Boy Scout Programs

For registrations totaling less than $50 per program, please complete your booking by telephone at 248.645.3210.

Available October through May.
Advance registration is required.
Download Scout Guide 2011-12.

Call 248.645.3210 or

Merit Badge Workshops

Please note:

• Certain Scouting at Cranbrook workshops take place off-site. Please note the location of each workshop before registering
• Cadette, Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts may register for Boy Scout Merit Badge Workshops
• Upon registration for a merit badge work shop, a complete list of pre-requisites will be mailed to the registrant
• It is the responsibility of the registrant to give the prerequisite information to all of the Scouts attending the workshop from their group
• Scouts should arrive for programming with approved merit badge application and pre-requisite materials completed prior to the workshop
• A certified merit badge counselor will collect the merit badge application and all completed pre-requisites for review
• Scouts will be notified within 14 days of the date of the workshop of the status of their application
• Cranbrook Institute of Science merit badge counselors reserve the right to give only partial credit or no credit if all requirements are not completed

By popular demand we have added additional workshop opportunities

Electricity – Saturday Jan. 28, 1-4pm
Space Exploration – Saturday Mar. 24, 9am-Noon
Environmental Science – Saturday May 19, 9am-4pm

Full Day Programs

All workshops are 3 hours long, except for Environmental Science which is 7 hours long.

Environmental Science
Oct. 22, 9am

Develop an appreciation for the environment during this workshop that takes place on the grounds of Cranbrook’s 319-acre campus. Learn about ecosystems, air pollution, thermal pollution, and land pollution as we perform experiments in each of these areas. Scouts should be First Class or higher for this workshop.

Archaeology
Oct. 22, 1pm • Apr. 14, 9am

Experience firsthand what goes into, and comes out of, an archaeological dig. Interpret artifacts found at a local historic site and explore some of Cranbrook’s incredible collections. Scouts should be First Class or higher for this workshop.

Astronomy
4 hour workshop
Please note: The planetarium program begins promptly at 6pm. Late arrivals will not be admitted, nor will a refund be issued.
Apr. 13, 6pm

The universe awaits you in this stimulating badge workshop. Start your evening by exploring the night sky in the planetarium. Learn about telescopes, moon phases, constellations, and our solar system, and visit the Institute’s Observatory to catch a glimpse of a celestial object or two. Scouts should be First Class or higher for this workshop.  (Girl Scout Interest Project Patch – Space Exploration)

Chemistry
Nov. 5, 9am • Jan. 28, 9am

Chemistry is not limited to beakers and laboratories; it’s all around us. Everything you hear, see, smell, taste and touch involves chemistry and chemicals (matter). Discover the basic properties of matter and learn how to predict and explain how they change when they react to form new substances. (Girl Scout Interest Project Patch – Chemistry)

Electricity
Dec. 10, 9am

Electricity is a powerful and fascinating force of nature. As early as 600 BC, observers of the physical world suspected that electricity existed but did not have a name for it. This workshop focuses on how electricity is generated and transported through electrical currents. Make your own electromagnet and try your hand at wiring a simple generator as you work towards completion of the badge requirements.

Fish and Wildlife Management
Apr. 14, 1pm

Discover the meaning and purpose of fish and wildlife management. Take an up-close look at the food chain when we dissect local fish species to examine the stomach contents, and gain an understanding of how Michigan’s resources are managed and why certain species are protected.

Geology at Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area
Apr. 28, 1pm

Participate in this comprehensive workshop to complete the Geology badge. Talk to Cranbrook’s expert geologist while hiking around Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area. Experience first-hand the geology of Michigan as you use the tools of the trade to discover the important roles rocks and minerals have played in Michigan’s history. (Girl Scout Interest Project Patch – Digging through the Past)

Indian Lore
Apr. 28, 9am

Discover the rich culture of Native Americans by utilizing traditional tools and skill-building crafts combined with an overview of today’s American Indian culture.

Mammal Study
May 5, 9am

Ever wonder what are the real differences between cats and dogs are? During this workshop we will learn how animals are classified and construct shelters to improve the habitat for mammals around our homes. We will conclude with a tour of the Institute’s taxidermy collections to learn how museums prepare animal specimens. Scouts should be First Class or higher for this workshop.

Plant Science
Mar. 24, 9am

Learn about the different plant specimens around Cranbrook’s 319 acres as you explore each plant’s unique position in the ecosystem. Then, study plant specimens in the Cecil Billington Herbarium, part of Cranbrook’s vast collections.  Scouts should be First Class or higher for this workshop.

Soil & Water Conservation
Mar. 24, 1pm

Discover what a watershed is as you study the Rouge River watershed and learn how humans impact a watershed to gain a better understanding of the importance of soil and water conservation.

Space Exploration
Dec. 10, 1pm

Ever wonder what it takes to be an Astronaut or what is required to live on the moon? During this workshop we will launch model rockets and design a space exploration base.