St. Louis Zoo Scout Programs: The Education Department at the St. Louis Zoo offers many opportunities for Scouts to enjoy the zoo and learn about the animal world. Programs range from a 45-minute classroom program to a sleep-over at the zoo, and may include live animals, biofacts, activities, games, tours or crafts. Plus, the zoo offers a variety of programs that help Scouts work towards their badge requirements! Visit the Programs page for more information about available programs and deadlines for registering.
10 - July 30 - Free Summer Theatre at the Missouri History Museum: Beginning June 10 and running through July, the Missouri History Museum is offering a free theater performance every Wednesday and Thursday at 11:30 a.m for Scouts, schools, or camp groups!
Sticks and Stones is a brand new production written and performed by the Missouri History Museum's Teens Make History Players. The play is about the preconceived ideas we have about each other and how we behave in the face of those assumptions. Many of the scenes in the play are based on real-life experiences and speak to the importance of having difficult conversations about race, economic status, gender, religion, and more. The audience will even get to take a shot at resolving one of the scenes in the play. The play runs 30 minutes and is most appropriate for audiences from 4th grade through adult.
The performances for Scouts, youth groups, school groups, and summer camps include a 30 minute lesson plan and can be combined with a visit to the museum. These performances are free, but require reservations; call (314) 361-9017 or email reserv@mohistory.org. Special performances can be arranged on a limited basis, but the play does not tour.
There will be several performances open to the public, also at 11:30 a.m., on the following dates: June 13 & 20; July 11, 18, & 25; August 1.
27 - BaratHaven Hike It or Bike It: Recommended for beginners, this 3.3-mile paved loop trail winds through the BaratHaven development in Dardenne Prairie, Mo. Explore the trail on your own or join the group-led interpretive hike at 9:30 a.m. A Naturalist from the Missouri Department of Conservation will provide interpretation of the prairie, oxbow lake, and wetland ecosystems on the group-led tour. The 15-acre lake has three overlook areas for fishing and picnicking. The trail is wheel-chair accessible.
Call the Missouri Department of Conservation at 636-441-4554 beginning June 15 to register for the interpretive hike. For more information, visit Trailnet's website.
10 - Puffin Pedal: Discover Forest Park's diverse ecosystems and native landscapes while pedaling the paths outside the Saint Louis Zoo. After the ride, explore what's new at America's No. 1 zoo. You can even see some real puffins at Penguin & Puffin Coast! The zoo is open until 7 p.m. and families can enjoy Jungle Boogie, the zoo's Friday Night Concert Series, from 5 to 7 p.m. Complete the route on your own. Free parking in the zoo's north lot near The Living World. Registration is from 3:30 to4:30 p.m. This event is free. For more information, visit the Trailnet website.
14, 16, & 28 - Rockwoods Reservation Cave Explorations: Learn about a cave ecosystem by exploring Rockwoods caves on one of these three Scout days. This exploration requires crawling on your stomach for several feet. For ages 7 and up. Hours for each exploration:
July 14: 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
July 16: 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
July 28: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Reservations begin June 30. Call 636-458-2236.
15 - Happy 65th Birthday Smokey: Come to Rockwoods Reservation to celebrate Smokey's 65th Birthday from 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. The longest running public service announcement in the United States, Smokey has been helping to prevent wildfires since 1944. Join us as we take a look at Smokey through the ages. There will be games, prizes, and even a visit from the real Smokey. Reservations begin July 1. Call 636-458-2236.
24 - Petal Pedal: Come join in the celebration of garden found Henry Shaw's birthday as we highlight his life and legacy. This 5-mile bike ride will use portions of the Bike St. Louis route from the Garden to Tower Grove Park, where you will explore the features and attractions of this National Historic Landmark. After the bike ride, admission to the Garden is FREE today. Lots of children's activities are planned in celebration of Henry Shaw's birthday, so come smell the flowers and enjoy the party! Complete the route on your own.
