Community Partner Programs
Community Partner Programs are provided by community organizations who partner with us to
provide consistent learning opportunities for Girl Scouts. Community Partners are committed to
building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.
How It Works
Partners undergo an application process to ensure that their programs align with the mission of
Girl Scouts.
While affiliated with Girl Scouts, Hornets’ Nest Council, these organizations are responsible for
the creation, presentation and registration of their programs. These activities are then
promoted by Girl Scouts, Hornets’ Nest Council to provide a wider variety of fun and flexible
community programs for girls.
Community Partners become known throughout the Girl Scout community as trusted program
partners. These affiliations will give girls and volunteers access to Girl Scout approved
organizations from whom to request personalized workshops and programs and other potential
opportunities, such as service projects.
How To Get Involved as a Community Partner for Programs
If you're interested in becoming a Community Program Partner and offering meaningful
programs and activities for girls, please go here to see the basic guidelines that all Community
Partners must meet and to submit an application.
How Girls Register for Community Partner Programs
Please contact the organization directly to schedule an opportunity that will work for you and your girls!
Community Partners for Programs
Alexandriana Historical Site – All
Founding fathers gathered here to sign the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Visit the site to
learn about this historical event.
Where: 9921 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville
Contact: 704-896-9808
Badge Connections: Celebrating Community (B)
Allison Woods Nature Center – All
Troops/groups can learn from interactive field trips led by accomplished outdoor educators. Allison
Woods is located next to Oak Springs.
Where: 1742 Turnersburg Highway, Statesville
Contact: www.allison-woods.org
Badge Connections: Hiker (B), Camper (J), Trailblazing (C), Adventurer (S)
American Historical Trails – All
The Hornets’ Nest trail consists of a 3-mile hike in uptown Charlotte, and a driving tour of the
battlefields of the American Revolution in North Mecklenburg County. Hikers can earn a patch and a
medal for completing the trail.
Contact: www.thecarolinatrader.com for more details.
Badge Connections: Celebrating Community (B), Inside Government (J), Finding Common Ground (C),
Behind the Ballot (S), and Public Policy (A)
Anne Springs Close Greenway – All
This 2,100 acre nature preserve offers a multitude of activities including hiking trails, swinging bridges,
camping, horseback riding, a low ropes challenge course, educational programs, and being close to
nature. Overnight opportunities are available.
Where: Fort Mill, SC
Contact: kellymurphy@ascgreenway.org
Badge Connections: Hiker (B), Gardening (J), Tree (C)
Art Space Studio – All
Offering special troop pricing for paint-your-own pottery, glass fusing, mosaics and clay. Packages
include all supplies, firing and creative assistance.
Contact: www.artspacesstudio.com
Badge Connections: Potter (B)
Arts Delivered – All
Workshops range from jewelry making to painting, clay projects and more. Artists will bring the studio
to you – all materials and supplies provided.
Contact: www.artsdelivered.com
Badge Connections: Potter (B), Jeweler (J)
Bakers Buzzin’ – All
Bakers Buzzin’ is a cooking school for kids! We coach children in preparing a variety of age
appropriate recipes using common kitchen equipment and readily available ingredients in a fun
kitchen studio. All supplies and ingredients are included in each session. Liability waiver form,
closed toed shoes and hair ties are required for each participant. Call with any allergy concerns.
Where: Bakers Buzzin’ : 725 Stockbridge Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29708
Contact: www.bakers-buzzin.com or Andrew Fisher 803-548-7979 (andrew@bakersbuzzin.com)
Cost: Private group events for troops are available at reduced rates. Contact Bakers Buzzin’ for
details.
Badge Connections: Snack (B), Simple Meals (J), New Cuisine (C) and a variety of Daisy
Petals
Bead Lady – All
A full service bead shop with beads from around the world that offers jewelry making classes. Call for
reservations and store hours.
Where: 1 Union Street North, Concord
Contact: 704-782-5699
Badge Connections: Jeweler (J)
Book Artist Program – C
Work toward your Book Artist Badge at the Monroe Library
Where: Union County Public Library, 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
Contact: 704=283-8184 ext. 3
Badge Connections: Book Artist (C)
Bost Grist Mill – All
Built in the early 1800s, this restored mill is on the National Register of Historic Places. Special tours are
available by appointment only.
