Miquin Woods Preserve

Miquin Woods Preserve is a park located in Glen Gardner, New Jersey.[1]

Boy Scouts swimming in the pool at Camp Watchung

Camp Watchung

The Boy Scouts of America purchased 287 acres of land from the estate of Edward Pierson for $10,000. The land was purchased for the establishment of Watching Area Council's new headquarters, which was charted as Miquin Lodge #68 in 1939. Within the first two years of construction there was completion of the council ring, the handicraft lodge, the nature lodge, the first aid cottage, the dining hall, and the woodland chapel. The main office for the camp was implemented in the first building on the property, which was a stone farmhouse constructed around 1850 by Thomas Bowmnan. There was also construction of a 362' long pond which served as the camp's first swimming area, and bathing area which is fed by Spruce Run Creek. This project was completed in 1929, and was named Craig Pond. The second swimming area was a concrete swimming pool which was constructed in the upper area of the camp, Craig Pond was also touched up and was expanded to be shaped as an arrowhead.

Camp Activities

Scouts at the camp had a range of activities that they participated in throughout the duration of the camp. Many of the activities that took place revolved around Craig Pond, including boating lessons, and swimming. Scouts were also required to take a soap bath in the pond at least once a week to ensure proper hygiene; there were also prizes awarded to the cleanest scout. More experienced Boy Scouts had the opportunity to take part in the "tribal village", which was led by Robert Smith, a pupil at Columbia University. The scouts were taught customs of Native American heritage, and how they lived their daily lives. Some of the activities that scouts practiced in the village was crafting bows and arrows, and Native American Costumes. Every Saturday night tribal ceremonies were held by the scouts which held an audience of parents, and the public which included having a council fire, smoking the peace pipe, and performing Native American dances.

Miquin Woods Preserve

Camp Watching ran until 1986, when it went into private ownership. Hunterdon County acquired the land in 2003, where it was opened to the public as Miquin Woods. Miquin Woods is a public park that features 3.1 miles of walking trails that are shaped as a loop with lots of room for refreshing outdoor activities. Craig Pond is now a secluded fishing spot hosting Largemouth Bass, Centrarchidae, Crappie, and Snapping Turtles.

Photos of Camp Watchung[2]

  • Photos of Camp Watchung
  • The Camp Museum
  • Watchung Council
  • Craig Pond on a warm summer day
  • Various Building at Camp Watchung
  • Living Quarters
  • Cooking Instruction at Camp Watchung
  • Camp Watchung Headquarters
  • Various Boy Scout Patches
  • Rifle Range Instruction, 1940's
  • Searing Bridge Crossing Spruce Run, 1928
  • Camp Watchung Handicraft Lodge
  • Dangerous Dive at Craig Pond 1928,
  • Camp Watchung Parade Grounds
  • Craig Pond, July 1946
  • The 128', Million Gallon Pool
  • Entrance to Camp Watchung
  • Boy Scouts Enjoying Craig Pond
  1. "Discover Miquin Woods in Hunterdon County". NJspots - New Jersey Spots. 2021-12-01. Retrieved 2022-03-03.
  2. "Township of Lebanon | Township of Lebanon Museum". www.lebanontownship.net. Retrieved 2022-03-08.
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