Cub Scout Program
The Cub Scout Program at Rancocas Nature Center offers a variety of environmental education programs tailored to meet Cub Scouts Program activity requirements. Knowledgeable Center staff and associate naturalists offer hands-on experiences that give scouts an opportunity to earn badges by learning about different components of the natural world.
Diverse age-appropriate programming allows Tiger Cubs to move on to Wolf Cubs, Bear Cubs, Webelos.
Diverse age-appropriate programming allows Tiger Cubs to move on to Wolf Cubs, Bear Cubs, Webelos.
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Tiger Cubs
Tiger Adventure: Backyard Jungle Scouts will use the Rancocas trails to investigate the plants and animals that are found in the preserve. By identifying some of the living things they see and hear, scouts will learn about the way plants and animals interact in nature. The program includes building a simple bird house and learning how to plant a tree or shrub. Tiger Adventure: Tigers in the Wild Start off by learning about outdoor codes and principles and how to prepare for a hike. Then scouts will participate in a scavenger hunt as they hike the Nature Center trails looking for signs of wildlife and learning to ID some of the plants and animals they see. Back at the Center, scouts will record their sighting and observations, in addition to learning about two resident Rancocas animals. 
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Wolf Cubs
Wolf Elective Adventure: Grow Something Plants are an important part of the food chain and have specific needs to grow and survive. By visiting the Rancocas gardens, scouts will become familiar with some of the local trees and plants that grow in our zone. Scouts will learn about terrariums and make one to take home, along with a seedling to care for. Note: additional fees may apply for materials. Wolf Adventure: Paws on the Path Prepare for a one-mile hike by learning about outdoor codes, ethics and principles, and trail safety. Become familiar with the RNC trail map and its symbols. Then, wearing appropriate clothing and using your “Six Essentials” pack, we’ll observe local animals, ID them, and record our sightings as we hike the habitats of Rancocas. Bear Cubs
Bear Adventure: Fur, Feathers, & Ferns A visit to the nature center is a wonderful way to experience wildlife in its natural setting. We’ll complete a one-mile hike and observe signs of plants and animals along the trail while learning to use a magnifying glass and binoculars to take a close-up and distance view of what we find. Scouts will also learn why wildlife can become extinct and visit the Rancocas composting bins to see decomposition in action. |
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Webelos
Into the Woods Trees are important to our ecosystem and they improve our environment, and the Rancocas preserve is the perfect place to investigate them. Through hands-on activities, scouts will learn about: the different ways trees & wood are used; the two tree categories; six species of local trees & plants and their uses; the parts of a tree and how it functions; the story of tree growth rings; and how to plant a tree Earth Rocks! A slide presentation will explain the basics of the science of geology and rock formation, and scouts will engage in several hands-on activities that include learning about the Mohs scale of hardness, geological building materials, everyday geological materials, fossils, and geological features in our area. Then it’s outside to observe parts of the geography of the Rancocas preserve and record what we see. Along the way we’ll hunt for rocks, examine them with a magnifying glass, and try to ID each specimen. Into the Wild Visiting a nature center is a great way to experience wildlife. We’ll start by observing, identifying, and recording the different birds we see at the center and learn about their local flyways. Then hike the Rancocas trails to investigate woodland, meadow, and wetland habitats, learning about the importance of each and which animals are part of the food chain there. While outside, scouts will see examples of how Rancocas is protecting the balance of nature. Webelos Walkabout In this adventure, we’ll prepare for a three-mile hike by planning the hiking route, reviewing a first-aid kit contents, and learning about potential plant and animal hazards on Rancocas trails. Before heading out on the trails, we’ll review scout outdoor codes, ethics, and principles and learn about healthy food choices. While out on the hike, scouts will complete a service project and assume leadership roles. |
Price for Tiger Cubs:
A 1.5 hour program is $120 for first 10 scouts. $12 for each additional scout or participating sibling. Price for Wolf Cubs, Bear Cubs, and Webelos: A 2-hour program is $150 for the first 10 scouts. $15 for each additional scout or participating sibling. We do not purchase or provide the actual badges or other scout accessories. This is the responsibility of the group leader. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required 30 days before the program. Payment of any remaining balance is due upon arrival on the day of your program.
Programs are 90 minutes for Tiger Cubs and 2 hours for Bears, Wolves, and Webelos. Many programs are taught outside, rain or shine, so please dress appropriately. To facilitate scheduling please have several possible dates and times in mind. Spring and Autumn dates fill up quickly, so be sure to make your reservations early. The instructor(s) will contact you a week in advance with any specific program details. |