Sounds scary, huh? It's not as bad as you think!! I want to share a few things about field trips, including how to plan them, the positive side of being the leader, and even a couple of negatives. I don't want them to scare you; I just want you to learn from our mistakes!
First, decide where you want to go. Unsure? There are a couple of ways to narrow your ideas down. What are your kids studying? That's always my first focus. For example, if we are studying nature, then let’s go to Pinnacle Mountain. No, you don't have to climb the mountain. There are several trails that don't require you to trek up the mountainside. Plus the visitor’s center is full of hands-on learning activities and resources. Also, Pinnacle Mountain Park Interpreters offer free programs all the time, and they will set up a specific class for your students if you call them and request it. The Witt Stephens Nature Center downtown is another good option. Another way to narrow down your field trip ideas is to ask your kiddos what they want to do. After all, they are the ones who are learning, and following their interests will encourage their love for learning! Also, a lot of places have teachers' guides on their websites, so you can introduce concepts prior to the field trip date. One positive of heading up the trip is you get to decide where to go!
Second step in the process is to make a call to the destination. Ask them what programs they offer and if they have group discounts, homeschool/teacher discounts? Decide on a program and set a date with them. Be sure to check the CARH Yahoo Group calendar to make sure there are not any scheduling conflicts! Also, be sure to list the age range of the field trip so families can decide if the field trip suits their family's needs! You don’t want teens showing up to a class that’s geared towards Kindergarten kiddos! Another advantage of heading up the trip is you get to go WHEN you want to go!
Third, figure out who wants to join you on the field trip. Send out an email to the membership via the Yahoo Group to let them know you are going and invite them to join you! Another advantage of being the organizer of the field trip is you get to meet new moms who sign up or call you with a question, AND your kiddos get to make new friends! This is also where negatives come into play. Some times families don't show. If it is a free field trip, or a park day, no-shows aren't a big deal. To help with this, I would always ask who plans on attending the field trip and keep a list for yourself. I would also ask that if they change their mind or are not going to be able to make it, to please let you know. If it’s a trip that cost money, I would plan it far enough ahead that you have time to collect money ahead of time from all who commit. I encourage you to have them mail it to you or meet you somewhere to collect. DO NOT allow them to pay you on site. The reasons are simple. For some field trips you depend on the numbers and payment in order to secure a group discount. If families don’t show, guess who pays. Either you pay the difference, or every participant loses the discount and pays the higher price.
So, are you ready to get some trips on the calendar? It’s not hard nor as scary as you think! A good place to start for ideas is our database (on the CARH Yahoo Group) or look at our past events! It is chocked full of ideas for trips! The positives outweigh the negatives, so please don’t let that scare you away!
Still unsure about it? Pair up with a friend and work on a trip together. If that’s not an option, ask one of the board members to help you organize a field trip. They are always willing to support the members when planning something for the group!
Submitted by CARH Member Christa Darr
First, decide where you want to go. Unsure? There are a couple of ways to narrow your ideas down. What are your kids studying? That's always my first focus. For example, if we are studying nature, then let’s go to Pinnacle Mountain. No, you don't have to climb the mountain. There are several trails that don't require you to trek up the mountainside. Plus the visitor’s center is full of hands-on learning activities and resources. Also, Pinnacle Mountain Park Interpreters offer free programs all the time, and they will set up a specific class for your students if you call them and request it. The Witt Stephens Nature Center downtown is another good option. Another way to narrow down your field trip ideas is to ask your kiddos what they want to do. After all, they are the ones who are learning, and following their interests will encourage their love for learning! Also, a lot of places have teachers' guides on their websites, so you can introduce concepts prior to the field trip date. One positive of heading up the trip is you get to decide where to go!
Second step in the process is to make a call to the destination. Ask them what programs they offer and if they have group discounts, homeschool/teacher discounts? Decide on a program and set a date with them. Be sure to check the CARH Yahoo Group calendar to make sure there are not any scheduling conflicts! Also, be sure to list the age range of the field trip so families can decide if the field trip suits their family's needs! You don’t want teens showing up to a class that’s geared towards Kindergarten kiddos! Another advantage of heading up the trip is you get to go WHEN you want to go!
Third, figure out who wants to join you on the field trip. Send out an email to the membership via the Yahoo Group to let them know you are going and invite them to join you! Another advantage of being the organizer of the field trip is you get to meet new moms who sign up or call you with a question, AND your kiddos get to make new friends! This is also where negatives come into play. Some times families don't show. If it is a free field trip, or a park day, no-shows aren't a big deal. To help with this, I would always ask who plans on attending the field trip and keep a list for yourself. I would also ask that if they change their mind or are not going to be able to make it, to please let you know. If it’s a trip that cost money, I would plan it far enough ahead that you have time to collect money ahead of time from all who commit. I encourage you to have them mail it to you or meet you somewhere to collect. DO NOT allow them to pay you on site. The reasons are simple. For some field trips you depend on the numbers and payment in order to secure a group discount. If families don’t show, guess who pays. Either you pay the difference, or every participant loses the discount and pays the higher price.
So, are you ready to get some trips on the calendar? It’s not hard nor as scary as you think! A good place to start for ideas is our database (on the CARH Yahoo Group) or look at our past events! It is chocked full of ideas for trips! The positives outweigh the negatives, so please don’t let that scare you away!
Still unsure about it? Pair up with a friend and work on a trip together. If that’s not an option, ask one of the board members to help you organize a field trip. They are always willing to support the members when planning something for the group!
Submitted by CARH Member Christa Darr
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