Explore the great outdoors with Peoria Park District’s Scout programs at Camp Wokanda, Forest Park Nature Center, Peoria Zoo, and Sommer Farm! Unleash adventure, leadership, and nature appreciation through engaging activities tailored for scouts. Camp Wokanda offers camping and team-building, while Forest Park Nature Center provides wildlife education and hiking. The Peoria Zoo provides conservation education, while Sommer Farm offers hands-on agricultural experiences. Join us for a journey of discovery, learning, and fun in a safe and beautiful environment for scouts of all ages!
To schedule a scouting program at Camp Wokanda, call 309.579.2157
Achievement Awards
Our parks offer all scouts the perfect place to earn their achievement awards. Our staff can assist you in completing a wide variety of advancement requirements ranging from outdoor recreation activities (such as hiking, canoeing, archery, and fishing) to numerous nature study options (such as botany, birding, mammals, insects). We also have plenty of opportunity to earn advancements in arts, sciences, design, history, team leadership, and engineering.
Canoeing
Our ponds are the perfect place for your scouts to learn how to canoe. We have everything you need to get them out on the water and feel at home in a canoe. Programs can be an add-on to an overnight rental or set up as a stand-alone program.
Hiking & Backpacking
Have your scouts build their stamina on the miles of trail that wind through our wooded bluffs. A great location to train for their next backpacking adventure.
Overnight Camping
Whether it is a cabin camp out in the winter, or a tent camp out in the summer, our facilities have been home to scout overnights for over 80 years.
Service Projects
Our trail system has a long history of being a great place for scouts to complete their service project requirements. Our staff can work with both leaders and scouts to help guide them to a successful project from initial design all the way through completion. Contact the Volunteer Department to find out what types of service projects are available.
Themed Nature Hikes
Build your own themed hike by contacting our naturalist staff to help you design a guided hike that meets your needs. We are a great resource for scouting groups that are looking to check off several requirements of achievement awards on a fun and interactive naturalist lead hike.
To schedule a scouting program at Forest Park Nature Center, call 309.686.3360
Achievement Awards
Our parks offer all scouts the perfect place to earn their achievement awards. Our staff can assist you in completing a wide variety of advancement requirements ranging from outdoor recreation activities (such as hiking, canoeing, archery, and fishing) to numerous nature study options (such as botany, birding, mammals, insects). We also have plenty of opportunity to earn advancements in arts, sciences, design, history, team leadership, and engineering.
Hiking & Backpacking
Have your scouts build their stamina on the miles of trail that wind through our wooded bluffs. A great location to train for their next backpacking adventure.
Service Projects
Our trail system has a long history of being a great place for scouts to complete their service project requirements. Our staff can work with both leaders and scouts to help guide them to a successful project from initial design all the way through completion. Contact the Volunteer Department to find out what types of service projects are available.
Themed Nature Hikes
Build your own themed hike by contacting our naturalist staff to help you design a guided hike that meets your needs. We are a great resource for scouting groups that are looking to check off several requirements of achievement awards on a fun and interactive naturalist lead hike.
To schedule a scouting program at Sommer Farm, call 309.691.8423
Achievement Awards
Our parks offer all scouts the perfect place to earn their achievement awards. Our staff can assist you in completing a wide variety of advancement requirements ranging from outdoor recreation activities (such as hiking, canoeing, archery, and fishing) to numerous nature study options (such as botany, birding, mammals, insects). We also have plenty of opportunity to earn advancements in arts, sciences, design, history, team leadership, and engineering.
Canoeing
Our ponds are the perfect place for your scouts to learn how to canoe. We have everything you need to get them out on the water and feel at home in a canoe. Programs can be an add-on to an overnight rental or set up as a stand-alone program.
Hiking & Backpacking
Have your scouts build their stamina on the miles of trail that wind through our wooded bluffs. A great location to train for their next backpacking adventure.
Service Projects
Our trail system has a long history of being a great place for scouts to complete their service project requirements. Our staff can work with both leaders and scouts to help guide them to a successful project from initial design all the way through completion. Contact the Volunteer Department to find out what types of service projects are available.
Themed Nature Hikes
Build your own themed hike by contacting our naturalist staff to help you design a guided hike that meets your needs. We are a great resource for scouting groups that are looking to check off several requirements of achievement awards on a fun and interactive naturalist lead hike.
To schedule a Scouting Program with the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum (at our museum or in our satellite makerspace at the Bonnie Noble Center in Lakeview Park) please contact the PlayHouse at (309) 323-6894.
Badge Programs at the Noble Center Makerspace, hosted by the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum (located in Lakeview Park):
- Can be scheduled for on Saturday mornings or after school. Additional dates/times may be available upon request.
- Cost is $10 per scout
- Group size minimum is 5 scouts, 1 adult; group size maximum is 20 scouts, 4 adults.
- We ask that the scout group provides a 5:1 scout to adult ratio to ensure proper safety and supervision.
- Adult chaperones are free of charge within this ratio.
- Additional adults with the group (not counting chaperones) are $5 a person.
- Badge program is 60-90 minutes in length.
Badge Programs at the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum:
- Can be scheduled for Saturday mornings at the PlayHouse from 9:00-10:00am.
- Cost is $15 per scout—this includes the badge program and a full-day admission to play at the PlayHouse after the program.
- Group size minimum is 5 scouts, 1 adult; group size maximum is 25 scouts, 5 adults.
- Please note that these are not drop-off programs.
- We ask that the scout group provides a 5:1 scout to adult ratio to ensure proper safety and supervision.
- Adult chaperones are free of charge within this ratio.
- Additional adults with the group (not counting chaperones) are $5 a person.
- Badge program is 1 hour in length.
Peoria Zoo offers programming for Scouts of all ages. Programs can be customized to meet requirements of various achievement rewards. The Zoo offers classes, tours, and animal enrichment workshops. Looking for an unique Scouting activity? Check out our Zoo Snooze or Zoomobile! Please call 309.681.3559 for more details.
Zoo Snooze
The Peoria Zoo Snooze is an exciting overnight program that offers a unique and immersive experience for participants. This sleep-over adventure takes place at the Peoria Zoo and includes a night-time tour, providing a magical opportunity to witness the zoo’s inhabitants in their nocturnal habitats. As part of the Zoo Snooze experience, attendees will have the chance to enjoy interactive games that add an element of fun and excitement to the night. To enhance the overall experience, the program includes a light breakfast the following day, allowing participants to wrap up their unforgettable night at the zoo. The Zoo Snooze at Peoria Zoo is a fantastic way for individuals or groups to connect with wildlife in a unique and memorable way, creating lasting memories and fostering a deeper appreciation for the animal kingdom.
Zoomobile
Experience the wonders of the wild without leaving the comfort of your school or facility with our Zoomobile program! Simply make a phone call, and our team of animal ambassadors will embark on a journey to bring the zoo directly to your doorstep. Through engaging activities, hands-on experiences with biofacts, and captivating up-close animal encounters, we aim to seamlessly integrate the fascinating world of wildlife into your learning environment. Our diverse range of programs is tailored to cater to all age groups, ensuring an enriching and educational experience for everyone involved. By aligning our content with State Standards, we strive to make the learning experience not only exciting but also curriculum-friendly. Whether you’re looking to inspire young minds or captivate a more mature audience, the Zoomobile promises an immersive adventure that sparks curiosity and promotes a deeper understanding of the animal kingdom. Make the call and let the magic of the zoo unfold in your own space!”
