Day Programs

Day Group Reservation Requests

Looking to bring a day group to Burton 4-H Center? We would love to host you! Because our main calendar focuses on overnight trips, we open day group reservations up to 6 months in advance, filling open gaps in our overnight schedule. Because of this, day group availability is limited, but we do our absolute best to accommodate you!

To help you plan, here is a quick look at how our day programs work:

• Sharing the Space: Our daily schedule operates alongside our ongoing overnight programs. When you book a day trip, you’re jumping right into a daytime version of our classic overnight experience!

• Group Size & Flexibility: On any given day, we can comfortably manage up to 4 classes (split into 8 teaching groups) at one time. If you have a larger grade level, we may just need to get creative and spread your visit across multiple days to make sure every student gets the full experience.

Ready to check availability? Complete our online Environmental Education Reservation Form to submit your request. Because slots are in high demand, we will review our calendar and get back to you within 48 hours with a confirmation or the next best dates for your group!

Day Program Offerings:

BEACH ECOLOGY  – 2 HOURS

Introduction to coastal Georgia’s beaches.

• Topics include: Zones of the beach, barrier islands, biotic and abiotic factors, erosion and deposition, dune stabilization, native plant and animal species identification, and beachcombing.
• Methods: Students apply what they learn by going to the beach and participating in hands-on activities.
• What to Wear: Clothes and shoes (sandals, water shoes, crocs, closed-toe shoes) that can get wet and sandy are strongly recommended. Otherwise, plan to dress for the season with comfortable, quick-dry clothing, layers, sunscreen and/or bug spray. Students may be allowed to take their shoes off at the beach.
• Transportation: 14-passenger minibus transportation is the only vehicle option due to Tybee Island parking limits. Burton staff will organize transportation for 13:1 or 12:2 student to adult ratio teaching groups. Overflow adults may follow the minibus to the location.
• Water Rules: Students will be allowed to go ankle deep in water if weather, water conditions, and instructors’ permit.

SALT MARSH ECOLOGY  – 2 HOURS

Introduction to Georgia’s salt marshes.

• Topics include: Zones of the salt marsh, plankton identification, tides, functions of wetlands, living shorelines, trophic levels, and native plant and animal species identification.
• Methods: Students apply what they learn by going to the salt marsh and participating in hands-on activities.
• What to Wear: Rain/muck boots are required. Boots can be borrowed from our famous “Wall of Lost Soles” (boot wall) on-site. Clothes and shoes that can get muddy and wet are strongly recommended.
• Transportation: Provided by Burton 4-H Center “muddy” school buses or 14-passenger minibuses.

MARITIME FOREST ECOLOGY – 2 HOURS

Introduction to Georgia’s maritime forests and barrier island ecology.

• Topics include: Zones of a coastal maritime forest, barrier islands, biotic and abiotic factors, succession, trophic levels, food webs and chains, pioneer species, and native plant and animal species identification.
• Methods: Students will visit a maritime forest to identify different species and their roles in an island ecosystem.
• What to wear: Closed-toe shoes ONLY. Otherwise, comfortable clothing, bug spray, and/or sunscreen.
• Transportation: Please arrange your own transportation for the group. Your educator will guide your driver to the trails location at Fort Pulaski National Monument.

CHELONIOLOGY (SEATURTLES)  –  1 HOUR

Introduction to the life cycle of sea turtles.

• Topics include: Sea turtle life cycle, species of sea turtles, conservation, threats and impacts, sustainability, bio-facts, ecosystem roles, and loggerhead sea turtle facts.
• Methods: Students will get to view and meet our sea turtle animal ambassador(s), interact with bio-facts, play sea turtle related games and learn how they can help protect sea turtles.
• What to wear: Shoes with heel straps or closed-toe shoes. Otherwise, comfortable clothing.
• Transportation: The entire class is on-site.

 ORINTHOLOGY (BIRDS)  – 2 HOURS

Introduction to the study of birds.

• Topics include: characteristics of birds, beak and bill adaptations, niches, ecosystem roles, skills of using binoculars, field guides, and native bird species identification.
• Methods: Students will learn about bird anatomy and adaptations, species identification, and how to use ID guides and binoculars. Part of the class will take place at the beach and salt marsh for “birding.”
• Transportation: Provided by Burton 4-H Center school buses or 14-passenger minibuses.
• What to wear: Shoes with heel straps or closed-toe shoes. Otherwise, comfortable clothing. Shoes stay on throughout class.

