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, 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:

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 Cadette Trees Badge

Sunday, February 3, 1-2:30 pm

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.

$10/scout and $10/siblings (over 4 yrs old) who are participating. Each child must attend the program with a parent or chaperone. Two adult leaders/chaperones are free for each group. Additional adults are $5/person.

Webelos AOL Elective Adventure: Into the Woods

Sunday, February 3, 1-2:30 pm

Join us for an afternoon of hiking as we explore the great diversity of trees at the Cincinnati Nature Center. We will complete the Into the Woods requirements during our trek and check out the nature center’s maple sugaring operation!

$10/scout and $10/siblings (over 4 yrs old) who are participating. Each child must attend the program with a parent or chaperone. Two adult leaders/chaperones are free for each group. Additional adults are $5/person.

Maple Days for Scouts and Homeschoolers

Sunday, February 3, 3-4 pm - SOLD OUT
Sunday, February 10, Section A: 12:30-1:30 pm
Sunday, February 10, Section B: 2-3 pm 
Sunday, February 10, Section C: 3:30-4:30 pm
Sunday, February 17, Section A: 12:30-1:30 pm
Sunday, February 17, Section B: 2-3 pm
Sunday, February 17, Section C: 3:30-4:30 pm

Explore the process of maple sugaring real trees at the Cincinnati Nature Center! A hike will be included so please dress for the weather.

$7/scout and $7/siblings (over 4 yrs old) who are participating. Each child must attend the program with a parent or chaperone. Two adult leaders/chaperones are free for each group. Additional adults are $5/person.

Scout C.A.R.E (Conservation Action to Restore the Earth) Program

Saturday, March 9, 1-3 pm

The Cincinnati Nature Center strives to provide scouts with meaningful volunteer experiences.  All conservation projects are led by a staff naturalist and will include an educational component to deepen the understanding of this meaningful work. This program can serve to meet the requirements of the Cub Scout Conservation Good Turn Award. This program can also be used to meet the requirements in several of the Girl Scout Outdoor Journeys or Environmental Stewardship Badges. Preregistration required at least 10 days before the program. $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

Saturday, March 9, 7-8:15 pm

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

Saturday, March 9, 7-8:15 pm

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, April 7 Section A: 12:30-2:30 pm
Sunday, April 7 Section B: 3-5 pm

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.

$10/ scout and $10/siblings (over 4 yrs old) who are participating. Each child must attend the program with a parent or chaperone. Two adult leaders/chaperones are free for each group. Additional adults are $5/person.

Fossil Hunting for Scouts (for girl or cub scouts)

Sunday, April 14, 1-2:30 pm

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.

Choose Your Own Nature Scout Badge/Elective

Sunday, April 14, 3-4:30 pm (Section A, B or C)

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 1. $120 flat rate for up to 12 child participants (scouts and siblings over 4 years old attending the program) and 2 adults. Groups with more than 12 scouts should register for two programs. After registration, a staff member will contact you to decide which program you would like to choose.

Scout Pond Exploration Day (for girl or cub scouts)

Sunday, April 28, 1-2:30 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/ scout and $10/siblings (over 4 yrs old) who are participating. Each child must attend the program with a parent or chaperone. Two adult leaders/chaperones are free for each group. Additional adults are $5/person.

Choose Your Own Nature Scout Badge/Elective

Sunday, April 28, 3-4:30 pm (Section A, B or C)

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 15. $120 flat rate for up to 12 child participants (scouts and siblings over 4 years old attending the program) and 2 adults. Groups with more than 12 scouts should register for two programs. After registration, a staff member will contact you to decide which program you would like to choose.

Daisy Green Petal Badge

Sunday, May 5, 1-2:30 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/ scout and $10/siblings (over 4 yrs old) who are participating. Each child must attend the program with a parent or chaperone. Two adult leaders/chaperones are free for each group. Additional adults are $5/person.

Brownie Bugs Badge

Sunday, May 5, 3-4:30 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/ scout and $10/siblings (over 4 yrs old) who are participating. Each child must attend the program with a parent or chaperone. Two adult leaders/chaperones are free for each group. Additional adults are $5/person.

Tiger Adventure: Tigers in the Wild

Sunday, May 19, 1-2:30 pm

Have fun exploring the Cincinnati Nature Center as we complete the Tigers in the Wild Adventure. We will take a hike so please dress for the weather.

$10/ scout and $10/siblings (over 4 yrs old) who are participating. Each child must attend the program with a parent or chaperone. Two adult leaders/chaperones are free for each group. Additional adults are $5/person.

Wolf Adventure: Paws on the Path

Sunday, May 19, 3-4:30 pm

Explore the Leave No Trace method of hiking as we complete a 1-mile trek through the Cincinnati Nature Center. We will cover all the requirements of the Paws on the Path Adventure. We will be outdoors so please dress for the weather.

$10/ scout and $10/siblings (over 4 yrs old) who are participating. Each child must attend the program with a parent or chaperone. Two adult leaders/chaperones are free for each group. Additional adults are $5/person.