ASWP offer a whole host of exciting programs for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and similar youth groups to better develop a connection with birds and nature.
Programs are offered at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve (Fox Chapel) and Succop Nature Park (Butler, Butler County).
SCOUTING AT AUDUBON
Our badge and activity programs are designed to meet most of the requirements for the given activity. We focus on the elements that are most effectively done outside in a natural area. Generally the few requirements that may remain can be completed at home or your meeting site. In addition to the requirements we round out the experience with other nature activities as time allows. We also offer general activities such as Maple Sugaring that are not badge related but are of interest to scouts and families.
PROGRAM SCHEDULING OPTIONS
We offer badge work two ways: via Badge Days announced in our public events calendar and by special arrangement with a troop or pack.
Scout Badge Days are one Saturday set aside every spring and fall for Cub Scouts, Brownies, Juniors, Daisies and Cadettes to bring their Den or Troop for one of the badges or activities of your choice. Minimum charges are waived on these days. Must call ahead as a group at least four weeks in advance to choose your group’s badge. You may be combined with another den or troop working on the same activity. See our public events calendar. No minimum group size.
Merit Badge Workshop Events for Boy Scouts are offered in our Events Calendar as a single topic for the day. No minimum group size.
Special Arrangement. All scout programs are offered by special arrangement. Minimum group sizes apply (see Fee Schedule.) Subject to Audubon staff and facility availability. Available weekends, evenings, afterschool and school holidays. Schedule at least four weeks in advance.
PROGRAMS OFFERED
Cub Scouts.
Most programs are 90 minutes.
Webelos
Elective: Into the Woods
Elective: Into the Wild
Bear
Requirement: Fur, Feathers and Ferns
Wolves
Requirement: Paws on the Path
Tiger
Requirement: Tigers in the Wild
Girl Scouts. We will work with the group to offer any nature-related requirements for any Journey or Activity. Below are examples of badges or activities we have done for girl scouts. Most Junior, Brownies and Daisy programs are 90 minutes. Cadette program lengths vary.
Brownie
Outdoor Adventurer
Juniors
For the Birds “Own” Award
Wildflowers and Plants (GSWPA Badge)
Camper
Animal Habitats
Daisy
Seasonal Discovery general walk
Cadette (length varies)
All About Birds Interest Project
Naturalist: Trees legacy badge
Boy Scout Merit Badges. We offer courses in the following badges. Some requirements may have to be met outside of the class (usually those that require action over several days or an overnight experience). We are registered merit badge counselors for these badges. We offer these two ways: as public events on our events calendar or by special arrangement with a troop. We usually request that specially-arranged workshops be open to scouts from other troops. Individual scouts are welcome to inquire about upcoming specially-arranged workshops. Badge classes offered: Bird Study, Wilderness Survival, Insect Study, Environmental Science, and Geocaching.
We also have merit badge courses offered during our Summer camps.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY OPTIONS
In addition, we offer a Seasonal Discovery walk as a general activity. It may be used to meet parts of one or more requirements or defined activities, but is not designed to complete a particular requirement or activity. If you have something specific (nature-related) you would like us to consider covering, please ask at the time of reservation.
We have a special Maple Sugaring day set aside for scouts in March. Learn about the history and science of maple sugaring. This is not tied to a specific badge.
We offer Birding programs to all levels of scouting and public groups.
We offer traveling Birds of Prey programs for group meetings.
Other Special Events for Scouting are offered throughout the year. Check our events calendar.
Any level of scouting is invited to attend any public program that is age-appropriate. Fees are as published for that program; register directly online. If bringing a group, inquire about alternative scheduling options.
FEES AND POLICIES
Merit Badge workshops, up to 6 hours:
$45 per scout; minimum charge $175*
Two hours or shorter:
$10 per scout, minimum charge $75*
*Minimums apply for privately-arranged events, not for scouting events announced on our public calendar.
Adult chaperones are free for most scouting-specific programs.
*Minimum Fees
Minimum fees do not apply when you register for a program that is published on our public events calendar. Minimum fees do apply when we arrange a time just for you. Fees published with specific programs may supersede the following fees. Individual scouts or small groups are welcome to inquire about upcoming specially-arranged programs that they may join.
Chaperone Policy
Parents and scout leaders are welcome to attend any scouting workshop. At least one chaperone from each pack or troop represented is required for most programs. Adults attending must be associated with one of the scouts or the troop or pack.
Sibling Policy
Siblings of scouting age similar to the program are welcome to participate. Siblings who are participating should register as a scout and purchase a ticket.
CombiningGroups
We reserve the right to combine scouts from different troops or dens who are working on the same badge or activity.
For more information on our Scout Programs, please contact us at (412) 963-6100 or sdetwiler@aswp.org.