MARINE INVERTEBRATES  – 1 HOUR OR  2 HOURS

Introduction to marine invertebrates and phyla.

• Topics include: Taxonomy, characteristics of invertebrates vs. vertebrates, marine phyla, invertebrate identification, fouling communities, intertidal zones, and ecosystem roles.
• Methods: Students will observe and interact with marine invertebrates in the discovery tanks, learn about fouling communities and zones, use dip nets for collecting marine invertebrates, use marine invertebrate identification field guides and observe their findings under microscopes.
• What to wear: Shoes with heel straps or closed-toe shoes. Otherwise, comfortable clothing.
• Transportation: The entire class is on-site.
• Additional Info: This class is not available if taking Coastal Critters because marine invertebrates will be covered during that class.

HERPETOLOGY (REPTILES)   – 1 HOUR OR  2 HOURS

Introduction to native and nonnative reptiles of the Southeast.

• Topics include: Reptile characteristics, reptiles vs amphibians, venomous vs poisonous, native vs nonnative species, keystone species, ecological roles, adaptations, misconceptions and conservation.
• Methods: Students will learn about reptiles by observing and interacting with our animal ambassadors.
• What to wear: Shoes with heel straps or closed-toe shoes. Otherwise, comfortable inside and outside clothing.
• Transportation: The entire class is on-site.
• Additional Info: This class is not available if taking Coastal Critters because herpetology (reptiles) will be covered during that class.

TEUTHOLOGY (SQUID DISSECTION)  –  1 HOUR

Introduction to dissections and Mollusca anatomy.

• Topics include: External and internal anatomy, adaptations, squid life cycle, trophic levels, marine invertebrates, taxonomy, importance of squid and significance to humans.
• Methods: Students will learn dissection procedures and how unique squids are through guided dissection. This is a great first dissection class!
• What to wear: Required closed-toe shoes. Crocs are not considered closed-toed. Otherwise, comfortable clothing.
• Transportation: The entire class is on-site.
• Additional Information: The squids used in this dissection class are considered “by-catch” fishing bait. Squids vary in size and contain no formaldehyde. The squids will be repurposed to feed animal ambassadors at the Burton 4-H Center!
• Costs: If requesting this class, please confirm final cost beforehand. The additional price per student is subjective to increase and reflect market prices. Minimum base cost per student is $1.50 per student (1 squid per student).

ICHTHYOLOGY (SHARK DISSECTION) –  2 HOURS

Introduction to dissection and fish anatomy.

• Topics include: Marine vertebrates, fish biology, species and characteristics of sharks, shark internal and external anatomy, anatomical systems, importance of sharks, tropic levels, ecosystem roles, conservation, reasons to dissect and facts about sharks.
• Methods: Students will learn safe dissection procedures and how unique sharks are through a guided dissection. This is a great advanced dissection class.
• What to wear: Required closed-toe shoes. Crocs are not considered closed-toe. Otherwise, comfortable clothing. Students will be provided with gloves and safety eyewear.
• Transportation: The entire class is on-site.
• Additional Information: The sharks dissected are “by-catch” and are preserved in formaldehyde. For an inexpensive dissection, the sharks we purchase are considered “failed injections.” There may be latex spread throughout the shark. The specimen is still in perfect condition.
• Costs: If requesting this class, please confirm final cost beforehand. The additional price per student is subjective to increase and reflect market prices. Minimum base cost per student is $9.00 per student (1 shark per 2 students). Please note rate is subject to change based on shark availability.

SEINE NETS (SURF SLEUTH)  – 2 HOURS

Introduction to scientific data collection, fishing and team building.

