5 minute read
The Ultimate Guide to Teen Tours
By Cheryl Maguire
Can I go to the East Coast?
When my soon to be fourteenyear-old daughter asked me this question my initial response was, “There is no way you are going, especially without me.”
And then I saw the cost of the trip which only solidified my sentiment.
The public school she attends teamed up with a travel tour company to offer a week-long educational trip to the East Coast for students who applied. The trip is not considered a school trip since it will be during April vacation, but teachers will be participating along with the travel guides from the tour company.
“Didn’t you go on a similar trip when you were her age?”
My husband, the voice of reason, pointed out a fact that I did indeed travel to the west coast at the age of fourteen, except instead of a week I traveled for three weeks. I went with a private “teen tour” company over the summer.
I loved my teen tour experience. It enabled me to see national parks and historical sites that I probably wouldn’t have visited otherwise, which is why I changed my mind and I’m allowing her to go.
WHAT IS A TEEN TOUR?
A teen tour is when a group of teens travel with adult leaders to specific locations. These tours are usually private companies but sometimes pair up with public schools. Some tours are also run through religious organizations. The trips can be domestic or international and can be community
service based or educational. The length of time can vary from one week to one month or longer. The group stays at camp grounds or hotels, traveling by a coach bus.
TYPES OF TEEN TOURS
PRIVATE: Most of the teen tour companies are privately owned. Like a camp, the company hires staff counselors who will travel and be responsible for the teens during the trip. These tours can be accredited by the Camping Association. When selecting a tour, make sure to research the company through the Better Business Bureau and by asking for recommendations from friends or family.
Collaborate with Public/Private School: If your school doesn’t currently offer a travel program, you could ask about partnering with a travel company.
RELIGIOUS: Local religious organizations may offer a teen travel experience during the summer. Sometimes these trips are community service orientated while other times it may be educational. You could check with your local place of worship to find out if they offer a teen tour.
COST
The cost of these tours isn’t cheap ranging from $3k-$10k and up. Usually, the cost includes all meals, transportation during the trip (not to the first location), admission, and staff guides. You might be able to receive financial aid or a scholarship through Geography of Hope. You may also be able to travel for free if you are willing to volunteer. There is a tuition free program you can apply to for girls age 15-17 called Inspiring Girls Expeditions.
IS A TEEN TOUR RIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY?
Traveling requires a certain type of personality, usually someone who enjoys adventure and is able to be patient when necessary. My daughter’s twin brother had zero interest in attending the trip and didn’t even show me the paperwork. His personality is vastly different from his twin, so I can understand why he doesn’t want to go.
If you can afford the high cost or qualify for a scholarship, then a teen tour can be a unique learning experience for your child. I visited various places and met people from diverse backgrounds. And even though I will miss her terribly, I’m sure my daughter will have an incredible trip.
Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05
The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.
Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King Day with your Kids
he Bay Area is a wonderful place
Tto celebrate the impact Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. If you feel like venturing out, plan on being prepared for Covid-109 safety protocols. But many celebrations can be done from home. Check out these nine ways to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King. Watch or listen to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches. This is an inspir-
ing activity for older kids and teens. The “I Have a Dream” speech is about 17 minutes long; you can listen or watch on YouTube along with some of Dr. King’s other famous speeches. Follow up with a discussion about what Dr. King’s message means to your child and you. Visit local monuments, parades, exhibitions or attend celebrations created in honor of Dr. King. With many
events being held in-person again this year, there are a large selection to choose from. Read a book or watch a movie about diversity, equity and inclusion. You
can honor Dr. King’s legacy by choosing children’s books about anti-racism, social justice and more. Talk about racial inequality and social justice with your child. Research
shows that talking with children about these topics has a lasting positive impact on a child’s development. Read a children’s book about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. For younger kids, make a “Peace” craft. Use art
and creativity to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy of peace and love. Draw and color peace signs to hang in your window, paint a dove using your child’s hand print, or create a heart garland to drape over the front door. Plant a tree as a living tribute to MLK. While
planting discuss King’s belief that a society grows great when men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit. Progress, like a tree, needs time to take root.
Create your own day of service. Consider the day
as a “day on not a day off.” Americorps has been leading the charge for the last quarter century. Take time to visit americorps.com with your child and learn more about how you can create your own event and encourage kids in your community to volunteer and be of service––because serving others has a profound positive benefit on those who volunteer.
Discuss your kids dreams. Talking to your children about their hopes and dreams, both big and small, will be a meaningful catalyst for important family discussions.
