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 Historic Site 
Location: 8215 Pollack Ave, Evansville, IN 47715
To schedule: Contact Andrew Naugle, annaugle@indianamuseum.org, (812) 853-3956
Cost: Varies by number of attendees, but is usually under $10/person
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
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
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.
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.
Learn more about Angel Mounds State Historic Site
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/Fish Hatchery
Location: 6001 E 600 S, Montgomery, IN 47558
To schedule: Contact Morgan Apple, glendaleFWA@dnr.in.gov
Cost: Free
Grades: K-12
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.
Fish Exploration
Park rangers will teach girls about the types of fish in the Glendale Fish & Wildlife Area. Fishing gear and instructor not provided.
Note: Must have a lifeguard, follow Safety Activity Checkpoints, and submit a GSSI Special Activities Application.
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.
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.
Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum
Location: 928 Fairground Dr, Rockport, IN 47635
To schedule: Contact Nancy Kaiser, lpvdirector@gmail.com, (812) 649-9147
Cost: $7/girl, plus $3.50 for optional badge; 2 hours
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.
Mesker Park Zoo
Location: 1545 Mesker Park Dr, Evansville, IN 47720
Girl Scout Zoobilee 2023
Grades: K-5
When: Sat, Nov 4, 2023, Zoobilee activities are 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM CT, Zoo hours are 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT
The Zoobilee is a special event hosted just for our local Scout Troops. Scouts can freely roam to explore the Zoo together, and enjoy a multitude of fun and educational experiences that may contribute to their badges. Activities will be stationed throughout the Zoo, including interactive programs and demonstrations, ambassador animal encounters, zookeeper chats, animal feedings, and rides. Our theme for the day is "Be a good neighbor". Scouts will learn ways to help the animals that they may find in the tri-state area and their own backyard. Scouts are encouraged to participate with their troop, and wear troop uniforms or identification for the event. Please note badges are not completed nor provided.
Cost:
Girl Scout - $20 which includes Zoo admission (no discout for family membership), programming, and amenities (6 tokens*).
Tag Along - $20 which includes Zoo admission (no discout for family membership), programming, and amenities (6 tokens*).
Adult - Regular admission or free for Zoo members. Adults are not charged for programming or provided any tokens. Adult admission is free for us to 2 troop leaders for troops of 15 or more**.
*Tokens (6) will be provided for each Girl Scout for their choice of any of the following amenities which are open to the public and weather permitting: Penguin Feeding (5), Giraffe Feeding (2), Carousel Ride (2), Tram Rides (2 for all day).
**Recommended group size is 15-20 with a chaperone for every 10 kids.
Registration: Begins Mon, Sep 11 2023. Deadline is Fri, Oct 20, 2023. Pre-payment is required by deadline.
To Register: Contact Mesker Park Zoo at (812) 435-0809 or education@meskerparkzoo.com
Zookeeper Chats: Chats will be specifically for this event. The times and location will be given at check in and are weather dependent. These will be open to the public.
Scout Stations: For registered Scouts only (not open to public) and will run from 10:00 AM - 2: PM.
- Station 1: Native Neighbors - Learn about animals native to this area and what we can do to help our wildlife neighbors. There will be a discussion of threatened and endangered species found in Indiana and how we can be good neighbors to all the wildlife in our area. Scouts can then test their knowledge to sort pictures of animals into ones that are our neighbors and ones that are not.
- Station 2: Reptile & Invertibrate Encounter - Meet some of the reptile and invertibrate ambassadors at Mesker Park Zoo. Scouts will be able to touch some of the ambassadors and learn more about their lives, food, and habitat. The ambassadors will vary based on availability and be rotated throughout the day.
- Station 3: Animal Tracks - Scouts will look at animal tracks for 16 animals in North America like coyote, beaver, bear, and squirrel. They will learn what to look for when out on a hike in this area. Afterwards, scouts can test their skikll at matching animals with tracks left in the dirt.
- Station 4: Nature Weaving Craft - Scouts will make a weaving from natural and manmade materials. The weaving will contain food and materials for the birds and other creatures in their area which scouts can take home to place outside.
- Station 5: Forest Musical Chairs - Play a fun game with your troop using trees (chairs) and wildlife (scouts) that you may find in this area. Scouts will learn what happens to the wildlife when some of the trees are suddenly taken away.
- Station 6: Mammal Encounter - Meet some of the mammal ambassador animals at MPZ. Scouts will be able to touch some of the mammals and learn more about their lives, food, and habitat. The mammals will vary based on availability and be rotated throughout the day.
Badges: Some activities may meet badge requirements (badge not included). All stations open to all scouts.
- Daisy: Step 4 for Outdoor Art Maker, Steps 1, 2, 5 & 6 of Eco Learner
- Brownie: Step 4 for Outdoor Art Creator, Steps 1, 2 & 6 of Eco Friend, Steps 1 & 2 of Bugs, Steps 3, 4 & 5 of Outdoor Adventurer
- Junior: Step 4 of Outdoor Art Explorer, Steps 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6 of Eco Camper, Step 4 of Flowers
Patoka Lake Reservoir
Location: Birdseye, IN
To schedule: Contact Dana Reckelhoff, dreckelhoff@dnr.in.gov, (812) 685-2447
Cost: Free
Grades: K-12
Indiana DNR Nature Programs at Patoka Lake
Work with Patoka Lake's Interpretive Naturalist on any of Girl Souts' nature-focused badges or Journeys. Contact them directly with your program request or needs. (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.)
Learn morea about Patoka Lake.
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 6 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 6 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 6 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.
Warrick Humane Society
Location: 5722 S Vann Rd, Newburgh, IN 47630
To schedule: Contct Alicia Tromley, volunteerwarrick@gmail.com
Cost: Free, but food, toys & bedding donations are kindly accepted!
Grades: K-12
Pet Education Program (PEP) for Daisies, Brownies & Juniors
The PEP program will cover the basic components of pet care, allowing girls to be informed about domesticated dogs and cats.
Learn more about Warrick Humane Society.
Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve
Location: 551 N Boeke Rd, Evansville, IN 47711
To schedule: Contact Kailene Goldsberry, kailene@wesselmanwoods.org, (812) 479-0771
Cost: $6/girl; Girl Scouts receive free general admission into the preserve (Please wear uniforms or Girl Scout clothing for free admission.)
Grades: K-12
Explore Wesselman Woods
Registered Girl Scouts can now enter Wesselman Woods for free (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! For no admission fee, please wear your Girl Scout uniform or clothing.
Badge: Daisy Trail Adventure
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
