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Scout Programs in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

Scouting

Overview 

Scheduled 2-Hour Badge Workshops

2-Hour Workshops by Reservation

Service Projects

Add’l Info

Overview

Explore the Outdoors with Your Group

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary offers guided trails, workshops, and service projects that are appropriate for all types of groups with an interest in exploring the outdoors, including Cub Scouts, Webelos, Brownies, Junior Girl Scouts, Campfire, Bluebirds, and YMCA Guides.

Your group is also welcome to pay regular admission and tour the Museum and Sanctuary on your own (admission is included with programs). Between the museum and live animal exhibits, miles of hiking trails, and picnic areas, there is something for every group!

 

To ensure the best experience for all scout groups, program requests must be made at least 2 weeks in advance of program date.

 

To ensure the best experience for everyone, we will confirm the status of our Saturday programs by the Wednesday before based on registration numbers. If fewer than 5 people, including adults, have signed up by then, the program will be canceled. If a program is canceled, participants can either transfer their ticket to another program on a different date or receive a full refund.

Scouts looking at map

Scout Badge Workshops

Prescheduled 2-Hour Badge Workshops

Interested in earning a badge or looking for a fun nature-based activity for your group? Our badge workshops might be just what you need. Each two hour workshop is specifically geared to meet the requirements for the listed organization’s badge, but they are open to any interested groups. Click the tabs on the table below to access the workshops by type. Pre-registration is required for all workshops.

Fall 2025 Scheduled Workshops

Price

Scouts $15 | Adults $17

Museum admission for the day is free with workshop purchase. Each scout must have a responsible adult in attendance at the workshop; one adult may bring up to 10 scouts.

 

 

Register

Reservations

Registration for prescheduled programs coming soon!

To reserve spots in a workshop, please use the registration form (coming soon) to add spots in each available workshop that you are interested in to your shopping cart. Then, check out.

 

Have a group of 5 or more? We may be able to arrange a private workshop for your group. Learn More

Register

Scout Badge Workshops

2-Hour Badge Workshops by Reservation

Interested in earning a badge or looking for a fun nature-based activity for your group? Our badge workshops might be just what you need. Each two hour workshop is specifically geared to meet the requirements for the listed organization’s badge, but they are open to any interested groups. Click the tabs on the list below to access the workshops by type. Pre-registration is required for all workshops.

