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Winkler Botanical Preserve

Scout Programs

Children crafting at a table indoors, surrounded by art supplies.

NOVA Parks offers a variety of programs designed to help your scout achieve a wide range of badges. Badge programs are currently available at three different locations, with more being added all the time! 

For more information and to book your program, contact winkler@nvrpa.org or call 703-344-0444.

Scout Programs

Girl Scouts of America 

Child painting at a table indoors.

Outdoor Art Series

Programs available for all levels of Girl Scouts.

Scouts will take an in-depth and up-close look at all the ways nature takes on artistic forms. Programs can include: creating our own rainstorm, listening to birds that inspire our own music, using natural mediums to express our feelings, learning how to take professional quality photographs, fashioning outdoor installations that slowly return to the natural state.
 
Each program is 60 minutes long, geared toward your specific age group, and requires a minimum of one adult for every 10 scouts.

Child holding a trowel with a worm, outdoor setting, focused expression.

Eco-Series

Daisies, Brownies, Juniors

These programs are designed to build outdoor knowledge through several ranks of scouts. Daisies will use games and activities to learn how to prepare to be outside and what they can do to protect themselves and the environment. Brownies will explore the outdoors, learning how to build a safe campfire and care for wildlife, all while having fun and being kind to each other and to the environment. Juniors will work together to examine the principals of leave no trace, learn how to prepare a minimal impact camp site and assist with conservation while enjoying a scenic hike.
 
Each program is 60 minutes long, geared toward your specific age group, and requires a minimum of one adult for every 10 scouts.

Children crafting at a table, indoors.

Nature Series

Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Ambassadors

Naturalist Legacy Badge topics include Bugs, Flowers, Trees and Water. Brownies will use hands on activities and crafts to explore insect habitats, share fun facts and learn about the daily habits of bugs all over the preserve. Juniors will learn the hidden messages of flowers, go on a floral scavenger hunt, and get to know flowers inside and out. Cadettes will focus on trees, discovering what makes up their parts, how humans and trees work together and make their own tree-ID guide. Ambassadors will look at one of the biggest features of Winkler: our water! Through exploration and experiments, Ambassadors will be inspired to make their own water art and share small actions that can help keep our waters safe. 
 
Each program is 60 minutes long, geared toward your specific age group, and requires a minimum of one adult for every 10 scouts.

Smiling child crouches in a forest, arranging moss on the ground.

Letterboxing

Brownies

Letterboxing is a scavenger hunt-style adventure that takes you to interesting locations all over the world solving clues and searching for hidden treasures. Participants will learn what exactly Letterboxing is and how it differs from Geocaching, where to find the clues, how to decipher them and receive hints on what to look for. Then off on an adventure around the park to find the boxes hidden here. Participants will also get a chance to carve their own personal stamp to take home and use on future Letterboxing adventures. 

This program is 90 minutes long and requires a minimum of two adults per ten scouts.

Scouting America

Children exploring a shallow forest stream.

Outdoor Adventures 

Mountain Lion, Tigers in the Wild, Paws on the Path, Bear Habitat, Webelos Walkabout and Arrow of Light Into the Woods and Into the Wild.

These adventures cover all current requirements and offer hands-on experiences in nature through hiking and exploration. Be prepared to head outdoors and discover something new!

Adventures are 60 minutes long and take place outdoors.

Children crossing a rocky stream in a forest, led by an adult.

Champions of Nature Series

Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos and Arrow of Light elective adventures.

These adventures offer a close-up look at natural and man-made resources, water systems, animal habitats, and provide insight into how to care for the environment. Be prepared to explore the outdoors and spark your curiosity!

Adventures are 60 minutes long and take place outdoors.

Three children and an adult engaged in an indoor activity on a wooden floor.

Scouts BSA

Merit Badges are offered monthly during the school year. 
 
 

Fees

Fee Table
  Price min (10 scouts or less) Price per scout (11 or more scouts)
1 Hour

 

$75.00 

 

$7.00 per scout
1 1/2 Hours $100.00  $10.00 per scout
For more information and to book your program, contact us at winkler@nvrpa.org or 703-344-0444.

Conquer challenges and build confidence.

Climb UPton—the largest ropes course in the Mid-Atlantic—is open during the fall season! With 90 different elements and three levels of difficulty, there’s adventure for everyone. Visit climbupton.com for fall hours.

End of Season Waterpark Pass Sale

Buy your 2026 Annual Waterpark Pass now and enjoy the rest of the 2025 season for FREE. Purchase a pass to receive unlimited admission to all 5 waterparks; discounts on food, beverage, retail, NOVA Parks attractions and events, and more!