Programs for Scouts & Youth Groups

BADGE PROGRAMS
Half-day, full-day or multiple day service learning projects or field study trips are available to both Girl and Boy Scout Troops. Hands-on activities and themes include ecology, geology, marine biology, archaeology, history and art. All activities and programs correlate to specific Scout Badge opportunities so that G/B Scouts can enjoy an adventure on the Estate while earning their badge of honor. Boy Scout Badge programs include: Archaeology, Nature, Bird Study, Reptile and Amphibian Study and Canoeing Merit Badge. Girl Scout Badge programs include: Eco- Explorer, Ecology, Earth Connections, Geology, Outdoor Adventurer and Wildlife Badge.

For more information, please refer to the Guide to Scouting at Miami-Dade County Park & Recreation Nature Centers.



VENTURING
The Estate offers a variety of on-site activities and eco-tours led by Education and Interpretive Staff where youth can connect with the natural environment in an atmosphere of fun and adventure. Our Sea Lab, Fish Dissection, and Archaeology Dig are but a few of the on-site activities available. Our Eco-Walk, Heritage Tour, Bird or Butterfly Walk, Bike Hike, Kayak/Canoe Trips and Nite Hikes can be modified to fit your particular group interests. Most group eco-adventures can accommodate up to 30 participants.

CAMP-INS
Perfect for school, scouting, home-school, youth and church groups. Plan it as a "bonding" trip, an end-of-the-year celebration, or just for fun! Overnights at the Deering Estate include an auditorium mini film, an Eco-Walk or Heritage Tour, indoor or semi-outdoor sleeping facilities and free admission to the Estate the next day. Guaranteed to be a camping experience that's fun, safe and dry any time of year. Our Camp–Ins are scheduled in the Visitor Center or Outdoor Pavilions on Friday and Saturday evenings only. Camp-Ins can accommodate up to 30 people. Bathroom facilities, but no shower facilities are offered.

EAGLE SCOUT PROJECTS
Collaboration is extremely important to the growth and success of our education programs. Without our volunteers (youth and their families) we would not be able to offer the many public programs that make up our education and interpretive programs. Due to the sensitive nature of our historic buildings and protected natural areas, the Estate can accommodate only a limited number of on-site Eagle Scout or youth volunteer projects in any given year. We do welcome regular bay clean up activities, adopt a trail efforts and participation in our environmental education programs.

For special project requests, volunteer leaders will need to fill out a Project Request Form. Project Request Forms must be submitted to the Director of the Deering Estate at Cutler for approval no less than 6 weeks prior to the scheduled date of the Project. Any additions or deletions to the Project Request Form must also be submitted to the Director of the Deering Estate in writing prior to the start of any Eagle Scout project.

Note: We appreciate your volunteer efforts, and your project planning should include a fundraising component for any materials necessary to complete your project. As much as we would like to offer financial support to the many Eagle Scout projects we host each year, the Deering Estate at Cutler does not have the financial resources to do so.