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New York City Tours, Designed for Drama Students

Going on a student tour with a group of students encourages students to learn more, teaches them about things they might be interested in, and encourages them to pursue their dreams. Drama students may love a tour of New York City, the chance to view a Broadway show and the opportunity to learn more about the theaters of the Big Apple. Guided tours provide an abundance of activities designed to appeal to drama students who want to learn and see as much as possible.

Famous NYC Attractions

While the tour focuses on drama, there is plenty to see and do outside of theater-related activities. Students taking a guided student tour can see famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, 5th Avenue, the Empire State Building, and Times Square. They’ll tour through the city, stopping at many of the places they’ve always wanted to see and will have the experience of a lifetime while they’re in New York City.

Broadway Shows

Anyone interested in drama will love the chance to see a Broadway show. The show they can see depends on when the group takes the tour, but they’re going to love the chance to actually watch a Broadway show and see famous Broadway actors on stage. Depending on the tour chosen, it’s also possible to add a second Broadway show to the list of activities during the trip.

Meet a Broadway Professional

While seeing a Broadway show is exciting, drama students may be able to meet a Broadway professional. This gives them the chance to learn a lot more about what acting on Broadway is like as well as what they might expect if they’re interested in trying out for a Broadway show in the future. When this is included in the tour, it’s an unforgettable experience for all of the drama students.

Workshops for Drama Students

Some of the student tours include workshops as well as sightseeing and shows. During these workshops, the students get the chance to learn even more and to try their hand at some of the things they’ll learn. All of the students will have a fantastic time during the workshops and will return from the trip with a new appreciation for the arts as well as new skills they can put to use the next time they’re in a local play.

New York State Theater and Metropolitan Opera House

Drama-related sightseeing trips can be included as well to ensure the students get to visit the places they’re interested in. The New York State Theater and the Metropolitan Opera House are two stops the drama students won’t want to miss while they’re on a drama tour of New York City. Both of these places include a history of the arts in New York and abroad. The students will get the chance to see inside of the theaters and have the opportunity to learn more about the history of drama along with the history of these and other drama-related stops on the tour.

Student tours are an excellent way for students to be able to visit new places, learn more, and to divulge in their hobby. Drama students will enjoy a student tour of New York City designed with them in mind and will love visiting all of the places on the guided tour. Check out the drama-focused student tours in New York City today to learn more about the types of tours you can go on as well as what you might expect if you’re taking drama students on a guided tour to New York City. The students are going to thoroughly enjoy every part of the tour.

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What to Do on a Student Fashion Tour of New York City

If you’re planning a fashion tour, your students will really enjoy New York City. NYC is a must for all the fashion freaks!

Among all the places, you should see the ones we are mentioning here. Get immersed in the magnificent world of fashion.

Garment Center Shops

The Garment Center is the focal point of New York fashion industry. Here in these few blocks, there is a variety of shops and stores.

It is the home to thousands of fashion businesses. Seeing so many different textiles and accessories can appear to be too much, but no – you will definitely find what fits you!

This is the place where you can see the famous designers at work, such as Calvin Klein… How about that?

Parsons School of Design

This is very famous private art and design college, the top one in the United States, founded in 1896. It’s offering students innovative ways of education to unleash their creativity and prepare them for the future.

It offers both undergraduate and graduate courses in fashion design, graphic design, interior design, curatorial studies, textiles, urban ecologies, and more. It’s known for its alumni — famous fashion designers and artists.

Who knows, maybe you will enroll in this fascinating university?

Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)

This is a public college in Manhattan, focused mostly on art and design.

FIT has a museum which is one of the rare ones specialized in fashion. Its permanent collection is around 50,000 fashion pieces dating back to 18th century.

It has the collection of textiles, clothes and accessories.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The popular “Met” is the third most visited museum in the world, and the biggest one in the United States. It has more than  7 million visitors per year.

Its permanent collection has more than two million art-pieces, consisting of the works from antiquity through modern art. It was opened in 1870 with the thought of bringing art to American people.

Lower East Side Tenement Museum

This historic national landmark gives a peek into the lives of immigrants who lived at 97 & 103 Orchard Street decades ago (even back to 1860s). It also offers tours with actors who portray residents and their customs. Get to know more about American history!

For more info about student tours to NYC, contact Junior Tours.

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2018/2019 Senior Class Trips | Custom Built Trip Just For You

Ready to go for an adventure with your students? Two of your favorite destinations should definitely be Boston and Chicago!

Some sights are a must-see. Don’t miss them out! Why not join Junior Tours?

Boston

Boston has lots of historical sights and live performances. No wonder that it gets over 16 million visitors per year! This capital of Massachusetts is one of  the most influential cities in the United States.

The nickname of the city is “The Hub of the Universe.” Why is that so, you will be able to experience firsthand.

See Boston’s best such as the North End and Beacon Hill.

Among many things, you would surely want to see the oldest public park – Boston Common. This park has a lot of history behind it.

Faneuil Hall (the home of the free speech) and Bunker Hill Monument are the next ones to visit.

