On the Road with FCCLA

Traveling with students can be a great opportunity to get to know students on a new level. With Cluster meetings right around the corner, many students and advisers are getting ready for their first overnight trip together. For some students this may be their first trip without mom and dad. Traveling with a group is very different than traveling with a family. The rules and expectations are different, it is important to have activities planned ahead, share the schedule with everyone and discuss school policies before leaving on the trip.

For advisers, taking students on overnight trips is an enormous responsibility. The behavior of students reflects on the organization, state association, school and community. Meeting with students and their parents prior to leaving for an overnight trip is an important first step for preparing students for the opportunity and to insure that everyone has the same expectations.

Many states require a code of conduct be signed by members; schools require paperwork as well.. Other forms may include medical releases, school contracts and contact information.  Make copies of these items and carry them with you. Discussing what the code of conduct means and school policies with students and their parents will also ensure that students understand what each item means. Making sure students know the consequences of poor behavior prior to the trip may help discourage poor behavior.

An established schedule is also an important component of preparing everyone for the experience. A schedule of conference events, dress code and activities will help everyone enjoy their trip more. It is also discouraging to wait for people who can’t remember what time the bus is leaving, what they are supposed to wear, where they are going or what they will be doing once they get there.

Having extra adults help chaperone can be a blessing or a nightmare.  A chaperone should be someone who knows and has worked with the students prior to leaving on the trip. Teens love to be active and experience everything on their trip; chaperones need to be able to keep up with the young people and not complain or hold them back.

Having traveled with students to several conferences, the best advice is be proactive, get organized, get their digits and learn to text, learn to like their music, help them plan activities to keep them busy and take a nap before you leave. And if you are traveling by bus, don’t always ride in the front of the bus, move around, visit with student and provide them a treat bag!

What are some tips you have discovered when traveling with students?