Orienteering 101
Come join a State Park Ranger and learn an essential skill that is being replaced with satellites, smart phones and GPS. Orienteering is a skill developed in the 19th century for traveling through unknown lands with only a map and compass. This program will teach scouts how to read a basic map, how to use a compass and send them out on a short orienteering course to test their newfound skills.

Bow Drill Basics
Would you know how to make a fire if you were lost in the woods? Learn a basic survival skill and get hands-on experience using a bow drill. After this program, scouts should be able to create their own bow drill and be prepared to use it if necessary. This will be a smokin’ good time.

Tracks and Traces
Animals leave many clues behind that we often overlook. Join a naturalist to learn more about how bones, fur, scat, rubbings and other subtle clues can identify what animals have crossed right by where you’re standing! Let your scouts put their detective skills to the test.

Scratch and Sniff
Ready to get those senses in gear? Join a naturalist for a hike around the Meadows where scouts will encounter all sorts of natural aromas. Who would have thought that Chimney Rock could be such an odorous adventure?

Self-Guided Hikes & Discovery Stations
Now is the time for exploration! Set out with your scouts on any of our six trails (ranging in difficulty from easy to moderately strenuous) and get ready for an adventure. Our knowledgeable staff can help you decide which trail is the best fit for your troop. As you hike, look for our three Discovery Stations on the trails. Each station will have a staff member to interpret what you’ve seen along your way as well as hands-on activities for the scouts to enjoy.