Program Partners
Girl Scouts of Connecticut partners with organizations across the state that help build girls of courage, confidence, and character. These partnerships allow girls to explore their interests, earn badges & patches, and connect with experts.
Please reach out to the contact person listed to learn more about the opportunities offered and how to make appropriate arrangements for your girls' age.
Life Skills
Bring The Hoopla 
BringtheHoopla, an educational fitness company, offers a welcoming environment where students of all ages are encouraged to enjoy the positive and healthy activity of hula hooping while reinforcing self-esteem and leadership through age-appropriate games, team-building activities, and communication.
BringtheHoopla is always on the move and we come to YOU. We provide the (hula) hoops, the music, and the fun!
We can provide programming for a regularly scheduled troop meeting, a bridging ceremony, summer camp, or any special celebration no matter the size!
Contact Information:
(203) 615-1116
bringtheHoopla@gmail.com
BringtheHoopla.com
Connecticut Humane Society
The Connecticut Humane Society (CHS) offers a number of unique and engaging programs for youth interested in pets.
These programs are perfect for girl scout troops interested in learning more about pets. "Behind the Scenes" tours are also available at all three of CHS’ Pet Wellness and Adoption Centers. More information about these opportunities can be found by visiting our website.
CHS also offers three, unique fun patches for Girl Scouts: Pet Pals (Daisies & Brownies), Furry Friends (Brownies & Juniors) and Animal Advocates (Juniors - Ambassadors). Each patch has different requirements, some of which align with badges. More information about each patch can be found here.
Badge Connections:
- Animal Observer Badge
- Pets Badge
- STEM Career Exploration Badge
- Voice For Animals Badge
- Gold, Silver, & Bronze Award Projects
Contact Information:
Ashley Holm, aholm@cthumane.org
(860) 594-4500 x6308
Website
Connecticut Museum of Culture & History
The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History offers a variety of hands-on, interactive programs for scout groups.
These programs are available on-site at the Museum or can be brought to your next troop meeting as an outreach program. The current selection of programs includes Celebrating Community, Playing the Past, Inside Government, and Agent of Change. More information about these programs can be found on the Connecticut Museum website.
Contact Information:
Katerina Mazzacane, kmazzacane@connecticutmuseum.org
(860) 236-5621
Website
Food Explorers
Food Explorers offers cooking classes to Girl Scouts and troops of all ages!
Our unique Food Neutral approach has been developed by Registered dieticians and nutritionists to provide children with a safe, neutral, and happy environment to learn about food and cooking. We offer anything from Badge Classes to "Just for Fun" classes and everything in-between.
Contact Information:
Katie Shepherd, katie@food-explorers.com
(203) 592-2317
food-explorers.com
S.T.E.A.M
The Bruce Museum
The Bruce Museum is a community-based, world-class institution highlighting art, science, and natural history in more than a dozen changing exhibits annually.
The permanent galleries feature the natural sciences that encompass regional to global perspectives. The Bruce Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. We offer art programs that focus on portrait, landscape, and still-life, and science programs that focus on local biodiversity, geology, and more. Programming is inquiry-based, hands-on, and most of all, fun!
Contact Information:
Corinne Flax, flax@brucemuseum.org
(203) 869-0386
brucemuseum.org
EverWonder Children's Museum
EverWonder Children's Museum cultivates a lifelong love of learning in children by encouraging them to think, inquire, and wonder about the world around them.
We offer hands-on exhibits and programming to spark imagination in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
Contact Information:
Robyn Abrams, education@everwondermuseum.org
(203) 364-4009
everwondermuseum.org
11 Mile Hill Rd. Newtown, CT 06470
Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is the only aquarium devoted to Long Island Sound, the "Estuary of National Significance" just outside its doors.
Their marine population includes sharks, stingrays, harbor seals, sea turtles, otters, jellies, and more. The Aquarium also exhibits tropical travelers that follow the Gulf Stream north to our waters. Plus, they have some other fun animals, from tamarins to meerkats. They also offer many touch experiences including sturgeon, stingrays, sharks, jellyfish, and intertidal animals.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk offers badge programs for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors. These programs feature Aquarium animals and exhibits, and a hands-on activity to help fulfill one or two requirements for earning the badge or journey! Scout groups can also book educational programs, including their Career Tour which explores the various careers of people working at the Aquarium – from Animal Husbandry to Conservation.
