Brownie “Plants” Try-it Program
Brownies learn about the importance of plants. During a nature hike, scouts learn how plants provide habitat for animals and give humans food, shelter, clothing, tools, medicine and even oxygen in the air we breathe! Scouts build a human tree and go on a “leaf hunt” and collect fallen leaves (which they later return to the Earth) to do a leaf rubbing activity. They begin an experiment to see which Orange County native plant seed wins a sprout race. The program is 2 hours and costs $7.50/scout.
Junior “Hiker” Badge Program
The Back to Natives staff LOVES to go hiking, and we want to help make hiking a fun experience for Girl Scouts, too! During this program, scouts learn how to plan a hike, how to dress for a hike and what to include in their day packs, including the items that should be included in a basic first aid kit. Scouts learn about the hazards that could be encountered along the trail, and how to cope with them. Along the trail, scouts stop to observe their environment with a drawing exercise, and write haiku to help them remember their experience. The program is 2 hours and costs $7.50/scout.
Brownie “Ready, Set, Go Camping!” Try-it Program
The Back to Natives staff LOVES to go camping, and we want to help make camping a fun experience for Brownies, too! During this program, scouts participate in a “Roll-a-Bag Relay” to learn how to properly roll up their seeping bags. On a “scent” hike, scouts use their noses to enjoy the native plants they find. Along the trail, scouts decorate their own bandana to keep, and learn how to use their bandanna on a camping trip. Scouts practice tying a few simple knots using red licorice, then enjoy their handiwork – yummy! The program is 2 hours and costs $7.50/scout.
Junior “Eco-Action” Badge Program
Juniors take action to help people, plants and animals on the earth. During a nature hike, scouts discuss ways that water, soil and air become polluted, and play a game to learn ways to conserve water. Scouts learn about the negative impacts of plastic in
"Plastic Plague Jeopardy," pick up trash along the trail and decorate their own canvass shopping bags to take home. They learn about a famous female environmentalist and participate in an environmental service project to improve habitat for wildlife. The program is 2.5 hours and costs $8.50/scout.
Brownie “Earth Is Our Home" Try-it Program
Brownies learn that people must share the Earth with plants and animals. Scouts learn about ecosystems, and make their own plant terrarium to take home. They take a nature hike to search for the homes of wild animals. Along the trail they discuss renewable and non-renewable resources, and learn how they can help save energy. They make their own biodegradable furniture polish to make their own homes more “green.” Scouts participate in an environmental service project that helps maintain habitat for wildlife. The program is 2.5 hours and costs $8.50/scout.
Girl Scout Habitat Garden Program
The Back to Natives Girl Scout Habitat Garden Program was developed to educate scouts about the value of native plants and wildlife habitat, especially in an urban environment. Scouts can do meaningful community service by planting a habitat garden at their scout house, school or community space, and earn hours towards their Bronze Award. Cost: $9.50/scout, min 20. Cost includes an initial onsite consultation, pre-digging, site conditioning, educational discussion, planting guidance, and a one gallon sized plant for every two scouts.