Age Levels are as follows:
- Preschool – Ages 3-5 – Penguin Level (Frontier Girls)
- Level 1 – Ages 5-8 – Otter Level (Frontier Girls)
- Level 2 – Ages 8-11 – Dolphin Level (Frontier Girls)
- Level 3 – Ages 11-14 – Butterfly Level (Frontier Girls)
- Level 4 – Ages 14-18 – Eagle Level (Frontier Girls)
- Level 5 – Adults 18+ – Owl Level (Frontier Girls)
Lancaster County Environmental Center Badge
Discover the Outdoors
by Kerry Cordy
Preschool: Do three requirements including the two starred *
_____ 1.* Take a tour the Lancaster County Environmental Center.
_____ 2.* Learn the basic Leave No Trace rules or earn the Leave No Trace badge.
Level 1: Do four requirements including the two starred *
_____ 1.* Do Preschool requirements 1 & 2.
_____ 2.* Participate in a program offered by the Environmental Center.
Level 2: Do five requirements including the two starred *
_____ 1.* Do Level 1 requirements 1 & 2.
_____ 2.* Make a lists of all programs offered at the Environmental Center. Do they change with the season? Are some programs always available and some only for a little while? Brainstorm badges you think they might be able to help with.
Level 3: Do six requirements including the two starred *
_____ 1.* Do Level 2 requirements 1 & 2.
_____ 2.* Learn about the history of the Environmental Center and its role in environmental education and conservation efforts within Lancaster County.
Level 4: Do seven requirements including the two starred *
_____ 1.* Do Level 3 requirements 1 & 2.
_____ 2.* Learn about careers available at the Environmental Center. What education do you need to get them? What are the hours like? What type of tasks are performed. Interview someone who works there.
Level 5: Do nine requirements including the two starred *
_____ 1.* Do Level 4 requirements 1 & 2.
_____ 2.* Teach someone how to do a skill from this badge or teach some knowledge about this badge to someone. You can teach children, your spouse, seniors, anyone, just as long as you are sharing your new found knowledge. If for some reason you cannot teach what you have learned to someone else, you may choose an additional 2 optional requirements instead.
Optional Requirements:
_____ 3. Make up a puzzle or game using facts about something you learned at the Environmental Center.
_____ 4. Draw a picture of something you saw at the Environmental Center.
_____ 5. Make a scrapbook of your experience at the Environmental Center.
_____ 6. Participate in a nature hike led by a park ranger or naturalist.
_____ 7. Identify at least five native plant species found within the Environmental Center’s grounds.
_____ 8. How far is the Environmental Center from your home or meeting place? How will you travel there? How long will it take? Make a plan for keeping yourself busy during travel so that you do not get bored. Butterflies and Up: Know the costs involved in traveling to this destination.
_____ 9. Engage in a hands-on activity related to water conservation, such as testing water quality, learning about watersheds, or building a mini rain garden.
_____ 10. Assist with a conservation project at the Environmental Center, such as tree planting, invasive species removal, or trail maintenance.
_____ 11. Attend a workshop or presentation on sustainable living practices, such as composting, recycling, or renewable energy.
_____ 12. Learn about the history of the 19th century bank barn used to house the Environmental Center.
_____ 13. Complete a nature scavenger hunt within the Environmental Center’s grounds, identifying various plants, animals, and natural features.
_____ 14. Create a poster, video, or presentation showcasing what you’ve learned about the Lancaster County Environmental Center and the importance of protecting natural resources.
_____ 15. Participate in a birdwatching activity at the Environmental Center and identify at least five different bird species.
_____ 16. Learn about the importance of soil health and participate in a composting workshop to understand how organic waste can be recycled into nutrient-rich soil.
_____ 17. Learn about the threats facing endangered species in Pennsylvania and brainstorm ways to help protect and conserve these vulnerable animals.
_____ 18. Create a nature journal to document your observations, sketches, and reflections during visits to the Environmental Center.
_____ 19. Learn about the impact of climate change on local ecosystems and brainstorm ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
_____ 20. Dissect an owl pellet.
_____ 21. Research the history of conservation movements in Pennsylvania and the contributions of local environmental activists to protect natural resources and wildlife habitat.
_____ 22. Reflect on your experiences at the Environmental Center and write a personal essay or poem expressing your appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
