Staerkel Planetarium sets Scout astronomy badge workshops Nov. 2, 9 and 16; registration closes a week ahead

CHAMPAIGN - Parkland College's William M. Staerkel Planetarium will hold badge workshops for Girl Scouts and Scouts BSA in November, and registration closes a week before each session, according to a Parkland release dated Oct. 23.

The Girl Scouts Space Science Badge workshop for Daisies and Brownies is 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2. Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors meet 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9. Each costs $10 per Scout, which includes a requirements booklet and a patch. The Scouts BSA Astronomy Merit Badge workshop is 6:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, and costs $6 per Scout, including a booklet.

The planetarium says the sessions are hands-on workshops, not shows. Scouts should bring a pen or pencil and a flashlight covered with red plastic or cellophane, then turn in the finished booklet to their Scout office to earn the badge.

Registration is at parkland.edu/forthekids, and none is taken at the door. Leaders and chaperones attend free. Each workshop needs a minimum number of registrations, and refunds are issued if one is canceled. Information: 217-351-2567.

Source: Parkland College news release, "Staerkel Planetarium to Host Interactive Scout Badge Workshops," Oct. 23, 2026, https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-Parkland/Newsroom/Parkland-News/Staerkel-Planetarium-to-Host-Interactive-Scout-Badge-Workshops?ArtMID=1721&ArticleID=1398 (read Oct. 24, 2026).