Month: February 2013 (Page 2 of 2)

Our SAVY Program for Teens

February 11, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 1 Comment

savy If you’re between the ages of fourteen and seventeen and looking for a way to get involved this summer, while also creating unforgettable memories, then the SAVY program is your answer. What does SAVY stand for, you ask? SAVY is the Society for the Advancement of Volunteer Youths that gives teens the opportunity to give back to their community while also gaining experience in a variety of exciting career fields.

The goals and objectives of Moody Gardens SAVY program include:

To teach participants about different career fields, including biology and education.
To be a program that challenges teens mentally, physically, and socially regardless of sex, color, or creed.
To assist Moody Gardens staff with a variety of duties and responsibilities.
To help participants gain experience they can use for future employment.
To help support Moody Gardens’ mission as a public, non-profit education destination utilizing nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research.
To provide an environment to guests that is both educational and entertaining.

Want to Apply?

Applying to SAVY is a three-part process. First, submit a written SAVY Volunteer application to Moody Gardens. Second, submit at least two letters of recommendation along with your application. We know your favorite aunt knows a lot about you, but the letters of recommendation must from non-relatives. The last part of the application process requires attending a SAVY Open House and a personal interview with members of Moody Gardens Volunteer Services and Education Department.

Open House

On Saturday, April 13, 2012, applicants must come to the open house to informally meet members of the Volunteer Services and Education Department and learn more about the program. The open house also gives participants a chance to meet and get to know each other through fun games and icebreakers. If you plan on being a SAVY volunteer, the open house is mandatory and part of the selection process for the program. Applicants may choose between two three-hour sessions, either at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m.

Orientation

Those accepted into the program for the first time will go to orientation on Saturday June 2 or Monday, June 4, from 9 a.m. -3 p.m. For returning volunteers, orientation will be from 1-5 p.m.

To learn more about the SAVY program, please contact Volunteer Services at 800-582-4673, ext. 4121, or send inquiries via email to savy@moodygardens.com.

When you aren’t volunteering with us, be sure to visit the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, Spa at Moody Gardens, and all our other exciting attractions.

Overnight Adventures with Moody Gardens

February 8, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 1 Comment

There is so much to see, learn, and participate in at Moody Gardens that it is impossible to fit it all into one trip! If your kids just can’t get enough of Moody Gardens, then Overnight Adventures is the solution! Whether you want to set up a Moody Gardens sleepover for friends or for a classroom, we would love to talk to you about the opportunity.

We offer two different overnight adventures. Depending on which adventure you choose, students will spend the night exploring either the Rainforest Pyramid or the Aquarium Pyramid.

Creatures of the Night

With the Creatures of the Night adventures, the kids explore how the rainforest comes alive once the sun goes down. Discover how the nocturnal creatures live by using all five of your senses to find your way through the Rainforest. The adventure includes tons of nighttime rainforest activities, including a tour of the Rainforest Pyramid. The sleepover takes place in the Rainforest Entrance.

Nights on the Reef

Have you always wandered what lives above and below the tropical oceans of the world, and what’s going on during the night? Come spend a night exploring and learning about coral reef inhabitants and how they adapt to their particular environment before getting a night’s rest in the aquarium.

Overnight Adventures run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., and include a late-night pizza snack and a light breakfast. The price is $1,000 for up to 20 people, and $50 for each extra person. Chaperones are required.

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. To make your reservation, or for more information, call 1-800-582-4673, ext. 4325, or email us at education@moodygardens.com.

For a Moody Gardens sleepover that includes the whole family, make your reservations at the Moody Gardens Hotel, one of the best places to stay in Galveston. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Group Volunteer Opportunities

February 7, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

Volunteering is a great way to boost morale and promote team building for your company, organization, or student group. Corporate and group volunteers at Moody Gardens have an opportunity to get involved with ground work and special events, such as the Festival of Lights.

At Moody Gardens, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the help of our incredible volunteers. We depend on them for assistance in many areas of operation.

The Corporate and Group Volunteer Program allows participants to provide hands-on assistance in many areas, including but not limited to:

Gardens and grounds keeping (mulching, planting, and weeding)
Painting
Exhibit upkeep
Event preparation
Cleaning attractions, such as the lazy river and playground structures, and surfaces
Paint and change bulbs for the Festival of Lights
Special events, such as Ghostly Gardens, Easter in the Gardens, and Festival of Lights

Corporate and Group Volunteer Program details:

Weather permitting, groups may volunteer year round
Highest need for volunteers is between September and May
A maximum of 50 volunteers will be accepted
Groups are taken on a first-come, first-served basis
There is a 4-hour minimum requirement
Must be 16 years or older
Children may not accompany adults while volunteering
Each participant must sign a liability waiver

Volunteering with a group gives you the opportunity to become part of the conservation and education efforts that are a major aspect of Moody Gardens. You also have the chance to give back to your community and meet new people.

When you aren’t spending your time helping us out, be sure to check out the popular attractions, such as the Rainforest Pyramid and Aquarium Pyramid. For overnight stays, check out one of the best places to stay in Galveston—the Moody Gardens Hotel. We are so appreciative of our volunteers, and look forward to working with you soon!

Upcoming Events: Birding 101 and Birding 201

February 5, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 1 Comment

egret Moody Gardens is dedicated to educating the community on nature, animals, and conservation. We love getting involved with our guests while also teaching them about the nature and beauty that surrounds us. On our Calendar of Events, some of the exciting things we have coming up are Birding 101 and Birding 201.