There is also a lot of museums among which are Museum of Fine Arts and Old South Meeting House Museum. That’s just a little bit of this extraordinary city.

We suggest you visit Boston from the end of May through the end of September, because the weather is at that time perfect!

Chicago

As the third largest city in the United States, Chicago has lots to offer. The city is very vibrant and has a soul.

Visit Magnificent Mile (one of the most popular shopping areas) and Financial Center. See Lake Michigan, one of five Great Lakes of North America. Get overwhelmed with Shedd Aquarium (among the top ones for over three decades) and Abbott Oceanarium.

Downtown Chicago has wide sidewalks, many cultural attractions and architectural riches. Visit the Loop, the second largest business district in the States.

See a range of museums: Field Museum of Natural History, Terra Museum of American Art, Museum of Contemporary Art…

Visit some amazing parks like Grant Park, Lincoln Park (including the oldest Zoo in the country), and Millenium Park.

Chicago has a lot of ethnic diversity, so when you visit some parts of the city, it seems you are in another country!

Junior Tours

Both cities are astounding, offering many other wonderful things above the ones mentioned. Your life will be enriched by visiting them, and you will be inspired!

It is important to choose the right trip-provider. Junior Tours will fulfill its duty and make your experience even more interesting!

For more info, call us at 1-800-631-2241 or complete an online form to get a free quote.

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Chaperone Going on a Field Trip

Whether it will be your first time, or you already have the experience; whether you will give a part of your day or the whole day to spend time with a group — being a chaperone is an amazing experience!

At some point you will think to yourself: “How can they be sooo loud?” or “Oh, I don’t like kids!” But, at the end of the day, although exhausted, you will be thankful for such an opportunity.

So, here are some tips for your chaperone adventure:

Dress for action

Since you will be chasing the children in different places, make sure you have good shoes. Clothes should be light, but the jacket waterproof. Don’t forget the sunglasses and the hat!

Have enough water and snacks at hand

Make sure you are always well hydrated and grab the opportunities to have some snack, otherwise you will be exhausted very soon. The children will notice when you are down and out of energy. Yes, they are so smart!

Limit the use of your phone

Although for some chaperones there is work to do even when they are on a field trip, because of the safety of the ones you are accompanying, we kindly recommend that you stay off your phone!

Be careful with the photos

It’s great to take photos of the children when on a trip, just make sure the parents are okay with your posting of their children on Social Media.

Instead of that, a great idea would be to make a photo book and give it as a gift to all those in a group!

Count!

Because of the safety, you should be careful to count the children when they leave or rejoin the group for some reason (getting off the bus, going to the bathroom).

Many counting will be necessary, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Exhaust them

If you should enter the museum with seven-year-olds, make sure they have had some brisky activity before that, like climbing the hill. If they are out of breath, they don’t have the energy to behave badly.

You will be grateful to us for giving you these tips!

For more useful information and the tours we are offering, contact Junior Tours!

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Students Find History and Fun in Williamsburg

Historic Williamsburg holds in its cobblestoned streets America’s story.  This is one of 3 cities that comprise America’s Historic Triangle, with nearby Jamestown and Yorktown completing the triangle.

Students will experience the life of American settlers of the 17th and 18th Centuries and find themselves exploring the first English settlement in the Americas.  The Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestown provide them with a direct encounter with this crucial element of the nation’s history.

Students find history and fun in Williamsburg around every corner.  Let’s explore!

In the heart of history

Williamsburg’s historical legacy is so rich, you won’t know where to start.  That’s where Junior Tours come in.  We select from the plethora of historical sites on offer to tailor your tour to educator and curricular needs, creating the ideal itinerary for your group.

Junior selects the most relevant tours for your group from the wide variety on offer in the storied Triangle.  Be dazzled by the historical knowledge of costumed guides who provide detailed commentary, every step of the way.

Traipse through the annals of Early American history along the 5-mile long Jamestowne Island Trail or discover the ancient life of the area at Historic Jamestowne itself in the archaeological finds on display there.

The Jamestown Settlement will thrill students with faithful replicas of the 3 ships that brought early settlers here in 1607.  At the Powhatan Village, students will encounter the life of regional First Peoples at this reconstructed site.

Historic Yorktown

The nation’s first President, George Washington, wasn’t just the USA’s first leader.  He was a General, too, leading his troops into battle against General Cornwallis.  His victory is the genesis of our independence from British rule.

Yorktown Battlefield is today a site you can’t miss when visiting Williamsburg.  General Washington’s headquarters are here, as well as the Yorktown Victory Center, which guides students through revolutionary times.

A visit here should also include a visit to the reconstruction of a farm from the 1780s, so students can appreciate the backbreaking work that went into establishing a settlement.  They’ll learn about agricultural practices which included food preservation for the harsh winter months and the production of fabric from wool to make clothing.

And some fun, too!

With their minds soaked in American history, students can cut loose with a visit to Busch Gardens Williamsburg.  Here’s they’ll enjoy hair-raising amusement park rides and great entertainment in a European-inspired setting.

