Fieldtrip Guidelines

The evaluation made by most of those who are closely watching home educators will be based upon the only thing they see – our children’s behavior in public. One of the most obvious ways for home school support groups to leave a good impression is by demonstrating good manners and a respectful conduct on organized field trips.

Individually, and as a group, we should remember that when we visit, it is our responsibility to learn the establishment’s rules and comply with them consistently. This demonstration of self-government will not go unnoticed.

We have set up the following guidelines for our group’s field trips, with the hope that we will become more representative of Christ, thus putting forth our best witness in our community.

The following guidelines must be adhered to when participating in a CFS Poway field trip:

1. Please contact the field trip organizer if you are unable to attend an event you have signed up for, so those on the waiting list may be given an opportunity to take your place. Payment for activities reserves your spot -- these fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.

2. Arrive on time! Be punctual as a courtesy to others. Allow extra time for traffic problems, getting lost, and parking.

3. Parents, please stay with your own children. You are responsible for your children’s behavior and safety upon their arrival and for the duration of the gathering. Remind your children of the behaviors you expect from them before arriving at your destination. Please be sure to determine if your younger children are able to behave appropriately on certain field trips which may be geared for older children.

4. Parents, please encourage your children to listen and maintain eye contact when someone is speaking to show consideration and respect. It is appropriate for you to show the same consideration, modeling that behavior to your children. This is not a time to visit with other moms.

5. Dress and conduct should be appropriate for the occasion.

6. If children in attendance are disruptive, please excuse yourself from the group to handle the situation.

7. Parents, please do not allow your children to climb, touch, or handle things before asking the host for an “OK”.

8. Finally, it is always gratifying for the person who is instructing our children during the field trip to hear “thank you’s” from the children as well as the adults. You may also have your children draw a picture or write a short note about what they learned and mail it to the instructor.