Scout or Small Group Programs

Explore a variety of focused topics from bugs to plants through hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences.
We’ve designed these programs to meet scout badge requirements and can adapt to meet your group’s needs.

All programs: 10 to 24 scouts/children (and up to 4 adult chaperones and 2 scout leaders) ♦ 2 hours ♦ $16pp

Days/Times: Thursdays 4:30p-6:30p and Saturdays 9:30-11:30a

Additional fees may apply to certain programs (e.g. Locavore, Garden Kitchen)

View our School & Group Programs Welcome Packet & FAQ to plan your visit.

Click HERE to view Johnson Nature Center’s learning opportunities.

Fall scout groups may request a program by contacting Megan.

Check out the Badge-a-palooza below.

Spring Registration Available HERE

Winter Badge-a-Palooza

February 2nd and 9th, 2025

February 2, 2025
10a-12 PM REGISTER HERE
1-3PM REGISTER HERE
Event Highlights:
🎨 Craft and Tinker: Dive into creativity in our Bowers Maker Space! Try your hand at crafting and tinkering with fun, hands-on projects. Whether you are building, designing, or inventing, there is something for every young creator.

🐾 Meet Baby Animals: Get up close with our cute baby animals and their mothers. Learn about their care, how we support them as farmers, and the special bond between animals and humans.

Outdoor Fun: Embrace the great outdoors with exciting activities like snowshoeing (weather dependent) and fire building. Experience the joys of winter adventures and learn important outdoor skills in a safe and supportive environment.

This Badge-A-Palooza is the perfect opportunity for Brownies and Daisies to have fun, make new friends, and earn badges while exploring new interests. Don't miss out on this day of creativity, discovery, and adventure!

Included in Daisy Girl Scout Registration Cost:
* 2 hours of hands-on, station-based programming
* Daisy Animal Observer badge
* Daisy Snow Adventure badge
* Daisy Craft/Tinker badge
* GSSEM Outdoor Skills Mini Patch Program - Winter Activities mini patch
* GSSEM Outdoor Skills Mini Patch Program - Fire Building mini patch

Included in Brownie Girl Scout Registration Cost:
* 2 hours of hands-on, station-based programming
* Brownie Outdoor Adventurer badge
* Brownie Pets badge
* Brownie Craft/Tinker badge
* GSSEM Outdoor Skills Mini Patch Program - Winter Activities mini patch
* GSSEM Outdoor Skills Mini Patch Program - Fire Building mini patch.
February 9, 2025
10am-12pm REGISTER HERE
Event Highlights:
🌟 Cook Up a Storm: Unleash your inner chef as you create amazing and simple meals. Explore new recipes, learn essential cooking skills, and discover how to make delicious dishes from scratch.

🌟 Meet and Greet with Farm Animals: Get up close and personal with our adorable baby farm animals. Learn about their needs, the important connections between animals and humans, how we provide for them, and how they provide for us.

This Badge-A-Palooza is perfect for curious minds and hungry hearts, offering a unique blend of cooking skills and animal care. You'll leave with new recipes, a deeper understanding of farm life, and a sense of accomplishment as you earn your badges.

Included in Junior Girl Scout Registration Cost:
* 2 hours of hands-on, station-based programming
* Junior Simple Meals badge
* Junior Animal Habitats badge
* GSSEM Outdoor Skills Mini Patch Program - Winter Activities mini patch
* GSSEM Outdoor Skills Mini Patch Program - Outdoor Cooking mini patch
* GSSEM Outdoor Skills Mini Patch Program - Nature mini patch

Included in Cadette Girl Scout Registration Cost:
* 2 hours of hands-on, station-based programming
* Cadette Animal Helpers badge
* Cadette Cuisines badge
* GSSEM Outdoor Skills Mini Patch Program - Winter Activities mini patch
* GSSEM Outdoor Skills Mini Patch Program - Outdoor Cooking mini patch
* GSSEM Outdoor Skills Mini Patch Program - Nature mini patch

Ready, Set, Grow

Cub Scout Lion Adventurer or Ages 4-6

Explore all the places where we grow and manage food at the farm. What does a plant need to survive, and how does the farmer take care of a garden? Discover where our food comes from through different games, activities, and sightseeing.

Season: October-November & June

Outdoor Art Maker

Daisy or Ages 4-6

Explore the farm through the eyes of an artist. Investigate the different shapes, colors and sounds that can be found all over the farm. Gather inspiration through various crafts and games.

Season: October-November & March-June

Locavore

Seniors or Ages 12+

Explore the farm through the eyes of a Locavore- people who are committed to eating locally grown, seasonal foods. Explore and harvest in our production gardens, learn how to make simple local recipes, and work with our chef educator to create your own seasonal planting calendar.

Season: July-September

5 Flowers, 4 stories, 3 Cheers for Animals!

Daisy or Ages 4-6

What is one similarity between people and animals? We all need care! This program is designed to get scouts engaged with caring for themselves, while also understanding what it takes to care for the animals on the farm.

Season: October-November & March-June

Outdoor Adventurer

Brownie or Ages 7-9

Want to become an environmental steward? Nature is both beautiful and exciting! Hike and explore, care for an animal, play games and grow more adventurous and confident in the outdoors.

Season: October-November & March-June

Farm Tour

Any Age

Take a tour of the farm with one of our educational guides! Engage in hands-on activities to learn how we care for our animals and our land.

Season: All Seasons

The World of Bugs

Brownie or Ages 7-9

From perky pollinators to crawling critters, discover the smallest creatures living at the farm. Investigate as scientists and engage in crafts, projects or games.

Season: April-June

Snow Adventure

Daisy or Ages 4-6

Winter in Michigan is a special time to head outdoors! Learn about the ways to enjoy the cold weather here at the farm, like sledding and hiking. Keep warm with hot cocoa while enjoying shared experiences in the snow.

Season: December-February (Pending Snow)

Does not include access to Winter Park.