What to Pack for a Field Trip
I remember my very first field trip when I was a first-year teacher. We went to a local nature center with our first graders. I got the permission slips to parents on time, made sure they were turned in, arranged for drivers, set expectations with students, and even did some pre-learning about the science topics they were going to learn that day.
We arrived at the nature center, split into groups with parent chaperones, and started learning! The kids were so excited and everything was going smoothly. And then…
My dear student, Alan, fell into the creek! (This was over twenty years ago - wherever you are, Alan, I hope you have recovered from the experience!)
It was only then that I realized - I should have brought a towel! Luckily I had a sweatshirt and that worked in a pinch. But before that moment, I did not realize how important it was to prepare a field trip kit of supplies to have on hand just in case. So, here is a list of what I recommend you pack for your next field trip. And I think Alan (wherever he is) would agree that being prepared ahead of time can really come in handy!
Paperwork
Permission slips
Medical information for students
Parent contact information
Emergency contact information
Field trip location phone, address, and map
Permits or passes (if applicable)
Receipts for payment to field trip location and bus (if applicable)
Contact information for the bus driver (if applicable)
Hand-outs for parent chaperones with your contact information and details about the location
Health and Safety
Student medication if needed (EpiPens, allergy meds, asthma inhalers) - Be sure to review your district’s policy on administering medicine.
Over-the-counter medication (pain reliever, bug bite treatment, anti-itch cream) - Again, review your district’s policy on these.
First Aid Kit
Sunscreen
Insect Repellent
Hand Sanitizer
Tissues
Hand Wipes
Educational Items
Field guides or books related to topic
Notebooks or journals for students to write their reflections in
Pencils
Camera (or use your phone) for photographs
A thank you note for the facilitator
General Supplies
Snacks and drinks (or lunches)
Trash bags for clean up
Charger for your phone
Umbrellas (depending on the weather)
An old towel (you might keep this in the trunk of your car just in case!)
Extra clothing (ditto above)
A jacket or sweatshirt
Ziploc bags
Paper towels
Comfortable shoes (for you!)
Enjoy Your Outing!
Preparing for a field trip can be a bit stressful, but take the time to enjoy the experience as much as possible. Often our students make new connections and find new enthusiasm for learning on field trips. And as a teacher, it is a great way to break out of the usual routine and get inspired yourself! Just don’t forget that towel…