Scout groups are
welcome and encouraged to visit the park at any time during our
normal hours of operation.
Scout groups that wish to have the parking fee waived are required
to make reservations at least two weeks in advance by calling 630
260 8162.
The groups should be comprised of scouts and leaders (no siblings or
additional parents) in uniform. Tiger Cubs and Daisies may follow
the same reservation procedure, but are required to bring one parent
per child, (no siblings or additional parents).
Any scout group
visiting Cantigny with additional people (family outings) are
required to pay the parking fee and reservations are not needed.
Scout groups are
invited to visit the McCormick Museum (guided tours only) and the
First Division Museum (self guided tours only). Please indicate if
your group plans to visit either museum when you make your
reservation. We require a minimum of one chaperone for every ten
Scouts entering the museum.
Copies of our Hiking Trail /Tree Identification Guide may be
reserved for your group to use along our 2.5 mile hiking trail.
Please request them when making your reservation. (Download a copy
below.) Completion of the Guide meets some of the requirements for
the Webelos Forester Activity Badge, Boy Scout Forester Merit Badge
and Junior Girl Scout Outdoor Connections badge. (This
guide is recommended for summer and fall- when the trees have
leaves. It is difficult to do in winter and spring.)
Fishing is
allowed by Scout groups at Shaffner Pond, in the northeast corner of
the park. Fishing is allowed Saturday and Sunday mornings from
sunrise to 8:30 a.m. and Mondays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Please call Security at 630 260 8207 to arrange a fishing outing.
The pond is home to bluegill, bass, carp and catfish and is strictly
catch and release. Please bring your own fishing poles, bait and
gear. Fishers over age 16 must have a valid fishing permit.
(Download a copy of our fishing policy below.)
Our campsites may
be reserved during daylight hours Tuesday-Thursday for Scout
activities. Practice pitching tents, learn to build a fire, cook a
meal or review safe camping procedures.
To reserve a
campsite space for daytime activities, please call 630 260 8162.
A
self-directed visit to Cantigny can easily meet some of the
requirements for a variety of badges and awards. Please email
JBenton@Cantigny.org for a list of such badges/awards. The
awards and badges on the list are not formalized staff-led programs,
but rather awards and badges that could have some of their
requirements met through a visit to Cantigny. Scoutmasters and
adult leaders would need to plan the activities.
