Eastern State Penitentiary is thrilled to invite BSA and GSUSA scouts and all youth to participate in specially-curated — virtual and in-person — learning experiences. Led by our engaging staff, all participants will enjoy interactive discussions and activities. BSA and GSUSA scouts will also satisfy badge requirements.
Upcoming Scout Days:
Virtual Scout Day
Sunday, December 3, 2023 — Online via Zoom
Click here to purchase tickets!
Planning for 2024 Scout Days is underway! Email us at [email protected] if you'd like to receive updates by email including notifications when tickets go on sale.
Considered the world’s first true penitentiary, Eastern State’s architectural design served as a model for over 300 prisons across the globe. Now a National Historic Landmark and criminal justice museum, Eastern State staff carefully navigate decisions around conservation and preservation while interpreting the past and present of prison reform in the building’s historic cellblocks.
All youth who participate will engage in interactive activities and conversations, learn about Eastern State's history and influence, and receive an introduction to the field of architecture and historic preservation. In addition...
BSA scouts who participate will satisfy all requirements for the Architecture Merit Badge; however, requirements 1a and 4 must be completed independently outside of Scout Day. Instructions are provided below. Ciara Sullivan, Supervisor, Evening Education Programs, is certified to serve as an Architecture Merit Badge counselor through the BSA’s Cradle of Liberty Council.
GSUSA scouts who participate will satisfy all requirements for the STEM Career Exploration Badge. Girl Scouts will also satisfy a portion of the Think Like an Engineer Journey by learning how engineers use design thinking to solve problems and use their skills to change the world. To finish this journey, Girl Scouts must also complete three hands-on design challenges independently. Examples provided below.
Still have questions about in-person or virtual Scout Days? Check out our FAQ below.
Our next Virtual Scout Day will take place online via Zoom on Sunday, December 3 from 11:00 am to 2:15 pm ET.
Virtual Scout Day passes cost $15 per participant, and all participating scouts and youth must purchase an online pass in advance to reserve their spot.
Yes! While Scout Days are designed with BSA and GSUSA badge requirements in mind, this program was also designed to be fun, engaging, and educational for all youth.
All are welcome to attend Scout Day!
Virtual Scout Day is recommended for children between the ages of 7-18.
This is a one-day program from 11:00 am to 2:15 pm ET. Learn more about the programming here. The day will be comprised of several sessions lasting 30-60 minutes each. There will be a 30-minute break for lunch midday.
Below is the schedule for our virtual Scout Day on Sunday, December 3. Click here for a more detailed description of the sessions. All times listed in ET.
- 11:00 am – 11:45 am - Let the Doors Be of Iron: A Virtual Tour of Eastern State Penitentiary
- 11:45 pm – 12:15 pm - ”A Model for the World”: The Ethics and Influence of Prison Architecture
- 12:15 pm – 12:45 pm - Lunch Break
- 12:45 pm – 1:45 pm - Building a Prison, Saving a Landmark
- 1:45 pm – 2:15 pm - Architecture and Historic Preservation Career Panel
Each participating scout or youth must purchase a separate online pass.
All scouts will receive a confirmation email from [email protected] after the last session.
- BSA Scouts: BSA scouts will receive a prefilled blue card with their confirmation email; however, they must complete requirements 1a and 4 on their own to qualify for their Architecture Merit Badge. These requirements can be completed before or after Virtual Scout Day at Eastern State. It is the responsibility of the scout to review their building sketch and scale drawing with their troop leader before submitting their blue card for the Architecture Merit Badge. The blue card will have requirements 1a and 4 prefilled for convenience:
- Requirement 1a: Tour your community and list the different types of buildings you see. Try to identify buildings that can be associated with a specific period of history or style of architecture. Make a sketch of the building you most admire.
- Requirement 4: Measure a room such as one where you live or where your troop meets. Make an accurately scaled drawing of the room’s floor plan showing walls, doors, closets, windows, and any built-in furniture or cabinets. Neatly label your drawing with the following: your name, the date, what room you drew, and the scale of the drawing. (Drawing scale: 1⁄4 inch = 1 foot)
- GSUSA Scouts: GSUSA scouts can use the confirmation email to self-report completion of the requirements for the STEM Career Exploration badge to their troop leader.
To finish the Think Like an Engineer Journey, Girl Scouts must complete three hands-on design challenges independently at another time. Examples of appropriate hands-on challenges based on scout level can be found here. It is the responsibility of each Girl Scout to complete and report these activities to their troop leader.
Yes! As long as scouts attend all sessions, and complete any additional requirements listed above, they will receive full credit for completing their respective badge.
Both In-Person and Virtual Scout Day tickets are valid for a specific date and time. All sales are final. The in-person program runs rain or shine.
There are no refunds or exchanges, including for unused or partially used tickets.
Dates for next year's Scout Days will be announced in early 2024.
Please email us at [email protected] if you'd like to receive Scout Day updates by email including notifications when tickets go on sale.
If you have additional questions, please email us at [email protected] for assistance.
