Your chaperones are essential to most of our programs. Ways that chaperones can be helpful are:
The Scholastic Company asked educators about their best (and worst) class
trips. They say:
Great chaperones...
• Show up on time or a few minutes early
• Have a great attitude about the destination
• Ask kids questions
• Talk to all the students — even the ones they don't like
• Carry napkins, water, and first-aid supplies
• Learn the names of each child in their charge
• Stick with their kids at all times
• Can stay calm in the event of an emergency
• Report serious disciplinary problems to teacher
• Follow all school guidelines
• Take headcounts periodically
• Share the rules with their group
• Treat it as a job
• Be there for the kids
• Have a good sense of humor
Not-so-good chaperones...
• Grumble when things go wrong or aren't organized
• Play favorites with the students
• Contradict directions
• Drink or smoke in front of the students
• Show up late
• Dress inappropriately for the outing
• Bring other children along
• Get frazzled by groups of kids and lose control
• Assume too much disciplinary responsibility
• Scare kids into submission
• Try to videotape the outing as well as chaperone
• Chat on their cell phones
• Gossip about student information they learn on the trip