Registration is from 10 to 11 a.m. A docent from the Missouri Botanical Garden will provide a brief history of Henry Shaw's gifts to St. Louis, the Garden and Tower Grove Park, at registration. Park in the east lot of the Missouri Botanical Garden. This event is free. For more information, visit the Trailnet website.
11 & 20 - Cave Explorations - Scout Days: Learn about a cave ecosystem at Rockwoods Cave in Rockwoods Reservation in Wildwood, MO. This exploration requires crawling on your stomach for several feet. Exploration times are from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on August 11 and 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. on August 20. Reservations begin July 28; call 636-458-2236 to register.
14 - Planetary Pedal: This stellar adventure, starting at the St. Louis Science Center's Planetarium, highlights the role St. Louis played int he development of manned flight. After the ride, return to the Planetarium for a FREE program in the Orthwein StarBay at 8 p.m. and join members of the St. Louis Astronomical Society for an outdoor public telescope viewing. Look for stars, planets, constellations and deep-ski objects from the archery range, just west of the planetarium. Viewing is from dusk to approximately 10 pm.
Registration for this event is from 6 to 7 p.m. Soggy ground or overcast skies may cancel the viewing; call the Night Sky Update at 314-289-4453. This event is free. For more information, visit the Trailnet website.
14-16 - 17th Annual Gem, Mineral, Jewelry, and Fossil Show: The Greater St. Louis Association of Earth Science Clubs presents its 17th annual show at the Machinist's Auditorium at 12365 St. Charles Rock Road in Bridgeton. This year's theme is "Treasurers of the Earth." The show includes exhibits, working demonstrations, and retail booths. Food and beverage are provided; parking is free. Children under 6, as well as Scouts, are always admitted free. Show hours are Friday, 4-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information, call Willis Smith at 314-521-8896.
19 - Wednesday Night Hike It, Bike It, or Cave It: Come out to Cliff Cave Park in South St. Louis County and explore the park's namesake cave. Equipment is provided to cavers; maximum of 15 people per caving group. The cave tour is $5 per person, and it is wet - wear old shoes!
The park also features a 5-mile paved loop Mississippi River Trail, as well as a 1.4-mile spur trail.
Preregistration is required for the caving program. Call 314-615-8481 to register. For more information, visit the Trailnet website.
26 - Cooking on a Stick: Learn different methods of cooking your food over a campfire at Rockwoods Reservation in Wildwood, MO. You'll learn how to use a Dutch oven, a stick, and otehr types of cooking methods that will have you ready to make your meals after a morning of hunting or backpacking! All food will be provided. Program runs from 10 a.m. - Noon; reservations begin August 12. Call 636-458-2236 for more information or to reserve your spot. (Ages 7 and up.)
12 - Awesome Autumn Adventure: Enjoy a leisurely, group-led hike to look for the signs of the changing season at Fort Belle Fontaine County Park. A naturalist from the Missouri Department of Conservation will lead a hike across the prairie and woodland to explore the site of the first American fort and Indian trading post west of the Mississippi River. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring water and binoculars. This program is suitable for all ages.
Call the Missouri Department of Conservation at 314-877-6014 beginning Aug. 29 to register for the group-led interpretive hike. The hike begins at 10:30 a.m. and finishes by 1 p.m. For more information, visit the Trailnet website.
16 - Wednesday Night Hike It, Bike It, or Cave It: Come out to Cliff Cave Park in South St. Louis County and explore the park's namesake cave. Equipment is provided to cavers; maximum of 15 people per caving group. The cave tour is $5 per person, and it is wet -- wear old shoes!
The park also features a 5-mile paved loop Mississippi River Trail, as well as a 1.4-mile spur trail.
Preregistration is required for the caving program. Call 314-615-8481 to register. For more information, visit the Trailnet website.
26 - Boschert Greenway Hike: Beginning at Foxhill Park, this section of the trail connects to an existing 4.38-mile trail in Fountain Lakes Park. In addition to scenic views of New Town St. Charles, the trail includes two rest areas overlooking a nature conservation area. This free hike begins at 8 a.m. For more information, visit Trailnet's website.
