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Explore the great outdoors near you!
Because growing love for the outdoors extends beyond the boundaries of summer camp! Whether hiking in a local park, rock climbing, or learning about natural history, our community partners across southwest Indiana offer exciting educational programs for all grade levels.
Angel Mounds State Historic Site 
Location: 8215 Pollack Ave, Evansville, IN 47715
Grade Level: K-12 (Daisy-Amabassador Girl Scouts)
To schedule: Contact Program and Partnership Manager, Mackenzie Schuler, at MSchuler@indianamuseum.org or call 463-224-5634
Cost: Varies by number of attendees, but is usually under $10/person
Spanning 600 acres, the historic site includes 11 earthen mounds built with the special purpose to elevate important buildings in the vast city where people lived, worshiped, and worked. Angel Mounds also highlights the cosmology of the people – how they may have understood their place in the universe and how everything is connected. Discover how the mounds are aligned with extraordinary precision to view many celestial events, such as sunrise on the day of the summer solstice and the sunset on the winter solstice.
Angel Mounds has multiple focus areas, but for youth, they work with school-aged children during field trips, homeschool programs, youth programs after school or on weekends, and summer camps. They work with organizations, groups, and families for programming and lectures, as well.
Angel Mounds has plenty of outdoor space that they utilize for events and education. Some of their most popular events include Native American Days, Halloween Hullaballoo, Winter and Summer Solstice, Summer Camps, Jr. Archaeologist Day, and more! They also provide camping on-site for a very low cost.
Learn more about Angel Mounds State Historic Site.
Girl Scout Opportunities: Angel Mounds offers events and workshops that can include badges for Girl Scouts. They can also provide camping grounds for troops.
Native American Lifestyles Program for All Levels
Grades: K-12
Experience the day in the life of a Native American who lived at Angel Mounds! Learn about tools that were used for everyday life and foods that were eaten. Visit the mounds and view the Three Sisters Garden.
Good Neighbor Badge Program for Daisies
Grades: K-1
Explore Angel Mounds while taking a nature walk through the historic site. Learn about the people who lived there and created the mounds long ago.
Badge: Steps 2 & 3 of Daisy Good Neighbor
Animal Habitats Badge Program for Juniors
Grades: 3-4
Work with staff at Angel Mounds to learn and identify wild animal habitats. You might even see some animals while you're there!
Badge: Steps 1 & 2 of Junior Animal Habitats
Plant Identification for Juniors & Up
Grades: 3-12
A staff member at Angel Mounds will take you on a tour while identifying local plant species. Learn how to distinguish plants from each other using stem growth patterns and leaf identification.
Trees Badge Program for Cadettes
Grades: 5-6
Take a hike while learning to identify trees, the science behind trees, and how trees were used in the past by the community of people who lived at Angel Mounds.
Badge: Steps 1, 2 & 4 of Cadette Trees
Bluespring Caverns
Location: 1459 Blue Springs Cavern Rd, Bedford, IN 47421
To schedule: Call (812) 279-9471
Overnight Adventure
Cost: $40/person; Minimum of 15 girls to hold this event
Grades: 5-12
A sleep experience like no other! Spend the evening immersed in invigorating challenges, dive head first into "Cave Exploring" with guided tours and enjoy a boat tour over the Mystery River. Unwind in the cool 52 degree cave air while you drift off to sleep. Nothing beats the peaceful stillness of this ultimate cave experience! Breakfast will be served in the caverns. Dismissal is at 8:30-9:00 AM EST. You may bring snacks for the evening but the "Cave Inn" snack bar has hot dogs, snacks and hot/cold drinks for purchase.
What to bring: pillow, sleeping bag, pajamas, water bottle, extra set of clothing, backpack. Please bring sack dinner and snacks for the evening. Make sure all snacks are secured in a bag or cooler for the evening so as not to attract wildlife.
Learn more about Bluespring Caverns.
Evansville Audubon Society
Location: Varies based on season and weather
To schedule: Contact Amanda Joest, amanda.joest@gmail.com
Cost: Free
Grades: K–12
Birding
Learn more about local bird species, take a guided bird-watching hike, or join a local conservation effort! To schedule, contact Amanda Joest.
