Explorer Tours offer a little more flexibility for local teachers. You, the classroom teacher, will lead your students on an educational excursion through our gardens and Nature Discovery Center. You can teach your students about science, art, history, and more!
Please note that teachers are required to attend an Explorer Tour Workshop before they are eligible to use curriculum materials and register their students for an Explorer Tour at Shangri La Gardens. A key benefit to teachers is that upon completion of the Explorer Tour Workshop, they are certified and may register to bring their class to Shangri La Gardens free of charge to experience our premier outdoor learning environment.
The information below provides more details about Shangri La Gardens Explorer Tour Workshops.
Explorer Tour Workshops
Shangri La Gardens offers workshops to introduce you to the gardens so you will be comfortable leading your own tour. Learn to identify some of our plants, discover fun facts about them, and learn tips to engage students in the gardens. There is a pathway marked by numbered signage that can be used with our guidebook. After the workshop, you are certified to register your class for an Explorer Tour. Attend only once and you are “certified” for life.
Explorer Tour Teacher Workshop Dates and Times*
- Saturday, September 17, 2022 (9:30 – 11:30 a.m.)
- Saturday, October 22, 2022 (9:30 – 11:30 a.m.)
- Saturday, January 21, 2023 (9:30 – 11:30 a.m.)
- Saturday, April 1, 2023 (9:30 – 11:30 a.m.)
*Workshops are mandatory before bringing students to Shangri La Gardens. Additional Information:
- These workshops are offered FREE of charge to teachers
- Shangri La workshop = 2 CPE hours
- Lunch is not included; please bring a sack lunch if you intend on eating in the Gardens.
- Shangri La portion 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
To register for a teacher Explorer Tour workshop, please call 409.670.0803 or email Kathleen Nelligan at knelligan@shangrilagardens.org.
Explorer Tour Registration
For certified Explorer Tour leaders to register their class for an Explorer Tour, please contact Jamie Massa at jmassa@shangrilagardens.org or 409.670.0803.
The Explorer Tour includes a self-guided tour of Shangri La Gardens. We can accommodate up to 50 students. We require a student to adult ratio of 10:1. We do not have lunch facilities for Explorer Tours. Entry is free.