| Girl
Scout Splash Program FAQ's
1.
What is Splash?
Splash is a self-guided program that allows Brownie and Junior
Girl Scout Leaders to help their girls earn Girl Scout Awards
at the Tennessee Aquarium.
2.
What awards are available?
Brownies can earn either the Watching Wildlife Try-it or the Animal
Try-it. Juniors can earn either the Wildlife Badge or the Plants
and Animals Badge.
3.
What does the program include?
The cost of the program includes admission to the Aquarium (and
an IMAX movie if you choose that package); orientation by an
educator; use of the Leader’s Guide, classroom
and all the equipment and supplies you need to complete the
program. An Aquarium patch is also provided for each scout. (We
do NOT provide Girl Scout Awards, that is, the try-its and badges.)
4.
What happens during a Splash program?
You’ll arrive about 30 minutes before the start of your
program to check in, get organized and make a last trip to the
restroom. An educator will meet you in the main lobby and take
you to the classroom. You have the use of the classroom for 3
hours from the time of your reservation. You may eat lunch there,
keep your wraps and bags (but do not leave valuables) and use
it for your classroom activities. Your educator will introduce
you to your Leader’s Guide and other program equipment
and supplies. If you need special instructions for the operation
of any equipment, the educator will provide those. Your educator
will also give your group a building orientation. These are the
rules that will help keep you safe and happy throughout your tour.
Your girls will have clipboards with a puzzle sheet to work as
you move through the building. Your educator will leave you, to
guide your girls, only when you are comfortable with the use of
the materials.
5.Is
there a minimum number of scouts necessary to do this program?
Yes, you must bring five Girl Scouts to participate in the program.
6. I have a combined troop. May my Brownies and Juniors
do different programs at the same time? Yes, you may,
BUT you must share classroom space, bring enough adults to
lead the program and supervise all the girls. You also must
be willing for one group to begin (and finish) about 30 minutes
after the other since our educator can only give one orientation
at a time.
7.
How long does the program take?
To complete all the activities both in the classroom and by visiting
exhibits in the building takes about 3 hours. Your ticket to the
Aquarium is good for the day, so if you must hurry through a part
of the building to complete your activities, you are welcome to
finish touring the building after your badge work is complete.
8.
What if we don’t finish in time?
If there is no other group scheduled for the classroom after your
program, you are welcome to stay as long as you like (until the
building closes). If another group is scheduled to be in the classroom,
you will need to remove your belonging from it, but you are welcome
to stay in the Aquarium building until closing time. Your educator
can tell you at the beginning of your program whether or not another
group is scheduled for the classroom.
9.
When is the program available?
Splash is available whenever the classroom is available. Good
times to consider, when you’re planning, are weekends, holidays
and weekday afternoons when your girls may be out of school for
a holiday or teacher in-service day.
10.
Does the leader really have to do the program by herself?
Never by herself! First of all, you’ll have other adults
with you who can help with portions of the program. Do not hesitate
to delegate some program responsibilities to them. You’ll
also have your Leader’s Guide. This is a guide book written
in excruciating detail that takes you literally step by step through
the building. It tells you where to go, how to get there, at which
exhibit to stop and focus the girls’ attention and it even
gives you a scripted paragraph to read at each stop in case you
are completely uncomfortable with the idea of guiding a natural
history tour. If you can walk and read English out loud, you can
lead this tour!
11.
Can I get the materials ahead of time?
No. Program materials are the intellectual property of the Tennessee
Aquarium and my not leave the building.
12.
Can my girls earn two awards in one day?
It is physically possible, but it is not humane. The three hours
spent completing the badge work are hard-thinking, focused time.
To ask children or adults to do it twice in one day will probably
take the fun out of your trip.
13.
How do I register?
Call our reservations department at (800) 262-0695 and follow
the instructions on the automated menu. If you are calling locally,
call 265-0695.
14.
Must I pay when I register?
No. You pay when you check in for your program. If you would like
to pay in advance, you may do so by credit card.
15.
What if I still have questions?
Call or e-mail Julia Gregory.
She wrote this program. She has been a Girl Scout Leader herself
and enjoys helping other Leaders. Please don’t call Julia
to ask about date availability. Only the reservations department
has that information. You can reach Julia at (423)
785-4054 or (800) 262-0695 ext. 4054.
|
