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.

Do you require masks?

• Yes. Please bring your own mask. Whether indoors or outdoors, masks are required for all adults and children in Kindergarten through 12th grade at all Cincinnati Nature Center programs.  Masks are to be worn outside when one cannot consistently be spaced 6 feet apart. Masks are also required to be worn while inside all facilities (for example, Rowe Visitor Center, restroom, etc.).

What safety measures are you taking?

• Cincinnati Nature Center will run advertised programs and events in accordance with current guidelines outlined by the CDC and local health agencies. Safety precautions will include a small group experience accompanied by minimal contact check-in and social distancing. Masks are also required for anyone age 10 and up. The status or format of programs may change based on COVID-19 best practices and conditions at the time of the program. In the event that Cincinnati Nature Center cancels a program, full refunds will be issued.

Programs for Individual Scouts and Scout Groups

Registration is now open. 

All programs require preregistration and follow Cincinnati Nature Center's COVID Program Safety Protocol. Masks are required. Please see FAQ's above for more details on our mask policy.

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. 

Girl Scout Junior Animal Habitats Badge 

Sunday, October 25, 3–4:15 pm  -- SOLD OUT

Explore the Nature Center’s pond, field, and forest habitats! All the requirements will be met for the Habitats Badge. Safety precautions will include a small group experience accompanied by minimal contact check-in and social distancing. $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 

Sunday, October 25, 1–2:15 pm 

Explore the beauty of the fall forest as we learn all about trees! Requirements 1–3 of the Trees Badge will be met. Safety precautions will include a small group experience accompanied by minimal contact check-in and social distancing. $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 AOL Elective Adventure: Into the Woods 

Sunday, October 25, 1–2:15 pm

Sunday, October 25, 3–4:15 pm 

Come hike and explore the great diversity of trees at Cincinnati Nature Center. We will complete the Into the Woods requirements during our trek. Safety precautions will include a small group experience accompanied by minimal contact check-in and social distancing. $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 

Sunday, November 15, 1–2:30 pm -- SOLD OUT

Sunday, November 15, 3–4:30 pm -- SOLD OUT

Delve into the mysterious world of fossils, rocks, and ancient seas at Cincinnati Nature Center. This class fulfills the Geology Fun Patch for Girl Scouts and most of the Webelos Geology Rocks AOL requirements.Safety precautions will include a small group experience accompanied by minimal contact check-in and social distancing. $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.

Winter Scout Hike 

Sunday, December 6, 1–2:15 pm -- SOLD OUT

Sunday, December 6, 3–4:15 pm -- SOLD OUT

Saturday, December 12, 1:30-2:45 pm 

Explore the wonders of winter by discovering how animals and plants survive the challenges of the cold weather. Look for evidence of animal activities, tree adaptations, and signs that spring is around the corner! Safety precautions will include a small group experience accompanied by minimal contact check-in and social distancing. $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.

Maple Days for Scouts

Sunday, January 31, 1-2:15 pm  

Sunday, January 31, 3-4:15 pm  

Wednesday, February 3, 4:30-5:45 pm 

Saturday, February 6, 1-2:15 pm  

Saturday, February 6 3-4:15 pm 

Wednesday, February 17, 4:30-5:45 pm 

Sunday, February 21, 1-2:15 pm 

Sunday, February 21, 3-4:15 pm

Explore the process of maple sugaring at Cincinnati Nature Center!  We will trek into the woods to collect maple sap by hand then head to the sugarhouse to watch how the sap is turned into maple syrup. $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.