Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA and Girl Scouts can receive discounted admission and take part in special programs that help to fulfill adventure and badge requirements during special “Badge Weekends” in March at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.
“The ‘Badge Weekend’ days offer Scouts of all ages the chance to enjoy and discover, while taking advantage of the Aquarium’s resources toward fulfilling numerous badge requirements all in one special day,” said Ann Marie Lisi, Associate Director of Education. “We have an exciting variety of program opportunities for Scouts, from considering how we can limit our effects on the environment to focusing on the adaptations that put sharks at the top of the food chain to going behind the scenes to learn how the Aquarium provides top-quality daily care to the resident animals.”
With reservations before the designated deadline, admission tickets are $14 for children (3-12) and $19 for adults. For Aquarium members, there’s only a $2 fee to receive an optional Maritime Aquarium patch. Without reserved tickets, normal admission prices apply: $19.95 for kids and $28.95 for adults.
Besides enjoying a cheerful, thrifty discount, Scouts also can take part in optional programs that will help them earn badges and adventures. Programs are first-come, first-serve with limited capacity, so advance registration is required.
• Sat., March 19 – Cub Scouts Day
Tigers, Wolves, Bears and Webelos can sign up for 90-minute classroom programs that will meet some of the requirements for adventure belt loops, including Floats and Boats, Spirit of the Water and Adventures in Science. Cost of each is $12 in addition to the discounted admission.
For Webelos seeking to fulfill their Into the Wild adventure, a two-hour cruise onto Long Island Sound is available at 9:30 a.m. Cub Scouts must be accompanied on the cruise by a parent or guardian. Cost is $28 per person in addition to admission.
Reservations for Cub Scouts Day programs and discounted admission are required by Wed., March 16.
• Sun., March 20 – Scouts BSA Day
Teen Scouts can work toward their Environmental Science merit badge through a full-day program that included a two-hour cruise onto the Sound. Cost is $57 ($38 for Aquarium members) and includes discounted admission. Scouts must be accompanied by an adult Scout leader during the cruise. (Programs for the Oceanography and Fish & Wildlife Management merit badges are sold out.)
Reservations for Scouts BSA Day programs and discounted admission are required by Wed., March 16.
• and Sun., March 27 – Girl Scouts Day
Girl Scouts from Daisies to Juniors can work toward such badges as Pets, Think Like A Citizen, 3 Cheers for Animals and Animal Habitats during 60- to 90-minute classroom programs. Cost of each is $12 in addition to discounted admission. Guided 45-minute tours of the Aquarium are $8 each and will help to fulfill badge requirements at all Girl Scout levels.
Plus, a two-hour Think Like A Citizen Scientist cruise onto the Sound is available at 11:15 a.m. for Juniors and Ambassadors. Scouts must be accompanied by a parent or guardian on the cruise. Cost is $28 per person in addition to admission.
Reservations for Girl Scouts Day programs and discounted admission are required by Thurs., March 24.
Participation in a program or cruise is optional and not necessary to enjoy the “Badge Weekend” Aquarium admission discounts.
Scouts also can include a 4D movie during their day. Showing each hour are “Shark: A 4D Experience” and “Happy Feet 4D Experience.” Tickets are $7 per person.
Get more details, including program content, and sign up at www.maritimeaquarium.org/badge-weekend.