Education
Scout Troop Programs
Cincinnati Nature Center helps Boy and Girl Scouts meet their nature and outdoor badge requirements. We offer naturalist-led programs where individual Scouts can register, or where entire groups can register together. For more information contact Anne Horne at scouts@cincynature.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will we do during our program?
- Each scout program is tailored to meet the requirements of each badge offered. Every program takes place outdoors, rain or shine unless there is very severe weather. All programs are led by a skilled naturalist and include a nature hike. We will always try to meet the majority of the badge requirements – see each program description for more details on each program.
What does the program fee include?
- The program cost is per participant and includes supplies. The fee also includes admission for the day to the Nature Center for the participant - you will not be charged any additional fees to enter the Nature Center on the day of the program.
Who needs to pay the program fee?
- Every child and adult who is participating in the program needs to pay the program fee, including siblings (age 4 and up). There is not a discount for Cincinnati Nature Center members. Leaders may receive one free adult chaperone ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two per group.
Do I have to attend the program with my scout or troop?
- Cincinnati Nature Center scout programs are not drop-off programs. Scout programs are specifically designed for children to attend with their caregiver or scout leader. One parent or leader may chaperone up to 6 children. Parents who are dropping off children to attend with their troop leader may choose to wait in the Rowe Visitor Center or walk the ground during the program.
Does the Nature Center provide badges, pins etc.?
- The Nature Center does not provide the badges for completing a program. Leaders are welcome to bring badges for their troop to hand out after the program.
What do I do when we arrive?
- Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled program. Please inform the front gate attendant that you are here for a pre-paid scout program. You may park in any open spot in the parking lot. Unless otherwise noted on the program registration page and confirmation documents, programs meet inside the Rowe Visitor Center. If you will be late, please call the Nature Center and the front desk naturalist will help you meet up with your program already in progress.
Do I need to provide names of individuals participating in the program?
- No. We do not require names for program participants at the time of registration. To register you need to know the number of scouts, siblings participating and adult chaperones attending the program.
Does the Cincinnati Nature Center offer naturalist led, customized badge hikes?
- The Nature Center offers a wide variety of pre-scheduled hikes and badge opportunities. Please scroll down this page to see what is coming up! Due to the high volume of scouts that visit us for programs every year, we do not offer customized hikes for scouts.
Programs for Individual Scouts and Scout Groups:
Registration opens on August 5, 2019 at 9 am.
Limited spots are available. Only ticketed individuals will be able to attend the event.
In order to ensure that you receive the necessary number of tickets for your group, please make sure you register all scouts and adults for your program at once. Click on the date below for details and registration information.
Brownie Bugs Badge
Sunday, September 29, 1-2:30 pm
Explore the many insects that call the Nature Center home! A hike will be included, so please dress for the weather. All requirements will be met for the Brownie Bugs Badge. Preregistration required. $10 per scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two adult leaders per group. Adults $5.
Girl Scout Junior Animal Habitats Badge
Sunday, September 29, 3-4:30 pm
Explore the Nature Center’s pond, field, and forest habitats! A hike will be included, so please dress for the weather. All the requirements will be met for the Habitats Badge. Preregistration required. $10 per scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two adult leaders per group. Adults $5.
Cub Scout Night Hike
Saturday, October 12, 7-8:15 pm
Experience the Nature Center in a whole new light! In this special after-hours program, we’ll explore our trails and observe wildlife by the light of the moon. Scouts may bring a flashlight. Preregistration required. $10 per scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two adult leaders per group. Adults $5.
Girl Scout Night Hike
Saturday, October 12, 7-8:15 pm
Experience the Nature Center in a whole new light! In this special after-hours program, we’ll explore our trails and observe wildlife by the light of the moon. Scouts may bring a flashlight. Preregistration required. $10 a scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two per group. Adults $5.
Girl Scout Shelter Building Adventure
Test your hand at wilderness survival shelter building! We’ll explore the different kinds of shelter options, and then learn to build a freestanding shelter out of natural materials. We’ll end our adventure with the infamous rain test! Preregistration required. $7 per scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two adult leaders per group. Adults $5.
Cub Scout Shelter Building Adventure
Test your hand at wilderness survival shelter building! We’ll explore the different kind of shelter options and then learn to build a free-standing shelter out of natural materials. We’ll end our adventure with the infamous rain test! Preregistration required. $7 per scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two adult leaders per group. Adults $5.
Webelos AOL Elective Adventure: Into the Wild
Get up close and personal with the wildlife that calls the Cincinnati Nature Center home! Join us for an afternoon of hiking and exploring as we complete the Into the Wild requirements. We will be outdoors so please dress for the weather. Preregistration required. $10 per scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two adult leaders per group. Adults $5.
Wilderness Survival Merit Badge for Boy Scouts
Test your skills as you take on survival challenges! We’ll light fires without matches, build shelters, and learn emergency signaling. This is a hands-on outdoor class. Please dress for the weather. This class fulfills the majority of the Wilderness Survival Merit Badge for Boy Scouts and is a Merit Badge counselor-led class. Items 1 and 8 must be completed at home. Preregistration required. $15 per scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two adult leaders per group. Adults $5.
Wilderness Survival for Girl Scouts
Test your skills as you take on survival challenges! We’ll light fires without matches, build shelters, and learn emergency signaling. This is a hands-on, outdoor class. Please dress for the weather. This class fulfills the Survival Skills Fun Patch. This class is geared for Girl Scout Juniors, Girl Scout Cadettes, and Girl Scout Seniors. Preregistration required. $15 a scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two adult leaders per group. Adults $5.
Daisy Green Petal Badge
After we read Clover’s story, we’ll do a recycled craft and then go on a hike to explore conservation at the Nature Center! Please dress for the weather. This program will meet all the requirements of the green petal. Preregistration required. $10 per scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two adult leaders per group. Adults $5.
