Teen and Scout Programs
Observing the Winter Birds of Rancocas Nature Center
Dates: December 14, 2024, January 11, 2025, February 15, 2025 ~ 10 AM to 11:30 AM (all walks)
Age of participants: 7 to 15 years
Many resident and migratory birds can be found in New Jersey. During these bird walks between 10 AM and 11:30 AM we will observe these birds. Bird observation journals made from recycled items will be provided to write and draw, it is suggested you bring your own pens/pencils. Binoculars will be provided.
Some likely birds: White-Throated sparrow, White-Breasted nuthatch, Northern Cardinal, Six types of Woodpeckers, Dark-Eyed Junco, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren These walks are led by a Girl Scout working toward her Gold Award. Her goal is to educate people about birds and their impact on the environment - FREE Sign Up here - Observing Winter Birds Registration
MAPLE SUGARING FOR SCOUTS (Save the Date)
Sunday, March 2 12:30 to 3:30 PM (staggered start times)
What a tasty way to spend a winter afternoon! Bring your scout or the whole troop/pack and enjoy a program about maple sugaring, the oldest continuous industry in North America. On this self-guided walk, visit multiple interactive stations along the Rancocas trails. Learn about the Sugar Maple tree and the history of maple sugaring, observe a tapping demonstration, and enjoy a maple syrup tasting. Please limit adults and extra siblings as this is a scout program. Our Public Maple Sugaring is designed for families, so please register for that if wanting to attend as a family. To ward off the chills, we’ll have an old-fashioned campfire burning. Scouts will receive a keepsake Maple Sugaring Badge. Start times are staggered— Register online for your time slot at SCOUT MAPLE SUGARING Cost: $15/per scout/accompanying adult.
Scout should complete this form when registering BSA LINK
Questions? email education@rancocasnaturecenter.org
MAPLE SUGARING FOR SCOUTS (Save the Date)
Sunday, March 2 12:30 to 3:30 PM (staggered start times)
What a tasty way to spend a winter afternoon! Bring your scout or the whole troop/pack and enjoy a program about maple sugaring, the oldest continuous industry in North America. On this self-guided walk, visit multiple interactive stations along the Rancocas trails. Learn about the Sugar Maple tree and the history of maple sugaring, observe a tapping demonstration, and enjoy a maple syrup tasting. Please limit adults and extra siblings as this is a scout program. Our Public Maple Sugaring is designed for families, so please register for that if wanting to attend as a family. To ward off the chills, we’ll have an old-fashioned campfire burning. Scouts will receive a keepsake Maple Sugaring Badge. Start times are staggered— Register online for your time slot at SCOUT MAPLE SUGARING Cost: $15/per scout/accompanying adult.
Scout should complete this form when registering BSA LINK
Questions? email education@rancocasnaturecenter.org
TEEN AND SCOUT CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER DAYS (ages 13 to 17)
Saturday, December 7 9 AM to 12 PM
Sunday, January 12 12:30 to 3:30 PM
Saturday, February 1 1:00 to 4:00 PM
The Rancocas Nature Center has monthly supervised stewardship conservation project volunteer opportunities. It’s a great way for scouts and other youth 13 to 17 years-old to get out into nature and accumulate service hours. Parental consent is required, and parents are welcome to help as well. Activities vary depending on the season, but often include removal of invasive species and mulching native plant enclosures and gardens. Volunteers should bring water, work gloves, and dress in work clothes, including appropriate footwear. Upon request, letters can be provided for youth needing proof of service for Scouts, 4-H, Honors Society, etc. TEEN and SCOUT CONSERVATION DAYS
Scout should complete this form when registering BSA LINK
Questions? email education@rancocasnaturecenter.org
Saturday, December 7 9 AM to 12 PM
Sunday, January 12 12:30 to 3:30 PM
Saturday, February 1 1:00 to 4:00 PM
The Rancocas Nature Center has monthly supervised stewardship conservation project volunteer opportunities. It’s a great way for scouts and other youth 13 to 17 years-old to get out into nature and accumulate service hours. Parental consent is required, and parents are welcome to help as well. Activities vary depending on the season, but often include removal of invasive species and mulching native plant enclosures and gardens. Volunteers should bring water, work gloves, and dress in work clothes, including appropriate footwear. Upon request, letters can be provided for youth needing proof of service for Scouts, 4-H, Honors Society, etc. TEEN and SCOUT CONSERVATION DAYS
Scout should complete this form when registering BSA LINK
Questions? email education@rancocasnaturecenter.org
GIRL SCOUT CADETTES: NIGHT OWL BADGE
Saturday, March 29, 2025 6:30 to 9 PM
Join Rancocas naturalists for an evening of fun while earning your Night Owl Badge.
