About

Both Boy and Girl Scout groups will discover the world of nature and science through VMNH Scout Programs. These programs engage scouts through exposure to natural history artifacts and specimens, interaction with research scientists, hands-on activities, and outdoor experiences. Scouts will make new friends and build self-confidence while earning badges.

Badge Programs

Museum educators, along with the assistance of Scout leaders, will conduct activities from Scout handbooks to complete Try-Its, Badges, and Interest Projects.

Cub Scout Webelo Badges

• Geologist
• Forester
• Naturalist

BROWNIE Try-Its*

• Animals 2, 3, 4, 5
• Earth & Sky 1, 3, 4, 5
• Earth Is Our Home 1, 3, 4, 5
• Eco-Explorer 1, 2, 3. 4
• Science In Action 2, 3, 4, 5
• Science Wonders 1, 2, 3, 5 ot 6
• Water Everywhere 1, 3, 4, 5
• Watching Wildlife 1, 2, 4, 5

JUNIOR Badges*

• Earth Connections 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10
• Wildlife 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
• Rocks Rock 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10
• Water Wonders 1, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10

CADETTE/SENIOR Interests Projects*+

• All About Birds SB2, SB3, SB4, SB6, T1, C5
• Eco-Action SB1, SB4, SB5, T1, C5, T5
• Shore to Sea SB1, SB2, SB5, SB6, T2, C1
• Wildlife SB1, SB2, SB3, SB4, T1, T4, C4
• Museum Discovery SB1, SB3, T2, T3, T4, C1

* Girl Scouts will complete each of the activities listed.
+ Cadettes/Seniors will complete the Service Project activity on their own.

Scout Program Registration

When: Conducted Saturdays during the school year with the option of weekdays during the summer. Workshops are 2 to 5 hours in length depending on the topic.

Where: Workshops are held at local parks, state parks, or at the Museum.

Group Size: Maximum of 25 scouts per program. Minimum of 10 scouts is required to conduct the program. One or two scout leaders are required to stay to assist the Museum educator.

Fee: $7 per scout, with a minimum payment of $70. Pre-payment is required.

To register for a program or for more information, call 276-634-4185 or e-mail us at discover@vmnh.virginia.gov.

Scout Sleepovers

After everyone has gone home and the doors have been closed for the evening, join us for an exciting night of exploration.  Scouts can complete Try-Its, Badges, or pin requirements through hands-on programs led by our experienced educators.

Cub Scout Themes

• Geologist

Girl Scout Themes

• Science in Action
• Science Wonders
• Rocks Rock
• Shore to Sea
• Museum Discovery

When: Friday or Saturday 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

What: Badge program, pizza dinner, evening snack, and breakfast

Group Size: Minimum of 15, maximum of 35. The Museum reserves the right to cancel a sleepover if minimum is not enrolled. Only scouts and their adult chaperones are allowed to attend. Siblings cannot be accommodated.

Fee: $40 per scout. One chaperone is required for every five scouts; any extra chaperones will be charged a fee of $10 each.

Registration: Please call 276-634-4185 or e-mail us at discover@vmnh.virginia.gov. Pre-registration is required. Sleepover details and a confirmation form will be mailed.

Payment: Full payment is due seven business days prior to the event along with a signed confirmation form.