The Most Unbelievable Field Trip: Taking Students to Washington, D.C

Karen Ashton

"Are we there yet?" We heard those words continually during our annual 15-hour spring break bus journey from Wesley Chapel, Florida, (just north of Tampa) to Washington, D.C. Even though it seemed like a tiresome and boring bus ride, nearly every student has said the journey was well worth it, the information they learned was priceless, and the memories they made are forever etched in their minds.

While it can seem overwhelming to take 20, 30, or even 40 eighth graders on a five-day trip, this has been one of the most rewarding educational experiences for me as well. As a ninth grader in Webster, New York, I was fortunate enough to attend a school trip to Washington, D.C., and I vividly remember the eight-hour bus ride and the experiences I had while on this incredible trip. After teaching for 13 years, I felt confident enough to organize a trip of my own to our nation's capital.

Although I was terrified of the commitment and responsibility, I was adventuresome enough to be the program leader for 40 students my very first year. Since then, I have helped nearly a half dozen other teachers plan their trips so more students are able to experience this wonderful adventure. I encourage other teachers to think about giving their students this valuable opportunity, and toward that end, am happy to share some of my experiences, challenges, and advice.

Be Prepared

This kind of extended trip is indeed a process that must be taken one step at a time. Above all, make sure you have the full support of your principal and school board before you even attempt it.

After you have full support, you need to decide which tour company to use. I strongly advise you use a tour company instead of trying to do everything yourself. It can be quite tedious and time consuming. Look for a company you feel comfortable with. I have used the same company for three years and they have been wonderful.

Look at the amenities each company provides and negotiate a price based on the mode of travel (bus, train, plane), the number of days, the number of students per room, and the adult-student ratio. I wanted the ratio to be 1:10, so it was a little more expensive. Also, pay attention to the meals included in the price. Most tours include breakfast and dinner only. Get everything in writing and look it over carefully before you sign anything.

Now you need the students and teachers to go on your trip. We usually have trip information available in the fall so parents and students who might want to participate in the trip in the spring can begin planning. Because the trip may be too expensive for some students, consider asking businesses in the community for donations to give as scholarships. Remember to document all money collected.

After you have your roster of students, check with their teachers periodically to be sure the students are keeping their grades up. I suggest that you have each student sign a behavior contract with an outline of expectations. You don't want to have students who can't behave in school walking around a city hundreds of miles away.

Next, work with your tour company representative to develop the itinerary for the trip. What would you like to do and see in the Washington, D.C., area? Remember, if you would like a Capitol or White House tour, you will need to contact your Congressperson or Senator as soon as possible.

As a program leader, you need to keep everyone well informed, so stay in constant contact with the families, teacher chaperones, and your tour representative. One year, we met once monthly as a club to discuss procedures and distribute information. We gave students background information about the history of Washington, D.C., showed pictures of sites they would see, and told them what to expect at each venue. For example, visitors are not allowed to take pictures in the Holocaust Museum. Students need to know that so they don't go out and buy overpriced disposable cameras only to find out they can't use them. We also scheduled parent meetings so parents could ask questions and put their minds at ease.

A few weeks before departure, your touring company will send you the plane or bus tickets, meal tickets, nametags, and anything else you will need for your trip. Be sure to put these items someplace safe where you can easily access them. Read all instructions carefully and follow all directions. If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask. Don't assume anything.

Expect the Unexpected

Our tour company provided an on-site coordinator to help during our stay at the hotel, a course leader to tour all day with our group, and most importantly, a night chaperone to monitor the halls so the chaperones could sleep at night.

I felt confident my students were safe and secure and could pass that feeling on to the parents, which was very important because some of the students had never been away from home before.

We also decided to expect the unexpected, which conquered the trepidation of taking eighth graders out of their "middle school bubble" to a large urban city in which crime is a major problem. As a result, we were able to turn what might have been disconcerting events into teachable moments.

For example, before we embarked on our journey, we spoke to the students about homelessness and told them they might see some people on the street begging for money or food. One night, we stepped out of a restaurant in downtown D.C. and one of our parent chaperones was verbally accosted by a homeless person who wanted the food she was carrying to the bus driver. We carefully and quickly assisted the students onto the bus. No one was hurt, and our students witnessed first-hand the sights and sounds of a major city.

And what better way to learn about free speech than to be in the middle of Washington, D.C., during the 2006 Immigration Rally? Our bus was trying to get to some of the monuments but we could barely get through the streets because of the 10,000 people protesting immigration laws. Our students were able to see our Constitution in action.

The Payoff

The parting advice I'd like to give to those considering taking students to Washington, D.C., is to have fun and enjoy all the hard work you put into the trip. It is kind of like a wedding: you have spent so many hours preparing and planning, so make sure you enjoy it and learn as much as your students do. This may be one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have as a teacher.