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 11 – 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 630-850-8110.
Animal Science — 21182
At this working 1890s living history farm, learn the merits and uses of heritage and other livestock breeds and discuss proper planning and management. Prerequisites: Complete requirements 1, 2, 3, and 7, and turn them in at the start of the program. Requirement 6 will focus on the farm's Cotswold sheep. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Ages 11 – 17. Register online or call 630-876-5900.
| March 26 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago |
Nature – 21184
Scouts can earn the Nature Merit Badge through this hands-on experience. Scouts will explore the connections between soil, plants, and animal life. The instructors will cover most requirements and scouts who come with prerequisite material, will earn the entire badge. The following requirements must be completed and turned in on the day of the program. Prerequisites: Complete one: 4a, 4d, 4f, or 4h. For requirements that involve live animals, please take a picture and release it. For requirement 4, we will cover 4b, 4c, 4e, and 4g. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Ages 11 – 17. Register online or at 630-933-7248.
| April 16 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook |
Bird Study - 21186
Learn about bird anatomy and identification -- including bird calls -- and how to use binoculars and field guides. Prerequisites: Complete requirements 5, 7 and 9 and turn them in on the day of the program. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Ages 11 – 17. Register online or at 630-942-6200.
| May 21 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Willowbrook, Glen Ellyn |
Archery - 21194
Learn the basics of using a bow and arrow and the proper techniques for shooting a compound bow. Equipment provided. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Ages 11 – 17. Register online or at 630-933-7248.
| May 14 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Blackwell Archery Range, Warrenville |
Fish and Wildlife Management – 21245
Investigate how ecologists manage wildlife in DuPage County's urban environment and participate in a project to help wild animals that live in the forest preserves. Prerequisites: Complete requirements 5 and 8. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Ages 11 – 17. Register online or at 630-850-8110.
| June 11 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook |
Kayaking – 21260
Learn about boating safety and the parts of a kayak. Then, learn how to properly paddle as you earn your kayaking merit badge and kayaking Scouts BSA award. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Ages 11 – 17. Register online or at 630-933-7248.
| July 9 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Hidden Lake, Downers Grove |
Forestry – 21420
Learn how trees change as they grow, how people use and depend on them, and how to identify common Illinois species. Prerequisites: Complete requirement 2. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Ages 11 – 17. Register online or at 630-850-8110.
| Sept. 10 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook |
Mammal Study – 21421
Spend time in the prairie and woods learning about mammals and the features that distinguish them from other animals. Then, participate in a project to benefit mammals in DuPage. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Ages 11 – 17. Register online or at 630-942-6200.
| Oct. 15 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Willowbrook, Glen Ellyn |
Weather – 21422
Learn how to predict the weather through activities and projects, and explore thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes and other extreme conditions. The instructors will cover most requirements and scouts who come with prerequisite material, will earn the badge. Prerequisites: Complete requirements: 7, 9, 10 and 11. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Ages 11 – 17. Register online or at 630-933-7248.
| Nov. 12 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook |
Geology – 21424
Explore the world of minerals, rocks and fossils of northeastern Illinois to complete requirement 5d. Instructors will cover most of the requirements, and scouts who come with prerequisite material will earn the entire badge. Prerequisites: Complete requirement 4a or 4b. Visit scouting.org for badge description and requirements. Ages 11 – 17. Register online or at 630-850-8110.
| Dec. 10 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook |
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.
