Back to school: Senior trips you have to chaperone
By Brian Miller
School is almost back in session and after a long absence from live in-person learning, some students are getting back to face-to-face sessions. For seniors, it is a focus on graduation and what lies ahead while they take in a final year with friends.
Then comes the inevitable return of the “Senior Trip”. For many students, those were canceled last year due to COVID, and while this year may or may not have restrictions by the time the spring semesters roll around, as parents we need to take the who chaperone thing serious. I mean, we don’t need to follow our kids around but who could pass up the chance to visit these five great “Senior Trip” locations!
Washington, D.C.
One of the biggest locations that tend to be on the schedule for many senior class trips, Washington, D.C. is a must-visit location for any American or visitor to the country. Steeped in history and of course political intrigue, there is simply too much to see and it is often too easy to miss things on a trip.
Luckily most of the major landmarks are well planned out by the senior class officers in charge of the trip so, the White House, National Mall, and more are typically a big feature. This is often a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many seniors and for their families, it may be the only chance they can take too. So volunteer to chaperone!
Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown
While some trips head to D.C. others make their stop a little further south. Located on the James River in southeastern Virginia, Jameston and Colonial Williamsburg offer incredible stories of our founding history.
Jamestown is the first settlement in what was called the New World and the area was home to Pocahontas. From the early days of what would become the United States you can jump from the primitive to the colonial period of modernization where at Williamsburg you can take part in authentic time period activities while experiencing the lifestyle right down to the dress of the people who work and call Colonial Williamsburg home.
Boston, Massachussetts
As the winter shrugs off the snow and spring begin to deliver warmer weather, some high schools take to the streets of Boston where our nation fought early for independence. Still rich in tradition Boston still shows off its England heritage from architecture to cuisine.
Stand at the spot of the Boston Massacre and travel the path of Paul Revere from the still-standing Old North Church. Boston is more than the Red Sox and Mark Wahlberg. I haven’t been to Boston in several years and I can honestly say, I have enjoyed every visit.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Does anything scream senior class trip more than Philadelphia? Forget about the amazing home of cheesesteaks, Philadelphia is the perfect cap to 12 years of schooling. From the Liberty Bell to Independence Hall, Philadelphia is the culmination of years of struggle early in the American revolution.
New York City, New York
Over the last decade, New York has become a go-to for senior classes looking to get out and experience the world and nothing is bigger and more eye-opening than New York City. From Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, the city is historic if not awe-inspiring.
Why should the kids get all the fun? Broadway shows electrify the night and during senior sessions, some shows will happen during the day. Visit each of the five “burrows” that make up New York City.
All of these locations are great places to take a senior trip to and as schools begin to open, plans will start being made so get on board early and add your two cents to the conversation, then volunteer to chaperone and experience these places with your children.