But wait, there’s more!  Water Country USA is another nearby attraction and the largest waterpark in the mid-Atlantic region.

The perfect itinerary with Junior Tours

Williamsburg’s dizzying array of historical sites demands the support of a longstanding student travel resource.  Junior Tours brings you more than 50 years of creating superior educational experiences that thrill students and support educator vision.

We take you there with keen destination and vendor knowledge, but we don’t stop at the itinerary.  We send you with one of our expert guides, providing 24-hour support and security.

Go with Junior and get the most from your Williamsburg visit. Contact us to get started.

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Student Tours and Travel to Washington, DC

Washington, DC is internationally known as a powerhouse of political influence.  There is no question that it lives in people’s imaginations as the place from which world affairs ebb and flow.

Here you’ll find all the mechanisms of legislative, judicial and executive authority which turn the wheels of our nation and its destiny.  From Capitol Hill to the Pentagon, it’s inside the Beltway that history is made and leaders arise to point the way forward.

Whether your students are studying history, political science or government and how it molds their lives, there is no city on earth with more to teach them than Washington, DC.  Student tours and travel to Washington, DC are a journey to the center of what makes the USA great.

Meeting giants

Junior Tours has been creating exceptional student tours since 1967, when it was founded by former teacher, Marty Abrams.

Marty wanted to create a professional resource for teachers interested in showing their students the world outside the classroom, as it related to their studies.  He knew that student travel enlivened education, by giving it real-world texture and context.

You can tell your students about Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the New Deal in the classroom.  But the classroom doesn’t offer them the experience of walking through this 4-term President’s life in the Oval Office.

Teachers can relate to students the great deeds of Martin Luther King Jr. and how he changed the face of the USA.  But they can’t stand in the shadow of his monument or see the links in the chain of history which led to the Civil Rights Movement.

Related sites like the home of Frederick Douglass, abolitionist and activist, or the monument to President Lincoln – who finally ended the Institution of slavery – richly introduce students to giants they’ve only read about in books.

This is the beauty of Washington, DC.  Our national story is laid bare in this place of monuments, museums and living history, allowing students to directly experience it in all its triumph and tragedy.

Discovering government

An education in civics is a precious gift to your students, preparing them for their lives as citizens engaged with their government structures.

Visit the Capitol and discover how the United States was founded and how Congress, where the laws of the USA are made by our elected representatives, came to be established.  Here, you can even watch Congress in session.

Students with an interest in political life will be inspired by a day on Capitol Hill, taking in Congress chambers (even if Congress isn’t sitting at the time of your visit), the Exhibition Hall and a guided tour of the Capitol.

Go with Junior

Take your students to Washington, DC, with student tours and travel and open the doors to learning.  Junior’s knowledge of vendors and itineraries makes us the right choice to provide your students with a personalized experience that enhances your teaching.

We’ve just scraped the surface of Washington’s endless educational interest.  Ready to go?  Contact us for a free sample itinerary and quote.

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Selfie Etiquette While Traveling

Everyone wants to take photographs of their vacations and excursions.  Since the invention of the camera, it’s been part of the fun.

But with the rise of now-ubiquitous selfie, the game has changed.  Especially among young people, taking selfies is a way to capture moments with friends, a new hairdo, getting up in the morning, eating lunch, tying one’s shoelaces, etc.

You get what we’re saying.

Every moment, apparently, is a selfie moment.  The Facebook pages of the nation, in some quarters, are crowded with images of the person the page belongs to in various stages of “duck face” (lips pursed coquettishly, whether male or female).

So, it’s time for us to talk about selfie etiquette while traveling.  Being aware of the rules of the road will make our selfie habits less intrusive and perhaps breed better relationships with the people we find ourselves among.

Eyes on the prize.

A key strategy for educators when discussing with students the fine points about selfie etiquette while traveling is that the trip they’re going on is educational.

It’s not about bragging rights, or Instagram or Facebook likes.  It’s about learning.  Instilling this in your students is the cornerstone of getting them to put their devices away while you’re visiting sites they’re supposed to be taking something important away from.

You know.  Something more important than a photo of them pretending to comb the hair on a bust of George Washington.

Being aware of other people.

Especially in venues where people have paid to come and view antiquities, works of art, or displays, it’s crucial that your students understand that clowning it up in front of a Jackson Pollack, or a Civil War-era uniform is the highest level of unconscious buffoonery imaginable.

Many museums and historical sites are banning selfies, for this very reason.  It’s distracting, it’s rude and it detracts from the experience of other visitors.

Respect for history.

Being in the presence of history is exciting.  But when that history is one of tragedy, or sacrifice, or communal suffering, a selfie is about the most disrespectful thing anyone can do at the historical site in question.

In a pervasive technological culture, many may feel entitled to pretend that their right to photograph themselves in this way somehow trumps the decorum inspired by sites like the Ground Zero monument in New York City.

That will never be the case.

