Children's Garden & Education

Children's Garden Group Information Guide - For Prebooked Educational Groups

 

Our Children's Garden Group Information Guide is REQUIRED reading for any group that wants to make a trip to the garden. Below are links to individual sections, but make sure to familiarize yourself with the entire document.

 

Fees and Payment

• $8 per student.
• The minimum group and no show fee is $80.
• Ticket stickers for teachers and chaperones will be included with your reservation letters.
Additional adults will be charged regular garden admission ($11 per person). Additional adults will be asked to enjoy the Garden on their own during your scheduled program time.
• Group payment is not accepted the day of your visit; an invoice will be sent to your school reflecting the actual attendance on the day of your program.
• If your school receives federal funds, the Garden may have local grants to underwrite your students’ fees. Please inquire when you register for your program.

Registration Procedures

• Select your desired program and time.
• Plan for a maximum of two and one half hours for your visit.
• Determine the approximate number of students and adults.
• Use your school calendar to identify possible dates for your visit.
• Call the registrar at 804-262-9887 ext. 322 to check class availability
• A registration letter will be emailed or mailed to you requesting additional information before your program can be confirmed.

Rescheduling and Cancellations

• All programs are held rain or shine. Our no-show fee is $80.
• Rescheduling due to inclement weather is not guaranteed.
• For scheduling changes, call the registrar at 804-262-9887 ext. 322.

Group Visit Policies

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Teachers and Chaperones
• Teachers and chaperones are responsible for assisting the Children’s Garden educator during your scheduled program time.
• Additional adults and siblings will be asked to enjoy the Garden on their own during your scheduled program time.
• All attending adults are responsible for maintaining an educational environment during their groups’ visit by being respectful of programs in session as well as other garden visitors.
• During your self-guided garden exploration time you will be asked to visit areas outside of the Children’s Garden.
• Teacher and Chaperone Guides and a Scavenger Hunt are available to help teachers and chaperones engage students during their self-guided garden exploration.
• Assign students to chaperones prior to your arrival.
• Review Group Visit Policies with students and chaperones before your visit.
• During program time, limit cell phone use to emergencies ONLY.

Click here for a printer-friendly version of the Young Buds Chaperone Guide

Click here for a printer-friendly version of the Discovery Programs Chaperone Guide

Click here for a printer-friendly version of the Alphabet Scavenger Hunt

Teachers, Chaperones and Students
• Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is an outside, living museum. The Garden is for walking tours and explorations only. There are no playground areas available for active sports or running.
• Walking feet and speaking voices are expected in all areas of the Garden.
• Respect the plants and animals by staying on the pathways.
• Leave all plants and animals where you find them.

On the Day of Your Visit

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Arrival
• Please arrive ten minutes before your scheduled class time to allow for walking time to the Children’s Garden.
• As our daily schedule is usually filled, late arrivals will result in a shortened program or possible cancellation.
• If you are running late on the day of your program or are unable to attend your scheduled program, please call the Children’s Garden Educators and leave a message at 804-262-9887 x239.

Parking
• School buses and vans drop-off students at the Children’s Garden bus stop and park in the Bus Parking area. 
• All personal vehicles bringing students must drop-off students at the Robins Visitor Center and park in the Visitor Parking lot.
• A map with parking and student drop-off locations is available here.

If you have a Young Buds program scheduled between November 1, 2012 and February 28, 2013, use this map for directions.

• Distribute maps to all drivers.

Accessibility
• The Children’s Garden is universally accessible.
• Please let us know in advance if you have students with special needs.

Food
• Bring all snacks and lunches with you when you leave the bus.
• Eat lunch or snack in designated Picnic Area in the Children’s Garden only.
• Indoor facilities for eating are not available.
• Snack and drink machines are available in the Children's Garden.

Dress
• Classes are held outside, regardless of the weather conditions.
• Teachers, students and chaperones should dress for an active, outside walk.

Directions to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

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From the North – I 95 South, Exit 83-B Parham Road West, turn left on to Route 1 south. At third traffic light turn right at Lakeside Avenue; the Botanical Garden is on your right.

From the South – I 95 north to Exit 80, Lakeside-Hermitage; turn right off ramp. At light turn right on to Lakeside Avenue. The Botanical Garden is on the left after the intersection of Lakeside and Hilliard Roads.
OR: I-195 (Powhite Expressway) north to I-95 north to exit 80.

From the East – I 64 West to I-95 North to exit 80; turn right off ramp. At light turn right onto Lakeside Avenue. The Botanical Garden is on the left after the intersection of Lakeside and Hilliard Roads.

From the West – I 64 East to I-95 North to exit 80; turn right off ramp. At light turn right on to Lakeside Avenue. The Botanical Garden is on the left after the intersection of Lakeside and Hilliard Roads.

OR: I-295 South to Woodman Road south exit; continue on Woodman to Hilliard Road. At next traffic light turn left on to Lakeside Avenue. The Botanical Garden is on the left after the intersection of Lakeside and Hilliard Roads.

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