Field trips present a complex set of risks for Seventh-day Adventist schools. Traveling into unknown areas can bring unexpected safety challenges, and these challenges can injure students, funds, and reputation. As followers of Christ, we have a clear biblical mandate to protect the little ones. Further, state-by-state jurisdictions present different liability issues for schools, and the highest precautions should be taken to ensure student safety. [i]
Whether you are traveling with a class for a field trip, an athletic event, a retreat, or any other school-related event, planning and proper supervision is the cornerstone of a safe and enjoyable trip. Adventist Risk Management, Inc. (ARM) has developed many resources to help you stay ahead of the curve. In this article, I will address the essentials for school-related travel. We will review researching and planning the location and activities, supervision requirements, background checks for chaperones, transportation, permission slips, and situational awareness.
Planning Ahead
Sometimes field trips attract the unexpected. This can be a source of adventure and joy. However, for schools that are not prepared, the unexpected can mean harm, injury, or losses. By researching your location and planning ahead, you can determine travel requirements in terms of supervision, transportation modes, and safety.
If possible, visit your location without students first. Assess what you need to bring and any challenges that may present. Speak to activity guides ahead of time, alerting them to the details regarding your group.
Supervision Requirements
ARM recommends that a hazardous-risk activity, such as swimming, includes one adult for each four children. A high-risk activity, such as a field trip, requires one adult for each 8 children, while a low-risk activity, such as sitting in class, would require one adult for each 12 children. Thus, the recommended adult-to-child ratios are as follows:
- Hazardous-risk activity 1:4
- High-risk activity 1:8
- Low-risk activity 1:12
In calculating the right supervision requirement, it is essential to consider the experience level of chaperones as well as the skill level of students, especially if an activity like rock climbing or swimming is involved. For example, if a chaperone is going on a swimming trip, ensure they are a skilled swimmer and can provide added safety for the children on the trip. [ii]
Background Checks for Chaperones
To satisfy supervision requirements, you will likely need extra help on your trip. It is critical that all chaperones have cleared background checks and the six-month rule. Once they have been cleared, make sure they are trained to lead any activities or honors planned for the trip. It can also be helpful to have chaperones from each gender represented when supervising.
Consent Forms
Contact your local conference for assistance in creating permission slips. Before the trip, verify that each slip is signed by a parent or guardian. A general rule to avoiding liability issues is to be clear in the consent form about the activities and the risks involved. Obtain medical release forms for any student allergies or necessary medications.
Transportation
Make sure your vehicle is safe for travel by using ARM’s Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection Form. If you do not have a bus, you can rent one from a reputable company.
Never use a 15-passenger van because they are a safety hazard and have resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities.
Practicing Situational Awareness and Protecting Property
Most of us have developed ways to scan our surroundings for reasonable threats and respond accordingly. Entering into a new location can lead to significant threats being overlooked.
Situational awareness is closely monitoring your surroundings in a new or changing environment.
It is also essential to keep valuables in a safe place. If you are carrying a backpack, be especially vigilant in crowded areas, such as subways, train stations, elevators, tourist sites, markets, festivals, and crime-ridden neighborhoods.
Traveling in Groups and Talking to Strangers
Again, traveling involves many moving parts and the unexpected may happen. Always travel in groups, especially at night. Seek authorized routes. Do not use shortcuts, alleys, or poorly lit streets. Avoid public demonstrations.
It is critical to walk with confidence so you do not attract attention or cause others to prey on your vulnerabilities. Proper planning and use of maps can help. If you need directions, step into a reputable hotel, business, or police station and get directions from people of authority.
Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers. Be wary of strangers who approach and offer to guide you, sell something, or even ask the time of day.
Conclusion
Field trips can be challenging and risky. Proper research, preparation, planning, documentation, and situational awareness can help you meet these challenges with minimal or no harm, injury, or loss. We are called to protect the little ones among us. Following the guidelines above is how we can turn our good intentions into a reality.
[i] Liability for Field Trips: An Update. (n.d.). National Association of Elementary School Principles. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://www.naesp.org/sites/default/files/resources/2/Principal/2007/M-Jp12.pdf
[ii] Youth Supervision Guidelines. (n.d.). Adventist Risk Management, Inc. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://adventistrisk.org/getmedia/e433b2af-ffcb-4912-88d7-4a5b63cf3278/IFS_YouthSupervision_ALLEN?ext=.pdf
Image Credit : Robert Kneschke-stock.adobe.com
