Scouts can add a different merit badge to their sash at one of our education centers. These fun, hands-on programs are for Scouts ages 12 – 17 and $30 per Scout per program ($40 for archery and kayaking programs).
Most programs have requirements Scouts must complete in advance and turn in at the program. Questions? Call Visitor Services at 630-933-7248.
Scout Merit Badge Flyer (PDF)
Geology — 14382
Explore the world of minerals, rocks and fossils of northeastern Illinois. For requirement 5, complete we will do section d. Turn in completed requirements 4a or 4b at the start of the program to complete the badge. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Ages 12 – 17. Register online or at 630-933-7248.
| April 10 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook |
Bird Study — 14376
Learn about bird anatomy and identification — including bird calls — and how to use binoculars and field guides. You must turn in completed requirements 5, 7 and 9 with photos at the start of the program. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Ages 12 – 17. Register online or call 630-942-6200.
| May 8 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Willowbrook Wildlife Center, Glen Ellyn |
Gardening — 14381
Learn about the science of growing plants. Complete requirements 2a and 2b (bring photos or drawings of your plantings) and requirement 8 (bring photos of your completed project) and turn them in at the start of the program. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Ages 12 – 17. Register online or call 630-933-7248.
| May 22 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | St. James Farm, Warrenville |
Archery — 14377
Learn the basics of using a bow and arrow and proper techniques for shooting a compound bow. Equipment provided. Visit meritbadge.org for badge description and requirements. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Ages 12 – 17. Register online or call 630-933-7248.
| May 29 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Blackwell, Warrenville |
Reptile and Amphibian Study — 14380
Learn cool and amazing facts about the snakes, turtles, lizards, frogs and salamanders that live in our neighborhoods. Complete requirements 7, 8 and 9, and turn them in at the start of the program. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Ages 12 – 17. Register online or call 630-942-6200.
| June 5 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Willowbrook Widllife Center, Glen Ellyn |
Nature — 14385
Explore the connections between soil, plants and animal life through hands-on activities. Work on requirement 4 during the program, which will cover requirements 4a, 4c, 4f, and 4h. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Ages 12 – 17. Register online or call 630-933-7248.
| June 12 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook |
Insect Study — 14383
Discover the extraordinary world of insects, and appreciate the important role they play on the planet. Learn about insect adaptations by investigating and observing live insects, and develop skills to further study these amazing creatures. Complete requirements 5a, 5b, 6a, 9 and 13 and turn them in at the start of the program. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Ages 12 – 17. Register online or at 630-933-7248.
| June 19 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook |
Kayaking — 14384
Learn boating safety, the parts of a kayak and how to properly paddle while earning your merit badge and kayaking BSA award. You must turn in proof of your completed BSA swimmer test at the start of the program. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Ages 12 – 17. Register online or call 630-933-7248.
| July 16 | 9 a.m. – 1p.m. | Herrick Lake, Wheaton |
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County offers programs for Scouts year-round. Click below to register for Scout programs.
Help keep our forest preserves beautiful and safe places. If you have a concern, let us know.
