First and foremost, the safety of all students on a school field trip to Washington D.C. is the number one concern for any trip sponsor and parent when putting together a school trip. In taking any large group of students deep into the heart of a busy city, much planning must be forwarded with a solid plan in place that has been refined to ensure the well-being of all students on the venture. As Student Adventures, we put safety on every turn of planning and execution of trips. Here are some essential tips to help you keep your Washington D.C. School trip safe, secure, and stress-free.
Establish a Buddy System
- A buddy system maintains accountability with the children and ensures no one child will be left behind. Pairing them up allows them to look out for one another and provides a layer of security, especially in crowded areas. Rotate buddies every now and then so each student has a new peer to interact with while still keeping track of one another.
You may want to divide into chaperone groups, especially when there is a large number involved, in order for the parent volunteers or teachers to take charge of small groups. Extra supervision keeps everyone organized and accounted for in times of confusion.
Establish Clear Processes for Emergency Contacts
First among these would be to put in place an effective and proper line of emergency contact procedure. Ensure each student has a list; things like chaperone phone numbers are important, along with having a primary central meeting location in case some from the group get separated. The detailed plan at Student Adventures will mention the procedures in cases of such eventualities, including meeting points and emergency facilities. Make sure students understand the seriousness of such a protocol. It would be good to have a quick drill or review session prior to arriving in D.C.
Have a First Aid Kit Available
Accidents and minor injuries do happen, even when everyone seems to be having the best of times on a trip. Be prepared with a first aid kit that contains items like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and prescription medication for particular students. Also, chaperones should be informed about allergies or special medical needs of students.
It is also a godsend to have chaperones trained in basic first aid and CPR if an injury or other serious incident takes place. Sometimes having someone immediately able to respond to minor incidents can make all the difference in the world, and everyone will feel a bit more at ease.
Identify a Safe Meeting Location for Each Venue
Every time the group enters a new location, designate a meeting spot to which they can return if the members get separated. This is a place that should be highly visible and easy to reach, like an entrance or a landmark with conspicuous markings. Impress on them the need to wait at that location before proceeding to other sublocations within.
Practicing the meeting point at each location can help students memorize these points and avoid confusion, especially when everyone has to stick together in places that are highly crowded, like museums or monuments.
Train Students in City Safety Basics
Take a minute or two to go over some very basic, general safety tips. Please remind them to be aware of their surroundings, not to get off on their own, and to secure valuables. Remind them of the importance of staying in their assigned groups and, furthermore, following all instructions given by chaperones.
Also, remind students to charge their phones throughout the day so they can phone a chaperone if necessary. Remind them that in a city like Washington D.C, one must be constantly aware and responsible.
Trust Student Adventures for Safety
With over 85% of our tours based around Washington D.C., Student Adventures has the experience and resources to make sure students and chaperones have a fun, yet safe, trip. From selecting safe places to lodge to reserving safe transportation to guiding students through busy areas, we’re committed to a safe experience at each stop throughout. Our team is prepared for every eventuality and will be there to guide and reassure you, so you may not have any problems distracting you from making this trip an experience your students will remember.
We hope this guide gave you the insight you needed to begin planning your next Washington, D.C. field trip. For a tailored program prepared with your students in mind, don’t hesitate to call Student Adventures at 1-877-873-7550 or email us at info@studentadventures.org!