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 lengths are listed in description)
Click title to view description
1 hour earned
1 hour earned with easy pre-req
1 hour earned
1.5 hour award helper
1.5 hr earned with easy pre-req
1.5 hour award earned with pre-reqs
1 hour earned
1 hour award helper
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
Merit Badge Workshop
See upcoming workshops below for current pricing.
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)
Click title to view description
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?
(All program lengths are listed in description)
Click title to view description
6 hours (best done April-October)
Earn Your Bird Study Merit Badge—In Just One Day!Take flight into the world of birding with this fun, hands-on field class! Scouts will explore the outdoors while learning to identify some of New Jersey’s most common feathered residents. With a little pre-study (participants must read the Bird Study Merit Badge Book beforehand), you’ll complete all the requirements in a single exciting day—binoculars, bird calls, and real field experience included!
5.5 hours (Available all year)
Become a Protector of the Planet—Earn Your Environmental Science Merit Badge!Dive into the world of ecosystems, conservation, and sustainability as you explore how nature works—and how we can protect it. Through hands-on experiments, outdoor observations, and real-world environmental challenges, Scouts will gain a deeper understanding of the natural world and their role in preserving it for future generations. It’s science with a mission—and a badge to prove it!
3 hours (Available all year)
Get Wild About Mammals—Earn Your Mammal Study Merit Badge!Discover the furry side of the animal kingdom as you learn how mammals are classified, where they fit in the food chain, and what makes them so unique. Scouts will explore the lives of local mammals and take action through a hands-on service project that helps protect wildlife in our own backyard. It’s the perfect mix of science, stewardship, and outdoor adventure!
4 hours (Available all year)
Uncover the amazing secrets of the plant kingdom—from tiny seeds to towering trees! Scouts will explore how plants grow, reproduce, and survive in their environments through hands-on activities and outdoor discovery. With fun experiments and nature walks, you’ll learn how plants shape our world—and how you can help protect these green powerhouses. Get ready to grow your knowledge and earn your badge!
- The instructor is a registered Merit Badge Counselor.
- These workshops are intended for members of the Scouts BSA.
- A minimum of 6 scouts and maximum of 10 scouts are permitted at each workshop.
- Adults are welcome to join at the rate of one per scout.
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 | Merit Badge Workshop Minimum Fee |
|---|---|
| 3 hour Program | $30/person ($180 min) |
| 4 hour Program | $40/person ($240 min) |
| 5 hour Program | $50/person ($300 min) |
| 6 hour Program | $60/person ($360 min) |
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS (click link below to register)
There are no pre-scheduled workshops available at this time however if you have a group of 6-10 scouts interested in scheduling a private workshop please click the link below.
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!
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
- 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 | ||
| 1-30 participants | $300 | $200 |
| 31-100 participants | $450 | $300 |
| 101-200 participants | $600 | $450 |
| Up to 1-Hour Away* | ||
| 1-30 participants | $375 | $200 |
| 31-100 participants | $525 | $300 |
| 101-200 participants | $650 | $450 |
- Animal Sponsorship: $60
- Groups larger than 200 please contact for pricing.
- 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.
- *An additional fee of $250 will be added to 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 30 minute break between two of the programs.
- 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).