A Girl Scout “DreamLab” is Coming to Paramus: Inside the $3M High-Tech Hub
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the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Move over traditional craft projects—North Jersey’s Girl Scouts are going high-tech. From podcasting studios to 3D printing and robotics, a new $3 million “DreamLab” is set to transform how 19,000 local girls learn, lead, and create. Here is your exclusive first look.
PARAMUS, NJ — The “Heart of Bergen County” is about to get a major upgrade. The Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey (GSNNJ) are currently gutting their 50-year-old office space at 300 Forest Avenue to build a state-of-the-art DreamLab.
Scheduled to open in June 2026, this facility will be the 12th of its kind in the nation and only the second in New Jersey. Paramus Mayor Chris DiPiazza, who recently toured the construction, called it a “great spot for Girl Scouts across the region.”
Beyond the Cookie: What’s Inside the DreamLab?
The 300 Forest Ave location is undergoing a massive $3 million renovation to move away from administrative desks and toward hands-on exploration. Sandra Kenoff, CEO of GSNNJ, emphasizes that the space is designed for “flexibility and robust experiences.”
Key features of the Paramus DreamLab include:
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The Podcast Studio: A dedicated space for girls interested in journalism, social media influencing, and digital storytelling.
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The Maker Space & Robotics Lab: Equipped for 3D printing, microscopy, and coding, allowing scouts to earn STEM badges with professional-grade tools.
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The Teaching Kitchen & Art Lab: A multi-purpose zone for everything from chemistry experiments and “slime-making” to woodworking and jewelry design.
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Indoor “Camping” Zones: Spaces designed for troop bonding and simulated camping experiences (ending by 9 p.m.).
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Retail & Fun: The site will feature a full Scouting shop and a Build-A-Bear Workshop, much like those found in major malls.
A Hub for the Entire Community
While the DreamLab is a sanctuary for the 19,000 Girl Scouts across Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties, its doors aren’t closed to the public.
The building will be open seven days a week, serving as a resource for:
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Local Community Groups: Organizations like the Rotary Club can host meetings in the new multipurpose rooms.
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Educational Workshops: After-school enrichment and summer programs will be available for scouts and non-scouts alike.
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Public Events: The facility plans to host community blood drives and financial literacy workshops in partnership with local banks.
Re-Engaging Post-Pandemic
Like many youth organizations, the Girl Scouts faced hurdles during the COVID-19 era. Kenoff notes that the DreamLab is a strategic move to re-engage families.
“Initiatives like DreamLab are bringing in new girls and positioning us for a strong future,” Kenoff said. By offering experiences that a typical troop leader might not be equipped to teach—like advanced robotics or woodworking—the center acts as a specialized resource hub for the entire region.
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