Girl Scouts Programs
TNC Environmental Educators guide Scouts through hands-on explorations of the natural world, helping them earn a variety of nature and environmental science badges. With live animals, artifacts, and our 380-acre living museum as a backdrop, badges truly come to life! Seasonal favorites like apple cider making, maple sugaring, night hikes, and campfires are also available.
If you don’t see a badge or topic listed, contact the Scout Coordinator to learn more.
Field Trip programs take place at Tenafly Nature Center, where Scouts explore nature firsthand through guided hikes and outdoor experiences. Can’t come to us? Our TNC to Go programs bring live animals, interactive activities, and expert naturalists right to your meeting location!
| Sample Schedule | Field Trip Program | Evening Program |
|---|---|---|
| 4:15 pm | Arrive at TNC & Light Snack | |
| 4:30 pm-5:00 pm | Program Option (ex. Tigers: My Tiger Jungle) | |
| 5:00 pm-5:30 pm | Campfire Add-on | |
| 5:30 pm | Depart TNC | Arrive at TNC |
| 5:45 pm-6:45 pm | Campfire | |
| 6:45 pm-7:45 pm | Night Hike | |
| 7:45 pm | Depart TNC |
(All program times are listed in description)
Click title to view description
Use math to identify and sort things in nature. You will also try creating a map.
($) Requires Scout Programs Materials Fees
($) Requires Scout Programs Materials Fees
($) Requires Scout Programs Materials Fees
($) Requires Scout Programs Materials Fees
It’s great to treat our outdoor spaces with kindness. Help the outdoors by taking an eco-hike. Observe animals and objects in nature and “leave no trace” of your activities. This badge will explore ways to be a good guest in nature.
*Include a campfire add-on for a more complete experience.
($) Requires Scout Programs Materials Fees
As an artist, you can walk outside and see colors, shapes, and ideas for things you want to create. Find out how you can make your own art outdoors and have fun doing it.
($) Requires Scout Programs Materials Fees
What happens when you invite a friend to climb the tallest hill you can find, or buddy up to take a walk around your neighborhood at night? What do you see? What do you hear? There are so many amazing adventures waiting for you. So hang on, jump in, and get ready to explore the great outdoors!
*Include a campfire add-on for a more complete experience.
Nature is full of colors and shapes. In this badge, you’ll look carefully at nature. You’ll track what you see, and create art about it.
($) Requires Scout Programs Materials Fees
In this badge, plan a camping adventure! You might watch a sky full of stars, cook a meal on a stick, or share silly stories around the campfire. And you’ll definitely learn some new outdoor skills as you take part in this favorite Girl Scout tradition.
*Include a campfire add-on for a more complete experience.
In this badge, you’ll use math to help plan and organize a hike and campout. You will use math to decide where to go, how long your hike will take, and how much you can bring.
($) Requires Scout Programs Materials Fees
Learn the skills for minimal impact camping and how to protect the environment when you go outdoors. Learn the principles of Leave No Trace and share them with your troop, pack an ecofriendly snack and take a conservation hike.
*Include a campfire add-on for a more complete experience.
Flowers are so beautiful, we bring them from the outside into our homes to add cheer to a room. But there’s more to flowers than just good looks. Without them, plants could not make seeds, and scientist think the world would be much drier (and a lot less pretty). Dig up more flower secrets in this badge!
($)Contains Scout Programs Materials Fees
Creating a bright bouquet of fresh flowers, making a dish with garden-fresh herbs, growing a little green cheer inside with houseplants- these are all things a gardener gets to do. In this badge, dig your hands into the earth and spend time with soil, water, and sunlight to find out how to help life grow from a tiny seed. You can make your own garden- no matter where you live!
($)Contains Scout Programs Materials Fees
($) Requires Scout Programs Materials Fees
($) Requires Scout Programs Materials Fees
1 hour (September-November Only)
Get a Taste of History with Fresh Apple Cider! Step into the shoes of early American settlers as Scouts explore the secrets of simple machines and plant anatomy through hands-on fun! Using a traditional hand-cranked screw press, they’ll turn crisp apples into delicious, fresh cider to sample on the spot. Along the way, discover the rich history of cider making—from colonial times to today—in this interactive, sensory-filled adventure.
