Scout or Small Group Programs
Johnson Nature Center Scout Programs help scouts obtain badges by giving learners a chance to explore a focused topic through guiding questions in a hands-on environment. Small groups can experience these same learning programs.
♦ 10 to 24 scouts or youth ♦ 2 -hour program ♦ $15pp ♦
Days available: Thursdays 4:30pm - 6:30pm & Saturdays 9am - 11am
For a general FAQ, scroll below.
Eco Learner
♦ Daisy Scout or Ages 4-6
From the small American goldfinch to the noisy woodpecker, a guide and your group will investigate and explore the many birds that call Johnson Nature Center "home". Learn to use some of the tools and tricks of a seasoned birder.
♦ September - June
Tigers in the Wild
♦ Tiger Cubs or Ages 4-6
Discover and observe different kinds of plants, animals or signs of animals that have been around the trail. We’ll commune with nature directly by touch, taste, smell, sight and sound.
♦ September - June
Paws on the Path
♦ Wolf Cubs or
Ages: 4-6
Experience a sense of wonder by just watching quiet ordinary things with close attention. During this learning path, identify different animals in the area and watch and record two interesting things you might never have seen before.
♦ September - June
Trail Adventure
♦ Brownie or
Ages: 7-9
Let’s go on a woods hike adventure! What will we discover along the way? Nature is always changing and never without something new to find. Make this adventure an experience you'll remember forever with time for journaling along the way.
♦ September - June
Ecofriend
♦ Brownie or Ages 7-9
Explore and investigate the outdoors by learning how to respect the environment and how the nature center animal residents manage their lives. Develop an understanding of risk and safety management and gain confidence in the control of fire-building as a skill.
♦ September - June
Fur, Feathers and Ferns
♦ Bear Cubs or
Ages: 7-9
With your local map as a reference and the growing knowledge of map symbols, use our trails to look for and identify six signs of living things. Discover the intimate parts of plants to look at plants more closely.
♦ September - June
Hiker
♦ Brownie or Ages 7-9
Every trail leads to a new adventure! Enjoy time with your group and a nature center guide out on the trails. Embark on a scavenger hunt that encourages discovery, fun and learning.
♦ September - June
Chemistry: Maple Sugaring
♦ BSA or
Ages: 10-14
Investigate the process of maple syrup; from a sugar maple tree to the bottle (to your stomach). Learn how to identify and tap a sugar maple tree and how sap turns into syrup.
♦ March
Chemistry: Water Quality
♦ BSA or
Ages: 10-14
Discover what a watershed is and how the human activities we do in a watershed impact water quality and habitat value for wildlife. With the support of a guide, participants will use scientific instruments to collect data and conclude the health of the pond habitat.
♦ May - September
Animal Habitats: Bird Study
♦ Junior/BSA or
Ages: 10-14
From the small American goldfinch to the noisy woodpecker, investigate and explore the many birds that call Johnson Nature Center "home." Create a checklist to log your findings.
♦ September - June
Program FAQ:
What is the cost and how do I pay?
Each program lists the costs on a per person basis. The cost for this program is $15 per person for both students and chaperones. The scout leader is free. Payments are required to be paid online in full upon registering by a credit card or debit card. Registration must be made 14 days in advance.
What if we do not have enough attendees to meet the min number?
You can still come by selecting the min number and paying for the min number. For example, if you only have 6 scouts and if the min number is 10 scouts, you may register by paying for the 10 scouts and come with fewer persons.
Can I switch days?
Please only register when you are certain of the date that you can come on your field trip. Once registered, your deposit is not refundable nor exchangeable. If you need to cancel your registration, please notify us. If you need to switch days, you will need to cancel your previous registration and re-book a new date.
What is your payment and cancellation policy?
Registration requires full payment. If you need to cancel more than 30 days prior to your program, we will refund your payment less $25 processing fee. Any cancellation within 30 days of program start is non-refundable.
Where do we arrive for our field trip?
Please drive in the Johnson Nature Center and wait outside near the front entrance to the Visitor Center. Please wait there until a guide comes out to meet you at your designated time.
Can we bring a lunch or snacks?
We ask that you do not bring food nor allow kids to eat during your field trip. If you need, plan time before or after the field trip for snacks.
How can we prepare our scouts?
Dress to be outside in any kind of weather.
Are chaperones needed?
We do ask that students are kept under control and monitored by the leader. Chaperones should be used only if necessary for assisting the leader in monitoring student behavior and safety on a field trip as needed.
What should we wear?
Everyone should wear closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants and layer for weather. Boots with traction are recommended since you may be walking on uneven terrain. Sunscreen is also recommended. You will be outside even when it rains.
What if it rains or snows?
The Nature Center operate rain or shine, and ours is no exception. The program will continue during any rain or snow unless the weather causes unsafe circumstances that we can not plan around. In this case, you will be contacted.
What if I need more information?
Please contact Cass at carsenault@bloomfield.org