School Programs
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Education is the keystone of the mission of Oatland Island Wildlife Center. Each year, more than 20,000 students take part in our award-winning programs. From marsh ecology boat programs to star labs to guided tours, there is an exciting program designed to meet you and your students needs and interests. More than forty innovative, hands-on opportunities are available all written to satisfy current Georgia Performance Standards (GPS). School Programs are age/grade specific and often feature live animal presentations, guided walks and other inquiry based activities.
Program Fees
A 15 student minimum is required for each program.
Chatham County Schools
Out of County Schools
***One chaperone per 15 students is admitted free. Teachers and chaperones are expected to participate and assist with safety and discipline.
Length of Programs
- Pre-K and K programs are 1 hour.
- Programs for grades 1 and 2 are two hours long.
- Programs for grades 3 and above last from 2 -2.5 hours.
Be sure to allow enough travel time to arrive 10 minutes prior to program start time. Please schedule additional time for bathroom breaks, lunch, gift shop, etc. If your group is late arriving, your program will still end at its scheduled time.
Making a Reservation for School Programs
Call (912) 898-3980 Monday – Friday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm to make your reservation.
When you call, please have the following essential information available.
- Teacher’s Name
- Name of program that you are interested in
- Grade level of students
- Number of students participating
- Name, mailing address, and phone number of your school
- Month and date you would like to schedule a program (We suggest having several alternative dates in case your first choice is unavailable)
Once you have made your reservation, a program planning packet will be mailed 4 weeks prior to your scheduled program date. Each packet contains directions to the Center, suggested pre and post trip activities, GPS objectives, specific program information, pre and post trip test items, and Gift Shop information. We urge teachers to prepare students before their program.
Cancellation Policy All programs take place rain or shine and an indoor curriculum is planned in the event of inclement weather. A processing fee of 50 percent (50%) of the total program fee will be charged for cancellations without at least three weeks notice. A fee of 100 percent (100%) of the program fee is charged for cancellations made less than five days prior to the scheduled program.
Our Suggestions for a Successful Program
- Students must have name tags with their first name and school clearly printed.
- Please bring non aerosol insect repellent and sun block
- Students need to wear weather-appropriate clothing with closed toed shoes, hats and rain gear. Remember that programs run rain or shine!
- Please let us know if your students have any special needs when making your reservation.
- Students may bring lunches. We have covered picnic pavilions available. While we offer a drink machine and assorted snacks, we do not have a full service concessions stand at this time.
Click here for a current list of programs