Elmwood Park Zoo’s variety of workshops for Scouts provides them with opportunities to complete most or all of the necessary requirements for several conservation, nature, and animal-related badges. Each 50-60 minute workshop promises hands-on fun and learning with planned activities and up-close experiences with the zoo’s animals. Groups can also add fun activities, such as visits to Treetop Adventures, and ZooSnooze overnight campouts. Scouts will receive a badge at the end of their program and can earn additional badges for adding on a ZooSnooze or Treetop Adventures experience.
Boy SCOUT PROGRAMS
Tigers
Tigers in the wild
Hike around the zoo to identify the different animals that you see while remembering the "Leave No Trace" principles.
My Tiger Jungle
As the scouts walk through the zoo, they will be able to identify animals through sight and sound. See what else they can find on their 1-foot hike.
Wolves
Call of the Wild
Following the "Outdoor Code," scouts will walk the zoo to identify animals and learn how we prevent the spread of diseases.
Paws on the path
Hike around the zoo to identify animals, plants and insects while following the buddy system.
Bears
Furs, Feathers and Ferns
See how many endangered animals you can find while walking through the zoo, and discuss what could make them extinct in the future.
Webelos
Walkabout
The scouts will follow leadership roles as they hike around the zoo to identify the more dangerous animals on exhibit. Some might surprise you.
Engineer
In this workshop, the scouts will learn how zoo exhibits are built, and the guidelines required to complete them.
SCHEDULING INFORMATION
Special zoo admission rates of $15.95 per Adult and $11.95 per Child (ages 3 to 12) are offered to scout groups from early June through early September. Regular zoo admission rates apply during the remainder of year when the rates are reduced for all guests. Workshops for up to 15 scouts can be added to your trip for $100; an additional 10 scouts can be accommodated for another $50. Contact the Education Department at 610.277.3825 x236 or education@elmwoodparkzoo.org with questions.
- All visits and programs must be scheduled at least three days in advance. Each program must have a minimum of 5 scouts. Please schedule early to ensure the availability of your preferred date.
- You will be able to enter the name of your preferred workshop after adding it to your cart. Please contact us at 610.277.3825 x 236 or education@elmwoodparkzoo.org to confirm your workshop selection, or to ask any questions.
- We do not offer refunds for cancelations or change of weather. Scout workshops are held rain or shine. Rescheduling is welcome.
ADDItional Activities
There’s plenty of other activities that can be added to your Boy Scout visit.
Please note: some additional activities are seasonal.
We are also home to Treetop Adventures, Pennsylvania’s only zip line course that flies guests over animal exhibits! Many scout groups enjoy our fun and challenging courses, and your activity may count toward additional badge requirements.
Pair your daytime scout adventure with our zoo snooze camp out for extra fun. Discover what happens at the zoo after the sun goes down. Adding a ZooSnooze may count toward additional badge requirements. Visit ZooSnooze.com for current dates (June-October) and more information.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON Boy Scout PROGRAMS, CONTACT THE
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT 610.277.3825 X236
OR EMAIL EDUCATION@ELMWOODPARKZOO.ORG
Merit Badge Workshops
Bird Study
Scouts will learn special characteristics of a bird and why they can be important to the ecosystem. Scouts will become familiar with the birds we have here at the zoo and which birds are native to Pennsylvania.
Workshop will cover requirements 1-7 only and scouts are in charge of completing requirement 8 after the workshop.
Reptile and Amphibian Study
Scouts will learn all about reptiles and amphibians. Scouts will become familiar with the reptiles and amphibians that live at the zoo and other species found in PA.
Workshop will cover requirements 1-7, 9b-c, and 10. We will offer information regarding Requirement 8b, but scouts must complete the time required outside of the workshop. Scouts may also use the information they learned during the workshop to complete requirement 9c after their visit and present to the rest of their pack.
Mammal Study
In this workshop, scout will learn what makes mammals different than all other animals. Scouts will also learn about the mammals we have here at the zoo and which mammals they could also find native to Pennsylvania.