It’s a pity that teachers often need to play the “bad cop” on tours and trips with their students, but your students are there to learn.  You are the teacher and it’s on you to ensure that part of your students’ education enshrines values of respect, decorum and the dignity of the places they’re visiting.

Above all, respect for other people is part of the effort to contain the selfie phenomenon.

If that means quarantining student mobile devices, so be it.

Junior Tours.

Founded by a teacher in 1967, Junior Tours is committed to crafting tailored educational itineraries that put educator objectives first.

Ready to go?  Request a sample itinerary and quotation.

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Reasons Why New York City is Always a Good Idea

There are plenty of reasons to love the Big Apple.  People who live there may tell you differently when they’ve been navigating the renowned fickleness of the subway, or trying to get a taxi, or dealing with the fast pace of life.  But ask the same people if they’d ever want to live anywhere else.

No way.

New York City is a smorgasbord of cultures, world class entertainment, international business, fashion and the arts (among many other things).  Let’s review some of the lesser known reasons why New York City is always a good idea.

The people.

New Yorkers have a reputation for being rude, pushy and arrogant.  Some of them may well be, but the truth is that under every prickly exterior lies a soft center.  It’s in the very brashness of the city itself that you find the heart and soul of the people who live there.  They’re survivors and warriors, living in a challenging metropolis.

And New York City is living proof that diversity is beautiful.  Its ethnic neighborhoods, while having undergone key transformations, continue to bear testament to the power of the human spirit.  And that spirit is infused into every street corner, restaurant and corner coffee shop.

A visit to New York City is a visit to the unique micro-cultures with thrive in this city and gift resident and visitor alike with unique experiences that enrich and inform.

You can visit MOMA for free.

One of the greatest museums on earth, the Museum of Modern Art is a wonder, featuring unrivalled collections of contemporary art.

Since 2013, the UNIQLO apparel brand has partnered with MOMA, creating clothing which features selected works from the museum’s collection.  In return for the right to use this imagery, UNIQLO sponsors Free Friday admission to MOMA, between the hours of 4 pm and 8 pm.

With accessibility to art being one of the museum’s missions, this key partnership opens the doors of contemporary art to the city and the world.

Fancy a little cruise?

Exploring Brooklyn or Queen’s is easier when you hop aboard one of the East River ferries.  Not only is the ride inexpensive, it provides a unique view of the NYC skyline, seen from the water.

A single ride is only $4 and a day pass is $12, so you can spend your time exploring what the unique boroughs of New York City have to offer, see the skyscrapers from a different perspective and enjoy a little cruise on the East River, all at the same time!

Go with Junior Tours.

Junior Tours has been creating exceptional educational experiences for students since 1967.  Founded by a teacher, our goal is to create tailored itineraries reflecting educator goals, while optimizing the teaching opportunities of your student trip.

This post shares some of the lesser known reasons why New York City is always a good idea.  But we could share about a million more.

Ready to take a bite out of the Big Apple?  Contact us for a free sample itinerary and quote.

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Essential Lunch Spots for Your Class Trip to Florida

When you’re headed to Florida, you’re headed to a world of food influenced by a wide cross-section of people.  Cuba isn’t the only Latin American community represented here, with 20% of the population of the state speaking Spanish.

And where you find Latin Americans, you’ll find great food.

Here, there’s also a large African-American population, as well as a growing Asian contingent.  What all this means is that Florida is increasingly regarded as a destination in which you’ll find a wide range of flavors and tempting scents to satisfy any palate.

Let’s look at some essential lunch spots for your class trip to Florida, focusing on popular student destinations, Orlando and Miami.

Orlando – a cornucopia.

Orlando shows its southern flair in Dexter’s Winter Park.  At this famed lunch spot, you’ll find a Louisiana influence in the crab cakes and the Hot Mess.  Despite its name, this mess is also delicious, featuring biscuits, fried chicken, eggs and gravy.  Most entrees here clock in at about $10, so it’s budget friendly, too.

Asian food fans are devotees of the noodle soup, Ramen.  But the ramen offerings at Domu are not the kind that come out of a package, or in a styrofoam cup.  Try the Richie Rich variety, swimming in a broth which has simmered for 18 hours.

Mexico meets the American love affair with food at Hunger Street Tacos.  This incredibly affordable eatery marries the national obsession of Mexico with fillings like seared brisket.  All the traditional favorites are here too, for the taco purists in your group.

Miami – red hot eats.

With all the Latin American influence, you know the food is there and it’s found in some of its most delicious forms at La Latina.  Imminently affordable, this divine little spot features arepera and the irresistable empanada de pabillon, stuffed with black beans, cheese and beef.  Fuel up here for a day of educational exploration.

With Cubans making up more than a third of the city’s population, a visit to Miami isn’t complete without trying the food of the mysterious island nation they hail from.

Nowhere will you find better examples of the culinary treats of Cuba than at Little Havana’s Exquisito.  Try the vaca frita with the island’s traditional root vegetable, malanga.  It comes served with a delicious sauce redolent of garlic (so the entire group will be compelled to try it).

