A field trip is one of the most exciting parts of school life. It is an amalgamation of adventure and getting to spend time together with friends while learning more about the world. As enjoyable as it is for kids, the parents and teachers get a little tired because they have to constantly keep an eye on the kids and instruct them carefully on what to do and what not to.
There are many things to keep in mind while you plan a field trip. You need to know where to go, the date and time of departure, where exactly to rent coach buses for the trip, and so much else. But as long as you keep certain things in mind, planning a field trip should be as easy as cake.
1. The Destination
While the idea of traveling without maps and roads might sound fantastic, it can spell disaster while on a field trip, so you need to plan way about where exactly you want to take the kids. Since field trips are designed to be educational in nature, it is important to choose a place that can provide kids just that. It can be a famous museum, art gallery, or a zoological park even, but make sure it does enough to contribute to the subject’s overall learning. Before you fully decide on the destination, make sure to call the particular place up and make sure that the museum or zoo remains open while you people are visiting.
2. Booking the buses
Since you will be taking your class and some of their parents as chaperones, you will need an appropriate bus for the tour. For the kind of trip you will be making, you can rent coach or charter buses. These buses usually have restrooms, air conditioning, and even WiFi, just if you want to remain connected. Since there will be a lot of children, the restrooms will be of great advantage. The air conditioning will be really comforting for long trips, and the seating arrangements will be adequate for everyone.
Emergency stops
Map out the roads first, and chalk out the pit stops to want to take a break if need be. Someone might even fall sick or feel nauseated during the trip, so chalk out a proper stop if you or even the driver needs to take a break.
Packing all the important stuff
You should make a list of all the things you are going to need or very likely to require on the trip, and you should instruct your students to do the same. Passports, torches, sleeping bags, first aid kits, identity documents, a fresh set of clothes and underwear, a netted bag for the dirty clothes, neck holder, notebooks, pencils, camera (to document zoo visits), measuring equipment, and wind jacket or raincoats. Pack all these in a backpack lined with a waterproof fabric- it is going to be very helpful against the rain.
Choose your tour guide beforehand.
It would help if you chose a guide who will be friendly and helpful because you will have kids with you. So brash tour guides will be an unpleasant addition.
Contact the Venue
You have to call the venue to inform them that you will require some necessary amenities. Let them know how many people will be coming, sort them into groups of adults and children, specify the places you are most likely to visit and when approximately you will be arriving there. Also, keep your options open regarding the venues, as some might be more affordable than others.
Keep your emergency contacts handy, just in case something untoward happens and you feel the need to reach out for damage control. Make sure you have a back-up location ready so that if one museum remains closed, you can visit another one in a different city. If you follow these tips, I guarantee that you will enjoy a smooth and easy field trip.