Learn more about the Evansville Audobon Society
Family Roots Nursery
Location: 4871 W 1200 S, Dale, IN 47523
To schedule: Contact Andrea Peters, familyroots@psci.net, (877) 476-9648
Cost: $15/girl; Min 6, max 12; 3 hours
Grades: K-12
Family Roots Nursery offers greenhouse tours, fresh-cut floral demonstrations, as well as, hands-on seminars where girls can physically make something and take it home with them (comes with a charge). To tour the greenhouse or observe in the fresh-cut floral department, there is no charge. Family Roots can also go out in the community with the girls and help them plant flowers and trees. To schedule, contact Andrea Peters.
Learn more about Family Roots Nursery.
George Rogers Clark National Memorial
Location: 401 S 2nd St, Vincennes, IN 47591
To schedule: Contact Joseph Herron, joey_herron@nps.org, (812) 882-1776
Cost: Free
Girl Scout Junior Ranger Program
Grades: K-12 (ages 6 and up)
Interested in being a park ranger when you grow up? Earn your Junior Ranger badge at George Rogers Clark National Memorial. Learn about the history of Vincennes and what groups of people lived in the area in the late 1700s while having an interpretive ranger guide you through the park.
Girl Scout Ranger Program
Grades: 6-12
Do you dream of working in one of the many National Parks? Shadow an interpretive ranger to see what everyday life is like on the job.
Glendale Fish & Wildlife Area/East Fork State Fish Hatchery
Location: 6001 E 600 S, Montgomery, IN 47558
Grade Levels: K-12 (Daisy-Ambassador Girl Scouts)
To schedule: Contact Rob Sullender at glendaleFWA@dnr.in.gov or call 812-674-0168
Glendale Fish & Wildlife Area provides quality outdoor recreational opportunities while maintaining 8,060 acres of land and more than 1,400 acres of lakes. Hunting, fishing, camping, trapping, and wildlife watching are popular activities at Glendale FWA.
East Fork State Fish Hatchery raises 7 different species of fish that are stocked out in public bodies of water across the state.
Fish Exploration
Park rangers will teach girls about the types of fish in the Glendale Fish & Wildlife Area. Fishing gear and an instructor are not provided.
Note: Must have a lifeguard, follow Safety Activity Checkpoints, and submit a GSSI Special Activities Application.
Harmonie State Park
Location: 3451 Harmonie State Park Rd. New Harmony, IN 47631
Grade Levels: K-12 (Daisy-Ambassador Girl Scouts)
To schedule: Contact Amelia Wildeman, awildeman@dnr.in.gov, 812-682-3658
Cost: $1 per Girl Scout for badge programs.
Indiana DNR Nature Programs at Harmonie State Park
Work with Harmonie State Park's Interpretive Naturalist on any Girl Scout nature-focused badges, or for a fun, educational workshop! Programs are just $1 per Girl Scout (gate fee is waived). Contact them directly with your program request or needs. Please contact them AT LEAST a month in advance to get on their schedule.
Program Ideas: Tree ID, forest plant ID, vine ID (poison ivy and the "safer" vines), wilderness survival, backpacking, beginner kayaking lessons, insect programs, conservation programs, habitat hikes, night hikes, night sensory hikes, owl prowl hikes, and recycling.
Hartman Arboretum
Location: 6001A Spirit Trail, Evansville, IN 47720
To Schedule: Contact Kaylynn McCalister at 812-802-3035 or kaylynn@hartmanarboretum.org
Cost: Free
Grades: K-12
The Hartman Arboretum is a place for people to learn about the diversity of trees, shrubs, and wildlife of Southwestern Indiana. From 17 different types of oaks to numerous unique varieties of redbuds, magnolias, hollies, and more, this is a perfect site for learning about tree types, identification, pruning, and care.
There are also many educational opportunities in their gardens dedicated to native woodland plants and to wildlife and pollinators. They can provide tours, workshops, and volunteer opportunities.
Hovey Fish & Wildlife Area
Location: 8401 SR 69 S, Mt Vernon, IN
To schedule: Contact Zachary Schoenherr, zschoenherr@dnr.in.gov, (812) 838-2927
Cost: Free
Grades: 4-12
Guided Paddle Program
Looking to paddle at Hovey Lake? Have a local Department of Natural Resources expert join you on your trip to learn about the unique ecosystem at the lake. Paddling gear is not provided.
