Scouts

Scouts Programs at Rancocas Nature Center are designed for all levels of scouts. Scouting plays an integral part of our center. ​

The Rancocas Nature Center offers a variety of environmental education programs tailored to meet Scouts BSA Program and Girl Scout Program activity requirements. Knowledgeable Center staff and associate naturalists offer hands-on experiences that give scouts an opportunity to earn badges by learning about different components of the natural world. Diverse age-appropriate programming allows Tiger Cubs and Daisies to move on to Wolf Cubs, Bear Cubs, Webelos, and Brownies and Juniors.

Scouting America 
Cub Scouts Adventures (K to 5th)

Lion (K):
Mountain Lion Requirement
Champions for Nature Lion Elective

Tiger (1st):
Tigers in the Wild Requirement
Champions for Nature Tiger Elective
Floats and Boats

Wolf (2nd):
Paws on the Path Requirement
Champions for Nature Wolf Elective
Finding your Way
Spirit of Water Elective

Bear (3rd):
Bear Habitat Requirement
Balancing Bears Elective
Champions for Nature Bear Elective
Super Science Elective
Whittling Elective

Webelos (4th):
Champions for Nature Webelos Elective
Earth Rocks Elective
Math on the Trail Elective

Arrow of Light (5th):
Into the Wild Elective
Into the Woods Elective

Girl Scouts of the USA   


Daisies (K and 1st):
Petals: Use Resources Wisely, Make the World a Better Place
Badges: Outdoor Art Maker, Eco Learner,Trail Adventure, Shapes in Nature,Numbers in Nature, Design with Nature
Journeys: Welcome to the Flower Garden; Between Earth and Sky; 5 Flowers, 4 Stories, 3 Cheers for Animals!, Think Like a Citizen Scientist

Brownies (2nd and 3rd):
Badges -Outdoor Art Creator, Eco Friend, Bugs, Outdoor Adventurer, Hiker ,Senses, Shapes in Nature, Numbers in Nature, Design with Nature, Mechanical Engineer Fling Flyer
Journeys: Wow!Wonders of Water; Think Like a Citizen Scientist

Juniors (4th and 5th):
Badges: Animal Habitats, Flowers, Gardener, Geocacher, Outdoor Art Explorer, Shapes in Nature, Numbers in Nature, Design with Nature
Journeys: Think Like a Citizen Scientist

Cadettes (6th-8th):
Badges: Night Owl, Eco Trekker, Outdoor Art Apprentice, Trees
Journeys: Think Like a Citizen Scientist

Seniors (9th and 10th):
Badges: Eco Explorer, Outdoor Art Expert, Sky, Textile Artist (Weaving)
Journeys: Think Like a Citizen Scientist

Ambassadors (11th and 12th)
Badges: Eco Advocate, Outdoor Art Master, Water
Journeys: Think Like a Citizen Scientist

Scouts BSA Merit Badges (ages 11-17).

Environmental Science (Eagle Required)
Bird Study
Chemistry
Insect Study
Nature
Reptiles and Amphibians
Soil & Water Conservation
Textiles
Forestry

Teen/Scout Programs

Shovel & Rake

TEEN AND SCOUT CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER DAYS (Ages 13-17)
Sunday, June 7 - 10 AM to 1 PM
Sunday, August 2 - 9 AM to 12 PM
The Rancocas Nature Center hosts monthly volunteer opportunities for supervised stewardship conservation projects. It’s a great way for scouts and other youth 13 to 17 year-olds to experience nature firsthand and accumulate service hours. Parental consent is required, and parents are welcome to help, as well. Activities vary depending on the season, but often include removal of invasive species and mulching native plant enclosures and gardens. Volunteers should bring water, work gloves, and dress in work clothes, including appropriate footwear. Upon request, letters can be provided for youth needing proof of service for Scouts, 4-H, Honors Society, etc. Details and sign-up link  CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER DAYS

Textile Badge

SCOUTS BSA: TEXTILE MERIT BADGE
One-Day Workshop
Monday, August 3 - 9 AM to 2 PM
There is an old Scandinavian saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices.” By taking the Textile Merit Badge at Rancocas, you’ll learn about the importance of appropriate, well-chosen outdoor gear. Knowing the difference between various fibers, fabrics, and their properties helps you to make better choices about your outdoor clothing and gear. Additionally, learning about weaving and other fiber crafts gives you important survival skills. A certified Merit Badge counselor will lead you through all of the requirements for this badge in a one-day outdoor workshop. Bring a bagged lunch. Cost: $40/per scout (includes materials for weaving). Register by emailing education@rancocasnaturecenter.org.

Chemistry Badge

SCOUTS BSA: CHEMISTRY MERIT BADGE
Two-Day Workshop
Part 1: Tuesday, Aug 4 - 1 PM to 5 PM
Part 2: Thursday Aug 6 - 1 PM to 5 PM
Join Rancocas’ certified Merit Badge counselors for this two-day workshop incorporating the updated Scouting BSA requirements. The Chemistry Badge explores how substances react with each other, how they change, how certain forces connect molecules, and how molecules are made. Scouts must be able to attend both sessions, will be expected to complete one homework requirement between the two sessions, and participate fully in the workshop. Most appropriate for scouts ages 13 and above. Cost: $45/per scout. Register by emailing education@rancocasnaturecenter.org.

​Scout/Youth Conservation Volunteer Hours

TEEN AND SCOUT CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER DAYS (Ages 13-17)
Sunday, June 7 - 10 AM to 1 PM
Sunday, August 2 - 9 AM to 12 PM
The Rancocas Nature Center hosts monthly volunteer opportunities for supervised stewardship conservation projects. It’s a great way for scouts and other youth 13 to 17 year-olds to experience nature firsthand and accumulate service hours. Parental consent is required, and parents are welcome to help, as well. Activities vary depending on the season, but often include removal of invasive species and mulching native plant enclosures and gardens. Volunteers should bring water, work gloves, and dress in work clothes, including appropriate footwear. Upon request, letters can be provided for youth needing proof of service for Scouts, 4-H, Honors Society, etc. Details and sign-up link  CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER DAYS