3 & 4 - Fort Belle Fontaine Walking Tours: Put on your hiking boots, or good walking shoes, for a walking tour through old Fort Belle Fontaine. Walk through history and first permanent US fort west of the Mississippi River. Learn about the fort commanders, its role in the War of 1812, its activities as an Indian Factory, how it moved and was re-built, closed as a military post and its new role during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Tours on Saturday at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 pm; Sunday at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Call St. Louis County Parks at 314-544-6224 or email mkollbaum@stlouisco.com to reserve your spot. Cost is $5 per person, free for children under 12. More information can be found at Trailnet's website.
18 - Boschert Greenway Hike: Beginning at Foxhill Park, this section of the trail connects to an existing 4.38-mile trail in Fountain Lakes Park. In addition to scenic views of New Town St. Charles, the trail includes two rest areas overlooking a nature conservation area. This free hike begins at 8 a.m. For more information, visit Trailnet's website.
21 - Wednesday Night Hike It, Bike It, or Cave It: Come out to Cliff Cave Park in South St. Louis County and explore the park's namesake cave. Equipment is provided to cavers; maximum of 15 people per caving group. The cave tour is $5 per person, and it is wet -- wear old shoes!
The park also features a 5-mile paved loop Mississippi River Trail, as well as a 1.4-mile spur trail.
Pre-registration is required for the caving program. Call 314-615-8481 to register. For more information, visit the Trailnet website.
24 - St. Vincent Greenway Hike It or Bike It: Explore the first completed section of the St. Vincent Greenway in St. Vincent Park. Cyclists continue on the trail through the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus, connecting to the Ted Jones Trail before reaching their destination and turn around in Ferguson. Complete the routes on your own or join the group-led interpretive hike at 9:30 a.m. For more information, visit Trailnet's website.
14 & 15 - Military Timeline March: Celebrate the season with a hayride journey through Fort Belle Fontaine along the Missouri River and be entertained by re-enactors from the French and Indian War through World War II. Each group will briefly explain their time period, uniform and equipment. After the hayride, take a walk to the camps to talk with the re-enactors. A bonfire will follow with hot chocolate.
Please bring a blanket and camera, and dress for the weather. Cost is $8 per person, $4 for children 12 and under. To register, call 314-615-8840. For more information, visit Trailnet website.
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City Museum Pick-a-Patch: There are new badge options for Tigers, Wolves, Bears, Webelos and Boy Scouts -- and, of course, all programs allow Scouts to explore City Museum! To schedule a Pick-a-Patch program, contact Tracey at groups@citymuseum.org. Pick-a-Patch programs are $16 per Scout and $6 per escort or sibling. City Museum requires two weeks' notice to schedule a program.
Magic House: Whether you’re a Webelo or a Bear, scout out some fun at The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum. From badge workshops to camp-ins, you’re invited to explore our house for your next Scouting adventure.
City Museum: Scout units with advanced reservations and proof of tax exemption can visit for just $5 each -- less than half the cost of regular admission. Contact Tracey at groups@citymuseum.org.
REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.): The St. Louis store on Brentwood Blvd., south of I-64/Hwy 40, offers classes for Scouts. Read more...
St. Louis Symphony: Established in 1880, the St. Louis Symphony is one of the oldest and finest symphonies in the country. Groups of 20 or more receive a significant discount when booking their tickets.
Shows recommended for Scouts include the December holiday concerts on Dec. 19, 20 and 21, as well as "The 5 Browns," a show in April involving five siblings and five pianos. Full concert schedule can be found on the SLSO website.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Vicki Kirchoff at 314-286-4155 or VickiK@slso.org.
St. Louis Children's Hospital: Private classes are offered for groups of 10 or more and helmet safety checks for groups of 25 or more. Instructors will come to your location. The following classes meet some badge requirements! Call 314-286-0464 to schedule a private class or helmet safety check for your unit.
Basic Aid Training: Four-hour first-aid program for kids ages 9-12. A completion card from the American Red Cross is given at the end of the class. A light snack will be provided. Cost: $15 per child.