1 hour (February-March Only)
Tap Into Sweet History with Maple Sugaring! Scouts dive into the sticky-sweet world of maple syrup as they visit a real tapped Sugar Maple tree and (if the sap is flowing!) get a chance to taste nature’s freshest treat straight from the source. Through hands-on demonstrations, they’ll uncover how both Native Americans and colonial settlers turned sap into syrup—long before modern tools existed. Then, it’s time for a tasty challenge: can your Scouts tell the difference between store-bought corn syrup and pure, 100% maple syrup in a blind taste test? Come hungry for knowledge—and a little sweetness!
1.5 hours (late April through early October)
Dive into the Wild World Beneath the Water!Grab a net and get ready to explore the amazing hidden life of a pond! Scouts will wade into hands-on discovery using dip nets, magnifiers, and other tools to uncover creatures big and small. As they investigate aquatic ecosystems, they’ll learn how food chains work, explore the incredible adaptations of pond life, and see firsthand how everything is connected. Along the way, Scouts will reflect on how human actions affect these fragile habitats—and how they can help protect them. It’s muddy, messy, and full of surprises!
1 or 1.5 hours (best done in Fall, Winter, and Spring)
Unlock the Secrets of the Forest—One Season at a Time!Each season brings new wonders to the woods, and Scouts will experience them all firsthand on this guided trail adventure! From spotting animal tracks in the snow and listening for the chorus of spring peepers, to discovering blooming wildflowers in summer and crunching through a carpet of colorful fall leaves—every step reveals something new. Along the way, Scouts will learn how forest plants and animals adapt to seasonal changes and how to spot the subtle signs of nature in transition. No two hikes are ever the same—come see what the forest is up to this season!
- Troop leaders and attending adults are required to stay with and assist the group.
- Behavior management is the responsibility of
attendant adults, not the staff of TNC. - Troop leaders may attend for free, along with one parent, for every 5 scouts who may attend for free.
- Additional parents and siblings are charged a per person fee.
- Maximum group size is 30 participants per TNC educator (scouts, parents, and siblings combined).
- In order to obtain adequate staff, advance notice of additional students and adults is required. We reserve the right to limit the number of non-registered participants on the trail to the number originally registered on the confirmation form.
| Program Length | Field Trip Minimum Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 hour Program | $10/person ($100 min) |
| 1.5 hour Program | $15/person ($150 min) |
Add-ons:
- Animal Sponsorship: $60
- 30-minute Campfire Add-on: $8/person ($80 min)
- 30-minute Guided Seasonal Walk: $5/person ($50 min)
Additional Program Fees:
- Apple Cider Making Press Fee: $60
Program Payment Policies
- A non-refundable deposit for a program covers 10 scouts. Leaders are always free. Groups of fewer than 10 are welcome, but the deposit charge is required to secure a time slot.
- Additional scouts are a per person fee based on program length to be paid for the day of the program.
- It is the duty of the group representative to collect the fee from the participants and we will not accept individual payments from the participants.
- Program Deposit is non-refundable.
- If your refund otherwise totals less than $50, then a credit for future program fees will be issued.
- If your funds are limited, please consider applying for a scholarship (we strive to make nature accessible to everyone).
Accessibility at TNC
Many of the programs Tenafly Nature Center offers can be altered to meet the needs of participants with disabilities or those who require accommodations. We ask that you provide pertinent information about any disabilities and/or required accommodations within a minimum of two weeks’ prior to the program. This helps us provide a quality program experience for all participants.
(All programs are 1 hour)
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April-September Only
One of the most misunderstood creatures this program concentrates on the one mammal that flies. After games and activities, scouts will journey outside to search for and listen to bats as they actively acquire their food.Available all year
Songs, stories and fun filled activities around a campfire where no one is left out and everyone participates! Learn about the seasonal changes and forest animals, roast marshmallows, sip hot chocolate or cider.Available all year
Experience the forest without flashlights as you develop your night vision, play games, and listen for animals during a short walk on the trails. Stars, bats, frogs, and insects are just a few of the things you may encounter at night.Available all year
New Jersey is filled with night life and one of the more audible creatures of the night are its owls. After a short discussion about these winged wonders we will go outside for a walk in search of our night time feathered friends.- Troop leaders and attending adults are required to stay with and assist the group.
- Behavior management is the responsibility of
attendant adults, not the staff of TNC. - Troop leaders may attend for free, along with one parent, for every 5 scouts who may attend for free.
- Additional parents and siblings are charged a per person fee.
- Maximum group size is 30 participants per TNC educator (scouts, parents, and siblings combined).
