Mortimer L. Schiff Scout Reservation, Scout training center in Morris County, United States
Mortimer L. Schiff Scout Reservation is a park and former training ground in Morris County, New Jersey, covering around 400 acres (162 hectares). The land holds woodlands, open meadows, cabins, and dining halls, all connected by a network of trails.
The property was founded in 1932 and served the Boy Scouts of America as its main training center for several decades. In 1979, active scouting operations ended and the land shifted toward conservation use.
The site was for decades a place where scouts from across the country came to develop practical leadership skills. The simple wooden buildings and open land are still laid out in a way that reflects how groups were meant to learn and work together outdoors.
The grounds have several trails winding through woodland and open fields, so wearing sturdy footwear is a good idea. Some sections are more wooded and uneven, so checking trail conditions before you go helps you choose the right path.
William Hillcourt, one of the most influential scouting figures of the 20th century, used this site to test new training methods with a small experimental group. The results of that work fed directly into the official training handbook used by Boy Scouts of America.
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