Babysitting 101: This class is a great introduction to the basics of babysitting. Topics include the business of babysitting, child development, safety/first aid, fun and games and much more. A light snack will be provided. Cost: $24 per child.
Helmet Safety Check: Children can bring their own helmets to this event, where a trained professional from St. Louis Children’s Hospital will check for correct fit and will ensure that it is an approved helmet -- all at no charge! If a child needs a different helmet or does not have one, we can provide a new helmet for $8. Parents and kids will be taught how to put a helmet on correctly so they can continue this important safety practice at home.
St. John's Mercy Children's Hospital offers the following programs for Scouts:
CPR and First Aid - These American Heart Association participation and certification courses are for leaders and Scouts 12 years and older. Learn adult, child and infant CPR skills and first aid for choking.
Home Alone - Prepares children ages 9 to 11 to use self-care, safety techniques and simple first aid when on their own at home.
Fixer-Uppers - Children ages 9 to 11 learn basic first aid skills. Meets Webelos first aid badge requirements.
Pre-teen Esteem - Children in grades 5 and 6 learn about self-esteem, body changes, making healthy choices and dealing with peer and parent relationships.
Safety Smarts - Children ages 6 to 8 (or grades 1 to 3) learn healthy habits and personal safety smarts. Includes germ-buster presentation with hand-washing light.
Sitter Skills - Prepares children ages 11 and older for a safe and positive babysitting experience.
Register for scheduled classes at various locations throughout the St. Louis area or call to arrange a private class for your group of 10 or more. Call 314-822-PEDS (7337) for more information or visit the St. John's Mercy website for upcoming dates and online registration.
Leftovers, etc., offers 26 workshops for Tigers, 18 workshops for Wolves, 29 workshops for Bears, 15 workshops for Webelos, 16 workshops for Boy Scout merit badges (not all requirements are met at this level) and 13 Academic Pin and Belt Loop workshops. Length of workshops vary. Visit www.leftoversetc.com to view the entire list of workshops offered and to obtain information about the Scout discount program, the “MOB Squad.” Cost is $6 per Scout for a 90-minute session and $3 for members of the MOB Squad. Adults are free. No tagalongs allowed. Maximum of 25 Scouts per session. Leftovers, etc., is located at 1759a Scherer Parkway, St. Charles, 63303, off Highway 94 south of Interstate 70. For more information or to schedule an activity, call 636-946-9779.
Earthbound Recycling in Eureka, Mo., is offers a free tour for Scouts, along with a short talk on recycling and land fills. It takes about an hour. Groups of no more than 15 Scouts and 15 parents are welcome. Contact Vicky Moore at 636-938-3010.
The St. Louis Rams are offering a program for Scout units to buy discounted tickets to select games. 2009 St. Louis Rams Ticket Program (PDF)
The St. Louis Science Center presents the Life Science Lab Patch Program: In a recently installed Life Science Lab, Scouts can conduct experiments in an authentic lab setting, dressing in lab attire while extracting DNA, examining fingerprints and solving crimes. Every Scout can be a scientist and receive a gallery patch! The program is $15 per person, and includes an hour allocated for each Scout meeting and Life Science Lab experience, a snack and beverages, free parking and a Life Science Patch. To make your reservation, contact Linda Wright at 314-286-4634, or Angie Carr at 314-289-4471.
Tandy Leather Co. offers workshops to Scouts throughout the year at their store or your location. In themed workshops, Scouts make a belt, wallet, knife pouch, arrow, writsband/pocket fob or water bottle carrier. Leather supplies and projects are also available for your day camps or unit activities. Tandy Leather Co. is located at 13078 Tesson Ferry Rd., St. Louis, MO 63128. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. For cost and current offerings, contact Darlene Earles at stlouis@tandyleather.com, 314-842-2540 or 866-532-8922. Invite Tandy Leather to your Roundtable!
The St. Louis Zoo has programs for all ages, including classes, overnight experiences and daytime adventures. There is something for all age groups. For more information and to register for programs, visit the zoo's Education website.