The nation's capital is the perfect place to explore nation's history and see the wonders that D.C.'s many museums and cultural site hold. Taking scouts to D.C. presents the opportunity to visit not just the National Boy Scout Memorial or earn the Girl Scouts Discover the Capitol Patch. There are numerous museums, performing arts facilities and monuments to be seen. Visiting Washington, D.C. with a group of scouts does not have to be expensive either. There are numerous free activities throughout the city and most museums and monuments will offer group rates and some even offer scouting discounts.
The Boy Scout National Memorial is a memorial along the Southern trail of monuments in Washington D.C. and consists of three figures representing the ideals and hopes of the Boy Scout Organization. It was donated by the Scouting organization in 1964 and stands on the spot of the first National Boy Scout Jamboree in 1937. For Girl Scouts this opportunity to earn their Discover the Capitol Badge means they will have to choose five different places to explore; one from each of the following categories- art, museums, government, monuments and potpourri. The Girl Scouts must choose from specified sites for each of the categories unless otherwise permitted.
Visiting museums is a must when visiting Washington D.C., taking Scouts gives them an opportunity to learn and explore the world around them. Museums' in D.C. range from the Smithsonian's museums to the monuments and the learning experiences they provide. Consider the National Museum of American History to teach your scouts more about their nation. Or take the free D.C. by Foot tour, this tour is a guided tour of the National Mall and includes fun activities and trivia.
Cultural opportunities are everywhere in the nation's capitol and many are inexpensive or even free. Every evening at 6 p.m. the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage has a free performance. For another free activity "Saturday Morning at the National" offers free shows at the National Theatre. The National Museum of the American Indian offers free traditional performances throughout the day. The only museum in the world exclusively dedicated to women artists, National Museum of Women in the Arts, is free the first Sunday of every month. You can also visit the last pre-revolutionary building in the city by visiting the Old Stone House, a National Park Service location.
