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Member Outdoor Gear Library

Become a member of the Schuylkill Center and borrow our equipment for FREE!

Instead of buying or renting outdoor recreational equipment, why not borrow it from us? As part of your membership, borrow our bird-watching kits, hammocks, snowshoes, child backpack carrier, canoes, camping tents, and more for one week, FREE OF CHARGE!

Not a member of the Schuylkill Center?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you lend your equipment?

We offer this unique benefit to our members for three main reasons:

1. We believe everyone deserves a chance to get outside and experience nature.

2. We love helping people have positive outdoor experiences and want to make it easy for you.

3. We provide our equipment borrowing program to encourage the use of shared resources in our community to help limit consumption.

What can I borrow?

• Child Carrier Backpack

• Bird-watching Kits (Binoculars, Field Guide, Bird Song Identifier, Waistpack)

• Hammock Kits

• Snowshoe Kits (Available in Adult, Child, and Toddler sizes)

• Canoeing Kit (Canoe, paddles, life vests)

• Camping Tent

Looking for something else?  Email us at members@schuylkillcenter.org with your request, and we will do our best to get that equipment added to our library in the future.

How much can I borrow with my Membership?

Members can borrow up to four items/kits at one time. 

For more information, tips, and resources about specific types of equipment, please reference General Tips for Gear Borrowing Library: HERE

How does it work?

1. Become a member at the family level or above.

2. Reserve your equipment at least 72 hours in advance by following this link.

3. Wait for a friendly staff member to contact you within 72-hours to confirm your request.

   1. Receive email confirmation with pick-up date, read, sign, and email back required paperwork before arriving at the Center:

      1. Policy and Liability Waiver: Here

      2. Gear Risk Warning: Here

      3. Gear Fee List: Here

   2. Confirm the pick-up date and pick-up window (2-hour windows available during Center hours) with the staff member.

4. Arrive at the Center on your pick-up day and fill out the Gear Borrowing Agreement. This includes consent that you have read and agree with the forms in the email sent to you with confirmation of your pick-up date and time.

5. Pick up the equipment you reserved and have fun!

6. Bring the equipment back, in the same condition in which you borrowed it, no more than a week later before 4pm.

7. Post pictures of your adventure and tell your friends about it. Remember to tag schuylkill center when posting your pictures on social media. #schuylkillcenter

When can I borrow equipment?

You can come in to borrow or return equipment during public hours at the Schuylkill Center’s Visitor Center (9am-5pm, Monday through Saturday). Please make sure to come in at least an hour before we close to give us enough time to process the reservation. 

Please reserve gear well in advance, as some equipment may be unavailable when in use by fellow members.

Interested in borrowing gear but don’t currently have the resources to join as a member?  

We want everyone to have the opportunity to experience the outdoors in a fun and meaningful way. Don't hesitate to contact the Development Department at support@schuylkillcenter.org or 215.853.6268 to discuss options that work for you.