In addition, each spring, the Aquarium hosts a Girl Scout Day featuring discounted admission and programs. Plus, Girl Scout troops can join a group sleepover at the Aquarium, offered Friday and Saturday nights throughout the school year.
Inquire here: Reservations@maritimeaquarium.org
Contact Information:
Ann Marie Lisi, alisi@maritimeaquarium.org
(203) 852-0700
maritimeaquarium.org
10 North Water St. Norwalk, Ct 06854
Stepping Stones Museum for Children
Stepping Stones Museum for Children seeks to create an environment that inspires lifelong learning and supports parents, caregivers, and educators as facilitators of children's explorations.
All year long, Stepping Stones Museum for Children offers special programs, performances and activities for visitors to enjoy – from exhibit-themed activities, arts and creative play to storytimes, sing-a-longs, active play and more.
Badge Connections:
Robotics Badge
Home Scientist Badge
Computer Expert Badge
Inventor Badge
Staying Fit Badge
Contact Information:
Barbara Jean Segall, barbarajean@steppingstonesmuseum.org
(203) 899-0606 ext. 288
steppingstonesmuseum.org
303 West Avenue Norwalk, CT 06850 (Mathews Park)
Treworgy Planetarium at the Mystic Seaport Museum
The Treworgy Planetarium is a small planetarium that is part of the larger Mystic Seaport Museum.
We provide live, interactive sky shows for general guests as well as private planetarium shows for different groups, such as Girl Scouts.
We also offer Girl Scout Space Science Merit badge workshops for Daisy-Senior troops. These workshops vary in length from half day (2-2.5 hour) to full day (5 hour) depending on the Girl Scout level, and provide all the necessary materials, knowledge and encouragement for the girl scouts to earn their badge after completion of the workshop.
Contact Information:
Jordan Ecker, jordan.ecker@mysticseaport.org
(860) 572-0711 ext. 5032
mysticseaport.org/explore/planetarium
75 Greenmanville Ave. Mystic, CT 06355
Outdoors
The Adventure Park at Storrs and The Discovery Museum
Get ready for an adventure at the Adventure Park at Storrs or the Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum!
Girls can earn badges, challenge themselves, and have fun! The Adventure Park is located on beautiful wooded settings filled with nature and each park offers many different level courses. Girl Scouts gain confidence and become energized! They will build self-esteem as they traverse from tree to tree conquering obstacles. Plan your trip and get ready to conquer your fears, overcome challenges, and have fun!
Badge Connections
Adventurer Badge
Camper Badge (Storrs Only)
Night Owl Badge
Trees Badge
Contact Information:
Doug Southworth, doug.southworth@myadventurepark.com
(475) 988-0988
myadventurepark.com
Bushy Hill Nature Center
Bushy Hill Nature Center is a program of Incarnation Center.
Located on over 700 acres, the property is home to hiking trails, a mile-long lake, low and high ropes courses, and more.
Contact Information:
Emily Nelson, enelson@bushyhill.org
(860) 787-2148
bushyhill.org
253 Bushy Hill Rd. Ivorytown, CT 06442
City Climb
City Climb is a rock climbing gym that prides itself on accessibility, community, and outdoor stewardship.
The gym features thoughtful yet challenging climbs for customers to enjoy and our skilled, friendly instructors teach climbers proper belay technique.
In addition to our memberships, we offer Intro to Climbing classes for individuals or small groups who are new to the sport, and belay classes for those wanting to learn how to hold the ropes for climbers. We love hosting larger group events upon request and do children's birthday parties on the weekends.
Contact Information:
Erin Dest, desk@cityclimbgym.com
(203) 641-4138
cityclimbgym.com
91 Shelton Ave. New Haven, CT 06511
Nowashe Village & Wood Memorial Library and Museum
The Wood Memorial Library and Museum & Nowashe Village offer customizable programming for Girl Scout Troops of all ages!
Located on Main Street in South Windsor, Nowashe Village and The Wood Memorial Library and Museum offer on-site and off-site outreach programs covering ecology, art, and local history. Founded in 1971, The Wood Memorial Library offers hands-on programs covering Colonial and Early American history as well as the arts.
Badge Connections:
- Eco Badges
- Bugs
- Animal Observer
- Animal Habitats
- Gardener
- Flowers
- Trees
- Outdoor Art Badges
- Art and Design
- My Family Story
- Playing the Past
- Scribe
- Novelist
- Troupe Performer
Nowashe Village is located behind the library and is an outdoor exhibit interpreting both the history of the Indigenous Peoples of the Connecticut River Valley and the ecology of the region. A Certified Wildlife Habitat with the National Wildlife Foundation, Nowashe Village offers customizable programming across ecology, art, and local history.
