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 is now open.

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.  

Webelos: Castaway

Sunday, March 15

• Section A: 12:30-2:30 pm  -- CANCELED
• Section B: 3:00-5:00 pm  -- CANCELED

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)

Sunday, April 19, 1-2:30 pm -- SOLD OUT

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

Sunday, April 19, 1-2:30 pm

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

Sunday, April 19, 3-4:30pm -- SOLD OUT

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)

Sunday, May 3, 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 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

Sunday, May 3, 3-4:30 pm

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

Sunday, May 17, 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. 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

Sunday, May 17, 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.      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.