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Easy Steps for a Successful Field Trip

Anyone can arrange a field trip. They are easy to set up, but do require some planning and organization. Here are seven easy steps to follow.

1. Decide: Decide exactly what you want to happen at the field trip, the age group to which you want to gear the trip, and when you can attend the trip. Have two or three dates in mind so that you can be somewhat flexible in the event your first date isn't possible for the organization you wish to visit. If you arrange a field trip you need to be at the field trip so that you can be sure that everything goes smoothly. BHEA has a good reputation in the community and we don't want a poorly run field trip to tarnish that reputation. If you want to be sure that the dates you select do not conflict with other BHEA events contact the activities coordinator to check the calendar.

2. Contact: Arrange the filed trip with the organization you wish to visit. Speak to the person who is in charge of arranging field trips. Get the name, title, address, and phone number of the person you talk to. Succinctly describe what class, program, tour, etc. that you would like to arrange. Select a mutually accepted date for the field trip. Find out the cost of the trip and who needs to pay--everyone, just the children over a certain age, or parents and children over a certain age. Find out if there is a deadline to cancel in the event of a poor response. Find out when they need payment. Find out if they want a check or cash for payment. Find out if babies and toddlers are welcomed. Find out if strollers are allowed. Ask if there are restroom facilities available. Find out where to park and where to meet. Get directions.

3. Inform: Email Amy Brown, the activity coordinator, at arajbrown1993@yahoo.com and let her know about the trip so it can get on the calendar.

4. Advertise: Advertise your field trip via BHEA Yahoo Group, BHEA This Week, and BHEA Newsletter (deadline is the 21st of each month). Make sure you include all pertinent information in your ad including name and description of field trip, location, date, time (have people arrive for the field trip 10 - 15 minutes before you are to begin), ages trip is geared toward and whether other ages are welcomed, cost, how and when payment is to be made, RSVP deadline, payment deadline, and any other information that is necessary for your trip. Make sure you include in your ad whether refund will be given. Use old field trip ads as guides for your ad.

5. Follow Through: Keep a detailed list of those signed up to attend the trip, keep meticulous payment records, send out a reminder about three or four days before the deadline for RSVP and payment. Call the organization you plan to visit a few days before the field trip to be sure everything is still set on their end.

6. Enjoy: As field trip coordinator you should arrive at the field trip location a couple of minutes before you expect the rest of the attendees. Keep track of who has arrived so that you know when everyone is present. Remind the children of the proper behavior for the field trip. Remind children to thank the field trip guide when the field trip is finished. Meet the organization's field trip guide on time.

7. Thank: Write a thank you note to the field trip guide. I often have a thank you card with me on the day of the field trip and have the children sign it while we are waiting for the field trip to begin. Mail the card when you leave the field trip.
There will soon be a field trip planning form on the BHEA web site to assist you. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Brown at arajbrown1993@yahoo.com.

Field Trip Suggestions:

  • Maryville Fire Department
  • United States Post Office  
  • KAMA Health Discovery  
  • Maple Lane Pumpkin Farm  
  • Oak Ridge Playhouse  
  • Home Island Airport  
  • Bijou Theatre
  • Blount County Library  
  • Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge  
  • Heritage High School Planetarium
  • Ijam’s Nature Center
  • Fort Loudon State Historic Area  
  • Knoxville Museum of Art  
  • Knoxville Zoo
  • Historic Sites in Cades Cove  
  • Sam Houston Schoolhouse
  • Tuckaleechee Caverns  
  • Lost Sea  
  • Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg
  • Veterinarian’s office/hospital  
  • Police station  
  • East Tennessee Discovery Center  -- Plus many more!

 

Volunteers are always needed! 

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