Also in Little Havana is the most renowned and venerable Cuban dining establishment in town, Versailles.  Take your group to experience the Cuban sandwich in all its mouthwatering glory, from the lunchtime take out window.  Watch your students’ faces transfigured with joy, as they tuck into a Cubano of roast pork, sweet ham and Swiss Cheese on traditional Cuban bread.

These are our essential lunch spots for your class trip to Florida.  We strongly advise that your group pack its eating pants for this educational and cultural adventure.

Junior Tours.

For 50 years, Junior Tours has been taking students on unforgettable educational excursions.  Contact us for a quote and free sample itinerary.

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Life-Changing Travel Moments for Your Students

“I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.”

– Mary Anne Radmacher

There is no better time to start the lifelong project of seeing the world and all its wonders than in one’s youth.  The vastness of this planet and all its marvels demands an early love affair with travel and the gifts it offers the inquisitive, adventurous mind.

Life-changing travel moments for your students are a click away, when you plan your student travel experiences with Junior Tours.

Mary Anne Radmacher was changed by the light of the moon, shining on the other side of the world.  Imagine the profoundly life-changing experiences in store for your students when you take them on an educational journey with the experts at Junior.

Wherever the moon shines on knowledge, Junior is there, with life-changing travel moments for your students.

Experience the wonder.

Since 1967, Junior Tours has been creating tailored educational experiences for students.  Teachers from all 50 states come to us when they want the best in personalized logistics, itinerary planning and closely-guided tours.

Our work supports your goals as a teacher, with fully customized tours that help you hit all the high points of your destination, while your students experience the wonder.

As the moon shines on the Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, your students stand in the shadow of American power and history.  As it gleams on the monolithic skyscrapers of New York City, your students are guided through the teeming streets of one of the most iconic cities on earth.

With Junior Tours curating the adventure, your students will encounter moments that will live in their memories for years to come.

Affordable and accessible.

Because Junior Tours was founded by a teacher, we believe that every student should have the chance to learn in the great classroom of the world.  That’s why we make our tours affordable and accessible.

No hidden charges in the fine print, either.

We also provide teachers with extensive fundraising resources that make the adventure a collaborative one, before it even begins.  Students will work together to raise needed funds so that everyone can get on board.

From accessible scholarships, to helping you set up a tour-specific website, to our exceptionally effective scratch cards, you’ll have all the support you need right at your fingertips, with Junior leading the way.

Human-scale service.

Since we started out 50 years ago, we haven’t changed our formula.  We’re not a faceless corporate subsidiary, with an automated switchboard.  When you call Junior, you’ll be warmly greeted by a living human being.

At Junior Tours, we think things like that matter.  It’s how we can offer you highly customized support.  We’re a family-owned and operated business that interacts with our customers as colleagues and friends.

With Junior Tours, life-changing moments for your students are tailored, affordable, accessible and bear the human element that makes all the difference to the quality of your tour experience.

Contact us for a free quotation and itinerary.  May the moon shine on your students’ dreams.

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Planning a Successful (and Educational) Field Trip For 2018

Planning a successful (and educational) field trip for 2018 is all about the prep.  Having an organized, systematic plan for getting all your ducks in a row is the way to ensure that your field trip will go off without a hitch and your students will derive maximum benefit from the learning it highlights.

Here are our favorite tips for planning a successful (and educational) field trip for 2018.

Why are you going?

You’re an educator, so you know field trips are about more than getting out of the classroom for a day.  They’re about learning.  But what do you hope to achieve, in educational terms?

You need to be very clear about that, when seeking approval from your Board.  Make sure that your presentation to the Board includes concise and coherent information about your goals for students on the field trip.

Go prepared with projected learning outcomes, aligning these with the Standard Course of Study to ensure you get approval.  This is your first step and without it, you’re not going anywhere.

Prepping your students.

Your field trip is part of a curricular plan that demands students take away necessary outcomes.  Introducing the trip you’re planning as part of a classroom lesson highlights its educational purpose.

Build enthusiasm by providing photographs, videos and other materials which introduce your students to the site you’re planning to visit.  Enlist the help of students from other classes who’ve already visited the site and invite them in to speak to your class about what they learned.

Be sure to clearly delineate your expectations for student behavior.  Creating a handout which states your expectations in this regard is crucial, as there will be no excuses for forgetting key elements of your “rules of engagement”when everything’s in writing.

Develop a clear itinerary, then ask students to sign it.  This will serve as a contract between you and your group.  You agree to provide the educational content and the students agree to approach the field trip as an opportunity to learn.

Create a checklist of what students should pack.  Discuss suitable footwear and other key items students are going to need for the destination, to ensure they’re fully prepared.

Prepping everyone else.

Now that your Board has agreed to the field trip and you’re getting your students ready, attend to the nuts and bolts, like parental permission.

Your parental permission form is an ideal opportunity to generate interest from potential chaperones, so don’t forget to float the possibility when the form is sent home with students.  Invite them on board.

Once you have commitments, prepare your chaperones for the role.  A brief meeting in the runup to the trip will help you get to know them and get them ready for what you need from them while you’re out there.

