55th-Annual Girl Scout Day

Girl Scouts are invited to join the park’s naturalists for a fun-filled learning adventure on Grandfather Mountain. Plus, all Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership (all or part of a uniform or a troop roster with the leader’s name on it), and family members will receive discounted admission ($1 off child admission and $2 off adult admission). Advance reservations for park admission are not required, meaning scouts, troop leaders and family members are welcome to arrive the day of the event without admission tickets already in hand.

Tips for making your visit with us fun and comfortable:
Please carpool. We are open to the public on Girl Scout Day, and parking may be limited.
Dress for mountain weather: wind, rain, cold temperatures. We can be 10+ degrees cooler than your home community. Bring waterproof, windproof jackets, sneakers / athletic closed-toe shoes. NO crocs, sandals or flipflops please.
Bring a reusable water bottle…Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. We have two water-bottle refill stations. They are located in the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery lobby (behind the bear statue) and the Top Shop first floor.
Pack your own lunch to avoid waiting in line at Mildred’s Grill. Lines can get very long around lunchtime, especially on busy Saturdays in the fall.
Troop leaders, your scouts can complete some steps toward earning a few badges. See the program schedule for badge suggestions. We do not award or provide any badges from Grandfather Mountain.

The day has a robust schedule of simultaneous offerings (which may be subject to change due to weather or other factors). Scouts are welcome to pick and choose activities from either program list, below.

2026 Girl Scout Day Schedule
All-day Offerings
Linville Search and Rescue: Activities next to the Outdoor Learning Space 
Visit this display anytime during the day to learn best practices for active outdoor activities. 

Leave No Trace Table: In the Wilson Center, near the Classroom in the Clouds 
Visit this display anytime during the day to learn the best sustainable practices for all outdoor activities. 

Craft Table and Games: Classroom in the Clouds/Classroom Lobby
The craft table will act as a continuation of the Bird Buddy craft. Games are assorted. 

Program 1
10 – 11 a.m. | Guided Bird Walk: meet at the Outdoor Learning Space (rain location: Mildred’s Grill to observe the bird feeders) 
Learn more about birds from experts and enthusiasts. This activity will be led by representatives from High Country Audubon.

11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Birds are Dinos!: Outdoor Learning Space (lightning location: Classroom in the Clouds) 
Learn about fossils and bird tracks.

12 – 1 p.m. | Lunch and Display Tables: Outdoor Learning Space and Wilson Center breezeway (rain location: Classroom in the Clouds)
Take a break and eat lunch, either packed or at Mildred’s Grill. 
Explore interpretive tables from the Xerces Society and Conservation Through Colors, help color a banner or participate in Bird Buffet. 

1 – 2 p.m. | Ambassador Animals: in front of Yonni’s Clubhouse (rain location: Wilson Center breezeway) 
Meet some of Grandfather Mountain’s resident animals who do not reside in the habitats. 

2 – 3 p.m. | Nature Journaling: Mildred’s Grill deck (rain location: Yonni’s Clubhouse) 
Join Grandfather Mountain’s naturalists for a peaceful, reflective activity. 

3 – 4 p.m. | Bear Cookie Enrichment: bear habitat 
Watch the resident bears receive a special enrichment. 

Program 2
10 – 11 a.m. | Bird Buddies: Classroom in the Clouds Lobby 
Create a fun craft with the mountain’s naturalists and volunteers. 

11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Junior Hawk Watch: top of the mountain (rain location: Yonni’s Clubhouse) 
Be a citizen scientist, counting raptors with our naturalists. This version is tailored for the young at heart. 

12 – 1 p.m. | Lunch and Display Tables: Outdoor Learning Space and Wilson Center breezeway (rain location: Classroom in the Clouds) 
Take a break and eat lunch, either packed or at Mildred’s Grill. 
Explore interpretive tables from the Xerces Society and Conservation Through Colors, help color a banner or participate in Bird Buffet. 

1 – 2 p.m. | Be a Wildlife Rehabber: Yonni’s Clubhouse 
Learn how to care for wildlife and your stuffed animals. 

2 – 3 p.m. | What Do Birds Eat?: Cobey Botanical Garden (rain location: Yonni’s Clubhouse back deck) 
Explore seeds and bugs with High Country Wild. 

3 – 4 p.m. | Bear Cookie Enrichment: bear habitat 
Watch the resident bears receive a special enrichment.