Request a program
Girl Scout Workshop Options
  • Eco Learner – Learn how to be kind to nature! You’ll discover easy ways to protect the outdoors by picking up trash, being gentle with animals, and helping your environment every time you explore.
  • Outdoor Art Maker – Learn how to be kind to nature! You’ll discover easy ways to protect the outdoors by picking up trash, being gentle with animals, and helping your environment every time you explore.
  • Animal Observer – Become an animal explorer! You’ll watch animals closely, play fun observation games, and learn how to understand their behavior by just watching.
  • Math in Nature (1, 2, and 3)
    • Math in Nature 1: Shapes – Go on a shape hunt! You’ll find circles, squares, and patterns hidden in flowers, trees, and the sky—and use your discoveries to make nature-inspired art.
    • Math in Nature 2: Numbers – Use your number smarts to sort, measure, and estimate things you find outside. Create your own unit of measurement and explore how numbers are everywhere in nature.
    • Math in Nature 3: Design – Use nature to help you count, sort, and build. You’ll explore parts of the natural world, go bird-watching, and even make your own map!
  • Eco Friend – Become a helper for the planet! You’ll learn to take care of wildlife, be kind to animals, and be respectful to outdoor spaces—and teach others how to care for the Earth, too.
  • Outdoor Art Creator – Let nature spark your imagination! You’ll collect outdoor art ideas, make crafts, try music and photography, and use natural materials to design creative projects.
  • Outdoor Adventurer – Discover the thrill of outdoor play! From nature games to new camp skills, you’ll try exciting activities and find out what you love most about being outside.
  • Math in Nature (1, 2, and 3)
    • Math in Nature 1: Shapes – Track, graph, and build with nature’s patterns! You’ll explore shapes like spiderwebs and tessellations and use symmetry to create beautiful art.
    • Math in Nature 2: Numbers – Use numbers to become a nature scientist! You’ll measure leaves, graph data, explore space in gardens, and learn how numbers help us grow things.
    • Math in Nature 3: Design – Put math into action! You’ll design a bird feeder, explore beehive shapes, and track your feathered friends with graphs and charts.
  • Eco Camper – Camp like an eco pro! Learn the Leave No Trace principles, plan low-impact meals, set up a green campsite, and take a conservation hike to help protect the planet.
  • Outdoor Art Explorer – Turn your outdoor adventures into artistic creations! Explore nature-based art, music, and photography, and create pieces that celebrate the beauty around you.
  • Animal Habitats – Explore the wild world of animals and their homes! Investigate habitats, learn how to protect endangered areas, and even create a cozy shelter for creatures.
  • Math in Nature (1, 2, and 3)
    • Math in Nature 1: Shapes – Discover the magic of nature’s math—fractal trees, spirals, symmetry, and the Fibonacci sequence! Use these patterns to inspire creative projects.
    • Math in Nature 2: Numbers – Use nature to learn how to measure time, temperature, and size. Track weather, find shadows, and explore tree growth.
    • Math in Nature 3: Design – Map out a full outdoor adventure! Learn how to calculate elevation, pace, distance, and plan the perfect hike from start to finish.
  • Eco Trekker – Plan a trek that helps the Earth! You’ll learn how to reduce your environmental impact, practice eco-skills on your trip, and take action to protect the outdoors during and after your trek.
  • Outdoor Art Apprentice – Explore your artistic side through nature! You’ll find inspiration in the outdoors to create music, art, photography, and designs that celebrate the natural world.
  • Trees – Dig into the world of trees! From science to legends, you’ll uncover their secrets, explore their role in the ecosystem, and help them thrive for generations to come.
  • Eco Explorer – Step into the role of environmental scientist! Investigate real-world ecological issues, explore global ecosystems, and take action to support biodiversity and balance.
  • Outdoor Art Expert – Take your creativity to the next level with nature as your canvas! You’ll create art, music, and designs outdoors that inspire others and help the environment.
  • Paddling* – Master the basics of kayaking or canoeing. Learn water safety, try different paddling strokes, and plan your own aquatic adventure! * Please note: paddle workshops will also require an equipment use fee.
  • Eco Advocate – Lead with purpose! Identify an environmental issue you care about, research solutions, and advocate for change through education and community action.
  • Outdoor Art Master – Channel your artistic talents into powerful outdoor creations. Design, craft, and perform art that celebrates and protects nature while inspiring others.
  • Voice for Animals – Explore the complex relationships between humans and animals. From pets to wildlife, you’ll investigate ethical issues and become a voice for animal welfare.
Cub Scout Workshop Options

Champions for Nature
Join a global effort to care for the Earth! Lions learn about nature and complete a simple service project to help protect our planet.

Champions for Nature

Tigers explore the natural world and discover how they can help take care of it. This adventure includes a hands-on conservation project.

 

Champions for Nature

Wolves learn about the Earth’s valuable resources—like air, water, and land—and how small everyday actions can make a big difference for the planet.

 

  • Champions for Nature – Bears dive into the importance of air, soil, and water, and put their knowledge to use by completing a conservation activity.
  • Bears Afloat* – In this fun water adventure, Bears learn about paddle crafts like canoes and kayaks, practice safety skills, and try paddling for themselves. * Please note: paddle workshops will also require an equipment use fee.
  • Champions for Nature – Webelos discover how people can protect wildlife and the habitats they depend on. Scouts may take action with a local conservation project.
  • Paddle Onward* (partial) – Scouts take to the water using canoes and kayaks. They learn basic paddling skills and enjoy outdoor adventures only reachable by water. * Please note: paddle workshops will also require an equipment use fee.
  • Math on the Trail – Scouts use math to plan outdoor hikes, estimate distances, and better understand how pace and time help in exploring nature safely.
  • Champions for Nature – Arrow of Light Scouts explore the connection between farming and the environment. They learn how food impacts our planet and ways to conserve resources.
  • Into the Woods – Scouts explore local trees and plants, learning how important they are to wildlife, the environment, and people. Includes a nature walk or visit.
  • Into the Wild – This adventure introduces Scouts to local animals—from insects to mammals—and how these creatures play vital roles in keeping ecosystems healthy.

Price

Scouts $15 | Adults $17

 

* Please note: paddle workshops will also require a $10 equipment use fee per participant.

Group Sizes

5 scouts minimum | 20 scouts maximum

Museum admission for the day is free with workshop purchase. Each scout must have a responsible adult in attendance at the workshop; one adult may bring up to 10 scouts.

Ages

K through 12th Grades

 

Workshop participants must be in the age group specified by the scout organization (ex. Daisy-age scouts cannot participate in Brownie-age programs). Please note that some workshops are offered for multiple ages.

