Camp Administration 101: Coordinating Successful Field Trips
Tips to make sure the day goes as planned
By Jason Schaitz
Field trips are one of the most exciting parts of camp for campers but can be the most daunting for you and your staff members. Going off-site adds an extra layer of responsibility to ensure campers have a fun, yet safe experience. Here are 10 tips to make sure camp trips go as planned!
© Can Stock Photo / 4774344sean
1. Leave plenty of time to get campers organized. Time is of the essence on trips. It takes a lot of time to organize campers, make sure everyone has what they need, have restroom breaks, and get on and off the bus, so make sure to plan accordingly.
2. Review the trip rules and set expectations before leaving. Never allow campers to go off on their own when arriving at the intended destination. Use the buddy system and always have an eye on all campers at all times.
3. Know the camper count at all times and take attendance before and after every off-site activity.
4. Have a clear plan in place. If you haven’t been on a certain trip before there may be a lot of unknowns, so always have some type of plan and contingency plan in place. The last thing you want to do is “wing it” and end up not being able to certain activities because there wasn’t enough time.
5. Be prepared. Each group leader should have all the trip information and your action plan before arriving on-site. Make sure each group has a backpack with things like rosters, first-aid kits, and other necessary supplies.
6. Make sure all staff members are in the water or alert on the banks during any swim trip. Swim test all campers before letting the group in the water. Never go to a place without certified lifeguards and avoid doing a beach trip. Stick to waterparks, pools, or springs.
7. Have a staff member inside and outside public restrooms or locker rooms while changing or doing restroom breaks. Do not allow children to change outside a stall. If possible, do all changing at camp before and after the trip.
8. Stay attentive on the bus. Make sure staff members are still supervising and engaging with kids so you have an orderly and safe bus ride. Staff members should be spread out and sitting with kids—not all in one area.
9. Avoid campers having money on trips for concession stands and gift shops. Pre-paying for meals or collecting the money beforehand and avoiding gift shops altogether will make trips a lot easier to manage. It also leaves more time for attractions and activities.
10. Have fun! If you are having fun, campers will have fun. Always be supervising and stick to the plan and expectations, but make sure it’s still an experience to remember.
Safety and supervision should be the biggest focus on a field trip. Have fun with the kids but have a plan, always be supervising, and never let your guard down to make sure field trips are always a success!
Jason Schaitz is a Parks and Recreation Director with 15 years’ experience managing camps and recreation programs. He also created and manages www.thesummercampsource.com with the goal of providing free resources for any type of camp, afterschool, or childcare program. Take your camp to the next level by visiting The Summer Camp Source and check out the Camp App, Camp Resources, Camp News, and Camp Administration 101 educational series.