Tips for Planning a Successful High School Excursion in Newark, NJ
Photo Credit: Tim Mossholder
Planning a high school excursion in Newark, NJ, can be an exciting and educational experience. Here are some steps and ideas to help you organize a successful trip:
- Define Purpose and Goals:
Determine the educational objectives of the excursion. What students can learn or experience at the Newark Museum of Arts will differ from the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Since defining your objectives is very important, consider incorporating elements related to the curriculum.
- Select Destinations:
Newark offers a variety of attractions, including the Newark Museum, Branch Brook Park, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), and the Ironbound district known for its diverse culinary scene. Checking for special exhibits, events, or educational programs at museums or cultural institutions might be of help.
- Transportation:
Arrange safe and reliable transportation that accommodates the size of your group, whether it's through a charter bus, public transportation, or another means.
- Permissions and Paperwork:
In addition to obtaining any necessary permissions from parents or guardians, you should collect emergency contact information for all participants. Prepare a detailed itinerary and distribute it to both students and chaperones.
- Chaperones:
Make things easy on you by recruiting responsible chaperones to accompany the students and providing them with information about their roles and responsibilities during the excursion.
- Meals:
While it is important to check if any of the chosen destinations have on-site dining options, you might consider whether you'll be providing meals through restaurants such as Ounje Alabeke or if students should bring their own.
- Budgeting:
Develop a budget that includes transportation, admission fees, meals, and any other associated costs. One of the ways to offset these expenses is to engage in fundraising activities.
- Educational Activities:
Coordinate with the chosen destinations to see if there are any guided tours, workshops, or educational programs available, and prepare educational materials or assignments related to the excursion for the students.
- Safety Measures:
Emphasize safety rules and procedures to both students and chaperones while ensuring that there are adequate first aid supplies and that all necessary medical information for students is on hand.
- Communication:
Establish a communication plan. In addition, ensure that everyone has access to contact information for each other and provide students with maps and contact information for emergencies.
- Post-Trip Reflection:
Plan a post-trip reflection session to discuss what students learned and experienced during the excursion. You can also encourage students to create presentations or reports based on their observations.
Remember to be flexible and prepared for unexpected changes as you enjoy the planning process and the educational opportunities Newark has to offer!