Brownie Hiker Badge
Join us for hiking and exploring on the great trails at the Nature Center! Please dress for the weather. This program will meet all the requirements of the Hiker Badge except making a hiking snack. Please create and bring a snack to enjoy after our hike! Preregistration required. $10 per scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two adult leaders per group. Adults $5.
Maple Days for Scouts and Homeschoolers
Sunday, January 26
Saturday, February 1
Sunday, February 9
Explore the process of maple sugaring real trees at the Cincinnati Nature Center! We will collect maple sap by hand and watch how it is turned into maple syrup. A hike will be included so please dress warmly for the weather. Preregistration required. $10 a scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two per group. Adults $5.
Girl Scout Cadette Trees Badge
Saturday, February 1, 10-11:30 am
Explore the process of Maple Sugaring real trees at the Cincinnati Nature Center! Requirements 1-3 of the Trees badge will be met. A hike will be included so please dress for the weather. Preregistration required. $10 a scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two per group. Adults $5.
Scout C.A.R.E. (Conservation Action to Restore the Earth) Program: Native Plants Project
Cincinnati Nature Center strives to provide scouts with meaningful volunteer experiences. All conservation Scout C.A.R.E. (Conservation Action to Restore the Earth) projects are led by a staff naturalist and will include an educational component to deepen the understanding of this meaningful work. Care for the natural world by registering for a volunteer conservation day. This program can serve to meet the requirements of the Cub Scout Conservation Good Turn Award. This meets several of the requirements of the Girl Scout Outdoor Journeys or Environmental Stewardship Badges. Preregistration required. $10 a scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two per group. Adults $5.
Cub Scout Night Hike
Experience the Nature Center in a whole new light! In this special, after-hours program, we will explore our trails and observe wildlife by the light of the moon. Scouts may bring a flashlight. Preregistration required. $10 a scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two per group. Adults $5.
Girl Scout Night Hike
Experience the Nature Center in a whole new light! In this special, after-hours program, we will explore our trails and observe wildlife by the light of the moon. Scouts may bring a flashlight. Preregistration required. $10 a scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two per group. Adults $5.
Webelos: Castaway
Sunday, March 15
Join us for an afternoon of adventure as we complete many of the Castaway challenges including lighting fires without matches and building shelters. We will be outdoors – please dress for the weather. Preregistration required. $10 a scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two per group. Adults $5
Fossil Hunting for Scouts (for Girl or Cub Scouts)
Delve into the mysterious world of fossils, rocks and ancient seas at the Cincinnati Nature Center. A hike will be included so please dress for the weather. This class fulfills the Geology Fun Patch for Girl Scouts and most of the Webelos Geology Rocks AOL requirements. Preregistration required. $10 a scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two per group. Adults $5.
Cadette Flower Badge
Experience the beauty of spring while completing the requirements for the flower badge! We will place special emphasis on the importance and ecology of spring wildflowers during this class. A hike will be included so please dress for the weather.
Preregistration required. $10 a scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two per group. Adults $5.
Choose Your Own Nature Scout Badge/Elective
Having trouble meeting the requirements of a certain nature badge? The Cincinnati Nature Center is delighted to help troops complete the following badge work:
- Daisy Green Petal (Conservation)
- Brownie Bugs Badge
- Brownie Hiker Badge
- Junior Animal Habitats Badge
- Tiger Adventure: Tigers in the Wild
- Wolf Adventure: Paws on the Path
- Bear Fur Feather and Fern Elective
- Webelos Into the Woods Elective
- Webelos Into the Wild Elective
- Seasonal Nature Hike (for either boys or girls)
Preregistration required by April 6. $100 flat rate for up to 10 child participants (scouts and siblings over 4 years old attending the program) and 2 adults. Groups with more than 10 scouts can contact our registration office for additional pricing options. After registration, a staff member will contact you to discuss your program selection.
Scout Pond Exploration Day (for Girl or Cub Scouts)
Dig out those rain boots and play clothes for a fun and muddy pond day! Led by our staff naturalists, scouts will visit our native ponds to dip for insects and amphibians. We will also learn about the special roll ponds play in our ecosystem. Preregistration required. $10 a scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two per group. Adults $5.
Choose Your Own Nature Scout Badge/Elective
Having trouble meeting the requirements of a certain nature badge? The Cincinnati Nature Center is delighted to help troops complete the following badge work:
- Daisy Green Petal (Conservation)
- Brownie Bugs Badge
- Brownie Hiker Badge
- Junior Animal Habitats Badge
- Tiger Adventure: Tigers in the Wild
- Wolf Adventure: Paws on the Path
- Bear Fur Feather and Fern Elective
- Webelos Into the Woods Elective
- Webelos Into the Wild Elective
- Seasonal Nature Hike (for either boys or girls)
Preregistration required by April 20. $100 flat rate for up to 10 child participants (scouts and siblings over 4 years old attending the program) and 2 adults. Groups with more than 10 scouts can contact our registration office for additional pricing. After registration, a staff member will contact you to discuss your program selection.
Daisy Green Petal Badge
After we read Clover’s story we will do a recycled craft and then go on a hike to explore conservation at the Cincinnati Nature Center! Please dress for the weather. This program will meet all the requirements of the green petal. Preregistration required. $10 a scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two per group. Adults $5.
Brownie Bugs Badge
Explore the many insects that call the Cincinnati Nature Center home! A hike will be included so please dress for the weather. All requirements will be met for the Bugs badge. Preregistration required. $10 a scout and siblings over 4. Each child must attend with a parent or leader. Leaders may receive one free adult ticket for every six child tickets purchased. Limit two per group. Adults $5.
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