Education Programs Policy
ALL GROUPS MUST PRE-REGISTER

• All youth programs require advanced scheduling

• Reservations must be made at least 10 business days prior to program no matter status.

• Youth Groups who arrive at the gatehouse and request free access will not be admitted for free.

• We currently do not offer programming or free access to the following:
  1. Organized youth groups that visit for a non-education related purpose; for example, high school running camps or Scout groups on an Easter egg hunt.
  2. Group passes for organized groups are available, please call for details.
  3. Organized for-fee After School Programs and fee-based Summer Programs from outside organizations:

All groups not registering for a two-hour program pay a fee of $1.50 per individual at the Education Center. Parking fee waived.

FREE PROGRAMS FOR PRE-REGISTERED YOUTH SCHOOL AND HOME SCHOOL GROUPS MINIMUM 15 STUDENTS

GUIDED Teachers choose from three programs that meets state curriculum - programs are scheduled for Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays spring and fall season.

SELF-GUIDED Teachers or parents can pick up self-guided activity materials in the lobby of the Education Center if they call ahead.

ON-THEIR-OWN This category applies to groups that fall outside the two above - usually older students or college age who may or may not be coming to see something specific such as the Greenhouse or Plant Professional Landscape Garden. College age tours are free if scheduled in advance Monday - Friday.

IN-DEPTH PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH GROUPS OR HOME SCHOOL GROUPS MINIMUM 15 STUDENTS

Eight fee-based programs of 1.5 hours each have been developed and offered at a cost starting at $5.00 per child. These programs explore topics in greater detail, and make greater use of our classroom and laboratory facilities. Topics include botany, zoology, chemistry and freshwater ecology, climate, weather and dendrology.

WEE NATURALIST for 2 to 4 year olds with a parent. Younger siblings welcome with parental supervision. Mid August - May, with each month a new theme of discovery. Programs are on Monday and Tuesday mornings 9:30 am to 11:30 am, consisting of 15-minute activities including crafts, out door games, a story time and a "critter visit." $5.00 per child. Adults free.

PROGRAMS FOR SCOUT GROUPS Boy scout merit badges include (Archaeology, Environmental Science, Forestry and Mammal Study) Cub Scouts - seven programs Girl Scouts - Five patches currently offered, or custom upon request

Scouting programs range in fees from $10.00 per scout for a 2 to 2.5 hour, $15.00 for a four hour program or $65.00 per scout for a 2-day, all-day program. $25.00 deposit required upon registration to hold date.

DISCOVERY DAY CAMPS FOR KIDS K - 7th grade Spring Break camp will cover the five days of local county school systems spring break. Camps will run for 10 weeks in summer, with 2 independent camps running simultaneously.

Scholarship money may be available. Children must bring their own lunch and beverage for the day. Dress appropriately for the weather and being outdoors. Parking fee waived for pick up and drop off only.

No weapons allowed No personal electronic devices

BIRTHDAY PARTIES Nature -themed parties are available for children ages 3-10 on Saturdays and weekday afternoons, depending upon staff/Classroom 3 availability. Parties include rental of Classroom 3, a 45-minute presentation, including games, hike and live animals, set up and clean up, and a t-shirt for the birthday child. Catering with nature-themed cakes provided through the Savory Thyme Café. Parties are $185.00 for members and $210.00 for the general public. $25 deposit due with booking. Parking fee waived for invitees.