about us       visit      events       education     walking tour      what's blooming       gardening tips       faq
 

 

BASIC INFORMATION FOR YOUR BOXERWOOD VISIT

Registration
We serve schools in Buena Vista, Lexington, and Rockbridge County. Our programs fill up quickly.  Please call to register as soon as possible.

Timing your visits
Some teachers like to bring their class to Boxerwood after they have studied the relevant SOLs in the classroom; other teachers prefer to bring the class to Boxerwood first.  In our experience, students feel most confident when they have some familiarity with the topic. Even if the unit lesson comes later, consider introducing a few key concepts before your visit.  Contact us for ideas especially relevant to our programs.

 Fieldtrip schedule
Unless by other arrangement, the daily schedule this fall is as follows. 

 BONUS!—Extend your visit until 2 p.m. at no extra charge.  Bring your own lesson plan or let us help you.  Reading, story-writing, spelling, math, social studies, drama, art -- we’re game.

 

 

9:00 a.m.– 9:15 a.m.                  Arrive/orientation
9:20 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.               Rotation 1
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.              Rotation 2
11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.              Lunch
11:45 a.m.– 12:45 p.m.               Rotation 3
12:45 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.               Tie-up/depart   

 Snack
With advance notice, we are ready to provide your class with a simple nutritious snack such as applies and crackers.  Snack/break time is 10:15.  Lunch will soon follow at 11:15.

 Lunch
Students should bring their own packed lunch and drink. On hot days a water bottle is also handy.  We have a refrigerator for milk cartons.  Recycling and composting will be part of the experience.

 Clothing
We will be out in the woods.  Students should wear play clothes that can get dirty and close-toed shoes like sneakers.  Socks and shoes may get wet, some parents like to send dry socks. It is VERY IMPORTANT kids come dressed for the weather. Tell parents to dress their children in layers, remembering the cool autumn weather.  If weather is dicey, rain gear is appropriate for those who have it (no umbrellas please). We have emergency rain ponchos but few sweaters/coats for chilly kids.

 Parent chaperones
Parents are welcome to come with your class, no more than 2 – 3 please.  We ask chaperones come prepared to participate and learn along with the rest of us.  Turn off cell phones please.

 Transportation
It is your school’s responsibility to arrange bus transportation to and from Boxerwood.  For schools who need it, we have grant money this year to offset those costs.  Please inquire.

 Funding your visit
Grants help us subsidize your visits.  The full value of one 4-hour Boxerwood visit is $250; fortunately we can offer a $150 discount for a new rate of $100 per class which means your classroom may visit three times this year for $300 total (a $750 value!).  We will send an invoice to your school. 

 Schools find different ways to fund  their annual Boxerwood trips.  Many use in-school funds; others turn to community sponsors like the PTA or area businesses or ask help from families.  Classroom grants are also available through the state environmental education clearing house, Virginia Naturally (www.vanaturally.com). Rockbridge County teachers might also inquire about assistance through the Rockbridge County Schools Education Foundation. Still need help? Contact us.  We’ll work with you.