Contact Information:
education@woodmemoriallibrary.org
(860) 289-1783
Website
783 Main St. South Windsor, CT 06074
White Memorial Conservation Center
White Memorial Conservation Center is a 4,000-acre nature sanctuary that offers many opportunities for scout groups.
White Memorial offers staff-led education programs that are specifically designed to meet certain badge requirements. Examples include the Senses Badge, Hiker Badge, and Animal Habitats Badge. These programs are offered on White Memorial grounds and last 1.5 hours. The cost per program is $140 with a maximum attendance of 25 people (parents and chaperones included). Free admission into our Nature Museum is included!
We also offer a wide array of programs that can be booked by scout groups, schools, libraries, and other organized groups. These programs can be presented at White Memorial, or we can travel to your facility! Programs are typically 45 minutes-1 hour and range in topic from Animal Adaptations to Native Wildlife to Endangered Species, and more. Most of our programs feature 2-3 live animals! The cost is $110 per program at White Memorial (30 people maximum and includes free admission into our museum) or $200 plus travel costs for outreach programs at your location (50 people maximum). A few options are available for “assembly” audiences of 50 or more at $240 plus travel costs.
If you’d like to turn a trip to White Memorial into an overnight adventure, we offer camping space to scout groups and other non-profits at our Pine Grove Campgrounds at no charge! Each camping area contains an Adirondack-style camping shelter with sleeping space for 5-6 people, ample ground for setting up tents, an outhouse, a couple of picnic tables, and a fire ring. A water source is located nearby. Advanced reservations are required. Please call (860) 567-0857 Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. For more information on group camping, click here.
Contact Information:
Carrie Szwed, info@whitememorialcc.org
(860) 567-0857 ext. 16
Website
Local History
The Connecticut River Museum
The Connecticut River Museum offers several programs for Scouts.
Bring your troop on a field trip to discover the Connecticut River Valley and explore the natural environment and human experience along its 410 miles. Every program encourages children to learn about local history and the environment through interactive discovery activities. All Connecticut River Museum Scout Programs are designed to meet badge, patch and award requirements and can be adjusted to accommodate most specific requests.
All programs require a minimum of 8 Scouts or $40 base fee, except for the programs on our partner vessels which requires 15 or $250 base fee. Scout groups are welcome to partner together in order to reach the required number of children. Registrations must be made at least 2 weeks in advance. Payment is due on the date of the program. Scout Programs may be scheduled during afterschool hours (Monday through Thursday, 2:30 - 6:00 pm), over school vacation weeks or on select weekend dates. The Connecticut River Museum is in the process of developing overnight programs.
Please call for more information or to make a reservation.
Contact
crm@ctmuseum.org
(860) 767-8269 ext. 113
ctrivermuseum.org
67 Main St. Essex, CT 06426
The Fairfield Museum
The Fairfield Museum and History Center offers educational opportunities for students of all ages to make history engaging and meaningful.
The Fairfield Museum presents dynamic exhibitions that tell important stories about the region’s arts, history, and culture. Located in the heart of the historic town center, the Fairfield Museum’s exhibitions and programs also extend to several historic buildings to form the Museum Commons. Field trips explore our connections to the past through the main exhibition, “Creating Community: 400 Years of Fairfield Stories,” in addition to historic sites in and around the Museum Commons: c. 1780 Sun Tavern, Old Academy Schoolhouse, Victorian Cottage (a dedicated early childhood space), the Victorian Barn, and Old Burying Ground. Our inquiry-based educational programs bring learning to life, making history hands-on and personal.
Badge Connections:
- Playing the Past
- Celebrating Community
- Book Artist
- Scribe
- Brownies Outdoor Art
- Junior Outdoor Art
- Detective Badge
- Senses Badge
Contact Information:
Michelle Cheng, mcheng@fairfieldhs.org
(203) 259-1598
fairfieldhistory.org
The Greenwich Historical Society
The Greenwich Historical Society offers programs for Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.
Our unique campus and historical home allow for programs that incorporate art, nature, and history. Built circa 1730, the Bush Holley House lets Girl Scouts immerse themselves in colonial history as well as one of the foremost Impressionist art colonies from the 1880’s to the 1920’s. Using inquiry-based methods, our hands-on activities make for an enriching and exciting experience.
