What is the Get Smart program?

The Get Smart program is an initiative of Island Farms, BC Transit and the Royal BC Museum. Together these local organizations have created a program that helps schools access the incredible programs offered by the RBCM in a way that is cost effective and easy to manage.

BC Transit, Island Farms and RBCM believe in a healthy environment, healthy bodies and healthy minds. Together they encourage local schools to get smart about BC's human and natural history; get smart about the environment by using BC Transit; and get smart about good nutrition by choosing Island Farms products.

What role does each organisation play?

The partnership roles are: the Royal BC Museum provides the school programs; BC Transit provides transportation and Island Farms provides higher-value Daisy Dollars and nutritious snacks.

Who is this Program for?

The Program is open to any school within the Greater Victoria Area, specifically grades Kindergarten to seven (K-7).

When can I book my class program?

The Royal BC Museum is taking bookings late September for the October 2006 - May 2007 Program year. Visit their Website at www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca to find out about the School Programs and available dates.

Remember to leave your class enough time to collect your Get Smart Daisy Dollars.

How do I sign up for the Daisy Dollar Program?

Sign up for the Get Smart Daisy Dollar Program on the Island Farms' Website at www.islandfarms.com.

Make sure you specify that your Daisy Dollars are for the Get Smart program.

How do I find out how to get there by bus?

Please print and complete this Group Booking form, then call Customer Information at 382-6161 (and press 0) three days before your scheduled School Program date.

We want you to fill out the form beforehand so that you have all the necessary information ready for the customer service agent. Plus, it's a record for your files.

Are there any travel restrictions?

Please ensure that your class is not travelling during commuter rush hours (7:30-9:00 a.m. and 3:00-5:00 p.m.). Also, if your group is over 25 large, you may have to split into two smaller groups.

How do we pay for our travel?

The Victoria Regional Transit System has a Family Travel Program that makes it affordable and easy for adults to travel with children. An adult (aged 19 years or older) using a transit pass (day, monthly, ProPass etc) may travel with up to four children aged 12 and younger.

For those classes not travelling on the Family Travel Program, please have the exact fare ready.

How do we get the kids on the bus?

When you see the bus approaching, please line up one adult and four children in a row, then another adult and four children, etc. The adults should all have their passes out and ready to show to the bus driver.

Am I able to get the same discount on BC Transit for other school trips?

Yes. The above information pertains to any trip you wish to take with your class.

Feedback

Your feedback is important as we develop the Get Smart program. If your class participated in the program, please let us know how it worked for you and your students by sending a note to: rbcm_groups@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca. Or, fill in the Get Smart section of the RBCM school program evaluation form provided on the day of your program.