Junior Tours.

Junior Tours has been making field trips easier for teachers for 50 years.  Founded by a teacher in 1967, we personalize itineraries, crafting them to your group and educator objectives.

Contact us for a free sample itinerary and quote.

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New York Field Trips – the Streets are Your Classroom

In the streets of New York City, you will find the wealth of the USA.  In its neighborhoods, peopled by the descendants of those who once came to our shores in hope, to Wall Street and Madison Avenue, the streets are your classroom.

Wall Street, world epicenter of business.

Wall Street is where fortunes are made and lost.  It’s the heart of world finance and its name alone conjures images of unbridled wealth and financial power.

But students may not be aware that it all started in the shade of humble Buttonwood tree!

Educators can direct an enlightening tour which talks students through historic events like the stock market crash of 1929 (which precipitated the Great Depression) or the global economic crash of 2008.

Though peaks and valleys, Wall Street has endured and today, continues to stand as a monolithic economic force.

Madison Avenue’s Mad Men.

Advertising wasn’t always a science, relying on demographic data and focus groups.  There was a time when it was an art form.

Most richly portrayed in the television series Mad Men, the world of advertising was a ground for fertile imaginations, applied to compelling the public to buy the products of the advertising sector’s clients.  The ghost of Don Draper stalks Madison Avenue, as skyscrapers loom.

While many advertising agencies have left the traditional business cluster this famous street is known for, the industry remains and is responsible for a huge economic footprint, employing thousands.

5th Avenue – The allure of luxury.

Cutting through the island of Manhattan from Harlem to Greenwich Village, 5th Avenue is known as one of the most high-end shopping thoroughfares in the world.

Between 49th and 60th Streets, you’ll find the heart of 5th Avenue’s uber-expensive shopping, frequented by monied shopaholics from around the globe.   But it’s not just the shopping that attracts visitors.  This is home to museums, historical landmarks and luxurious apartments.  It’s like a universe unto itself.

It’s on 5th Avenue you’ll find the Empire State Building and the unusually-shaped Flatiron building, both beautiful examples of the architecture of the times in which they were built.  Also along this 6 mile-long street, you’ll be able to experience the singular beauty of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the majesty of Rockefeller Center.

Discovery in the streets of Harlem.

Synonymous with the burgeoning of the Black American cultural movements of the early 20th Century, Harlem is where that renaissance happened.  Asserting itself in dance, music, literature and art, the Harlem Renaissance envelopes the visitor to this famed neighborhood.

Writer Langston Hughes and singer Bessie Smith practiced their now internationally-respected crafts here.  At the Apollo Theater, the Jackson 5 and Ella Fitzgerald once graced the stage. Harlem is home to a vibrant community which brought forth some of the USA’s most acclaimed artistic talents.

Junior Tours.

For 50 years, Junior Tours has been creating unique educational experiences for students.  We bring the streets of New York City to life, with tailored itineraries that speak to educator vision.  Contact us for a free itinerary and quote.

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Fundraising Ideas For School Trips

Money is tight for a lot of school districts, nowadays, so educators are called upon to be even more creative than usual when mulling over fundraising ideas for school trips.

Even a day trip needs funding to pay for transportation, but if you’re going overnight, you may need a little extra fiscal padding to pull it all off.  That’s where your bright fundraising ideas make all the difference.

Let’s review some great fundraising ideas for school trips, in the interest of getting your students out in the field, with the funds needed to make it a success.

F2F.

Face-to-face fundraising can be highly effective.  Your job is to understand whether your fundraising efforts are coming at a time when parents and other parties you’re seeking funds from aren’t feeling tapped out by other appeals.

And that’s all in the communication and planning.  Knowing what other teachers have planned in terms of raising funds for their school trips is where to start.  Try to find the most opportune moment to send your kids out with whatever item they’ll be selling to fund the trip.

Door-to-door fundraising, while sometimes very effective is being increasingly discouraged, due to security issues.  Much more reliable is setting up a table in a mall, at the entrance of a major shopping outlet, or even on a busy street corner.  Approach your target location to get permission first.

FundRazr.

All over the world, people are taking to the internet to raise money for civic, personal and creative projects.  Your class can do the same to fund your school trip.

FundRazr is a highly reputable online crowdfunding portal where your students can know the thrill of raising money for a group activity.

Raising money for your school trip this way also offers students valuable administrative learning, teaches them the power of community and the value of collaboration to achieve a common goal.

SYTA Youth Foundation Road Scholarship.

Every year, this worthy organization funds students for school trips.  Hundreds of children who wouldn’t otherwise be financially able to participate in school trips are given the chance they deserve to join their fellows on a learning experience.

SYA will fund students in varying amounts, up to a limit of $1,000 per student.  Students may apply during two defined application periods:  from February 01 – March 15 and from September 01 – October 15.

As the group leader, you fill out applications on behalf of your students.

Scratch cards.

Junior Tours loves making student travel more affordable with these hassle-free fundraising aids.  Students purchase the cards.  Donors are then invited to scratch off a box and donate the amount revealed.  The return per card is $150, against the $10 per card purchase price.

