Wildlands naturalists can guide your troop through many badge requirements and can frequently accomplish all of the expected requirements within 1 1/2 hours.  The cost for on-site presentations are listed below.  Please note:  The acquisition of badges is the responsibility of the troop leader, not Wildlands Conservancy.

Badge Days

Badge Days at PWS are offered periodically throughout the year and are advertised in the passport book mailed from the Girl Scout Council.  Advance registration is required and girls receive the badge at the end of the program.

"After canoeing, my confidence started to rise...that canoe trip has changed the rest of my life.  I can do anything I want."

-Nicole Kholi, Harrison-Morton Middle School, 6th grader

Wildlands Conservancy's Bike & Boat program is an exciting outdoor-learning, paddle/peddling excursion and is very popular with local scouting organizations.  This single day, 5-hour trip is for up to 70 people and costs only $25/person (min 10 people).  The trip starts at Canal Park in Allentown with a canoe safety review and a short practice paddle period in the canal before we start out along the Lehigh River.  We stop at Sterner's Island along the way for a little exploration and take-out at Sand Island in Bethlehem.  Groups with lunches will often opt to eat at this time.  We then enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride back to Allentown along the canal's tow path.  Bicycles, canoes, and other safety equipment that may be needed (PFDs, helmets, etc.) are provided.  We also have a certified safety instructor that accompanies every group.

Trips run everyday from April to October and can be booked with the education department by phone at (610) 965-4397 ext. 31 or ext. 35.  This program is a lot of fun, and we've had a wonderful response.  We recommend that you book this program ASAP, so that you have a better chance of getting the date that meets the needs of your group.  We require a $25 credit card deposit at time of booking, but full payment does not need to be received until one week after the trip.

Policies and Procedures

River Island Camping is our popular river program that features an overnight stay on an island in the middle of the Lehigh River!  The adventure begins in Allentown, with canoe safety instruction and paddling techniques practice.  Then, we shove off and head down the Lehigh River.  Along the way, we often spot mink, white-tail deer, great blue heron. osprey, and even the occasional bald eagle!  The day ends at Freeman's Island were scouts set up camp, cook round an open fire and participate in survival activities. After a good breakfast the next morning, we bicycle to Bethlehem.  (Instead of bicycling, some troops opt to continue their adventure on the river and canoe to Hugh Moore Park.)  We provide tents, canoes, bicycles, dinner/breakfast, utensils, and a guide.  The cost is $75/participant (min 10 people, max 60 with a minimum age of 10 years).  Note:  It is your responsibility to arrange pick-up/drop-off, as the start and end locations are different.

***SPECIAL DISCOUNT PRICE - $50/person for groups of 30 or more - That's a savings of $25/person!!!***

This trips runs daily from April to October, and weekends fill fast.  We recommend booking programs early to maximize the chances of reserving your preferred dates.  We require a $75 credit card deposit at time of booking, but full payment does not need to be received until one week after the trip.  The deposits will be applied to the cost of completed trips. 

Wildlands Conservancy staff can bring the wildlife to you in a fun and interactive wildlife presentation at your Blue and Gold Banquet.  Our wildlife menagerie includes a variety of insects, snakes, lizards, turtles, owls, and even a skunk!  The cost for a 45 minute presentation is $200 plus mileage (prevailing federal rate), and is often the highlight of the event. 

Wildlands Conservancy also offers rental of its educational building (capacity 100) and outdoor pavilion for banquets and large functions.  For additional information or to make reservations please contact Maureen Ruhe, Director of Education, at (610) 965-4397 ext. 36 or via e-mail.

Pool Wildlife Sanctuary offers a variety of opportunities for interested and self-motivated eagle scouts.  Potential projects range from construction of animal enclosures and storage facilities to landscaping and trail maintenance. 

Wildlands Conservancy has a number of fun and interesting activities for scouts and their families.  Potential activities include: tubing, night hikes, South Mountain GPS scavenger hunts, wildlife presentations, camping, bike trips through the Lehigh Gorge, amphibian searches and vernal pool explorations, wildlife viewing, stream searched, and much, much more.   

Information about our family programming can be found in our education calendar.