Yesterday, I accompanied my son to Clark, Pampanga for a one-day educational trip. Their school does this once a year so it was definitely not my first time. However, we usually just go to neighboring cities. The field trip yesterday was the farthest they've been away from school.
I noticed that a lot of his classmates didn't join this year. One of the moms from a different class said that some parents of her son's classmates also decided to skip this year's trip because they already anticipated the journey to be tiresome and costly.
Preparing for a long trip may take some time and could cost a hefty amount of money. However, my husband and I think that the experience and learning that our son will accumulate during these trips are worthy of all the hassle so we make sure to let him come as much as possible.
My son had gone to five educational trips since he started going to school. Here are some tips that I have learned during those journeys.
1. It doesn't hurt to bring extra. For me, bringing extra supplies is a necessity, especially towels, clothes, money, and battery/power bank. Children will always want to run around on a trip, especially if they're with friends, so be prepared for plenty of perspiration and soiled clothes. Bring extra cash in case you will need to hire emergency transport or buy medicines, snacks, tickets for side activities, etc. If possible, take with you an extra cellphone and/or camera battery or power bank to make sure that you will have means of communication throughout the trip and that you will never miss to capture any of your child's memorable moments.
2. Anticipate. You know that it will be a long, hot journey so bring enough drinking water for you and your child. If the trip will last for more than two hours, have your child take medicine for motion sickness (if he or she has no contraindication for it) an hour before the trip. Bring plastic bags that can serve as vomit bag, trash bag, or stash bag for soiled towels and clothes. It also helps to have a small bottle of alcohol and plastic strips on hand in case of emergency. Don't forget to bring umbrella in case the weather takes a bad turn. Also, for long trips, it's okay to bring neck pillows and small blankies.
3. Know the location. Do a background check on the destination of the field trip. Having an idea of what to expect will help you set your priorities and create a contingency plan. Check the public transportation available in case you and your son need to take them for any reason.
4. Know your contact person. Make sure that the teacher and class aid have your number and that you have theirs as well. If possible, get the tour facilitator's and the bus driver's mobile number.
5. Have fun. Don't hover around your child like a mother bird and refrain from being too stiff or strict with him/her. Encourage your child to experience and participate in every part of the trip. Let him/her go with other children in his/her class while keeping your child within visual contact. Most importantly, you should also try to have fun. Mingle with other parents and take the chance to have a casual conversation with the school teachers. After all, a field trip is meant to be a fun-filled learning activity, not just for the students but to their companions as well.
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