by Jirair S. Hovnanian for Garden State Council youth pursuing their American Dream through higher education.
• National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Scholarships National scholarship program for NESA member Eagles who are high school seniors or above, with annual application window from December through January.
• Scout Shops Council retail locations offering uniforms, handbooks, spiritwear, camping gear, and Scouting materials, located in Millville and Westampton, NJ.
• Online Store Exclusive online store for customizable gear featuring items not available in physical Scout Shops, launched as part of the council's expanded e-commerce presence.
• Special Needs Scouting Accessibility program providing accommodations, alternative advancement options, and support services for Scouts with disabilities or special needs to fully participate in Scouting.
• University of Scouting Annual supplemental training event for adult volunteers offering courses across Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, and Adventure Scouting programs with a degree system from Associates through Doctorate.
• Wood Badge Advanced leadership training course for adult Scouters focusing on skills, ideal behaviors, and tools for delivering quality Scouting programs.
• National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) Premier youth leadership development training using the patrol method to teach leadership skills to young people ages 13-20.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 5,000-5,700 youth served annually across six South Jersey counties
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Associated Builders and Contractors of New Jersey (ABC-NJ)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor for Scouting for Food annual food drive campaign. ABC-NJ provides 100,000 reusable bags for food collection across six counties and promotes apprenticeship programs to Scouting families. Partnership entering fourth year.
• Food Bank of South JerseycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFood bank partner for Scouting for Food donations, providing drop-off locations and volunteer support for food collection across council service area.
• Community Food Bank of New JerseycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFood bank partner for Scouting for Food donations, providing drop-off locations and volunteer support for food collection across council service area.
• AtlantiCareminorOthersHealthcare partner providing discounted camp physicals at AtlantiCare Urgent Care Centers for Scouting families attending summer camp programs.
• Washington Crossing Council (Ockanickon Scout Reservation)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPreferred resident camp partner for Garden State Council Scouts BSA Troops. Ockanickon offers outstanding facilities and programming as named preferred summer camp destination. Council provides campership support covering up to 50% of early registration fees.
• Jersey Shore Council (Joseph A. Citta Scout Reservation)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighboring BSA council providing in-council pricing for Garden State Council Troops at Lost Legends resident camp. Features 70+ merit badges, large lake, 3D archery course, and cowboy action range.
• United WayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partnership supporting Scouting programs. Scouting units can connect with local United Way affiliates for additional community support.
• Rowan College of South JerseyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHost venue for University of Scouting annual training event, providing facilities for volunteer education and training programs.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Philmont Scout Ranch: National Scouting America high-adventure base that Garden State Council coordinates Philmont Trek participation with. Not a direct competitor but a key program partner that shapes council's specialty product offering.

Direct peers

• Northern Star Council (Scouting America): Large Scouting America local council with comparable council structure, camp properties, district executive model, and advancement program. Useful benchmark for council-level operational scale and benchmarks.
• 4-H (National): National youth development organization offering badges, rank advancement, camping, and leadership programs. Similar age range, membership-based structure, and emphasis on character/leadership skill building.
• Patriots' Path Council (Scouting America): A fellow New Jersey-based Scouting America local council serving a contiguous territory. Operates the same Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and camp-based programs with the same revenue model and national brand affiliation.
• Girl Scouts of Central & Southern New Jersey: Direct youth-development competitor in the same South Jersey geography. Offers analogous troop-based structure, camp properties, badge programs, and product sales (cookies vs. popcorn/camp cards). Competes for the same family demographic and volunteer pool.
• Delaware Valley Council (Scouting America): Neighboring Scouting America council in the Pennsylvania/New Jersey area with overlapping catchment. Operates the same program portfolio and direct marketing competition for youth in suburban Philadelphia zip codes.
• Cradle of Liberty Council (Scouting America): Another Greater Philadelphia/South Jersey area Scouting America council with overlapping service area. Directly comparable in program mix, membership structure, and camp property operations.

Emerging players

• Camp Towanda / Honesdale-Pocono summer camps: Independent residential summer camp operator in the broader Northeast. Competes for the same summer-camp dollars from families seeking multi-activity outdoor experiences — a key revenue stream for Garden State Council.

Broad incumbents

• YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties: Regional youth services provider with summer camps, after-school programs, and leadership development. Competes for the same youth enrichment dollars and families seeking structured activities in the council's footprint.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Camden County: Regional youth development organization serving overlapping South Jersey communities with after-school and summer programming. Competes for family time, volunteer engagement, and youth-development funding in the same geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/gardenstatescouting
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/garden-state-council-bsa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Scouting America Garden State Council