Badge Connections:
- My Family Story Badge
- Outdoor Art Badge
- Painting Badge
- Potter Badge
- Drawing Badge
- Textile Art Badge
- Collage Art Badge
Contact:
Carol Levison, clevison@greenwichhistory.org
(203) 869-6899 ext. 32
greenwichhistory.org
Hill-Stead Museum
Alfred and Ada Pope built a Colonial Revival mansion in 1901 that later became the Hill-Stead Museum.
It was designed by their daughter, Theodate Pope Riddle, who was a trail-blazing architect, an entrepreneur and a supporter of educational innovation during her lifetime. The museum offers a glimpse into the past as it is filled with the original furnishings and collections of the Pope family. Its crowning jewel is the exquisite collection of French Impressionist artworks by famed artists that include Degas, Monet, Manet, Cassatt, and Whistler. Now a museum, Hill-Stead offers a wide variety of learning experiences for Girl Scouts who want to learn more about history, architecture, women’s history, nature, and art.
Badge Connection
Find the full list of badges and programs here.
Contact Information:
Gabrielle Gaulin, gauling@hillstead.org
(203) 677-4787
hillstead.org
35 Mountain Rd. Farmington, CT 06032
Old Sturbridge Village
Old Sturbridge Village provides several opportunities throughout the year for Scouts to work on badges through Scout Days, our Night in the Museum Program and the Great Scout/Family Camp Out.
OSV offers hands-on studio programs designed for Girl Scout Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, and Seniors. Each program provides the information and resources to earn badges; beginning in the Studio, followed by time within the Village, and completing at home.
Girls will get their hands on history during activities led by a museum teacher in their dynamic education center or within the museum. Studios are 50 minutes unless otherwise noted. The following studios are designed to provide the information and resources to earn all three steps. Up to 10 participants per studio.
Contact Information:
Jen Silverio, jsilverio@osv.org
(850) 347-0276
Website
1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd. Sturbridge, MA 01566
Orange Historical Society
The Orange Historical Society hosts tours of two historical homes, the Stone-Otis House (built in 1830) and the Bryan-Andrew House (built in 1740).
We offer butter-making, candle-making, and wool skills in the 1740 Bryan-Andrew House, as well as a lesson in hearth cooking. In the 1830 Stone-Otis House, we offer lessons in cooking with herbs. Both buildings can be open any day or evening, depending on the activity and number of scouts.
Contact Information:
Ginny Reinhard, orangehistorical@yahoo.com
(203) 795-3106
orangehistory.org
605 Orange Center Rd. Orange, CT 06477
Pequot Library
Pequot Library offers a variety of programs offering inquiry-based experiences through close examination of our primary source material.
In keeping with our mission to provide educational experiences to the community that are “free as air to all,” we offer our programs at no cost. Have a specific learning goal in mind? We’ll collaborate with you to customize a program that meets your needs.
Badge Connections:
- Book Artist Badge
- Life Skills - Travel
- Civic Engagement
- Career Exploration
- Global Issues
- Health and Wellness
Contact Information:
John Kofron, kofron@pequotlibrary.org
(203) 869-0386
Website
Stony Creek Museum
Visit the Stony Creek Museum and discover the history, culture, and community of Stony Creek and the Thimble Islands!
Girls will be able to see old outfits that were swimsuits and learn how the pink Stony Creek Granite was mined to help build the base of places like the Statue of Liberty. In addition, they can see an old desk from the schoolhouse and learn about Miss Stony Creek! It should only take about 45 minutes to visit and there are nearby locations to visit for lunch.
Badge Connections:
- Celebrating Community Badge
- Playing the Past Badge
Contact Information:
Mary Lee Weber, maryleeweber@gmail.com
(203) 488-4014
stonycreekmuseum.org
84 Thimble Island Rd. Stony Creek, CT 06405
Wethersfield Historical Society
Wethersfield Historical Society offers a variety of educational programs for children of all ages.
The Wethersfield Historical Society welcomes you to Historic Wethersfield, Connecticut’s oldest and largest historic district. Our programs, collections and exhibits are designed to preserve Wethersfield’s history and culture to inspire people today and tomorrow. We are available for programs after school, week days during the summer, or during some school holidays.
Badge Connections:
- Brownie Celebrating Community Badge
- Junior Playing the Past Badge
- Junior Flowers Badge
With enough advance notice, we are willing to create new programs to help support additional badges.
