Scout Programs
We offer Scout programs from Sept. 1 through June 1. Most are available weekday afternoons or weekends by request with at least three weeks advanced registration.
To register for a program, complete the form at the bottom of this page. Programs are booked on a first-come, first-served basis and fill up quickly, so we encourage troops to book as soon as possible.
Payment is due one week prior to your scheduled program, and there are no refunds for absent Scouts or for cancellations or changes in headcount made less than one week before your program.
If you have questions, please call our registration specialist at 630-933-7247.
Girl Scout Programs
Discover the amazing world of bugs as you learn how they help the environment, visit with live bugs, complete a craft and go on a bug hunt. 90 minute program.
Program participation satisfies completion of badge requirements.
$5 per Scout or other participant (minimum of 10 Scouts required per program)
Learn how to prepare for a hike, and then take your new skills on a 1-mile trek, practicing observation skills to identify wildlife along the way. 90 minute program.
Program participation satisfies completion of badge requirements.
$5 per Scout or other participant (minimum of 10 Scouts required per program)
Discuss and observe local wildlife and their habitats, and learn how you can help and protect their communities. 90 minute program.
Program participation satisfies completion of badge requirements.
$5 per Scout or other participant (minimum of 10 Scouts required per program)
Flowers are all around us. Come learn about some common flowers. We will make an aromatherapy sugar scrub, floral bookmark, and small flower arrangement. Meets all requirements to obtain Girl Scout Flowers Badge (badges not offered through the forest preserve). 90 minute program, offered on select Saturdays.
Program participation satisfies completion of badge requirements.
$12 per Scout or other participant (minimum of 10 Scouts required per program, 20 scouts maximum)
Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook
Learn how GPS units use satellite signals, craft a geocaching trade item, and take an outdoor geocaching treasure-hunt adventure. 90 minute program.
Program participation satisfies completion of badge requirements.
$10 per Scout or other participant (minimum of 10 Scouts required per program)
Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook, Herrick Lake in Wheaton, and St. James Farm in Warrenville.
Learn about the history behind the gardens at Mayslake. We will learn how they were planned, experiment with seeds, and plant a flower or herb to take home. 90 minute program, offered on select Saturdays.
Program participation satisfies completion of badge requirements.
$12 per Scout or other participant (minimum of 10 Scouts required per program, 20 scouts maximum)
Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook
Cub Scout Programs
Learn about hiking essentials and take a 1-mile hike, where you’ll learn about wildlife and plants you find along the way. 90 minute program.
Program participation satisfies completion of badge requirements.
$5 per Scout or other participant (minimum of 10 Scouts required per program)
Learn about hiking essentials and how to read a map, and then take a 1-mile hike, where you’ll learn about wildlife and plants you find along the way. 90 minute program.
Program participation satisfies completion of badge requirements.
$5 per Scout or other participant (minimum of 10 Scouts required per program)
Learn different ways to observe wildlife and identify signs animals leave behind on a 1-mile hike, and discover the importance of composting and gardens. 90 minute program.
Program participation satisfies completion of badge requirements.
$5 per Scout or other participant (minimum of 10 Scouts required per program)
Learn about different types of fish and fishing equipment, and spend time fishing and practicing what you learned. 90 minute program.
Program participation satisfies completion of badge requirements.
$5 per Scout or other participant (minimum of 10 Scouts required per program)
Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville or Hidden Lake Forest Preserve in Downers Grove
Make a hiking plan and a mini first aid kit, and then learn about the plants and animals around you on a 3-mile hike. 2 - 3 hour program.
Program participation satisfies completion of badge requirements. (Arrow of Light elective)
$5 per Scout or other participant (minimum of 10 Scouts required per program)
Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville or Churchill Woods Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn
Go “into the wild” to look for and learn about local wildlife as you unravel the mysteries of migration, play a part of the food chain, and discover the importance of water conservation. 90 minute program.
Program participation satisfies completion of badge requirements. (Arrow of Light elective)
$5 per Scout or other participant (minimum of 10 Scouts required per program)
On a short hike, discover why trees are important, how trees help the environment, and how you can identify native plants and animals. 90 minute program.
Program participation satisfies completion of badge requirements. (Arrow of Light elective)
$5 per Scout or other participant (minimum of 10 Scouts required per program)
Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook or Churchill Woods Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn
Scout Merit Badge Programs
Scouts can work towards a different badge the second Saturday of each month September – June. These fun, hands-on programs are for ages 10 – 17 and are $30 per Scout per program. See more about the Scout merit badge program.
Eagle Scout & Gold Award Projects
The Eagle Scout and Gold Award programs are closed until early 2024, as we update the programs and Scout project list. Those interested in pursuing an Eagle Scout or Gold Award project with the Forest Preserve District should contact Volunteer Services at 630-933-7233 after Feb. 1, 2024. We look forward to working with you soon!
Self-Guided Courses
We also offer self-guided courses for Scout outings. To reserve equipment (and get your free permit if your group has more than 25 people), call Visitor Services at 630-933-7248.
Help Scouts practice and sharpen navigation and math skills by using compasses to locate checkpoints with information about natural and cultural history. For maps and additional information, visit our Wayfinding page.
Grades 4 – 6
Compasses are available for loan. Click here.Explore natural areas while trying to locate checkpoints using maps and compasses to navigate a marked course. For maps and additional information, visit our Wayfinding page.
Grades 4 – 12
Compasses are available for loan. Click here.Frequently Asked Questions
Complete and submit the program form at the bottom of this page.
DuPage forest preserves have open grassy picnic areas with tables at no extra cost, and some offer shelters on a first-come, first-served basis. A few shelters can be reserved in advance for a fee either online 24/7 or through Visitor Services weekdays at 630-933-7248.
The Forest Preserve District is committed to making its programs available to all groups. Please mention any accessibility needs or concerns when you reserve your program.
For details on group projects or ways your Scouts can help out at special events, call Volunteer Services at 630-933-7233.
Request a Scout Program