Scout Programs
We offer 15 unique, innovative and badge-oriented programs for scouts of all ages. Every session is hands-on, crafty, enhanced with artifacts from our collection, and fun!
Carve scrimshaw, go on a compass hunt, solve a crime, try on historic clothes, test your senses, or discover how to make water turn goopy with fun science experiments!
Interested in booking a program?
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Scout FAQs
What times do scout programs take place?
Scout programs are booked throughout the year on weekdays at a time that is mutually convenient for you and for the museum. Scout programs are privately booked sessions which last 1 1/2 hours long. When you call the museum to book your program, please have in mind 2-3 dates and times to streamline the booking process. The latest time afternoon programs can start is at 6pm (with program ending at 7:30pm). We will do our best to work with your group's schedule. What if we don't have enough scouts to make the minimum?
Scout groups who do not have enough scouts to participate can either: 1) Bring fewer scouts, but pay the difference 2) Bring similarly-aged siblings who can participate with the group 3) Combine with another scout group. We hope you are able to visit! Are deposits required?
For badge programs, a $50 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking with balance due the day of the program. Can we come early to see the museum?
If coming as a group, we highly encourage everyone to arrive on or close to your scheduled time. Don't worry -- you will have time to view exhibits during your program. do you bring scout programs offsite?
Yes, we travel! Some programs can be modified to be presented offsite. Mileage fees may apply. Please contact us for a quote. What if I have to change my date?
Bookings occur on an individual basis, please call for availability. Scout leaders may switch a booked date one time at least 4 weeks before the date. Second switch or no-shows will lose deposit. Scheduling changes can not be accepted within 4 weeks of the scheduled date; please understand we arrange for staffing and order materials in advance to bring you a great program experience! |
Program Offerings
CUB SCOUTS
Be a Physicist ★ (Floats and Boats Badge) Tiger Scouts learn to identify different vessels by observing models in our collection and learning how they move. Scouts try different float or sink experiments and design a vessel out of recycled materials to take home. Be a Navigator ★ (Finding Your Way Badge) Wolf Scouts gain valuable skills for future adventures as they understand how to make a simple compass using a magnet. Scouts go on an exploratory scavenger hunt through the museum using directional clues from a map. Finally, scouts design and take home a compass box for future journeys. Be a Paleontologist ★ (Digging in the Past Badge) Wolf Scouts dive into the world of fossils. Scouts explore how whales evolved in prehistoric oceans and touch select fossils and bones. Scouts excavate a real shark tooth fossil, which they take home. Be a Botanist ★ (Grow Something Badge) Wolf Scouts understand the many important uses of plants and the need to care for our environment. Scouts discover how plants were historically used to create dyes. Scouts make and take a terrarium home and watch their plant grow! Be an Engineer ★ (Make it Move Badge) Bear Scouts discover the art and science behind the simple machine. Students explore artifacts through the eyes of an engineer, discovering ingenious simple machines used aboard ships, including pulleys, levers, and screws. Scouts create a wooden boat craft. Be an Investigator ★ (Forensics Badge) Bear Scouts get sleuthing and discover how to use investigative skills to solve a crime against an ocean creature. Scouts work with clues as they search for fingerprints, examine artifacts, and create a spy-worthy periscope to take home. |
GIRLS SCOUTS
★ Brownie Badges ★ ► Wonders of Water Join us under the sea to learn about incredible life underwater. Understand the water cycle, see how fresh and salt water densities are different, and learn about aquatic animal adaptations. ► Save Water Water is a part of our lives in many ways. Devise a way to clean up an oil spill and clean oiled feathers, and learn ways to keep our environment clean! ► Home Scientist Roll up your sleeves for hands-on science experiments - see what’s bubbling in our workshop, create your own sticky slime that you can stretch, and learn why different things sink and float in density activities. ► Household Elf Learn about the different things you can do to save energy and waste less, and have fun creating with recycled materials! ► Letterboxing Learn how to read a compass to find where you need to go, try your hand at stamping, and go on a directional scavenger hunt in the museum’s exhibits. One adult per 4 girls required. ★ Junior Badges ★ ► Product Designer Learn how people’s tools have changed throughout the years by touching artifacts from our collection and figuring out how nautical tools work. Then put on your inventor’s hat and try your own designing! ► Jeweler Enjoy a fun jewelry-making session! Learn how to tie macramé knots, such as a sailor’s square knot, and use recycling paper to make jewelry beads. ► Detective A crime has been committed against whales and we need you to become a detective as you learn how to decode messages and identify fingerprints left at the scene. Gather evidence and see if you can solve the mystery! ► Playing the Past Dive into the life of a female character who lived locally in the 1800s! Go on a special women’s her-story scavenger hunt, touch artifacts from her era, and create crafts from the past. ★ Senior & Cadette Badges ★ ► Science of Style Learn how fashion trends have changed over time, from women’s corsets to perfume made from whales. Create your own natural beauty products from gentle, homemade ingredients. Note this program focuses on beauty products instead of fabrics. |