There’s no ordering or delivery, so these cards are a great way for students to easily raise the funds required for your school trip.

These fundraising ideas for school trips are offered to make student travel more widely accessible and to support your own bright ideas.

Ready to go?  Contact Junior Tours for a free sample itinerary and quote.

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Top Travel Tips. Bring Your History Knowledge and Questions.

When traveling with students, one of the greatest gifts you can give them is leadership.  You’re the teacher and you’re the example, so you set the tone.

That means preparing extensively, whether you’re taking your class on a field trip to a nearby site, or somewhere further afield for an overnight adventure.  When you’re fully prepared to address the destination and the educational gifts it offers, your students will likewise be encouraged to raise their own questions, based on what they know.

Your leadership gives your students the confidence they need to ask the right questions and to be just as prepared as you are.  Let’s look at these top travel tips, so you can bring your history knowledge and questions along for the thrilling ride.

Preparation in the classroom.

As an educator, you put a lot of time into what you teach your students in the classroom.  Every lesson is carefully planned and executed with student engagement in mind.  When you’re adding an in-the-field experience to the mix, you’re challenging your students.

You’re challenging them to glean from your teaching the knowledge they need to make the most of their experience, when you finally set off on your learning adventure.  Part of the challenge is making it clear to them that you’re setting the example.  Because you know your stuff, you expect them to have similar, in-depth knowledge to get the most from their trip.

Lead time in the run up to the excursion should follow a trajectory from the moment it’s announced.  Letting your students know that you’re expecting them to bring their history knowledge and questions with them (because you are) is a vote of confidence in their ability to prepare.

In fact, preparation for an experiential learning event should be part of what students are graded on.  Their ability to prepare intellectually for what they’re going to experience is a big part of the learning they’re getting access to.  Let them know that their prep is worth valuable currency in terms of their eventual grades.

Trip-specific preparation.

As you draw closer to your departure date, share with students more information about where you’re going and what they can expect to see there.  Provide them with website addresses and other resources to allow them to explore and get themselves ready for what they’re about to experience.

Make it clear that the more they know about the destination, the more immediate their experience of it will be.  Learning is a two-way street.  Deposit education is colorless.  When the educational project flows only from educator to student, it’s missing dialogue.  Add dialogue to your trip-specific preparation and have students take ownership of their own education.

That’s endlessly empowering.

Junior Tours.

Junior Tours has been taking students on educational adventures for 50 years.  Founded in 1967 by a teacher, we create personalized learning experiences which bring your teaching to life.

If you’re ready to take your students on an experiential learning journey, contact Junior for a free sample quote and itinerary.

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Getting Your Trip Approved by Your School Board or Committee

It’s that time of year.  You’re busily putting your educational action plan in place and part of that is getting your trip approved by your School Board or committee.

In these days of tight budgets, that can be a daunting task.  But when you approach it in an organized fashion, with complete confidence in your vision and the value of the trip you’re planning to students, you’ll be well on your way to gaining approval.

Preparation.

We don’t need to remind educators about the value of preparation.  All the same, when it comes to getting the required approval for a trip, it can mean the difference between “yes” and “no”.  While regulations and requirements vary from Board to Board and committee to committee, there are global, overarching requirements you should recognize, while preparing for your presentation.

One of these is demonstrating that your trip proposal meets the requirements of the curriculum and serves the learning goals represented by it.  This demands clarity on your part.  Describing how your trip satisfies curricular goals mean that you go into your presentation with a good pitch to sell the idea.

You should also have in hand detailed information about your tour provider, a budget per student, information about security and insurance and a well-crafted itinerary.

Operator credentials.

Decision-makers want to know that you’re working with a reputable tour operator, with an unblemished track record.

Membership in SYTA (Student & Youth Travel Association) is an assurance that you’re working with an accredited, licensed operator, under the aegis of an organization with clear standards.  In addition, a membership in the NTA (National Tour Association) indicates that your tour operator adheres to consumer protection guidelines, as the NTA acts in this role as part of its mandate.

It’s also useful to demonstrate that your operator administers in-trust accounts which protect student payments and to provide a copy of their license to do business.  Offering all this information generates greater confidence in the legitimacy of the tour company you use and shows administrators due diligence on your part.

Presenting with confidence.

You’re not walking into a lion’s den.  It’s important to remember that you’re pitching your trip to fellow educational professionals with the best interests of students in mind.  You’re on the same team, so your job is to get your colleagues on the same page.

With all the information described above organized into a presentation package, you walk into your meeting with the School Board or committee as a confident professional.

Provide each member you’ll be presenting to with a package which clearly outlines the goals and purpose of your trip.  Include the credentials of your operator and provide a 360° overview addressing all potential concerns.  This is detailed preparation your colleagues will appreciate.

Approval granted!

Getting your trip approved by your School Board or committee is all about preparation.  When you’re prepared, they’re likely to grant approval.

Junior Tours has been creating exceptional student trips since 1967.  Contact us for a free quote and sample itinerary.

