This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the badge. Scouts must complete all prework before the start of class. Pre-work and program details available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scouts. Scouts unable to complete all requirements may receive partial credit from their merit badge counselor.

(13-Adult) Enjoy a naturalist-led birding trip by kayak. Park Authority lakes are home to more than 100 species of birds and hold many unique habitats. See how these small vessels can provide a closer look into the world of birds. Travel in a one-person kayak.

(12-Adult) Learn about the park's birds and some basic identification skills. This program for beginners starts with a bird identification discussion. Children age 12 to 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(12-Adult) Enjoy a hot cup of coffee while you hike with a naturalist and look for birds. The program will begin with a short discussion of the concept of bird-friendly coffee. To reduce waste, please bring your own mug to fill. Tea and hot cocoa options will also be available. 

(12-Adult) Hone your birding skills on the trail and learn to play our favorite bird themed board game: Wingspan. We will enjoy a round or more of this wonderful boardgame and take a bird walk in the park. All skill levels welcome.

(16-Adult) Get to know our local songbirds through field sketches and studies. Includes a presentation on natural history, drawing tips, and a short bird hike.

(4-13 yrs.) Join a naturalist as they demonstrate how we feed our site display animals. Make a birdfeeder to take home and use. Search for worms and insects and assist in serving dinner. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

(8-Adult) Join our park naturalist on a hike and explore wild plants and animals throughout the trails. Learn how to use the iNaturalist app to take pictures of things you find along the way. Smart phones, cameras and binoculars welcome. Each hike will feature a different theme and may include: salamanders, birds and other wildlife, wildflowers, trees, nature photography, cultural history, or a scenic destination.

(6-12 yrs.) Explore how bird adaptations allow birds to live in their chosen ecosystem. Study the parks collection of preserved specimens. Afterwards, make observations and explorations using field tools to learn identification and classification.

(8-15 yrs.) Huntley Meadows Park is starting a birding club. Come along with experienced Naturalists to learn about the wonderful birds that live and thrive in our forests and wetlands. Sketchbook provided for recording your all your observations. This program is offered at no cost, paid for by the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park. Space is limited and registration is required.

(2-5 yrs.) Youngsters and their accompanying adult begin sharing nature’s wonders in this interactive class. Experience includes meeting animals, stories, games and outdoor exploration. Dress for the weather. Quiet infants welcome. Topics covered are: 9/8 Squirrels, 9/15 Whitetail Deer, 9/22 All About Autumn, 9/29 Birds Fly South, 10/6 Bones, 10/20 Pumpkins, 10/27 Halloween Fun, 11/3 Bats, 11/10 Bear Buddies, 11/17 Animals Getting Ready for Winter and 11/24 Turkeys.

(8-Adult) Birds are sometimes called living dinosaurs. Join a naturalist to learn how our feathered friends have evolved from dinosaurs and what characteristics they share with them.

(6-10 yrs.) Discover how flight developed from birds and insects to balloons and kites, then to planes and rockets. Conduct hands-on experiments to see how lift, drag, weight and thrust make flying possible.

(2-5 yrs.) Baby turkeys and their grown-ups are surprisingly curious creatures. Find out about these birds through a story, song and craft. Children must be accompanied by an adult.