Badge: Fulfills step 4 of the Senior Paddling badge.
Note: Must have a lifeguard, follow Safety Activity Checkpoints, and submit a GSSI Special Activities Application.
Guided Hike Program
Have a Hovey Lake staff member join you on a hike through the forest in the Hovey Lake natural area. At the end of this hike, you will reach a platformed area surrounded by cypress trees.
Badge: Fulfills various steps for the Trail Adventure badges for Juniors-Ambassadors.
Howell Wetlands
Location: 1400 S. Tekoppel Evansville, In
To Schedule: Contact Gordon Ditzer, Howell Wetlands Manager, gordon@wesselmanwoods.org
Cost: Free
Grades: K-12
Howell Wetlands is 35 acres of marshland, bald cypress slough, oxbow lake, lowland hardwood forest, and up land meadow full of muskrats, beavers, herons, wood ducks, geese, and deer. The park has walking trails and boardwalks and offers staff-led programs and tours.
Jeffreys Cliffs Conservation & Recreation Area
Location: 715 Williamette Rd, Hawesville, KY 42348
To schedule: Contact Steve Canepari, scanepari@outlook.com, (334) 233-3391
Cost: Free
Note: GSSI Special Activities Application required.
Geology & History at Jeffreys Cliffs
Hanock County Heritage Commission is a volunteer group working to conserve the unique geological occurrences at Jeffreys Cliffs. Join a volunteer and learn more about the area’s history and geology while on a guided hike through the property.
Learn more about Jeffreys Cliffs.
Kelsey Gerhardt Beekeeper
To contact: Email Kelsey at kelsey@liquidgoldevv.com
4th Generation Beekeeper and owner of Liquid Gold Honey.
Learn about beekeeping and all things bees with local expert Kelsey Gerhardt!
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
Location: 3027 E S Street, Lincoln City, IN 47552
To schedule: Contact Erin Hilligoss-Volkmann - Director of Education and Resource Management, erin_hilligoss-volkmann@nps.gov
Cost: Free
Grades: K-12
Visit the cabin Abraham Lincoln called home from the time he was seven until the age of 21. You will get to experience Thomas Lincoln’s living farm, two Memorial Halls, and a museum. Daily hours of operation are 8 am – 5 pm. The park grounds are open daily from dawn until dusk.
Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum
Location: 928 Fairground Dr, Rockport, IN 47635
To schedule: Contact Nancy Kaiser, lpvdirector@gmail.com, (812) 649-9147
Cost: $5/girl, plus $3.50 for optional badge
Optional boxed lunches or pizza available upon request for an additional cost
Brownie Outdoor Art Creator Program
Grades: 1-2
Work towards the new Art in the Outdoors Skill Building Badge! Troops will participate in a fun scavenger hunt at the museum, tour the cabins and hear the history of President Abraham Lincoln and his family at the historical Lincoln Cabin, color a take-home quilt block, and more! Box lunches or pizza can be added for an additional fee.
Badge: Brownie Outdoor Art Creator
Artist Badge Programs
Grades: K-12
Work towards Artists Legacy Skill Building badges for all age levels. Troops will receive a tour of the museum and cabins with history lesson about President Abraham Lincoln and his family. Box lunches or pizza can be added for an additional fee.
Badge: Artist badges for all levels
Lost River Cave
Location: 2818 Nashville Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Cost: $20/adult; girl prices vary by program
Group info: A minimum of 3 adults per group of 24 are required by Lost River Cave.
To schedule: Submit field trip reservation form at https://forms.office.com/r/xhWbfuGiKs
Site features: Picnic tables for eating lunch, a Nature Explore Playscape that girls can enjoy exploring on their own, and a gift shop.
Note: GSSI Special Activities Application required
Educational Programs
Boat Tour
Cost: 10/girl
Learn how water transforms rock on a guided boat tour of Lost River Cave. Girls will walk down to our cave with a tour guide, learn about how the valley was formed, visit Blue Hole #4, and then get into a boat to explore the cave itself.