• Topics include: Data collection, what a seine net is and how to use it, coastal fish of Georgia, and parts of a fish.
• Methods: Students will go to the beach and use a seine net to catch and record species living in coastal Georgia’s waters. Burton staff will record student data and results for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
• What to Wear: Required to wear shoes in the water during class. Clothes and durable shoes (sandals with a back strap, water shoes, or closed-toe shoes) that can get wet and sandy are strongly suggested. No crocs allowed. Clothing must be worn over bathing suits.
• Transportation: Provided by Burton 4-H Center school buses or 14-passenger minibuses.
• Water Rules: Swimming is NOT permitted. Students will only be allowed to go knee deep in the water.
• Additional Information: For the safety of instructors and groups, students DO NOT go seining if there is a weather advisory, water advisory, wind advisory and/or temperature concerns. Please provide a back-up class in addition to your class selections as inclement conditions may occur even during warmer months.
• Seasonal: Available from March-October depending on seasonal conditions.

Please find below helpful trip planning documents, forms, and links to make your day program a success with the Burton 4-H Center!:

What to wear & pack:

• Day Program (no meals or lodging) Packing List
• UGA Shoe Rules & Requirements

Burton 4-H Center can provide pick-up and drop-off transportation for day programs for Savannah-Chatham County Schools. Burton 4-H transportation allows schools to maximize their day program schedule and not conflict with school bus routes.

Transportation is an additional price per person (both students and teachers).

Schools in Effingham or Bryan counties interested in Burton 4-H transportation, please enquire with Erine-Fay McNaught at erinefay.mcnaught@uga.edu.

Day Trip Packing List for Environmental Education Programs 

 You will find a general packing list below for day trip programs where meals and lodging are not provided. Please adjust clothing as needed based on the season you are visiting and classes participating in. Label all items with student and school names. Only old clothes are needed; Pack and wear clothes that can get dirty, sandy, and muddy! New clothes may be ruined with heavy outdoor use. Please note that Burton 4-H Center is not responsible for broken, lost, or stolen items. 

WHAT TO BRING

• Reusable water bottle (MUST HAVE!!!!) 
• Sack lunch  (if not taking meal service at Burton)
• Snacks 
• Day pack, backpack, fanny pack 
• Change of dry clothes  
• Wet and dry shoes (plan for two pair of shoes – one to get wet and one to stay dry) 
• Rubber Boots (rainy days and are required for salt marsh ecology- guests may also visit the “Wall of Lost Soles” to borrow a pair; please note there is limited availability of sizes) 
• Closed toe shoes (required for dissection classes) 
• Strapped sandals or closed toe water shoes (examples: Tevas, Chacos, sandals with a back strap) 
• Crocs are allowed to be worn with heel strap only – please note, these are not ideal shoes for programs and not allowed during dissection classes
• Combination of long sleeve/short sleeve t-shirts  
• Combination of long pants/shorts 
• Raincoat and/or rain gear  
• Sweater/sweatshirt/jacket 
• Jacket (including gloves, scarf, warm hat, etc. if cold) 
• Hat/cap/visor 
• Sunglasses  
• Waterproof sunscreen  
• Insect Repellent  
• Lip balm/chapstick 
• Plastic garbage bag for wet/dirty clothes 

OPTIONAL ITEMS

• Money for canteen (gift/snack shop) – please bring cash or check only as we do not process credit cards 
• Quarters and dollar bills for vending machine 
• Camera / disposable camera 
• Binoculars 
• Pencil, paper for journals 
• Resealable bags for collecting seashells 
• Burton 4-H Journal Questions with pencils  
• Fabric softener sheets (for gnats) 
• Folding chairs (for adults with limited mobility and/or supervising students on-site during free time) 
• Reusable coffee mug (adults only)  
• Crocs are allowed (with heel strap only), but not recommended. For safety and comfort during outdoor activities, supportive “active” footwear (like tennis shoes or strapped athletic sandals) is highly preferred

LEAVE AT HOME – DO NOT BRING

• Cell phones (not allowed in classes) 
• Flip-flops or slides (not allowed in classes, all shoes are required to have a heel-strap) 
• Candy, gum, soda (not allowed in buildings) 
• Knives/weapons (of any kind) 
• Fishing equipment 
• Fireworks 
• Electronic equipment (video games, speakers, EarPods, etc.)  
• Megaphones 
• Excessive cash or change 
• Inappropriate clothing  
• Items of great value (emotional or monetary)  

Burton 4-H Classes correlate with Georgia Standards of Excellence. Please view which classes best fit for your grades standards below.

• K-2 GSE Standards
• 3-5 GSE Standards
• 6-8 GSE Standards
• 9-12 GSE Standards

Please note the listed rates are for July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027 ONLY.