How much spending money should my child bring?

Ideally, send your child with extra cash on hand or a debit card to cover extra meals ($10-20 per meal), snacks, and an allowance for souvenirs during the trip.

Can my child have food and drink on the bus?

You are encouraged to pack snacks and be prepared in case of traffic on a long bus ride. Drinks with lids are encouraged, however check with your group leader about any food or drink restrictions.

What type of clothes should I pack for my trip?

Make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, comfortable clothes for the bus ride, and layered clothing for warmth. Remember your performance uniform/outfit if your group is planning to perform. NOTE: Check with your group leader regarding school policies on “proper attire.”

Here’s a sample packing list:

Clothing:

• t-shirts and long-sleeved shirts

• sweater, jacket, poncho (dollar store)-for cooler nights and rainy days

• pants or shorts

• belt

• socks

• comfortable shoes

• sleepwear

• underwear

• glasses/contact lenses/sunglasses

• hat or sun visor

• swimsuit

• uniform for performances

Toiletries:

• toothbrush/toothpaste

• hairbrush/comb

• deodorant

• sunscreen

• medical supplies

• hand sanitizer

• hair products

• dirty laundry bag

Travel Entertainment:

• books/magazines

• deck of cards

• camera

• cell phone and charger

• journal

• band/orchestra instruments

Travel Documents:

• passport if necessary

• Student ID

• spending money

Being a chaperone is a super rewarding job. Group leaders are grateful for your willingness to be a partner, and parents are more at ease knowing responsible adults are keeping a watchful eye on their child. Trips can’t happen without chaperones like you along for the adventure!

As a chaperone, think of your role as another set of eyes and ears as an extension of leadership.

You’ll help to manage a group of middle and/or high school students who may be excited and rambunctious or anxious and withdrawn. You’ll help them stick to a tight, fast-moving schedule and keep things running smoothly. Even if your child is on the trip, you’ll need to prioritize the needs of the entire group. You may be responsible for constant tasks from morning through evening, and need to understand that the trip is not a vacation.

Finally, you’ll proudly represent your school or organization and model appropriate behavior at all times.

Responsibilities:

• Actively support the mission and travel goals of the organization as well as value the rules and expectations set forth by the group leader, hotel, and venue(s).

• Be aware of the daily itinerary and adhere to meeting times and designated meeting locations for your group.

• Check attendance in your student groups’ rooms and make sure students stay on their floor.

• Remind your group of items they will need each day.

• Make sure student rooms are in order and that nothing is missing or broken, upon hotel check-out.

• Maintain emergency contact information and keep a travel first-aid kit on-hand

• Report any issues to the group leader.

Skills and attributes:

• Is inclusive of students of diverse backgrounds and ages.

• Must enjoy middle and high school-aged students.

• Ability to stay flexible and shift gears to attend to the unexpected.

• Follows instructions and has solid time management skills.

• Positive, energetic, kind, and attentive

Your group leader will carry a cell phone and provide contact numbers. Our team is on call for your group leader 24/7 while your child is traveling to help with any emergency issues that arise. You are also encouraged to check with your school or organization about special emergency procedures.

Your group leader will work with the travel planner to accommodate your child’s specific needs.

Food:

Most group travel menus include a pizza party, diet-specific dining items, such as gluten-free, nut-free, or dairy-free can be made available. Make sure to alert your group leader to any food allergies your child may have so that an updated list can be provided.

Rooming:

While special requests for separate beds or pull-out sofa cannot be guaranteed, let your group leader know early to see what’s possible.

How can group leaders and chaperones ensure motorcoach safety?

1. Prior to departure, request that your driver talks to the group about motorcoach safety. Your driver may present or play a safety video from the motorcoach company. Be sure that all passengers pay attention and locate emergency exits and equipment.

2. Ask for your driver’s contact info. If there’s a change in your schedule, you may need to adjust the times and locations of pickups/dropoffs.

3. Monitor student behavior throughout the trip. Chaperones should be alerted to safety regulations and be sure that students comply.

4. Remain in your seats while the motorcoach is moving. If there are seatbelts, insist that all passengers wear them.

5. Maintain clear aisles. Keep them free from backpacks and baggage items.

6. Store overhead items securely. Heavy items should not be stored in overhead compartments.

7. Don’t leave valuables unattended inside the motorcoach.

8. Keep an open seat near the front of the motorcoach in case anyone suffers from motion sickness or needs assistance.

9. Check on your driver throughout the trip. Don’t engage in conversations for long periods of time, but check that the driver is alert.

10. Refrain from distracting the driver. He or she must be 100% attentive while driving.

Download our Student Travel Safety Guide .