Boy Scouts

We offer the Coastal Empire Council BSA Barrier Island Patch Program and Oceanography Merit Badge Program for Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Webelos, and Boy Scouts. Visit the science center, work toward your patch or badge, and discover the diversity of life that inhabits the Georgia coast!

Barrier Island Patch Program

This two-hour program for scouts of all ages highlights the dynamics of Georgia’s barrier islands. Hike along the shore and learn about the forces behind tides and waves, sand dune formation and importance, and the effects of development on islands. Then, choose sand sifting (ankle-deep) or seine netting (waist-deep) to discover the wildlife below the sand or in the surf. Finally, tour our Coastal Georgia Gallery in search of gliding stingrays, scampering hermit crabs, tons of turtles, and more! The Tybee Island Marine Science Center Patch is sold in our Discovery Shop for $3.50 plus tax.

Oceanography Merit Badge Program

This two-hour program for Boy Scouts fulfills some of the requirements for the Oceanography Merit Badge. Scouts use various oceanographic equipment from the pier and beach to measure and analyze visibility, depth, temperature, and salinity. Sand sifters and a plankton net are also utilized to examine the wildlife of the sand and surf. In the classroom, a flexible camera is used to get a “close-up” look at organisms on a large-screen television. Scouts also tour our Coastal Georgia Gallery to interact with live marine invertebrates in the touch pool, learn about endangered sea turtles, and observe baby ‘gators and fish. Boy Scouts complete some of the requirements for an Oceanography Merit Badge and gain a better understanding of the importance of studying the sea by experiencing firsthand the multiple disciplines of oceanography.

To schedule a program call us toll-free at 866-557-9172