Where: 4701 Highway 200, Concord
Contact: www.bostgristmill.com
L: Celebrating Community (B)
Carolina Raptor Center – All
A non-profit organization that provides public education on environmental issues related to the
importance of raptors in our environment.
Where: 6000 Sample Road, Huntersville
Contact: www.carolinaraptorcenter.org
Badge Connections: Animal Habitat (J), Animal Helpers (C), Voice of Animals (S)
Catawba Cultural Preservation Project – All
A visit to the center provides the opportunity to explore Catawba heritage through archeology, ecology,
language, storytelling, and native dance and crafts. Group tours available.
Where: Catawba Indian Nation, York County, S.C.
Contact: 803-328-2427 or www.catawbaindian.net
Badge Connections: Potter (B), Dancer (B), Jeweler (J), Book Artist (C), Textile Artist (S)
Center for Scottish Heritage at Rural Hill – All
Originally the plantation of Major John Davidson, one of the original signers of the Mecklenburg
Declaration of Independence, the center offers tours and educational programs for all ages.
Where: 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville
Contact: www.ruralhillfarm.org
Badge Connections: Celebrating Community (B)
Charlotte Nature Museum – All
This museum is a small, urban nature center that features live animals, a nature trail, and a Puppet
Theater in a hands-on learning environment. Groups of 15 or more receive a discount.
Where: 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte (adjacent to Freedom Park)
Contact: www.charlottenaturemuseum.org
Badge Connections: Animal Habitat (J), Animal Helpers (C), Voice for Animals (S)
Charlotte Symphony – All +families
Lollipops family concerts bring children and adults together to experience the thrill of a live orchestra.
Where: Belk Theater, Blumenthal Performing Arts
Contact: www.charlottesymphony.org/lollipops.asp
Badge Connections: Dancer (B), Musician (J), Public Speaker (C), Troupe Performer (S)
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fire Museum Education Center – All
Dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the history and heritage of the region’s fire departments with a
major focus on interactive education in fire safety and accident prevention.
Where: 420 West Fifth St., Charlotte
Contact: 704-38-7233
Badge Connections: Celebrating Community (B)
Charlotte Museum of History – All + Families
Four galleries lead you through Charlotte’s history, from early settlers and 18th century freedom fighters,
to gold mines, slavery and the Civil War, through the rise of textiles, transportation and commerce.
Where: 3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte
Contact: www.charlottemuseum.org
Badge Connections: Inventor (B), Product Designer (J), Entrepreneur (C), Social Innovation (S)
Clay Creations – B, J, C, S, A
Girls 7-years-old and up can work on completing requirements for pottery and clay-related badges.
Cost: $15 per girl (includes bird house or piggy bank and small pot thrown on the wheel). Minimum of
10 girls.
Contact: Pam Dolin at 704-545-7765 or 704-550-7270
Badge Connections: Potter (B)
Crowders Mountain State Park – All
The park offers many hiking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic areas, water fountains and restrooms.
Where: 522 Park Office Lane, Kings Mountain (45 minutes from Charlotte)
Contact: 704-853-5375 or www.crowdersmountain.com
Badge Connections: Hiker (B), Camper (J), Trailblazing (C), Adventurer (S)
Dan Nicholas Park – All
The park offers an array of activities including a carousel, petting barn, train, aquarium, gem mine, mini
golf, wildlife adventures park, and a nature center (with free classes!). Dan Nicholas Park is in walking
distance from Holly Hut!
Where: Dan Nicholas Park, Salisbury
Contact: www.dannicholas.net
Badge Connections: Hiker (B), Camper (J), Trailblazing (C), Adventurer (S)
Duke Power Energy Explorium – All
Located at McGuire Nuclear Station, Duke Energy’s Energy Explorium offers educational and fun
activities for everyone interested in learning more about electricity generation and Lake Norman.
Where: 13339 Hagers Ferry Road, Huntersville
Cost: FREE for parking and admission
Contact: www.duke-enery.com/visitor-enters/energyexplorium.asp
Badge Connections: Sky (S), J: Get Moving (J)
F.I.L.M. Finding Inspiration in Literature and Movies – C,S, A
Encourages youth to see featured films and read the associated books, participate in activities from free,
downloadable activity guides, and complete service projects related to central themes. F.I.L.M. has the
power to influence Hollywood to create more movies with positive messages.
