What to Bring on A Middle or High School Field Trip?

Hey teachers! Are you taking your middle school or high school students on a field trip soon? What are you supposed to bring with you as a teacher? Check out the list below, of many essentials to bring with you:

• Backpack: first of all, it's so important to have something for you to carry all of the items that you are bringing with you on the field trip. I like bringing a backpack, because it's so easy to carry, I have my hands free and it can hold a lot of stuff!

• First aid kit (wet wipes, band aids, gauze): It's helpful to have a basic first aid kit. Many schools have something that you can bring with you. If not, you can ask the school nurse or ask for donations from parents, etc.

• Printed directions (just in case): While we are living in the 21st century, sometimes our technology goes haywire! It also may be difficult to use your map app if you are going to a place in the middle of nowhere. Believe me, this has helped me once or twice with a field trip: print off directions to the place you are going. You also may want to print off a map of the location itself.

• Medical forms (if needed): If you have students with medical issues or need specific medical attention, then it would be a good idea to bring along any medical information or forms that parents fill out. This can help if something happens.

• Emergency contacts, permission forms, etc.: Sometimes parents don't communicate with each other. I've heard of parents coming to field trip locations to get their kid because they didn't sign the permission form, even though the other parent did. If you have a printed permission form (or digital), it can alleviate some of the confusion. It may also be required by the location you are visiting-check with the location to make sure!

• School ID: Many times the location you visit will need to see a school ID to make sure that you are who you say you are. It can also show authority at the location and for parents to know who you are.

• Credit card: If you are planning on purchasing anything while you are out, you will need cash and/or a credit card. Some schools will issue a credit card for certain things, but you'll need to check with the finance office to make sure.

• Confirmation emails for a tour: If you are going on a tour and have confirmation of it, bring that information with you. Again, with smartphones, sometimes things go wacky, so it may be a good idea to print it off and bring it with you.

• Phone: It's hard to forget your phone, but it's a great way to keep in contact with the school and with parent chaperones, if needed.

• Activity Packets and pencils: If you have something for student to do while you're at the location, then make sure you print them off and bring them with you. It may also be a good idea to bring some 'time fillers' just in case something gets cancelled last minute and you need something for the students to do.

• Water bottle: Make sure you keep hydrated! This can change how a day goes!

• Hand sanitizer: In an age after Covid, it's important to bring sanitizer for students to use, if they want, especially before or after a meal.

• Tissues/napkins: Students (or you) may need one, just in case!

• Ibuprofen: This is a necessity, especially if you're watching those middle school boys! haha

• Chapstick: Especially if you're going to be outside in cooler weather, this can make or break your day as well-make sure to bring chapstick!

• Snacks for kids (and yourself!): This is optional, but if you have a budget, you can get some snacks for the students and water bottles.

• Grocery bag: You never know if you'll need one! I've had students get sick while on a trip-this is a good idea to bring, just in case! If a student's shirt gets dirty and you need to put it somewhere, you can put it in a grocery bag.

• Sunscreen and bug spray: This is also a necessity if you are going to be outside for the field trip.

• What to wear:

  • Make sure to wear comfortable and close toed shoes!

  • Bring a rain jacket or umbrella, hat and sunglasses if you are planning on being outside.

  • If you have a school uniform, be sure to wear that, if it's required. You can ask other teachers or principal what is required to be worn by teachers on field trips.

  • I like wearing a comfy, but professional, shirt and capris or jeans. If it's cold, wear a sweatshirt and/or nice sweatpants if you are allowed to wear them.

  • You are representing your school, so you want to look professional but also prepared for what you are doing for your field trip.

  • Research the weather before you go, especially if you'll be outside. You may want to explain to students and parents as well what they can wear and what the weather will be.

  • Other specific things: rain or hiking boots (creek or hike), bathing suit and towel (pool, lake or ocean), safety glasses (lab, etc.),

• Ultimately, make sure you are assessing where you are going and see if there are any things specific to your location that you may want to bring and ask the principal or other admin about anything specific.

I hope that your field trip goes well!

Let me know if there's anything important I should have added to the list!