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Tips for Teachers to Execute an Awesome Field Trip

The school year is in full swing and educator thoughts are turning to field trips.  Field trips serve a strong supportive role in educating our young and teachers know that.  But if they’re new to the job, or have had some hair-raising experiences in the field in the past, the whole idea can haul them up short.

That’s why we’re offering these tips for teachers to execute an awesome field trip.  Fear not, brave educators!  Junior Tours has you covered.

Peer support.

There’s nothing more valuable to teachers than the support of their peers.  Even if you haven’t taken your class to a local destination of interest before, somebody in your school has.  Once you’ve decided on where you’re taking your young charges, seek out the experiences of fellow teachers who’ve done it before.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the knowledge of people at your destination, like docents and visitor services professionals.  These are your best friends when taking your kids into the field.  They can share important information with you to make your field trip a memorable learning experience.

Chaperone prep.

Parent chaperones often have their own ideas about the way things should be done.  Input is fine, but making it clear you’re in charge is paramount here.

Gather your chaperones together before the field trip to describe the itinerary and assign duties.  Ensure everyone’s on the same page to avoid misunderstandings while you’re on your trip.  You’re the boss.  Chaperones are there to support you.

Homework for you.

Having direct, advance knowledge of the site you’re visiting before you go is an imperative.  You need to see where you’re going, identify potential problem areas and understand the site from the standpoint of your learning goals.

Doing a walkthrough in your spare time is part of being a teacher.  It will prepare you to share something with your students that you’ve experienced yourself and eliminate any unpleasant surprises on the “day off”.

The goal is learning.

Setting out behavioral guidelines before the trip is a priority.  Your students need to understand clearly that field trips aren’t an opportunity to text their friends incessantly or pursue their latest crushes.  They’re an opportunity to learn something.

Having a strongly defined itinerary is also extremely supportive.  Lunch is a challenge, but keep that time brief and engaging.  Talk to your students while they’re eating.  Ask their opinions about what they’ve seen on their field trip in the morning.  Don’t let them drift off, as that can spell trouble.

Junior Tours – your field trip partners.

If you’re a rookie teacher, we know field trips can be a daunting undertaking.  But fear not!  You’ll soon be an old hand.

At Junior Tours, we understand.  We were founded by a teacher in 1967.  We’re celebrating 50 years of taking students on exceptional learning experiences this year. We invite you to contact us for a free quote and sample itinerary.

These tips for teachers to execute an awesome field trip are our “new school year” gift to teachers!

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Student Class Trips to New York City: Coming Soon to a Broadway Theater Near You!

New York, New York!  Concrete jungle where dreams come true.  For some, those dreams come true in the glare of the footlights.

Now that summer is fading, the fall season of Broadway plays is about to take hold, with all the excitement the stage is famous for.  Student class trips to New York City are a stellar opportunity for students with an interest in the arts to encounter a whole new world – the world of Broadway Theater!

An adventure waiting to happen.

Student class trips to New York offer so much to students who love adventure and learning in the field.  There’s the thrill of one of the most active, energetic cities on the planet, coupled with the excitement of encountering the many worlds encompassed by the Big Apple.

Spend the day exploring the history of New York in its diverse neighborhoods, established by the people who came to Ellis Island, full of hope, then head to Broadway to experience exceptional live theater and the gifted people who make it happen.

Every year, Broadway is graced with talent from the past and present, with old favorites joined by new entries, pumping new blood into this proving ground of stagecraft.  From Spiderman:  Turn off the Dark, to the Lion King, musicals abound, marrying music to the legendary acting talents of some of the finest actors to ever tread the boards.

Non-stop excitement.

Imagine taking your students to Wall Street, the financial powerhouse known for intrigue, sleight of hand and the pulsating, frenetic stock market.  The ghost of infamous Wall Street anti-hero Gordon Gekko joins that of Abbie Hoffman, the 1960s activist who once showered the Stock Exchange floor with dollar bills.

An evening performance of Les Miserables couldn’t be more thematically perfect to share with students the lessons of excess and misery so often linked in one of the world’s most formidable financial markets.

Something for everyone.

Whether you’re a drama teacher shepherding your students through classics like Arsenic and Old Lace, or a teacher of literature, taking them to a performance of the spring season’s latest arrival, Roald Dahl’s Mathilda, Broadway offers something for everyone, linking educator goals to the magic of live theater.

The role of theater in education goes beyond stagecraft, touching on topics as diverse as culture, society, history and politics.  Broadway provides educators with numerous opportunities to teach outside the box and give students fresh perspective on numerous subjects in the yearly curriculum.

Ready to go?

If you’re ready to take your students on the adventure of a lifetime, New York City awaits.  Broadway and beyond, this city has it all.  Its rich history and culture embrace everything from the arts as expressed in theater, to great museums like MOMA (the Museum of Modern Art).

Because you’re an educator, you relish the chance to educate outside the box, employing tools like the work of great playwrights to share another way of looking at the world.  Contact us to find out more.

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