YOUNG BUDS PROGRAMS

We are accepting reservations for guided programs for the 2024-25 school year. Please allow us anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks as a response time. We are having a very high volume reservation period at this time. Thank you!

Please note, the Garden will NOT have Butterflies LIVE! in 2024 or 2025. This is due to the Garden’s THRIVE: Growing the Garden’s Future Expansion of the Conservatory and grounds, which will result in a year-round butterfly house and additional displays and gardens. We look forward to bringing you these wonderful improvements.

Pricing

  • The cost is $12 per student; the minimum group charge is $120.
  • Programs are designed for students aged 4-5 years old.
  • One adult per five students is admitted free to ensure adequate supervision during the program. Exceptions will be made for students who require additional support.
  • The cost for additional adult chaperones is $15 per person. The limit of adult chaperones that can accompany each guided program is five, including teachers. Additional adults can accompany their child before and after the guided program time.
  • Programs take place outdoors, rain or shine. There are no indoor classrooms, with the exception of winter programs where a portion of the program will take place inside. Please have everyone dress for the weather.

Availability

PROGRAM OFFERINGS

Life in a Forest
September – November

Students embark on a shady woodland walk, searching for signs of squirrels, birds, and insects among the terrific trees. They will use their senses to explore, collect leaves, and create a take home craft.

Winter at the Garden
December – February

What happens at the Garden when the air gets chilly and the trees start losing their leaves? Do plants even grow during winter?! Students will explore the Garden in search of answers. Along the way, students will create a take-home craft and read a story that will help guide their adventure.

Art in Bloom
March –
May

Create magnificent artwork after journeying through the Garden to find some of nature’s most beautiful creations. Artistic inspiration will blossom in other forms as well, including creative movement and a short story.

Registration

We will begin accepting reservations for guided programs for the 2024-25 school year on August 1, 2024. Please do not submit any reservation requests until then. Thank you!
To register, contact our Youth Program Logistics Coordinator, Laura Lee Folman, at [email protected] or 804.262.9887 x322 with the following:

    1. Your name, email address, and phone number, contact person’s information (if it is someone other than yourself).
    2. Your organization’s name and mailing address.
    3. Which program topic you would like.
    4. The number of classes you would like to bring.
    5. The total number of students who will attend.
    6. Your top three choices of program dates in order of preference (please include the program time(s) you prefer as well).

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