Fieldtrips

Dale Waller Early Childhood in Nature Program

Preschool Field Trips

The Dale Waller Early Childhood in Nature Program at Boxerwood provides the youngest members of our community with opportunities to interact with nature and with each other in a unique outdoor environment. Our approach is to combine self-directed play experiences with a program of guided activities that foster learning and discovery.

Preschools, daycare centers and other organizations serving young children ages 3-5 are invited to schedule field trips to Boxerwood from March through October.

A typical Boxerwood field trip includes:

	Unstructured play time in designated garden spaces and along the Boxerwood PlayTrail.
	Guided exploration of ponds, meadows and woodlands with staff and volunteer naturalists.

Depending on group size and interests, a field trip may run an hour or two, or a full morning. Groups are welcome to stay longer to picnic and spend time on the PlayTrail.

Preschools and centers are encouraged to schedule visits one class at a time, whenever possible. However, we know that transportation costs and required adult-child ratios may make it impractical for some organizations to schedule a single class visit. Therefore, when multiple classes come together, we will work with you to organize the children into small groups once they arrive at Boxerwood so that they have an opportunity to explore and play more intimately in nature.

Chaperones: We request that groups come with at least one adult to accompany every 10 children. Boxerwood volunteers will also escort each small group through the gardens.

There is no cost for a field trip. Funding is provided by the Dale Waller Early Childhood in Nature Program.

Transportation options:

	Boxerwood will provide free parking for groups that arrange parent carpools.
	Roundtrip school bus transportation is available for licensed preschools and daycare centers in Rockbridge County through the Rockbridge County Schools Department of Transportation. Groups must submit a Bus Transportation Request Form at least 10 days in advance of their field trip.

Transportation Assistance: Schools or centers with limited resources may request assistance from the Dale Waller Transportation Fund to pay for school bus transportation. A request for assistance is included on the Bus Transportation Request Form.

To schedule a field trip, please call Bonnie Bernstein at Boxerwood Gardens (540-463-2697) or send email to preK@boxerwood.org.

Links: Dale Waller ECCE Mission -- Program Fall 2008---- Field trips -----Learning Blocks ---- Winter Outreach ---- Play Trail