Scouts Programs

Exploration Merit Badge

Join MarineQuest for the ultimate hands-on adventure and complete your Exploration Merit Badge! Open to all youth eager to step into the boots of a field scientist, this immersive program teaches participants how to properly prepare for and execute a real scientific field excursion.

While designed to fulfill Exploration Merit Badge requirements in just one day, this action-packed experience is perfect for any young adventurer—scout or non-scout alike—ready to master the coastal wilderness. 

Highlights

• Step out of the classroom and onto the water as you train, plan, and execute a research mission at the UNCW Center for Marine Science.
• Master the Elements: Learn the essential basics of coastal field prep, including how to decode weather forecasts, analyze local tide charts, and read navigational maps like a pro.
• Plan the Expedition: Collaborate with your team to design a strategic scientific research mission, mapping out goals and safety protocols before launching.
• Kayak to a Barrier Island: Paddle out on a guided kayak expedition (weather permitting) across our local waters to reach an undeveloped, uninhabited barrier island.
• Deploy Science in the Field: Use the specialized tools and technologies of coastal scientists to execute your team's mission on the island, collecting data before heading back to the lab for final analysis and conclusions. 

• Saturday, September 26, 2026 - 8:45am - 4:30pm
  • Weather backup date October 10, 2026
• 6th - 12th grade students 
• Cost - $75 (lunch is NOT included)
• Location UNCW Center for Marine Science 

MarineQuest does not provide badges. A certificate of completed requirements will be provided. Scouts should provide the completed certificate to a Scout Master who can issue individual badges.

PLEASE NOTE: Any troop leaders who want to participate will need to register.

Registration info coming soon!

Oceanography Merit Badge

Join MarineQuest to explore the dynamic world of marine science and complete your Oceanography Merit Badge! Open to all youth with a passion for the ocean, this hands-on science program provides participants the opportunity to dive into the fields of marine science through lab-based activities, discover an entire ecosystem hidden in a single drop of water, and learn to value our vital coastal resources.

Highlights

• Step into the shoes of a marine scientist at the UNCW Center for Marine Science and dive into these hands-on lab and field experiences.
• Map the Ocean Floor: Conduct a simulated bathymetric survey (mapping the underwater topography) to chart the deep trenches and ridges across the Atlantic basin.
• Decode Sea Water: Explore the unique chemical properties of sea water, testing salinity, temperature, and density to understand how they drive global ocean systems.
• Master Marine Physics: Discover the powerful physics behind the "motion of the ocean," uncovering what creates waves, tides, and massive global currents.
• Hunt for Plankton: Build your own functional plankton net, harvest live samples from the water, and use research-grade microscopes to analyze the incredible microorganisms powering our planet. 

Note for participants: Please remember to review the badge booklet beforehand. All requirements will be fully covered and signed off during the program with the exception of requirement #8.

• Saturday, November 7, 2026 - 8:45 am - 4:30 pm
  6th - 12th grade students
• Cost - $50 (lunch is NOT included)
• Location UNCW Center for Marine Science
• Prerequisite - Must know square and bowline knots before attending

MarineQuest does not provide badges. A certificate of completed requirements will be provided. Scouts should provide the completed certificate to a Scout Master who can issue individual badges.

PLEASE NOTE: Any troop leaders who want to participate will need to register.

Registration info coming soon!

Eco badge requirements 

Register at GS Coastal Pines

Join MarineQuest and become a field agent exploring the salt marsh and intertidal outcrops of coastal Wilmington.  Engage in hands-on lab experiments at the UNCW Center for Marine Science.  Girl Scouts will complete the requirements for age-specific Eco badges.  

• 9:00am - 4:00pm
• Brownies and Juniors - TBD
• Cadets, Seniors, and Ambassadors - TBD
• Location UNCW Center for Marine Science
• Registration is open TBD

Parents/troop leaders must find an alternate plan during the lab session of the program. 

MarineQuest does not provide patches. A certificate of completed requirements will be provided. Girl Scouts should provide the completed certificate to a troop leader who can then issue individual patches.

Highlights

• Sample in coastal habitats
• Conduct hands-on science investigations 
• Practice leave-no-trace principles 

Customizable Troop Program

Are you looking to schedule a specific field experience for your troop or group?  MarineQuest wants to work with you!  Please complete the school program request so that we can learn more about your troop.  

Submit a request form!

Last Minute Registrations

Registration for Out-of-School Programs closes the Tuesday before each program date. We cannot accommodate last minute additions to Out-of-School Programs, as materials and content are prepped in advance based on registration numbers. 

Cancellations and Refunds

We are unable to provide refunds in any circumstance for Out-of-School Programs. Again, this is due to advance planning and preparations. We apologize for any inconvenience.