52nd-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 base. Bring waterproof, windproof jackets, sneakers / athletic closed-toe shoes. NO crocs, sandals, flipflops.
• 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.

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

Program A:

• 10 – 11 a.m.: Woods Walk Scavenger Hunt | Location: Woods Walk Picnic Area, at the trailhead, by the orange cones
• 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Animal CSI – Solve the mystery animal crime scenes! | Location: Paved driveway next to the Williams Outdoor Learning Space (outside the Wilson Center, to the right of the front glass doors)
• 12:30 – 1 p.m.: Lunch | Location: Troops’ Choice (Outdoors: all picnic areas, the Wilson Center deck, Williams Outdoor Learning Space, Top Shop outdoors) *These spots are also available for the general public, so space may be limited.
• 1 – 3 p.m.: Meet the Raptors – See beautiful and majestic raptors up close! | Location: Inside the Wilson Center, in front of the Classroom in the Clouds
• 1:15 – 2 p.m.: Women in STEM Careers Panel Discussion | Location: Williams Outdoor Learning Space (outside the Wilson Center, to the right of the front glass doors)
• 2:15 – 3 p.m.: Leave No Trace – Learn how to enjoy outdoor activities while being a good steward of our land, plants and animals. | Location: Williams Outdoor Learning Space, on the grass (outside the Wilson Center, to the right of the front glass doors)
• 3:15 – 3:45 p.m.: Bear Scout Ceremony – Grandfather Mountain’s five female bears will be made honorary Girl Scouts! | Location: Bear Habitats

Program B:

• 10 – 11 a.m.: Nature Walk & Talk at the Mile High Swinging Bridge / Hawk Watch | Location: Swinging Bridge, at the rocks near the viewfinders and steps
• 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Creepy Critters – Meet our snakes, tarantula, turtle and frogs! | Location: Williams Outdoor Learning Space (outside the Wilson Center, to the right of the front glass doors)
• 12:30 – 1 p.m.: Lunch | Location: Troops’ Choice (Outdoors: all picnic areas, the Wilson Center deck, Williams Outdoor Learning Space, Top Shop outdoors) *These spots are also available for the general public, so space may be limited.
• 1 – 3 p.m.: Meet the Raptors – See beautiful and majestic raptors up close! | Location: Inside the Wilson Center, in front of the Classroom in the Clouds
• 1:15 – 2 p.m.: Woods Walk Scavenger Hunt | Location: Woods Walk Picnic Area, at the trailhead, by the orange cones
• 2:15 – 3 p.m.: The Life of a Honeybee | Location: Williams Outdoor Learning Space (outside the Wilson Center, to the right of the front glass doors)
• 3:15 – 3:45 p.m.: Explore the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery & Animal Habitats on Your Own!

Grandfather Mountain’s daily program schedule will also be in full swing! Find more details about these daily programs here.