Cub Scouts
Programs Available
Each program was created using the Cub Scout Handbooks, and program activities are specifically designed to help scouts meet the requirements for earning badges. Programs cover a portion of the requirements for each badge, and CNC naturalist staff work closely with leaders to offer suggestions for additional activities to be completed with your den to fulfill remaining badge requirements. Some of our programs can only be offered during certain times of the year. Please look closely at the program you wish to schedule and that it is available during the season of your visit. In some cases programs can be modified.
Tigers
- Backyard Jungle*—Look, listen, and get up close to plants, bugs, birds, and other animals! Build a birdhouse and bring home a plant to put in your garden.
- Tigers in the Wild‡—Take a hike and discover the unique plants and animals that call our area home. Learn how to be respectful of nature when you go hiking.
Wolves
- Call of the Wild‡—Hike the trails and learn to identify various native animals. Learn how to be respectful of nature when you go hiking.
- Paws on the Path—Identify plants, insects, birds, mammals, and other animals on a hike while practicing respecting nature. Learn hiking safety and what to do if you get lost.
- Grow Something—Become a botanist! Learn about the plants that grow in our area, and begin to grow plants you can observe at home.
Bears
- Fur, Feathers, and Ferns*—Practice the outdoor code while you hike, observe wildlife from a distance, and look at plants close-up. Learn how you can help endangered animals, and bring home a plant to put in your garden.
Webelos
- Webelos Walkabout—Lace up your shoes for a long hike through the forest and prairie! Practice the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace, and learn about various dangerous plants and animals.
- Earth Rocks!—Learn about rocks from a geologist! Travel back in time and discover the geological history of our area. Identify rocks you find on a geology hike.
- Into the Wild‡—Learn about the balance of nature by studying the ecosystems of our area. Watch wildlife as you hike through the prairie, woods, and wetlands.
- Into the Woods‡—Identify trees and other common plants in our area, learn how they grow, and discover their critical role in ecosystem health.
* All badge requirements completed during the program
‡ Program offered during all four seasons
Fees
$65 program minimum, which includes up to 10 scouts
$5 for every additional scout over 10
Group leaders are FREE
$10 material fee applies to specific programs
Payment will be collected the day of the program
Group Size: The ideal group size is 10 scouts. Please call to discuss options for larger groups. Given enough time in advance, we can arrange classes for larger groups.
- Scout leaders, inform parents/chaperones to lead by example by limiting conversations amongst other adults during the program. This is a distraction to the naturalist and the students.
- If you have any differently-abled students, please let your booking contact know so we can ensure the best learning experience possible for all students.
Scheduling Dates: Programs unless indicated are offered during Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Contact: For more information, and to book a program, please call CNC and ask to speak with Outreach Program Coordinator Abbey Holden.
Abbey@CarpenterNatureCenter.org
Phone: 651-437-4359 ext. 118
Helpful Tips
Site Use: Your group will be at the Carpenter Nature Center. CNC staff ask that you remind your students to be respectful and practice good outdoor ethics. Inform your students not to collect materials unless otherwise permitted by your naturalist. Ask your students to move slowly and quietly around the Nature Center’s animal ambassadors inside the Visitor Center.
Clothing: A majority of the program will take place outdoors. Remind students and chaperones to dress properly for the weather to ensure all participants are comfortable, safe, and enjoying the field trip experience. CNC staff recommends students wear a close-toed shoe that is secure to the foot. Layers for the spring and fall seasons are great. In the winter, insulated boots with good tread, a warm pair of pants or snow pants, a hat that covers the ears, a scarf, and mittens or insulated gloves. Teachers, it is your responsibility to inform CNC if you feel your students are not prepared well for the weather and want to reschedule.
Weather: If the weather is inclement on the day of your visit, we ask that you please call ahead if you wish to reschedule your visit. Please be mindful that our program calendar fills during our busy seasons, and we may be unable to accommodate a rescheduled date. CNC staff can offer a ‘rainy day’ program substitute for same-day field trip programming. If your group is already at the Nature Center when severe weather occurs, staff will take the necessary precautions to ensure the group’s safety.
Ticks: Ticks are most active during March – October and can be found in tall grasses, brush, and wooded areas. During your visit, students may encounter these conditions. Remind your students and their parents to perform a “tick check” when they get home. Wearing long pants is encouraged, or other tick-repellent clothing can help prevent ticks.