This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Lunchables. All opinions are 100% mine.
Field trips..the kids love them and usually, there is no budget in the school system for them. In many school districts, the Home & School Association is able to subsidize them. In even more districts, the parents foot the entire bill for the trip. In far too many districts, field trips are being eliminated due to cost. According to a 2009 report from The American Association of School Administrators, it’s estimated that over the course of the current school year, the number of school districts eliminating field trips will increase by 56 percent. That’s more than 30,000 schools. With many schools not even having the budget for a dedicated Spanish classroom (like my school), the Field Trip budget is just GONE.
Field trips were a HUGE part of my school experience. I remember going to Washington DC, New York City, Quebec, Philly, etc to watch plays, go to museums and more. The first time I ever had sushi was on a field trip (NYC, 11th Grade Humanities field trip, Mummenshanz....don't ask - it was the 80's...I think my teacher was stoned when she picked it!)
And while I am very grateful for the field trips that my children have attended (Please Touch Museum, local Fire Houses, local cultural centers, etc), field trips just aren't what they used to be.
Luckily, Lunchables is stepping up to help remind us of what an important thing the Field Trip is and have started a program called Field Trips For All. They believe that children learn best when they are entertained and engaged. Make learning fun, and children can't wait to learn more (I have had first hand experience with this through a particularly awesome teacher this year. My middle child thinks reading is the bees-knees and I couldn't be happier!).
Field Trips For All has launched a contest to give out 50 classrooms $150 towards a field trip. Anyone 6 years of age or older can nominate a deserving classroom by going to www.lunchables.com and submitting a nomination. From all nominations received, 50 classrooms will be selected to receive $150 towards a field trip - an inspiring, educational experience.
Want an example of the kind of field trip that they are offering? Check out the following video (my children would have SO fallen for this!):
Umm - yeah - and if anyone wants to nominate an Evergreen Elementary school classroom..I'd probably love you forever (assuming they win!)
Do you have any particularly strong field trip memories? Post them in the comments!