Children Are First at Maymont

When Kate Jarrell was growing up, she was afraid of snakes. We are sitting in the Discovery Classroom in Maymont's Nature Center as Kate tells me about how she was the only one in her family who was afraid of snakes. She gives a little shrug and a smile… "it's just something I had to get used to."  I sit in front of this woman a little awed because only a short while earlier I watched her allow a 4 ft rat snake (which is not venomous by the way) wrap itself around her arms and torso as she walked around a class of  4 & 5 year olds, allowing them to pet it's dry, scaly skin. Not that I would know first hand. I was in the back of the classroom, standing as far away as poss....um, I mean, taking photographs.
Jarrell is an Environmental Educator and Camp Coordinator for Maymont.  Jarrell, along with several other Educators, serve over 30,000 children each year through their enrichment programs. During the school year, children can experience hands-on learning that reinforces the information  their teachers have been sharing with them in the classroom. Much of the information provided in Maymont's educational programs are relevant to the History and Social Science portion of the SOLs for grades K-12.
During the summer months, children in Pre-K-9th grade can receive continuing education through the 5-day Summer Discovery Camps. My 5 year old son and I were welcomed into one of the "Who's Home?" sessions, where we learned about the habitats of snakes and worms. Children were encouraged to use their senses to become better acquainted with these creatures we share our world with. Jarrell states "Our priority is to connect children with nature." Check out this cool video of Kate showing the children a rat snake.
The next stop on our tour was the mansion. I have to admit, I was a little nervous about this part of our Maymont adventure. My son is an explorer, and the "no touch" policy inside the mansion seemed a little un-realistic. My fears were soon relieved as we were greeted with a warm smile by Kathy Alcaine, Manager of Historical Tours. Alcaine explained that children of all ages are welcome in the mansion, and she helpfully gave us their "Lions in the Library" version of the tour, encouraging my curious son to find all the lions and other animals that are present throughout the house, in the form of furniture carvings, figurines and artwork. She made it seem like a treasure hunt, and there is nothing my 5 year old enjoys more.  There are many other opportunities for children to enjoy and learn about the mansion throughout the year. Just a few examples include the Victorian Tea Birthday Party, the annual Fairy Chase, and a Walk Through History for school groups.
After enjoying a picnic lunch under one of the many beautiful shady trees outside of the mansion, we met with Special Events Coordinator, Rebekah Davis.  As a parent, I was excited to learn that Maymont offers a variety of options for children’s Birthday events;
Birthday at the Barn offers animal lovers a chance to get up close and personal with some fun furry creatures.

 

At the Discovery Party, located in the Nature Center, children enjoy a scavenger hunt and the Discovery Lab Room.
The Horse and Carriage Party includes private rides aboard Maymont’s horse-drawn Wagonette.

My personal favorite is the Victorian Tea Party, located at the Mansion, where “Victorian” ladies serve proper tea on fine linens.
With every Birthday package the Birthday child also receives an “Adopt a Living Thing” certificate. The A.L.T. fund helps pay for food, shelter and care for Maymont’s animals. For more information about Birthday party offers and rates, visit this link; Children’s Birthday Parties.
Maymont also offers a great location for weddings, corporate events and photography sessions.