Did You Know? Since 1995 SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Adventure CampsSM have played host to nearly 300,000 campers, hailing from all 50 U.S. states and 22 countries. View More » SeaWorld Employees Dedicated to Helping... » A New Home to Roam at BGW » The Great Pelican Rescue of 2004 » A Manatee’s Best Friend » Welcome Rob Yordi » SeaWorld Orlando Brings World of Wildlife to Disadvantaged Schools » New Adventure Camp Complex Opens at SeaWorld San Diego » Crew Members Hit the Beach » Small Bird Gets Big Boost from SWSD "Taking artifacts, animal dress-ups and knowledge to the students gets them excited and encourages them to protect animals," said Leigh Anne Marsh, a SeaWorld instructor who has visited Princeton Elementary for several years. "That's definitely a passion we want to spark." In addition to benefiting from regular visits from a SeaWorld instructor, every student at a PIE partner school is given the opportunity to participate in one of three park education programs, such as a complimentary outreach program, a SeaWorld field trip visit or a sleepover in one of five animal attractions. SeaWorld also provides resources to enhance in-classroom learning programs. The department often donates SeaWorld publications, videos and classroom aids such as posters, bookmarks and craft supplies for teachers and students. "I can't say enough about our partnership," said Dr. Margaret Osteen, principal at Princeton Elementary. "SeaWorld always finds ways to share information with the children that fits what we are teaching for state benchmarks."

SeaWorld Orlando Brings World of Wildlife to Disadvantaged Schools

By Geni Garza, SeaWorld Orlando Each year, SeaWorld Orlando's education department plays host to more than 70,000 students and teachers who participate in the park's popular field trip programs. Bringing the fun to a few special area schools, however, is the department's best-kept secret. For the past seven years, the park's education department, in conjunction with Orange County Public Schools, has participated in Central Florida's Partners in Education program. A nationwide, grassroots endeavor designed to get businesses involved in their community, Partners in Education (PIE) links companies with schools in need. PIE businesses donate time and resources to provide additional educational opportunities for students. The PIE schools that SeaWorld Orlando supports are classified as Title I, or schools that primarily consist of high-poverty, disadvantaged children. The park works with all grade levels, from elementary through high school. Princeton Elementary, a science magnet school, has been a SeaWorld PIE partner school for several years. During this time, SeaWorld has made monthly classroom visits, working directly with teachers to excite students about everything from endangered species to predator/prey relationships. These visits also have included SeaWorld participation in school functions and fundraisers. In February 2003, Princeton kicked off its 75th anniversary with a parade and celebration. As part of the festivities, SeaWorld educators answered animal questions and brought along a costumed character.