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Bring your troop to Project Chimps for a 4–7 hour service day that pairs badge-earning activities with sanctuary tours near Morganton, GA. Troops contribute real conservation work—trail repair, garden propagation, hammock weaving—and leave durable improvements behind.
Bring your troop to Project Chimps for a 4–7 hour service day that pairs badge-earning activities with sanctuary tours near Morganton, GA. Troops contribute real conservation work—trail repair, garden propagation, hammock weaving—and leave durable improvements behind.
Book with Project Chimps
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Operated by Project Chimps · Morganton, Georgia
On a mist-stiff morning at Project Chimps, Scout Troop Service Project opens like a practical classroom in the southern Appalachian foothills just outside Morganton, Georgia. Located at 2031 Lowery Rd, this 4–7 hour program combines hands-on conservation work with guided tours of a sanctuary where retired research chimpanzees live in forested habitats. Troops earn badges while repairing trails, harvesting gardens, and building benches — all within a landscape of mixed hardwoods, rhododendron thickets, and rolling ridgelines characteristic of northern Georgia. A day here centers on direct stewardship. After check-in, groups split between an educational tour and supervised service tasks tailored to troop size and age. Younger scouts might weave enrichment hammocks for the chimps or help with seed propagation in the on-site garden, while older scouts take on trail maintenance, greenhouse projects, or picnic table construction that qualify for Gold, Silver, Eagle, and Life requirements. The chimps themselves are the focal point: social groups visible from designated observation points, living among understory plants and simple rock outcrops that anchor the enclosures' perimeters. Project Chimps stands out because it blends animal welfare, agriculture, and youth education into a single, scalable experience. The sanctuary operates on rehabilitation principles—recreating naturalistic terrain where possible and using organic garden beds to teach sustainable food systems. For scout leaders, it's rare to find a service project that simultaneously fulfills badge criteria, contributes tangible infrastructure, and offers a meaningful interpretation about primate care and sanctuary ethics. Practical details make the day run smoothly: groups of 5–30 scouts are manageable, one chaperone admitted free per five scouts, and the program is free with a minimum three service hours (plus a required tour hour). Wear sturdy shoes for uneven trail work, bring weather-appropriate layers, and expect a mix of outdoor labor and quiet observation. Staff provide orientation, tools, and safety oversight; projects are adapted to age and ability. Beyond the immediate impact, a troop visit leaves a ripple effect—new benches, maintained footpaths, and propagated plants that persist year after year. For families and leaders scouting service opportunities, this is a hands-on, close-to-nature project that teaches practical skills, ignites conservation ethics, and creates a memorable day by every measure. Check-in is at 2031 Lowery Rd, Morganton, GA 30560 where staff lead an orientation on chimp welfare, safety, and tool use. The curriculum aligns with badge requirements — nature, sustainability, and citizenship — and staff log service hours so leaders can track volunteer credits. Food and water are not provided, so pack lunches; shade near work zones is limited. Because the sanctuary blends outdoor labor with quiet observation, the program fits scouts and leaders who can move between active teamwork and respectful watching. Reservations are required; book early to secure dates.
moderate.
4–7 hours.
Participants should be comfortable with several hours of light-to-moderate physical activity—walking uneven trails, carrying tools, and performing manual tasks.
Service projects run 4–7 hours and include at least a one-hour guided tour; total time depends on chosen tasks and troop size.
Scouts ages 5 and up can join; projects are tailored to be age-appropriate and safe for different maturity levels.
The program is free with a minimum three service hours plus the required tour; additional chaperones pay standard entry if applicable.
Groups can include between 5 and 30 scouts; staff will plan projects to match your group size.
Bring sturdy shoes, work gloves, layered clothing, a packed lunch, and water; staff provide tools and safety briefings.
Reservations are required—contact Project Chimps through the provided referral link to schedule a date and outline your troop's needs.
Project Chimps provides lifetime care for retired research chimpanzees and uses sanctuary-based agriculture and habitat restoration as part of its mission.
Visits support ongoing sanctuary operations and teach sustainable practices; follow staff guidance to minimize disturbance and leave no trace.
Project Chimps in Troutdale, Virginia operates a sanctuary and education site where visitors meet and observe rescued chimpanzees. The organization offers a range of guided experiences designed for families, schools, homeschool groups, scouts, and supporters. Tour options include short youth group tours, curriculum-based and homeschool programs aligned with STEM learning, scout badge workshops, and longer service projects for scout troops. Supporter tours and private visits provide opportunities to watch chimpanzees roam, play, and rest in outdoor habitats. Discovery Days bring families to the Blue Ridge Mountains for guided hikes, a visit to the Discovery Zone, and a picnic by the koi pond. The Banana Bus Tour adds door-to-door transport and a snack at The Nest for a convenient group outing. School field trips and curriculum-based tours emphasize inquiry-based lessons that meet educational standards and take place during prime morning viewing hours. Homeschool programs offer three to four hour visits with tailored STEM activities and flexible customization for teachers and students. Scout programs include two hour badge workshops and four to seven hour service projects that combine tours, hands-on activities, and habitat or garden work. Every visit supports the ongoing care of the chimpanzees through small donations and participation. Booking options include private supporter tours, supporter tours with a lunch launch, and group-focused experiences that accommodate educational goals. Visitors can expect guided walking tours through outdoor habitats and multiple program lengths to fit schedules. Advance reservations are recommended to secure preferred dates and times for school groups, scouts, families, supporters, and community attendees.
Book with Project Chimps