- In order to obtain adequate staff, advance notice of additional students and adults is required. We reserve the right to limit the number of non-registered participants on the trail to the number originally registered on the confirmation form.
Accessibility at TNC
Many of the programs Tenafly Nature Center offers can be altered to meet the needs of participants with disabilities or those who require accommodations. We ask that you provide pertinent information about any disabilities and/or required accommodations within a minimum of two weeks’ prior to the program. This helps us provide a quality program experience for all participants.
| Program Length | Evening Programing 10-30 people |
|---|---|
| 1 hour Program | $15/person ($225 min) |
| 2 hour Program | $25/person ($375 min) |
| Program Length | Evening Programing 31-60 people |
| 1 hour Program | $15/person ($600 min) |
| 2 hour Program | $25/person ($1000 min) |
Add-ons:
- Animal Sponsorship: $60
Additional Program Fees:
- Apple Cider Making Press Fee: $60
Program Payment Policies
- A non-refundable deposit for a program covers 15-20 scouts. Leaders are always free. Groups of fewer than 15-20 are welcome, but the deposit charge is required to secure a time slot.
- Additional scouts are a per person fee based on program length to be paid for the day of the program.
- It is the duty of the group representative to collect the fee from the participants and we will not accept individual payments from the participants.
- Program Deposit is non-refundable.
- If your refund otherwise totals less than $50, then a credit for future program fees will be issued.
- If your funds are limited, please consider applying for a scholarship (we strive to make nature accessible to everyone).
Animal Sponsorship
Sponsor an Animal—Make a Wild New Friend!
Add something unforgettable to your field trip by sponsoring one of our amazing animal ambassadors! Your group will enjoy a special 30-minute up-close encounter with your chosen animal, complete with a Q&A session led by our expert staff. Learn their story, ask questions, and even pose for a group photo!
As a thank you, your class or camp will receive a special sponsorship package including:
- A group photo with your sponsored animal
- An official sponsorship certificate
- A professional photo of your animal
- A fun and informative species fact sheet and biography
- Recognition in our newsletter as a valued supporter
Not only is it a unique hands-on experience—your support helps us provide top-quality care to these incredible creatures. Make a difference and meet a new furry, scaly, or feathery friend along the way!
30-minute Campfire (Field Trips only)
Add a Sweet Ending with a Campfire & S’mores!
Wrap up your adventure by gathering around a crackling fire for 30 minutes of classic campfire fun! Scouts can roast marshmallows, build the perfect s’more, and share stories or songs under the open sky. It’s the perfect way to relax, connect, and savor the simple joys of the outdoors—one gooey bite at a time.
30-minute Guided Seasonal Walk (Field Trips only)
Take a Walk on the Wild Side!
Extend your adventure with a guided trail walk led by one of our knowledgeable TNC naturalists! Before or after your scheduled program, explore winding forest paths, discover hidden natural treasures, and learn fun facts about local plants, animals, and habitats. Every walk is a chance to spot something new—whether it’s animal tracks, birdsong, or a secret spot in the woods you’ve never noticed before. It’s the perfect way to deepen your connection with nature and make the most of your visit!
Self-guided Seasonal Walk (Field Trips only)
Explore at Your Own Pace with a Self-Guided Trail Adventure!
Before or after your scheduled program, grab a trail map and lead your group on a nature adventure through our scenic trails. Discover towering trees, curious critters, and hidden forest secrets as you explore at your own pace. With plenty to see, hear, and experience along the way, it’s a great opportunity for students to observe, ask questions, and connect with the natural world on their own terms. Every trail holds a new surprise—what will your group discover?
These programs are designed to be brought directly to your location—but you can also choose to visit Tenafly Nature Center and enjoy the same hands-on experiences as part of an exciting field trip!
(All programs are 45-60 minutes)
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Step into the shadows and uncover the secrets of nature after dark! In this thrilling, hands-on program, Scouts will discover what truly makes an animal nocturnal and how these fascinating creatures survive—and thrive—when the sun goes down. Meet live animal ambassadors who are most active at dusk, dawn, or in the dead of night, and explore the incredible adaptations that help them hunt, hide, and navigate the nighttime world. Along the way, learn how sunlight shapes life on Earth and why the dark can be full of wonder, not fear.