Geology Rocks
Cost: $5/girl
Explore rock and mineral types through a hands-on lesson, experiment and sluice for gemstones to take home. This program introduces girls to some of the most important rocks and minerals that make up our cave. Girls will spend about 25 minutes inside a classroom, learning about rocks and minerals and developing amateur geologist skills. Then they go outside to the sluice, where they find their own rocks and minerals and take home a personal collection.
Geocaching in Karst
Cost: $5/girl
Encounter our unique karst topography with a high tech-scavenger hunt. With a tour guide, students will use smartphone technology to scan QR codes and explore the karst valley. This experience is part treasure hunt, part guided tour, and is designed to build on what they learn about hydrology and geology from the boat tour. Geocaching in Karst is a new program and requires there to be at least 1 adult from the group with a smartphone that can scan QR codes.
Birds of the Wetland
Cost: $5/girl
Experience how adaptations help animals survive in their habitats through a wetland walk, touchable samples, and kinesthetic game. With a guide, students will look for birds and evidences of bird activity around our wetland habitat. They will learn about how different species do what they need to survive, in different ways. This is a completely outdoor program, so ensure you are dressed for the weather.
Girl Scout Badge Programs
In addition to the educational programs, LRC offers Girl Scout Badge Programs for Daisies through Seniors.
Cost: $13/girl
Program Length: 1 hour
Requirements: Minimum of 15 girls; 1 adult required per 10 girls. (Please follow all Girl Scout adult to girl ratios as well.)
Learn more about Lost River Cave.
Martin State Forest
Location: Martin State Forest, 14040 Williams Rd, Shoals, IN 47581
To schedule: Contact Joshua Kush, martinSF@dnr.in.gov
Cost: Free
Eco Learner/Friend Badge Program for Daisies & Brownies
Grades: K-3
Take a short hike with a ranger from Martin State Forest and learn what goes into responsibly using outdoor spaces. If requested, rangers can demonstrate how to create a safe outdoor fire.
Badges: Fulfills all badge steps for Daisies Eco Learner & steps 2 & 3 for Brownies Eco Friend.
Trail Adventure Hike Badge Program for Brownies, Juniors & Cadettes
Grades: 2-8
Take a short hike with a ranger from Martin State Forest and learn what goes into responsibly using outdoor spaces. If requested, rangers can demonstrate how to create a safe outdoor fire. Girls will learn skills for safety, planning, and techniques for outdoor hikes.
Badges: Fulfills badge step 5 for Brownies & Cadettes.
Job Shadowing for Cadettes, Seniors & Ambassadors
Grades: 6-12
Do you want to work outdoors or with the Department of Natural Resources? Shadow a staff member at Martin State Forest to see all that goes into the job. The program will prepare girls to explore all job opportunities and get a glimpse into working at a state forest.
Learn more about Martin State Forest.
New Harmony State Historic Site
Location: 410 Main St., New Harmony, IN 47631
To Schedule: Please call Kelley Morgan for reservations (812) 682-3702, or email kemorgan@indianamuseum.org
During a visit to the New Harmony State Historic Site, Girl Scouts will be able to accomplish the following badge requirements. Please call to make your tour reservation.
Daisy
Eco Learner: Step 2
Good Neighbor: Steps 2 and 3
Outdoor Art Maker: Steps 1, 2, and 3
Brownie
Senses: Steps 1 and 2
Outdoor Art Creator: Steps 1,2,3, and 4
Bugs: Steps 1, 2, 3, and 5
Eco Friend: Steps 1, 2, 4, and 5
Junior
Flowers: Steps 1, 2, and 3
Animal Habitats: Steps 1 and 2
Playing The Past: Step 3, 4, and 5
Cadette
Animal Helpers: Step 1
Book Artist: Step 1
Outdoor Art Apprentice: Steps 3 and 4
Senior
Outdoor Art Expert: Step 5
Eco Explorer: Steps 2 and 3
Ambassador
Outdoor Art Master: Step 1
New programming coming soon with complete badge programs and exclusive workshops!
