Throughout the year, Ritter Planetarium offers specialized programs for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Cub Scouts & Brownies. These programs not only assist scouts in completing astronomy requirements, but also inspire them to stargaze in the future.
The Ritter Planetarium-Brooks Observatory Cub Scout & Brownie Astronomy Program includes a tour and use of the hands-on displays in our lobby and two special planetarium shows. Each group is also given a useful star and planet locator to keep and use in future stargazing. All programs are offered on Saturday afternoons and begin at 3:00 PM. Each program lasts about 1½ to 2 hours. Seating is limited! Cub Scout & Brownie Astronomy Programs will be offered:
If your pack would like to attend a Cub Scout & Brownie Astronomy Program, please let us know in advance. Contact the Planetarium Office at 419.530.2650. Admission is $9.00 per person, including all attending adults.
The Ritter Planetarium-Brooks Observatory Astronomy Merit Badge Program is based on the requirements to earn an Astronomy Merit Badge. The program includes a tour and use of the hands-on displays in our lobby, a specialized planetarium program, and either a tour of the Ritter 1-Meter Telescope, or observing at the Brooks Observatory, weather permitting. Scouts are also given a helpful workbook (view a 4 page sample-pdf ) based on the badge requirements, and each group is given a useful star and planet locator to keep and use during future stargazing. Astronomy Merit Badge Programs will be offered:
All programs begin at 6:30 PM and last 2½ to 3 hours. Seating is limited! If your troop would like to attend one of our Astronomy Merit Badge Programs, please contact the Planetarium Office at 419.530.2650, Mondays through Fridays, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM to schedule your troop. Admission is $11.00 per person including all attending adults.
While this program covers most of the Astronomy Merit Badge requirements, it does not complete them all. Scouts will still need to complete several activities. Planetarium staff will provide a list of the required activities that are not included in our program. Additionally, no planetarium staff members are Merit Badge Counselors, and therefore they are not qualified to sign off on a scout's requirements. If you have any questions about this program, please contact the Associate Director, Mr. Alexander T. Mak, at (419) 530-4641.
This program is tailor-made to the requirements of the Junior Girl Scout Sky Search Badge. Each scout will receive a workbook (view a 4 page sample-pdf) and the information needed to complete the Sky Search Badge. Each troop will also receive a planisphere (adjustable star map). If the weather permits, the program will be followed with an observing session at our observatory. Girl Scout Sky Search Badge Programs will be offered:
All programs begin at 6:30 PM and last approximately 2½ hours. Seating is limited! If your troop would like to attend one of our Girl Scout Sky Search Badge Programs, please contact the Planetarium Office at 419.530.2650 to schedule your troop. Admission is $11.00 per person, including all attending adults.