Ideal for Scouts in 3rd grade and up, this eye-opening program dives into the urgent challenges facing wildlife both around the world and right here in New Jersey. Through hands-on activities, fascinating artifacts, and encounters with live native animals, participants will explore the stories of some of New Jersey’s most vulnerable species. With over 60 endangered animals in our state alone, Scouts will learn what’s threatening their survival and, most importantly, how they can become local wildlife heroes by protecting and preserving these incredible creatures.
Discover the fascinating world of “herps” — the reptiles and amphibians that often get overlooked but are some of nature’s coolest creatures! This hands-on program brings students face-to-face with live snakes, frogs, salamanders, and turtles, offering a unique chance to learn what makes these animals truly special. Explore the key differences between reptiles and amphibians, uncover their amazing adaptations, and gain a new appreciation for these misunderstood creatures of land and water. Get ready to hang out with some of nature’s most intriguing wildlife!
Get ready for an unforgettable encounter with the kings and queens of the sky! Students will meet live raptors up close and discover what makes these incredible birds of prey true masters of flight. Through captivating demonstrations and hands-on artifacts, they’ll explore raptor behavior, powerful adaptations, fascinating physiology, and the vital role these hunters play in our ecosystem. Perfect for inspiring curiosity and sparking a lifelong appreciation for wildlife in learners of all ages!
Step into the mysterious world of owls—nature’s silent night hunters! Students will get an up-close look at a live resident owl while uncovering the incredible adaptations that allow these nocturnal raptors to fly and hunt in the dark. Through lively discussion, your class will explore the unique challenges New Jersey’s owls face, including how human activity impacts these powerful and efficient predators. This program is a captivating journey into the lives of owls, inspiring respect and awareness for these amazing birds of the night.
What secrets lie just beneath the surface? Dive into the hidden underground world and uncover the fascinating creatures that live beneath our feet! This hands-on program shines a light on the mysterious tunnels, burrows, and habitats of insects, worms, and other incredible organisms that quietly shape our environment. Discover how these unseen neighbors play a vital role in keeping our ecosystems healthy—and why their hidden world matters more than you might think. Get ready to explore the earth like never before!TNC To Go Add-On: Animal Sponsorship
Sponsor an Animal—Make a Wild New Friend!
Add something unforgettable to your field trip by sponsoring one of our amazing animal ambassadors! Your group will enjoy a special 30-minute up-close encounter with your chosen animal, complete with a Q&A session led by our expert staff. Learn their story, ask questions, and even pose for a group photo!
As a thank you, your class or camp will receive a special sponsorship package including:
- A group photo with your sponsored animal
- An official sponsorship certificate
- A professional photo of your animal
- A fun and informative species fact sheet and biography
- Recognition in our newsletter as a valued supporter
Not only is it a unique hands-on experience—your support helps us provide top-quality care to these incredible creatures. Make a difference and meet a new furry, scaly, or feathery friend along the way!
- Troop leaders and attending adults are required to stay with and assist the group.
- Behavior management is the responsibility of
attendant adults, not the staff of TNC. - Troop leaders may attend for free, along with one parent, for every 5 scouts who may attend for free.
- Additional parents and siblings count toward the fee participant number.
| 1 hour | Consecutive Hour | |
|---|---|---|
| Bergen County | ||
| Up to 30 participants | $275 | $150 |
| More than 30 participants | $400 | $300 |
| Up to 1-Hour Away | ||
| Up to 30 participants | $300 | $150 |
| More than 30 participants | $425 | $300 |
| NYC Boroughs | ||
| Up to 30 participants | $400* | $150 |
| More than 30 participants | $500* | $300 |
Add-ons:
- Animal Sponsorship: $60
Program Payment Policies
- Program Deposit is non-refundable.
- If your refund otherwise totals less than $50, then a credit for future program fees will be issued.
- There is no additional charge for supervising scout leaders.
- *Additional fee is included in the first program fee for all New York City boroughs visits to cover NYC permit requirements.
- A mileage charge of the current IRS rate per mile round trip is added to the program fee.
- One parking space must be provided near the entrance of your location (if no parking is available at your site then a fee will be added to cover any associated garage fees).
- Consecutive programs are programs held one right after another, for different groups, in the same location with no more than a 60 minute break between two of the programs.
- Groups with 31+ participants (including siblings and non supervising scout leaders) will be charged the assembly fees. An assembly program is one program, held for multiple groups, in one location, and at one time.
- It is the duty of the group representative to collect the fee from the participants and we will not accept individual payments from the participants.
- If your funds are limited, please consider applying for a scholarship (we strive to make nature accessible to everyone).