Scout Day Programs at Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion are for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA/Scouting America, and Girl Scouts. Our engaging activities and hands-on experiments inspire curiosity and support scouts in earning STEAM-related badges. Scouts will discover the wonders of science and ignite their passion for learning.
Scout Day Programs Schedule
| Date | Ages or Levels | Title | Badge Requirements Completed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 | Scouting America | Digital Technology Badge | Requirements 3, 4, 5, 6(a)(c)(f), 7, 8(a)(c), 9(a) |
| Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026 | Scouting America | Artificial Intelligence Merit Badge | Requirements 1-6, 7(b), and 8(b) |
| Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026 | Scouting America | Oceanography Merit Badge | Requirements 1-6, 7(e), 8(c), 9 |
| Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026 | Girl Scouts | Girl Code | All of Coding for Good 1 and most of Coding for Good 2 |
| Saturday, Feb. 20, 2027 | Scouting America | Composite Materials Merit Badge | Requirements 1(b), 2(b), 3(b), 4(a) or (b), 5, 6(a) |
| Saturday, March 13, 2027 | Girl Scouts | Nighttime in the Daytime | Work towards GSEP Outdoor Badge |
| Saturday, April 3, 2027 | Cub Scouts | Fun with Science Day | n/a |
| Saturday, April 10, 2027 | Juniors and up | Otter Craft | Junior Create and Innovate Badge |
Scout Day Program Descriptions
SCOUTING AMERICA
Digital Technology Merit Badge
Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
$79/scout, $30/adult
Minsi Trails discount: save 33% (contact your Scoutmaster for discount code)
Learn about digital technology—past, present and future! We’ll look at intellectual property, the 1’s and 0’s of how digital technology works, and use coding to create programs that are useful…and fun!
We have a certified merit badge counselor on staff to sign off on blue cards.
Scouts will complete Requirements 3, 4 , 5, 6(a)(c)(f), 7, 8(a)(c), and 9(a).
Includes lunch, a fun patch, all materials, and exhibit floor admission.
SCOUTING AMERICA
Artificial Intelligence Merit Badge
Saturday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
$79/scout, $30/adult
Minsi Trails discount: save 33% (contact your Scoutmaster for discount code)
Artificial Intelligence is everywhere these days, but without understanding what it can and can’t do, we use it at our peril. We’ll give you the tools to understand and use AI smartly. We’ll examine automation, ethics, deepfakes, and how to harness AI for good.
We have a certified merit badge counselor on staff to sign off on blue cards.
Scouts will complete Requirements 1-6, 7(b), and 8(b).
Includes lunch, a fun patch, all materials, and exhibit floor admission.
SCOUTING AMERICA
Oceanography Merit Badge
Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
$79/scout, $30/adult
Minsi Trails discount: save 33% (contact your Scoutmaster for discount code)
From waves to wildlife, the ocean is full of wonders (and mysteries)! We’ll learning about the geology of the seafloor, how landforms affect wave patterns, and about careers in oceanography and underwater exploration.
We have a certified merit badge counselor on staff to sign off on blue cards.
Scouts will complete Requirements 1-6, 7(e), 8(c), and 9. Scouts will also get time in the oceanography-focused Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission special exhibition!
Includes lunch, a fun patch, all materials, and exhibit floor admission.
GIRL SCOUTS
Girl Code
Saturday, Dec. 19, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
$34/scout, $20/adult
Game on! We’re going to learn all about loops, conditionals, arrays and other kinds of coding tricks as we design and develop our own original video games! We use easy block coding, so no previous coding experience is required.
Scouts will complete Coding For Good 1 and most of Coding For Good 2.
Includes a fun patch, materials, and exhibit floor admission.
SCOUTING AMERICA
Composite Materials Merit Badge
Saturday, Feb. 20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
$79/scout, $30/adult
Minsi Trails discount: save 33% (contact your Scoutmaster for discount code)
Composite materials are a key ingredient in making many of the things we use regularly stronger and more effective. We’ll look at the properties of these materials; how to use them safely; careers in composites and materials science; and even make a couple of composite products to take home.
We have a certified merit badge counselor on staff to sign off on blue cards.
Scouts will complete Requirements 1(b), 2(b), 3(b), 4(a) or (b), 5, and 6(a).
Includes lunch, a fun patch, all materials, and exhibit floor admission.