Contact: www.youthfilmproject.org
Badge Connections: Screenwriter (C ), Novelist (S)
Hall Family Farm – All
Take a tour of a working farm, learn about farming, and pick strawberries!
Where: 17314 Providence Road West, Charlotte
Contact: www.hallfamilyfarm.com
Badge Connections: Locavore (s)
Historic Rosedale Plantation – All
Tour this 1815 National Register Landmark manor house, beautiful grounds and gardens on this old
plantation in uptown Charlotte.
Where: 3427 N. Tryon St., Charlotte
Contact: www.historicrosedale.org
Badge Connections: Celebrating Community (B)
Inner Peaks – C, S, A
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports in America and offers an exciting and challenging
mental and physical workout.
Where: 9535 Monroe Road, Charlotte
Contact: 704-844-6677 or www.innerpeaks.com
Badge Connections: Adventurer (S)
James K. Polk Memorial – All
The reconstructed home of the 11th U.S. President is a North Carolina Historic Site, offering free exhibits
and tours.
Where: 308 South Polk St., Pineville
Contact: 704-889-7145 or www.nchistoricsites.org/polk/
Badge Connections: Celebrating Community (B)
Kids Voting – All
An innovative, non-partisan nonprofit program educating K-12 students about citizenship, civic
participation, government and the election process.
Contact: Charlotte/Mecklenburg Region at www.kidsvoting.org
Badge Connections: Inside Government (J), Finding Common Ground (C ), Behind the Ballot (S), Public
Policy (A)
Levine Museum of the New South – All
An interactive history museum that provides the most comprehensive interpretation of post-Civil War
southern society.
Where: 200 East 7th St, Charlotte
Contact: 704-333-1887 or www.museumofthenewsouth.org
Badge Connections: Celebrating Community (B)
McDowell Nature Preserve – All
A 956-acre park featuring interpretive displays, environmental programming and 8 miles of hiking trails.
Where: 15222 York Road, Charlotte
Contact: 704-588-5224
Badge Connections: Hiker (B), Camper (J), Trailblazing (C), Adventurer (S)
Meg-Art Pottery – All
Paint your own pottery studio
Where: 15940 Northcross Dr, Huntersville
Contact: www.meg-art.com or 704-896-5211
Badge Connections: Potter (B), Jeweler (J)
Mint Museum Tours – All
The museum offers interactive tours to help girls discover that works of art are windows into history and
culture. Tours are designed to engage girls in observation techniques, critical thinking, and the
expression of personal ideas. Tours may be guided or self-guided and must be scheduled in advance.
Where: Mint Museum Randolph: 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte
Mint Museum Uptown: 500 N. Tryon St., Charlotte
Contact: www.themintmuseums.org
Badge Connections: Celebrating Community (B)
Museum of York County – All
The Museum of York County offers visitors a varied and eclectic experience, including exhibit halls, tours
and a planetarium.
Where: 4621 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill, S.C.
Contact: 803-329-2121
Badge Connections: Celebrating Community (B)
North Carolina Page Program – S, A
Apply to serve as a Page in the Governor’s Office during Girl Scout week. Join Girl Scouts from across
North Carolina to see first-hand how laws are made and learn about government functions and current
events by participating in the legislative process.
Contact: Applications are available through GSHNC Service Center and are typically due in early
December. Check Leader Update.
Badge Connections: Public Policy (A)
North Carolina State Capital Tours – All
The Capital Area Visitor Center in Raleigh offers a variety of services.
Where: 4624 Mail Service Center, Raleigh
Contact: www.ncstatecapitol.org
Badge Connections: Celebrating Community (B), Inside Government (J), Finding Common Ground (C),
Behind the Ballot (S), Public Policy (A)
North Carolina Transporation Museum – All
The exhibits highlight major forms of inland transportation in North Carolina history.
Where: 411 S Salisbury Ave, Spencer
Contact: www.nctrans.org
Badge Connections: Celebrating Community (B)
Pinot’s Pallete – Paint Your Masterpiece – All
Participants will learn how to paint a masterpiece in a private session just for Girl Scouts! Upon
completing their canvas, they will also receive a Pinot’s Palette patch.