Patoka Lake Reservoir
Location: 3084 N Dillard Rd, Birdseye, IN
Grade Levels: K-8 (Daisy-Cadette Girl Scouts)
To schedule: Contact Inerpretive Naturalist, Kersten Chism, at KerChism@dnr.IN.gov or call 812-338-5597.
Cost: Free
The mission of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is to protect, enhance, preserve, and wisely use natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education.
Learn more about Patoka Lake.
Indiana DNR Nature Programs at Patoka Lake
Work with Patoka Lake's Interpretive Naturalist on any Girl Scout nature-focused badge. Contact them directly with your program request or needs.
Program Ideas: Tree ID, forest plant ID, vine ID (poison ivy and the "safer" vines), wilderness survival, backpacking, beginner kayaking lessons, insect programs, conservation programs, habitat hikes, night hikes, night sensory hikes, owl prowl hikes, beginning archery lessons, and recycling.
Pretty Bird Farms
Location: 7520 W. 900 S. Holland, IN 47541
To Schedule: Contact prettybirdfarmsllc@gmail.com
When: Seasonal June-Sept
Cost: $10-$25 per girl
Grades: K-12
Come to PRETTY BIRD FARMS to walk among the beautiful flowers and cut your own unique bouquet.
Seton Harvest
Location: 9400 New Harmony Road, Evansville, IN 47720
To Schedule: Contact Julie Dietz, Julie.dietz@doc.org, (812-963-7962)
When: Anytime Program
Cost: Free
Grades: K-12
Seton Harvest is a certified Naturally Grown farm that uses the land justly and environmentally conscious by sharing locally grown food with shareholders and persons who are financially poor and hungry in our community. They provide tours, can come and talk to your troop, or you can volunteer on the farm.
Vertical eXcape
Location: Vertical eXcape, 1315 N Royal Ave, Evansville, IN 47715
To schedule: Contact isaac@verticalexcape.com
Cost: Varies (see program options below)
Note: GSSI Special Activities Application required
Climbing Adventure Badge Program
Cost: $25/girl; $50 group deposit; Min 4 girls, max 12 girls
Grades: 2-12
Girls will be introduced to climbing safety and basics and fitted with gear before climbing the indoor rock wall.
Badge: Climbing Adventure for Brownies and up
Opening Climbing Session
Cost: $15/girl; Min 4 girls, max 12 girls; 3 hours
Grades: 2-12
This is a follow-up session to the Climbing Adventure Badge Program. Schedule either at initial badge registration or no later than on day of badge program to qualify for discount. Additional session can't be more than 1 month from initial badge day.
Climbing Adventure for Cadettes
Cost: $40/girl; $50 group deposit; Min 4 girls, max 12 girls; 5 hours
Grades: 6-8
Cadettes will be introduced to climbing safety and basics and fitted with gear before climbing the indoor rock wall. Program is approximately 5 hours. Schedule at least 2 weeks in advance.
Badge: Cadettes Climbing Adventure
Learn more about Vertical eXcape.
Vincennes State Historic Sites
Location: 1 W Harrison St, Vincennes, IN 47591
(Located at the Visitor's Bureau at the Log Cabins)
Open Wed-Sun | 10 AM - 5 PM ET
Grade Levels: K-12 (Daisy-Ambassador Girl Scouts)
To schedule: Contact Site Manager, Joanne Taylor, at jotaylor@indianamuseum.org or call 812-882-7422
As part of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, a 12-site organization across Indiana, Vincennes State Historic Sites' primary focus is education and history. They have many programs that include history, civics, social trends, math, language, and science, many of which are designed for school-aged children, but some are for older children, young adults, and beyond.
Learn more about Vincennes State Historic Sites.
Girl Scout Opportunities: Vincenness State Historic Sites welcome all those who wish to volunteer (community service) to help with basic site enhancement (such as gardening), at Frontier Camp, with their nature trail, with establishing and setting up programs and events, as well as with helping at those events.
