About the Workshops

Sunset Zoo offers a variety of programming options to support your troop’s efforts in building leadership among Girl Scouts. Programming opportunities include two-hour workshops from the It’s Your Planet, Love It! Journey, overnight adventures tailored around Journey activities and 45-minute ambassador programs Sunset Zoo can bring to your next troop meeting. Pre-registration required; minimum of two week advance notice required.

Partnership with the Flint Hills Discovery Center

Our Journey workshops are developed in collaboration with the Flint Hills Discovery Center (FHDC) for an enhanced two-part experience, reaching even more awards and the ability to earn a unique participation patch. The workshops at Sunset Zoo and FHDC can be completed in any order and scheduled on separate days or back-to-back for an entire day of fun and excitement. Dates are limited; minimum two week advance notice required. To learn more about FHDC's offerings, contact their Education Department at 785-587-2726.

Booking Information

At least two week advance notice is required to book; subject to availability. Before contacting the Zoo, review the daytime and overnight offerings listed below where you'll also find fee information. Once you are ready to book your workshop, contact Tammy Jones by emailing jones@cityofmhk.com or call 785-587-2737.

Daytime Offerings at the Zoo

Between the Earth & Sky Workshop

- Daisy Scouts
Using their senses, girls explore the natural world and Sunset Zoo's animal collection, while understanding their own feelings about nature through guided activities. Daisies engage in live animal encounters, getting up close to some amazing small animals, and also participating in girl-led games and activities.

After completion, Daisies will be well on their way to earning the Blue Bucket and Firefly Awards, and will complete the requirements for the Clover Award. Each girl will receive a certificate signifying their participation, and they can complete the corresponding Flint Hills Discovery Center Daisy Scout workshop to earn a custom participation patch.

Cost: $54; up to 6 scouts included in this rate, any additional are $9 per scout.
Adults chaperones of Troops outside of Manhattan are $3 per adult; adults associated with Manhattan Troops or with current FOSZ memberships are free. Program cost includes workshop and Zoo admission.

Wonders of Water Workshop - Brownie Scouts

Rooted in the properties of water, this workshop takes girls on a journey through Sunset Zoo exploring water, its importance to all life, and the impacts of water pollution. Participants will then look at how they can Save Water through rain gardens and other actions that help them meet this Wonders of Water award. The girls will participate in classroom activities that engage in scientific and engineering practices.

After completion, Brownies will complete the requirements for the Save Water Award. Each girl will receive a certificate signifying their participation, and they can complete the corresponding Flint Hills Discovery Center Brownie workshop to earn a custom participation patch along with meeting the requirements for the Love Water Award. Both workshops completed together will not only earn the girls a custom patch but help troops chart a course to finish up the Journey and meet the Share Water Award.

Cost: $54; up to 6 scouts included in this rate, any additional are $9 per scout.
Adults chaperones of Troops outside of Manhattan are $3 per adult; adults associated with Manhattan Troops or with current FOSZ memberships are free. Program cost includes workshop and Zoo admission.

Overnight Adventures at the Zoo

Off the Grid Slumber Zzzoofari - Brownie through Ambassador Scouts

Explore the zoo at night and learn what can be done that’s fun and exciting without electricity. Girls will play a variety of outdoor games before and after the sun sets, and even complete a craft project. All activities connect to a mixture of It's Your Planet, Love It! Journeys, with the underlying concept of using minimal electricity coming from the Junior's Get Moving Journey.

Troops have the option to sleep under the pavilion as we roast marshmallows in the fireplace, in tents, or inside the Nature Exploration Center after marshmallows. This Slumber Zzzoofari also includes an evening snack, night hike through the zoo, breakfast and a morning activity. This overnight adventure runs from 7:00pm to 9:00am the following morning.

Cost: $450; up to 15 people included in this rate, any additional are $30 each.
While this Zoo Overnight will be tailored for Girl Scouts; the fees, booking information and sample itinerary is identical to our general Slumber Zzzoofari program. Visit the Slumber Zzzoofari page for all the details.

Bring the Zoo to You!

Animal Ambassador Programs

- Daisy through Ambassador Scouts
Looking to address a specific requirement for a Journey or badge? Our Animal Ambassador Programs may be the perfect fit These 45-minute, live animal presentations engage girls through close encounters with our education animal collection and animal artifacts in a number of topics and concepts. You schedule the program at the location of your choice.

Don't see what you're looking for? Email Zoo staff to develop a custom program.