Daisies through Brownies: 90 minute painting class on an 8 x8 canvas
Cost: $20 per participant; 1 adult paints for free per 10 participant signups
Juniors through Ambassadors: 2 hour painting class on a 16 x 20 canvas
Cost: $25 per participant; 1 adult paints for free per 10 participant signups
See website for painting selections: http://www.pinotspalette.com/southend/PaintingLibrary#KidsHoliday
Min. participants required: 10; Max. participants permitted: 30
Where: Pinot’s Pallete, 2000 South Blvd, Suite #250, Charlotte, NC 28203 - Located in the Atherton Mill,
Southend
Contact: 704-371-4484 or southend@pinotspalette.com ; Reservations must be made at least 3 weeks in
advance to allow time for patches to arrive.
Badge Connections: Painting (B)
Reed Gold Mine – B, J, C, S, A
Special events held throughout the year. Panning for gold offered April-October for a fee. Must be in 3rd
grade or older to pan.
Where: 9621 Reed Mine Road, Midland
Contact: www.reedmine.com
Badge Connections: Jeweler (J)
Reedy Creek Nature Center – B, J, C, S, A
Small, remote nature center located on a 700-acre nature preserve. The center features hands-on
exhibits, 10 miles of hiking trails, environmental programs and workshops.
Where: Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road, Charlotte
Contact: 704-432-6459
Badge Connections: Bugs (B), Hiker (B), Flowers (J), Geocacher (J), Gardener (J), Animal Habitats (J),
Night Owl (C), Trees (C), Sky (S), Voice for Animals (S), Water (A)
Rescue Ranch – D, B, J, C, S, A
Rescue Ranch promotes and provides humane education to enhance the human-animal bond. They
have programming tailored around many animal-related Girl Scout badges (see below) but also offer
other opportunities for program and service projects. Visit www.RescueRanch.com for more info.
Where: 1424 Turnersburg Highway, Statesville, NC 28625 (just minutes from Dale Earnhardt
Environmental Leadership Campus at Oak Springs!)
Cost: $7.50 per girl for 1 ½ hour program (class minimum/maximum: 8 / 25)
Contact: education@rescueranch.com or 704-768-0909
Badge Connections: Pets (B), Household Elf (B), Senses (B), Animal Habitats (J), Digital Photographer (J),
Animal Helpers (C ), Voice for Animals (S), Photographer (A)
Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium – All
Visit exhibition galleries featuring North American habitats and wildlife. Take a new look at the universe
in the state-of-the-art planetarium or walk the nature trail to an 18th century backcountry farm and
Native American village.
Where: 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia
Contact: www.schielemuseum.org
Badge Connections: Celebrating Community (B), Animal Habitats (J), Night Owl (C), L: Sky (S)
SCOTT SAFETY - ALL
Here at Scott Safety we design, manufacture and sell high performance protective equipment that keeps
industrial workers and emergency personnel safe while they work. Located in Monroe, NC, we would
like to provide the opportunity for young girls to interact with some of our most accomplished women
managers, marketing experts, engineers, scientists and leaders. Our main goals are to:
- Increase girls’ confidence and interest in conducting STEM activities.
- Increase girls’ understanding that there are multiple applications of STEM in everyday life.
- Increase girls’ awareness of STEM careers and interest in pursuing STEM electives, subjects, majors
and careers.
- Introduce girls to other students and professionals in the industry.
We are open to working with any troop that has an interest in visiting our site and participating in
programs that can include: plant tours, hands-on activities with our products, job shadowing, how to
design and experiment like an engineer, applied science and technology basics in the real world, demos
of machining technology and much more. Activities can be tailored to different age groups. Please
contact us for more information and scheduling.
Where: 4320 Goldmine Rd, Monroe, NC 28111
Contact: Alyssa Sabolis (asabolis@tycoint.com) 704-296-3384
Badge Connections: Inventor (B), Product Designer (J)
SEA LIFE – ALL
Sea Life Charlotte-Concord sends guests through a 36,000 square foot interactive aquarium experience
that brings you face-to-face with over 5,000 creatures including sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, seahorses
and much more!
