The Nature Museum offers a wide variety of badge workshops for active scout groups. Workshops utilize the Museum’s collections and outdoor exhibitions. Schedule any of these 2-hour workshops at your convenience. Price includes the workshop, museum admission for scouts and adult chaperones, and the pin or badge. Contact scouts@naturemuseum.org or call 773-755-5111 ext. 7 for additional information and availability. 

Dates: Subject to availability.
Cost: $20 per scout (minimum of 10 scouts or $200); chaperones are free
Location: On-site at the Nature Museum
Chaperons: The Nature Museum requires a chaperone to scout ratio of 1 chaperone to 5 scouts.

Badge Workshops

Brownie Badge Workshops: Legacy Badge

Bugs: Did you know there is a difference between an bug and an insect? Discover what characteristics differentiate these animals as you participate in live animal interactions and hands-on activities.

Brownie Badge Workshops: WOW! Wonders of Water Skill-Building Badges

Hiker: Hike the Nature Museum grounds and learn all you need to know about becoming a hiker who is ready for any adventure that comes your way.

Household Elf: Study ways to save energy and water when keeping a clean, green home. Discover ways you can make a difference at home and at school. .

Senses: Investigate the natural world using your five senses. You’ll discover how your senses work separately and together as you explore the Nature Museum.

Junior Badge Workshops: Legacy Badge

Flowers: Discover all that’s wonderful about flowers – and the plants they are part of – while exploring the Museum. Uncover the science of a flower and the roles they play in our lives.

Junior Badge Workshops: Get Moving! Skill-Building Badges

Camper: Get ready for a camping adventure! Learn about special skills that might come in handy at an overnight campsite.

Gardner: Discover the living and non-living elements that gets a garden growing! Discover gardens from around the world, experiment with plant types, and create a plan for your own garden.

Webelos Activity Pin Workshops

Naturalist: Do you like observing wildlife? Then you’re already a naturalist! Study local animals, plants and ecosystems all while exploring the Museum’s collections.

Scientist: Make observations, ask questions, and predict outcomes while participating in experiments. Test scientific laws and discover more about the world around you.

Boy Scout Merit Badge Workshops

Mammal Study: Determine the characteristics that distinguish mammals form other animals. Explore how the animal kingdom is classified and trace the food chains of carnivorous mammals. Workshop is lead by a Merit Badge Counselor. Prerequisites: Complete requirements #3 and #5 prior to workshop.

Reptile and Amphibian Study: Identify the characteristics that differentiate amphibians from reptiles. Observe the Museum’s own reptiles and amphibians – and get up close to one of them! Workshop is lead by a Merit Badge Counselor.Prerequisites: Complete requirement #2, #8 and #9 prior to workshop.

Boy Scout Badge Specific Events

Cost: $20 per scout for one 2-hour programs; $30 per scout for two 2-hour programs or one 4-hour program.

Location: On-site at the Nature Museum.

Chaperones The Nature Museum requires 1 chaperone for every 5 scouts.

Registration: To register for any of the 2012-2013 Boy Scout Badge Specific Events complete and return the Boy Scout Badge Event Registration form. Space is limited. Once a workshop is sold out it will be noted on the website.

ALL PROGRAMS FOR THIS EVENT ARE SOLD OUT

November 11, 2012
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Mammal 1 or Reptile/Amphibian 1
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Mammal 2 or Reptile/Amphibian 2

Webelos Pin Day: Naturalist and Scientist

February 2, 2013
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Naturalist 1 or Scientist 1
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Naturalist 2 or Scientist 2

Natural Sciences Merit Badge Day: Mammal Study, Reptile & Amphibian Study, and Insect Study

April 28, 2013
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Insect (includes 1 hour lunch break)
10:00 p.m. - 12:00 p.m. Mammal
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Reptile/Amphibian

Additional Resources for Leaders

Do you enjoy learning about Chicago’s most pressing environmental issues and exploring what you can do about them? Consider the Chicago Conservation Corp Leadership Training Program. Visit C3 for more information.

Interested in a Boy Scout or Girl Scout exclusive overnight? Visit our Overnights page for more information.