Birding 101

Birding 101 is presented by Moody Gardens and the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council. Birding 101 is a class created to educate participants about the variety of bird life that can be seen on Galveston Island. The island is home to hundreds of species of birds such as egrets, herons, hawks, seagulls, and many more. The class is free and held on the second Saturday of each month. We want to be able to excite our people about the bird species we share the area with. Class meets in the Aquarium Pyramid lobby and is from 9-11 a.m.

Birding 201

Birding 201 gives participants a more in depth look at the bird life on the island. The instructor-led classes allow participants to visit certain areas of the island where they can spy some of the tremendous variety of birds. Instead of just teaching participants about the birds, Birding 201 actually takes you out to find them! Classes are held on the third Saturday of each month from 9-11a .m. The class is $5 and participants meet in the Aquarium Pyramid lobby. Moody Gardens will provide transportation. Due to high demand, we ask that you reserve you spot no later than the Wednesday prior to the class by calling 409-683-4101.

Make Moody Gardens the destination for your next family weekend getaways in Texas, and learn more about Galveston’s bird life while you’re here! If you’re on the hunt for one of the best places to stay in Galveston, make your reservations at the Moody Gardens Hotel.

Sea of Love: Valentine’s Dinner at Moody Gardens

February 4, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

valentines Spend your Valentine’s Day on a unique date in Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid. Celebrate the romance by diving into an underwater dining experience! Seating is limited, so book now!

Choose from four different Aquarium Pyramid dining experiences:

Tunnel of Love: Feel as though you’re underwater in our Caribbean Exhibit tunnel. Enjoy your romantic dinner while sharks and other beautiful sea creatures swim overhead.

Sealed with a Kiss: First- and second-level seating is available by the seals and sea lions of the North Pacific Exhibit. These playful animals will add a splash of fun to your dining experience.

Fishin’ for Love: First and second level seating is available in the South Pacific Exhibit. The colorful fish inhabitants provide the perfect backdrop for your romantic evening.

Lovable Penguins: You’ll have to be careful around the penguins of the South Atlantic Exhibit! They’re so cute they may just steal your heart this Valentine’s Day!

Our Lover’s Menu is packed full of delicious options to make the dining experience one to remember!

Soup and Salad (choice of one):

Asparagus Bisque topped with Roasted Pear
Seven Leaf Salad with Fresh Berries and tossed with Raspberry Vinaigrette

Entrée Selection (choice of one):

Colonel’s Rib Eye Steak with Garlic Herb Shrimp served with Red Potatoes
Red Snapped topped with Lump Crab Meat Cream Sauce served with Sauteed Julianne Vegetables
Pan Grilled Chicken Breast topped with Grape Tomato and Porcini Mushroom Sauce served with Char-Grilled Asparagus

Dessert (YUM!):

Chocolate Heart Shaped Tiramisu for two: three-layer sponge cake with mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, whipped cream, coffee liqueur, chocolate shavings, and topped with cocoa. Served with Bailey’s whipped cream.

This special Sea of Love Valentine’s Dinner is $80 per couple (does not include tax and gratuity). The event is from 6-8 p.m. on February 14, 2013.

Go ahead and turn the evening into an overnight romantic rendezvous with our special Valentine’s Hotel Package. For only $255, the package includes:

Valentine’s dinner
Chocolate covered strawberries
Breakfast for two
Behind the scenes tour of the Aquarium Pyramid on Friday morning

Discover why Moody Gardens Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Galveston.

Make your reservations TODAY! Call 1-800-582-4673 ext. 4200.

Learn More About the Animal Residents

February 1, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

At Moody Gardens, we have thousands of animal residents and a huge variety of different species! Keep reading to learn more about these exciting creatures from all over the world.

pygmy loris

Pygmy Loris: A Pygmy loris is a mammal that can be found in the rainforests and bamboo groves throughout Asia, including China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. This wooly creature has a brown coat and grows to be up to ten inches long and weighs about two pounds. They are recognized by their large eyes and small ears. Pygmy lorises are nocturnal animals that feed on small invertebrates, eggs, small reptiles, fruits, and vegetation. They can easily climb trees because of their opposable thumbs and strong hands and feet. The Pygmy loris is a threatened species, but cooperative breeding and conservation by various organizations is helping to ensure their survival.

Gentoo Penguins: We have a special place in our heart for the penguin residents at Moody Gardens! The Gentoo penguin can be found on the sub-Antarctic islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. They are recognizable by their red eyes ringed in white feathers, with a white patch above each eye that extends over their head. Their black beak has a vibrant orange “swish” and they waddle around on orange feet. The Gentoo penguin is listed as a lower risk-near threatened species because of habitat destruction.

animals at mg

Ocelot: The ocelot is an endangered medium-sized wild cat with tawny fur and irregular dark brown spots and stripes. They come from arid and forested habitats all over the world, including many parts of Central and South America. Ocelots are terrific swimmers that hunt during the night feeding on small deer, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, birds, other small mammals, and sometimes they go fishing!

To learn more about the animals at Moody Gardens, come explore the Aquarium Pyramid and Rainforest Pyramid. Moody Gardens is the perfect destination for your next family weekend getaways in Texas.