Scout Activities
We have a variety of fun-filled activities for scouts to earn badges, learn something exciting, and have fun.
Visit Basics
Scout groups are welcome and encouraged to visit the park at any time during our normal hours of operation.
There is a $5 per car parking fee to visit Cantigny as a Scout outing. Tiger Cubs and Daisies may follow the same reservation procedure but must come with one parent/caregiver per child. We strongly encourage Scouts to be in uniform.
Badge Programs
Cantigny Park offers a wide variety of badge programs for Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. The parking fee is waived with a paid program. Reservation at least two weeks in advance is preferred. To reserve a badge program, please contact:
Laura Sears
630.260.8237
scouts@cantigny.org
Scout program reservations are completely booked for 2023. We are now accepting reservations for early 2024.
Overnight Camping
Cantigny Park has two campsites available for rental to Scout and youth groups for overnight camping. Our campsites are limited to nationally recognized youth groups (i.e., BSA, GSA, AWANA, YMCA Adventure Guides, etc.). Each site holds 50 people (tent camping only, trailers and campers are prohibited). Overnight camping is year-round, except during January when the park is closed. The campgrounds and Education Center offer fire pits, firewood, picnic tables, restrooms, potable water, and trash recycling bin collection. Advanced reservations are required. For more information or questions about camping, please contact:
Kristan Catalani
camping@cantigny.org
630.260.8162
Explore
The museum, gardens, and grounds at Cantigny Park offer a host of activities and opportunities for Scouts to explore.
The First Division Museum gladly welcomes Scouts to come explore and learn. From the trenches of World War I to the jungles of Vietnam to modern times, our exhibits tell fascinating and important stories. Experience the history of our nation’s military conflicts from the perspective of actual soldiers throughout the museum’s galleries. Outside, explore the iconic tank park featuring 100 years of armor. Groups are encouraged to explore the exhibits with their chaperones. Reservations are not required, and all museum tours are self-guided. We require a minimum of one chaperone for every 10 Scouts entering the museum.
Cantigny offers extensive gardens open for self-exploration, each with a story that unfolds with each step. Favorites are the upper and lower display gardens, Rose Garden, Idea Garden, and Rock Garden. The fountain behind the Visitors Center is another popular stop.
Enjoy the landscape and then spend quiet moments studying some of the park’s statues like the Spirit of Commitment, where artist Jeff Adams links four figures physically and allegorically to reflect interrelationships philosophically and across time. These people show sacrifice, strength, courage, love, resolve, and hope. In their commitment, we find the potential for good, for freedom, for a better world.
Hike
Hike our 2¼ mile wood-chip nature trail. It is filled with wonderful sights, sounds and smells that offer a great outdoor experience.
Fish
Scout groups can go fishing at Shaffner Pond, in the northeast corner of the park. Fishing is allowed Saturday and Sunday mornings from sunrise to 8:30 am and Mondays between 9 am and 5 pm. Please call Security at 630.260.8207 to arrange your outing. The pond is home to bluegill, bass, carp, and catfish and is strictly catch and release. Please bring your own fishing poles, bait, and gear. Those over age 16 must have a valid fishing permit.
Our campsites may be reserved on the weekends for Scout activities. Practice pitching tents, learn to build a fire, cook a meal, or review safe camping procedures. Please call 630.260.8162 to make a reservation.