Special Form HERE for Scout Registration MUST be completed and sent in also.
Learn about nocturnal animals, practice using your senses in the dark, and take a guided night hike on our trails. Hear stories about the constellations as we gather around a campfire and enjoy s’mores. In addition, an astronomer will be on hand to answer questions about the stars and to assist with observations of the night sky. Each scout should bring a camp chair. Cost: $16/per scout (badge included). Register individually or as a troop on our website at GIRL SCOUTS-NIGHT OWL
Saturday, March 29, 2025 6:30 to 9 PM
Join Rancocas naturalists for an evening of fun while earning your Night Owl Badge.
Special Form HERE for Scout Registration MUST be completed and sent in also.
Learn about nocturnal animals, practice using your senses in the dark, and take a guided night hike on our trails. Hear stories about the constellations as we gather around a campfire and enjoy s’mores. In addition, an astronomer will be on hand to answer questions about the stars and to assist with observations of the night sky. Each scout should bring a camp chair. Cost: $16/per scout (badge included). Register individually or as a troop on our website at GIRL SCOUTS-NIGHT OWL
SCOUTING AMERICA MERIT BADGE: TEXTILES (a One-Day Workshop)
Sunday, January 26 11 AM to 4 PM
Learn about the fine points of outdoor gear by taking the Textile Merit Badge with Rancocas accredited counselors. There is an old Scandinavian saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather-- only bad clothing choices.” When you learn about various fibers, fabrics and their properties, you’ll be able to make better choices about your outdoor clothing and gear. Additionally, a better understanding of weaving and other fiber crafts, increases your important survival skills. A certified Merit Badge counselor together with specialist colleagues will lead you through the requirements for this badge in a one-day outdoor workshop. Bring a bagged lunch. Cost: $40/per scout (includes materials for weaving). Register for Rancocas Nature Center Class HERE: SCOUT MERIT TEXTILES
Scout should complete this form when registering BSA LINK
Questions? email education@rancocasnaturecenter.org
Sunday, January 26 11 AM to 4 PM
Learn about the fine points of outdoor gear by taking the Textile Merit Badge with Rancocas accredited counselors. There is an old Scandinavian saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather-- only bad clothing choices.” When you learn about various fibers, fabrics and their properties, you’ll be able to make better choices about your outdoor clothing and gear. Additionally, a better understanding of weaving and other fiber crafts, increases your important survival skills. A certified Merit Badge counselor together with specialist colleagues will lead you through the requirements for this badge in a one-day outdoor workshop. Bring a bagged lunch. Cost: $40/per scout (includes materials for weaving). Register for Rancocas Nature Center Class HERE: SCOUT MERIT TEXTILES
Scout should complete this form when registering BSA LINK
Questions? email education@rancocasnaturecenter.org
SCOUTING AMERICA MERIT BADGE: CHEMISTRY (a Two-Day Workshop)
Saturday, February 1 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Saturday, February 8 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Join Rancocas certified Merit Badge counselors for this revamped two-day workshop incorporating the updated Scouting BSA 2024 requirements. The chemistry badge explores how substances react with each other, how they change, how certain forces connect molecules, and how molecules are made. Scouts must be able to attend both sessions, will be expected to complete requirement 7B on their own, and participate fully in the workshop. Most appropriate for scouts ages 13 and above. Cost: $40/per scout.
Register MERIT-CHEMISTRY-2-DAYS
Scout should complete this form when registering BSA LINK
Questions? email education@rancocasnaturecenter.org
Saturday, February 1 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Saturday, February 8 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Join Rancocas certified Merit Badge counselors for this revamped two-day workshop incorporating the updated Scouting BSA 2024 requirements. The chemistry badge explores how substances react with each other, how they change, how certain forces connect molecules, and how molecules are made. Scouts must be able to attend both sessions, will be expected to complete requirement 7B on their own, and participate fully in the workshop. Most appropriate for scouts ages 13 and above. Cost: $40/per scout.
Register MERIT-CHEMISTRY-2-DAYS
Scout should complete this form when registering BSA LINK
Questions? email education@rancocasnaturecenter.org