by Alysa Dudley

Created on: July 20, 2009   Last Updated: July 22, 2009

The ability to go on plenty of field trips is one of the advantages of homeschooling. In addition, homeschoolers get a lot out of the experience since they enjoy field trips as a learning experience and they can go at their own pace in small groups.

Your family can go on field trips without anyone else. Why would you want to organize a group to go to the same places? A group can get discounts and special programs which individuals do not have access to. Also, with a group, children can split up by age and/or by interest and go with different parents. For families with children of varying ages, this is a great advantage.

This article assumes you already have a group of people who have some interest in a field trip. It may be a homeschool support group or network, or simply a group of homeschooling friends.

First, pick a place you and your children will enjoy, and choose a time which is convenient for you. While you don't want to go on a day when no-one else can go, it is practically impossible to find a date that is good for everyone.

At the same time you are choosing a place and time, you can begin some research. By looking under areas such as "for teachers," or "school programs" on the location's website, you can get a lot of information.

What you need to find out:

1. Can a homeschool group get the same advantages as other groups?
2. What is the price per person?
3. What does the price include?
4. Is there a minimum number of attendees?
5. Are there any special programs offered?
6. Can we pay based on how many people arrive on the day of the trip? or
7. Do we have to make a commitment for the number of people attending?
8. What is the payment procedure?
9. What kind of chaperoning is required? (i.e., Is there a certain ratio of kids to adults required? Are chaperones required to stay with students?)
10. Does everyone have to be there before entering, or can individuals enter as they arrive?

Some places require groups to make a commitment as to how many people are coming on the field trip. This means that a specific amount of money must be paid, regardless of who shows up. If this is the case it is critical that you collect the money from the attendees before the event. Let members know they cannot sign up for the trip without advance payment. Almost inevitably, someone will find they cannot come on the trip at the last minute. If they haven't paid ahead of time you may be stuck with the bill.

Publicize your trip enough in advance so you can get responses and payment.

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