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The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment

Scout Badge Days

Girl Scouts Activity

Adventure awaits at the headwaters of the San Marcos River! Bring your scouts to explore the unique ecosystem of the San Marcos Springs through immersive, hands-on learning. From guided activities to glass-bottom boat rides, each experience is designed to spark curiosity and a connection to nature. Programs are tailored to age level and badge requirements, and every scout will receive a special glass-bottom boat patch as a keepsake of their adventure at Spring Lake.

What To Expect

Scouts and their chaperones receive unlimited access to the park grounds, picnic areas, exhibits, and educational displays before and after their scheduled program. We recommend dressing for adventure—loose, comfortable clothing and sturdy, rubber-soled shoes are best for exploring the outdoors. While many of our programs help fulfill badge requirements, they may not cover every requirement in full. Badges are not awarded during the visit—troop leaders should consult official scouting guidelines and plan accordingly.

Space is limited to 40 participants per class. Check-in begins at 9:45 a.m. at the Meadows Center ticket kiosk. An adult must accompany children, and tickets are required for both children and adults. Children two and under are free.

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  • Cub Scout Programs

    • Get your Bear Pack outside and inspired as they uncover the wonders of nature—fur, feathers, ferns, and all! 

      Explore the wild side of nature with your 3rd grade Bear Scouts during this interactive Fur, Feathers, and Ferns program at Spring Lake! This 2-hour program is designed to help scouts complete key requirements for the Bears “Fur, Feathers, and Ferns” adventure, with hands-on experiences that connect them to the natural world.

      Scouts will participate in a guided wetland walk, where they’ll use their observation skills to identify at least six signs of local wildlife. Along the way, they'll use magnifying glasses to take a closer look at native plant life and discover details that can't be seen with the naked eye. The trip includes a visit to our aquarium, where scouts will learn about endangered species, and a glass-bottom boat ride that offers the chance to observe wildlife from a safe distance in their natural habitat.

      Tickets are $12.00 per person (for scouts and chaperones). Pre-registration is required.

      Fall Schedule

      • October 18, 2025 (10 a.m. - 12 p.m.)

       

    • Inspire the next generation of environmental stewards through discovery, action, and outdoor adventure!

      Give your 4th grade Webelos the opportunity to become true Champions for Nature during this engaging, 2.5-hour program at Spring Lake! Led by our experienced education staff, this program is designed to help scouts complete all six Champions for Nature adventure requirements through hands-on exploration and guided activities.

      Scouts will learn about endangered species, discover the components of a habitat, explore the causes of species decline, and discuss real-world conservation efforts happening right here at Spring Lake. Each scout will track their discoveries in a custom “Champions for Nature” brochure, which they’ll take home.

      Tickets are $13.00 per person (for scouts and chaperones). Pre-registration is required.

      Fall 2025 Schedule

      • Saturday, September 27, 2025 (10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
      • Saturday, November 22, 2025 (10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

       

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  • Girl Scout Programs

    • Join us for a morning of discovery, stewardship, and fun as your Daisy takes steps toward becoming an eco-conscious adventurer!

      Give your Daisy Scout the chance to connect with nature and earn their Eco-Learner Badge during this engaging outdoor program designed to meet official Girl Scouts of the USA badge program guidelines. Through hands-on activities and guided exploration, Daisies will learn how to prepare for outdoor adventures, respect wildlife, and protect the environment- key components of the Eco-Learner badge.

      This 2-hour program features a glass-bottom boat tour and a guided walk along the wetland boardwalk, offering unique opportunities to observe nature up close while practicing Leave No Trace principles. Scouts will participate in age-appropriate lessons on being prepared, staying safe in nature, and minimizing their environmental impact.

      Tickets are $12.00 per person (for both scouts and chaperones). Pre-registration is required.

      Fall 2025 Schedule

      • Saturday, September 13, 2025 (10 a.m.–12 p.m.)
      • Saturday, November 8, 2025 (10 a.m.–12 p.m.)

       

    • Help your scout discover the wonders of water—and how to care for it!

      Bring your Brownie troop to Spring Lake for an exciting outdoor adventure as they work toward earning their Wonders of Water Journey Badge. Scouts will achieve the “LOVE Water and SAVE Water” portion of this Journey. This fun and educational field trip helps scouts discover the importance of water in our world and how they can help protect it.

      The 2-hour program features a variety of engaging, hands-on activities, such as an EnviroScape watershed demonstration, a guided wetlands tour, a glass-bottom boat ride, a visit to the aquarium, and a team water conservation game. Along the way, scouts will learn about pollution, aquatic habitats, and ways to be responsible stewards of this vital resource.

      Tickets are $12.00 per person (for both scouts and chaperones). Pre-registration is required.

      Fall 2025 Schedule

      • Saturday, October 18, 2025 (10 a.m.–12 p.m.)
      • Saturday, December 13, 2025 (10 a.m.–12 p.m.)

       

kayak aerial

On-Water Badge Opportunities

Looking to complete on-water badge requirements? We offer guided kayaking, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding experiences at Spring Lake! These programs are limited to 10 participants on the water at a time, making them ideal for smaller groups. All participants must be comfortable in the water.

For details and availability, please contact our Tour Office.

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  • We require five business days' notice if you would like to reschedule or cancel your reservation for a refund. If, for any reason, we must cancel the tour (bad weather, etc.), you will be allowed to reschedule for a future program date or receive a full refund. Refunds will be applied to the credit card that was used for payment. If you cannot attend your reserved program due to an extenuating circumstance, each case will be evaluated by Meadows Center staff for an opportunity to retain your program credit for a future date.

  • Visitors' vehicles are required to display a permit in The Meadows Center parking lot between 7pm Sunday - 5pm Friday. One-day temporary permits are available for $3 at the pay-and-display station located near the ticket kiosk.

For more information, please email our educational tours office at springlaketours@txstate.edu, or call 512.245.7540.