Scout Badge Workshops

Boy Scout Merit Badge Workshops

Our Merit Badge workshops are led by Merit Badge Counselors and are typically offered once or twice a year. Many requirements are completed during each workshop, but some work may need to be done outside of the workshop in order to complete all requirements. See individual merit badge descriptions for more details. Pre-registration is required. 

Environmental Science Merit Badge

Participation in both part 1 & 2 required.

Dates

Schedule coming in spring of 2023

Reservations

Register

Hiking for Scouts

Guided Trails for Scouts

Experience the ecology, geology, flora and fauna of the Heard Sanctuary. Led by our trained guides, your group will spend 45-60 minutes hiking our unique landscape. See the schedule below for dates. Have a group of 10 or more? We may be able to arrange a private hike for your group; contact us for availability. Available September through May, as scheduled.

Price

$10 per child (age 3-12)
$13 per adult chaperone

Admission to museum included. Each scout must have a responsible adult in attendance; one adult may bring up to 10 scouts. For every 10 paid scouts, get one (1) adult free (when paid for and reserved simultaneously with all 10 scouts).

Schedule

January 6, 2024 | 2pm

February 10, 2024 | 10am

April 6, 2024 | 10am

May 11, 2024 | 2pm

Reservations

Register

Trail & Two Hour Badge Workshop Guidelines

Scouting Credit Card Authorization Form 

Scout Program COVID-19 Guidelines

 
Additional Information

Heard Museum Scout Badge Workshop & Trail Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in participating in scouting activities at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary! Please use the following guidelines to ensure your group has a wonderful visit.

Accordion Content

  • To ensure the best experience for all scout groups, program requests must be made at least 2 weeks in advance of program date.

  • To ensure the best experience for everyone, we will confirm the status of our Saturday programs by the Wednesday before based on registration numbers. If fewer than 6 people, including adults, have signed up by then, the program will be canceled. If a program is canceled, participants can either transfer their ticket to another program on a different date or receive a full refund.

  • Please check-in with the front desk of the main building 10 minutes before your program time to get directions to the program location.
  • Groups that arrive over fifteen minutes late cannot be guaranteed a full workshop or trail.
  • All payments should be made online or in person at least 24 hours prior to the start of the workshop or trail. In some instances, permission from the Reservation Coordinator or the Education Coordinator may be made to allow for payment the day of a program.
  • Do not assume that you can pay for additional scouts or leaders the day of your program.
  • Refunds will only be given for cancellations made to the Reservation or Education Coordinator by email or in writing 2 weeks prior to the program date. No refunds will be issued after that time.
  • If you notify the Reservation or Education Coordinator by email or in writing by 5pm on the Wednesday before your scheduled program of changes, we will try to reschedule for a future date or give a credit good for one year. 
  • Please be aware that scouting programs are special fee programs not included in the free general admission included with Heard Museum Membership. If you have adults chaperones that are Heard Members, they will be required to pay the full program fee for themselves and their child(ren). See Membership page.
  • In the case of inclement weather, DO NOT assume your activity is canceled.
  • A refund will NOT be issued to “no shows.” We hold programs rain or shine and generally only cancel if the museum closes. If the weather is deemed to be too hazardous to go outside and is a requirement for program, then we will cancel the workshop or guided trail.
  • If we cancel, you will be contacted as soon as possible via the phone number or email provided on your Reservation Form. We will try to reschedule for another date that works for you. If rescheduling is not possible, you may request a credit or full refund.
  • Scouts should be prepared for going outside in all weather. Most of our workshops contain an outdoor component.
  • Closed-toe shoes and long pants are the preferred attire for a visit to the Museum & Sanctuary.
  • Insect Repellent and sunscreen are advisable. Applying repellent is time consuming, so please apply repellents prior to your arrival.
  • Any child arriving or departing from the Museum must be accompanied by a parent or designated adult.  No one under 18 is allowed inside the Museum or on the Sanctuary unaccompanied.
  • For the benefit of the registered participants, children that are not registered for the workshop will not be allowed in the workshop.
  • The Museum requires a 1:10 chaperone to child ratio.  A chaperone must be 21 years of age.
  • Scout Leaders and Chaperones are responsible for ensuring the group’s appropriate behavior throughout the entire visit.  To guarantee a pleasant visit for all our guests, the Museum reserves the right to remove any individual or group from the premises.
  • Help us to preserve our environment.  Please do not pick flowers, pull leaves from plants, disturb spider webs, disturb small animals, or collect any natural items while you are visiting.
  • Smoking is prohibited on The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary property.
  • Please help the Heard protect our wildlife and habitats by taking all items brought onto the property with you back off of the property, including trash and food waste.
  • Picnic areas are first come, first served and the only place where food can be consumed.
  • Please keep your lunches with you or store them in your vehicles until you are ready to eat. We do not have facilities to store them for you.
  • In the case of inclement weather we cannot guarantee an available eating area inside the museum.

