54th-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).

Girl Scout Day Schedule
(All Girl Scout troops have the choice to attend either Program Option one or two in each time slot):

Program Option One: 
10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Leave No Trace – visit this display any time during the day to learn about taking care of our natural environment while having fun in the outdoors. (Wilson Center’s Outdoor Learning Space)
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.: Mountain Medicine – understand the historical and current uses of native plants in healthcare. (Wilson Center’s Classroom in the Clouds)
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Appalachian Artisan Demonstrations – meet local artisans and see demonstrations of their creative works. (Wilson Center’s Outdoor Learning Space/ JAM in the Classroom in the Clouds)
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Nature Storytelling with Blubobobobo – hear nature tales from a talented storyteller! (Wilson Center’s Classroom in the Clouds)
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.: Meet the Raptors – Lees-McRae College wildlife rehabilitators showcase raptors for you to see up close. (Outside the front of the Wilson Center)
12:30 – 1 p.m.: Lunch – Troop’s choice! Enjoy lunch at any picnic area or on the Wilson Center deck.
1:15 – 2:15 p.m.: First Aid for Outdoors – learn first aid skills for safe hiking and exploring. (Beside the Wilson Center’s Outdoor Learning Space)
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.: Creepy Critters– meet a few of our ambassador animals. (Wilson Center’s Classroom in the Clouds)
3:30 – 4:00 p.m.: Independently explore the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and Animal Habitats!  (There is an Otter Keeper Talk at 3:30 p.m. and a Cougar Keeper Talk at 4 p.m.)

Program Option Two: 
10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Leave No Trace – visit this display any time during the day to learn about taking care of our natural environment while having fun in the outdoors. (Wilson Center’s Outdoor Learning Space)
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.: Jr. Hawk Watch – be a community scientist and search the skies for migrant raptors. (Swinging Bridge – top of the mountain)
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Appalachian Artisan Demonstrations – meet local artisans and see demonstrations of their creative works. (Wilson Center’s Outdoor Learning Space)
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Nature Journaling – take a moment to reflect on the nature around you!  (Wilson Center’s Deck)
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.: Meet the Raptors – Lees-McRae College wildlife rehabilitators showcase raptors for you to see up close. (Outside the front of the Wilson Center)
12:30 – 1 p.m.: Lunch – Troop’s choice! Enjoy lunch at any picnic area or on the Wilson Center deck.
1:15 – 2:15 p.m.: Nature Storytelling with Blubobobobo – hear nature tales from a talented storyteller! (Wilson Center’s Classroom in the Clouds)
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.: Creepy Critters– meet a few of our ambassador animals. (Wilson Center’s Classroom in the Clouds)
3:30 – 4:00 p.m.: Independently explore the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and Animal Habitats!  (There is an Otter Keeper Talk at 3:30 p.m. and a Cougar Keeper Talk at 4 p.m.)