Scouting the Zoo
Scouting America, Three Harbors Council
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Scouting the Zoo 2026!
Scouting the Zoo is one of Three Harbors Council’s most anticipated annual events, transforming the Milwaukee County Zoo into a vibrant, interactive celebration of Scouting spirit, skills, and community. Each year, thousands of Scouts, leaders, families, and visitors come together for a weekend that blends the excitement of the zoo with the hands‑on energy of Scouting. Units from across the council set up displays and activity stations throughout the zoo grounds, offering demonstrations in outdoor skills, STEM, first aid, conservation, service, and more. These exhibits give guests a chance to see Scouting in action—whether it’s learning how to tie knots, exploring simple engineering challenges, or discovering how Scouts serve their communities. The event creates a unique environment where the natural world of the zoo meets the adventurous world of Scouting, allowing participants to explore both simultaneously. Families and prospective Scouts can walk through the zoo, interact with units, and experience the teamwork, leadership, and creativity that define the Scouting program. For many, it becomes a highlight of the year, offering a rare opportunity to showcase unit pride, connect with others, and celebrate the values that make Scouting meaningful.
This year's Scouting the Zoo, is it's 40th Anniversary! Scouting the Zoo began with a Scout volunteer named Dave Loosen.
Now; this event brings in over 1000 Scouters every year to the Milwaukee County Zoo! This year we are leaping into our 40th Adventure with the Poison Dart Frog as our feature critter!
Where do I start?
Where do I start?
2026 Feature Critter!
2026 Feature Critter!
2026 Critter - Green and Black Poison Dart Frog!
2026 Critter - Green and Black Poison Dart Frog!
Green and Black Poison Dart Frog: Native to Central/South American rainforests, these small frogs have brightly colored skin in the wild, but their toxins aren't expressed in captivity as they don't eat the insects that provide them, making them harmless to handle at the zoo.
The green and black dart frog is one of more than 100 species of poison dart frogs. In the wild, their skin oozes some of the most toxic poison in the world. Native tribes of South America extract toxins from these frogs to tip their darts and arrowheads with when hunting. Most frogs lay hundreds of eggs at a time, but poison dart frogs lay only 3-5 and carry their tadpoles on their back.
Quick Facts
Quick Facts
Native to Tropical forests of Central & South America
Primary Diet Insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates
Adult Weight 2 to 6 grams
Lifespan 10 years
Status Least Concern
Class Amphibian
Habitat Aquatic & Reptile Center
Leaping Into 40 Years of Adventure!
2026 T-Shirt Design | STZ 250 Patch
This year, we are celebrating 40 years of endless adventure at Scouting the Zoo!
The Scouting the Zoo Committee has been hard at work to plan fun and exciting events for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturers to celebrate 40 years of Scouting the Zoo. Leap into this years event in several ways!
On our social media pages- you can find up to date info on all our celebration of 40 years of Scouting the Zoo! New to this year, we will be requesting stories from new Scouts, old Scouts, etc... about what Scouting the Zoo means to you and why you attend! As well as a interesting story from that years event.
We will be hosting new and engaging activities for Scouts BSA (Safari Code Hunt and Jungle Relay).
Just like Summer Camp- all Units will have the opportunity to take Unit Pictures at Scouting the Zoo by one of our event Photographers!
During the event we will be celebrating 40 years of Adventure by holding a ceremony to commemorate 40 years of STZ with some cake!
As well, we will be holding preorders on this years Shirt Design which is featured to your left! Once prices are finalized we will post the link where you can leap into 40 years of adventure with your very own shirt!
Along side our 40th Anniversary- We are also celebrating 250 years of American freedom with our special edition Scouting the Zoo 250 Patch! These can be ordered by paying for registration in the check-out!
Participation - STZ 26
Participation - STZ 26
Weekend Option:
Scouts are invited to camp Friday through Sunday under the rules and regulations of Scouting America for overnight camping with a unit. A completed Health and Medical Record form must be made available to the BSA Event Staff (A&B).
*Scouting the Zoo and the Milwaukee County Zoo does not permit any Scouts who are attending Scouting the Zoo to play on the Playground from the time they arrive until the Scouting the Zoo event ends on Sunday when the public arrives. This responsibility will be placed upon your unit leader or your emergency event contact to ensure there are no scouts playing on the play ground. *Serious repercussions will occur to units if their Scouts from any unit - including Scouts BSA AND Cub Scouts attending for the day; are caught on the play ground during Scouting the Zoo.
Scouts are expected to be in field uniform while walking around the zoo. Many units allow varying degrees of pants/shorts, but athletic shorts are not appropriate for this event. Official pants/shorts, belt, socks, etc. are encouraged. Per national policies, uniforms are to be worn properly (tucked in where appropriate). While participating in zoo competitions, or after the zoo closes, Scouts may wear an activity uniform shirt. Please remind your Scouts that they are representing the Scouting America program when at the zoo. Their appearance and behavior will reflect upon their unit and the organization.
As well: If you are an Order of the Arrow member; please wear your sash around the zoo along with your Class A- show the public and future Arrowmen what being in Scoutings National Honor Society is all about!
A wristband is provided. Please wear at all times.
There are 2 kinds registration: BSA Registration and Event Registration. Please click the Camping Button below to find out more information on making sure you are a Registered Scouter & how to register for a weekend of 40 years in the making!
Day Program:
All Scouts and Scouters can attend for the Saturday activities and can participate in all activities after the regular zoo hours. Siblings can attend Saturday Only program. SATURDAY-ONLY ticket holders - DOES NOT INCLUDE PARKING (Access on Saturday Only). Saturday Entry starts at 7AM. Participants are offered a add on of $12 for Dinner and are welcome to stay for evening activities and the closing show: you must leave the Zoo property by 10:00 pm.
Scouts are expected to be in field uniform while walking around the zoo. Many units allow varying degrees of pants/shorts, but athletic shorts are not appropriate for this event. Official pants/shorts, belt, socks, etc. are encouraged. Per national policies, uniforms are to be worn properly (tucked in where appropriate). While participating in zoo competitions, or after the zoo closes, Scouts may wear an activity uniform shirt. Please remind your Scouts that they are representing the Scouting America program when at the zoo. Their appearance and behavior will reflect upon their unit and the organization.
*Scouting the Zoo and the Milwaukee County Zoo does not permit any Scouts who are attending Scouting the Zoo to play on the Playground from the time they arrive until the Scouting the Zoo event ends on Sunday when the public arrives. This responsibility will be placed upon your unit leader or your emergency event contact to ensure there are no scouts playing on the play ground. *Serious repercussions will occur to units if their Scouts from any unit - including Scouts BSA AND Cub Scouts attending for the day; are caught on the play ground during Scouting the Zoo.
Zoo Passes are not honored at this event because its labaled as a "Special Event".
A wristband is provided. Please wear at all times.
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