ASWP offers exciting programs for all BSA scouts, GSA scouts, and similar youth organizations to expand connections with birds and nature. Programs are offered at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve (Fox Chapel) and Succop Nature Park (Penn Township, Butler County).
Connect with birds and nature
Our achievement-themed programs (badges, beltloops, patches, journeys) address those elements best done outside in a natural area. We round out the experience with other nature activities. We also offer general activities, such as Maple Sugaring, that are not badge related but are of interest to scouts and families.
Groups are welcome to attend any public program that is age appropriate. Please inquire in advance so that we can prepare for your group.
Scout programs
BSA Cub Scouts
Most programs are 90 minutes. We meet or at least touch on most of the requirements.
Lions: Mountain Lion
Tigers: Tigers in the Wild
Wolves: Paws on the Path
Bears: Bear Habitat
Webelos: Champions of Nature
Arrow of Light: Into the Wild
Seasonal explorations available for all levels.
GSA 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 programs are 90 minutes.
Daisy: Seasonal Discovery general walk
Brownie: Outdoor Adventurer
Juniors: Animal Habitats
Cadette: Naturalist: Trees legacy badge
Seasonal explorations available for all levels.
BSA Boy Scouts
We are registered BSA Merit Badge Counselors for several badges. We offer these two ways: as public events on our events calendar, including during the summer as part of our Summer Camps or by special arrangement. Minimum group size applies for specially arranged classes. Badge classes are available for Bird Study, Wilderness Survival, Environmental Science, Geocaching, Forestry and Plant Science.
Did you know we have an Eagle Scout opportunity? Learn more about our Chimney Swift towers.
Scheduling a scouting program
We offer scouting activities two ways:
- Scout Days announced on our public events calendar
- By special arrangement
Scout Days are for Cub Scouts, Brownies, Juniors, Daisies, and Cadettes to attend as a Den or Troop. (BSA Merit Badges are not available on these days.) We can cover a scouting achievement or arrange another seasonal nature exploration. Minimum charges are waived. Must arrange as a group at least four weeks in advance.
Maple Scout Days are Saturdays in March set aside to tell the story of making maple syrup. Announced on our events calendar. Families welcome; all ages enjoy this program. Sign up directly on the events calendar.
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 also offered by special arrangement. Minimum group sizes apply. Available many weekends, evenings, after school and some school holidays. Schedule at least four weeks in advance.
Fees for special arrangements
Merit Badge Workshops, up to six hours:
$45 per scout; minimum charge $180*
Two hours or shorter: $10 per scout, minimum charge $70*
Adult chaperones are free for most scout programs except Maple Scout Days. Minimums apply for privately arranged events, not for scouting events announced on our public calendar. Program fees for public events may supersede these fees.
Additional information
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.
Sibling Policy
Siblings of scouting age similar to the program level are welcome to participate. Siblings who are participating should register as a scout and purchase a ticket.
Combining Groups
We may combine scouts from different groups who are working on the same activity.
