Scout Programs ~ Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

We provide special scout programs for all ages! Check out the full list of available options below.

Boy Scout Oceanography Merit Badge Day

October 17, 2020 | $17

Interested in exploring and investigating our blue planet? Come explore the properties of water, features of the ocean floor, and various methods marine scientists use to investigate the ocean, underlying geology, and organisms living in the water. In addition to participating in hands-on activities, scouts will have the opportunity to speak with aquarium staff with both educational and professional backgrounds in oceanography related fields.

Tickets are on sale now!*

Purchase Tickets

Additionally, below you can access a booklet of activities that we have created for scouts to complete prior to the event day. These will help scouts fulfill additional requirements in the merit badge series and better help them prepare for Boy Scout Oceanography Merit Badge Day!

On Your Own Booklet

*Please note that scouts must be accompanied by a paying adult ($17).

For additional information, please call (757) 385-0278 or (757) 385-0339.

Girl Scout Day 2021

May 23, 2021|$17

Join us as we celebrate the magnificent sea turtle! Scouts will explore the adaptations of this unique animal, discover the challenges sea turtles must overcome, and satisfy all the requirements needed to obtain the Explore Sea Turtle patch.

Girl Scout Day 2021

Workshop Sessions

Daisies: 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Brownies 1: 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Brownies 2: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Juniors: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Cadettes, Seniors, and Amabassadors: 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. *

*Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors will also complete Step 2: Investigate and Step 4: Experience of the Nation's Capital Endangered Species Patch Programs.

Included with the paid registration are access to activities scheduled during rank-specific workshop sessions, aquarium admission, and the Explore Sea Turtle patch.

Advance registration and payment are required in order to secure workshop participation. Online registration for this event will become available on January 1, 2021. Please note that scouts must be accompanied by a paying adult and each workshop has a maximum capacity of 25 scout participants.

For additional information, please call (757) 385-0278 or (757) 385-0339.

Enjoy this special activity designed just for you! Use technology and your own backyard to explore turtle anatomy using augmented reality.

AR Sea Turtle Activity

Overnights

Scout groups are invited to spend the night with our animals in the Under the Sea event or venture out on a boat trip in our Snooze and Cruise event.

Under the Sea

Boy Scouts: 2/19/21

Girl Scouts: SOLD OUT: 10/09/20

Spend the night in our Main Building! Meet animal ambassadors, perform scientific experiments, play nature-based games, and more. Advanced registration and a 25% deposit at the time of booking are required. Pre-payment in full and a copy of your group’s liability insurance at least 30 days prior to the event are required for participation. The program is $45 per scout, $30 per adult. Pricing includes all scheduled programming, late night snack, continental breakfast, Aquarium admission for the following day, and a commemorative patch. For more information or to make a reservation, please call (757) 385-0278 or (757) 385-0339.

Under the Sea Overnight Guide

Snooze and Cruise

Boy Scouts: 9/25/20

Girl Scouts: 3/26/21

Scouts, are you ready to explore our coastal ocean waters? Join us for an evening of science experiments, ocean-themed games, and meet and animal ambassador before sleeping in our Main Building. Rise and shine bright and early to join Aquarium educators aboard our Ocean Collections vessel to collect a variety of local fish and marine invertebrates and observe them up close aboard the boat. Watch as they work the trawl net and pull up discoveries that may include seahorses, stingrays, blue crabs, keyhole urchins, and jellies, and then release the animals back into teh ocean. Our boat trips run rain or shine, so don't forget a jacket! Advanced registration and a 25% deposit at the time of booking are required. Pre-payment in full and a copy of your group's liability insurance at least 30 days prior to the event are required for participation. This program is $65 per scout and $45 per adult. Pricing includes all scheduled programming, late night snack, continental breakfast, admission to the Aquarium the following day, and a commemorative patch. For more information or to make a reservation, please call (757) 385-0278 or (757) 385-0339.

Snooze and Cruise Overnight Guide

Scout Workshops

Girl Scouts
Explore Virginia Aquarium Patch
Complete the requirements while you and your troop explore the Aquarium. This patch is designed to be completed "on your own." Aquarium admission fees apply. Call our Guest Services Office at (757) 385-FISH (3474) to make a group reservation.

Explore Virginia Aquarium Patch Description

Scout Resources

Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts are invited to use our self-guided activity sheets to complete badge and patch requirements while visiting the Virginia Aquarium. Troop leaders or parents are expected to facilitate the Scout's learning experience and guide them through the steps needed to complete the badge requirements. Check out the free, downloadable activity sheets below.