Where: SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord, 8111 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord, North Carolina, NC, 28027
Cost: K-6th grade: $7.50+tax (for every 5 paid children, 1 adult goes free); 7th-12th grade: $8.50+tax (for
every 10 paid children, 1 adult goes free); Additional adults: $10.00+tax
To receive these rates, the group must have at least 10 paying children and must be booked through our
call center at 1.866.229.1573.
Settlemyre Planetarium at Museum of York County: Nigh Sky Workshop – C, S
Learn how to read maps of the sky, see how light pollution and climate change affect the world around
us and create your own work of art inspired by sunsets.
Where: Museum of York County, Rock Hill, S.C.
When: Second Tuesday of the every month; 5:30-9:30 p.m. (advanced registration required, registration
done through museum)
Cost: $10 for Girl Scouts, $5 for chaperones and guests.
Min: 20 girls, Max: 45
Contact: 877-369-2290 or scheduler@chmuseums.org
Badge Connections: Night owl (C), L: Trees (C), Sky (S)
South Carolina Page Program – S, A
Tenth-Twelfth graders may apply to serve as a Legislative Page during Girl Scout Week.
Contact: www.gssc-mm.org/program/activities/aspx
Badge Connections: Public Policy (A)
Spencer Doll and Toy Museum – All
The Spencer Doll and Toy Museum is home to an extensive collection of items from the early history of
Girl Scouts (and Boy Scouts), as well as other toys and dolls. Exhibits rotate on a quarterly basis,
featuring different themes. They also provide scheduled tours, which include a scavenger hunt. A fun
patch is available for purchase. Check out the website for more information.
www.spencerdollandtoymuseum.com
Where: 108 Fourth Street, Spencer, NC 28159
Cost: Cash Only! General admission, including tour and scavenger hunt: $3/child, $5/adult, $4/Senior
Adult. Fun Patch is $2.50. If there are 15 or more adults, there is a group rate of $4.00 per adult.
Contact: spencerdollandtoymuseum@gmail.com or 704-762-9359
Up Equestrian English Riding Academy – J, C, S, A
Topics include proper care of horses, stable management, grooming and tracking. English riding horse
show demonstration followed by guided pony rides!
Where: 6238 Johannes Lane, Fort Mill, S.C.
Contact: 803-230-8121 or www.legupequestrian.com
Badge Connections: Animal Habitats (C)
U.S. National Whitewater Center – All + Families
Enjoy whitewater rafting, flatwater canoeing, climbing, hiking, biking, eco-caching and high challenges.
Where: 5000 Whitewater Center, Charlotte NC
Cost: Varies with age and activity level
Contact: Lara Mikoleit at lmikoleit@usnwc.org or 704-391-3900
Badge Connections: Hiker (B), My Best Self (B), Geocacher (J), Staying Fit (J), Trailblazing (C), Cross
Training (S), Adventurer (S)
Uwharrie National Forest – All
Uwharrie National Forest is over 50,000 acres of natural resources located in Montgomery, Randolph
and Davidson counties in North Carolina. There are clean rivers and streams, wildlife habitats, and a
wide variety of recreational activities such as camping, picnicking, hiking trails, fishing and more.
Where: 789 Highway 24/27 East, Troy
Contact: www.ncnatural.com/NCUSFS/Uwharrie/index.html
Badge Connections: Hiker (B), Bugs(B), Animal Habitats (J) Camper (J), Trailblazing (C), Adventurer (S)
Venture Adventure – C, S, A
Where: UNC-Charlotte Venture Program
Cost: $25 per participant, per half day
$35 per participant, per full day
Contact: Brian Capron, 704-687-0696 or bkcapron@uncc.edu
Badge Connections: Adventurer (S)
Wells Fargo History Museum – All
Girl Scouts can learn everything from what life was like during the years of the Stagecoach and Pioneer
Women, to how women have impacted the financial history of Charlotte and beyond. Tours are free but
must be scheduled three weeks in advance.
Where: Wells Fargo History Museum, 401 South Tryon Street, Charlotte
Contact: 704-715-1866
Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary – All
A self-guided tour can be enjoyed during all seasons.
Where: 248 Ridgewood Ave., Charlotte
Cost: Free for children 18 and under, $6 for adults
Contact: www.winghavengardens.com
Badge Connections: Animal Habitats (J), Gardener (J)