Badge Programs for Daisies:
• ECO LEARNER: Step 2 – (Fort Knox II Site outdoor exploration)
• SPACE SCIENCE EXPLORER: Step 1 – (outdoor exploration)
• GOOD NEIGHBOR: Step 2 – (Fort Knox II site outdoor exploration), Step 3 – (Tour)
• OUTDOOR ART MAKER: Step 2 – (Fort Knox II site outdoor exploration)
Badge Programs for Brownies:
• SENSES: Step 1 – (Fort Knox II Site outdoor exploration), Step 2 – (Fort Knox II Site outdoor exploration)
• OUTDOOR ART CREATOR: Step 1 –(Fort Knox II site outdoor exploration), Step 2 –(Fort Knox II site outdoor exploration), Step 3 –(Fort Knox II site outdoor exploration)
• BUGS: Step 3 – (Fort Knox II site outdoor exploration), Step 5 – (Fort Knox II site outdoor exploration)
• ECO FRIEND: Step 1 – (Fort Knox II site outdoor exploration), Step 2 – (Fort Knox II site outdoor exploration)
Badge Programs for Juniors:
• FLOWERS: Step 1 – (Fort Knox II Site outdoor exploration)
• DETECTIVE: Step 2 – (Tour; Morse Code Activity-connected to the Electric Machine and Jefferson Academy)
• PLAYING THE PAST: Step 3 and 5 –(Tour; Samples of clothing worn in the early 1800s; Learning about four important women connected with early Vincennes and Indiana History- Polly Strong, Mary Clark, Lydia Bacon, and Lucy Sullivan Stout)
Badge Programs for Cadettes:
• ANIMAL HELPERS: Step 1 –(Tour; How animals helped at key points in history)
View their Badge Explorer Guide for Girl Scouts now!
Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve
Location: 551 N Boeke Rd, Evansville, IN 47711
To schedule: Contact Payton Broshears, Director of Environmental Education, payton@wesselmanwoods.org, (812) 479-0771
Cost: $7 per participant for guided programming (a fixed rate of $140 applies for groups with fewer than 20 participants); Girl Scout troops receive free general admission to the preserve for self-guided visits (please wear uniforms or Girl Scout clothing for free admission).
Grades: K-12
Explore Wesselman Woods on a Self-Guided Field Trip
Registered Girl Scout troops can now enter Wesselman Woods for free for a self-guided field trip (events and scheduled programs not included). Explore the various walking trails, nature playscape, and Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary. Play in the Red Bud tree tunnel or view the various types of birds living in the sanctuary; it is up to you! Wesselman Wodds also has themed scavenger hunts and field guides for troops to use during their visit! For no admission fee, please wear your Girl Scout uniform or clothing.
Explore Wesselman Woods during a Guided Program
Wesselman Woods offers guided programs for Girl Scout troops. Their Education Department offers programming about pollination, raptors, reptiles, habitats, lifecycles, and more! Troop leaders can request a program topic to fulfill badge requirements. Guided programs include a guided hike, animal encounter, and free play in our Nature Playscape.
Bugs Program
Girls will participate in nature bug art and hunting for bugs around Wesselman Woods!
Badge: Steps 2, 3, 4 & 5 of the Brownie Bugs Badge.
Flowers
Learn about flower anatomy by looking at parts under a microscope, and afterward, create your own flower art. Take time to walk around the grounds and search for flowers in their natural habitat.
Badge: Steps 1, 2 & 4 of the Junior Flowers badge
Animal Habitats
Search for native animals in Wesselman Woods and afterward create habitat dioramas from all over the world.
Badge: Steps 1, 2 & 5 of the Junior Animal Habitats badge
Learn more about Wesselman Woods.
YMCA of Southwestern Indiana
Location: CK Newsome Center, 1001 E Walnut St, Evansville,
IN
To schedule: Contact Joe Lagenour, evansvillearchery@gmail.com
Cost: $50/hour per group
Grades: 2-12
Archery with YMCA of Southwestern Indiana
Girls will receive guided instruction from local National
Archery in Schools Program (NASP) certified instructors to learn about
equipment, safety, and strategy. All equipment is provided.
Badge: Steps 1-4 of Cadette Archery Badge
Community Partner Suggestions
Help Girl Scouts of Southwest Indiana find our next Program Community Partner by submitting this suggestion form!
Our community partners for programming are organizations in the community that offer programs, activities, resources, and events for local Girl Scouts. These things can be virtual or in-person and can be available in any of our 11 counties!