GIRL SCOUTS
Nighttime in the Daytime
Saturday, March 13, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
$34/scout, $20/adult
Spend the morning exploring the world after dark. We’ll investigate echolocation, bioluminescence, constellations, phases of the moon, light pollution and nocturnal animals. See what happens outdoors in the midnight hour and how we impact that world, for better and for worse, with our choices during the day. Live animals, real telescopes, and more await you!
Scouts will work towards the GSEP Outdoor Badge.
Includes a fun patch, materials, and exhibit floor admission.
CUB SCOUTS
Fun with Science Day
Saturday, April 3, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
$30/scout, $20/adult
Minsi Trails discount: save 17% (contact your Scoutmaster for discount code)
Build a roller coaster, make slime, and design a maze to challenge a bug! We’re playing with science during this morning program.
Includes a fun patch, all materials, and exhibit floor admission.
JUNIORS AND UP
Otter Craft
Saturday, April 10, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
$34/scout, $20/adult
Learn about the care and keeping of Da Vinci Science Center’s four resident river otters. While we can’t directly meet and greet these wild animals, we can design and build toys and puzzles for them to use. You’ll learn why enrichment is so important for wildlife in human care. Best of all, see your build get put to the test by the otters in our Lehigh River Watershed!
Scouts will complete the Junior Create and Innovate Badge.
Includes a fun patch, materials, and exhibit floor admission.
Scout Day Programs Policies
General Information
- One adult per 10 scouts is required.
- Da Vinci Science Center staff will do everything to make your experience as enjoyable and educational as possible. Feel free to speak to a staff member at any time during a program if you have questions or concerns.
- Registration is required for all programs.
- Registration closes 2 weeks prior to program date.
- Registration must be done online. No phone registrations or late registrations will be accepted.
- Troop/Pack check-in will be at the Main Entrance located on West Hamilton Street. This will begin at 8:30 a.m.
Adult Chaperone Responsibilities
- Supervision: Always keep scouts within sight, adhere to the buddy system, and remember adults are responsible for their scouts at all times.
- Safety Rules: Maintain a safe environment by counting scouts when entering and exiting exhibit areas, keeping emergency contact information for each scout, and staying organized.
- Schedule: Ensure that your group is punctual for their workshops, live science show, and departure.
- Engagement: Encourage active participation and questions to enhance learning.
- Behavior: Manage scout behavior as you are responsible while they are in your care. Ensure no running, no food or drinks on the exhibition floor, and maintain respect for exhibits, staff, and other visitors.
Parking
- There are several public parking garages within 1-3 blocks of the science center, including the following:
- The Spiral Deck (645 spaces) is located directly behind the Science Center at 836 Linden St. The walk from there to our main entrance is one block. When parking at the Spiral Deck, use the elevator located in the middle of the garage to exit right behind the Science Center on Court Street. Walk through the pedestrian walkway to the right of the Science Center to get to the front entrance.
- The Maple Street Parking Deck (1,100 spaces) is located at 920 West Maple St. and offers a 2-3 block walk to our main entrance.
- Please note that parking fees start at $1.00 per hour for the first hour and $2.00 per hour for hours 2-6. Daily max rate is $29.00 (lost ticket rate = $29). Event parking fees may be in place when there are events at the PPL Center.
- Learn more about parking & directions
Refunds & Cancellations
- Registration can be cancelled/transferred with a full refund, minus the 25% non-refundable deposit, up to 30 days prior to the program date.
- Cancellations made 15-29 days before program date: 50 percent refund
- Cancellations made 14 days or less before program date: No refund
- Refunds will not be issued for anyone who does not attend the program unless the Da Vinci Science Center is notified at least two weeks in advance, following the cancellation/refund policy above.
- Da Vinci Science Center reserves the right to cancel a program if the minimum number of registered participants is not met 2 weeks prior to the program date. If Da Vinci Science Center is forced to cancel a program, groups can transfer to a different program or receive a full refund.
Payment Policy
- A 25% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking, or payment can be made in full. Remaining balance is due two weeks prior to the program date. All credit cards used during the registration will be auto-charged the remaining balance at the two-week deadline.
- Final payment is required no later than two weeks prior to the program date. Payments will not be accepted the day of the program.
Accessibility
Please let us know if your troop has any special needs when you make your reservation and we will make every effort to accommodate you.
