My First Educational Tour As A Chaperone

When I was still studying, one of the highlights of any school year I attended is the Field Trip (or Educational Trip as it is called now).  This is the time when kids go out of the school ground and bond with their classmates.  I remember being excited as I count down the days remaining for the Field Trip.  I remember packing a lot of essentials, and non-essentials, like extra clothes and snacks.  I remember waking up so early on the Field Trip day (because I wasn’t able to sleep properly due to excitement).  Those whole day trips brought so many memories.

Our little Neo is already on his third academic year.  This year marks his second time to attend an Educational Trip.  His first time was last year and it was his Papa who accompanied him.  We didn’t allow him to join the Educational Trip on his first school  year at the Barangay Day Care.

When his school administrator announced that they were going to Kidzania for this year’s Educational Trip, I volunteered to join him.  I was more excited than Neo! J  All those things I remembered during my own Field Trip: counting the days, packing essentials, and waking up early for the day, are the things I did because I was just so excited.

This is my first time to be a chaperone in an Educational Trip.  We only went to three (3) locations within the Metro:  Pasig Rain Forest at Pasig, Philippines Science Centrum at Marikina, and Kidzania at Taguig.  But it was a whole day of fun.  Neo and I bonded during that day and I want to be able to join him in all his succeeding educational trips. 

As a chaperone and as a mom of course, I need to take charge.  I need to make sure to bring a lot of the following.

Food and Water – I initially didn’t want to bring packed lunch as I was thinking of eating at a fastfood restaurant.  The hubby and Ate Espie contradicted as it would mean Neo and I will have to beat the crowd for food, so Ate Espie packed lunch for us.  And good thing she did as during the trip we took lunch on the bus.  Our packed lunch and water didn’t go amiss.

Money – As this trip is already paid in advance, I didn’t expect to spend but I still did.  At Kidzania, Neo wanted to buy his photo taken by the official photographer.  As I don’t want to say no, my pocket money didn’t go amiss.

Extra Clothes and Towels – Extra clothes and towels are always handy.  And extra plastic bags for emergencies. 

Identifications and Health Cards – Once out, chaperones need to be extra vigilant.  Kids tend to be extra active when they are with each other.  Don’t forget to bring identification for you and your kid.  It is also advisable to put a small piece of paper in your kid’s pocket that has your name and contact details.  Health cards are also advisable.

Patience and Energy – Bring as much patience and energy as you can with you as a chaperone.  You will need it.

These are some of the things I bought with me as a chaperone.  All of them came in handy.  Hope it helps you if you’re planning to be a chaperone the educational trip of your kid.