Programs for Brownies
Science is great for Brownies. Explore the museum, earn Try-Its, and meet new friends at the Academy of Natural Sciences!
The Academy offers exciting and interactive weekend Day Workshops and our popular Safari Overnights sleepovers for 7-14 year olds.
Girls will complete their Try-Its, but please remember that we do not provide them.
Day Workshops
Brownie Workshops are offered on selected weekends in the Fall of 2011 and the Winter and Spring of 2012. (See the schedule of workshops dates at the bottom of this page.) You can register for either the morning (10:15 am - 12:15 pm) or afternoon (1:30 - 3:30 pm) sessions.
- Bugs Badge
- Bugs, bugs, everywhere! Scouts will meet real live bugs, explore bug homes, and even take home their own buggy craft! Attendees will learn the difference between an insect and a spider, places bugs can be found, what they eat, and why they are so important. Don't be afraid to have a bugtastic time!
- Senses Badge
- Who can see better, humans or owls? Brownies will get a sensational sensory experience learning about their senses and using them to learn about nature and animals. These young explorers will use touch, smell, hearing, and sight while enjoying games, activities, and even a scavenger hunt!
- Watching Wildlife & Animals Try It
- Brownies will learn the difference between wild and domestic animals, observe some of our live animals, and learn how animals communicate. A scavenger hunt and games, such as “Grocery Bingo” keep scouts active and engaged.
Day Workshop Details
The fees per scout are $10 for the Workshop and $7 for museum admission. Workshop fees are due upon registration. Admission fees are due upon arrival. Admission fees for adults are $7 and are due upon arrival. Members do not pay for admission.
A final headcount is due one month prior to the workshop; any cancellation after this date will not be refunded. Space is limited. Register early for your preferred date and time.
Scout parents and leaders can Download additional information about cancellations, workshop fees, where to go the day of the workshop, and more.
Please inform us of any severe allergies or special needs at least one week before your program.
To register, call 215-299-1060.
Interested in a different date? Private workshops can be scheduled for scout groups of 20-30. Contact us at or 215-299-1060.
Safari Overnights
Work on Brownie programs during a fun-filled night of interactive activities that includes a Live Animal Show. Then stay all night, sleeping right next to our museum exhibits. Have breakfast in the morning and, if you want, stay the day. Safari Overnights are offered during the Winter and Spring.
- Saturday, January 28, 2012, Wildlife Overnight
- Friday, March 16, 2012, Plants and Animals Overnight
- Saturday, April 14, 2012, Environmental Medley Overnight
- Friday, May 4, 2012, Water Water Overnight
Check-in is at 6:30-7:00 pm. Overnight gear must be removed from the building by 9 am, but participants are welcome to stay all day. Safari Overnights are appropriate for children ages 7-14. One adult is required per 3 children. Boy siblings are not permitted. Male chaperones will be required to sleep on a separate floor from Brownies and Junior Girl Scouts.
The fees are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. A deposit of $10 per person is due upon registration. The balance is due one month prior to the Safari Overnight date.
To register, call 215-299-1060.
- If you cancel:
- Any cancellations made more than 30 days before the date will be refunded in full. Partial or full cancellations made 7-30 days before the overnight will be subject to a $10/person fee. Cancellations made the week of the overnight will not be refunded.
- If we cancel:
- The Academy may cancel a Safari Overnight if there aren't enough participants. If so, we'll notify you two weeks prior to the event. We'll try to arrange another overnight for you. If not, you'll be granted a full refund.
- Downloads
- Safari Overnight Guide for Trip Coordinators
- Safari Overnight Guide for Parents and Chaperones
- Directions and Parking for Safari Overnights
Interested in a different date? Private overnights can be arranged for groups of 100-300 participants. Contact us at or 215-299-1060. See Family Safari Overnights you're an individual, family, or non-scout group interested in our Camp-In program.
Emergency Weather Cancellation Policy
In times of severe weather conditions, it may be necessary to cancel scout workshops. However, if the museum is open scout workshops will run as scheduled. Refunds will only be provided if the museum has closed due to weather. Please check the website homepage www.ansp.org or call 215-299-1019 for information on closings. In the event of a weather related cancellation, the Academy will attempt to reschedule the workshop. If rescheduling is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
Program Schedule
| Year | Date | Day Workshops | Safari Overnights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | November 12 | Bugs Badge Workshop | |
| November 13 | Bugs Badge Workshop | ||
| 2012 | January 28 | Watching Wildlife & Animals Try It Workshop | Wildlife Overnight |
| January 29 | Watching Wildlife & Animals Try It Workshop | ||
| March 16 | Plants and Animals Overnight | ||
| March 17 | Bugs Badge Workshop | ||
| March 18 | Bugs Badge Workshop | ||
| April 14 | Senses Badge Workshop | Environmental Medley Overnight | |
| April 15 | Senses Badge Workshop | ||
| May 4 | Water Water Overnight | ||
| May 5 | Senses Badge Workshop | ||
| May 6 | Senses Badge Workshop |