There are many questions that come to mind at the beginning of October in Texas.
*What am I going to be for Halloween?
*When will the temperature finally get below 90 degrees?
*How early will stores start putting up holiday decorations this year?
*Is this much pumpkin spice really necessary?
These are all valid questions but, perhaps, the most important question this year is: What is up with the education department at Fossil Rim?
By now, you have probably heard about the reorganization and restructuring of Fossil Rim’s Education Department. We took the entire month of July to sit down and refocus ourselves to ensure that we are presenting world-class activities and experiences that align with Fossil Rim’s mission. We have hired new staff and have given some tantalizing tidbits on future programming and the direction the department is heading. We know that you are on the edge of your seat and just as excited as we are about all the new things that are coming to Fossil Rim, so we figured it was time for an update!
The education department has been hard at work over the last few weeks working on new immersive programming. After lots of meetings and coffee, our desks are buried in ideas and, just like the phoenix rising from the ashes, we have created something that is fresh and unique (and also covered in coffee stains). I can’t say too much here, because I have been sworn to secrecy, but if you like accents, armadillos, citizen science, mysteries, or discovering what really goes on behind-the-scenes at a facility like Fossil Rim, then definitely stay tuned.
All these things and so much more are coming April 2020! All kidding aside, I am really proud of the work that is happening in the education department, and I know that I speak for the entire department when I say we cannot be more thrilled to share these new experiences with you.
You can still enjoy all of the classic programs that you know and love until April. We still have room for you or your group on our Discovery After Dark programs, overnight experiences, and family programs. All the information about our current offerings can be found on the Education Page of our website: https://fossilrim.org/education/ – along with upcoming family and homeschool events. If you would like to book any of these programs, you can call our main number (254-897-2960) or email education@fossilrim.org.
If you are looking to book an education event from now until April 1, you will still have the option of getting one of our classic programs, or you can select from our new programming once it is released in the spring. However, if you book a date after April 1, 2020, our current programming will no longer be offered, so as the saying goes: strike while the iron is hot (or in the case of the education department, while the coffee is hot).
For those who reserve program dates after April 1, you may notice a slight shift in how education events are booked. First, since we will be announcing our new programming in the spring, booking for April 2020 and beyond will be for reserving your spot at Fossil Rim. Once the programming is revealed, you will receive a packet with all the details for choosing a program. Second, we are going to be offering programs based on the length of stay and age range.
For our younger explorers (3rd-5th grade), programming will be available in four-hour and eight-hour selections that are perfect for a field trip or a day trip. Our older visitors (6th grade – adults) will also have the option of spending the night in our bunkhouses in the classic 24-hour trip.
We will be offering a 48-hour version for those who just can’t get enough of Fossil Rim. The variety and immersive nature of the programs makes them a great option for any group wanting to learn more about conservation and the natural world.
We have not forgotten our younger audiences, since we value the nature experiences that Fossil Rim offers, as well as the memories and moments we have had with everyone throughout the years. In light of this, we are going to be creating onsite programming for all of our visitors, both the young and the young-at-heart, along with multiple special events throughout the year designed specifically for both younger and multigenerational audiences.
We cannot thank you enough for your support over the last 35 years and your patience as we get everything up and running. Keep an eye out on our website and social media pages for more information in the coming months. If you have any questions about our programming, do not hesitate to get in touch with us via email.
– Andrew Bullard, Reserved Programs Supervisor