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. 

Maple Days for Scouts

Sunday, January 31, 1-2:15 pm  -- ONLY 3 SPOTS LEFT

Sunday, January 31, 3-4:15 pm  -- SOLD OUT

Wednesday, February 3, 4:30-5:45 pm  -- ONLY 7 SPOTS LEFT

Saturday, February 6, 1-2:15 pm  -- SOLD OUT

Saturday, February 6 3-4:15 pm  -- ONLY 3 SPOTS LEFT

Wednesday, February 17, 4:30-5:45 pm  -- ONLY 5 SPOTS LEFT

Sunday, February 21, 1-2:15 pm -- ONLY 4 SPOTS LEFT

Sunday, February 21, 3-4:15 pm -- SOLD OUT

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.    

Flashlight Scavenger Hunt for Scouts

Saturday, March 6, 7-8 pm

Saturday, March 13, 7-8 pm

What could be more fun than a night hike? A scavenger hunt at night! During this night hike, we’ll use our senses and our flashlights to experience nature in a new way. $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.

DIY Hiking Sticks for Scouts

Sunday, April 18, 1-2:30 pm

Sunday, April 18, 3-4:30 pm

Scouts will choose their own pre-harvested honeysuckle branch, and craft it into a customized hiking stick. Use hand tools to cut, smooth, and work the stick. Add embellishments like brass tacks, then cut and add a lanyard. This is an outdoor program, and a short hike is included; please dress for the weather. $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 per group. Adults $5.

Wayfinding and Maps for Scouts

Sunday, April 25, 1-2:15 pm

Sunday, April 25, 3-4:15 pm

Learn to use a map and compass on a fun adventure through the forest. We’ll practice reading maps and looking for topographic and physical landmarks as we hike. $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.

Daisy Green Petal Badge

Sunday, May 16, 3-4:15 pm

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. $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

Sunday, May 16, 1-2:30 pm

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. $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 Pond Exploration Day

Sunday, May 23, 1-2:15 pm

Sunday, May 23, 3-4:15 pm

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 role ponds play in our ecosystem. $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.