Girl Scout and Scouting America Programs at the Arch

Scouts working on their Junior Ranger Books while visiting the Gateway Arch

National Park Service

Learning About History and Nature at the Arch

Gateway Arch National Park offers free programming for Scouts and Girl Scouts of all levels to help them earn select badges. Our interesting and educational programs are led by National Park Service rangers or park education staff and give scouts the chance to see the rich history of St. Louis and the United States in a new way.

Reservations for scout programs are taken year-round. Approximately 50 minutes in length, each program highlights a different, age-appropriate theme. A one-month advance reservation is required. Minimum of six scouts members required for a reservation, with a maximum of thirty scouts. Groups with less than the minimum may be placed with another group, if available.

Check out our program offerings below.

Scouts of all ages can participate in the Girl Scout Ranger Program or the Resource Stewardship Scout Ranger Program. These programs invite scouts to take part in educational programs and/or volunteer service projects by exploring the national parks and learning more about protecting our natural and cultural resources. Scouts receive participation certificates and/or patches upon completion.

You can learn more about the Girl Scout Ranger Program at Girl Scout Ranger Program - Youth & Young Adult Programs (U.S. National Park Service)

You can learn more about the Resource Stewardship Scout Ranger Program at Scout Ranger Program - Youth & Young Adult Programs (U.S. National Park Service)

 

 

Chrisman Sisters' homestead and sod house.

S.D. Butcher Collection

Girl Scout Programs

Daisies

Courageous and Strong
Girl Scouts will discover how girls from the past used their strength and courage. Within the Gateway Arch Museum, we will explore what girl power looks like for ourselves.

Brownies

My Family Story
Girl Scouts will discover how stories of long ago, gathered from oral histories, photographs, letters, and diaries, can help us learn where we came from and who we are.

Juniors

Playing the Past
Girl Scouts will discover important contributions women made in the 19th century. They will learn how women and girls of the past lived through exhibits and artifacts in the Gateway Arch Museum.

Cadettes

Public Speaker
Speaking in public is a powerful way to connect with people. Girl Scouts will learn the skills of public speaking and, in the end, perform for the group.

 

Scouts at the Construction of the Gateway Arch

NPS Archives

Scouting America Programs

Cub Scout

Lion/Kindergarten

Build It Up, Knock It Down
Building the Gateway Arch took many years of planning and preparation. Using the Arch as inspiration, Lions will have fun building a structure on their own and as a team.

Bear/Grade 3

Paws For Action
There are many symbols that represent the best of our country and communities. Bears will explore these symbols as well as the iconic Gateway Arch. Bears will team up with the National Park Service to participate in a service project at Gateway Arch National Park.

Scouting America Merit Badges

Law
During this half-day workshop, Scouts will examine law-past and present. They will learn about the jury system, legal services, and law enforcement. An attorney will present the requirements for becoming a lawyer, "passing the bar", job duties, and responsibilities. Scouts will compare and contrast different areas of law and their importance in our society. They will learn about famous trials throughout history and participate in a mock trials at the Old Courthouse. Upon completion of the requirements, Scouts will earn the Law Merit Badge.

Public Speaking
During this half-day workshop, Scouts will explore methods for clearly communicating ideas and feelings. A National Park Service Ranger will present how techniques and presentation resources can help a public speaker connect with an audience. Scouts will explore using the voice and the body as tools while presenting scripted and impromptu speeches. They will prepare and present a Ranger Talk at the Gateway Arch Museum. Upon completion of the requirements, Scouts will earn the Public Speaking Merit Badge.