Contact Information:
Willie Johnson, society@wethersfieldhistory.org
(860) 529-7656
Website
Other Program Partners
Fascia's Chocolates
Fascia's Chocolates combines fun with learning!
Make your own chocolate bar and learn the history and origins of chocolate and how it gets from bean to bar and bar to box. This session lasts 1 hour and includes tastings.
In 1964, John and Helen Fascia began making candy in their Waterbury home. With the help of their three daughters, fine confections became the family's full-time passion. Fascia's Chocolates still continue to handcraft all of their products with the same time-honored methods and dedication.
Badge Connections:
- Snack Badge
- Simple Meals Badge
- New Cuisines Badge
Contact Information:
Kim Chepulis, events@fasciaschocolates.com
(203) 753-0515
Website
Greenwood Glass Blowing Studio
Greenwood Glass Blowing Studio Gallery & School is open to the public and offers glass blowing workshops for ages 5 and up.
The short workshops are available any day Tuesday through Saturday by appointment. All workshop are private classes. Students can make a paperweight, a flower, or an ornament.
Contact Information:
Peter Greenwood, peter@petergreenwood.com
(860) 738-9464
petergreenwood.com
3 Robertsville Rd. Riverton, CT 06065
The Giggling Pig Art Studios
At the Giggling Pig Art Studios, Girl Scouts dive into a world of artistic exploration.
From clay sculpting to drawing and painting, Girl Scouts can work towards earning badges in a nurturing and inspiring environment. Our talented instructors guide Scouts as they unleash their creativity, develop their skills, and express themselves through various art forms. Through engaging activities and workshops, Girl Scouts not only earn art badges to showcase their accomplishments but also cultivate a deeper appreciation for self-expression, creativity, and collaboration, fostering a love for art that will last a lifetime. Join us at the Giggling Pig and watch your Girl Scouts flourish as confident artists with boundless opportunities to explore their creativity.
Contact Information:
Hannah Perry, info@thegigglingpig.com
(203) 919-1153
Website
472 River Rd. Shelton, CT 06484
Additional locations in Bethel, Guilford, Milford, New Haven, Seymour, & Trumbull.
Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center
At Imagine Nation, we offer programs to complete badges in the STEAM categories including the natural sciences, recycling, planting, and pollination.
Badge programs include time to explore the museum which is designed with hands-on activities for children 2-8 as well as wildlife, art, and kinetic studios enjoyed by all ages. All badge programs can be modified for different ages and we also custom build programs in certain areas. The museum also offers overnight stays for a full troop that also include a badge program.
Contact Information:
Stephanie Freedman-Edson, info@imaginenation.org
(860) 314-1400 ext. 167
imaginenation.org
1 Pleasant St. Bristol, CT 06010
The New Haven Symphony Orchestra
The New Haven Symphony Orchestra invites Junior Girl Scouts to earn their Musician Badge with us!
Pick from a variety of performances this season from our website and we'll do the rest! Each concert is based on availability, so please reserve your seats sooner rather than later. Tickets are $10 for girls and 20% off for adults. Girls will get to try several orchestral instruments and become junior ushers before the concert, watch the show, and have an opportunity to interview the star(s) of the show afterwards.
Badge Connections:
- Musician Badge
Contact Information:
Caitlin Daly-Gonzales, education@newhavensymphony.org
(203) 865-0831
newhavensymphony.org
PeoplesBank Arena
PeoplesBank Arena proudly supports Girl Scouts of CT!
Enjoy arena family shows, sporting events, and concerts with friends and family. Special discounts are available to those groups who meet a minimum ticket requirement. Most events include a unique patch. Ask us about our group experience packages, fundraising programs, and badge earning opportunities. We are looking forward to hosting your scouts this season!
Contact Information:
Katie Force, katie.force@oakviewgroup.com
(860) 241-4225
Website
Shubert Theatre Girl Scout Program
Earn an exclusive Shubert Theater participation patch!
There are three ways to earn a Shubert patch:
- Attend a pre-show patch program (must have a ticket to the show, program costs $10/Girl Scout including patch)
- Take a backstage tour of the Shubert on a non-show day with your troop (cost is $10/Girl Scout including patch)
- Attend any Shubert show and buy a patch at the box office ($5/patch)
Badge Connections:
- Performance Badges
Contact Information:
Kelly Wuzzardo, kwuzzardo@capa.com
Azaria Samuels, asamuels@capa.com
(203) 773-4307 or (203) 562-5666
shubert.com