Isle a la Cache Museum

The Forest Preserve District of Will County offers youth group programs at Isle a la Cache Museum. Many programs are designed to meet specific badge or adventure requirements for scouting groups; however, any youth group may book the programs. Additional youth group programs are offered seasonally and are promoted via the District’s event calendar. Call 815-722-9301 for more information or to book a youth group program from the list below.

Bugs – Girl Scouts: Brownies

Explore the big world of bugs! Get introduced to our local pollinators, decomposers, flyers, and crawlers to better understand the amazing services they provide to us. Participants will complete bug crafts, go on a search for bug homes, and use sweep nets and bug boxes to temporarily observe bugs at work. All insects will be released at the end of the program and all equipment is provided. Long pants and close-toed shoes are recommended. This program fulfills the requirements for the Girl Scouts Brownies - Bugs Badge. This program takes place on paved paths or natural surfaces across 0.3 miles of uneven terrain. 
Fees: $25/program for non-profit groups; $50/program for for-profit groups
Grades: 2-3, or ages 7-8
Time: 1.5 hours

Digging in the Past – Cub Scout: Wolf 

How do fossils form and what do we learn from them? Uncover the importance of fossils and extinct species through creative activities that allow you to unearth your inner paleontologist. Participants will design a dinosaur, create fossil casts, and go on a dinosaur dig adventure. This program will fulfill the requirements for the Wolf — Digging in the Past Adventure. Indoor activities will take place in an accessible facility. Outdoor portions will take place on paved paths or natural surfaces across 0.3 miles of uneven terrain. 
Fees: $25/program for non-profit groups; $50/program for for-profit groups
Grades: 2-3, or ages 7-8
Time: 1.5 hours

Fur, Feathers, and Ferns – Cub Scout: Bear

Explore the outdoor world of birds, mammals, plants, and more! Every living thing has a home, often very close by. Adventure outside to discover the wildlife living near you. Participants will go on a hike, learn about endangered species, and search for animals and plants to observe. This program will fulfill the requirements for the Bear — Fur, Feathers, and Ferns Adventure. Indoor activities will take place in an accessible facility. The hiking and outdoor portions will take place on paved paths or natural surfaces across 0.3 miles of uneven terrain. 
Fees: $25/program for non-profit groups; $50/program for for-profit groups
Grades: 3-4, or ages 8-9
Time: 1.5 hours

Into the Wild – Cub Scout: Webelos

In this adventure participants will explore the ecosystem, learn about the food chain, and grow in their appreciation of nature.  Learn about local birds and the flyways of North America. Then practice watching for wildlife as we hike through nature. This program fulfills the requirements for the Webelos — Into the Wild Adventure. This activity takes place indoors and outside over uneven terrain.
Fees: $25/program for non-profit groups; $50/program for for-profit groups
Grades: 4-5, or ages 10-11
Time: 1.5 hours

Animal Habitats – Girl Scouts: Juniors

Discover what wild animals live in Isle a la Cache Preserve. Explore the island during a hike while helping clean up animal habitats. Then try your hand at creating an animal home out of items from nature. Learn what local endangered species live in this area. This program fulfills the requirements for the Girl Scouts Juniors - Animal Habitat Badge. This activity takes place indoors and outside over uneven terrain.
Fees: $25/program for non-profit groups; $50/program for for-profit groups
Grades: 4-5, or ages 9-10 
Time: 1.5 hour plus a take-home activity