Scout Badge 2-Hour Badge Workshop Descriptions

Click the sections below to learn more about the 2-hour Scout Badge Workshops.

Accordion Content
Webelos Earth Rocks Badge Workshop
  • Study of geology.
  • Learn geological features (details of the Earth’s surface).
  • Hike – looking for rocks and ID the rocks on site or take pictures to ID later. Also, notice geographical surroundings.
  • Learn about Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Make a mineral test kit using materials selected from an assortment of objects.
  • Requirements completed: 1-6
 
Webelos Into the Wild Badge Workshop
  • Learn about the bird flyways close to our area.
  • Describe habitats of 4 wild animals scouts have observed before.
  • Identify insect, bird, reptile, or other wild animal that is only found locally.
  • Discuss food chains and balance of nature.
  • Learn about wetlands and take a hike to our Wetlands.
  • Requirements completed: 4-9, possibly 3 will be started if birds present on hike
 
Webelos Into the Woods Badge Workshop
  • Identify two different groups of trees and parts of trees.
  • Identify four trees common to our area.
  • Identify four plants common to our area.
  • Develop plan to care for a plant or tree that they will plant.
  • Requirements completed: 1-4 & 7. 5 & 6 may be covered, time permitting.
Bear Cubs Super Science Badge Workshop 
  • Make static electricity with a balloon or rubber comb. Conduct another static electricity investigation.
  • Do a sink or float investigation.
  • Do color-morphing investigation.
  • Requirements completed: 1-4
Brownies Wonders of Water Badge Workshop
  • Discuss importance and impact of water on living things.
  • LOVE water activity: Walk to the Wetlands.
  • SAVE water activity: Create a plan for saving water.
  • SHARE water activity: Inspire and educate others about protecting water with mini-presentation.
  • WOW award for proof/presentation of efforts of saving water.
  • Requirements completed: We cover the majority of the steps that need to be completed in most of the WOW Journey Sessions (1-5, 7 & 8). Some sessions include planning ideas that will be started, but need to be completed/shared sometime after the workshop. Sessions 6 and 9 may be discussed, but are not included in the workshop. As part of Session 3, we will take a hike outside to gather/ration water with buckets.

 

Brownies Senses Badge Workshop
 
  • Activities/games for smell, taste, sight, hearing, and touch.
  • Take a hike for the sight and hearing sense.
  • Requirements completed: Steps 1a, 2a, 3b, 4a and b, 5a or c
Jr. Girl Scouts:  Animal Habitats Badge Workshop
  • Find out about wild animals: Take a walk to the Heard Wetlands.  List animals seen and then learn more about them.
  • Investigate an animal habitat: Heard Wetlands.  How does the habitat go with the animal’s need for food, shelter, water, and space.
  • Create an animal house to fit the animal’s needs.
  • Explore/discuss endangered habitats.
  • Help protect animal habitats: for example, picking up trash.
  • Requirements completed: Steps 1a or c, 2a and b, 3a or b, 4b, and 5c
 
Jr. Girl Scouts:  Detective Badge Workshop
  • What is a detective? Explore what are important skills of a detective.
  • Learn classic codes: for example, Morse code.
  • Looking at evidence: using microscope and/or magnifying glass
  • Study fingerprints.
  • Outdoor clue hunt (approx. 45 minutes) on Hoot Owl Trail.
  • Requirements completed: Steps 1b, 2a or c, 3a, 4a, and 5a

SErvice projects

Volunteering

The Heard welcomes scouts and other groups to assist with special service projects. Picking up trash from our grounds and trails is always an available project option for groups of all sizes. Other projects such as trail and sanctuary maintenance, habitat restoration, and handiwork jobs may be available. If your group has an idea for a particular project, you may also submit it for consideration. All service projects must be pre-scheduled. Ages: 10 through adult.

Learn More

The Heard works with a limited number of Eagle Scouts each year. For additional information on coordinating an Eagle Scout project, please email us or call 972.562.5566 x238.

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