Homeschool
How to Sign up for a Homeschool Event at Fossil Rim
We host two different types of events for homeschoolers out here at Fossil Rim. First of all, we have about 2 events per month that are advertised on our website and various other places. These events are open to any homeschoolers who call and register (254-898-4216). You do not have to be a member of a particular homeschool group to sign up for one of these events.
The second type of event does not show up on our calendar or advertising. If you want to bring your homeschool group out for an event at Fossil Rim, we can plan a day just for your group. There is a list of classes to choose from (there is even one day camp with a Robin Hood theme), and for these “private” homeschool group events only, the price is based on a sliding scale. The more participants you bring, the lower your cost per person!
To plan an event for your homeschool group, call Mrs. Tessa at 254-898-4216. I’ll be happy to help you coordinate that event.
Hope to see you and your family out here, at either type of homeschool event, soon!
Dear Homeschooler,
We know homeschool support groups are always looking for recreational and innovative activities for homeschooling families. On behalf of Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, an African-like-Safari right in your backyard, in Glen Rose, Texas—approximately an hour away from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I would like to offer our center as an educational and recreational resource for your group. This summer marks the end of our first year of programming for homeschoolers – and what fun it’s been!!!
A field trip to Fossil Rim will provide families with an experience unlike any other in the state. There are a lot of exciting things to see, discover and study at our facility. Fossil Rim allows visitors to come into close contact with some of the most beautiful and endangered animals on the planet through a self-drive of the park in the comfort of their own cars or in guided tour vehicles. The attractions include giraffes, zebras, gemsboks, rhinos, cheetahs and sable antelope, among others.
Nearly 30 percent of the species at Fossil Rim are endangered. These species have their own breeding area, and families can take a peek at them by booking a thrilling behind-the-scenes tour. There is much to be learned about the preservation work Fossil Rim does. Black rhinos, red wolves and cheetahs are a few of the species that would be at risk without the leading-edge conservation endeavors of our facility, which has received numerous awards for its efforts.
In addition, Fossil Rim provides a breathtaking scenic setting for group and family outings, and educational tours. Day and overnight camps are available at Wolf Ridge Camp. We also have accommodations at our rustic lodge or at the luxurious safari-camp tents that include A/C and heating with comfortable accommodations. Space for intimate group meetings is also available with top-notch catering.
We can offer your family groups special admission discounts, customized expert educational programs, and discounted lodging accommodation with a minimum of 30 days advance booking.
Visit Fossil Rim at www.fossilrim.org to get a feel for our unique, award-winning, all-season facility in the magnificent top-of-the-Hill Country setting. Our animals love to greet visitors, whether it is sunny, rainy or cold!

Fossil Rim is making a conscientious effort to design and implement programs specifically for the homeschooling community. Two of our main goals are to make the programs we offer you multi-level, so all ages can benefit, and to make these programs as affordable as possible.
We would like to offer your group the opportunity to experience a class + tour combination at our facility. Please note our sliding scale below – while our prices are deeply discounted for your members, even in groups as small as 10 people, if you have a large group interested, the price becomes wonderfully affordable!!! (By comparison, our normal rate for a class plus a tour is $45 per person.)
We look forward to hearing from you and accommodating your members.
All the best,
Tessa Chenoa Ownbey
Homeschool Education Specialist
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
254/898-4216
tessao@fossilrim.org
PS: Get regular updates on upcoming (and past) events, educational articles, and student activities by signing up to receive our monthly
Homeschool Enrichment E-zine.
To request this, email us at homeschool@fossilrim.org
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Upcoming
Events
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June |
| 6-2-08 |
Fossil Dig Class + Tour 10:00-2:30ish. In the morning, take a bus down to our Fossil Pit and dig for marine fossils! Share a picnic lunch at the Overlook, then take a guided tour of Fossil Rim’s current, non-marine residents!!! |
| 6-16-08 |
Native Plant Scavenger Hunt + Tour of Fossil Rim 10:00-2:30ish. Use our Native Plant Flip
Book to identify the native plants along our nature trails in the morning, share a picnic lunch, then tour Fossil Rim. |
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July |
| 7-14-08 |
Colors by Nature (Exploring Natural Dyes) Class + Tour. 10:00-2:30ish. Cochineal is a scale insect found on prickly pear cactus that is used to produce a natural dye. It was used historically as a clothing dye, and is still used as a food dye today. We will talk about Cochineal and other natural dyes, and use Cochineal to dye bandanas in our morning class. After a picnic lunch at the Overlook, we will take a guided tour of Fossil Rim.
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7-21-08 |
Amazing Arthropods (Insects, Spiders, and Scorpions, Oh My!) Class + Tour. 10:00-2:30ish. Learn about insects, spiders, and other arthropods, with a special focus on Texas natives. Picnic lunch at the Overlook at 12:00, followed by a guided tour of Fossil Rim. |
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August |
8-1-08
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“Stargazer Paul” Derrick Astronomy Event. 8:00-10:00 Mr. Derrick returns with a Power Point program entitled, “Constellations of Summer.” This will be followed by a laser pointer “Sky Tour,” and Telescope Viewing using Mr. Derrick’s 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. |
8-4-08
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“Go Ahead, Make My Day!” Class + Tour. 10:00-2:30ish. Investigate the process of enrichment for animals in captivity. A look at how Fossil Rim keeps its animals happy and entertained. Participants will make enrichment items for various animals during our morning class, then share a picnic lunch, followed by a guided tour of Fossil Rim. |
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Sample
Homeschool Group Event at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Schedule:
10:00-12:00 Class: Go Ahead, Make My Day!
(Animal Enrichment *)
Investigate the process of Animal Enrichment for animals in captivity. A look at how Fossil Rim keeps its animals happy and entertained. Participants will make toys for the animals (particularly the wolves, birds, and possibly the ocelot at the Overlook area) as part of their enrichment program. Bring 1 empty paper towel tube per person.
12:00-1:00: Lunch break. Bring a sack lunch.
1:00-2:30ish: Guided Tour of Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
* Fossil Rim Wildlife Center offers other classes, also. Some examples include: Amazing Arthropods (Insects, Spiders, and Scorpions, Oh My!); Nature Hike; Fossil Dig; How to Catch a Rhino or Other Wild Creature; Nature Journaling; Dirt Workshop; Animal Fashions; Colors by Nature (Exploring Natural Dyes); and Suitcase for Survival. There is also a Robin Hood themed Day Camp available – call or email for the sliding fee scale for it! And the Homeschool Education Specialist is open to new suggestions from you, also!!!
Sliding Fee Scale
| Groups of 10-11 |
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$30/person |
| Groups of 12-13 |
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$25/person |
| Groups of 14-17 |
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$21/person |
| Groups of 18-20 |
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$19/person |
| Groups of 21-24 |
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$16/person |
| Groups of 25-30 |
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$15/person |
| Groups of 31-40 |
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$11/person |
Please be aware classes and special all day events
are not under the
same fee scale.
Prices subject to change.
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